Main Navigation - Mobile

Richfield High School

Spartan School News, Dec. 21, 2020

Subscribe to Alerts
Spartan School News, Dec. 21, 2020
Spartan School News

From the Principal

Dear Spartan Families,
 
The new schedule for distance learning is starting to settle into a productive routine for our RHS family. As we are all adjusting to the changes with additional synchronous time, I want to make sure families know we continue to adjust to support learning. Our partnership created what we want to be a supportive schedule for learning. It’s important that students see your support and communication regarding their school attendance and academic progress. It shows them that you understand how important their education is, and helps students view it as a priority as they become increasingly more responsible for their education as they grow older. Please contact your child’s AIR Pod teacher with any questions or any ideas in ways to support your child.
 
Special Thanks to the RHS Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
The RHS PAC is a new advisory group formed this year. It is a group of parents that meet monthly to support our continuous improvement efforts through advising on practices, policies and decisions within the building. They also have completed an assessment and have three targeted goal areas to lead for change. Those areas are marketing, engagement and academic support and electives. The group has already done great work in setting goals and advising for upcoming events. We need your perspective. If you are interested in serving as a part of the RHS Parent Advisory Council, please call me at 612-798-6101 or email me at stacy.theien-collins@rpsmn.org.

In partnership,

Stacy Theien-Collins, Principal
 

Special Announcements

Meal Distribution Schedule During Winter Recess

Monday, Dec. 21

  • Centennial Elementary from 4-6 p.m.
  • Richfield Middle School from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (Adult Meal pickup) 


Tuesday, Dec. 22

  • Richfield STEM Elementary 7-9 a.m.
  • Sheridan Hills Elementary 7-9 a.m. 
  • Richfield High School 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
  • Meal delivery 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

More information available on the Nutrition Services page: https://www.richfieldschools.org/depts-progs/nutrition

Automated Student Progress Updates

If you’re looking for a way to stay up to date on your child’s academics, you can use automated emails through Schoology, which will send you a daily or weekly email with key information on grades, missing assignments and more.

Parent Email Digest

This report includes your child’s classes, their current grade in each course and their attendance.

Overdue Submissions Email

This includes information on any late/missing assignments with details on when the item was due and for which class.

Getting Started

To set up or manage these emails, log into your Schoology parent account and follow these steps:

  1. Click the arrow on the top right of Schoology.
  2. Select a child from the list that appears in the drop-down menu.
  3. Once you're viewing the child's account, click the downfacing arrow again.
  4. Select Settings.
  5. From the Notifications tab, you can elect to receive one or both of two email summaries:
  6. To receive the Parent Email Digest, select On in your Email Summary menu. You can receive emails on a daily or weekly basis. 
  7. To receive the Overdue Submissions Email, select On in the Email Notification menu.
  8. Click Save Changes to update your settings.

Need Access? If you do not have a Schoology parent account, please email our technology help desk and request an account: support@richfieldpublicschools.samanage.com.

Learn More

For more detailed information on setting up or managing these emails, please visit the Schoology Parent Email web page in English or Spanish.
 

CCR @ AIR Pod

Many thanks to CCR @ AIR Pod Guest Speaker Nelson Soto, who shared his words of wisdom with us this week. Nelson encouraged students to “hold yourself accountable to do well” and spoke about how being bilingual is a valuable asset for his career. He recalled how college life brought him “new experiences, new people, new choices and new freedoms.” He remembered favorite classes from his time at RHS, including learning how to cook, a skill he uses daily to make himself healthy meals. He encouraged students to “take hard classes” and never “sell yourself short.” He also gave a great plug for moderator Mr. Caruso’s coding classes, wishing that they had been offered when he was a student. If you missed the presentation, you can watch it here.

We appreciate the willingness of our speakers to share their post-secondary pathways with our students. If you, or someone you know, would be willing to join us virtually to share yours, please reach out to CCR Program Coordinator, Julie Magnuson. Thank you! 

Parenting Webinars

The pandemic has affected all of us and created stress and anxiety for many families. To help you navigate these changes and the challenges that come with parenting during the pandemic, our school social workers, counselors and family outreach workers are teaming up with the Spark and Stitch Institute to bring you an engaging and practical course that will help to guide and support you as we head into the new year.

Kickoff for "Connected: How to Show Up For Your Kids in the Digital Age" 

  • Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020 (2 p.m. English, 3:15 p.m. Spanish)

Learn more about this workshop and register online. It is free for RPS families!

From the Activities Office

Upcoming Events

Please check for the most up-to-date schedule and for any changes: https://rhs.richfieldschools.org 

Monday, Dec. 21

  • 8:50 a.m. Mindful moment: Students will be led through a guided meditation each Monday morning before classes begin. This will help students feel calm and focused as they start their week. 

Monday, Dec. 21 and Tuesday, Dec. 22

  • 9 a.m. Synchronous AIR Pod 
  • All academic classes: Asynchronous/Independent work days. No synchronous instruction. 

Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020-Jan. 3, 2021

  • Winter recess: NO SCHOOL

Monday, Jan. 4, 2021

  • School Resumes
     

Parent Resources

Peachjar Digital Flyers

  • We are replacing paper flyers with digital flyers through Peachjar. You can find more information on our school website. You should have received an email from the District with more information. If you have any questions, please contact liz.morales@rpsmn.org or melissa.glavas@rpsmn.org, who are two of our school flyer admins.

Technology Resources

MDH COVID Resources for Families

Virtual RHS Media Center

Spartans, did you know you can request books from the media center? 

  • In the portal, look for the Destiny image 
  • Click on the Destiny link > Select Richfield High School > Click "Log in" (upper right corner) 
  • Enter your Chromebook username and password (the Google login option is not working yet)
  • Use the search bar at the top of the screen to look for books, including e and audio formats. Selections can be placed on hold, marked as favorites, etc.
  • Click on the triple line (hamburger) menu in the upper left corner to view your checkouts, books on hold, favorites, and more 
  • Mrs. Anderson and Ms. Glavas will work with you to arrange a pick up for any holds you request. Email us or call 612-798-6319.

Counselor's Corner

Counselor Contact Info 

Information for all Grades

  • Earn Scholarship Money Right Now! Did you know that you can start earning scholarships right now? RaiseMe is an organization that partners with colleges to assist students with earning micro-scholarships. A micro-scholarship is an amount of money that students are eligible to earn based on individual achievements throughout grades 9-12. For example, one institution might award $100 for earning an A in algebra; another might award $300 for the same achievement. These scholarships are awarded by the colleges and universities that partner with RaiseMe. Each college determines what achievements they want to award and how much students can earn per achievement. The amount earned via RaiseMe represents the minimum amount of institutional aid that the college will award you if you are accepted and enroll in their school. (source: raise.me) 
  • Need to Access Naviance? Naviance is a web-based, post-secondary planning tool that is used in AIR Pods to assist students with self-exploration and college and career research. Counselors and teachers use this tool to facilitate the college application process. You can access your Naviance account through your student portal—there’s no need for a separate sign in or a special code. Just click the “Clever” icon to get started!!

Information for 9th-11th Grade Girls

  • Summer Scholars Program for Girls—Application deadline is March 1, 2021
    • The Joyce Ivy Foundation Summer Scholars Program provides scholarships for talented, high-achieving young women from the Midwest to participate in academic summer programs at some of the country's top colleges: Barnard | Brown | Cornell | Emory | Harvard | Johns Hopkins | MIT | Smith | UChicago | Wash U | Yale
    • Scholarships may be awarded based on merit and financial need. Several virtual information sessions are being offered that include presentations from Joyce Ivy alumnae.
    • The online application is now open. For questions, students may ask their counselor for application assistance.

Information for Freshmen

  • Ninth-graders! How will you take care of yourself during the winter break? Can you commit to getting some fresh air every day? Can you send a message of gratitude to at least three loved ones? Can you make sure to rest your body and your mind? Remember that this is a break, so take it! Before Wednesday, make a list of a few things you will do to get refreshed for January and finals. Remember to hit me up if you have any questions or need any support: morgan.kelley@rpsmn.org or text/call my Google Voice at ‪651-456-8869‬. Take care!

Information for Sophomores

  • Hey sophomores! Looking for something interesting to do over winter break? It is not too early to start exploring college campuses virtually. We will emphasize campus visits more in the junior year, but now is a good time to get a general understanding of the types of things that are offered on a college campus. This video highlights one option available for virtual campus visits on youvisit.com. The video also gives you a tiny glimpse into Ms. Okey’s experience as a college student. So many great memories!

Information for Juniors

  • Genesys Works - Learn more about how junior students can apply for a paid internship in 2021-22!
    • RHS is fortunate to be in its 11th year partnering with Genesys Works, a PAID internship and college preparation program, where junior students can apply starting Jan. 1. Through the free summer training program, students gain real-world skills like public speaking, Microsoft Office, networking and business technology. After summer training, students will have the opportunity to obtain a paid corporate internship during their senior year at a top Twin Cities company like Toro, Target Corporation, Optum, Best Buy, or Ameriprise Financial, all while earning $14,000 their senior year. GW interns also receive college and career support—in fact, 100% of GW students are accepted to college! 
    • The GW MISSION is to provide pathways to career and college success for high school students in these categories:
      • on track to graduate
      • eligible for free/reduced lunch status
      • first-generation college applicants
    • For more information, check out this short video by clicking on this link. Although the application opens on Jan. 1, 2021, interested students should complete this link now.
       
  • Opportunity for a FREE remotely-proctored ACT practice test—Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021
    • RHS juniors have been invited to participate in a Remote Proctoring ACT Practice Test! Interested students must complete this form to submit their information before the Jan. 6 deadline in order to be considered for this opportunity. The information requested will enable ACT to send unique credentials for use on the practice test day and to collect information to help ensure the validity of the experience. If selected, ACT will contact the students through the email address they provide prior to the practice test day with additional information. Just prior to the practice test day, students will be sent the unique credentials they will need in order to participate. (*Devices NOT supported at this time are: Chromebooks, mobile or touchscreen devices, and Apple M1 hardware. See www.act.org/RP for full details.)

Information for Juniors & Seniors

Information for Seniors

  • It’s FINANCIAL AID Time!! - ALL families are encouraged to complete the FAFSA or MN Dream Act. It’s not too late—start today! Remember, you’re completing the application for the year for which you will use the money. (Current seniors should complete the 2021-2022 application.)
     
  • MnACC Student of Color Scholarship - MnACC is excited to provide scholarships for students of color who are in pursuit of higher education. Students who are awarded this scholarship will receive a one-time award ranging between $500 to $2,500 to be used towards their education during the 2021-2022 academic year.
      
  • Schedule Changes & College Applications - Nearly all college applications will ask you to list your senior year courses. Colleges will then factor that information when evaluating your admission application. If you want to change a CORE COURSE (math, social studies, English, science) at semester, you need to reach out to your colleges to ask if/how that change may impact your admission decision.
     
  • Community Service Hours - The drastic changes to “normal” life and school have many seniors concerned about how to complete the 15 community service hours required for graduation. Fear not! As with everything else this year, we need to think about this in a new way. Service is NOT limited to volunteering at the local community center; instead, the opportunities are all around us. Many students have taken on more responsibilities in their homes and for their families. That COUNTS! If you are helping siblings with school, providing childcare, caring for a family member, count it! Complete the Community Service Hours Submission Form detailing the service you have completed. We will be sharing additional service opportunities as they become available.

Resources

Graduation

College Application

Financial Aid

Social-Emotional Learning: At Home Connection

As we head into Winter Break, we want to go over a few resources that may be helpful for families to know. 

Updated Benefit Information: High schoolers NOW can qualify for unemployment benefits. IF you have a high schooler who lost their job for COVID-19 related reasons, here is what they need to apply:

  • Social Security number
  • Driver's license number or other state government identification number
  • Employment history for the last 18 months 
  • Your bank account number and routing number, if you want direct deposit
  • Deadline to apply is December 26, 2020
  • Start here: https://uimn.org/applicants/

Community Food Resource: VEAP, food pantry, call/text: 952-888-9616

This week, we are providing some ideas to our students for safe activities to stay busy during a pandemic. Here are a few:

  • Bake! Share with neighbors and friends—leave them front door surprises
  • Host a virtual game night—virtual games like Charades, Scattergories, Family Feud are some ideas that are fun!
  • Puzzles—get anyone in your house involved
  • Art—no matter what age, coloring, painting, and drawing always feel good
  • Watch a movie series in order—such as Harry Potter, Star Wars, Avengers
  • Bundle up and take a winter hike
  • Do some virtual cooking with friends of family you aren’t able to see 
  • Get some online video gaming going with friends
  • Pick a book and create a virtual book club for over break
  • Hope for snow so you can sled, build a snowman, shovel for a neighbor, and have a fun family snowball fight!

Take Care and Reach Out,

Your RHS School Social Workers,

Marisa Zimmerman: Marisa.Zimmerman@rpsmn.org
Jill Carlton: Jill.Carlton@rpsmn.or

Student Pride Award

Each week, our staff will nominate students who go above and beyond in our community through contributions to academics, supporting peers, community service, participation in school leadership, kindness, etc. 

This week's Student Spotlight: Cormac Bartlett!

“Cormac has shown a passion for learning languages since I've met him. He asks incredible questions about grammar rules, etymology of words and finds patterns that help him with the several languages he's working on. In addition to being driven to learn, Cormac's presence in class is vital in maintaining a community/family feel in our AP language class. He checks in on peers, cheers on others when they share successes and is empathetic and caring to everyone.” -Madame Steele 

“Cormac’s leadership in RHS is undeniable. He is the first to step in when opportunities for student voice and perspective arise and his thoughtful feedback has influenced a variety of policies and practices in place today.” -Ms. Vala

“Cormac is such a talented student leader. He courageously speaks his truth and is kind and friendly to everyone.” -Ms. Zimmerman

“Cormac has an infectious smile that compliments his passionate interest in whatever content topic he is learning! His questions are thoughtful and he always aims to understand the material at a deeper level. Danke Cormac!” -Frau Kaiser

Staff Spotlight

Kristine Scholz, English Teacher

Hello Spartan Families!

My name is Kris Scholz, and I am a math teacher at RHS. This is my 19th year teaching in the district, 17th at high school. I started my teaching career at Richfield Middle School as a 7th grade math teacher. I looped with that group of students, and taught them again in 8th grade. After 2 years at the middle school, I moved up to the high school where I taught some of those students for 6 years. It was a great way to start my teaching career building some great relationships with students! Currently, I teach Intermediate Algebra and ACC Math, a math intervention course. 

I grew up in Stillwater, MN, where I attended Stillwater Area High School. I played tennis, hockey and softball. I went on to attend the University of Minnesota, where I had the privilege of playing hockey for the Gophers and earning my degree in Psychology with a math minor. 

After college, I started teaching and coaching in Richfield. I enjoy the amazing people I get to work with and teach everyday. I have learned a lot about myself and life through my teaching and coaching experiences at RHS. I look forward to all the new lessons I get to learn this year!

Outside of school, I love being outdoors, being active and traveling with my family!
 

Share to FacebookShare to TwitterShare to LinkedInShare to PinterestShare to EmailPrint this page

Read More

Subscribe to Alerts
Band Students Earn Top Ratings
Band Students Earn Top Ratings

RHS Band students performed at the Region 3AA contest hosted by Simley High School on Saturday, April 13, and earned top ratings from MSHSL judges! 

Decorative image with colored diamonds on gray background