News for March 17, 2021

Watch for the spring issue of 623 Today in mailboxes!
The latest issue of our community newsletter, 623 Today, was sent via U.S. mail today. Watch your mailboxes to learn about how the district prepared for students returning to in-person learning, good financial stewardship through difficult financial times, and significant progress on the final stretch of construction and renovation projects made possible by the investment the community made in 2017 for our facilities.
In today's edition of District News:
April Opportunity to Return to In-Person Learning
Elementary Transition Option April 19
Families who elected to have their student(s) remain in the Distance Learning Academy will have another opportunity to transition to in-person learning this spring. Families who wish to change their student's learning model should notify their school by April 1 in order to transition to in-person learning on Monday, April 19. This will be the only additional opportunity for elementary students to switch to the in-person learning model this school year, and is dependent on having adequate space and staffing to accommodate additional students in-person.
Watch for additional information in your weekly school newsletters!
Supporting Asian American Students, Families and Staff
Offering Support and Resources During Troubling Times
With ongoing news about racism, violence and harassment towards Asian Americans, including the recent killings in the Atlanta area that are still under investigation, the district has made resources available to families and staff to help address anti-Asian bias. The organization Learning for Justice has compiled a website with articles that examine this topic. 
In April 2020, the school board of Roseville Area Schools unanimously adopted a resolution supporting Asian American students, families and staff, and condemned all forms of anti-Asian sentiment related to COVID-19. Read the full resolution on Page 27 of their board packet.  
Not to be Missed
RAHS 9th Graders Began Blended Learning This Week!
Freshman at RAHS had their first opportunity to learn in-person when they transitioned to blended learning Monday. Things went smoothly, and grades 10 – 12 will join them next week!
Great News from USDA
All school meals will continue to be free through September 30, 2021. The school district will still need all families to fill out an Application for Educational Benefits beginning August 9, 2021, for the following school year.
We encourage all families to complete the Application for Educational Benefits each year; you may know this as the free and reduced meal form. 
You can complete the application online or request a paper copy. Each year a paper copy is mailed out in August but we understand, this year especially, that your family’s financial situation may have changed. You can fill out a new form any time your family’s income changes.
This form not only determines benefits for students and families such as no-cost meals at school but also provides free bus cards, discounted internet service, discounted/no-cost early childhood classes and scholarships for summer camps and childcare centers, discounted field trips, standardized test fee waivers, and sports team scholarships and fee waivers.
It also impacts your school’s funding and the district’s budget, including state and federal dollars that may be used for administration, social workers, family liaisons, and so much more! 
Finance Update
Financial Forecast: Looking Ahead
Roseville Area Schools has a long and proud history of providing strong educational programs, a talented, caring staff and a shared vision of excellence. We recently received the Certificate of Excellence for excellent comprehensive financial reporting, demonstrating our commitment to financial transparency and accountability. Thanks to good financial management, the district’s credit rating was recently upgraded by Moody’s. Decades of generous and reliable financial support from the community have enabled us to meet the educational needs of our students and their families.
However, looking ahead, expenses are outpacing revenue, putting increased pressure on our operating budget. Throughout this spring, district leadership and the school board will continue to analyze our finances, look at projections and determine how to fill the gap between revenue and expenses. Learn more on our Financial Forecast webpage.
Upcoming Events
Children first: A community conversation about educating all of our children
Join former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page and Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari for a community conversation regarding the Page amendment with community leaders from Fridley, Mahtomedi, Mounds View, Roseville, and White Bear Lake.
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