FROM THE DISTRICT
A New Year of Learning & Growth
As we embark on another year of learning and growth, I am given countless opportunities to reflect on all that I am grateful for in this remarkable community. Every new beginning brings fresh opportunities, and this year I find myself especially appreciative of the support that surrounds our students, staff, and families. From the first day of school to the final bell, I am constantly reminded of how fortunate we are to live and work in a place where collaboration and care for one another are at the heart of everything we do.
As a resident, parent, and school leader, I am incredibly thankful for the unwavering support of our families, community members, faith communities, and local businesses and organizations. Our community thrives because of the strong partnerships we have built. I am grateful to our local government for the beautiful parks and essential city services that keep our neighborhoods clean and running smoothly. Local businesses also play a crucial role by providing our students with valuable enrichment opportunities, from work experience to mentorship. I also want to extend my gratitude to our dedicated school board members, who consistently demonstrate their commitment to excellence, innovation, and equity. This truly is an incredible community.
Dr.
Jenny Loeck
Superintendent
Honoring Our School Board
Back row l-r: Kitty Gogins, Mike Boguszewski, Dr. Rose Chu.
Front row l-r: Todd Anderson, Curtis Johnson, Mannix Clark
September was Minnesota School Board Recognition Month and it was a wonderful opportunity to express our gratitude for the dedication, integrity, and generosity of time and talent of our amazing school board members. Their leadership and service on the Roseville Area School Board makes a world of difference in our community!
Roseville Area Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, including in employment, as required by Title IX.
Excellence, Innovation & Equity in All We Do
Equity Vision
Goal #1 Update
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.
Strategic Plan Goals
Our graduates are prepared to achieve their goals and aspirations. Our learners contribute to an equitable, caring society. We are a culturally responsive, inclusive, anti-racist district. The community is united behind meeting student needs. We are financially secure.
Goal #1 Key Strategies
• Ensure students are college- and career-ready
• Deliver a challenging, joyful, and safe learning environment
• Deliver innovative, effective practices and systems
Examples of Goal #1 Key Projects
• Roseville Area Schools implemented a Science of Reading-based curriculum for all students in grades K-6 that incorporates the Minnesota academic standards for English Language Arts.
• AVID Elementary was implemented during the 20232024 school year.
• Parkview Center School added two AVID elective classes during the 2023-2024 school year.
• Roseville Area High School students will have the opportunity to take a new Black literature course starting with the 2025-2026 school year.
• More than 500 students participated in Credit Recovery Academy this year with the opportunity to earn credit toward graduation.
• The Roseville Adult Learning Center offers an IT Career Pathway through which adult participants can learn technology skills that will equip them for future opportunities.
OF SCHOOL!
Roseville Area High School has been named to the AP Honor Roll for the 2023-2024 school year! The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools across the nation whose Advanced Placement programs are delivering results for students while broadening access to advanced coursework.
Big excitement at Parkview Center School as students in grades PreK through Grade 2 welcomed Latin Grammy Awardwinning musician and author Mister G for an unforgettable performance. The students sang and celebrated the magic of music and stories together!
FROM THE
Cub Foods donated 300 apples for Harambee Elementary students to enjoy during their first week back to school! “We are so appreciative to our neighboring businesses, like Cub Foods and Joe’s Sporting Goods, for their generous donations,” says Nathan Meyer, principal of Harambee Elementary.
In Emily Sasse’s 4th grade class at Central Park Elementary School, students started the year off strong by making promises to one another for a fun and successful year! The class created special promise bracelets as a reminder of their commitment to kindness, listening, staying focused, and being honest.
A summer reading program at Roseville Estates united Brimhall staff, students, and volunteers in joyful weekly gathering. Intervention teacher Lisa Pallo, who coordinated the events, said the goal was to keep students reading but blossomed into a heartwarming community event.
On September 30, students and staff across the district wore orange shirts in honor of the survivors of the residential school system in the United States and Canada and to remember and raise awareness about the Indigenous children who were taken from their families and forced into these institutions.
NEWSROOM
Award-winning author Randy Ribay inspired Roseville Area Middle School students with a thoughtful presentation about what it means to be a writer and the importance of diverse representation in literature. Staff were delighted that Ribay took time out of his busy schedule to engage and motivate RAMS students.
Thank you to the wonderful volunteers from Grace Church, who deliver food to Little Canada students’ backpacks as part of the Every Meal program! “A huge shout out to our community volunteers who dedicate their time to supporting our students and families every week,” said Little Canada social worker Tina Hogberg.
RAHS hosted two panel discussions to prepare 9th grade students for reading The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. This powerful event was hosted by RAHS students and featured BIPOC staff from across Roseville Area Schools, who shared their lived experiences and provided students with valuable context and insights into the book’s themes.
During National Voter Registration Day, volunteers from the League of Women Voters Roseville Area (LWVRA) set up registration and info tables at Roseville Area High School and more than 400 students stopped by to preregister, register, or get more information!
In most of our elementary schools, kindergarten classrooms embrace the wonderful tradition of celebrating Color Days to build community and teach students their colors. Each day, kindergarteners and their teachers dress in a specific color, inviting the entire school to join in!
From the magical Senior Sunrise to the epic Powder Puff football and Powder Buff volleyball battles, RAHS students showed their Raider pride during Homecoming Spirit Week! Pajama Day, Toga Day, and Jersey Day? Done! Whether dressing up, cheering loud, or showing off their school spirit, students embraced every moment!
On October 24, Roseville Area Schools will join more than 8,000 programs around the nation in celebrating afterschool opportunities that serve more than 7.7 million students. During Lights On After School, we are reminded that every child deserves a chance to learn and grow after school.
FROM THE
At Central Park Elementary, 5th and 6th graders learned valuable bike safety skills, thanks to a program supported by the Bike Alliance of Minnesota. The lessons empower students to travel safely and confidently, even those new to riding.
October is College Knowledge Month! To celebrate, Roseville Area High School AVID 9th and 10th graders visited Concordia University-St. Paul. They explored academic majors, connected with admissions, and learned about student life and financial aid. This trip inspired students to dream big about their college futures!
The Roseville/Mounds View adapted soccer team celebrated their first win! This talented group of athletes showcases the importance of inclusive sports opportunities, providing students with disabilities a chance to compete, build friendships, and grow in confidence.
Native American Affinity Groups are a vibrant space for students to connect, learn, and celebrate their culture! Through biweekly gatherings, participants enjoy exciting activities like storytelling, art, and language lessons. These groups foster friendships, empower voices, and create a joyful community for all Indigenous students to thrive!
Author A.S. King (pictured with RAHS Media Specialist Greg Martinson) visited Roseville Area High School, and discussed transforming trauma into art, self-empowerment, and finding one’s voice, while offering powerful insights into the craft of writing. The visit, tied to her new novel Pick the Lock, was deeply moving and impactful.
NEWSROOM
RAHS Students Named National Merit Semifinalists, Commended Scholars
Roseville Area High School students were recognized as National Merit Semifinalists or Commended Scholars for their exceptional PSAT performance. Semifinalists Lucas Anderson, Kira Krook-Magnuson, and David Lyu now compete for scholarships, representing the top 1% nationally. Commended Scholars Soren Klarqvist and Peter Linabery, in the top 3%, are also honored for their academic excellence. “Both honors reflect significant academic achievement and highlight the dedication and hard work of these talented students,” says RAHS Principal Dr. Jen Wilson.
Welcoming the New Year in “Choose Roseville” Style
Each year, all staff members proudly wear Choose Roseville t-shirts during welcome back events and throughout the school year. This year’s shirts highlight the district’s mission with the statement: “I chose Roseville Area Schools because we believe in excellence, innovation, and equity in all we do.”
Wearing College & Career Gear to Spark Conversations
Every Wednesday, Roseville Area Schools staff celebrate AVID by wearing gear from any postsecondary path—college, trade, military, tech school, and more! College and career gear can inspire great conversations about the possibilities ahead for our students. Join us! Give a shout out to your college or career by taking a photo of yourself, with a colleague, or as a family in your gear.
Submit your college & career gear photo to communications@isd623.org
Pictured (l-r): David Lyu, Kira KrookMagnuson, Peter Linabery
Minnesota Thursday Meals: Fresh, Local & Delicious
Minnesota Thursdays is a school nutrition initiative where Roseville Area Schools’ cafeterias serve meals made with locally sourced ingredients from Minnesota farms and businesses. This program promotes healthy eating, supports local agriculture, and educates students about the benefits of fresh, regional food.
Among all of the fun meals scheduled for fall and winter, following are just a few examples: Bison Nachos, Teriyaki Tofu, Turkey Bánh Mì, Chicken Yassa, and Pork Carnitas Burrito.
SUSTAINABILITY NUTRITION
SERVICES
Cannon Falls-based Cheese Producer’s Queso Fresco on District Menus
Roseville Schools Lead Minnesota with First-Ever GreenStep Award!
Roseville Area Schools and Roseville Area High School are proud to be the first district and school in Minnesota to receive the Minnesota GreenStep Schools recognition. This achievement was spearheaded by the RAHS Students for Climate Change group, whose passion for environmental sustainability inspired the district’s leadership.
“We are incredibly proud of our students’ leadership and commitment to creating a greener future,” said Dr. Jenny Loeck, superintendent of Roseville Area Schools.
Cannonbelles Cheese from Cannon Falls, MN, is making a delicious splash on our menus this year! At back-to-school training, their team shared their story and sampled four flavors of fresh cheese curds—our Nutrition Services staff was instantly hooked! The training connected us to the local producers behind the MN Thursday menus, and Cannonbelles’ awardwinning Queso Fresco will soon be featured.
Cannonbelles began in 2012 when Deeann Lufkin and Jackie Ohmann, fueled by their love for homemade beer and wine, decided to try cheese making. After some trial and error, they perfected their craft with the help of Kathy Hupf, a dairy expert, and built their business in Cannon Falls. Their artisan cheeses now reflect years of learning and passion, and we’re thrilled to showcase their locally made creations!
FAHS Students Study Solar Energy, Climate Solutions
At Fairview Alternative High School, teacher Megan Ronnei leads students in exploring real-world climate change solutions, using data from the school’s solar panels to track electricity generation and CO2 emissions saved. Principal Laura Freer praised the initiative: “Our students are developing creative, data-driven solutions that inspire meaningful change. We’re proud to be a school committed to sustainability and renewable energy.”
Megan Ronnei and Laura Freer are pictured on the roof of Aŋpétu Téča Education Center
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Coming Together to Fulfill Student Needs
This community never ceases to amaze us! In September, Community Education staff hosted a personal care products drive for the Roseville Area Schools Food Shelf. Our community jumped into action, donating 61 toothbrushes, 77 containers of floss, and more than 375 items in total. All of these products will help our students maintain their health and hygiene, which can impact their daily lives and their school experience. This initiative and our community’s response exemplifies goal #4 of the Roseville Area Schools strategic plan: The community is united behind student needs. Through many generous donations, our community has assisted us in setting students up for success!
Earn a Microsoft Specialist Certification
A Fabulous Summer with Students
Summer 2024 was filled with learning, exploration, community building, and FUN!
1,474 students participated in Youth Enrichment classes.
25 adult students attended our IT Career Pathway program.
Try a Water Exercise Class in the Pool!
Roseville Community Education offers a variety of water exercise classes in the pool at Aŋpétu Téča Education Center! Classes range from gentle aerobics to more active workouts. We have morning classes and evening classes. Sign up for a drop-in session or for a full month of classes. Register online at isd623.ce.eleyo.com or call 651-604-3770.
Fatumo, a student at the Roseville Adult Learning Center, has earned a Microsoft Office Specialist certification for Word! We are so proud of Fatumo’s hard work and dedication to achieve this. If you or someone you know is interested in developing their computer and technology skills, we can help. There is no cost to start taking classes with us. Call 651-604-3553, visit isd623.org/ralc or email alc-info@isd623.org to get started.
450 students joined us for Summer Discovery.
More than 470 students attended Friendship Connection.
50 students attended Unity Center.
93 families joined us for ECFE classes.
Scan this QR code to watch a video of summer programming highlights!
Kindergarten Information Night
Thursday, November 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Aŋpétu Téča Education Center
1910 County Road B in Roseville
If you have a child who will be 5 years old by September 1, 2025 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!
Dance to the Teddy Bear Band!
a star in our Raider photo booth!
Climb aboard a real school bus!