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Spartan School News, Nov. 23, 2020

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Spartan School News, Nov. 23, 2020
Spartan School News

From the Principal

Greetings Spartan Families,

New schedule to begin Nov. 30, 2020, with additional synchronous time

As our school community moves to full distance learning, I reflect on the work we have done so far this year. This team has accomplished a great number of extraordinary things, and for this I am deeply grateful. In my time as principal, I have learned that RHS is not a school of ordinary people, but a talented team of educators deeply committed to the success of every student, students dedicated to their own success and service to the community, and families working in partnership for the success of all. With that, we faced this transition to full distance learning as an opportunity to improve our distance learning model and we are excited to include additional synchronous learning time. The new schedule can be found on our school website.

As we continue in these most unusual times, I want to make sure we are doing what is best for the health and safety of everyone in our school community. Foundational to safety is our physical health and well-being. Moving our hybrid students to distance learning was necessary for that reason. Yet, with that, we also know the social, emotional and mental health needs of our community matter as well. Our teachers and student support team are working endlessly to adjust to this reality and provide the necessary resources for our students and families. 

The following tips for staying connected to your teen during these trying times come to us from a publication called, “The High School Years, Working Together for Lifelong Success.” 

  • Time to talk. Research shows that 15 minutes a day will keep lines of communication open and positive with teenagers. 
    • Chat when your teen is relaxed and in a good mood. Don’t wait until something is wrong. Refrain from asking a lot of questions. Share how your day was as a model for opening up. 
    • Watch for clues your teen wants to chat. Are they lingering? Do they ask to go on an errand with you? 
    • Do a regular activity together. Your teen may be more comfortable sharing when active. A family walk, drive, sight-seeing, etc. 
    • Reconnect after disruptions. If you left the conversation to take a work call for instance, let your teen know you still want to talk. 
  • Set goals to maintain focus.
    • Set academic goals. Goals supported by family can help your teen stay focused on something other than social media, the barrage of COVID-19 stories, etc. 
  • Increase confidence to pave the way for navigating tough times with purpose.
    • Stay upbeat. Your teen is listening. Whether you believe it or not, they will mimic your feelings through this time. Use positive statements, avoid catastrophizing and reframe things to see the best in a situation. 
    • Give your teen some responsibility. What can they be “in charge” of at home? Accomplishing tasks successfully that other family members benefit from will boost confidence. 
    • Focus on what your teen can do. Shine a light on all that is going well. A confident teen can tackle the things that are not going well. 
  • Read together.
    • Select relevant topics. Besides the obvious academic benefit and time together as a family, the topic selection can open a line of communication with your teen and you can learn with and about your teen. 

In partnership,

Stacy Theien-Collins, Principal
 

Internet Access During Distance Learning

We are so excited that our Richfield Beacons Program provides access to WIFI for our students as we move to full distance learning. Join them at the Southdale YMCA for a quiet place to study from 9-noon. Contact the Beacons staff to learn more. 

CCR @ AIR Pod

Dessa - Our first virtual guest speaker was a hit!

Our students and staff were honored to learn all about the career pathway of the Twin Cities’ own Dessa—a local rapper, author, record executive and poet, who has even worked with Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton)! She shared her words of wisdom and advice about being willing to work hard to follow your dreams. We are so grateful for her time!

Here’s a photo of Dessa with Matt Caruso, RHS Business Education teacher, who served as moderator:

Screenshot of Dessa on left and Matt on right

From the Activities Office

Star Tribune Shout Out

  • Ryan Miles was featured as the Athlete of the Week for his performance against SMB on Thursday, November 12. The Spartans were down 21-0. Miles threw for over 409 yards and five touchdowns which led to a 42-28 victory! Go Spartans! 

Fall Athletic Survey

  • Fall athletes and their parents/guardians: If you have not completed a fall end of season survey, please check your email. They were sent out to all registered players and their parents/guardians. If you did not receive one, please contact athletics@rpsmn.org and we will send you the survey link. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

Winter Registrations for Virtual Coaching

  • If you are a winter athlete or are interested in a winter team (Theater-One Act, Alpine or Nordic Ski, Basketball, Dance, Gymnastics, Boys Swim & Dive, or Wrestling), please register at www.schoolpay.com for the “2020-21 Winter Registration Virtual Coaching.” There is no fee associated with these sessions. You need to complete the MSHSL forms if you did not do that yet earlier this school year. All virtual coaching will take place through Schoology. Learn more and find all the Schoology codes here.
Spartan of the Week: Tritian

Upcoming Events

Please check these two websites for the most up to date schedules and for any changes: RHS Athletics and TriMetro 

Monday and Tuesday, November 23 and 24 

  • All academic classes are asynchronous. Students should log into classes through Schoology and complete independent lessons. 

Monday, November 30

  • Start of the new schedule with additional synchronous instructional time.

Virtual Drop-In Support and Virtual Support Space

Students are encouraged to utilize the new RHS Virtual Support Space! This virtual space includes calming sounds and music, coping strategies for stress and anxiety, calming coloring sheets and helpful apps for your phone or tablet.

Parent Resources

Spotlight on Schoology

At RHS, we use a variety of tools to support all of our students wherever they are learning. Schoology is a virtual learning environment where students can manage lessons, assignments, messages and reminders for all of their classes. Because teachers and students are doing so much work within the Schoology environment, it is the best and most accurate way to check up on your child’s assignments, grades and overall academic progress.

Looking for parent access to Schoology? Follow these steps:

  • Make sure your email address is listed with RPS: Families must have an email account in our system in order to access Schoology. If you’d like to add or update your email information, please contact Lori Schmidt at lori.schmidt@rpsmn.org or 612-798-6125. Once we have added an email address for you, you can request your Schoology account information.
  • Check your email account: Earlier this fall, Schoology parent accounts were created for all families who provided an email address. You may already have an email from Schoology with your account information that will help get you started.
  • Re-request your account information: If you can’t find your Schoology email or forgot your password to log in, go to schoology.com. Select “Log In” and then “Forgot your password.”. Your account information will then be sent to the email address you have provided us.
  • Still stuck? We’re here to help! Families can always request login information or support for Schoology by emailing this address: support@richfieldpublicschools.samanage.com or by calling the Tech Desk at 612-798-6050.

More support for using Schoology at home is available on our website! Find Schoology tutorials and information on how to download and log in to the Schoology app on our RPS Online Learning page.

Technology Resources

MDH COVID Resources for Families

Free Meals for Youth 18 & Under

Starting November 30, seven-day meal bundles are available for pickup at the following locations. Families with transportation difficulties may request meal delivery by signing up online.

  • Monday - Centennial Elementary from 4-6 p.m.
  • Tuesday - Richfield STEM from 7-9 a.m.
  • Wednesday - Richfield High School from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.
  • Thursday - Sheridan Hills Elementary from 7-9 a.m.
  • Friday - Richfield High School from 7-9 a.m

Community Meal Distribution at RMS

Thanks to an incentive grant from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (part of the CARES Act) through the State of Minnesota, we are serving meal bundles for adults now through December 30. These bundles can be picked up at Richfield Middle School, located at 7461 Oliver Avenue South, every Thursday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The menu will rotate each week. Please help spread the word about this free resource. People do not need any identification, proof of income, or anything else. Just stop by and grab a bag! Learn more on our Nutrition Services web page.

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) 

Information for Freshmen

  • Stay the course, freshmen! We are hoping the new schedule will help you by offering more structure and time with your teachers. Check Schoology and your AIR Pod for a video about how to incorporate a gratitude practice into your life—research shows it can make you a happier person. Remember to connect with me if you have any questions: morgan.kelley@rpsmn.org or text/call my Google Voice at ‪(651) 456-8869‬. Take care!

Information for Sophomores & Juniors

  • Wallin Education Partners is a scholarship and college completion program for high-potential students with financial need. Sophomore and junior students have the opportunity to establish an early connection with Wallin Education Partners by filling out this Wallin Interest Form. Students who complete the form will receive quarterly texts with information or links to Wallin information. During their senior year, students who have completed the interest form will receive a text the day the scholarship application opens. More information about Wallin Education Partners can be found on the Wallin Education Partners website.

Information for Juniors

  • LEDA (Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America) - Empowering Young Leaders From Under-Resourced Backgrounds
    • Applications are now available for this free 7-week summer program at Princeton University that provides leadership training, writing classes, college guidance and ACT preparation. Support for participants continues through their senior year with college counseling, recommendation letters, college essays, financial aid and scholarship applications, and much more. Students interested in applying should demonstrate a desire to be challenged academically, have a strong commitment to their studies, and a desire to be a leader in their schools and communities. The application deadline is December 14, 2020. More information can be found by clicking on this link.
    • Who should apply?
      • Current junior in good academic standing on track to graduate in June 2022
      • Minimum unweighted cumulative GPA of 3.5
      • U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA status
      • Annual household income under $90,000
         
  • College Possible - TWO WEEKS LEFT TO APPLY - Juniors, be a part of the Richfield High School cohort! College Possible is a national college access and success organization with over 20 years of experience supporting students as they earn their college degrees. The program provides personalized support and mentorship to help students prepare for the ACT, create a college list, and apply for financial aid. Watch this video for more information! **Applications accepted until December 1, 2020** 
    • Liz Weiers is our College Possible coach - feel free to reach her at LWeiers@collegepossible.org or at 612-888-1641. To apply, visit CollegePossible.org/join or​ click here​. Here are the program requirements: 
      • Academics: Unweighted GPA of at least 2.0 
      • Income: Free or reduced-price lunch 
      • Aspiration: Desire to attend a 4-year college or university 
      • Commitment: Willing to attend virtual sessions and have consistent communication with the coach 
      • There is ​NO​ citizenship requirement 

Information for Juniors & Seniors

  • NCAA Recruitment, Scholarships, and COVID-19 - More than ever, this year has brought anxiety and confusion to students (and families!) who want to participate in collegiate athletics. Remember, responses to concerns evolve as the situation changes. Below you will find some resources and suggestions.

  • Racial Justice Oratorical Contest - Minneapolis College is hosting a speech and performance contest as part of its 2021 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration. Juniors and seniors are invited to submit a 500-1000 word speech or performance piece in response to the following questions and prompts:
    • What is “committed altruism,” and why is it “the ultimate solution to the race problem?” 
    • How are interconnection and empathy related to obeying unenforceable obligations? 
    • Where do contemporary examples make you hopeful for racial justice? 

$1000 scholarship prizes awarded in five categories. One submission per student is allowed. Use the email subject line “MLK Day Oratorical Contest.” Email submissions to: Charles.Watson@minneapolis.edu

Information for Seniors

COVID-19 and College Applications - College applications are stressful enough without adding a global pandemic to the mix. College admission offices understand that we are far from “business as usual” when it comes to school, activities, work, etc. They are experiencing changes and challenges as well. As much as possible, take a deep breath and remember that everyone else is also impacted—you are not alone and you are not behind. Please reach out to Ms. Jastrow with questions and concerns. Take note of the following quick points about college applications during COVID-19.

  • Activities: Colleges want to know what you do when you’re not in school. Many sports or clubs have been canceled or have become virtual meetings. You can still make note of these activities on your applications. Also, share what you have been doing. Many students have had to assume even more responsibilities in their homes like providing for their family, child care, education support for siblings, etc.—these count! Add them to your application!
  • Academics: Distance learning is definitely not the same as in-person learning both in high school and in college. There are added challenges and stressors: WiFi, access to teachers, different schedules, mental health, physical health, family obligations and demands, to name a few. As part of our school profile that is sent in with your college applications, we have noted how RHS has adjusted our grading practices so that colleges can better understand what appears on your transcript. You can let colleges know how distance learning has impacted you as a student. Be sure to include your solutions and strategies as well as the challenges and struggles.
  • Test Scores: For many colleges, ACT/SAT test scores have long been a part of the college admissions process. With millions of students unable to test due to COVID-19, many colleges and universities have now moved to be “test-optional,” which means that they do not require a test score for your application to be complete. These institutions understand that it is not your fault that you don’t have a test score to share. The application requirements are detailed on institutions’ admission pages. You can also find a list of colleges that have been test-optional for a while at FairTest.org. 

Senior Meetings and 1:1 Help Sessions - With the first big college deadline and the midpoint of semester one just behind us, I want to encourage you to schedule a time to meet with me. I look forward to connecting with each of you to review graduation status, discuss the next steps in post-high school planning, to answer questions—anything! I am here to help you complete college and financial aid applications, review essays, discuss career options, and anything else you need! Watch your emails and Schoology for drop-in office hours or workshop times. Please schedule an appointment to meet individually with me through my online scheduling link or email me at danielle.jastrow@rpsmn.org. I look forward to meeting with you soon!

Resources

Graduation

College Application

Financial Aid

Social-Emotional Learning: At Home Connection

At Richfield High School, students have access to services and support provided by our school social workers. That support may include:

  • Individual virtual support through Google Meet
  • Virtual groups:
    • Drop-in support
    • GLOW (LGBTQ+/allies)
    • Social skills
    • Stress management
    • Grief/loss
  • Support with basic needs (school supplies, food, hygiene products and housing resources)
  • Individual health mentoring (e.g. relationships, decision making and sexual health) with a contracted provider

If you have any questions about these services or would like to complete the process to opt your child out of receiving some or all of these support services, please contact Maria Graver at Maria.Graver@rpsmn.org.

Greetings Richfield families!

This week, we are headed into a short week for staff and students. For some families, we know it is a holiday weekend that may look and feel different than in the past. A year ago we would have never expected a pandemic to be impacting our lives so much!

As all Richfield schools head into full distance learning after this break, we know many of you will not just have high schoolers home, but other students as well. Being back to juggling all you need to do plus helping your kids is so hard. Many of us are parents to school-aged kids too and we get it.

We know that after the break, we will need your help to guide your students and help keep them on track. For this week, we encourage your family to rest together when possible. We know that without time spent together supporting each other in rest, it is hard to be successful supporting each other in work.

So this week, your homework as caregivers is to find at least one activity to do with the students in your home. We encourage phones down and just take some respite together. Watch a movie together, take a walk, play a game. Take the pressure off during the days off.

For some, this long weekend is a time to celebrate gratitude. We can do that, EVEN in a pandemic, when many families cannot be with those they love. Here are a few ideas:

  • Go on a walk and look for decent sized rocks. Paint them together as a family—choose a word that motivates you, such as “Hope” or “Strength,” something about yourself that you are grateful for, that is inside you.
  • Over the weekend, play a gratitude game called “Stick Ems.” If you have post-it notes, write something nice about someone in your house, and randomly stick the note on their back. Have everyone do this throughout the long weekend.
  • Write a note to a family member or friend you all miss right now. Write it together and put it in the mail for them, celebrating what you miss about them, and what you plan to do when together again.

As always, reach out. We TRULY are here to support you all!

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: Brianna Puchuela! 

Brianna makes it to every class, asks a lot of great questions and advocates for herself. She participates and is courageous by sharing answers in French. -Ms. Steele

Brianna works hard in and out of class, manages her learning independently, and asks for the help she needs. -Mr. Nelson

Student Spotlight: Brianna

Staff Spotlight

Chris Peterson, Social Studies Teacher

Hi! My name is Chris Peterson, I am a social studies teacher at RHS and also the head baseball coach. This is my 22nd year as a teacher (21st at RPS). In my time at RHS, I have mostly taught United States History to juniors. Before coming to Richfield, I taught at Hopkins H.S. and worked on a U.S. Senate campaign in MN. 

I grew up in Burnsville, MN, and attended St. Cloud State University. While at SCSU I earned a B.A. in Political Science and a B.S. in Social Studies Education. Later, I attended St. Mary’s University of MN where I earned a Master’s in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction.

I remember playing against Richfield when I was at Burnsville and coaching against them when I was at Hopkins. I always admired the kids I played and coached against for their grit, hard work and determination. You always knew it was going to be a tough game. Those are the same traits that I see in my students and why I enjoy being a part of the Richfield community. 

Outside of work, I spend time with my wife and our three teenage children. We can be found in the seats of the theater, fields and courts where they play and perform. 

Dr. Kathryn Wegner, Social Studies Teacher

Hi! My name is Kathryn Wegner, and I am a social studies teacher at RHS. I teach AP Human Geography and CIS Education. Before teaching at RHS, I taught high school social studies in Chicago and education courses at Carleton College. I am now in my third year at RHS, and I enjoy being part of the diverse and caring community.

I was raised in Illinois by parents who were teachers. After earning a B.A. in History and Education from Lake Forest College, I landed in the Chicago neighborhood of Edgewater. I taught in the city’s largest public high school, serving students from Latinx and Asian immigrant families. I earned a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Illinois- Chicago and then moved to the U.K. for three years. 

I’ve enjoyed traveling in the summer, and have visited many countries, including Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Italy, Spain, Germany, Turkey, Japan, and South Korea. My travel experiences are ones I treasure, especially now during the pandemic, and when possible, I share what I learned with my RHS students.

In my free time, I enjoy exploring Minnesota’s state parks with my husband and two children, and every summer I look forward to visiting the St. Paul Farmers Market and swimming across Lake Nokomis. 

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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! 

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