NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM ROSEVILLE AREA SCHOOLS • FALL 2023
FROM THE DISTRICT It’s a New School Year! With the new school year comes a number of exciting – and challenging – changes for our amazing teachers. One big shift is our move to a new English Language Arts curriculum. Roseville Area Schools is leading the state in transforming how we teach reading. Our teachers have welcomed this year with enthusiasm about what is possible through this new approach to teaching a truly foundational skill. For more information about the new literacy curriculum, please visit page 12.
We are also extending AVID into our elementary schools. The mission of AVID, which has been thriving in grades 7-12 in our schools, is to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. For more information about AVID, visit page 13. And I would be remiss if I did not point out the myriad ways our community steps up to support our students. From the Roseville Area Schools Foundation, the community members who serve on our school board, and our local parent/teacher groups to local faith-based organizations, senior adult residences, family volunteers, and so much more, this community supports our students again and again. Your generosity has an impact on our students’ lives. To all of you, I say a heartfelt “thank you”!
Dr. Jenny Loeck Superintendent
School Board Election November 7
The school board of Roseville Area Schools has six members elected at large to serve fouryear terms. Three school board members are elected in November of each odd-numbered year. This year’s election will be held on November 7, 2023. The following individuals have filed affidavits of candidacy for the school board election on November 7, 2023: • Todd Anderson Voting Information • Mike Boguszewski To find out when, where, and how to vote, • Rose Wan-Mui Chu scan this QR code or visit https://www. • Karl Crump ramseycounty.us/residents/elections• Alan Holasek voting/voters • Vaughn Klingenberg • Adam Maier Additional information about each candidate can be found on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website at sos.state.mn.us. 2 ● THE RAIDER VOICE
BY THE NUMBERS
Roseville Area Schools
District
7,291
E-12 students currently enrolled • 360 new students enrolled in August • 91 languages other than English spoken in our schools
Human Resources For the 2023-2024 school year: • 1 ,364 total employees
88 new teachers
• 28% of new teachers are BIPOC (black, indigenous, and other people of color) educators
Roseville Adult Learning Center • 478 current students
49 countries of origin • 36 languages spoken
School Supply Donations
8,452 pencils
• 807 glue sticks
• 648 boxes of Crayons • 272 backpacks
Nutrition Services • 846,250 half pint cartons of milk* • 173,467 servings of whole grain bread & buns*
Buildings & Grounds
1,664,462
square feet of building space
• 73 years (age of oldest sections of existing buildings, which are in Falcon and RAHS)
128,478 apples*
*Consumed during the 2022-2023 school year
Community Education • 21,886 Meals on Wheels served in 2022 •4 95 Youth Enrichment classes offered during 2022-2023 school year
62,897 gallons of water in the pool at Aŋpétu Téča Education Center
Excellence, Innovation & Equity in All We Do THE RAIDER VOICE ● 3
MISSION
Excellence, Innovation & Equity in All We Do
Excellence, Innovation & Equity in All We Do
Each learner experiences a sense of belonging and a joy of learning, is inspired and prepared to reach their potential, and contributes to our communities.
EQUITY VISION #1 #2
VISION
Roseville Area Schools is committed to ensuring an equitable and respectful learning environment for every student, family, and staff member regardless of race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability, home or first language, religion, national origin, age, and physical appearance.
GOALS & KEY STRATEGIES
Our graduates are prepared to achieve their goals and aspirations. • Ensure students are college- and career-ready • Deliver a challenging, joyful, and safe learning environment • Deliver innovative, effective practices and systems
Our learners contribute to an equitable, caring society.
• Cultivate student engagement and joy in learning • Support learner resiliency (student social and emotional learning and mental health) • Amplify student leadership and voice in decision-making • Prepare learners to be racially and socially responsive
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We are a culturally responsive, inclusive, anti-racist district.
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The community is united behind meeting student needs.
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We are financially secure.
• Ensure educator commitment to anti-racist practices • Hire and retain a diverse workforce • Develop equitable leaders • Develop a culturally responsive evaluation system • Build a culture of belonging where all feel welcome, included, and safe
• Partner with families and the community to support student success • Build a culture of belonging
• Cultivate and maintain community trust • Secure and allocate financial resources to support the district’s mission and vision
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PLANNING FOR OUR FUTURE
Roseville Area Schools’ new strategic plan was developed over eight months using an equity-centered process and in close collaboration with a wide range of key stakeholders across the district. The plan includes the district’s vision, mission, long-term goals, and mid-term strategies. These provide critical direction as the district makes policy decisions, refines and updates a work plan, shares information, and continues to engage stakeholders in making strategic decisions on behalf of the students, families, and community we serve.
Our mission is what we do. It is why we exist and provides guidance for our goals and strategies.
MISSION
VISION
Our vision describes the inspirational, long-term desired change resulting from our collective work.
EQUITY VISION
Our Equity Vision states that Roseville Area Schools is committed to ensuring an equitable and respectful learning environment for every student, family, and staff member regardless of race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability, home or first language, religion, national origin, age, or physical appearance.
GOALS & STRATEGIES Goals are the “whys” that drive our work. They resonate well across all stakeholders, remain relevant for 10-15 years, and are both inspirational and aspirational. They are ends, not means, and state what the district is committed to saying will characterize our future.
Strategies are the “whats” that will make our “whys” (goals) happen. They point clearly to action and are expected to be completed over 3-7 years.
#CHOOSEROSEVILLE
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FROM THE N
Congratulations to Roseville Area High School senior Benjamin Lee, who was named a National Merit semifinalist. Out of the more than 1.3 million students who took the 2022 PSAT test, Lee is one of only 16,000 students nationwide who achieved semifinalist status! Thanks to a small but tireless crew of dedicated student volunteers, school supplies generously donated by the community were sorted and distributed to all district schools. We truly appreciate the kindness of our community and the hard work of our students.
Roseville Area High School cross country coach Mary Schifsky was inducted into the Minnesota Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame in August. Congratulations to Coach Schifsky on this welldeserved honor!
Students in grades 3-6 at Little Canada Elementary School are enjoying a weeklong keyboarding unit. Music teacher Laura Sharp says keyboarding enhances learning by using eye-hand coordination along with translating written notation to the piano keys.
Central Park Elementary students in grades 5-6 were apple scientists at the Landscape Arboretum. They used their senses to explore apples, learn how new varieties were invented using cross pollination, and made apple cider. 6 ● THE RAIDER VOICE
Inspired by Jan Brett’s The Gingerbread Baby, kindergarten students at Emmet D. Williams Elementary spent their first day on a school-wide hunt for the elusive gingerbread baby!
E NEWSROOM Roseville Area High School art teacher Mark Tinsley was named the 2023-2024 Minnesota Art Educator of the Year! “Art has been my lifelong companion, but inspiring students from all walks of life to have a lifelong love of art and education has been my passion,” Tinsley said.
Nature Play is an important part of the day for kindergarten and 1st grade students at Harambee Elementary School. According to Principal Nathan Meyer, students learn science, math, social studies, engineering, and art by creating, imagining, and using all of the resources the outdoors has to offer.
Roseville Area Middle School math and Title I teacher Jill Mikkelson Bue has been selected for the 2023-2024 Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program. She will be traveling to Finland in January for a 12-week collaborative research project with the University of Jyväskylä and Roseville Area Schools. As part of their study of ecology, Roseville Area High School students in the Biology A class participated in a pond study. According to RAHS biology teacher Samantha Padellford, students gathered macroinvertebrates and observed plants, animals, and the amount of biodiversity that exists.
So many traditions in one fun week at Roseville Area High School and Fairview Alternative High School! Powderpuff and Powderbuff football, spirit days, senior sunrise, the Homecoming football game, the Homecoming Dance, and so much more!
How do we learn our colors? Kindergarten students celebrate Color Days! At Falcon Heights Elementary, all staff and students joined in the fun. Everyone was invited to dress up in the color of the day (starting with red). On the last day, everyone wore their favorite color!
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BACK TO S
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O SCHOOL
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HALL OF FAME
Introducing the Class of 2023!
Congratulations to the members of the Roseville Area Schools Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 who were inducted on September 8. The Hall of Fame honors Roseville Area Schools’ tradition of excellence by recognizing and paying tribute to former athletes, former coaches, and community members who have displayed outstanding athletic abilities or have made exceptional contributions to our school district’s athletic programs. Ronda Curtin Engelhardt Roseville Area High School Class of 1999 Competed in hockey and soccer
Steve Ulseth Frank B. Kellogg High School Class of 1977 Competed in hockey
Amy Doherty Roseville Area High School Class of 1992 Competed in track & field, gymnastics, and soccer
Anna McLoon (not shown) Roseville Area High School Class of 2000 Competed in swim & dive, nordic skiing, and track & field 10 ● T H E R A I D E R V O I C E
Mike Flatten Roseville Area High School Coached gymnastics
Mike Muscala Roseville Area High School Class of 2009 Competed in basketball Mark Curley Roseville Area High School Coached gymnastics and track & field
GREEN INITIATIVES District Participating in Minnesota GreenStep Schools Program
District administration is working with Roseville Area High School’s Students for Climate Change group on efforts to decrease the district’s impact on the environment. As part of this work, the Roseville Area School Board adopted a resolution authorizing the school district to participate and support the Minnesota GreenStep Schools Program. The Minnesota GreenStep Schools program is a free and voluntary statewide best practices framework, community of practice, and recognition program for public and private K-12 schools and districts to reduce environmental impact and costs, improve health and well-being of students and staff, and provide effective environmental and sustainability education.
What’s Next?
Roseville Area Schools is forming a GreenStep Committee that will document existing green initiatives, set goals, and make recommendations for planning and implementing projects using best practices. If you are interested in serving on this committee please contact Todd Lieser, supervisor of buildings and grounds and the district’s GreenStep coordinator, at todd.lieser@isd623.org or 651-635-1649. Scan for more information about the Minnesota GreenSteps Program
ROSEVILLE AREA SCHOOLS
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Sustainability Initiatives • Partnering with Ramsey County to manage solid waste including single stream recycling • Running garbage trucks on compressed natural gas • Implementing organic waste/food-to-hog program at every elementary school • Replacing dish machines as part of transition from disposable to reusable trays/ flatware • Allowing students to self-select food to reduce waste • Increasing vegetarian options on school menus • Purchasing food from local growers, ranchers, and makers • Working with watershed districts to improve stormwater management • Installing solar panels at Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Edgerton, Harambee, and Little Canada • Teaching students about sustainability
NOVEMBER 11, 2023 Stay active, get outdoors! Help us raise money for youth scholarships!
WALK/RUN
Register to get a free t-shirt!
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
To register, call 651-604-3770 or visit isd623.ce.eleyo.com T H E R A I D E R V O I C E ● 11
LITERACY Fundations with Geodes (K-3) or Just Words (4-6) To provide explicit, systematic, consistent instruction in decoding skills Wit and Wisdom (K-6) To teach the language comprehension elements of background knowledge, language structure, vocabulary, verbal reasoning, literacy knowledge, and writing Decodable texts will also be available from Trisha Hyde, West Virginia Phonics, and UFLI. The Spanish Dual Language program will use similar component curricula via Heggerty Spanish, Amplify Caminos, Amplify CKLA, and Wit and Wisdom.
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Roseville staff members also participated in the early adoption of LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) training for all staff. According to teachers across the district, LETRS training has been some of the most significant training they have ever received.
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I believe that we are at an important moment in education, where science and research have the potential to transform the way we teach kids to read. We are so lucky in Roseville to have been given the foundational knowledge we need (from LETRS), and also to have chosen new curricula that align with the science. – Brandon Button, Teacher, Emmet D. Williams Elementary School
What’s Different?
As part of an August 2023 KARE11 feature, Dr. Mary Bussman, Roseville Area Schools’ equity advancement principal on special assignment, outlined the “why” behind the district’s new approach to literacy instruction. The feature read: “The principles in the new materials aren’t new themselves, but Bussman says the emphasis on phonics and comprehension gave way to other teaching strategies over the years, which have been shown to be ineffective.” According to The Reading League, “The Science of Reading is a vast, interdisciplinary body of scientifically based research about reading and issues related to reading and writing. This research has been conducted over the last five decades across the world, and it is derived from thousands of studies conducted in multiple languages.”
The Science of Reading approach to literacy instruction has been a complete game changer for me as a teacher of reading! I am so proud of Roseville for embracing the Science of Reading movement and providing both LETRS training for teachers and purchasing Science of Reading curriculum for our students! – Laurie Schlossmacher, Kindergarten Teacher, Falcon Heights Elementary School
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Heggerty (K-6) To present short phonological awareness lessons, isolating the sounds within words
Well ahead of state mandates – but in alignment with recently passed READ Act requirements – Roseville Area Schools is in the process of implementing a new elementary literacy curriculum that signals a fundamental shift in how schools teach reading and writing.
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I believe Fundations will transform how scholars learn because they will have the knowledge of WHY we spell words certain ways and use the skills to also read.
– April Eastman, 3rd Grade Teacher, Central Park Elementary School
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The ELA Curriculum Review Committee selected three curricula to meet program goals for all students in our classrooms teaching English.
District Implements New Literacy Curriculum
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Three Curricula Selected to Meet Literacy Goals
AVID Goes Elementary!
Roseville Area Schools has committed to implementing the AVID system in all of its elementary schools. AVID has been a part of Roseville for 15 years in grades 7-12 at Roseville Area Middle School, Roseville Area High School, and Fairview Alternative High School. The district implementation will start with grades 5-6 during the 2023-2024 school year in Roseville. We will add AVID into the grades K-4 classrooms in future years.
AVID What is AVID?
AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination and the AVID system provides an academic framework for success and the structures, skills, and strategies for each student to find success in their own learning.
And Why AVID? FAHS Partners with South Washington Alternative High School
Fairview Alternative High School is partnering with South Washington Alternative High School to support student and staff success. In August, staff members took part in a combined AVID professional development session to increase the use of WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading) in their classrooms. In addition, staff from similar departments met to share ideas around curriculum.
AVID fosters a safe and open culture, high expectations for teachers and students, and organization and collaboration in all classrooms. AVID challenges belief systems and practices that keep students from reaching their full potential. AVID opens access while providing students with the tools to be successful. AVID supports and nurtures a sense of belonging and provided students with opportunities to find whatever path they may take after high school.
In September, 30 Roseville Area High School AVID students attended Experience MN, a multicultural open house at the University of Minnesota. Students toured the campus, engaged in a student panel, and talked with representatives from various colleges within the university, admissions, and multicultural organizations on campus.
Students Attend AVID Summer Institute
Roseville had 12 students from RAMS and RAHS that applied and were selected to represent Roseville AVID at the Minneapolis AVID Summer Institute. Students joined a diverse group of peers to develop communication and interpersonal skills necessary for college and career success. They demonstrated leadership and explained key pieces of the AVID curriculum to educators being trained in the AVID system. Ariel Jimenez-Roldan, a Roseville AVID 9th grader, was chosen to speak to educators attending the Summer Institute. Check out Ariel’s speech here or visit https://bit.ly/46arUPO. T H E R A I D E R V O I C E ● 13
NUTRITION SERVICES Community Corn Shucking!
Elementary students across the school district had fun shucking corn for their September 21 MN Thursday meal! At each school it became a Students and community event with volunteers shucked family volunteers helping students after school to prep ears of corn for the corn for the next day.
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Getting Local
It’s important to us that we nurture partnerships with local growers and ranchers. Their products are featured not only on our #MNThursday menus but throughout the year. Following is the lineup of Minnesota Thursday menus September through December: October 5 Mega Meatball over Spaghetti, Parmesan Roasted Broccoli/ Cauliflower, Apple October 26 Apple Coffee Cake, Scrambled Eggs, Roasted Breakfast Potatoes November 2 Bison Nachos, Wild Rice Pilaf, Three Sisters Salad November 16 Turkey & Gravy over Mashed Potatoes, Maple Roasted Delicata Squash, Cranberry Sauce December 7 Teriyaki Tofu over Brown Rice with Bok Choy December 14 Cheese Quesadillas, Chipotle Pinto Beans, Cabbage Slaw with Lime Dressing 14 ● T H E R A I D E R V O I C E
September 21!
Local Farmer Profile: Leng Cheng
Leng Cheng has been farming for three years. He lives in St. Paul, and farms in Cannon Falls with the help of his wife, Mai, and their four children. Besides selling wholesale, you can find Leng at the Brooklyn Park and Midtown Farmers Markets. Two of his favorite crops to grow are tomatoes and bell peppers. He believes that everyone should invest more in fresh produce because we all deserve high-quality food!
What’s On Our Tray?
Our trays are loaded with nutritious goodness! This sample tray is from the September 21 Minnesota Thursday menu. Sweet Tango Apple (from Hoch Orchards in La Crescent)
Homemade biscuit (with flour from Sunrise Flour Mill in North Branch)
Corn on the Cob (from Leng Cheng’s farm in Cannon Falls)
Roasted chicken drumstick
COMMUNITY EDUCATION Roseville ALC Unveils Alumnus-Created Mural
Services for Seniors and Adults with Disabilities
Explore Community Education’s resources and opportunities for older adults and adults with disabilities in the local area! To learn more, call 651-604-3520 or email rasp@ isd623.org. Foot Care Clinic A registered nurse trims nails, does assessments, and teaches you how to care for your feet. The Roseville Adult Learning Center has a beautiful new mural, thanks to talented artist and former student Jackie Yang. This mural is an incredible gift to Aŋpétu Téča Education Center and our community. Yang was born in Laos but had to leave the country at age 14 as a refugee. Once he came to the United States, Yang pursued his diploma at the Roseville Adult Learning Center and then went on to receive his Associate of Arts degree. With this newest mural, Yang aims to highlight the immigrant and refugee presence both across the globe and here locally in the Twin Cities.
Earn Computer Certifications at No Cost
Earn a Microsoft Office Specialist or Northstar Digital Literacy certification at NO COST at the Roseville Adult Learning Center. Improve your technology skills and prepare for your next job or a promotion at your current job. These certifications are very beneficial to have on your resume. Take classes online or in person. Start at any time, and work at your own pace! Open to adults age 18+. To register, call 651-604-3553 or email alc-info@isd623.org.
Don’t Let the Cold Ruin Your Fun!
Cold weather may be on the way, but the fun with Community Education will continue! We offer enrichment classes for youth and adults all year long. Mark your calendars for the next round of registration. We’re offering opportunities in art, science, finance, outdoor adventure, cooking, fitness, and more! Registration for winter Youth Enrichment starts November 21, and winter Adult Enrichment starts November 4. Visit isd623.ce.eleyo.com or call 651-604-3770 to register.
Meals on Wheels Volunteers deliver fresh, nutritious meals, which can be helpful for adults who struggle to shop or cook on their own. Enrichment Classes Free and fee-based classes and activities (art, finance, book clubs, and more) geared toward older adults. Drop-In Lounge The drop-in lounge inside Aŋpétu Téča Education Center offers computer access, books, puzzles, games, and hot coffee. Card Groups & Activities Play bridge, join our Stitch & Chat group or Caregiver Support Group, meet with the Topics Forum, and more!
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NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID LA CROSSE WI PERMIT #909
Roseville Area Schools Independent School District 623 1251 West County Rd. B2 W. Roseville, MN 55113-3299
Kindergarten Information Night Thursday, November 9 5:30-7:30 p.m. Aŋpétu Téča Education Center 1910 County Road B in Roseville
Be a star in our Raider photo booth! Climb aboard a real school bus! Meet our Roseville principals and teachers!
Dance to the Teddy Bear Band!
Enjoy a “super snack” from our Nutrition Services Department!
Get your very own Class of 2037 t-shirt!
If you have a child who will be 5 years old by September 1, 2024 and is planning to attend kindergarten next fall, please join us for a fun evening of information and entertainment. It will be a wonderful opportunity to meet school staff, learn about our schools and programs, ask questions, and get your child excited about kindergarten! For more information, call 651-635-1605 XX ● T H E R A I D E R V O I C E
651-635-1600 • ISD623.ORG