Get Involved
Thank you for your interest in sharing your time and talents with our students and community! We have many ways to get involved. Some committees and volunteer opportunities are simply looking for passionate people willing to be involved, while others have bylaws and require more experience/expertise and approval by current members. If you have a particular interest or would like to join a committee, please contact the committee chair or contact person.
- American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC)
- Community Connect Committee
- Community Education Advisory Council
- Comprehensive Arts Planning Program (CAPP)
- Financial Advisory Council (FAC)
- Gifted & Talented Advisory Committee
- Interschool Council (ISC)
- Legislative Action Coalition (LAC)
- Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC)
American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC)
Parents/guardians of American Indian students are invited to join the Robbinsdale Area Schools American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC).
The AIPAC works to ensure American Indian students are receiving culturally relevant and equitable opportunities when it comes to their education and success within Robbinsdale Area Schools.
2020-2021 Meeting Dates
Meetings will be virtual for the 2020-2021 school year. Meeting links will be posted on the District website: rdale.org/calendar
Meetings will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. on these dates:
- Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020
- Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020
- Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021
- Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021
- Tuesday, March 16, 2021
- Tuesday, April 13, 2021
- Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Contact
For more information or questions about AIPAC meetings, please email the Robbinsdale American Indian Education team at: Randy_Gresczyk@rdale.org
Athena_Cloud@rdale.org
Community Connect Committee
Community Connect is a standing committee of the Robbinsdale Area School District and School Board. The committee usually meets about six times per school year. Regular meeting time is 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The charge of the Community Connect Committee is to recommend to the School Board and district administration involvement in interactions and events that support the Unified District Vision (UDV).
Community Connect researches and initiates community conversations that build relationships with targeted audiences to:
- Assure student success
- Connect with families, parents, and guardians of our students
- Foster awareness of the benefits of Pre-12 education
- Engage community members such as district residents and businesses
- Promote ongoing positive community connections
- Foster mutual support between the district and the community it serves
- Share key messages of the district
Membership is comprised of school board members, the Marketing & Communications Director, Achievement & Integration Program Director, Community Education Director and up to five community members.
A school board member will be designated as chair, who will prepare an agenda for each meeting based on input from committee members. The chair will be responsible for distributing the agenda and meeting summaries including action items. Meeting materials will be maintained by the School Board Administrative Assistant.
Unified District Vision goals to which the charge of the Community Connect Committee is aligned:
- Goal 1: Implement Policies and Practices that Open Pathways to Academic Excellence for All Students
- Goal 3: Engage Family and Community Members as Partners
Contact
David Boone, School Board Chair
David_Boone@rdale.org
2020-2021 Meeting Dates
Teleconference information will be posted on the District calendar.
- August 11, 2020
- October 13, 2020
- December 8, 2020
- February 9, 2021
- April 13, 2021
- June 8, 2021
Community Education Advisory Council
The Community Education Advisory Council is mandated by Minnesota law and serves to advise the Administration and the Board of Education about issues relating to Community Education and community services.
- The Council serves as liaison between the community and the school district in evaluating Community Education needs and providing input to promote and foster new programs.
- Members advise, guide, advocate and serve as ambassadors for the development and delivery of Community Education programs and act as key communicators to connect the community to Robbinsdale Area Schools.
- The Advisory Council helps shape the future direction of Community Education and provides leadership opportunities for members to connect on a regional and national level.
Contact
Kristine Wehrkamp, PhD
Executive Director of Community Education
763-504-8013
kristine_wehrkamp@rdale.org
2020-2021 Meeting Dates
- October 26, 2020
- November 23, 2020
- January 25, 2021
- February 22, 2021
- April 26, 2021
- June 8, 2021
Comprehensive Arts Planning Program (CAPP)
The mission of the Comprehensive Arts Planning Program (CAPP) is to support Robbinsdale Area Schools arts programming by advocating for the importance of arts in school, promoting arts education, initiating arts events and partnerships, and creating opportunities for arts involvement in the community.
In 1985, Robbinsdale Area Schools was one of the first districts awarded a CAPP grant from the state arts board. Four subsequent grants and continuing district contributions have made the CAPP Committee a consistent presence in Robbinsdale Area Schools for more than 25 years. Throughout that time, CAPP’s vision has remained consistent: All the Arts for all the Students.
CAPP committee goals
Goal 1: Promote a Comprehensive Arts Education for All Students
Goal 2: Communicate the Role of Arts Education in Our Schools
Goal 3: Strengthen Community Connections in the Arts
Goal 4: Advocate for Staff Development and Support in the Arts
Membership
The CAPP Committee consists of community members, parents/guardians, teachers, school board members and district administration. We generally meet once a month at the Education Service Center at 42nd and Winnetka in New Hope. We are always looking for members who have an interest in strengthening our arts education programs within Robbinsdale Area Schools.
If you are interested or would like to be involved in the CAPP committee in another way, please contact Molly Olson for more information at Molly_Olson@rdale.org or 763-504-8033.
Contact
Molly Olson
Molly_Olson@rdale.org
763-504-8033
2020-2021 Meeting Dates
** Meetings start at 5:15 p.m. Virtual meeting information can be found on the district calendar.
- October 7, 2020 - canceled
- October 28, 2020
- December 2, 2020
- January 13, 2020
- February 10, 2021
- April 7, 2021
Financial Advisory Council (FAC)
The Robbinsdale Area Schools Financial Advisory Council (FAC) provides financial advice and support to the School Board and Administration, including evaluation of the district's economic conditions, development of future budget assumptions and review of the overall fiscal condition of the district.
Membership
Current School Board appointed FAC community members serving three year terms include: Gregg Fishbein, Earl Hoffman, Lennie Kaufman, Greg Kugler, O. Barry Rogers, Howard Schwartz and Terry Swanson. The Superintendent, School Board Treasurer and Executive Director of Finance also attend.
Meetings
Meetings are typically held at the Education Service Center (4148 Winnetka Ave N, New Hope, MN, third floor boardroom). All FAC meetings are open to the public.
**For the 2020-2021 school year, meetings will be held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Teleconference information will be posted on the District calendar.
Contact
Karylanne Marchand
Business Office Manager
Karylanne_Marchand@rdale.org
2020-2021 Meeting Dates
- July 14, 2020
- November 10, 2020
- January 12, 2020
- March 9, 2020
- May 11, 2020
Teleconference information will be posted on the District calendar
Agendas
2020-2021 FAC Agendas
- July 14, 2020 Agenda and Agenda Packet
- November 10, 2020 Agenda and Agenda Packet
- January 12, 2021 Agenda and Agenda Packet
Minutes
Gifted & Talented Advisory Committee
The mission of Gifted and Talented Education is to integrate specialized programs, services and differentiated instruction so that all learners reach their full potential.
2020-2021 Meeting Dates
Meetings will be virtual for the 2020-2021 school year. Meeting links will be posted on the District calendar: rdale.org/calendar
Meetings will be held from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. on these dates:
- November 19, 2020
- February 23, 2021
- April 13, 2021
Contact
Chad Libby
Curriculum & Instruction
Chad_Libby@rdale.org
763-504-8164
Interschool Council (ISC)
Overview
The InterSchool Council (ISC) is a unique forum for collaborations between parent representatives, district staff and community groups serving our mutual school families in Robbinsdale Area Schools (RAS). The collaborative environment fostered by ISC cultivates district-wide community resilience and identity through idea exchange, parent engagement and staff involvement. Participants in ISC explore questions with the intent to understand and share the context and perspective of decisions made and events held within our district. This council directly supports Goal #3 of the Unified District Vision by engaging families and community members as partners.
Purpose
ISC meetings provide participants an opportunity to network, share news, ideas, ask questions, and understand current developments while offering professional development opportunities for parent members, possibly with (and by) other parents. The meetings seek to provide RAS with an annual manifesto detailing the needs and wants of parents regarding the district’s yearly operation. Membership in this group allows participants opportunities to compare (and contrast) practices between parent groups and supporters, as well as gather new ideas. ISC works to embrace the diversity that exists across RAS. Meetings are attended by our district’s Superintendent, Dr. Carlton Jenkins, as well as district staff members, school board representatives and others who may be asked to give presentations on behalf of community organizations. Questions for district staff members or other presenters should be emailed in advance (preferably at least 3-5 days) so answers can be researched and prepared in time for the meeting.
Role
ISC representatives include parents from individual schools, programs and affinity groups in RAS. These representatives act as communication liaisons between the district administration and their own schools, groups, and/or boosters. Representatives attend their respective meetings to share meeting highlights and bring questions, concerns and accomplishments back to the council.
Getting Involved
Guest speakers are frequently invited, providing information which affects our entire district. Past guests include district staff and representatives of Community Education, PRISM, African Career Education & Resource, Inc. (ACER, Inc) and The Seven Dreams Foundation. In order to truly embrace the diversity within RAS, ISC aspires to open opportunities to educate ourselves about the many cultures within our community.
If you wish to be a guest speaker at an InterSchool Council meeting, want to become an attending representative for your school or booster organization (or just want to listen in on a meeting), please contact the current Chair (Aiysha Mustapha) at rdaleisc@gmail.com. Translators are readily available during meetings for some languages; requests can be made for those not represented and needed during meetings. Please email ISC leadership at least three days in advance of meetings so arrangements can be made.
Meetings are usually held the second Wednesday of each month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Education Service Center (ESC) Boardroom. The ESC is located at the corner of 42nd and Winnetka Avenue.
ISC’s growth areas:
- Explore alternative dates, times and locations to foster greater alignment with Unified District Parent Engagement Goal
- Identify Monthly meeting Themes
- Encourage and share cultural celebrations; participate in the development of community events.
- Offer Professional Development ISC style; ACEs, Cultural Competency, Schoology, Naviance etc.
- Explore programs, roles and responsibilities:
- Cultural and Climate Specialists
- Behavior Specialists
- Departmental budgets and goals
- Topics current and relevant to attending representatives
Contact
Aiysha Mustapha, Chair
rdaleisc@gmail.com
2020-2021 Meeting Dates
- September 23, 2020
- October 14, 2020
- November 11, 2020
- December 9, 2020
- January 13, 2021
- February 10, 2021
- March 10, 2021
- April 14, 2021
- May 12, 2021
- June 9, 2021
Legislative Action Coalition (LAC)
The Robbinsdale Area Schools Legislative Action Coalition (LAC) is a non-partisan group of parents/guardians, students and community members who advocate for legislation that supports our students and community. Join us at the Legislative Action Coalition meetings. No experience is necessary, just a desire to make a positive difference.
For more information on how you can get involved with LAC, send an email to LAC@rdale.org or call 763-504-8028.
District 281 Legislators
"Who Represents Me?" legislator finder link
Senator Chris Eaton, Legislative District 40
Phone: 651-296-8869 • chrise@senate.mn • Facebook • Twitter
Representative Michael Nelson, Legislative District 40A
Phone: 651-296-3751 • rep.michael.nelson@house.mn • Facebook
Representative Samantha Vang, Legislative District 40B
Phone: 651-296-3709 • rep.samantha.vang@house.mn • Facebook • Twitter
Senator Paul Anderson, Legislative District 44
Phone: 651-296-9261 • sen.paul.anderson@senate.mn • Facebook • Twitter
Representative Ginny Klevorn, Legislative District 44A
Phone: 651-296-5511 • rep.ginny.klevorn@house.mn • Facebook • Twitter
Senator Ann Rest, Legislative District 45
Phone: 651-296-2889 • annr@senate.mn • Facebook • Twitter
Representative Lyndon Carlson, Legislative District 45A
Phone: 651-296-4255 • rep.lyndon.carlson@house.mn • Facebook • Twitter
Representative Mike Freiberg, Legislative District 45B
Phone: 651-296-4176 • rep.mike.freiberg@house.mn • Facebook • Twitter
Senator Ron Latz, Legislative District 46
Phone: 651-297-8065 • ronl@senate.mn • Facebook • Twitter
Representative Ryan Winkler, Legislative District 46A
Phone: 651-296-7026 • rep.ryan.winkler@house.mn • Facebook • Twitter
Links
Minnesota State Legislature website
Detailed information about the MN State Legislature including statutes, bills, legislators, committees, calendars, publications and videos.
Financing Education In Minnesota 2017-18 (PDF)
Comprehensive information on the education funding formulas, taxes, levies and more, prepared by the MN House of Representatives Fiscal Analysis Department.
Minnesota School Finance, A Guide for Legislators (PDF)
Description of how public elementary and secondary schools are funded in Minnesota. It includes both finance data as well as some historical background, prepared by the MN House of Representatives Research Department.
Association of Metropolitan School Districts (AMSD) website
AMSD advocates for metropolitan school districts and their learners.
Contact
LAC@rdale.org
763-504-8028
2021 Meeting Dates
- January 19, 2021
- February 16, 2021
- March 16, 2021
- May 18, 2021
- June 15, 2021
Connect with us on social media
Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC)
Be informed • Build relationships • Make a difference
We are parents of students with special needs, school professionals, and community members dedicated to:
- Advocating for high quality programs & services
- Advising on special education policies, procedures & practices
- Assisting in identifying areas of improvement
- Encouraging good communication & support
There are many reasons to join SEAC!
- Learn how the special education system works in the school district.
- Learn information & skills that will help you become an effective advocate for your children and others.
- Meet other parents, school professionals & community members with similar goals.
- Sharing your unique perspectives & insights will help the school district work more effectively with families & improve outcomes for children.
If you would like to join SEAC, please complete an application.
Application for Membership (Spanish)
Contact
Sandra Goettl
Sandra_Goettl@rdale.org
763-504-8075
2020-2021 Meeting Dates
- September 22, 2020
- October 26, 2020
- January 4, 2021
- February 22, 2021
- April 26, 2021
2019-2020 Meetings
Meetings are typically held at the New Hope Learning Center, Flex Lab; 8301 47th Ave N, New Hope MN 55428. If you'd like to attend a meeting, please RSVP to Sandra Goettl at Sandra_Goettl@rdale.org or call 763-504-8075.
SEAC Resources
Minnesota Special Education Advisory Council - PACER-sponsored website is partially funded through a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. Robbinsdale Area schools does not endorse the services or a product provided by this resource; it is offered as a convenience to families.