Important Updates for the Roseville Area Schools Community
February 7, 2021

In this message


This message contains important information on a number of topics, including:

School board seeking public input for superintendent search via community survey


The Roseville Area School District school board is beginning a search for a new superintendent, as Superintendent Sicoli is retiring in June 2021. The board is only seeking internal district applicants due to the strength of the potential applicants, and to minimize disruption in these challenging times.
Please help the school board by completing an online survey by Monday, February 15. It will take about 10 minutes and is anonymous and confidential. The survey was developed based on input from our community in 2015 for characteristics used in the selection of our current superintendent. The board is seeking feedback for any changes needed as we search for the next superintendent.
A summary of the survey results will be posted on the district’s website after February 18, 2021.

Next steps in the superintendent search


  • February 7 - 15: Online survey of community.
  • February 11 - 12: Focus groups with staff, students and stakeholders. 
  • February 9: School board reviews superintendent search plan at its regular 6:30 p.m. board meeting.
  • February 18: School board reviews community input from survey and focus groups and finalizes new superintendent profile at a special meeting of the board.
  • February 22: Candidates presented to the school board at a special meeting of the board.
  • February 23: Board formally approves candidates to be interviewed at its regular 6:30 p.m. board meeting.
  • February 24: Focus group interviews with candidates and televised interviews with the school board at a special meeting of the board at 6:30 p.m.
  • Early March: Anticipated board action on a contract with the finalist.
  • July 1, 2021: New superintendent assumes duties.
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Class of 2021 graduation update


At the start of the school year, we all wondered if seniors would once again miss out on the traditions that can be definitive moments in a student’s high school experience. With COVID-19 rates reduced significantly from their highs in November and December and students returning to blended and in-person learning, we are hopeful that some sort of in-person commencement celebration for the Class of 2021 may be possible. 
We know how important senior year is to students, and that this year has been incredibly difficult. We care for you and hope to have additional information for you soon about what we can look forward to this spring.
Roseville Area High School (RAHS)
While the state has not announced what will be allowed, we are preparing for a possible in-person graduation event on the RAHS football field. Even if we have to hold multiple events with smaller groups of students and families and social distancing, we hope this is welcome news to our seniors and their families.  
Fairview Alternative High School (FAHS)
FAHS is planning for graduation on June 7, 2021. As was shared with families in January, we continue to monitor a number of factors as we make decisions on what graduation will look like this spring, which could be: a traditional FAHS graduation in the RAMS auditorium with graduates, families, friends and school staff; graduation at an outside venue; live-streamed graduation in the RAMS auditorium with graduates and school staff; or a virtual graduation.
Adult Basic Education (ABE)
ABE is planning for an in-person outdoor graduation, if state guidance allows, in the summer. Stay tuned for additional information.  
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Prekindergarten and second through fourth grade returns this week


A reminder that the phased transition of elementary students to in-person learning four days per week continues this week, with students in pre-K and grades 2 – 4 beginning tomorrow (Monday, Feb. 8). 
View the detailed transition schedule at isd623.org/COVID19.
Here are some notable upcoming dates for elementary grades:
  • February 8: Pre-K and grades 2 – 4 begin in-person learning four days per week (Monday – Thursday).
  • February 9 – 11: Harambee grades 5 – 6 transition days (no in-school or distance learning for Harambee grades 5 – 6).
  • February 17 – 19: Grades 5 – 6 transition days (no in-school or distance learning for grades 5 – 6) except for Harambee (on intersession). 
  • February 22: Grades 5 – 6 begin in-person learning four days per week (Monday – Thursday) with Fridays at home (asynchronous), except for Harambee (on intersession). 
  • March 8: Harambee grades 5 – 6 begin in-person learning four days per week (Monday – Thursday) with Fridays at home (asynchronous).
  • March 15: Grades K – 6 in-person learning switches to five days per week, with school-day shortened by 30 minutes. 
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Beginning March 15, school days shortened by 30 minutes


Beginning March 15, the school day for all grades will be shortened by 30 minutes at the end of the day to allow for teacher planning. Watch for information from your school about your specific schedules and bus information.
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Reminder about mask requirements and bring an extra!


Under the governor's statewide mask mandate, all students and staff in District buildings will be required to wear a face-covering (with the exception of early childhood learners and some students receiving special education services). See the requirements of the governor's mask mandate, as well as exemptions. 
Outside of these exceptions, students cannot refuse to wear a mask in school. Students who do not want to wear a mask in school should consider opting-in to our district’s full-time distance learning program. 
If a student refuses to wear a mask in school, staff will communicate that the face-covering requirement is a learning task and part of maintaining a safe learning environment for every member of the school community. If a student continues to refuse to follow the face-covering requirement, their presence in the classroom creates a health and safety risk to other students and staff. Staff will seek the involvement of the student’s parent/guardian and building administrator in such a case. 
Also...
Please make sure to have an extra mask in your student's backpack in case their mask becomes soiled or misplaced. Schools will provide masks for students if they need them, but we ask that you send your students prepared each and every day. 
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Check for COVID-19 symptoms before coming to school


All students that come to school must be healthy and have no symptoms that may be related to COVID-19. We need the help of families to make sure their students are well enough to attend school so that school is a safe environment for everyone.
Download this simple tool to help you determine each day if your student or any family member should stay home from school:
This daily screening tool helps you decide if you should go to a school building each day. MDH has provided guidance for schools, including a flow chart when a student or staff member is experiencing the following symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
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Visit our COVID-19 page for the latest info


The latest information about our response to the COVID-19 global pandemic is at isd623.org/COVID19.
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If you have questions, please contact communications@isd623.org.
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1251 County Road B2 W
Roseville, MN | 55113 United States
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