Join us in celebrating Black History Month

Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion School (RSI) teacher Tatiana O'Donnell has been named a candidate for Minnesota’s 2023 Teacher of the Year award.

Students and families are invited to Cooper High School from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9 to get help completing FAFSA paperwork. 

Students, families and community members are invited to the upcoming Black History Month Celebration. The free event takes place from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8, at FAIR School Crystal, located at 3915 Adair Ave N. 

With ACCESS testing happening at the end of January, here is a reminder of testing expectations. Each student is asked to follow all state and district policies for test administration.

Students from Robbinsdale Transition Center (RTC) undertook three community-based projects last semester as part of their social interaction class. In the culminating project, they raised over $600 and purchased toys for Children's Hospitals in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Robbinsdale Area Schools Early Learning offers a variety of programming for families.

Robbinsdale Area Schools American Indian Education Program partnered with Edina Public Schools American Indian Education program to host a winter storytelling event at 6-8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 17.  The no-cost event will be held at FAIR School Crystal, 3915 Adair Ave. N. 

The Escape the Vape video challenge, a youth vaping prevention video contest, is back for 2023, and students in Robbinsdale Area Schools are invited to participate. 

For young children, understanding their little (or big) emotions can be scary. That’s why a group of students at Armstrong High School decided to focus on a project that could help young learners at Neill Elementary School.

Empty Bowls, an annual fundraiser for local food shelves, invites you to shape and glaze ceramic bowls at a series of free, fun events.

Plymouth Middle School students are performing the musical Disney’s Newsies Jr. this week. You can also see Cooper High School students at the Cooper Variety Show, 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27.

Two Mondays, Jan. 23 and Feb. 27, are non-school days. School will not be in session, but district offices are open. The 2023-24 school calendar is also available.

All are invited to the upcoming InterSchool Council (ISC) meeting at 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023. ISC is a collaboration between parent representatives and district staff.

A reminder to our students and families that toys should not be brought to school – especially those that resemble weapons.

Visit our kindergarten page to learn more about important dates and deadlines, explore our elementary schools, learn about needed immunizations, review options for before and after school care, and enroll for the 2023-24 school year.

Our exciting upcoming classes include New Wonders 6-15 months classes, Terrific Twos class and Math Rocks classes.

This year’s event will take place on Saturday, March 4 at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center. Seven Dreams will be funding a mental health project, opening Wellness Centers in our middle schools.

The newest members of our school board include ReNae Bowman, Kim Holmes and Caroline Long. Sharon Brooks Green was reelected.

West Suburban Summer School (WSSS) offers summer classes to students entering grades 2-12 in the fall of the upcoming school year.

Families with a student starting kindergarten next school year are invited to attend our upcoming magnet school information nights. Meet our staff, get a tour and learn more about what our schools have to offer.

All are invited to the upcoming InterSchool Council (ISC) meeting at 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Jan.12, 2023.

We invite you to attend our middle school information nights, where students and families can meet their future teachers and tour the facilities.

Families in need of additional support over the winter months are encouraged to visit our "Tools for Families" page for food resources, mental health support, help with housing and more.

We are asking all families to complete an Educational Benefits application. By completing an application, families may qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

Robbinsdale Area Schools students can confidentially report concerns through email at speakup@rdale.org, a phone call or text message at 763-272-7461.

The Golden Valley Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission (DEIC) is holding its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Human Rights Contest for youth. This contest is open to all Robbinsdale Area School students in grades K-12.

Robbinsdale Area Schools families and community members are invited to an All-District Choir concert at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18.

The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra has begun it's 2022-23 Northside Series -- a slate of concerts that are free of charge for northside residents, students and families.

The magnet lottery for next school year is now open. Families interested in enrolling their student in kindergarten next year at FAIR Pilgrim Lane, Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion School or the School of Engineering and Arts are invited to apply through Friday, Feb. 24. 

Students and families can enjoy two concerts at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8.

Thank an employee for all they do. In partnership with Empty Bowls, this year’s staff and teacher appreciation gift includes a handmade bowl and soup mix for $20.

The Art Is Primary student art show is available from Thursday, Dec. 8 to Tuesday, Dec. 27 at the Robbin Gallery, located at 4915 42nd Ave. N. in Robbinsdale. 

The region is experiencing a winter storm today, Nov. 29, 2022. As a result, Robbinsdale Area Schools will conduct a staggered early release. In addition, all afternoon and evening activities are canceled. 

Sometimes Robbinsdale Area Schools may be forced to close school or shift to e-learning due to extreme temperatures or significant snowfall. 

Check out some of the cool things our high school students are up to through these social media accounts and podcast.

To support students who need extra practice and skill building in Robbinsdale, 14 tutors are needed throughout the district. If you or someone you know is interested in helping students build their reading, math or early literacy/numeracy skills, you’re sure to make a difference.

During last night’s School Board meeting and community listening session, families and staff made their voices heard loud and clear. We take their concerns seriously, and we share them. 

Armstrong and Cooper high schools now have revamped athletics hubs on their websites. The new hubs offer coaches a way to keep student-athletes, families and fans informed about teams.

The production of The Outsider at Cooper High School will run from Thursday, Dec. 1 - Saturday, Dec. 3.

Our district is in the news this week for reasons that are not positive. Both Robbinsdale and Sandburg middle schools experienced separate incidents involving weapons. 

Families are invited to complete a brief survey on behalf of members of the Robbinsdale Area Schools Interschool Council (ISC), a group of parent leaders from each school/program.

As the temperatures drop, flu and winter colds become more prevalent. We ask you and your family to practice safety protocols.

Learn how to check student attendance in Infinite Campus, use our Let’s Talk platform, view lunch menus, access translations through our websites and more. Visit our Tools For Families page to access a variety of how-to videos.

Students enrolled in aerospace engineering and chemistry at Armstrong High School have the opportunity to work with engineers from NASA. As a part of the NASA Hunch program, students are designing lunar wheels, tables, work benches, and parabolic mirrors and chairs.

Three new board members have been elected to join Robbinsdale Area Schools Board of Education. The new members are Kim Holmes, ReNae Bowman and Caroline Long. The outcome of the Nov. 8 election also resulted in the election of Board Director Sharon Brooks Green, who was appointed to fill a vacant spot on Sept. 22, 2021.

The Robbinsdale Area Schools community is invited to attend a round dance hosted by the American Indian Education program. Join us from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18, at the Robbinsdale Middle School gym and cafeteria.

Find out how to help your child with friendship skills on Monday, Dec. 5, with two options to attend: in person from 8:15 to 10:15 a.m., or virtually from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. Or check out our evening preschool classes that meet two days per week from 6:15-7:45 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Ask adults of a certain age what their classroom looked like when they were students and they might tell you that it was filled with desks lined up in neat rows with a big, oversized desk in the front of the room for their teacher. Fast forward to 2022 and invite those same adults into a classroom at Armstrong, and they might end up surprised by what they see – not only how the furniture is arranged, but by the way teaching is happening. 

Come and celebrate Hispanic Heritage and Día de los Muertos with games, music, arts and crafts, concessions and more on Wednesday, Nov. 2.

Robbinsdale Cooper and Armstrong football teams will play each other this weekend for a trip to the Minnesota State High School League’s state tournament.

Enjoy a performance from the Cooper Marching Band at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5, in the Cooper Auditorium,  8230 47th Ave. N. in New Hope. Families who participate in the silent auction can bid on a guitar, movie passes, gift certificates to restaurants, a marching hawk quilt, themed baskets, and packages for local establishments.

A reminder to families, there is no school on Tuesday, Nov. 8, Election Day. 

The League of Minnesota Cities is inviting students in grades 4-6 to share ideas about how they would make cities better by submitting essays in their “Mayor for a Day” essay contest.

Students in grades 9-12 who live or attend school in Golden Valley are invited to apply to join the city’s Youth Commission. Those serving on the commission will help implement community development and create a vision for the city’s future.

Robbinsdale Area Schools (Rdale) has established three full service community schools with funding from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). Full service community schools support all aspects of students' lives to help them succeed academically. 

Robbinsdale Area Schools presents the annual Fall Music Festival at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 1 at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis.

Early Learning has some exciting upcoming events for parents and families. Family gym time starts in November. Get those wiggles out at the New Hope Learning Center Gym and explore a variety of activities with your child. 

As days get shorter, fall colors fade and colder temperatures set in, we want to remind you to make sure you have opted in to receive emergency communications from Robbinsdale Area Schools (Rdale).

Ready, Set, FAFSA is a free informational event to support local high school students with financial aid efforts. An online session will be held at 7 p.m. tonight and next week, Tuesday, Oct. 25.

Learn how to check student attendance in Infinite Campus, use our Let’s Talk platform, view lunch menus, access translations through our websites and more. 

Families can access federal funds through the Child Tax Credit. Find out if you qualify using their interactive tool on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website.

Did you know Robbinsdale Area Schools uses various platforms to communicate with families? To ensure you are receiving important communications, families are encouraged to check their Infinite Campus settings. 

A new $450,000 grant as been awarded to ServeMN, which will benefit Lakeview and Sonnesyn elementary schools to help teachers go deep into reading and spelling strategies.

Rdale's Early Learning program offers a series of parent-only workshops for those with students ages 4-8. The next workshop in the series, Encouraging Kids to be Lifelong Learners, takes place on Monday, Nov. 7.

The district has partnered with LearnPlatform to inform staff, students and families about digital resources that have been evaluated by the district's Technology Department. To see the full library of evaluated resources, please visit our student privacy page. 

Robbinsdale Armstrong High School Theater Department presents Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Shows will be held at 7 p.m., Oct. 13-15.

Reminder for students, families and staff: there is no school Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022. 

What started as an outdoor garden in 2019 through a grant from the Seven Dreams Education Foundation continues to grow and expand. And now, a second grant will allow Zachary Lane Elementary School to add pollination and sensory gardens and Kindness Rocks to their outdoor space. 

In hopes to connect with their community and expose elementary students to music programming, Armstrong and Cooper's high school marching bands recently visited each of the district's elementary schools.

All Robbinsdale Area Schools (Rdale) students are invited to participate in this year’s Minnesota Senate art contest. The deadline for drawing or photo submissions is Monday, Oct. 31.

High school students are invited to learn more about the variety of programs at Hennepin Technical College (HTC) during an open house on Thursday, Oct. 13.

Last night, Sept. 29, the freshman football team from Robbinsdale Armstrong High School played the freshman team at Chanhassen High School. During the game, Armstrong players heard a number of racial slurs directed against them and their coaching staff by members of the opposing team.

Last year the School Board voted to change the 2022-23 school year calendar. To accommodate two holidays – Yom Kippur on Oct. 5, 2022, and Eid celebrated on April 21 and 22, 2023.

Robbinsdale Area Schools offers a wide variety of Early Learning programming. Learn more about our preschool program, including evening options. We offer a variety of classes for all ages.

Robbinsdale Cooper High School's student newspaper, The Quill, earned an International First Place Award from the Quill and Scroll Society for the nine issues published during the 2021-22 school year.

Rachel Olson, Natalie Storlie, and Carly and Grant Redelsheimer, all juniors at Armstrong, make up one of three teams in the United States that received an all-expenses paid trip to Germany for the Young Economic Summit (YES!) in September. 

Before school starts, download the free Durham Bus Tracker app to view routes and scheduled stops, see messages related to route delays and track buses.

Need help with accessing your Parent Portal account? Want to learn how to navigate Schoology?

Do you want to participate in all phases of planning and improving the instruction and curriculum in Robbinsdale Area Schools?

Make sure you're following your school and the district's social media accounts to get all the latest news and information. Keep up with us by following #Rdale281. 

I am happy to report that we currently have drivers to staff all transportation routes and busing to school activities. In addition, we believe we have hired enough staff to be able to cover our routes if our drivers call out sick or need to take extended leaves. 

A reminder to families that school start times are changing beginning with the 2022-23 school year.

Starting this fall, school meals will no longer be free to all students. Students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals through the Educational Benefits application will have access to meals at no cost or a reduced cost.

With monkeypox in the news, we know students and families may be concerned about the national outbreak and how it could affect our schools. 

Students who attend public schools in Minnesota are required by state law to have specific immunizations (or written proof of exemption) before they can attend school

Every year we ask all families to complete an Educational Benefits application. This is a big request, and we ask you to take a few moments to apply right now.

Families whose students ride the bus to school should have received a postcard with transportation information in the mail. If you didn’t get a postcard, bus information can also be found in the Parent Portal.

School start dates vary by grade. Find the start dates for each grade here.

Families and staff can continue to wear face coverings and are encouraged to do so if they believe it is best for them. 

If your family has not yet scheduled your pre-screening appointment you can make an appointment by calling 763-504-4180. Staff will also be visiting schools throughout September to work with students who have not yet completed a screening. 

Visit our Tools for Families page to make an online payment, get help with our parent portal or Schoology, and learn about community resources. Check it out at rdale.org/tools

The School Board of Robbinsdale Area Schools continues to seek applicants for the Financial Advisory Council (FAC). Three seats for three-year terms are open to community members.

The Robbinsdale Area Schools department of communications and marketing recently earned eight awards from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA).

Students and their families will have an opportunity to welcome a mix of both new and familiar faces to schools across the district when classes resume this fall.

Robbinsdale Area Schools recently earned a national award recognizing the district for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021. 

Check out highlights of our graduation ceremonies for Cooper High School, Armstrong High School, Robbinsdale Virtual Academy, Robbinsdale Academy Highview, Robbinsdale Transition Center and Adult Basic Education.

The next School Board election for Robbinsdale Area Schools will take place Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. The period for filing affidavits of candidacy is Aug. 2, 2022 – Aug. 16, 2022.

The School Board of Robbinsdale Area Schools is seeking applicants for the Financial Advisory Council (FAC). There are currently three open seats for three-year terms.   

With spring sports and activities nearing an end at both Robbinsdale Armstrong and Cooper high schools, here’s a look at who’s heading to state and how teams performed.

When you drive past one of five district schools this summer, you might see some work being done. Every summer Robbinsdale Area Schools invests in its buildings to make sure they’re welcoming environments and great places for learning.

Willie Howard has been selected as the new activities director for Cooper High School. Mr. Howard has been an employee with Robbinsdale Area Schools for over 12 years. He will begin his new role effective July 1, 2022.

Michelle Kope was selected as the 2022 Robbinsdale Teacher of the Year, an award bestowed annually since 2012 by the Robbinsdale Federation of Teachers (RFT). Kope has worked for the district for 24 years as an English teacher at Cooper High School. 

Robbinsdale Area Schools will honor the achievements of its class of 2022 beginning June 3. Check out the dates and times of this year's graduation events, and learn how to catch the live streams of the Armstrong and Cooper commencement ceremonies.

Looking to try some new places to eat this summer or just get out of the house? Metro Dining Club cards are available for purchase from the district’s Human Resources Department. For $30, you receive a box with more than 130 cards from participating restaurants to use like coupons with discounts, such as $10 off a purchase of $20 or more. You can use each card once per month, meaning each card offers 12 months of savings.

Thank you to all those who shared their ideas and comments on the draft of the strategic plan framework. There were many opportunities for families, staff and others to contribute to this important work that will shape our plans going forward. 

Robbinsdale Cooper High School student newspaper, The Quill, won first in the state for Photojournalism: Sports Photo, which you can see above; they won fifth in the state for Newspaper Page Design; and they earned fourth in the state for Newspaper Feature Story.

Robbinsdale Area Schools Nutrition Services is hitting the road and serving free lunches Monday through Friday, June 13 through Aug. 12, 2022  at area parks this summer to anyone 18 and under.

The Bird Dash – a brand-new family fun run, 1K and 5K – takes place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 18, at Bassett Creek Park in Crystal. The event will benefit Seven Dreams Education Foundation, which raises funds for hands-on learning in Robbinsdale Area Schools.

Robbinsdale Virtual Academy helps each student grow through exploration, peer relationships and personalized attention from some of the best teachers in Robbinsdale – with the flexibility of a virtual learning system.

Robbinsdale Area Schools is moving to an opt-in transportation system for the 2022-2023 school year. Even though the deadline has passed for completing the opt-in form for school bus transportation for next school year, if you have not done so, we still need you to complete the form. 

There are no words that help express the profound sadness, hopelessness or anger we’re collectively feeling in the wake of another school shooting. These emotions are especially heavy on this rainy Wednesday afternoon as we learn more details about the tragedy and about the lives who were lost due to this violent act. 

Cooper High School recently earned a Silver Star Award from the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) for its "Catch-Up and Relish" program.

All families with students enrolled in Robbinsdale Area Schools must fill out a bus transportation form for the 2022-23 school year. If you haven’t already, please complete a form for each student by May 20, 2022.

Students at FAIR and SEA @FAIR Crystal this week participated in the first ever FAIR Crystal Animation Festival.

WELCOME TO 5TH GRADE, AND TO BAND. Registration is happening soon, don't miss out! WHICH INSTRUMENT WILL CHOOSE YOU?

Robbinsdale Area Schools is partnering with Hennepin Technical College (HTC) to offer the College 4 Kids Summer Program. It's a free program that provides middle school students exposure to various career pathways through hands-on courses and fun activities.

Robbinsdale Area Schools is in the process of gathering information to create a new strategic plan. We are seeking your help to develop a strategic plan that combines the current strengths of our schools with everything we’ve learned in the pandemic.

Neighborhood and Magnet Schools are hosting information nights/Open Houses. At this event, students and their families will tour the school, meet the principal, get a school supply list and learn all about what to expect at Kindergarten. 

School start times will change beginning in the 2022-23 school year. The change in start times will affect all schools in our district including elementary, middle and high schools and our Early Learning Programs.

The community is invited to two free events at HTC. The HTC open house takes place from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 28 at the college’s Brooklyn Park campus, 9000 Brooklyn Blvd. in Brooklyn Park.

Whether you are looking for entertainment inside or outdoors, our spring productions have something for everyone.

In the all-new Summer Explorers Program, each week features a different theme and adventure. Offered through Robbinsdale Area Schools Community Education, Summer Explorers invites K-5 students to have fun as they learn through science, nature and creative projects.

Robbinsdale Area Schools is seeking your input in selecting new high school science materials for the 2022-23 school year.

Check out amazing artwork from our middle and high school students at the Secondary Students Show. Visit Robbin Gallery, located at 4915 42nd Ave N. in Robbinsdale, from Thursday, April 7, through Saturday, April 30.

Eric Zuccola, who teaches English at Cooper High School and is advisor to its award-winning student newspaper The Quill, is one of 11 finalists for the 2022 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award.

Robbinsdale Area Schools is developing a new strategic plan that embraces the new realities of our world, while maintaining what continues to work for our students. We are counting on you, our staff, to share your ideas and dreams for what comes next.

The district has again received national recognition for strongly supporting and providing access to music education. Robbinsdale Area Schools recently received the 2022 Best Communities for Music Education Award from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). 

Join the Community Golf Classic, from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 21. This is a four-person scramble event that will take place at New Hope Village Golf course, 8130 Bass Lake Rd. in New Hope. 

Ask anyone who has attended a powwow and they will likely describe the amazing sights and sounds they witnessed. They might tell you how they heard drum beats that matched the rhythm of their hearts. Or that the skilled and graceful dancers wore beautiful and elaborate regalia (traditional clothing) crafted with vibrant colors as they circled the dance area.

The Seven Dreams Education Foundation’s Bird Bash on April 9 raised funds for Reinvigorating Band and Orchestra: Spreading the Joy of Music to All Students. The goal of this project is to revitalize Robbinsdale Area Schools band and orchestra programs by welcoming all students and building community. 

Career and College Now! is a great opportunity for incoming students in grades 9-12 to take college courses -- earning both high school and college credits.

Connect with other parents, learn ways to promote children’s kindergarten readiness skills, and discover ideas to support literacy, math, and social-emotional development over the summer.

Robbinsdale Area Schools offers a variety of no- cost, engaging camps and programs for all ages coming this summer, like academic camps, CDF Freedom Schools, a cosmetology sampler, College 4 Kids, and more. The district is also offering fee-based school-age child care this summer.

Join us as we explore the relationship between Native people and the environment during this engaging series of conversations to be held over three nights

Robbinsdale Indian Education, in partnership with Manidoo Ogitigaan – The Spirit’s Garden, invites the community to our spring powwow. Experience singing, dancing, and other honored traditions from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, at  Armstrong High School.

With the support of the Seven Dreams Education Foundation, Robbinsdale Area Schools has added 2,000 books and eBooks to our school libraries. We are grateful to our community for their support and generosity.

Cooper High School teacher Brooke Schaffer was recently awarded a BestPrep Educator of Excellence Award. The Educator of Excellence Award recognizes the top 2 percent who go above and beyond in their commitment to educating youth in Minnesota.

In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, Robbinsdale’s graduation rate climbed to 83.1 percent in 2021, an increase of 2.9 percentage points compared to the district’s 2020 graduation rate of 80.2 percent. It’s also the highest graduation rate in nine years.

Sophia Pung from Armstrong High School (AHS) and Morgan Stromberg from Cooper High School (CHS) have been selected as their school’s 2022 Athena Award winners.

With winter sports and activities nearing an end at both Robbinsdale Armstrong and Cooper high schools, here’s a look at who’s heading to state and how teams performed.

I am inviting you to join me in creating a better school district. It is time to develop a new strategic plan that embraces the new realities of our world, while maintaining what continues to work for our students.

Last school year the district introduced a new safety tool called Gaggle, which is designed to promote cyber safety. Our district is now using a Gaggle feature called Speak Up, a confidential safety tip line for students. It provides a mechanism for students to share concerns regarding school safety.

Hennepin County Public Health is hosting free COVID-19 vaccine clinics March 10, 24 and 31, from 1-6 p.m., at the Brookdale Library.

Join the upcoming Special Education Advisory Council meeting from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 14. The Summer Programming Resource Fair will include information from Three Rivers Parks, the City of Brooklyn Park, Reach for Resources, Robbinsdale Area Schools, and GiGi’s Playhouse. 

Cooper High School will host its Fine Arts/IB Expo from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 21.

Everyone is invited to the Bird Bash on Saturday, April 9. Put on your party attire and enjoy dinner, games, music and auctions at the Marriott Northwest.

In recognition of Women's History Month, local Indigenous female leaders share their stories and experiences. Join us for this virtual event from 6 to 7:15 p.m. on Monday, March 28, 2022.

VIDEO: Rose McGee, a resident of Robbinsdale Area Schools and founder of Sweet Potato Comfort Pie, provided her renown dessert to students in the district on Feb. 25. McGee talks about working with the district was so meaningful and why having the chance to provide students with the "sacred dessert" of Black people was so meaningful to her.

Early Childhood Programming registration for the 2022-23 school year opens at 8 a.m. Monday, March 28.

Four schools recently sent teams to the Regional Math Masters Competition. Fourth-grade students from Zachary Lane, Lakeview, FAIR Pilgrim Lane, and Neill participated. Congratulations to the Zachary Lane team, which took first place in the team round.  

Face coverings and masks will now be optional across Robbinsdale Area Schools effective Thursday, March 3. This includes inside all schools and sites and aboard all school buses and vans, and applies to spectators and guests at district-sanctioned activities and events.

VIDEO: Students from Plymouth Middle School and Armstrong and Cooper high schools took time to deliver a number of spoken word performances in honor of Black History Month. 

VIDEO: FAIR School Crystal, a middle school dedicated to fine arts, has an acclaimed school choir, which took the time to perform two songs for Black History Month.

We are happy to share that the district now has two kinds of COVID tests available for students and families: BD Veritor rapid antigen home tests, and Vault (ACON Flowflex) supervised rapid antigen home tests. 

Cooper High School’s student newspaper “The Quill” was awarded a First Class designation from the National Scholastic Press Association for its 2020-2021 issues.

While it seems like summer is still far away, it will be here before we know it. As families begin exploring summer  options, keep our programs in mind.

Learn more about this year’s band and orchestra project and why it matters to our students.

The annual K-12 District Art Show is almost here. You can view our student artwork on display at the Brookdale Library.

Looking for a fun family activity? Check out Armstrong’s production of High School Musical.

As a district, Robbinsdale Area Schools, in partnership with Cooper High School, assert this incident occurred as described. This incident has caused trauma to the Cooper High School girls basketball team and the school community as a whole. We believe our Cooper student-athletes and coaches and the first-person statements they’ve made regarding the incident. 

In celebration of I Love to Read month, we have put together a list of fun and engaging activities for our students to participate in.

Have you ever wondered how and when your school or the district will contact you when an incident affects students?

The Basement is especially designed for students in middle school as they grow into responsible teens.

Summer Adventure Club goes on one to two field trips each week. Some of the trips your child may attend include bowling, parks, water parks, zoos, walks around the community, and museums.

Armstrong and Cooper high schools have a number of students who earned all-conference music honors this year.

A number of student-athletes from Armstrong and Cooper high schools participated in National Signing Day on Feb. 2. At the signing day events, student-athletes signed letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at colleges and universities across the country. 

In celebration of I Love to Read month, we have put together a list of fun and engaging activities for families to participate in.

In our efforts to incorporate student voice into professional development for our staff, we asked students to talk about their feelings regarding use of the N-word in their schools. 

A reminder of some important dates this month.

Armstrong High School junior Noah Breker was recently named the 2021-22 Gatorade Minnesota Boys Cross Country Player of the Year.

Armstrong seniors James Higgins and Nora Conzemius, and Cooper seniors Morgan Stromberg and Tarnue David have been nominated for this year’s Minnesota State High School League Triple “A” Award.

Seniors Amanda Bratsch, from Armstrong High School, and Andrew Tan, from Cooper High School have been named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.

This week is National School Counseling Week, bringing attention to the impact of school guidance counselors in helping our students be successful in school. 

Looking for some Friday night entertainment? The Cooper High School Music Department is hosting its annual Variety Show at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25 in the Cooper Auditorium.

This winter and spring, Robbinsdale Area Schools students in grades 5, 8, 9 and 11 will be participating in the Minnesota

This winter and spring, Robbinsdale Area Schools students in grades 5, 8, 9 and 11 will be participating in the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey (MSS).

In celebration of I Love to Read month, we have put together a list of fun activities.

In celebration of I Love to Read month, we have put together a list of fun and engaging activities involving reading.

With winter sports and activities nearing an end at both Robbinsdale Armstrong and Cooper high schools, here’s a look at who’s heading to state and how teams performed.

This year’s Bird Bash has been rescheduled. We hope you can join us at 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 9.

The recording for Equity in Education: Reimagining Education through a Diverse Lens is now available. 

Robbinsdale Area Schools will welcome students and staff back to our schools on Monday, Jan. 31, as we resume in-person learning at all sites.

Join us tonight as we explore ways to end “business as usual” in public education and discuss education through racially and culturally diverse perspectives.

A reminder that school start times will change beginning in the 2022-23 school year.

Our Indian Education Department is hosting an annual winter storytelling event and we hope you can join us.

January is National School Board Recognition Month, and we'd like to express our gratitude to our School Board members.

Gov. Tim Walz has proclaimed this week, Jan. 24–30, 2022, as Paraprofessional Recognition Week. 

Students and staff during school, students participating in district-sanctioned athletics, activities, performances and events, across all grade levels, will be subject to Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) COVID-19 protocols. These guidelines are different from the updates the district made earlier this week.

District is extending this period of distance learning at all district schools through Friday, Jan. 28.

Congratulations to Cooper High School’s AVID students who ranked in the top 20 for the 2022 Educational Forum Student Spotlight Competition.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently updated their isolation and quarantine recommendations for individuals who have tested positive for, or have symptoms of, COVID-19, or who have been exposed to the virus. 

School Board member Helen Bassett has been elected as the newest chair of the Robbinsdale Area Schools Board of Education. 

A message was shared with families earlier today that beginning Tuesday, Jan. 18, through Friday, Jan. 21. Students will return to in-person learning on Tuesday, Jan. 25.

Our communities are always changing. New immigrants arrive bringing with them new foods, languages, and traditions.

Increase your understanding of your neighbors, their culture, history, and experiences through the free Who are Our Neighbors series.

The Seven Dreams Education Foundation collects used musical instruments that are repurposed and used by our students. 

School meal bundles can be picked up at eight sites in the district  from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Additionally, two sites will have an evening pick up from 3:30-5:30 p.m. 

We had hoped to continue with in-person learning without disruption, but many of our staff have tested positive or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. As a result, all district schools will shift to distance learning beginning Tuesday, Jan. 18, through Friday, Jan. 21. Students will return to in-person learning on Tuesday, Jan. 25.

Robbinsdale Indian Education would like to invite you to attend upcoming Ojibwe and Dakota language tables: free, informal classes – offered virtually and open to everyone.

Due to the current number of positive and symptomatic COVID cases among students and staff at Armstrong High School and Sandburg Middle School, we made the decision today to shift to distance learning beginning Thursday, Jan. 6, through Monday, Jan. 17. Students will return to in-person learning on Tuesday, Jan. 18.

With school set to resume on Monday, Jan. 3, Robbinsdale Area Schools would like to remind families that students who are not feeling well should stay home from school. 

Local and state law enforcement do not believe threats through this challenge are credible.

A reminder to families there is no school Monday, Dec. 20 through Friday, Dec. 31. Classes will resume in the new year on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022.

The district is changing two days on the 2021-22 school calendar due to educational challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In-person school will not take place on Friday, Jan. 14, and Friday, Feb. 18, 2022. Instead, students will engage in learning activities from home.

During winter break, families will receive postcards from transportation with updated bus route information. They will be sent through the U.S. Postal Service to your address on record.

If your student is using their device over winter break, our safety management tool, called Gaggle, will continue to proactively identify potential safety concerns online.

Winter has arrived, and, we want to remind families to make sure their students stay safe and warrm. 

Although it is too early to know how this potential storm will impact us, we do not expect to call off school for tomorrow. However, we will be watching the weather forecast closely.

For families looking to enroll their students at FAIR School Pilgrim Lane, Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion (RSI), and the School for Engineering and Arts (SEA), the magnet lottery for kindergarten is now open. The deadline to apply for the lottery is Feb. 25, 2022. Interested families can apply at magnetlottery.rdale.org.

Robbinsdale Area Schools provides a list of resources available to families over the holidays or any time.

To help with worsening road and travel conditions, Robbinsdale Area Schools will dismiss all grade levels early today, Friday, Dec. 10, due to heavy snowfall. In addition, all afternoon and evening activities are canceled. 

Join us virtually for our annual World's Best Workforce public meeting from 5-6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021.

Robbinsdale Area Schools joins Gov. Tim Walz and the state of Minnesota in recognizing Dec. 6-12, 2021, as Inclusive Schools Week.

To ensure a smooth transition of rerouting buses on Jan. 3, we need to begin making updates in our student information system starting Friday, Dec. 10. This means we will not be able to use Infinite Campus or the Durham Bus app to notify families of late or canceled buses during this time.

Winter’s coldest months are nearly upon us, so this is a good time to remind families that sometimes Robbinsdale Area Schools may be forced to close school because of extreme temperatures or significant snow.

Be sure to visit the district’s weather closing website to learn more about the process that goes into determining if a school closure is necessary, as well as the ways you’ll be notified about cancelations.

Robbinsdale Cooper Theatre will be live on stage again when Clue opens at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 2, at the Cooper High School auditorium.

General admission tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students at the box office. All guests need to be masked.

Winter courses are now available through Robbinsdale Community Education.

Whether your next adventure includes oil pastel drawings, glassworking, or an introduction to ham radio, there is something for everyone with 190 courses to choose from. Explore winter classes today!

Hennepin Healthcare is hosting its Black Men with Stethoscopes Youth Summit from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4 at its Clinic and Specialty Center in the Stillman Community Room, Level 1, which is located at 715 South 8th St. in Minneapolis.

District to host COVID vaccine mini-clinics Wednesday, Dec. 8. At these clinics, eligible people will be able to receive their first or second dose, or booster of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

Robbinsdale Area Schools will hold its annual World's Best Workforce public meeting from 5-6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 9.

Join the virtual meeting to learn how the district is addressing its World's Best Workforce goals. Virtual meeting information can be found on our district calendar.

By applying for educational benefit, you support your school community by providing funding for counseling services and social workers, technology funding, Early Childhood education funding, and reduced fees for athletics, instrument rentals and more.

Th district asks that every family apply every year. If you prefer a paper application, please contact us at 763-504-8050. Complete your application today!

’Tis the season for spreading kindness and cheer. It’s also a great time to thank a Robbinsdale School District employee and support a dedicated organization that works on behalf of the district. When you make a $20 contribution to the Seven Dreams Education Foundation, you can thank a staff member with a small gift and, at the same time, support the Foundation to provide extra educational opportunities in Robbinsdale Area Schools. 

We would like to remind families that students have access to COVID-19 test kits. The saliva test kits are available for take-home use by both students and staff. 

The state is looking to gather the voices of all educators, all enrolled families, and students in grades six through 12, regarding their public school experiences through participation in the MN Safe Learning Survey. The survey is open through Wednesday, Nov. 24.

Beginning Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, we will be able to transport about 430 students who have not had an active bus route to and from school.

Children aged 12-17 who receive their vaccination series before the end of 2021 are eligible for a $200 Visa Gift Card as well as other incentives.

A reminder to families: face coverings are required for all preK-12 students, staff and visitors over the age of 2 – regardless of vaccination status – while on the school bus, or while indoors at all schools and district facilities.

This week is American Education Week, honoring those who work in our nation’s public schools.

After waiting 25 years to get back to the state tournament, the Robbinsdale Cooper High School football team is one win away from a chance to compete for a state championship.

Today, Give to the Max Day (Thursday, Nov. 18), please consider a gift to the Seven Dreams Education Foundation (SDEF).

Our schools honored our veterans in a variety of ways this past week.

This time of year some families may need additional support. You can find community support including meal and gift programs on our website, under ”Other helpful resources.”

Due to supply chain issues, families should expect menu changes in the coming days and weeks. Not only do these supply chain issues impact our district’s school meal program, but are also impacting other school districts, restaurants and businesses across the nation. 

This Give to the Max Day (Thursday, Nov. 18), please consider a gift to the Seven Dreams Education Foundation (SDEF). 

Visit our upcoming All About Kindergarten Event and find the best choice for your child. Ask questions and learn all you need to know about our schools. Meet our staff and have some fun!

Join us from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, at Cooper High school.

Let’s Talk! Do you have a question and don’t know who to contact? Want to provide us with feedback? 

This new site, in the former Office Max building next to the Panda Garden Buffet, offers free testing for people experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

We hope you can join us Nov. 8 for our Fall Music Festival

Don’t forget, there is no school for all students on Oct. 21 and 22.

Jessica Richter has been a specialist in the field of early childhood for 19 years and is thrilled to work for Robbinsdale Area Schools as the new Early Learning Supervisor of the Early Childhood department.

Check out the exhibit “Artists Who Teach'' currently on display at the Robbin Gallery in Robbinsdale.

Paul Magnuson, author and Robbinsdale Area Schools alumnus, returned home this week and visited classrooms at Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion and FAIR Pilgrim Lane.

Students from the Cooper Step Team are making blankets for upcoming fundraisers. The team is looking for fleece fabric, new and used, which may include blankets.

Looking for employment or know someone who might be? Plan to attend the upcoming job fair,  2-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3.

This week is National School Bus Safety Week. Wave and thank your drivers who keep our students safe!

Visit a kindergarten open house and find the best Robbinsdale Area School for your child.

Please complete the Transportation Opt-Out Survey by Friday, October 15.

Learn about the additional steps Robbinsdale Area Schools is taking to address the bus driver shortage.

Sharon Brooks Green was appointed to the Board and will serve beginning Monday, Nov. 1, 2021.

Meet the new head of Community Education for Robbinsdale Area Schools

With humility, I apologize for the serious transportation issues affecting our students, families and schools this week.

Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 8, Robbinsdale Area Schools will provide Vault saliva test kits for both students and staff to be administered at home over Zoom. 

The School Board of Robbinsdale Area Schools is seeking applicants for a vacant School Board Director seat. There is currently one open seat with a term set to expire on Dec. 31, 2022.

Read more to learn about important COVID plans for the 2021-22 school year

With the first day of school quickly approaching, this is a reminder of the immunization requirements for students enrolled in Robbinsdale Area Schools.

Robbinsdale Area Schools recently earned the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO).

With the first day of school rapidly approaching, we know many families have started making plans for their student’s return.

Beginning Monday, July 19, 2021 all Board of Education meetings, to include Special meetings, Regular meetings, Work Sessions and Listening Times, will now be held in-person at the district Education Service Center.

Every summer the district takes on construction and maintenance projects that are part of a long-term facilities maintenance (LTFM) plan.

The School Board for Robbinsdale Area Schools is seeking candidates for the Financial Advisory Council (FAC).

The district is making a number of updates to its Safe Learning Practices.

See the latest news included in our Discover family and community newsletter!

Robbinsdale Area Schools demonstrated consistent strength with a four-year graduation rate of 80.2 percent in 2020.

The recording is now available for those who missed the Community Reads event on Wednesday, June 2, 2021.

Families who are eligible for free or reduced meals for the 2020-2021 school year may qualify for an additional meal benefit. 

A  second round of community mini-vaccination clinics are scheduled to start next week at Robbinsdale Middle School

The District will celebrate its class of 2021 beginning today with festivities culminating next week. 

Next week's mini-vaccination clinics at Armstrong and Cooper High Schools and Robbinsdale Middle School will now be open to the public as well as students.

See the latest news included in our Discover family and community newsletter!

The recording for our event Indigenous From the Americas: Building Solidarity Between Latinos and American Indian People is now available.

Over the summer, students in Robbinsdale Area Schools will have a unique opportunity to remain connected to their education, but also their community, thanks to a historical program being offered.

Check out this week's Virtual High Fives for May 26, 2021!

The recording is now available for our event An Epidemic Within a Pandemic!

Robbinsdale Area Schools now has a virtual, online school option for all students, and if your scholar excelled in a distance learning environment, RVA may be the right fit for your family. 

A letter from Interim Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Burrage regarding the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s untimely death.

District middle and high schools hosting mini-vaccination clinics starting this week.

Parents and Guardians of incoming kindergartners for the school year 2021-2022 are invited to attend this virtual event!

We hope you can join us for our virtual Community Reads Event!  Register for the reading event and discussion, and receive the book for free!

Indian Education is hosting a new guest speaker series. Guest Speaker Dr. Gabriela Spears-Rico will be discussing Indigenous from the Americas: Building Solidarity between Latinos and American Indian People. 

Learn more about our upcoming Colleg 4 Kids program!

This communication regarding face coverings was shared wuith staff and families on May 14.

Annette Davis, an education assistant in a center-based special education setting at Cooper High School, has been named 2021 Education Assistant (EA) of the Year by the Robbinsdale Federation of Teachers.

Check out this week's Virtual High Fives for May 11, 2021!

Incoming 9th through 12th grade students are eligible to participate in a tuition-free, three-week cosmetology program. Saint Paul College instructors will guide students via Zoom.

Accelerate learning with Robbinsdale Area Schools summer academic program! In-person and virtual sessions will be offered in June and July for students currently in Kindergarten through 8th grade.

Robbinsdale Area Schools will be adopting new instructional materials for Mathematics K-12. Visit the in-person vendor fair, May 3-5 -- or the online fair, May 1-10.

College and Career Now! is a free program for incoming students in 9th through 12th grade. Students take college courses, earning both high school and college credits.

Storytelling is a key part of literacy, no matter what language a person speaks. That’s why teachers in the Family Literacy program for adult learners and their preschool age children developed a unique, collaborative project for their students.

See the latest news included in our Discover family and community newsletter!

Lakeview Elementary School second grade teacher Susan Cunningham has been named 2021 Teacher of the Year by the Robbinsdale Federation of Teachers.

Robbinsdale Redesign, which is the school district’s family service collaborative, recently won a state award for its efforts in preventing child abuse and neglect.

Armstrong High School senior Mio Aoki-Sherwood has achieved a feat very few students nationwide accomplish: a perfect score on the ACT test.

The following statement will be shared with the media in an effort to dispel rumors.

From Dr. Burrage: Today continues to be a challenging day for our students and staff at Plymouth Middle School. I’m writing to you in an effort to dispel rumors that are making their way around social media and may be shared in other ways.

Updated information about the firearm incident today at Plymouth Middle School.

The School Board approved a plan to launch a new STEAM middle school program at FAIR School Crystal beginning in the fall of the 2021-2022 academic year.

In December 2020, the School Board voted to change school start times, but didn’t determine when the change would happen. At the Monday, April 19 meeting, the Board voted unanimously in favor of making the shift beginning in the 2022-23 school year. 

The School Board of Robbinsdale Area Schools has selected David Engstrom as the preferred candidate to be the district's next superintendent.

See the latest news included in our Discover family and community newsletter!