Robbinsdale Area Schools

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:

  • Health and safety of students, staff and families

  • Focus on social-emotional needs 

  • Equity, fairness and inclusion

  • Meeting the diverse needs of students and staff

  • Continuity of instruction which is based on State standards

  • 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
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Current Status

Distance Learning PLUS

(Personal Learning with Unified Supports)

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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
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Distance Learning PLUS

Students Learn Safely at Home, and Engage in Personal Learning with Unified Supports

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
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Hybrid Learning

Students Learn Safely at Home and In School

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
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In-Person Learning

Students Learn Safely In School

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

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281 Distance Learning School

K-12 Grade Students May Choose to Learn at Home Full-Time

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.

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Robbinsdale Virtual Academy

9th and 10th Grade Students

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

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In an effort to slow the community spread, the Governor shared the steps that school districts will need to take to help prevent and contain the novel coronavirus. These steps outline changes in some areas and include activities which will impact our students and families. 

Dr. Stephanie Burrage, interim superintendent

Within our Distance Learning PLUS model, we are able to offer Student Support Centers at each school. Virtual and in-person options for assistance are available for all students - in all grade levels and in all subject areas. 

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As we try to minimize community spread, it is important that we all continue to practice strict safety precautions. If your student gets a COVID test, they should stay home until you receive the test results - even if not experiencing any symptoms.

Childcare update

We shared the news on 11/5/2020 that the District would remain in Distance Learning PLUS along with updates to our childcare programming. Please continue reading for new and additional information.

Robbinsdale Area Schools

Robbinsdale Area Schools will remain in Distance Learning PLUS for all students and will not begin the tiered start into a hybrid learning model on Nov. 16.

Additional Information