New Hope Mayor Kathi Hemken Receives Women Who Impact Award
Congratulations to New Hope Mayor Kathi Hemken, who has received the Lois M. Christensen Women Who Impact award from the Minnesota Women of Today (WOT).  Mayor Hemken was nominated by the New Hope Chapter of WOT for her involvement and contributions to others and to our community.  She received the award on Jan. 26 at the WOT State Convention in St. Louis Park.

Cooper Principal Named Executive Director of Student Services and Secondary Schools

Michael Favor, principal of Robbinsdale Cooper High School, has been named the Executive Director of Student Services and Secondary Schools, beginning July 1.  The search for a new principal has begun, and one will be in place before the end of the year.  Click here to learn more about Mr. Favor.
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District Launches Secure Eletronic Visitor Management System
In an effort to enhance school safety and security, Robbinsdale Area Schools will upgrade to electronic visitor management procedures effective Feb. 4.  A letter is being sent home to every family in the district outlining the procedures for this system, which includes visitors being asked to provide ID to check in at schools.  Click here to read the letter being sent home, and if you have questions, contact Brian Koch, Safety and Emergency Management Program Director, at x8139 or at brian_koch@rdale.org.
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Resource and Welcome Center In Need of School Supplies
The district's Resource and Welcome Center is in need of school supplies.  The Resource and Welcome Center registers families who are new to the country and/or who speak a language other than English in the home.  As part of the registration process, the new students are given school supplies, which provide them with a warm welcome and a good start in our schools.  Click here to find a list of the needed supplies.

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2013-2014 District Calendar Now Online
Already thinking about next school year?  Planning trips, childcare and more?  The 2013-2014 district calendar was recently approved by the school board and is now online.  Click here to find it!

Armstrong Students Become Teachers of Teachers
On Tuesday, Jan 22, students in the Armstrong Equity Group Dare 2Be Real came to the AHS teacher in-service training.  The students planned and implemented a training session for the teachers on the concept of the "iceberg":  that for any one person, there is what can be seen above the surface, and then often times there is a lot more below the surface.  Students joined groups of teachers for small group conversations, leading teachers in a discussion based on conversation starters.  To wrap up, the group shared "aha" moments and students assigned each teacher to complete their own iceberg reflection.  Many teachers commented that students should run more professional development, and students were impressed by teachers' thoughtfulness about teaching and care for the students!
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Plymouth Middle School Students Tailor Care for Others
Recently, sixth, seventh and eighth grade FACS students at PMS finished sewing blankets that are being mailed to families affected by Hurricane Sandy.  Through the New York Department of Education, FACS classes at PMS were matched with an elementary school in Queens to donate their blankets.  The project was led by Misty Maruska, FACS teacher at PMS.  What a wonderful example of our students giving back!