SchoolPerformancesServing Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope, Plymouth and Robbinsdale

INSIDE NEWS

August 2008

2 Letter from the Superintendent

3 district NewsCommunity calls for referendum2008-09 budget adoptedDistrict wins award for effi ciencyStrategic plan unveiled Stan Mack named Citizen of the YearReading, math scores improve Financial Advisory Council formedNew school board member New principals

6 district NoticesDistrict directorySchool start timesDistrict informationNutrition and health informationData privacyLegal notices

14 Community Education

15 district Calendar

16 Spotlight: Restoration of student activities

Scholar of Distinction Susanna Stahlmann, a 2008 Robbinsdale Cooper High School graduate, is the � rst student from Robbinsdale Area Schools to be named a Scholar of Distinction by the Minnesota Department of Education. She received her award in the Theater Arts cate-gory in a ceremony June 14. Only � ve students in the state received the Theater Arts award. See page 11 for more on this story.

Scholar of Distinction Susanna Stahlmann, a 2008 Robbinsdale Cooper High School graduate, is the � rst student from Robbinsdale Area Schools to be named a Scholar of Distinction by the Minnesota Department of Education. She received her award in the Theater Arts cate-gory in a ceremony June 14. Only � ve students in the state received the Theater Arts award. See page 11 for more on this story.

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August 2008

Dear Members of the Robbinsdale Area Schools

Community:

Welcome to the 2008-09 school year! We are excited

to welcome students and families back for another year

of learning. Th e beginning of a new year is an exciting

time for all of us because it brings new friends and new

learning opportunities.Th is issue of School Performances is dedicated to pro-

viding families with contact information, the school year calendar, and other informa-

tion needed throughout the school year.

We are eager to fulfi ll our new mission statement, developed last spring by the

community: Th e mission of Robbinsdale Area Schools is to inspire and educate all

learners to discover their potential and positively contribute to their community.

And, our vision for the future is strong: Every student, staff member, parent and

community member takes pride in Robbinsdale Area Schools because of its:

• Outstanding academic achievement. A challenging and comprehensive educational

program engages all learners and helps them to reach their potential.

• Nationally acclaimed programs. Fine arts, activities, athletics and specialized

programs contribute to the development of a well-rounded student.

• Positive learning environment. Every student, family and staff member takes

personal responsibility for creating supportive, orderly and safe schools.

• Extraordinary staff . Administrators, teachers and staff inspire achievement, engage

every student and constantly reach for excellence.

• Sound fi scal management. Fiscal accountability and wise resource management

allow for consistent, equitable and quality educational services for all students.

• Sustained community support. Active support from the entire community provides

for a comprehensive, respected and sustainable educational program.

• Culture of innovation. Innovation fosters an environment that encourages collabo-

ration, creative ideas and dynamic new practices.

In order to achieve our vision, we have developed the following priorities and are

creating action plans to ensure deliberate follow-through:

• Enrich and accelerate academic achievement.

• Provide high quality, engaging teaching that challenges every student.

• Cultivate learning environments characterized by mutual respect and personal

responsibility.• Strengthen relationships among students, staff , families and community members.

• Maximize resources and demonstrate fi nancial accountability.

We look forward to working in partnership with students, families, staff and com-

munity members. We want every day of school to be a positive learning experience for

every student.Best wishes for a great year.

Sincerely,

Stan F. Mack IISuperintendent of Schools

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D I S T R I C T N E W SCommunity calls for referendum

Voters will be asked to approve an operating levy increase in a referendum in November. Th is fall the school board of Robbin-sdale Area Schools will determine the priorities on which addi-tional revenue would be used. A group of community members requested that the school board of Robbinsdale Area Schools call for the increase based on strong community support identifi ed during a telephone survey and a petition drive. According to the group’s survey, conducted in April by the Center for Community Opinion, nearly two-thirds of registered voters in the district would vote to approve a referendum this fall.

2008-09 budget adoptedRobbinsdale Area Schools balanced its 2008-09 school year

budget by raising class sizes, cutting after-school activities, eliminating administrative positions, and reducing transportation costs. Th e $5.8 million reduction will increase the district’s fund balance, or savings account, by the end of the year. However, expenses such as utilities and bus fuel will continue to outpace revenue increases in future years, meaning proposed cuts of $5-6 million for the 2009-10 school year will be necessasry if the district does not see any increase in revenue.

Th e district continues to evaluate its systems to look for effi -ciencies. For example, $450,000 was saved by changing school start times this year so fewer bus routes are needed. In addition, administrative costs have been lowered; just 4 cents of every dollar is spent on administration.

Strategic plan unveiledA new strategic plan, created by Robbinsdale

Area Schools’ community members, was unveiled in July. A new mission statement, vision state-ment, priorities and goals were approved by the school board and communicated to the public in a fi nal report.

District wins award for energy efficiencyRobbinsdale Area Schools has been designated the 2007 Energy

Conservation Customer of the Year by CenterPoint Energy for making various equipment replacements, repairs and tune-up mea-sures to help conserve natural gas and reduce consumption. “Over the last eight years, the Robbinsdale district has received $203,932 in CIP rebates from CenterPoint Energy, has had over 2,877 pieces of equipment replaced, and saved energy equivalent to the annual usage in 940 homes,” said CenterPoint key accounts manager Todd Berreman. “Th is represents cost savings to Robbinsdale Schools of approximately $675,000 every year.”

More information on these stories is available atwww.rdale.k12.mn.us

Mission: “The mission of Robbins-dale Area Schools is to inspire and educate all learners to discover their potential and positively contribute to their commu-nity.”

More than 1,000 community members participat-ed in the strategic planning process.

S U B H E A D

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D I S T R I C T N E W SStan Mack named Citizen of the Year

The Rotary Club of Golden Valley has selected Robbin-sdale Superintendent Stan F. Mack II as its 2008 Citizen of the Year. The award was presented at the Rotary Club awards banquet on June 24. In his introductory comments, Rotarian Bob Junghans said that Mack was chosen “for his many years of inspired public service to the students, families and community of Robbinsdale Area Schools, and for Service-Above-Self to the several communities and organizations of which he is a member.”

Reading, math scores improve Robbinsdale Area Schools’ students’ reading and math scores

on the 2008 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment II (MCA-II) improved slightly over 2007 results, but because scores at indi-vidual schools did not increase dramatically, fewer district schools met state adequate yearly progress (AYP) targets this year. The Robbinsdale district wasn’t alone; fewer schools statewide met AYP targets compared to last year. The targets increase each year in order to make goals set by the federal government. The federal No Child Left Behind act requires all students to be proficient in reading and math by 2014.

Poverty is a factor linked to test performance, and as poverty within the Robbinsdale Area Schools boundaries has increased (the poverty rate is currently 41 percent) progress toward AYP targets has slowed.

MCA-II results are used by the district to adjust student achievement priorities, professional development and the pur-chase of materials. Results are used by individual schools to create school improvement plans to address student achievement.

Financial Advisory Council formedA Financial Advisory Council was formed over the summer

after the community identified financial accountability as a priority for the district during the strategic planning process. The purpose of the Financial Advisory Council is to provide financial advice and support to the Robbinsdale Area School Board and senior administration. The Robbinsdale Area School Board ap-pointed community members to the council in July. The Board Treasurer, the district’s Director of Finance and the Assistant Superintendent of Administrative and Support Services also serve on the council.

New school board memberThe Robbinsdale Area School Board is expected to appoint a

new member to the School Board on September 8. The appoint-ment is necessary to replace School Board Director Paul Magnu-son, who announced his resignation from the board in June. The board is currently in the process of interviewing top candidates for the position. The new appointee will serve until Magnuson’s term expires in December 2009.

Jim Calhoun, Sonnesyn Elementary High SchoolCalhoun has been principal at Meadow Lake since 2002. He has spent

his entire educational career in Robbinsdale Area Schools, first as a music and band teacher at Sandburg Middle School in Golden Valley beginning in 1993, and then as a building administrative assistant. “I feel honored and privileged to be able to serve as Sonnesyn’s new principal,” Calhoun said.

Kim Hiel, Meadow Lake Elementary SchoolHiel has been principal at Lakeview Elementary School for four years.

She was an instructional assistant and assistant principal at Meadow Lake from 2000 to 2004. She began her career as a teacher at Sunny Hollow Elementary School and Plymouth Middle School. “I look forward to con-tinuing to build [Meadow Lake’s] successful educational program,” Hiel said.

Heather Hanson, Sunny Hollow Elementary SchoolHanson is a 14 year veteran of Robbinsdale Area Schools, beginning as

a teacher at Lakeview and New Hope Elementary Schools. She has been a Teaching and Learning Specialist for elementary math and science since August 2005. “I am very excited to serve the Sunny Hollow community as principal,” Hanson said.

Patrick Smith, Zachary Lane Elementary SchoolSmith was a teacher at New Hope Elementary from 1999 through

2004. Since 2004, he has been an Instructional Assistant at New Hope and Sonnesyn Elementary School. “My first priority will be to begin building relationships with Zachary Lane students, families, and staff,” Smith said.

Nichole Rens, Lakeview Elementary SchoolRens was an English teacher for Brooklyn Center Junior/Senior High

School from 1999 to 2004. In 2004 she became the International Bac-calaureate Coordinator for Earle Brown Elementary IB World School. “Because I believe so strongly in the philosophy of the [International Bac-calaureate] program, I feel very privileged to be working in a school that shares those same beliefs,” Rens said.

Christina Hester, Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion School/ Robbinsdale Middle School

Hester began teaching science at Plymouth Middle School in 2002, and later became the school’s Administrative Assistant for grades 6 and 8. Since 2006 she has been an Assistant Principal at Robbinsdale Middle School. “It’s a natural step for me,” Hester said. “And it’s a great opportunity to spread my wings and have an impact on students, families and staff.”

Bruce Beidelman, Plymouth Middle SchoolBeidelman began working for Robbinsdale Area Schools in 1987. From

1993 to 1996 he was an Administrative Assistant at Hosterman. From 1996 on he served as an Assistant Principal at Robbinsdale Cooper High School (until 2001) and Plymouth Middle School (2001-present). “I am very excited to continue serving Plymouth Middle School in my new role,” Beidelman said.4

WE’RE PRoudThree students on the Robbins-dale Cooper High School Debate Team competed in the National Debate and Speech Tournament this past June. The students who competed were senior Emilia Spalding and sophomores Erik Legried and Chyenne Thibodo. The tournament took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, from June 15-20.

N E W P R I N C I P A L SSeven district schools have new principals

Jim Calhoun, Sonnesyn Elementary High SchoolCalhoun has been principal at Meadow Lake since 2002. He has spent

his entire educational career in Robbinsdale Area Schools, first as a music and band teacher at Sandburg Middle School in Golden Valley beginning in 1993, and then as a building administrative assistant. “I feel honored and privileged to be able to serve as Sonnesyn’s new principal,” Calhoun said.

Kim Hiel, Meadow Lake Elementary SchoolHiel has been principal at Lakeview Elementary School for four years.

She was an instructional assistant and assistant principal at Meadow Lake from 2000 to 2004. She began her career as a teacher at Sunny Hollow Elementary School and Plymouth Middle School. “I look forward to con-tinuing to build [Meadow Lake’s] successful educational program,” Hiel said.

Heather Hanson, Sunny Hollow Elementary SchoolHanson is a 14 year veteran of Robbinsdale Area Schools, beginning as

a teacher at Lakeview and New Hope Elementary Schools. She has been a Teaching and Learning Specialist for elementary math and science since August 2005. “I am very excited to serve the Sunny Hollow community as principal,” Hanson said.

Patrick Smith, Zachary Lane Elementary SchoolSmith was a teacher at New Hope Elementary from 1999 through

2004. Since 2004, he has been an Instructional Assistant at New Hope and Sonnesyn Elementary School. “My first priority will be to begin building relationships with Zachary Lane students, families, and staff,” Smith said.

Nichole Rens, Lakeview Elementary SchoolRens was an English teacher for Brooklyn Center Junior/Senior High

School from 1999 to 2004. In 2004 she became the International Bac-calaureate Coordinator for Earle Brown Elementary IB World School. “Because I believe so strongly in the philosophy of the [International Bac-calaureate] program, I feel very privileged to be working in a school that shares those same beliefs,” Rens said.

Christina Hester, Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion School/ Robbinsdale Middle School

Hester began teaching science at Plymouth Middle School in 2002, and later became the school’s Administrative Assistant for grades 6 and 8. Since 2006 she has been an Assistant Principal at Robbinsdale Middle School. “It’s a natural step for me,” Hester said. “And it’s a great opportunity to spread my wings and have an impact on students, families and staff.”

Bruce Beidelman, Plymouth Middle SchoolBeidelman began working for Robbinsdale Area Schools in 1987. From

1993 to 1996 he was an Administrative Assistant at Hosterman. From 1996 on he served as an Assistant Principal at Robbinsdale Cooper High School (until 2001) and Plymouth Middle School (2001-present). “I am very excited to continue serving Plymouth Middle School in my new role,” Beidelman said.

D I S T R I C T D I R E C T O R Y

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Robbinsdale Area Schools 763-504-8000 • www.rdale.k12.mn.us

(firstname)_(lastname)@rdale.k12.mn.us

Early Childhood Education Program director Phone

Early Childhood Family Education Kerry Froehlich 763-504-4170

Early Childhood Special Education Scottie Livingston 763-504-4160

Early Childhood Screening Louise Botko 763-504-4180

Creative Play/Kindergarten Preparation Louise Botko 763-504-5330

Elementary Schools Principal Phone

Forest Elementary Connie Grumdahl 763-504-7900

Lakeview Elementary Nichole Rens 763-504-4100

Meadow Lake Elementary Kim Hiel 763-504-7700

Neill Elementary Jane Byrne 763-504-7400

Noble Elementary Lori Sundberg 763-504-4000

Northport Elementary Gary Chesner 763-504-7800

Pilgrim Lane Elementary Randy Moberg 763-504-7200

Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion Christina Hester 763-504-4400

Sonnesyn Elementary Jim Calhoun 763-504-7600

Sunny Hollow Elementary Heather Hanson 763-504-7500

Zachary Lane Elementary Patrick Smith 763-504-7300

Middle Schools Principal Phone

Plymouth Middle School Bruce Beidelman 763-504-7100

Robbinsdale Middle School Christina Hester 763-504-4800

Sandburg Middle School Tom Henderlite 763-504-8200

High Schools Principal Phone

Highview Alternative Program Chris Rowe-Bartel 763-504-8700

Robbinsdale Armstrong David Dahl 763-504-8800

Robbinsdale Cooper Mike Favor 763-504-8500

The Alternative Study Center (TASC) Cindy Smith 763-504-8380

Community Education Program director Phone

Adult Academic Program Nancy Palmer 763-504-8300

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D I S T R I C T D I R E C T O R Y

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Community Education (cont.) Program Director Phone

Adventure Club School Age Care Elaine Boyd 763-504-5320

Community Schools & Partnerships Linda Kemper 763-504-4900

Resource and Welcome Center Joyce Beaird 763-504-7680

Lifelong Learning for Youth & Adults Sandra Bengtson 763-504-6990

Senior Services Sandra Bengtson 763-504-6980

district Programs Program director Phone

Advanced Placement Program (Armstrong) Ali McClellan 763-504-8825

Pre-Advanced Placement (Plymouth) Terri King 763-504-7072

Chemical Health Program Jackie Fraedrich 763-504-8063

English Language Learners Program John Neumann 763-504-8078

Gifted and Talented Education Jackie Fraedrich 763-504-8063

Indian Education Program Jackie Fraedrich 763-504-8063

International Baccalaureate (IB) Program Holly Lewis 763-504-8684

IB-Middle Years Program (Cooper) Kari Christensen 763-504-8644

IB-Middle Years Program (Sandburg) Lauren Hildebrand 763-504-8161

Special Education Program Ellen Woit 763-504-7985 Michael Sullivan 763-504-7975

Technology Program (RMS) Jacob Givand 763-504-4882

district Administration Phone

Stan F. Mack II Superintendent 763-504-8011

Nancy Rajanen Asst. Superintendent, Administrative Services 763-504-8014

Gayle Walkowiak Asst. Superintendent, Teaching & Learning 763-504-8032

Dennis Beekman Exec. Director, Technology 763-504-8055

Jeff Dehler Program Director, Communications 763-504-8029

Gary Hauan Director, Finance 763-504-8040

Alan Ickler Executive Director, Comm. Education 763-504-8013

West Metro Education Program (WMEP) Schools Phone

Fine Arts Interdisciplinary Resource (FAIR) School 763-971-4500

InterDistrict Downtown School (IDDS) 612-752-7100

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S C H O O L S T A R T T I M E SRobbinsdale Area Schools 2008-2009 school times

Many school start and end times are changing for the 2008-2009 school year in order to save $450,000 by more efficiently running buses. An * indicates a different start time than last year.

SCHOOL GRADES SCHOOL A.M. KDGN. P.M. KDGN. ALL DAY K HOURS High Schools Armstrong 9-12 7:20-2:10 Cooper 9-12 7:20-2:10

Middle Schools Plymouth* 6-8 8:05-2:55 Sandburg* 6-8 8:05-2:55 Robbinsdale* 6-8 9:00-3:40

Elementary Schools Forest* K,1-5 8:30-2:50 8:30-11:00 12:20-2:50 Lakeview* K,1-5 9:20-3:40 9:20-11:55 1:05-3:40 9:20-3:40Meadow Lake* K,1-5 8:30-2:50 8:30-2:50Neill K,1-5 9:20-3:40 9:20-11:55 1:05-3:40 Noble* K,1-5 9:20-3:40 9:20-11:55 1:05-3:40 Northport K,1-5 9:20-3:40 9:20-3:40Pilgrim Lane K,1-5 9:20-3:40 9:20-11:55 1:05-3:40 Robbinsdale

Spanish Immersion* K,1-5 9:05-3:35 9:05-11:40 1:00-3:35 9:05-3:35

Sonnesyn* K,1-5 9:20-3:40 9:20-11:55 1:05-3:40 9:20-3:40Sunny Hollow* K,1-5 9:20-3:40 9:20-11:55 1:05-3:40 9:20-3:40Zachary Lane K,1-5 9:20-3:40 9:20-11:55 1:05-3:40 9:20-3:40

WE’RE PRoudAmanda Mao-manyvanh, who completed 8th grade at Plym-outh Middle School this past spring, won second-place in the 64th annual AAA Poster Program’s national-level junior high category. The program recog-nizes students whose art showcases their abilities while instilling a sense of traffic safety upon its audi-ence.

Criminal background check requirementsIn compliance with Minnesota statute, Robbinsdale Area Schools is

required to notify parents about its criminal background check require-ments. The district provides a criminal history background check on all employees and other individuals who provide it with services. This includes all individuals who are offered the opportunity to provide athletic coaching or extracurricular services regardless of whether any compensation is paid. Parents who volunteer in the schools also may be required to complete a background check if they will be alone with students, or travelling out of the district with students. The background checks are completed by an outside vendor, and include verification of FBI, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and county records. Employees and volunteers pay the cost of the criminal background check. For information, contact Human Resources at 763-504-8000.

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D I S T R I C T I N F O R M AT I O NSchool closing announcements

When the weather or other circumstances make it necessary to cancel school or start late, the decision is usually made by 5:30 a.m. Cancellation, late start and early dismissal information will be announced on the district’s web site at www.rdale.k12.mn.us, WCCO radio 830 AM, WCCO-TV channel 4, KSTP-TV chan-nel 5, KMSP-TV channel 9, KARE-TV channel 11 and cable channel 12. To receive school closing announcements via e-mail, sign up for the eNews subscriber service at www.rdale.k12.mn.us. Families with children in Adventure Club should review the Adventure Club parent handbook regarding school closings.

School bus informationStudents in grades K-12 will receive a postcard prior to the

fi rst day of school with their bus number and pick-up location. If your child will get on or off the bus at a location other than his or her home address, please inform the school. Call the transportation department at 763-504-8107 for all school bus related questions. Students in grades 10-12 will catch their bus exactly four hours later than the ap-pointed time on the fi rst day of school.

Transfer buses available on a limited basisBusing for secondary students (grades 6-12) attending a school

other than their neighborhood school will be available on a limit-ed basis for the upcoming school year. Contact the transportation department at 763-504-8107 if you have any questions about bus availability to and from your school of choice. Th is is the last year that students will be able to take advantage of this service as transfer buses will have been completely phased out by the time the 2009-2010 school year begins.

Students reminded to wear ID badgesAll high school students in grades 9-12 will be required to have

their school identifi cation badge in possession when boarding the school bus and entering the school building. Students must also have their ID in possession during the school day and when they attend after-school activities. Th e ID badges will be provided on the fi rst day of school.

If your child will get on or off the bus at a location other

pointed time on the

C H I L D N U T R I T I O NSchool meals

Breakfast and lunch are available at all Robbinsdale schools. Meals are planned for age-appropriate nutritional needs and portion sizes, and they meet the Dietary Guide-lines for Americans as required by the United States Department of Agriculture. A mini-mum of 3 entrée choices, 2 fruit and /or vegetable choices including fresh options, whole grain bread and milk are included with all lunches. Ala carte items are available at sec-ondary schools and include “Healthy Express” options. Menus can be accessed through the district website at www.rdale.k12.mn.us – click Child Nutrition under the Support Services menu. Menus are also included in elementary and middle school newsletters.

PricingBreakfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.20* Lunch Elementary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.10 Middle School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.30 High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.45Private Schools Elementary/K-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.60 Middle /6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.70Reduced price meals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .40Milk only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .50*Free to those eligible for free/reduced meals

Pre-paid system/PINsAll students receive a confidential PIN to access their accounts. PINs will be available at

each school’s open house before the start of school. PINs remain the same each year unless the student moves to another school. Balances follow students as they change schools.

Robbinsdale Nutrition uses a pre-paid computerized system that eliminates the need for students to deal with tickets or cash. Deposits to student accounts can be made by sending a check (be sure to include the student’s name on the check) to school or by using the PayPams online system. To make payments online, you will need to register with PayPams at www.PayPams.com. PayPams accepts Mastercard and Discover charge or debit cards out of checking accounts and charges a 4.6% transaction fee. PayPams does not accept Visa charge or debit cards. It may take 24 hours before online payments are credited to accounts. Deposits to accounts at schools should be made prior to lunch and can be brought to the office or cafeteria. Deposits made after 9:00 a.m. will not be credited until the following day. Payments and cash are no longer accepted in the lunch line to allow students more time to eat and less time in line.

Account balance and purchase activity can be accessed through PayPams at no charge. Balance information is also available on Parent Portal at www.rdale.k12.mn.us.

Free and reduced-price meal applicationsFree and reduced-price meals are available for eligible families and can be applied for

at any time during the school year. The application for school meals/educational ben-efits is mailed to all district households by the first week in August. A new application is required each year. If you did not receive an application in the mail, they are available at any school, the Education Services Center, or can be accessed and printed from the dis-trict website at www.rdale.k12.mn.us. Students pay full price for meals until an eligibility notice is received from Robbinsdale Nutrition. It is important to keep your eligibility notice as it may be needed for other services and benefits throughout the school year. For more information or help with the application, call 763-504-8049 or 763-504-8050.

We look forward to serving you and your students this year. Welcome back!

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H E A LT H I N F O R M A T I O NImmunization requirements for 2008-09

By the first day of school, all students attending Robbinsdale Area Schools must be in compliance with the Minnesota im-munization law that requires immunizations for diphtheria-per-tussis-tetanus (DPT), polio (OPV/IPV), measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), hepatitis B and varicella (chicken pox). Immunizations can be waived for medical reasons or for families who are con-scientiously opposed to immunizations. Student immunization records from a physician, public clinic, parent, or previous school are acceptable for school notification. Records must include the specific month, day and year for each immunization. Please bring all immunization records when registering your child for school.

Immunization requirements for grade 7The state immunization law also requires all 7th graders to

provide documentation of two doses of MMR, the hepatitis B series, a tetanus-diphtheria (Td) booster after age 11, and vari-cella (or a history of chicken pox disease).

If you have questions about these health requirements, desire an immunization exemption, or need help with resources, call Ann Garland, Health Services Program Director, at 763-504-8080, or contact your school nurse. Students will not be allowed to attend school until they meet the state health requirements.

Cooper student is Scholar of DistinctionSusanna Stahlmann, a 2008 Robbinsdale

Cooper High School graduate, was named a Minnesota Scholar of Distinction in Theater Arts on June 14 by the Minnesota Depart-ment of Education. She is the first student from Robbinsdale Area Schools to be named a Scholar of Distinction. Theater Arts awards are

given to highly motivated students who demonstrate excellence in one of four sub-categories, Stahlmann’s being acting.

Gretchen Heath, a former Robbinsdale Area Schools employee who has known Stahlmann since 9th grade, recommended that she apply for the award. “It takes a special kind of student who wants to go above and beyond…and she just automatically struck me as that kind of student,” Heath said.

The application process requires students to submit a portfolio containing a resume, work samples, letters of recommendation, an artistic statement, a script analysis, and a production review. Applicants who move on to become finalists must also prepare an artistic presentation.

This year, five students were named scholars and five received meritorious performances (honorable mentions). These students were honored at an awards ceremony on June 14.

Next year Stahlmann will attend the University of Minnesota for their Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program in Theater Arts.

WE’RE PRoudThe Robbinsdale Armstrong High School Quiz Bowl team finished in the middle of the field at the 2008 National Aca-demic Quiz Tournament High School National Cham-pionship. The A team won 5 rounds and lost 5 rounds, while the B team won 4 and lost 6. “We were really excited to do this well in the tournament and continue the tradition of our Quiz Bowl team’s strong perfor-mance on a national level,” said coach Matt Quinn.

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D A T A P R I V A C YLimited student information is public

In accordance with state and federal data privacy laws and regulations, stu dent directory information is public information. Limited personal informa tion about students may be released or made public without the consent of a parent, legal guardian or the student if over age 18.

“Directory information” includes the following information relating to a student: the student’s name; address; telephone number; photograph or video image; date of birth; dates of at-tendance; grade level; participation in officially recognized activi-ties and sports; weight and height of members of athletic teams; degrees, honors and awards received; and the student’s school. “Direc tory information” does not include identifying information on a student’s religion, race, color, social position or nationality.

Student information that is NOT public and may NOT be released includes grades, grade-point averages, specific courses taken, daily attendance, test scores, health or medical records and parent names and addresses.

In order to make any or all of the directory information listed above “pri vate” (i.e. subject to consent prior to disclosure), the parent or eligible student must submit a Request to Withhold Information form with completed direc tory information data sec-tion to the student’s school office by September 30, 2008.

Robbinsdale Area Schools reserves the right to publicize school activities, including the use of directory information such as student names and photo graphs or video images. Students whose data is made private will not appear in district publications with-out parent or guardian permission.

The Student Records Policy notice is available at www.rdale.k12.mn.us – click Policies under the District menu.

Administration of student surveysRobbinsdale Area Schools will notify the family prior to the

administration of a large scale student survey, informing them of the approximate date of the survey, the nature of the survey items, the sponsor, the nature of any items that fall within the areas protected by the federal Protection of Pupil Rights Amend-ment, the procedures for families to inspect the survey, the proce-dure to opt their student out of a survey and the arrangements to protect the privacy of students, including the privacy of students who have opted out of the survey. Any surveys funded in part or whole by the federal government will be administered in compli-ance with all of the provisions of the federal Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment. More information is at www.rdale.k12.mn.us – click Policies under the District menu.

WE’RE PRoudArmstrong student Bri Granda and Cooper stu-dents Joua Xiong & PakouXiong repre-sented Robbin-sdale Area Schools at the FCCLA/HERO NationalLeadership Convention this summer. Joua and Pakou, two of five VicePresidents of Minnesota’s FCCLA/HERO program, participated as studentevaluators and finished their FCCLA/HERO Leadership Training. Bricompeted in the Job Inter-view event and was awarded a silver medal.

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L E G A L N O T I C E SAsbestos notification

As part of the Environmental Protection Agency Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) 40 CFR Part 763, all of the build-ings in Robbinsdale Area Schools were inspected for asbestos in 1988. Since then, the school district has had re-inspections performed every three years by local environmental test ing firms. The most recent AHERA inspection was conducted in 2006, with the next AHERA inspection scheduled for the summer/fall of 2009. The results of the original survey and the re-inspections are located in the principal’s office in each school building as well as at the Education Service Center. If you wish to review these documents, please call your school office to make an appointment.

It is the policy of Robbinsdale Area Schools to manage the pres ence of existing asbestos by following the asbestos management plan and a spe cialized operations and maintenance plan developed for each facil-ity. The EPA AHERA requires that damaged friable materials (easily crushed by hand pres sure) be repaired, and, if not feasible, removed. It is district policy to meet with our environmental consulting firm to discuss a plan for the continued maintenance and/or potential removal of damaged asbestos materials.

During the summer of 2008, large-scale asbestos abatement occurred at Plymouth Middle School. The scope of service provided by the district’s environmental consulting firm includes monitoring compli-ance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Rules and Regulations relating to asbestos abatement in schools. Both visual inspections and testing for compliance with clean air standards are included in the above-mentioned standards.

The district is committed to providing students, parents, teach-ers and visitors an atmosphere where asbestos is properly managed. The asbestos management effort is based on the advice of experts with experi ence in asbestos abatement projects. If you have any questions, please contact the Robbinsdale Area Schools’ Facilities Department at 763-504-8138.

Pesticide notification to parents/employeesA Minnesota State Law requires school districts to inform parents

and employ ees if the district applies certain pesticides on school prop-erty. Schools are re quired to maintain an estimated schedule of pesticide application. The pesticide application schedule for Robbinsdale Area Schools is available for review or to copy at the facilities office, Educa-tion Service Center, 4148 Win netka Avenue North, New Hope.

The long-term health effects on children from the application of pesticides, or the class of chemicals to which they belong, may not be fully understood. If you would like to be notified prior to the pesticide application made during the 2008–09 school year, other than those on the estimated schedule (exclud ing emergency applications), please send a written request to Bonnie Briggs, Education Service Center, 4148 Winnetka Avenue North, New Hope, MN 55427-1288. A written request is required each year. If you have any questions regarding this notice, please call 763-504-8138.

WE’RE PRoudRobbinsdale Area Schools has been designated the 2007 Energy Conservation Customer of the Year by Center-Point Energy. The district has actively partici-pated in Center-Point Energy’s Conservation Improvement Program (CIP) over the last several years, making various equipment replacements, repairs and tune-up mea-sures to help conserve natural gas and reduce consumption.

C O M M U N I T Y E D U C AT I O NCommunity Education offers opportunities for all agesAdult Academic Program – A school for adults If you’re an adult who is ready to earn a GED or high school diploma, improve your reading, writing and math skills, attend an English Language Learner (ELL) class, or participate in a Family Literacy program, contact us now at 763-504-8300.

Adventure Club – School age careAdventure Club off ers care for school age children before and after school (as well as non-school days and summer) right at your child’s elementary school. Call 763-504-5320 for information on fees and registration, or visit the Adventure Club program at your child’s elementary school.

Community Volunteers in SchoolsThe Community Volunteers in Schools program links community members with learners by recruiting, training and placing volunteers. To learn more call 763-504-6991.

Creative Play Preschool taking registrations for fallRobbinsdale Area Schools Creative Play Preschool off ers classes for children ages 3 to 5 years. Visit us at www.rdale.k12.mn.us/pre/ or call 763-504-5330. Registrations are taken until full.

district facilities – A shared resourceRobbinsdale Area Schools and community centers host more than one million hours of community use annually. For more information, call the Community Schools and Partnerships offi ce at 763-504-4917.

driver Education Training Wheels Driver Education off ers a top-notch traffi c safety program that exceeds Minnesota requirements. Register online at www.t-wheels.com or call 763-525-4052.

ECFE off ers opportunities for residentsEarly Childhood Family Education’s focus is family education for parents and learning activities for their children, birth through fi ve years old. A free sample class is off ered to families new to ECFE. Call 763-504-4170 to reserve a space. Visit us at www.rdale.k12.mn.us/ced/ecfe for program information and online registration.

Enrichment programs for adults, seniors, and adults with disabilitiesLifelong Learning for Youth & Adults provides enrichment programs for adults, seniors and adults with disabilities. Visit www.RobbinsdaleAreaCommunityEd.com or call 763-504-6990 for more information.

Enrichment programs for youthLifelong Learning for Youth & Adults provides enrichment opportunities for students, kindergarten–grade 8 during non-school hours, non-school days and in the summer. Visit www.RobbinsdaleAreaCommunityEd.com or call 763-504-6990 for more information.

Resource and Welcome CenterThe Resource and Welcome Center provides assistance with public school enrollment to English language learner students and their families. It is located at Winnetka Learning Center, Room 106, 7940 55th Ave. N. New Hope and is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., and Tuesday from 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Call 763-504-7680 for more information.

Youth Leadership/Service Lifelong Learning for Youth & Adults provides students in kindergarten–grade 12 with opportunities for education and interactive participation in leadership training. Call 763-504-6990 for more information.

Alan Ickler is the new Executive Director of RobbinsdaleArea Schools’ Community Education. Ickler replaces Bob Wittman who is now the Com-munity Education Director for Wayzata Public Schools. “I’m excited to join the Robbinsdale Area Schools team,” said Ickler, “and to be working with such a high quality sta� , both in Com-munity Education and across the district.”

2008-09 School Calendar Teacher Workshop Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monday, Aug. 25 - Friday, Aug. 29Labor Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monday, September 1, 2008First Day of School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tuesday, September 2, 2008No School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thursday-Friday, Oct. 16-17, 2008No School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Friday, October 31, 2008Thanksgiving, No School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wednesday-Friday, Nov. 26-28, 2008Winter Break, No School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dec. 22, 2008 to Jan. 2, 2009School resumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monday, Jan. 5, 2009No School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Friday, January 16, 2009Martin Luther King Jr. Day, No School . . . . .Monday, January 19, 2009President’s Day, No School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monday, February 16, 2009Spring Break, No School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .March 23-27, 2009No School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Friday, April 10, 2009No School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monday, April 13, 2009Memorial Day, No School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monday, May 25, 2009Last Day of School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wednesday, June 3, 2009Graduation (Armstrong and Cooper) . . . . .Thursday, June 4, 2009

School Board InformationSuperintendent of SchoolsStan F. Mack II stan_mack@rdale.k12.mn.us 763-504-8011

School board membersHelen Bassett helen_bassett@rdale.k12.mn.us 763-504-7997Patsy Green patsy_green@rdale.k12.mn.us 763-504-7992Linda Johnson linda_johnson@rdale.k12.mn.us 763-504-7994Sherry Tyrrell sherry_tyrrell@rdale.k12.mn.us 763-504-7998Barb Van Heel barb_vanheel@rdale.k12.mn.us 763-504-7995Tom Walsh tom_walsh@rdale.k12.mn.us 763-504-7996Vacant 763-504-7993

School board contact informationGroup voice mail 763-504-7990Group e-mail school_board@rdale.k12.mn.usWeb site www.rdale.k12.mn.us/dist/district/board_members.aspx

Watch your school board meetings on TV School board meetings are broadcast live on Ed’s TV, cable channel 22, and replayed the same week on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m., Thursday at 8 a.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. Your opportunity for public inputPublic listening sessions are held at 6 p.m. before the first meeting of each month. You do not need an appointment to participate.

School board meeting schedule: everyone is invited to attendSchool board meetings are open to the public from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Education Service Center in New Hope. Please see the district web site for a meeting schedule.

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SPOTLIGHT

The School Performances newsletter is published periodically by the Robbinsdale Area Schools’ community relations team, 763-504-8029. The newsletter is published in good faith based on available information at the time of distribution. Information is subject to change.

Many student activities restored!Things looked bleak in January for students

participating in after school activities at middle

schools as the district was forced to cut all

activities at middle school and many at the

high school level.

Now, due to the generosity and hard work

of the Robbinsdale Area Schools community,

most after school activities and athletics will

be back this year at both high schools, and

all three middle schools will have modifi ed

programs.

Thanks to all of you who contributed! A fi nal

report detailing what programs are available is

at www.rdale.k12.mn.us.