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Spartan School News, Oct. 19, 2020

Spartan School News, Oct. 19, 2020

From the Principal

Greetings Spartan Families, 

Thanks to our RHS family

Thank you for helping to make this year a great start for our students and staff. The transition back to school has been smooth and swift. Even with this unique learning environment, it has been so exciting to see the eagerness in our students and the great learning habits they are already developing. Having visited multiple virtual classrooms, I can confidently say that our teachers and students are taking every opportunity to engage in new ways. Our teachers are planning for intentional, authentic and meaningful lessons for ALL learners. Teachers have also been setting the tone for a warm and welcoming learning community where every student feels safe, loved and successful. I want to also thank you for your support and participation in your child’s education and Richfield events thus far. There are many ways to provide support and they all are needed and important!

Stay up to date on your child’s progress 

With conferences behind us, I want to remind parents and guardians of the tools for staying engaged with your child’s academic progress. Two great tools are ParentVUE and Schoology. These provide access to secure student information, including grades, assignment completion by class, attendance, etc. To learn more and to sign up, please contact Lori Schmidt at lori.schmidt@rpsmn.org or 612-798-6125. You can also learn more on the Online Learning web page.

Staying in direct communication with your child’s AIRPod teacher is also recommended. Please utilize email to ask any direct questions that may arise about a particular class or visit during the teacher’s office hours. Working together for student success is necessary. Do not hesitate to contact us at any time. 

Ask your child! 

Please support your child in becoming advocates for their own education and academic success. Check their planner, discuss the information from the parent portal and Schoology, have them utilize the student portal and Schoology tools, which provide the same information. As they progress through school, they can provide you with the information you need to engage them in their own academic success. 

In partnership, 

Principal Stacy Theien-Collins

Spartans in Service

Two of our 12th-grade AIR Pods (Mr. Hanson and Mr. Clark) spent time at Wood Lake assisting with the removal of buckthorn and other invasive species. Wood Lake received a grant to restore a section of the property with natural vegetation but must remove all of the invasive plants first. Scott Ramsay (Naturalist for the City of Richfield) was very thankful to have our students volunteering! Many of his other volunteer groups have canceled due to COVID so he is especially grateful for help from RHS students. Thank you for your service, Spartans!

From the Activities Office

Boys Sectional Soccer Game - Thursday, October 15

We are excited to host the section game! This game is an MSHSL sanctioned event, so tickets must be purchased at the gate. Adult tickets are $10 and student tickets are $5. No passes or student IDs will be accepted for free entrance. Face coverings are required. 

Attendance at Home Football Games

Students are encouraged to attend all home games to support their peers and show their school pride. In order to follow the guidelines from the Tri-Metro Conference, all students must present last year’s Student ID or their current schedule with their photo on an electronic device at the gate. Fans from other schools are not allowed to attend per Tri-Metro Conference rules. 

Please follow social distancing guidelines by wearing a mask and staying 6-feet apart. 

Attendance at Home Volleyball Games

Due to MSHSL guidelines, home volleyball games are restricted to two guests per player. Students will not be allowed to attend, but are encouraged to watch the game live online. 

Spartan of the Week - Amara

Upcoming Events

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

Thursday, October 15

  • Soccer (boys) Section Match at 7 p.m. (Tickets: $10.00 Adults, $5.00 Students. Fans limited to 250.)

Friday, October 16

  • Football (varsity) vs. Bloomington Kennedy at 7 p.m. (RHS fans only, limited to 250.)

Monday, October 19

  • Football (JV) vs. Bloomington Kennedy 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, October 20

  • Volleyball (JV and C squad) vs. Visitation 4:30 p.m.
  • Volleyball (varsity) vs. Visitation 6 p.m.

Friday, October 23

  • Volleyball (JV and C squad) vs. Columbia Heights 4:30 p.m.
  • Volleyball (varsity) vs. Columbia Heights 6 p.m.

Monday, November 2

  • No school, teacher inservice

Tuesday, November 3

  • No school, teacher inservice

Parent Resources

Technology Resources

  • Please visit our Technology web page to get connected! If you have technology-related questions or concerns, please call 612-798-6050 or email support@richfieldpublicschools.samanage.com.
  • If you need access to wifi, please contact your counselor or grade level administrator.
  • Beacons is also happy to offer space with wifi at the Southdale YMCA. Please take a moment to look at the flyer, linked here. If it is helpful, Beacons is able to support bus fare.
  • Starting September 21, we will host synchronous learning spaces for students who need access to wifi. 
    • To sign up, use the registration links below or call your counselor at 612-798-6000.
    • Space is limited to 50 students.
    • Breakfast and lunch are provided.
    • You are expected to check-in by 8:45 a.m. and remain through the day's synchronous instructional schedule (unless other arrangements have been made in advance): 
    • Our hybrid model provides transportation on Tuesdays and Thursdays only. We are unable to provide transportation on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays. If your child is signed up, you are responsible for transportation. 

MDH COVID Resources for Families

High School Happenings

Beacons Has Started!

Beacons hybrid (in-person) opportunities started on September 29. Here is a direct link to the registration form. Hybrid AIR Pod leaders have physical copies of the registration form as well. 

Here’s a list of the classes that Beacons is currently offering on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students have also expressed interest in an ASL class through Beacons. If this is something that your child might enjoy, please contact maria.graver@rpsmn.org to express interest.

Counselor's Corner

Counselor Contact Info 

Information for All Grades

Minnesota Association of Counselors of Color (MnACC) - Virtual College Fairs

For more than 10 years, RHS students have been fortunate to attend an on-site college fair sponsored by MnACC. This year, the opportunity has gone virtual. This week in AIR Pods, students created accounts through gotocollegefairs.com, which will allow them to take part in these live virtual fairs. Parents and family members are also encouraged to take advantage of the live visits from the 55+ college representatives who represent both 2-year and 4-year schools, as well as public and private institutions from Minnesota and the surrounding states. 

  • Tuesday, October 20, from 2-6 p.m. (Hybrid 9th and 11th graders will attend during their AIR Pods)
  • Thursday, October 29, from 2-6 p.m. (Hybrid 10th and 12th graders will attend during their AIR Pods)
  • Sunday, November 1, from noon-4 p.m. (Open to all)

Pre-registration is required and takes only a few minutes to complete; more information is available by clicking on this link.

Information for Freshmen and Sophomores

Now is a great time for parents to sit with their 9th-grade students and look at grades. Ask your child to show you their Schoology site, and go to the heading titled ‘Grades’ and then ‘Summary’. Click through classes and see how your students are doing with their assignments. ‘M’ means an assignment is ‘Missing’; ‘ATT’ means ‘Attempted and can be re-done’. If your child has any ‘M’ or ‘ATT’ grades, help them make a plan to get them done! 

Information for Juniors

Apply to College Possible

  • College Possible is currently recruiting juniors for their program, which provides personalized support and mentorship through every step of the college process and into college. College Possible is a national college access and success organization with over 20 years of experience supporting students as they earn their college degrees. If you would like to hear more about our program, please watch this video or contact Liz Weiers by email at LWeiers@collegepossible.org or by calling 612-888-1641.

  • The program requirements are as follows:

    • Academics: Unweighted GPA of at least 2.0
    • Income: Free and reduced lunch (FRL)
    • 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

Have your student apply today! Go to CollegePossible.org/join or click here.

 **Applications close October 30, 2020** 

Information for Juniors & Seniors

National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC): Virtual College Fairs

There is one more opportunity to meet with 600+ colleges and universities nationwide. Representatives will be available online to talk live with high school juniors and seniors. You can find out when they're having Zoom sessions and then drop in to attend on Sunday, November 8, from 1-9 p.m.

The virtual fair is free! Visit virtualcollegefairs.org to register! You may use your phone or computer to log in. Learn, connect and discover your best college fit!  

Information for Seniors

MN State Free College Application Week October 25-31

During the week of October 25-31, the 37 institutions of the Minnesota State System will waive the application fee for ALL applicants. Note, this does NOT include the five University of Minnesota campuses. Students who participate in the Explore Minnesota State Week visits from October 12-16 will receive a promo code to use the week of October 25-31. 

Resources

Social-Emotional Learning: At Home Connection

Hello Richfield Families!

As we head into a new full week, we want to acknowledge the general pandemic fatigue we know many are feeling. As the weather starts to get cooler, and outdoor activities begin to wrap up, there is a feeling of nervousness about what the winter will bring. We also know some students are still trying to balance the needs of distance learning days and working to find their own groove.

We are aware that caregivers are feeling stretched thin at times. While we talk to our students about healthy coping thoughts, we encourage you to remember them as well. We find it helpful to have a little toolbox of healthy coping thoughts to think about, write down, or say aloud on the more stressful days.

  • I am always important, no matter what.
  • I've dealt with harder situations and I know it will get better.
  • I prefer something else, but I can deal with this, too.
  • Some people like me. Some people don't.
  • This hurts, so I need to be extra kind toward myself.
  • This is tough, but so am I.
  • It's not that great right now, but it's not the worst thing either.
  • Not everything will go my way, but I am flexible.

As always, reach out as needed.

Your School Social Workers:

Marisa Zimmerman: Marisa.Zimmerman@rpsmn.org

Jill Carlton: Jill.Carlton@rpsmn.or

Staff Spotlight

Kyle Gustafson, Head Engineer

Spartan community, I am Kyle Gustafson and I’m the head engineer/custodian. This is my 6th year in the District and I’ve been at the high school for 10 months. I graduated from RHS in ‘06 and my dad is a retiree from the District. I’ve been walking these halls for as long as I can remember.

I love my job. I’m the guy behind the scenes making sure everything runs smoothly and safely. Throughout the day, you may see me setting up for events, checking the boiler, scrubbing the hall, and lately, getting the building ready after the big renovation. I love to problem solve and if there’s a problem in the building, I’ll be the one to solve it!

In my free time, I enjoy playing Madden and spending time with my daughter. We are avid outdoors people. You can find us fishing on my boat, playing at the park, kayaking and chilling on the beach. We also like to go shopping and out for frozen treats. Pink popsicles are my daughter’s favorite! 

I do the most I can for the Richfield community in my free time too. I had a blast as a coach for the robotics team and planning with the COVID-19 board.

I can’t wait for what the rest of the school year has in store! GO SPARTAN NATION! 

Missy Husaby, Nutrition Service Production Manager


Hello, Spartans! My name is Missy Husaby. I am the Production Manager for Nutrition Services. This school year marks the start of my 6th year at RHS. I started my lunch lady adventure as a sub at RSTEM and worked there for almost five years. Then, I worked for two months at Sheridan Hills before becoming Kitchen Manager at RHS.

I live in Minneapolis but graduated in 1991 from Richfield High School. I am married with two kids. My son Jacob is a junior at Washburn High School and loves playing basketball. My daughter Charli is in Kindergarten at Sheridan Hills and is loving every minute of it. My husband Jeff (of 18 years) also works in the kitchen here at RHS. We have worked in the restaurant industry for a combined 40+ years! Jeff and I started a concession business two years ago. We have been a vendor at the Richfield Red, White and Blue Days, Winstock and other various festivals.

I have to say being a lunch lady has been the best job ever. I feel so lucky to get to see the students daily and miss the presence of those who I don’t get to see. It is the best time of the day and I can’t wait to see everyone back in the building. 

Go Spartans!
 

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Recently, senior Kenia Melgar-Romero presented to a group of sophomores and juniors about a summer program she participated in last year called the Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)

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