Important Updates for the Roseville Area Schools Community
February 19, 2021

In this message


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

Update from the school board on the superintendent search


The school board thanks the more than 800 people who shared their insight via the survey and close to 100 people who participated in focus groups providing input on the superintendent search. Your input is extremely valuable in informing whom the board should hire as the next superintendent, and more broadly, to help the board understand the perceptions of different constituent groups about the district.
Based on the input, the school board approved a revised Profile of Attributes for the New Superintendent. The search firm will use the revised profile as the criteria for screening candidates. Those judged to be well-matched for the position will be presented to the school board at its 6:30 p.m. televised meeting on Tuesday, February 23. Once the board approves the candidates, their names will become public.
On Wednesday, February 24, staff, students and other stakeholder groups will interview the candidates during the day and the board will interview them in a televised meeting at 6:30 p.m. that evening. If needed, the board will conduct a second interview on February 26. A final candidate is expected to be announced in late February and their contract negotiated in March. They will assume duties July 1, 2021. 
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Students in grades 5 – 6 start in-person learning on Monday


A reminder that the phased transition of elementary students to in-person learning four days per week continues next week, with students in grades 5 – 6 beginning Monday, Feb. 22 (March 8 for Harambee). 
View the detailed transition schedule at isd623.org/COVID19.
Notable upcoming dates for elementary grades:
  • 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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Update on secondary grades transitioning to blended learning


This week Governor Walz announced changes to guidance around learning models for students in secondary grades, including removing the requirement for staging the transition to blended learning. Our current plan is for students in grades 7 – 9 to begin blended learning on March 15, and grades 10 – 12 on March 29. Our school board will discuss this plan on Tuesday, Feb. 23, including the possibility of accelerating the return of grades 10 – 12. Stay tuned for an update next week.
View the detailed transition schedule at isd623.org/COVID19.
Notable upcoming dates for secondary grades:
  • February 26 and March 3 – 4: Parkview and RAMS grades 7 – 8 transition days (no in-school or distance learning). 
  • March 2 – 4: RAHS grades 9 – 12 transition days (no in-school or distance learning).
  • March 15: Grades 7 – 9 at Parkview, RAMS and RAHS begin blended learning, two days a week in-person (either Monday – Tuesday or Wednesday – Thursday) and three days at home, with Fridays asynchronous. 
  • March 24 – 26: FAHS grades 10 – 12 transition days (no in-school or distance learning).
  • March 29: RAHS Grades 10 – 12 begin blended learning, two days a week in-person (either Monday – Tuesday or Wednesday – Thursday) and three days at home, with Fridays asynchronous. FAHS: Grades 10-12 begin blended learning, one day a week in-person (either Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday) and four days at home, with Fridays asynchronous.

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Caution about travel over spring break and recommendation for regular testing


Given the high level of COVID-19 spread in our communities, any unnecessary travel is highly discouraged. The CDC has published guidance on domestic and international travel during COVID-19, stating they recommend no travel at this time given that it increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19.
If you must travel outside the state or country for work, study, medical care, or personal safety and security, do what you can to protect yourself and your family by wearing a mask and maintaining six feet of distance between people. CDC includes in their recommendations getting a COVID-19 test after you return from travel. 
Additionally, MDH now recommends regular testing of individuals 12 – 25 years old. We strongly recommend students and families that are learning in-person or in blended learning receive a COVID-19 test every two weeks. Families can find locations for free COVID-19 testing on MDH’s website.
Visit CDC: Travel for more information about traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit MDH: COVID Testing for more information on testing recommendations. 

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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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