Smart Start
Safely Coming Back to School
As always, the health and safety of our students, staff and families are our number one priority. Our decisions are guided by the Minnesota Department of Education in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Health.
We will begin our school year in a Distance Learning PLUS model. Every decision we make is guided by our values:
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Health and safety of students, staff and families
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Focus on social-emotional needs
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Equity, fairness and inclusion
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Meeting the diverse needs of students and staff
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Continuity of instruction which is based on State standards
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Unified District Vision and Equity policy as guiding documents
Because of the evolving nature of COVID-19 and the on-going efforts to create and maintain a safe learning environment for Robbinsdale Area Schools students, updates to this page will be made frequently. The District will share important information with families in the event a shift in learning models occurs. Additional communication would follow from the school regarding school-specific information. We will continue to review county data twice per month (on the 15th and 30th) to continue our review of 14-day data cycles.
Smart Start Considerations
Considerations for our Smart Start include:
- Safety
- Equity
- Achievement
- Staff, student, parent/guardian feedback
- Social/emotional
- Operations
- Instruction
- Technology
Current Status
Distance Learning PLUS
(Personal Learning with Unified Supports)
Smart Start 2020-2021 Learning Models
These models will be implemented based on guidance from local health officials and other considering factors. As the school year progresses, and if there is a shift to a model other than Distance Learning PLUS, families will be able to opt-in to continue in a distance learning model known as 281 Distance Learning School.
HIGH COVID-19 Transmission Rate in the Community
Students will engage in classes and conduct learning remotely. Learning includes direct teacher instruction and independent student work, with a combination of virtual meetings, interactive class sessions and pre-recorded videos. The components of instruction will include the academic content and social-emotional curriculum.
HIGH ⟷ LOW
Transmission Rate in the Community
Students will rotate attendance so no more than 50% of the school population is in the building on any given school day. Depending on the daily schedule, some students will learn in-person and others will engage in Distance Learning PLUS.
Families can choose to opt-in to full time distance learning through 281 Distance Learning School.
LOW COVID-19 Transmission Rate in the Community
Students will learn in a traditional, at-school learning experience with additional safety measures implemented based on guidance from health officials. Per safety guidelines, students are grouped together with the same staff throughout the day; all day for elementary students and as much as possible for older students.
Families can choose to opt-in to full time distance learning through 281 Distance Learning School.
Family Choice Learning Options
This remote learning option (K-12 students) is for families who do not want their students to attend in-person classes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Families must register for this option. The first registration period for 281 Distance Learning School has been extended through October 9, 2020.
Robbinsdale Virtual Academy (RVA) is an online school for high school students. RVA offers a fully online curriculum, with courses which were developed to be taught online. Students do not meet in a physical classroom at a specific time, and gives students the flexibility to design their own high school experience.
Online courses offer the same challenge in a different format. The amount of time and work will be equal to traditional, in-person courses. Courses include:
- Videos, readings, assignments, quizzes and tests in Schoology
- Online discussions, interactive class sessions and projects
- Weekly reflection and goal-setting
- Daily access to subject licensed teachers for support in assignments
- More than 20 courses are available for Fall 2020
- PSEO Options
Students have the option to stay enrolled at their current school as the district moves between learning models throughout the school year.
K-12 Grade Students
Schools are starting the year in the Distance Learning PLUS model, and may move fluidly between in-person classes and distance learning throughout the year (depending on COVID-19 transmission rates among other factors).
If you'd like to your student to follow the district's movement between learning models, no action is needed.
Recent Updates
![Robbinsdale Area Schools]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1587976699/rdaleorg/nqtnghb8ovrmj5dyo5uz/Robbinsdale-Logo-Vert.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1587976699/rdaleorg/nqtnghb8ovrmj5dyo5uz/Robbinsdale-Logo-Vert.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1587976699/rdaleorg/nqtnghb8ovrmj5dyo5uz/Robbinsdale-Logo-Vert.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1587976699/rdaleorg/nqtnghb8ovrmj5dyo5uz/Robbinsdale-Logo-Vert.png","width":919}]){kind=logo}
Please read this update which includes important information about a shift in learning models and new dates.
The registration deadline for 281 Distance Learning School has been removed.
The August and September health data shows a downward trend in reported COVID-19 numbers. This means we are preparing for a potential shift in our learning model for early childhood, elementary, middle and high school students, beginning Monday, Oct. 19.
Los datos de salud de agosto y septiembre muestran una tendencia descendente en los números reportados de COVID-19. Esto significa que nos estamos preparando para un posible cambio en nuestro modelo de aprendizaje para los estudiantes de niñez temprana, primaria, intermedia y preparatoria a partir del lunes 19 de octubre.
Somali: Waxaan u hilownay inaan ku aragno dhammaan bartayaashayada iskuulka oo hadafkayaguna wali waa inuu ardaygu dib ugu soo laabto shakhsiyan waxbarashadiisa. Xogta caafimaadka ee Agoosto iyo Sibtembar waxay muujineysaa hoos u dhac ku yimid jihada COVID-19 ee la soo sheegay. Tan macnaheedu waxa weeye waxaan u diyaar garoobaynaa isbeddel macquul ah oo ku yimaada qaabkeena waxbarasho ee ardayda dugsiyada barbaarinta, hoose, dhexe, iyo sare, laga bilaabo Isniinta, Oktoobar 19.
![281 Distance Learning School Updates graphic]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1598647565/rdaleorg/xxhjcumrw6cx8drmgdo3/281-Distance-Learning-School.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1598647565/rdaleorg/xxhjcumrw6cx8drmgdo3/281-Distance-Learning-School.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1598647565/rdaleorg/xxhjcumrw6cx8drmgdo3/281-Distance-Learning-School.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1598647565/rdaleorg/xxhjcumrw6cx8drmgdo3/281-Distance-Learning-School.jpg","width":900}])
Nancy Froelich and Jeff Stovall have accepted positions as administrators of 281 Distance Learning School at the elementary and secondary levels, respectively. This assignment will last throughout the 2020-2021 school year; they will continue to support their current buildings.