Rdale Freedom School creates opportunities for student and staff growth

For six years, Robbinsdale Area Schools has hosted a Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom School, providing summer enrichment through a research-based and multicultural program model that supports K-8 scholars and their families through five essential components. Freedom School focuses on high-quality academic and character-building enrichment, parent and family involvement, civic engagement and social action, intergenerational servant leadership development, nutrition, health, and mental health. 

With a goal of encouraging scholars to believe in their ability and responsibility to make a difference, scholars are provided with culturally relevant pedagogy and high-quality books to deepen their understanding of themselves and all they have in common with others in a multiracial, multicultural democratic society.

National Day of Social Action

On Wednesday, July 15, scholars and staff participated in a National Day of Social Action around the theme “Are the Children Well?”, which centered on the importance of children’s mental health and wellness.

"The question, 'Are the Children Well?' challenges all of us—not just educators, but our entire community. One of the greatest responsibilities we have is creating spaces where young people know their voices matter,” said Tony Patterson, Assistant Director of Achievement and Integration.

Throughout the day, the scholars participated in meaningful activities designed to encourage reflection, build awareness, and inspire advocacy around supporting the mental well-being of young people. These activities included writing notes of kindness, expressing emotions and thoughts through chalk art, reflecting on how adults can support children, and more. 

The day concluded with a short march through the surrounding neighborhood to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and wellness in the community.

“Watching our Freedom Schools scholars reflect, create, and advocate during National Day of Social Action was a powerful reminder that when children feel seen, heard, loved, and supported, they have the power to strengthen their schools, their communities, and the future we all share,” shared Patterson.

Developing Future Teachers

“One of the things I'm most proud of this summer is seeing our nine GroundUp Coalition Teacher Apprentices serving as Servant Leader Interns (SLIs) in Robbinsdale Area Schools CDF Freedom Schools program,” said Patterson.

The GroundUp Coalition Teacher Apprenticeship Program creates a pathway for current Rdale staff members—many of whom serve as education assistants and other support professionals—to earn their elementary teaching license while continuing to work in the district. The program removes financial barriers and invests in people who are already making a difference in Rdale students' lives every day.

Freedom Schools allows these future educators to put their learning into practice. As SLIs, they lead classrooms, build meaningful relationships with scholars and families, and develop the instructional and leadership skills they'll carry into their own classrooms. They're not just preparing to become teachers—they're already making a difference every day.

“This partnership is about more than earning a teaching license,” shared Patterson. “It's about developing educators from within our own district who lead with purpose, reflect the communities they serve, and are committed to helping every child succeed. We're not just building a pipeline of future teachers—we're investing in the future of Rdale."