Get Involved
Thank you for your interest in sharing your time and talents with our students and community! We have many ways to get involved. Some committees and volunteer opportunities are simply looking for passionate people willing to be involved, while others have bylaws and require more experience/expertise and approval by current members. If you have a particular interest or would like to join a committee, please contact the committee chair or contact person.
- American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC)
- Community Connect Committee
- Financial Advisory Council (FAC)
- Interschool Council (ISC)
- Legislative Action Coalition (LAC)
- Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC)
- Systems Accountability Committee (SAC)
American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC)
Parents/guardians of American Indian students are invited to join the Robbinsdale Area Schools American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC).
The AIPAC works to ensure American Indian students are receiving culturally relevant and equitable opportunities when it comes to their education and success within Robbinsdale Area Schools.
2022-23 Meeting Dates
All meetings are held from 6-7 p.m. at the Education Service Center (ESC) boardroom, located at 4148 Winnetka Ave. N., in New Hope, unless otherwise listed.
- Monday, Oct. 16
- Monday, Nov. 14, virtual meeting
- Monday, Dec. 5, virtual meeting
- Monday, Jan. 9
- Monday, Feb. 6, virtual meeting
- Monday, March 13
- Monday, April 3, virtual meeting
- Monday, May 1, ESC room to be determined
Meeting links will be posted on the District website: rdale.org/calendar
Contact
For more information or questions about AIPAC meetings, please email the Robbinsdale American Indian Education team at: Beth_Tepper@rdale.org
Community Connect Committee
Community Connect is a standing committee of the Robbinsdale Area School District and School Board. The committee usually meets about six times per school year. Regular meeting time is 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The charge of the Community Connect Committee is to recommend to the School Board and district administration involvement in interactions and events that support the Unified District Vision (UDV).
Community Connect researches and initiates community conversations that build relationships with targeted audiences to:
- Assure student success
- Connect with families, parents, and guardians of our students
- Foster awareness of the benefits of Pre-12 education
- Engage community members such as district residents and businesses
- Promote ongoing positive community connections
- Foster mutual support between the district and the community it serves
- Share key messages of the district
Membership is comprised of school board members, the Marketing & Communications Director, Achievement & Integration Program Director, Community Education Director and up to five community members.
A school board member will be designated as chair, who will prepare an agenda for each meeting based on input from committee members. The chair will be responsible for distributing the agenda and meeting summaries including action items. Meeting materials will be maintained by the School Board Administrative Assistant.
Unified District Vision goals to which the charge of the Community Connect Committee is aligned:
- Goal 1: Implement Policies and Practices that Open Pathways to Academic Excellence for All Students
- Goal 3: Engage Family and Community Members as Partners
Contact
Dr. Greta Evans-Becker,
School Board Chair
greta_evans-becker@rdale.org
2022-23
Meeting Dates
- Sept. 13, 2022
- Nov. 15, 2022
- Feb. 14, 2023
- April 11, 2023
- June 13, 2023
Financial Advisory Council (FAC)
The Robbinsdale Area Schools Financial Advisory Council (FAC) provides financial advice and support to the School Board and district administration, including evaluation of the district's economic conditions, development of future budget assumptions and review of the overall fiscal condition of the district.
Membership
Current School Board appointed FAC community members serving three year terms include:
Walter Gray, Lennie Kaufman, Greg Kugler, O. Barry Rogers, April Gulley, Katherine Lankford, and Nicole Sandback.
Superintendent David Engstrom, School Board Treasurer John Vento, and Executive Director of Finance Ukee Dozier also attend.
Meetings
Meetings are typically held at the Education Service Center (ESC), located at 4148 Winnetka Ave. N., in New Hope, in the School Board chambers. All FAC meetings are open to the public.
2022-23 Meeting Dates
- Nov. 15, 2022
- Jan. 17, 2023
- March 14, 2023
- May 16, 2023
- Aug. 7 School Board work session (FAC annual report to be presented) was previously scheduled for June 6
Meeting Information
Agendas
2022-23 Agendas and Materials
- Nov. 15, 2022
- Jan. 17, 2023
- March 14, 2023
- May 16, 2023
2021-22 Agendas and Materials
- Sept. 8, 2021 (School Board work session)
- Sept. 14, 2021
- Nov. 9, 2021
- Jan. 11, 2022
- Feb. 17, 2022
- March 29, 2022
- May 17, 2022
- June 7, 2022 (School Board work session)
2020-2021 Agendas and Materials
- July 14, 2020
- Nov. 10, 2020
- Jan. 12, 2021
- March 23, 2021
- May 11, 2021
- May 27, 2021
- Agenda and materials (to be posted)
Minutes
2022-23 Meeting Minutes
- Nov. 15, 2022
- Jan. 17, 2023
- March 14, 2023
- May 16, 2023
2021-22 Meeting Minutes
- Sept. 8, 2021 (School Board work session)
- Sept. 14, 2021
- Nov. 9, 2021
- Jan. 11, 2022
- Feb. 17, 2022
- March 29, 2022
- May 17, 2022
- June 7, 2022 (School Board work session)
2020-21 Meeting Minutes
Financing Education in Minnesota 2022-23
Publication of the Minnesota House of Representatives Fiscal Analysis Department, July 2022
Common acronyms
Common acronyms used in education , from the Minnesota Schools Boards Association (MSBA)
Interschool Council (ISC)
Overview
The InterSchool Council (ISC) is a unique forum for collaboration between parent representatives, district staff, and community groups serving our mutual school families in Robbinsdale Area Schools (RAS) since 1967. The collaborative environment fostered by ISC cultivates district-wide community resilience and identity through idea exchange, parent engagement, and staff involvement. Participants in ISC explore questions to understand and share the context and perspective of decisions made and events held within our district. This council directly supports Goal #3 of the Unified District Vision by engaging families and community members as partners.
Purpose
The purpose of the InterSchool Council (ISC) is to provide
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opportunities to ask questions and understand current developments in the district
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opportunities for the district to provide background and foundational information for developments in the district while being open to questions
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opportunities to embrace our district diversity, engage in courageous conversations and challenge our beliefs and behaviors
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opportunities to identify and express the needs and wants of parent/family stakeholders regarding the district’s yearly operation
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opportunities to compare and contrast practices between parent groups and gather new ideas
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opportunities to network and share news between schools
Meetings are attended by our district’s Superintendent, David Engstrom, Cabinet Members, district staff, a school board representative, and others who give presentations on behalf of community organizations. Questions for district staff members or other presenters are encouraged to be emailed 3-5 days in advance so answers can be researched and prepared in time for the meeting.
Role of ISC Representatives
ISC representatives include parents from individual schools, programs, and affinity groups in RAS. These representatives can and are encouraged to act as communication liaisons between the district administration and their schools, groups, and boosters. Representatives attend their respective meetings to share meeting highlights and bring questions, concerns, and accomplishments back to the council.
Getting Involved
Guest speakers are frequently invited, providing information that affects our entire district. Past guests include district staff and representatives of Community Education, PRISM, African Career Education & Resource, Inc. (ACER, Inc), and The Seven Dreams Foundation. To truly embrace the diversity within RAS, ISC aspires to open the opportunities to educate ourselves about the many cultures within our communities.
If you wish to be a guest speaker at an InterSchool Council meeting, want to become an attending representative for your school or booster organization (or just want to listen in on a meeting), please contact the current Chair (Aiysha Mustapha) at rdaleisc@gmail.com. Translators can be available during meetings for some languages, as long as requests are made in advance. Please email Aiysha at least three days before meetings to ensure arrangements are or can be made.
Meetings have been held virtually since April 2020, usually on the second Wednesday of each month from 9:30 to 11:30 am.
ISC continues to explore more ways to:
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Foster greater alignment with Unified District Parent Engagement Goal by looking at alternative dates, times, and locations to schedule meetings.
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Identify meeting themes and topics.
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Participate in and share the development of cultural and community celebrations.
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Communicate via virtual platforms to include parents who are unable to attend ISC meetings physically.
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Offer Educational Opportunities in the areas of:
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ACEs, Schoology, Naviance,
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Cultural Humility, Courageous Conversation Compass
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Include agenda topics that are current and relevant to attending representatives:
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School Cultural and Climate Specialists,
- Family and Community Engagement within the schools
- District enrollment and financial overview of the budget.
- Departmental budgets and goals.
Attribute Summary:
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Communication between members and up/down, to/from cabinet/parent/schools
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Under Superintendent
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Meets monthly during the school year
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Parent representatives by school/program, no application process
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Not legislated/mandated by any state or federal action
Contact
Aiysha Mustapha, Chair
rdaleisc@gmail.com
2022-23
Meeting Dates
- Jan. 12, 2023
- Feb. 9, 2023
- March 16, 2023
- April 13, 2023 (canceled)
- May 11, 2023
- June 8, 2023
Legislative Action Coalition (LAC)
The Robbinsdale Area Schools Legislative Action Coalition (LAC) is a non-partisan group of parents/guardians, students and community members that advocate for legislation that supports our students and community. Join us at the Legislative Action Coalition meetings. No experience is necessary, just a desire to make a positive difference.
How to support LAC
- Reach out to local lawmakers by phone, email or sending a letter by mail.
- Attend a LAC meeting and learn more about current advocacy efforts.
- Join the LAC, we always welcome new members.
Contact
LAC@rdale.org
763-504-8028
2022-23
Meeting Dates
- Please note the September 15, 2022 meeting is rescheduled to September 29
- October TBD
- November 17, 2022
- December 15, 2022
- January 19, 2023
- February 16, 2023
- March 16, 2023
- April 20, 2023
- May 18, 2023
- June 15, 2023
Connect with us on social media
Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC)
Be informed • Build relationships • Make a difference
We are parents of students with special needs, school professionals, and community members dedicated to:
- Advocating for high quality programs & services
- Advising on special education policies, procedures & practices
- Assisting in identifying areas of improvement
- Encouraging good communication & support
There are many reasons to join SEAC!
- Learn how the special education system works in the school district.
- Learn information & skills that will help you become an effective advocate for your children and others.
- Meet other parents, school professionals & community members with similar goals.
- Sharing your unique perspectives & insights will help the school district work more effectively with families & improve outcomes for children.
If you would like to join SEAC, please complete an application.
Application for Membership (Spanish)
Contact
Justin Flesher
Justin_Flesher@rdale.org
763-504-8075
2022-23
Meeting Dates
- September 19, 2022
- November 14, 2022
- March 13, 2023
- May 22, 2023
SEAC Resources
Minnesota Special Education Advisory Council - PACER-sponsored website is partially funded through a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. Robbinsdale Area schools does not endorse the services or a product provided by this resource; it is offered as a convenience to families.
Meeting Archives
2020-21 Meetings
Meetings are typically held at the New Hope Learning Center, Flex Lab; 8301 47th Ave N, New Hope MN 55428. If you'd like to attend a meeting, please RSVP to Sandra Goettl at Sandra_Goettl@rdale.org or call 763-504-8075.
Click on the date to read the agenda
2019-20 Meetings
Meetings are typically held at the New Hope Learning Center, Flex Lab; 8301 47th Ave N, New Hope MN 55428. If you'd like to attend a meeting, please RSVP to Sandra Goettl at Sandra_Goettl@rdale.org or call 763-504-8075.
- September 16, 2019: Agenda
- October 28, 2019: Agenda
- December 9, 2019: Agenda
- January 27, 2020: Agenda
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March 9, 2020 - Canceled
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May 11, 2020 - Canceled due to COVID-19
Click on the date to read the agenda
Systems Accountability Committee (SAC)
School Boards are required to establish an advisory committee to ensure active community participation in all phases of planning and improving the instruction and curriculum affecting state and district academic standards.
The district advisory committee shall pursue community support to accelerate the academic and native literacy and achievement of English learners with varied needs, from young children to adults.
Those interested in joining the Systems Accountability Committee (SAC) are asked to complete the interest form below:
Systems Accountability Committee Interest Form
Contact
Matt Pletcher
Matt_Pletcher@rdale.org
763-504-8162
2022-23
Meeting Dates
- September 28, 2022
- March 22, 2023
- May 24, 2023
Volunteers In Partnership (VIP)
Since 1975, community volunteers have been essential partners in our district's schools and programs by enhancing the learning experience of preschool through adult learners. Explore the priceless rewards of making a real difference in the lives of others.
*If you are the parent or legal guardian of a current student who attends one of our Robbinsdale Area Schools , contact your student's school or program directly for specific volunteer information and opportunities.
Learn More
- Becoming a Volunteer
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Community Support and Partnerships
- Resources for Volunteers
- Academic Volunteer Coordinators
- Resources for Staff
Becoming a Volunteer
We are committed to a positive experience for our volunteers from the moment of contact with us and throughout the time the volunteer is with our program. Volunteers are an important part of our school community and we value your involvement and dedication.
VIP coordinates community volunteers. These are defined as youth (age 16+) and adults who are not parents nor legal guardians of current students in our district. If you are a parent or guardian of a current student, please contact your student’s school or program directly about volunteering.
To become a VIP volunteer:
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Complete the Volunteer Application. Once we receive your application, we will contact you. If you prefer to first talk with the VIP staff, please contact VIP Coordinator.
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Arrange for an interview and orientation with the VIP staff. This time spent together gives us a chance to explore just the right fit for each volunteer, review important District policy information, and prepare you for the upcoming assignment. The interview/orientation lasts about an hour.
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Complete the background and/or reference checks. Adults complete online background checks via a link provided form The McDowell Agency. Two references are requested on the VIP application.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers support our students, schools, and programs in many ways, serving learners from preschool age through adults. From ongoing to one-time events, in direct service to learners to behind the scenes, each volunteer’s contribution is appreciated and makes a difference. Volunteers add value working with students at all ability levels by providing extra help for individualized instruction.
We understand matching the volunteer with an opportunity that best suits the volunteer’s interests, talents and availability helps promote a more personal, rewarding, and successful experience. Most volunteer opportunities are available during the school day and year, with some options occurring in the evening and summer. Here are just a few of the many opportunities (more information is available in the VIP Handbook ):
1-1 Helper or Small Group Leader
Focus on either tasks being completed that day in class or areas in which the learner needs extra attention to help master a skill; help in all subject areas is welcome, especially in literacy and math.
One-time Events
Provide assistance for special events or projects
Clerical Support or Classroom Helper
Assist with office duties; provide teacher prep support
Vision Screening
Receive training to conduct vision screenings for elementary school students
Grounds
Tidy plant beds in front of the school
Media Center
Check materials in and out, shelve books, assist students in finding materials
Before and After School Programs
Engage students a variety of activities; assist with school work
Story Theater
Perform with a troupe to provide dramatic readings of children’s books to preschool and elementary school students
Adult Learners
Support adults learning English, achieving citizenship, earning their General Equivalency Diploma, or gaining academic skills following a traumatic brain injury or stroke (Volunteers need to be at least 18 years old to assist adult learners)
Area of Interest
Let us know if you have a specific or unique skill you would like to share with students
Community Support and Partnerships
Commitment to Building Partnerships
Volunteers In Partnership (VIP) continues to explore opportunities with business, faith, higher education institutions, and non-profit organizations to work together to meet our mutual goals. A variety of organizations work with VIP as a reflection of their commitment to service and belief that supporting education strengthens the communities in which we live.
Corporate Partnerships
Provide academic support and enrichment programming, grants for books, matching funds for volunteers’ service hours, gift certificates to honor youth volunteers, help at special events, and financial support of the annual VIP Volunteer Recognition Event.
Faith Communities
Support our schools through the Food Pack initiative, collect Box Tops for Education, tutoring, scholarships for field trips, winter clothing and school supplies collections, in-kind contributions, and help with special events.
Higher Education Institutions
Metro area colleges and universities provide volunteers through their service learning programs, practicum placements, and more. They also collaborate with VIP to develop programs to better meet the needs of our students.
Non-Profit Organizations
Contribute volunteers, conduct workshops to expand volunteers’ skills, assist with the Food Pack initiative, help develop programming, collaborate on best volunteer management practices, and provide grants for literacy initiatives.
Secondary Schools/Youth Volunteers
High schools within our district and beyond contribute volunteers who tutor young learners, help at special events, and assist with after school programs in our elementary schools.
Resources for Volunteers
Ask LynFor helpful tips when addressing students’ behavior from a licensed Social Worker and Certified Positive Discipline Associate
Workshops
No training, tutorials, or workshops are currently scheduled.
Academic Volunteer Coordinators
VIP streamlines the placement process through our administrative office which is managed by the Coordinator and Program Specialist. In the elementary schools and the Adult Academic Program, VIP’s Academic Volunteer Coordinators (AVCs) provide on-site assistance with volunteer placements and additional support. VIP staff are committed to ensuring your experience is rewarding and our placement process is designed intentionally to prepare you for success. Volunteers are welcome to contact their AVC and/or the VIP administrative staff for assistance at any time.
Academic Volunteer Coordinators (AVCs)
Adult Academic Program
Crystal Learning Ctr. |
Julie Kleve |
763-504-8367 |
Elementary Schools
Forest |
Kara Johnson |
763-504-7951 |
|
Lakeview |
Allison Anderson |
763-504-4104 |
|
Meadow Lake |
Steve Schaupp |
763-504-7738 |
|
Neill |
Carrie Adams |
763-504-7415 |
|
Noble |
to be determined |
|
|
Northport |
Kimberly Henke |
763-504-7856 |
|
RSI* |
Kris Ahlbrecht |
763-504-4415 |
|
SEA** |
Susan Dailey |
763-504-7200 |
|
Sonnesyn |
Laura Martin |
763-504-7304 |
|
Zachary Lane |
Diane McDonald |
763-504-7304 |
* Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion **School of Engineering & Arts
Resources for Staff
Staff recognize volunteers are an important part of the educational team and add value to our classrooms and programs. It is important the volunteer and staff create a positive working relationship, rooted in mutual respect, good communication, flexibility, and shared goals for the students’ success.
Staff are encouraged to contact the VIP administrators or their site’s Academic Volunteer Coordinator if we may be of assistance at any time.
Resources for staff to effectively engage and supervise volunteers:
community volunteer Request form