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Spartan School News, Jan. 4, 2021

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Spartan School News, Jan. 4, 2021
Spartan School News

From the Principal

“Be stubborn about your goals, and flexible about your methods.” – Author Unknown

I hope over the winter break, each of you was able to enjoy some quality time with loved ones either virtually or in person with your immediate family. As we step into a new year, I want to talk about our continued partnership in working to support our student and community success. Families, we rely on you to reach out and share ideas on how we can better meet the needs of our students, families and staff. We are always working to make the best adjustments possible to address needs when they are presented.

I would like to take a moment to highlight some examples of topics we have and are continuing to address, which are the result of feedback that came from our community.

  1. 30-minute additional synchronous time: During distance learning, staff are using this time for review, for assessment, opportunities to re-do work, or enrichment.
  2. Schoology Organization: You may see some small tweaks to Schoology folders as our goal was to become more consistent with how folders are organized across classrooms. You should see the current week on top labeled with both the date and the week.
  3. Google Meets: Teachers are posting their Google Meets times at the top of their Schoology page.
  4. Workload: Teachers are constantly monitoring and collaborating around workload for the students. Our goal is to strike the balance between rigor/challenging and manageable for the students and families with distance learning. Teachers are constantly adjusting and asking for student input frequently. If you have specific questions around this topic, please consider contacting your teacher directly.
  5. AIR Pod: Not just free time. This is a critical part of our day as this is the place where we strengthen our relationships with students, address social/emotional health, and facilitate learning and exploration of College and Career Readiness.

In partnership,

Stacy Theien-Collins, Principal

Special Announcements

Special End of Semester Synchronous Schedule Announced to Support Student Success

  • The class schedule has been altered to support maximum synchronous time for ALL classes as we end the semester.
  • NOTE: We will maintain the time schedule for each class but the day has been altered.
  • All end of unit summative exams/projects need to be completed by Jan. 22 (end of Week 19).
  • Week 20 (Jan. 25-27) is designated as make up, catch up, rest up week. Like our 30-minute synchronous sessions, all students need to check in for attendance purposes. Students that need to redo, make up, catch up will stay the necessary amount of class time. Other students will be released after attendance and check-in as directed by their instructor.

From the Activities Office

Winter Athletic Updates - Return to Competition
On December 28, MN State High School League (MSHSL) sent out this update: 

  • In-person practices may begin on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021.
  • Competitions within youth sports may begin on or after Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021. 

With this new guidance we need to have all students register for their winter sport. If you registered for Virtual Coaching, you will need to register for the specific sport through SchoolPay, Jan. 4-10, 2021. You can access this platform through the ParentVUE app or www.schoolpay.com. For detailed instructions, check out these SchoolPay Instructions.
 
Each activity has a registration fee. If you are unable to pall the full amount based on your Educational Benefits (Free/Reduced Lunch Status), please contact the Activities Office for payment plan options at athetlics@rpsmn.org. We never want finances to be a reason for a student not to participate.  

Upcoming Events

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

Monday, Jan. 4, 2021

  • School Resumes

Thursday, Jan. 7

  • 7 p.m. Parent Advisory Council

Monday, Jan. 18

  • NO SCHOOL: MLK Day

Thursday, Jan. 28

  • NO SCHOOL: Professional Development Day

Friday, Jan. 29

  • NO SCHOOL: End of semester 1

Monday, Jan. 31

  • Start of semester 2

Parent Resources

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.

CCR @ Air Pod

The college exploration and admission process can be challenging under the best of circumstances, let alone during a pandemic. This recent New York Times article, “How Parents Can Support Teens in the Pandemic College Process,” offers solid tips for navigating this tricky ground. Listening carefully to your teen, taking part in virtual college tours, and re-evaluating preferred options, are three important considerations, as well as keeping in mind that this is unchartered territory for everyone involved at every level of the process. RHS counselors keep students updated in Schoology with new opportunities for scholarships, virtual tours, programs, and other pertinent news. Encourage your teen to stay in the loop with counselor updates and reach out for any and all support available during these most challenging times. 

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 Sophomores

  • This week’s tenth grade CCR lesson begins the exploration of success skills. The lesson will prompt students to think about what it means to work hard. In preparation for this lesson, please share with your child a time when you had to work hard for something and how your hard work paid off. Sometimes the things that we work the hardest for are the most rewarding!

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.)
       
  • Reed College (Portland, OR) - Virtual Junior Scholars Program - Deadline to apply is Jan. 10, 2021
    • Juniors who identify as a member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic group are invited to apply for this virtual opportunity to participate in three half-day workshops between Feb. 8 and March 19.
       
    •  Activities include:
      • Meet and Greet with Reed College President, Audrey Bilger
      • Meet and Greet with Reed College Vice President of Student Life, Karnell McConnell-Black
      • Classes led by Reed faculty 
      • Interactive workshops with Admission Counselors to assist students in writing their college essay and preparing for interviews 
      • A virtual tour of campus with current Reed students
      • Workshops and reflections led by current Reed students and former Junior Scholar participants
      • To learn more about the Reed College Junior Scholars program, click on this link. 

Information for Juniors & Seniors

Information for Seniors

  • 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

Hello Richfield Families!

We hope that all of our RHS students and families were able to find some time to rest and enjoy moments of break together as a family. We really encouraged our students to take some time away from their chromebooks to rejuvenate over break. 

We know that means it may be a difficult re-entry back into a full week of distance learning. For many students, they likely got off any sort of sleep schedule and eating schedule as well. This week, we will be going over some tips to get back into a routine. We KNOW it is hard to do, especially in a pandemic! Here are a few small tips that may help:

  • If your student has been going to bed extremely late, do not try to change this too fast and dramatically. Start slow. Have them start in 30 minute increments… each night go to bed 30 minutes earlier than the night before. If you try to change it all too dramatically, it will cause extra stress and frustration.
  • Before they go to bed, encourage no screens. I know - this is hard to do! Offer to do a few breathing moments with them. For example, have them sit up in bed and do 3 deep breaths before they lay down to go to sleep. You can do it with them - close your eyes, take 3 deep breaths, and picture the stress of the day releasing as you exhale. 
  • While they are working in the day, encourage shades to be open or for them to sit by a window with plenty of natural light. When we are inside all day, it helps to at least be by natural day light to help our bodies get into a natural rhythm. We know teenagers like to work in dark rooms for some reason - but encourage some natural light to replicate the feeling of some of our classrooms.
  • Encourage a meal or snack schedule. Help them identify a few things they can make quickly or grab on their own. We know that teenagers love to “think” about feeling hungry but often do not initiate doing something about it! And you all are busy with your own things to do in the day! So write out a few things that they can grab quickly, or show them a few quick recipes.

These are just a few quick tips. Let us know if you need more! Also, be patient with your students and yourselves this first week back. 

We know that distance learning is challenging and we will continue to offer spaces of support for students during this time. Please note there is a new drop-in virtual group to support students with managing their stress during distance learning on Thursdays.

Mindful Moment: Mondays at 8:50 a.m.

We will continue to offer a guided breathing exercise each Monday morning to help students enter their week feeling calm and focused.

Managing Stress During Distance Learning: Thursdays at 1 p.m.

Students will learn new strategies to manage stress as well as have the opportunity to talk about their stress in a safe and supportive group setting. 

As your RHS School Social Workers, we continue to be here for you and your students.

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

Staff Spotlight

Elsie Krueger, Special Education Lead

My name is Elsie Krueger and I am the Special Education Teacher Lead, which means I oversee and support the special education department. This is my 3rd year at Richfield Public Schools and it has been a great experience working with a group of wonderful staff who are committed to our students. Prior to coming to Richfield, I’ve been a special education teacher.

I grew up in Kenosha, WI and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in Special Education. From there, I moved to Washington D.C. and got my first teaching position. While in Washington D.C., I received my Masters in Special Education from George Washington University. I also received my certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from George Mason University, which eventually led to me becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analysis. 

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, reading and music. I love to try new foods and the most interesting food I’ve eaten was alligator. Prior to having kids, I enjoyed traveling and had the opportunity to teach English abroad in Italy. 

I’m really grateful to be a part of Richfield and look forward to continuing to support our schools and community.

Alec Kalbow, Special Education Teacher

My name is Alec Kalbow and I am a center-based DCD teacher. This is my 2nd year at RHS and my 3rd in the district. My path to becoming a teacher is a unique one. Going into my senior year of high school, I was set on pursuing engineering in college and as a career. Unfortunately, I tore my ACL in a football game early in the season and was forced to drop all my gym classes I was registered for. One of my football coaches encouraged me to be a TA in his center-based DCD class, and I quickly discovered that I loved working with people with disabilities. I made the decision to switch my degree to special education and the rest is history! I would encourage high school students to try out as many different potential careers as possible and to keep your mind open, you never know what you will enjoy!
 
I grew up in Blaine, Minnesota and attended the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities where I received my B.S. in Special Education and my M.Ed. in Special Education. While completing my undergraduate degree, I student taught at Richfield high school and was immediately impressed with the school community. I have had nothing but positive experiences working with Richfield students, staff, and families. It is truly a great place to be! My favorite part of being a teacher is getting to know the students and figuring out what they need to do their best learning. 
 
Outside of school, I really enjoy being outdoors, binging Netflix, and cheering for Minnesota sports teams!
 

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