FROM THE DISTRICT
Knowing Better, Doing Better
Strategic Plan Goals in Action
This year, a group of inspiring AVID students are joining Executive Director of Student Services Niceta Thomas and me in presenting to professional groups, including the Minnesota Association of School Administrators. Our message is simple yet profound: when we know better, we must do better.
As educators, we must keep striving to make Roseville Area Schools a better place for all students. Each day is an opportunity to reflect, grow, and ensure we are giving our best.
As we enter spring with renewed energy, we remain committed to creating welcoming spaces where every student and staff member feels a sense of belonging. As Maya Angelou said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
In Partnership, Dr. Jenny Loeck Superintendent
On the Cover: Parkview Center School students celebrated the Lunar New Year with a parade through the school hallways, led by a brilliantly colored dragon.
Our graduates are prepared to achieve their goals and aspirations.
Fairview Alternative High School’s AVID class completed an eight-week E-Mentors session through BestPrep, partnering with Bremer Bank. Students
connected with mentors via email to discuss workplace expectations and career pathways and attended a meet-and-greet at Bremer Bank.
Our learners contribute to an equitable, caring society.
Dr. Artika Tyner, an educator, attorney, and justice advocate, visited Harambee Elementary to inspire students. During her visit, students received books that reflect diverse voices and experiences. Representation matters, and Dr. Tyner helped Harambee students see themselves as history makers, empowering them to embrace their potential.
We are a culturally responsive, inclusive, anti-racist district.
A cross-departmental team within Roseville Area Schools is developing a comprehensive language access plan to ensure all families, regardless of home language, can fully engage in their students’ education. This plan will cover district and school communications, teacher-family conferences, interpretation and translation services, crisis communication, and more.
The community is united behind meeting student needs.
We are building a more connected Roseville that is committed to student success. From Do Good Roseville’s initiatives to the outreach of local faith communities, businesses, and individuals, a growing movement is making a difference (see page 16 for more information
We are financially secure.
According to Roseville Area Schools’ auditor, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, the school district earned a clean audit with no findings for the year ended June 30, 2024.
Roseville
We asked our staff members what they enjoy most about their work. Here’s what they said!
CHOOSE ROSEVILLE
Megan Wallin, Art Specialist, Edgerton Elementary School
“My favorite part of being an art teacher is when kids show me their work and I am completely blown away by their level of creativity. I think they often inspire me just as much as I inspire them.”
Nancy Nelson, Former Falcon Heights Building Secretary/Current Central Enrollment Support
“I’m one of several Roseville employees who feel that Roseville chose me….It’s great to be able to help families and community members. I’m always learning something new! I’m all in for lifelong learning!”
Nii Anyetei Akofio-Sowah [Tei Sowah], Special Education Teacher, Roseville Area High School
“I’m a fan of growth. Seeing students grow, graduate, and make plans for what they’ll be doing after high school is super motivating.”
Eric Thornton, Credit Recovery Supervisor, Roseville Area High School & Fairview Alternative High School
“I love being able to help students grow and overcome obstacles. I love showing up for students and being the educator that I needed as a high school student.”
David Stanley, 7th Grade Math Teacher, Roseville Area Middle School
“I enjoy building relationships with our students and teaching them math in a fun, collaborative way so that it becomes the subject that all students love and feel confident doing!”
Dr. Jen Wilson, Principal, Roseville Area High School
“I came back to Roseville because I knew my dedication around doing equity work would be both supported and encouraged. My own children also attend this district and I truly believe there is no place better!”
Students in a Roseville Area Schools’ Early Childhood class had a hands-on learning experience when they explored the eating habits of squirrels by sorting through bins to identify wooden acorns among other acorn-like items.
Celebrate Earth Day at Roseville Community Education’s firstever Sustainability Sale on April 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, 1910 County Rd B West. Join us for eco-friendly fun and sustainable shopping!
FROM THE
Roseville Area High School senior Samantha Mermelstein is the 2025 Athena Award recipient, recognizing excellence in athletics, academics, leadership, and service. A three-sport captain and state qualifier, she is also an AP Scholar and active in NHS, band, and volunteering.
Central Park Elementary wrapped up I Love to Read Month with its annual Read Around the Park celebration. Students listened to stories read by district leaders and school staff, participating in activities tied to each book. Older students teamed up with younger students, offering support as they worked on the activities together.
Brimhall 6th graders spent three days and two nights at Osprey Wilds, an environmental learning center near Sandstone! They explored the outdoors through hands-on learning— snowshoeing to track animal signs, rock climbing, hiking the Ojibwe trail, and more.
Congratulations to Chris Jones, a 6th grader at Little Canada Elementary, whose work was featured in Aya: An Anthology of Racial Justice, Healing, and the Black Experience! Aya amplifies voices of Black Minnesotans and the African Diaspora on justice, healing, and identity.
NEWSROOM
Roseville Area High School’s Fashion II class hosted a fashion show where students showcased their merchandising, marketing, and design skills. Students created a “storefront” display, designed promotional materials, and styled outfits for models.
The League of Women Voters brought an interactive, gamefilled presentation to Roseville Area High School! Students explored local government roles, learned how to vote, registered, and even signed up as election judges.
At the annual Authors’ Tea event, Parkview Center School 1st graders shared their personal narratives, explored cultural books, enjoyed beading and crafts, and celebrated with treats reflecting diverse family traditions. It was a fantastic event highlighting storytelling and community!
Brimhall Elementary welcomed news anchors Chenue Her and Hannah Flood during I Love to Read Month! They shared how reading shapes their careers and gave students a glimpse into a news anchor’s life. “The students were absolutely entranced by Chenue and Hannah’s energy!” said 1st grade teacher Kahlea Xiong.
Roseville Area Middle School celebrated Black History Month with powerful performances, including spoken word and music. Thank you to the staff members who uplifted voices, fostered belonging, and showcased the strength in diversity with this wonderful assembly.
School board members
Mannix Clark, Kitty Gogins, Mike Boguszewski, and Associate Superintendent Melissa Sonnek attended MSBA/MASA Day at the Capitol. They met with Senator Clare Oumou-Verbeten, Representative Peter Fischer, Representative Leigh Finke, and Senator John Marty to advocate for Roseville Area Schools.
Roseville Area Schools celebrated National African American Parent Involvement Day, planning activities to honor family engagement in education. The special events across the district fostered strong school-family partnerships and highlighted the vital role of family involvement in student success.
The Roseville chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa awarded $300 stipends to four new teachers through a random drawing. This year’s recipients were Samantha Taylor (RAMS), Samantha Allen (Parkview), Carley Ahern (RAHS), and Grace Onken (Little Canada).
FROM THE
Congratulations to Averi M. Turner, lead teacher and student support specialist at Emmet D. Williams Elementary, for being named a semifinalist for Minnesota Teacher of the Year! She is one of 31 educators chosen from 142 nominees. The winner will be announced May 4 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.
Sixth graders from across Roseville Area Schools showcased their talents at the 6th Grade Honors Choir Concert. Held at the John J. Thein Performing Arts Center at Roseville Area High School, the event featured 154 students who were selected by their music teachers.
Little Canada Elementary kindergarteners took a fun-filled trip to Dodge Nature Center to learn about hens and roosters. As part of their Wit & Wisdom and Amplify Caminos curriculum, they explored farm animals’ roles, held chickens, visited the coop, and fed different breeds. This hands-on experience brought their lessons to life!
Kindergarten students at Parkview Center School celebrated the Lunar New Year with a lively parade through the school halls, led by a handcrafted dragon and students playing musical instruments. Classmates of all ages gathered along the parade route to cheer them.
NEWSROOM
Congratulations to Sean Padden, a health teacher at Roseville Area Middle School, for being named a semifinalist for Minnesota Teacher of the Year! He is among 31 educators selected from 142 nominees statewide. The winner will be announced May 4 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.
5th and 6th graders at Central Park Elementary explored real-world science with representatives from the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District. Students tested Lake Owasso’s water quality, measuring temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, clarity, and chlorides using scientific tools and methods.
On World Down Syndrome Day, district staff wore mismatched, colorful socks to raise awareness and celebrate diversity. The mismatched socks symbolize the uniqueness of individuals with Down syndrome, highlighting that no two people are the same, regardless of the number of chromosomes they have.
Edgerton Elementary teacher Jakky Flanagan welcomed special visitors to her classroom—an EMT (her daughter) and a firefighter. They shared insights about their jobs, answered questions, and let students try on their gear for a hands-on learning experience.
Edgerton Elementary’s 6th graders brought careers to life at their Wax Museum! After researching jobs matching their passions, students presented one-minute speeches on careers like real estate, plumbing, and engineering. Staff and students toured the museum to hear about future doctors, artists, entrepreneurs, and more.
In 2025, we’ll experience “squares”—dates that are square roots, like 01/16/25, 04/14/25, 09/16/25, and 12/16/25. To celebrate, Falcon Heights Elementary staff dressed in plaid, and students were invited to join in the fun. It was a creative way to mark this unique year filled with mathematical moments!
CONGRATS!
Roseville Area High School seniors David Lyu, Kira Krook-Magnuson, and Lucas Anderson have been named National Merit Finalists, an achievement earned by less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. Out of approximately 1.3 million students who take the PSAT/NMSQT each year, only about 15,000 advance to finalist standing and are now eligible for scholarship opportunities and national recognition.
We are thrilled to celebrate Emmet D. Williams Elementary’s visual arts specialist, Bee Lee, who has been named the 2025 Choice Art Teacher of the Year from the National Art Education Association! This recognition honors Bee’s dedication to the Choice Art Education approach, which focuses on empowering students to navigate the studio independently and have creative control over their works—all while meeting state standards. (��: Drew Arrieta)
Roseville Area Middle School Principal Heidi George has been selected as the recipient of the East Suburban Division Leadership Award by the Minnesota Elementary School Principals Association. The award celebrates her exceptional leadership, dedication to education, and transformative impact on the school and community. “Heidi George exemplifies the very best of leadership—compassion, vision, and an unwavering commitment to students, families, and staff,” said Dr. Jenny Loeck, superintendent of Roseville Area Schools.
Congratulations to the Edgerton “Ice Savers” Team and their advisor, Sue Collins, for being named one of 10 national finalists in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition. Their project, an ice thickness sensor and warning app called “Don’t Fall Through Ice,” earned them this honor and $50,000 in technology for the school. Next, two students will travel to Washington, D.C., in late April with Dr. Yeng Chang and Mrs. Collins to present their work to a panel of judges.
There are so many, many reasons to celebrate our students and staff in Roseville Area Schools. In addition to these wonderful examples, there are many more throughout this issue of The Raider Voice.
A huge congratulations to our outstanding wrestlers, Anica “Bo” Barze (106 lbs) and Alyzabeth Hiler (155 lbs), both juniors at Roseville Area High School, for placing 3rd in their respective weight classes at the Minnesota State Wrestling Tournament! These talented athletes are not only strong competitors but also trailblazers in the sport, helping to build a thriving high school wrestling program.
Vote for Edgerton!
Scan the code to watch the top 10 videos. To vote for Edgerton, click on the school’s name below their video. You can cast one vote per day through April 20. The team with the most votes will win an additional $10,000 for school technology.
NUTRITION SERVICES
What is MN Thursday?
MN Thursday is a twice monthly menu day featuring local foods and highlighting some of the great items our local farmers, ranchers, and makers grow, raise, and produce!
District Committed to Summer Nutrition for All Kids
Serving Up Local and Global Flavors for MN Thursday
Roseville Area Schools’ Nutrition Services department continues to serve delicious and culturally inspired MN Thursday meals! In March, students enjoyed Chicken Yassa and Jollof Rice, a West African dish. Preparing the meal took more than 80 pounds of olives, and it was served alongside sweet potatoes and a sweet treat.
Roseville Area Schools remains dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to nutritious meals—even when school is out! This summer, most of our sites will host summer feeding, providing free meals to all kids 18 years and younger.
• Breakfast includes an entrée, fruit, and milk
• Lunch includes an entrée, fruit, vegetable, and milk
There’s no pre-registration required, making it easy for families to participate. Check the district website for specific locations and serving times as summer approaches. Just stop by a participating site and enjoy a healthy meal!
This spring, students and staff will enjoy dishes such as:
April 3 – NEW! Bison Hotdog with local sauerkraut, celebrating the Twins home opener
April 17 – Homemade Pizza with local cheese and local corn
May 1 – NEW! Hmong Tamarind Glazed Chicken with purple sticky rice and sweet & spicy cucumber salad
May 15 – Pork Carnitas
Each meal highlights fresh, local ingredients while introducing students to diverse and flavorful dishes. Kudos to our Nutrition Services team for bringing amazing options to the table!
What’s On My Plate?
In March, we celebrated MN Thursday with a delicious menu featuring local beef, queso fresco cheese, and parmesan-roasted potatoes!
Thank you to our local partners for making this meal possible:
• Rancher’s Legacy (Vadnais Heights)
• Cannonbelles (Cannon Falls, MN)
• The Good Acre (Falcon Heights, MN)
Meet Our District Chef!
Matt Dragos joined the Roseville Area Schools Nutrition Services department this year as a nutrition specialist after 20+ years in the restaurant industry. In his role, Matt is helping to elevate our menus, provide support to kitchen staff, and streamline operations.
FRONT OFFICE STA
“Each and every front office staff member in Roseville Area Schools plays a critical role in delivering our priority goal of providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for students, staff, and families. I’m incredibly grateful for their high-quality work!”
– Dr. Jenny Loeck Superintendent
“Our front office staff is the ultimate multitasker— welcoming everyone with a smile, guiding our community, solving problems, answering calls, and keeping everything running smoothly. They make every interaction warm and helpful!”
– Cyndi Arneson Executive Director of Community Education
Baonhia Xiong Building Receptionist Aŋpétu Téča Education Center
Jana Litecky MARSS/Special Ed. Secretary Central Park Elementary
Louise Portuese Building Secretary Falcon Heights Elementary
Mary Swanson MARSS/Special Ed. Secretary Edgerton Elementary
Ed.
“My front office staff are incredible because they consistently provide exceptional customer service with a smile, multitask with ease, and create a warm, welcoming, efficient, and professional environment for everyone they interact with.”
– Kristen Smith Olson Principal Parkview Center School
Daina Stanley Office Receptionist/Special Education Secretary Harambee Elementary
Carolyn Weatherhead Parkview Director of Community Engagement Parkview Center School
Patty Kieser Building Secretary Central Park Elementary
Jill Keenan MARSS/Special
Secretary Falcon Heights Elementary
Kylie Duell Attendance Secretary Roseville Area Middle School
FF
Front office staff are essential to creating welcoming environments in our schools and programs, serving as the first point of contact for families and the community. Here we introduce you to many of these wonderful staff members.
“Our front office staff are the heart of our school, greeting every person with kindness, keeping everything running smoothly, and offering endless support with a smile—often being the first to arrive, the last to leave, and the ones who hold us all together.”
– Dr. José Becerra-Cardenas Principal Little Canada Elementary
“The teachers educate, the principals lead, but it’s the office staff who keep the school steady. They are the quiet heroes who help run the building—organize, problem-solve, and make students, families, and staff feel welcome. Without them, the school wouldn’t function, let alone thrive!”
– Dr. Jen Wilson Principal Roseville Area High School
“Our front desk staff often interact with our families and our community more than anyone else. Their care, cultural responsiveness, and welcoming attitudes make all the difference in setting the tone for our community.”
– Becky Sutten Principal Central Park Elementary
Rebecca Thompson Registrar & Testing Coord. Roseville Area Middle School
Juli Fick Building Secretary Emmet D. Williams Elementary
Destiny Mua Office Receptionist Harambee Elementary
Theresa King
MARSS/Special Ed. Secretary Emmet D. Williams Elementary
Viviana Sanchez Building Secretary Little Canada Elementary
Mary Timmerman-Parker Building Secretary Harambee Elementary
Kris Elfstrom School Secretary Fairview Alternative HS
Robin Whirlwind Soldier Main Office Receptionist Roseville Area High School
Esme Cartagena MARSS/Special Ed. Secretary Little Canada Elementary
FRONT OFFICE STAFF
Veronica Martinez Cultural Liaison/Secretary Little Canada Elementary
Lori Long Building Secretary Edgerton Elementary
Kevin Hernández Valverde District Center Coordinator
Wieke Daul MARSS/Special Ed. Secretary Brimhall Elementary
Michelle Miller Attendance Secretary Roseville Area High School
Jenny Dagle Building Secretary, Roseville Area High School
Cristina Smyth Building Secretary Brimhall Elementary
Mai Lor Secretary/Office Manager Roseville Adult Learning Center
Sherry Jackson Building Secretary, Parkview Center School
Nicholas Vang Attendance and PBIS Parkview Center School
Melissa Carter Registrar, Roseville Adult Learning Center
Linsey Owen Building Secretary, Roseville Area Middle School
BUSINESS & FINANCE
Planning for the Future: Building Our 2025-2026 Budget
The school district budget is developed through a comprehensive, long-term process that ensures financial stability and alignment with student needs. It is reviewed multiple times by the District Finance Advisory Committee, administration, and school board before final approval. Below is a timeline outlining key steps in the 2025-2026 budget development process.
Student enrollment directly impacts school district revenues, as funding is allocated per student and supports staffing and benefits, which make up 80% of the district’s budget.
September 24, 2024
December 10, 2024
January 27, 2025
January 29, 2025
February 23, 2025
March-April 2025
May 13, 2025
May 27, 2025
June 24, 2025
Preliminary levy set (Payable 2025; 2025-2026 Revenue)
Final levy set (Payable 2025; 2025-2026 Revenue)
Cabinet reviews 2025-2026 budget timeline and parameters
School board approves 2025-2026 budget timeline and parameters
District Finance Advisory Committee reviews revised current year budget and 2025-2026 budget parameters/timeline
School board updated on budget developments as needed
School Board Finance Advisory Committee reviews budget and full board receives update on 20252026 budget
Prior to the regular School Board meeting, the district holds a public hearing to share the 2025-2026 draft general fund budget and collect any public comment.
School Board formally adopts 2025-2026 budget
TRANSPORTATION
Improving Efficiency for Our Students
This year, Roseville Area Schools has implemented a new transportation software system to better serve our students and improve efficiency across our bus routes. This system enhances accuracy in transportation assignments, streamlines route planning, and allows for more direct communication with schools and families regarding any bus route changes. These improvements aim to create a smoother, more reliable transportation experience for all students.
To assist with planning for the upcoming school year, we will be gathering information in May about student transportation needs. Families who know their students will not require bus transportation in the fall will have the opportunity to opt out of a transportation assignment. This will help us design more efficient routes and provide more accurate bus stop timing.
EARLY CHILDHOOD
Registration for Pre-K 2025-2026 is now open to all families! We offer half-day and full-day classes in our three Early Childhood Centers at Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Harambee, and Parkview.
Pre-K is for children who are age 3 or 4 by September 1, 2025, and an Early Childhood Screening is required for participation in our Pre-K program. To learn more and get started, visit isd623.org/PreK.
FREE Drop In & Play Classes
Join us for parent-child activities like dramatic play, sensory exploration, gym time, science, and art! Drop In & Play is open to children ages 0-5 and their caregivers—no registration needed. Come whenever it works for your family! Spring 2025 sessions:
• Tuesdays & Wednesdays: January 14 - May 14 from 8:45 - 10:00 a.m. at Prince of Peace Church (2561 Victoria St., Roseville)
• Saturdays: January 18 - April 12 from 10:15 - 11:30 a.m. at Aŋpétu Téča Education Center (1910 County Road B W., Roseville)
LEARNING CENTER
Computer Certifications, English Classes, and More!
Mailor, a student at the Roseville Adult Learning Center, has just earned her second Microsoft Office Specialist certificate - this time in Excel! When asked why she enjoys taking our digital literacy classes, Mailor explained that she has appreciated learning so much about computers and technology and has greatly improved her computer skills in these classes.
If your friends, family, or neighbors are interested in trying our free classes for adults, share this information with them! We help adults gain new skills, earn certifications, learn English, advance their career, get an adult diploma, and more. We are always welcoming new students.
To get started, visit isd623.org/ralc, email alc-info@isd623.org or call 651-604-3553.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Summer Camps & Field Trips!
Students ages 4 to 14 can join Roseville Community Education for the ultimate summer experience! Adventure to new places on our exciting field trips. Explore new interests through coding or theater opportunities. Advance your skills through STEM camps or cooking classes. Choose from 120+ half-day or full-day camps at a variety of locations. Visit isd623.ce.eleyo.com or call 651-604-3770 to register.
Connecting the Pieces!
We had an amazing time at our third-annual Puzzle Palooza jigsaw competition! Shoutout to the 40 incredible teams of families and friends who competed and made this jigsaw competition one for the books. Your energy, teamwork, and determination were off the charts. Our winning team in the adult category finished their 500-piece puzzle in just 29 minutes and 50 seconds, and our winning team in the family category finished in just 33 minutes and 15 seconds. WOW!
Activities & Resources for Older Adults
We offer opportunities that can help connect older adults to the community and provide useful support and resources. Explore a variety of activities and services such as:
Footcare Clinic - a registered nurse trims nails and teaches you how to care for your feet
Meals on Wheels - fresh, nutritious meals delivered to your door
Aquatics - water exercise classes, open swim, and lap swim
Grief Support Group - meetings to provide information, resources, and emotional support
Card Groups - partner bridge, drop-in bridge, progressive hand and foot, games galore
To learn more, visit isd623.org/RASP or call 651-604-3520.
Roseville Area Schools
Independent School District 623
1251 County Road B2 West
Roseville, MN 55113-3299
DOING GOOD IN ROSEVILLE!
We are grateful for our partnership with Do Good Roseville in facilitating the Community Advisory Committee, which helps engage our community to support students and families. This collaboration has sparked events and opportunities that bring people together and create positive change.
Cards for Kids
Do Good Roseville inspired community members to gather at Ramsey County Library – Roseville, Makwa Coffee, and Roseville Senior House Apartments for Cards for Kids, writing heartfelt messages to encourage Edgerton, Harambee, and Little Canada students as they prepare for testing.
Cupid Crew
Older adults across the community received roses, generously provided by Wish of a Lifetime (from AARP), along with handmade valentines from Roseville Area High School AVID students. A Cupid Crew delivered them to Keys Café in Roseville, Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Cardigan Ridge Senior Living, and Roseville Senior House.
To explore community projects and activities led by Do Good Roseville, scan the code or visit dogoodroseville.com > Newsletters to learn more and subscribe and stay updated.
