Distance Learning PLUS
In our Distance Learning PLUS model, students learn safely at home and engage in personal learning with unified supports. Learning includes direct teacher instruction and independent student work, with a combination of virtual meetings, interactive class sessions and pre-recorded videos.
Personal Learning with Unified Supports
In-person supports will be available to students by appointment. In-person supports may include technology assistance, tutoring, special education services and mental health support.
Current Status
Distance Learning PLUS
(Personal Learning with Unified Supports)
Differences in Distance Learning
In Spring 2020, the district and schools were in a Crisis Response Distance Learning, which had limitations due to technology, resources, family abilities and the pandemic health crisis.
In our Distance Learning PLUS model, students learn safely at home and engage in personal learning with unified supports. In-person supports will be available to students by appointment. These in-person supports may include technology assistance, tutoring, special education services and mental health support. Learning includes direct teacher instruction and independent student work, with a combination of virtual meetings, interactive class sessions and pre-recorded videos.
Enhancements to our distance learning model include:
- 1-to-1 school devices (iPad or Chromebook) provided to all students in grades K-12, allowing for greater access for our youngest learners.
- Increasing consistency and clarity with teacher communications was a key piece of feedback from families across grade levels. A focused effort on ensuring timely and consistent communication via our Learning Management Systems (Seesaw and Schoology) across schools/grades will occur.
- This school year, we are committed to educating students in a way that better aligns with our goals, values and standards of excellence.
Distance Learning Plans
Please note, Distance Learning plans are fluid and subject to change.
- Elementary
- Middle School
- High School
- Special Education
- Early Childhood: ECFE
- Early Childhood: Preschool
- Adult Academic Program
Elementary
General Information
- Students in Kindergarten through 3rd grade will use SeeSaw and will have iPads; students in 4th and 5th grade will use Schoology and have Chromebooks.
- Scorecards (like we utilized in Crisis Distance Learning in the Spring) will no longer be used. Learning will be aligned to the state standards.
- Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (synchronous): students and their teacher will meet "live" and begin their day with morning meetings. Instruction will be similar as if it were in person, with large group, small group and 1:1 instruction, along with independent work.
- Wednesdays (asynchronous): recorded learning days. Students will learn using pre-recorded, video-based instruction such as video lessons and daily assignments. Your student's teacher will be available for questions/communication, and will also use the day for planning and lesson development.
- Throughout the week, there will be semi-self paced work and mastery checks.
- Teachers will have "office hours" two to three times per week through Google Meet. Phone calls can also be made to your student's teacher, however, the teacher may take up to 24 hours to return your call. Office hours can also be used to help with homework.
- If you have personal questions about your student, an email or phone call should be sent to the teacher (rather than posting something on SeeSaw or Schoology) for private sharing of information.
Students will be expected to:
-
Check in daily for attendance with their teacher.
-
Fully participate in the scheduled academic classes.
-
Complete all work in a timely manner.
-
Follow the technology expectations and student expectation guidelines.
-
Follow the CHAMPS process for class time.
-
Have a dedicated area to complete schoolwork and tasks at home.
Attendance
- Students must check in every day by participating in their morning meeting.
- Parent/guardian may email or call the teacher if the student is not able to connect to technology/internet for the day. This will be counted for attendance if the student continues with their classwork.
- If your student is ill, families should call their school's attendance line.
- Attendance is important; unexcused absences will follow the Hennepin County "Be At School" truancy program.
- An unexcused day is noted if a student does not participate in the live sessions, homework or a call is not made to the attendance line.
School day structure
- Teachers will email parents/guardians the distance learning schedule. Schedules will also be posted on SeeSaw and Schoology.
- School will follow the regular start and end times; however, there are times where students may finish (complete) all of their work early.
- Specialists (art, music, media, physical education) will be part of the school day.
- Student work should be uploaded to SeeSaw or Schoology.
- Your student's school day may include: 30 minute morning meeting on synchronous learning days; whole group literacy; small group literacy; whole group math; small group math; student support/homework help; closing circle.
Social-Emotional Support
- This school year, we will be using Second Step curriculum district-wide.
- Students will be able to access their school social worker, school psychologists and school counselor.
- Virtual calming rooms may be available.
- School-based linked therapists will be available for virtual and face-to-face sessions.
What is synchronous learning?
A time when a teacher is online and available to students either through direct instruction or for support (clarification, guidance, etc.) of an assignment, activity or small group during a designated time. We can also use "live" in place of synchronous. Every effort will be made to record synchronous learning instruction and uploaded to SeeSaw or Schoology for students who are unable to attend.
Connection, discussion, student-to-student interaction or teacher-to-student interaction.
What is asynchronous learning?
A time that has been recorded and can be viewed at any time. Student work or activities promote learning based on the Minnesota Academic Standards. We can use "any time" in place of asynchronous.
Readings, posting videos for preview, written tasks that leverage prior knowledge.
Middle School
General Information
- Students will use Schoology and have Chromebooks. Some students may use a different program or technology based on their disability needs.
- Learning will be aligned to the state standards.
- Allied classes will meet for a semester instead of the entire school year.
- Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (synchronous): students and their teacher will meet "live." Instruction will be similar as if it were in person, with large group, small group and 1:1 instruction, along with independent work.
- Wednesdays (asynchronous): recorded learning days. Students will learn using pre-recorded, video-based instruction such as video lessons and daily assignments. Personalized support and online clubs would be an option for your student. Your student's teachers will be available for one-on-one conferences for questions/communication, and will also use the day for planning and lesson development.
- Throughout the week, there will be semi-self paced work and mastery checks.
Students will be expected to:
-
Check in daily for attendance with their teacher.
-
Fully participate in the scheduled academic classes.
-
Complete all work in a timely manner.
-
Follow the technology expectations and student expectation guidelines.
-
Follow the CHAMPS process for class time.
-
Have a dedicated area to complete schoolwork and tasks at home.
Attendance
- Students must check in at the assigned time of class during instructional time by signing into the chat area of Google Meet sessions
- The teacher will record attendance and record the session to verify student attendance.
- Students missing a class must have a parent/guardian call the middle school attendance line to excuse the absence.
- Your student's advisory teacher will be the point person for attendance and the main point of contact and communication for any non-content specific questions.
- If your student is ill, families should call their school's attendance line.
- Attendance is important; unexcused absences will follow the Hennepin County "Be At School" truancy program.
- Students who are missing classes will be identified and brought forward to the MTSS (multi-tiered system of supports) team and interventions will be developed. After seven missed classes, a staff person will be assigned to the student for daily check-ins. If after 15 missed classes, the student will be referred to their grade-level counselor and/or social workers.
School day structure
- Students will focus on four (4) 80-minute classes each day.
- For most students, their school day will begin with 30 minutes of Advisory.
- Students will have a "block schedule" with the same four classes on Mondays and Thursdays, and the same four classes on Tuesdays and Fridays.
- Each 80-minute class may include an introductory activity, whole group instruction, small group activity, formative assessment and asynchronous learning.
- School will follow the regular start and end times; however, there are times where students may finish (complete) all of their work early.
Grading
- Middle schools will be using a letter grade system during Distance Learning PLUS.
- The purpose of grading is to provide feedback to families and students regarding student progress in what they know, and can do, aligned to the Minnesota Academic Standards.
- Grading practices will include formative assessments (homework, daily classwork) and summative assessments (projects, performance, labs, presentations, etc.)
- Students who achieve a GPA of 3.0 or higher will be placed on the "honor roll." Students who achieve a GPA of 3.8 or higher will be placed on the "high honor roll."
Social-Emotional Support
- This school year, we will be using Second Step curriculum district-wide.
- Students will be able to access their school social worker, school psychologists and school counselor.
- Virtual calming rooms may be available.
- School-based linked therapists will be available for virtual and face-to-face sessions.
What is synchronous learning?
A time when a teacher is online and available to students either through direct instruction or for support (clarification, guidance, etc.) of an assignment, activity or small group during a designated time. We can also use "live" in place of synchronous.
Connection, discussion, student-to-student interaction or teacher-to-student interaction.
What is asynchronous learning?
A time that has been recorded and can be viewed at any time. Student work or activities promote learning based on the Minnesota Academic Standards. We can use "any time" in place of asynchronous.
Readings, posting videos for preview, written tasks that leverage prior knowledge.
High School
General Information
- Students will use Schoology and have Chromebooks. Some students may use a different program or technology based on their disability needs.
- Learning will be aligned to the state standards.
- Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (synchronous): students and their teacher will meet "live." Instruction will be similar as if it were in person, with large group, small group and 1:1 instruction, along with independent work. Live sessions/lessons will also be recorded.
- Wednesdays (asynchronous): recorded learning days. Students will learn using pre-recorded, video-based instruction such as video lessons and daily assignments. Your student's teachers will be available for one-on-one conferences for questions/communication, small group work and student/family check-ins, and will also use the day for planning and lesson development.
- Throughout the week, there will be semi-self paced work and mastery checks.
Students will be expected to:
-
Check in daily for attendance with their teacher.
-
Fully participate in the scheduled academic classes.
-
Complete all work in a timely manner.
-
Follow the technology expectations and student expectation guidelines.
-
Follow the CHAMPS process for class time.
-
Have a dedicated area to complete schoolwork and tasks at home.
Attendance
- Students must check in at the assigned time of class during instructional time by signing into the chat area of Google Meet sessions
- The teacher will record attendance and record the session to verify student attendance.
- Students who have a need for a different time to check into class will need to communicate with their teacher(s) via email or virtual to make arrangements and should not be an everyday situation.
- Students missing a class must have a parent/guardian call the high school attendance line to excuse the absence. If there is no call, the student will be marked absent unverified.
- If your student is ill, families should call their school's attendance line.
- Attendance is important; unexcused absences will follow the Hennepin County "Be At School" truancy program.
- Students who are missing classes will be identified and brought forward to the MTSS (multi-tiered system of supports) team and interventions will be developed. After seven missed classes, a staff person will be assigned to the student for interventions. If after 15 missed classes, the student will be referred to their grade-level counselor and/or social workers.
School day structure
- Students and teachers will be logged in at the same time on synchronous class days. The first 20-30 minutes of each class may be used for live teacher instruction; the second part of class is for practicing classwork; the third part of class is for projects or group work.
- Each class will have built-in intervention time for students and teachers.
- School will follow the regular start and end times; however, there are times where students may finish (complete) all of their work early.
- Armstrong students will follow a "block schedule" of four (4) 85 to 90-minute classes each day, with the same four classes on Mondays and Thursdays, and the same four classes on Tuesdays and Fridays.
- Cooper students will have an alternating day schedule: three (3) 85 to 90-minute classes and 90 minutes Advisory on Mondays and Thursdays; four (4) 90 minute classes on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Grading
- High schools will be using a letter grade system during Distance Learning PLUS.
- The purpose of grading is to provide feedback to families and students regarding student progress in what they know, and can do, aligned to the Minnesota Academic Standards.
Social-Emotional Support
- This school year, we will be using Second Step curriculum district-wide.
- Students will be able to access their school social worker, school psychologists and school counselor.
- Virtual calming rooms may be available.
- School-based linked therapists will be available for virtual and face-to-face sessions.
What is synchronous learning?
A time when a teacher is online and available to students either through direct instruction or for support (clarification, guidance, etc.) of an assignment, activity or small group during a designated time. We can also use "live" in place of synchronous.
Connection, discussion, student-to-student interaction or teacher-to-student interaction.
What is asynchronous learning?
A time that has been recorded and can be viewed at any time. Student work or activities promote learning based on the Minnesota Academic Standards. We can use "any time" in place of asynchronous.
Readings, posting videos for preview, written tasks that leverage prior knowledge.
Special Education
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
Center-Based Classroom
- Definition: students who receive the majority of their special education services in an early childhood special education classroom.
- Distance Learning would take place Mondays through Wednesdays.
- Your student's schedule may include: welcome activity; circle time; small group activity; supported independent practice; read aloud; specialized instruction and closing.
Inclusion
- Definition: students who receive their special education services within an early childhood classroom.
- Students will receive their special education services based on their IEP during distance learning.
- Distance Learning may include: 1:1 live instruction to address IEP goals and objectives via Google Meet; SeeSaw activities; modified activities as needed to support engagement; IEP goals; classroom participation
B-3 Early Intervention
- Definition: students who receive their special education services in their home or natural environment.
- Students and families will receive virtual coaching sessions and services based on their Individualized Family Service Plan. Students and families may be invited to New Hope Learning Center to complete face to face components of an evaluation as needed.
Center-Based Special Education K-12
- Center-based definition: Students who receive Special Education services for more than 60% of their school day in a small classroom environment. (STARS, WAVE, RISE and LEAP programs).
- Distance Learning will take place five days a week, Mondays through Fridays.
- Distance Learning may include: a.m. and p.m. classroom meetings/social-emotional sessions; two learning blocks involving mini-lessons, pre-recorded or live-guided practice; independent activities posted in SeeSaw or Schoology; individual and/or small group instruction with specialized live sessions for IEP services based on individualized continuous distance learning plan; movement breaks; specials, allied and elective courses.
Elementary School
- Case managers will reach out to families to discuss their student's IEP for distance learning the first few weeks of school.
- Special Education staff will provide services through synchronous (live), asynchronous and telehealth models.
- Mental health providers will be available to support caregivers with creating structures and routines for students at home to ensure success.
- Special education evaluations will be conducted at Student Support Centers following appropriate safety protocols.
Middle and High School
- Students with IEPs will have their schedules modified to fit the block model.
- IEPs will be updated to reflect the change in minutes and delivery of instruction and support
- Staff will be trained on providing IEP accommodations during distance learning.
Robbinsdale Transition Center
- Distance Learning may include: individual morning check-ins with staff; class one (for example Money Management); class two (for example Work Experience); class three (for example, Soft Skills); advisory with a focus on social-emotional learning; break for lunch; afternoon independent activities and individual connections.
Early Childhood: ECFE
General Information
- This information is for Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE).
- Courses will be designed for online learning.
- Learning will be aligned to the state standards.
- A 90-minute virtual course on Google Meet could include circle time, parent/child interaction, story time, parenting discussion and summary/closure.
Please note, we are revising our ECFE parent and child course offerings to meet different family needs, while prioritizing the health and safety of our youngest learners, their families, and our staff. A revised brochure is forthcoming. Classes labeled Distance will continue to be online for the duration of the course.
Early Childhood: Preschool
General Information
Preschool classes will be delivered in alignment with the Elementary learning model. This means starting the school year under the Distance Learning model with a structure that mirrors onsite learning:
- Learning will be aligned to the state standards.
- All communication and instructional activities will be delivered through SeeSaw.
- All students will have an opportunity each class session to join a scheduled live whole class meeting for 15-20 minutes via Google Meet. This time may be extended as students become more accustomed to and gain stamina with meeting online.
- Each student will have an opportunity to join a small group Google Meet at least once a week for another 15-20 minutes of live instruction.
- Meetings will be recorded so students can access at their convenience to review afterward. Families may choose to leave cameras off.
- Additional optional opportunities for students to connect with staff during connection times through Google Meet.
- Learning activities connected to live instruction and supported by videos and other resources for literacy, math, social emotional learning, movement, and art, will be shared via Seesaw through a virtual classroom. These activities may be completed within the timeframe of the regularly scheduled class or at a more convenient time for families.
- A limited number of iPads and Hotspots will be made available to families, with priority going to families with no access to any other device.
- If you have personal questions about your student, an email or phone call should be sent to the teacher (rather than posting something on SeeSaw or Schoology) for private sharing of information.
Additional Information: 5-Day Preschool
- This information is for five-day, 4-year-old preschool (VPK at elementary schools and New Hope Learning Center).
- Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (synchronous): students and their teacher will meet "live" and begin their day with morning meetings. Instruction will be similar as if it were in person, with large group, small group and 1:1 instruction, along with independent work.
- Wednesdays (asynchronous): recorded learning days. Students will learn using pre-recorded, video-based instruction such as video lessons and daily assignments. Your student's teacher will be available for questions/communication through small groups or individual meetings, and will also use the day for planning and lesson development. Wednesdays will also be used for materials schedules for pick up and drop off.
Attendance
- Teachers will take attendance daily. A student can be considered in attendance by participating in a video chat or class session with a teacher; by a phone call, email or SeeSaw; by submitting an assignment on a given day.
- Families will check in on their assigned class day.
- Families who are unable to check in and will be working asynchronously can be checked in by a parent/guardian communicating with their student's teacher.
- If your student is ill, parents/guardians should call the office. If there is no call, the student will be marked absent and the teacher will contact the family.
- If a student misses two consecutive school days with no call made to the office, the teacher will notify the office.
School day structure
- School will follow the regular start and end times for your student's school, however, there are times where students may finish (complete) all of their work early.
- Student work should be uploaded to SeeSaw.
- Your student's school day may include: greeting message, circle time using Google Meets, home activity, small group time using Google Meets, connection time as an additional opportunity to connect virtually with the teacher and movement time home activity.
What is synchronous learning?
A time when a teacher is online and available to students either through direct instruction or for support (clarification, guidance, etc.) of an assignment, activity or small group during a designated time. We can also use "live" in place of synchronous. Every effort will be made to record synchronous learning instruction and uploaded to SeeSaw or Schoology for students who are unable to attend.
Connection, discussion, student-to-student interaction or teacher-to-student interaction.
What is asynchronous learning?
A time that has been recorded and can be viewed at any time. Student work or activities promote learning based on the Minnesota Academic Standards. We can use "any time" in place of asynchronous.
Readings, posting videos for preview, written tasks that leverage prior knowledge.
Adult Academic Program
General Information
- Adult Academic students will be able to access various classes in a distance learning format, including English Language, GED, Academic Skills, and Stroke/Brain Injury.
- Daytime classes and some evening classes will be offered.
- Teachers will be available for virtual assistance each day.
- Student Support Centers will be available by appointment.
Additional Information
Safety Measures
Stay home if you:
- Have any symptoms of illness/COVID-19. Symptoms of COVID-19 currently include: cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, loss of sense of smell or taste, and gastrointestinal symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea. This is not an all-inclusive list and it is important to stay home if you have any signs of illness.
- Have tested positive for COVID-19.
- Are waiting for a COVID-19 test result.
- Recently had close contact with a person with COVID-19 within the last 14 days.
Staff Protocol
All staff in buildings are required to:
- Wear a face covering when not in a space by themselves.
- Social distance six feet away from others while in the building.
- Set a schedule with the principal for when they will be in the building and sign in and out every day.
- Staff should not bring children or visitors into the building with them.
- Staff are to stay home when displaying ANY signs of illness, per the current Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 exclusion guidelines.
Students/Families Protocol
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) does not currently recommend universal COVID-19 testing or symptom screening be conducted by schools to allow entry into programming.
Students and families should perform a self-screening for COVID-19 prior to leaving their home and coming to school. Parents/guardians sending students to school are confirming that their student is not experiencing COVID symptoms, has not been exposed to someone positive for COVID or is not awaiting a COVID test result or alternative diagnosis (ex. Sore throat that may be caused by Strep Throat).
The at-home screening includes: symptom check (sore throat, cough, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, new onset of severe headache); temperature check; close contact/potential exposure.
Face Coverings
Face coverings will be mandatory for all staff, students, and visitors. Face coverings should be worn in combination with other infection control measures, including social distancing. The CDC has stated face coverings are most effective when they are worn by all individuals in public settings when around others outside of their home. This important mitigation strategy has ensured that students and staff will be provided the following from The State of Minnesota:
- Every K-12 student will receive one cloth face covering.
- Every school staff member will receive one cloth face covering.
- Every school will receive three disposable face masks per student.
- Every school will receive face shields for all licensed teachers and 50% of non-licensed staff.
Robbinsdale Area Schools has secured 100,000 masks to provide to staff and students that will need a face covering.
Face Shields
Face shields have been purchased for Speech and Language Clinicians, teachers who have DHH students in their classroom, Education Assistants working with our DHH students, and Health staff.
Disposable Gowns
Disposable gowns are being provided for use by Health Services and Special Education staff working directly with high risk populations. Gowns are being provided for use by Special Education staff, Health Service Staff and other staff working directly with high risk populations.
Movement / Tracking of Movement in Buildings
- Staff and students wash hands upon arrival to the school.
- Staff and students wear masks indoors unless exempt.
- Drinking fountains can be used, students also have the option to bring water bottles from home.
- Traffic patterns will be on the floors to help navigate appropriate social distancing.
- If possible, one way traffic patterns will be implemented.
- Contact tracing documentation binders will be available in all rooms. Staff document who is in what space for 15 minutes or more.
School Meals
During Distance Learning, students will have access to meal bundles containing five breakfasts and five lunches available at seven school sites throughout the district. More information regarding these meal sites will be shared with families.
Students who qualify for educational benefits will receive FREE meals. All families are encouraged to apply for educational benefits (free and reduced meals) online at rocketscan.rdale.org.
Athletics and Activities
Robbinsdale Area Schools follows guidance provided by the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL).
MSHSL has released a COVID-19 NOTICE that is to be distributed to each family that has a student registering for any activities. Armstrong and Cooper are distributing this notice to families as part of the registration process.
MSHSL has created a page on their website that catalogs all MSHSL documents providing guidance and information for sponsored activities and athletics: Sports Guidance and Information COVID-Related Resources 2020-2021.
Approved Fall Sports
Girls Tennis, Boys and Girls Soccer, Boys and Girls Cross Country, Girls Swim and Dive
Approved fall sports will follow the guidelines set forth by MSHSL:
- Interscholastic scrimmages will not be allowed
- The number of teams involved in competition will be limited.
- Season length will be reduced by 80% or less
- The number of competitions will be reduced by 70% or less
- Competitions must be held with local opponents, defined as teams within a conference, district or section, or are identified as local by school administration.
- For schools that are required by localized metrics to be in a distance learning mode, practices are limited to virtual contact only.
Fall Sports: Dates
Updated corresponding dates and criteria set forth by the MSHSL are as follows:
Tennis, Girls
- Start Date: August 17
- First Competition Date: August 24
- Last date of regular season competition: October 3
- End Date: October 17
- Total weeks including postseason: 9
- Maximum number of contests: 11
- Maximum number of contests per week: 2
- Dual meets only (No invites or tournaments)
- Opponents: Conference, Section, local teams only
Soccer, Boys and Girls
- Start Date: August 17
- First Competition Date: August 24
- Last date of regular season competition: October 10
- End Date: October 24
- Total weeks including postseason: 10
- Maximum number of contests: 11
- Maximum number of contests per week: 2
- Opponents: Conference, Section, local teams only
Swim & Dive, Girls
- Start Date: August 17
- First Competition Date: August 27
- Last date of regular season competition: October 17
- End Date: October 31
- Total weeks including postseason: 11
- Maximum number of contests: 11
- Maximum number of contests per week: 2
- Dual meets only (No invites)
- Opponents: Conference, Section, local teams only
Cross Country, Boys and Girls
- Start Date: August 17
- First Competition Date: August 27
- Last date of regular season competition: October 10
- End Date: October 24
- Total weeks including postseason: 10
- Maximum number of contests: 7
- Maximum number of contests per week: 2
- Dual or Tri Meets only (No invites)
- Opponents: Conference, Section, local teams only
Armstrong High School will schedule competition with Northwest Suburban Conference schools only. Cooper High School will schedule competition with Metro West Conference schools only.
Fall Sports: Team Info
Fall Sports - Team specific guidance and information
Note that the resumption of all activities and athletics are subject to change based on the most current information, directives from state government and health department officials, and member school feedback.
As part of the overall guidelines, MSHSL has set forth sport specific guidelines in regards to practice and competition. These guidelines include information on equipment, masks/face coverings, site set-up for competition and post-competition. Armstrong and Cooper will be following these guidelines.
Fall Training Seasons
Fall Training Seasons
The MSHSL Board of Directors did approve the creation of optional Fall Training Seasons in volleyball, football, and MSHSL sanctioned spring sports. Spring sports include Girls Badminton, Baseball, Boys and Girls Golf, Boys and Girls Lacrosse, Girls Softball, Synchronized Swimming, Boys Tennis, and Boys and Girls Track and Field. These Fall Training Sessions are MSHSL sponsored programs.
All guidelines according to the MSHSL Approved Fall Training Sessions document and the MSHSL Fall Training Season Clarifications document will be followed by Armstrong and Cooper High School Athletic Departments.
Football - Fall Training Season
Start Date - September 14
End Date - October 3
Maximum number of daily sessions - 12
Volleyball - Fall Training Season
Start Date - October 5
End Date - October 24
Maximum Number of daily sessions - 12
Each sport will have the opportunity to have an organizational meeting and distribute equipment on a date to be selected prior to their fall training season.
Armstrong and Cooper will register athletes that participate in football and volleyball fall training sessions. There will NOT be payment collected for the fall training season. Payment will be made when their season starts in the modified winter/spring season. These dates are still TBD by the MSHSL.
Spring Sports Training Sessions
Includes Baseball, Softball, Lacrosse - Boys & Girls, Track & Field - Boys & Girls, Golf - Boys & Girls
- Start Date - October 5
- End Date - October 24
- Maximum number of daily sessions per sport - 12
Each sport will have the opportunity to have an organizational meeting and distribute equipment on a date to be selected prior to their fall training season.
Armstrong and Cooper will register athletes that participate in spring sports fall training sessions. There will NOT be payment collected for the fall training season. Payment will be made when their season starts in Spring 2021.
Transportation
Transportation
Transportation guidelines set forth by Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Education will be followed by Armstrong and Cooper athletic departments in partnership with First Student.
General guidelines include:
- Maximum of 24 students on a bus
- Students must have a mask/face covering in place while on the bus.
- Students must sit in every other seat.
- Siblings will be able to sit together in the same seat.
Activity Bus
Traditionally a student athlete will take an activity bus home from after school practice. Armstrong and Cooper High Schools will be adding an activity bus route to pick up students and bring them to school for afternoon practice. Students will then ride an activity bus home after practice, Monday-Friday.
- Activity routes will be run Monday through Friday, based on attendance, beginning on Tuesday, September 8, 2020.
- Activity routes to pick-up students will resemble routes used to transport students home after practice. Students will be dropped off and picked up at designated bus stops.
- A student will need to pre-register to ride the activity bus to get to practice.
- The student will supply name, current address, student id# and parents' names via Google Form.
- Students will need to show their school identification to the bus driver when loading the bus.
- The bus driver may ask the student to remove mask/face covering to determine identity.
- If current student id’s have not been distributed, the corresponding athletic office will provide students with a temporary bus pass.
- Once registered for activity bus pick-up, the student will be required to ride the bus unless they have notified their coach or athletic office.
- School drop off and pick-up locations:
- Armstrong - Will use the circle in front of school to drop off and pick-up students
- Cooper - Will drop off and pick up students in the back of school by the gyms. Between door 18 and door 19.
Current teams will have players register for activity bus access from August 25-August 31. This will help First Student to evaluate routes and location stop needs.
Football and Volleyball fall practice seasons begin on September 14, 2020. Bus ridership should increase during that time. Bus needs will be part of the registration process for these students. The complete information may not be available until September 6, 2020.
Spring sports holding fall season practice will not begin until October 5, 2020. Registrations for this will occur in early September.
Game Transportation
Armstrong and Cooper High Schools will provide transportation for their teams to a scheduled game.
- Students will ride with the team to a game.
- If a student chooses to ride home with a parent, the parent/guardian will need to provide written permission the day prior of the game to the head coach.
General guidelines for game transportation will be the same:
- Students will be socially distanced on the bus.
- Students must sit in every other seat.
- Students must have a face covering in place while on the bus.
- Siblings will be able to sit together in the same seat.
School-Age Care
Executive order 20-82 indicates when Robbinsdale Area School operates a hybrid or distance learning model “must provide school-aged care for Eligible Children at no cost during the time those children are not receiving instruction in the school building during regular school hours.” This school-age care must be provided for school-age children age 12 and under who are children of critical workers in Tier I of the state critical worker list. Children of Tier I workers only will be cared for at no cost during the typical school hours. For more information about providing school-age care, including the list of Tier I workers, see the “School-age Care Programs in Schools” section of MDE’s 2020-21 School Year Planning Guidance.
To register for child care, please visit https://rdale.ce.eleyo.com/. Child care will be provided for elementary and middle school students.
School Age Care Daily Schedule
Early morning and late afternoon care will include fun, enriching activities. Care during school day hours will include staff facilitating the district learning schedule for students. The staff are not licensed teachers but will manage the classroom, help with questions, help students log on to meet with their teachers virtually and plan natural breaks such as recess and meal times. Child care will follow MDH health guidelines for school age care programs. Each site supervisor for school age care will communicate a detailed daily plan which includes what to bring, drop off/pick up procedures, daily schedule and other important information once your registration has been accepted and before your first day of attendance.
Volunteers
In the 2020-2021 Planning Guide for Schools: Health Considerations for Navigating COVID-19, the Minnesota Department of Health requires that, “Nonessential visitors, volunteers, and activities involving external groups or organizations should be restricted.” Therefore, we will continue to suspend the use of in-person volunteers in the distance learning and hybrid scenarios.
A new “virtual” volunteer program is being created allowing our existing volunteer pool to work directly with students while addressing data privacy and supervision issues. Contact Mindy Potvin in our Volunteers in Partnership office at volunteers@rdale.org.