Math Masters District 

Tournament

Facts: Will Gorham, ZLE

Individual: Sara Shiff, ZLE

Team: RSI team 2 - Max Lindholm, Evan Axell, Sierra Smith, Evelyn Villalobos and Trisha Trihn 

Red Division

Facts: Aidan Bimberg, Forest

Individual: Aidan Bimberg, Forest

Team: Forest team 1 - Aidan Bimberg, Nolan Boswell, Toni Kringstad, Kaitlyn Peterson and Justus Sherk.

Congratulations to all students for a job well done!

Birthday Celebrations Without the Sugar Rush

For students at three Robbinsdale elementary schools, birthday celebrations do not translate into cupcakes, cake, and candy.  Principals at Zachary Lane, Sonnesyn, and Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion (RSI) have set a bold example for the district, eliminating birthday treats during the school day. Citing an increase in student food allergies, equity amongst students, and a focus on healthy nutrition, Zachary Lane principal Randy Moberg was the first to initiate the policy in the fall of 2010. "I thought for sure there would be some fallout from the change," says Moberg, "but there have been very few concerns from parents."

Sonnesyn principal Leia Ward and RSI principal John Osorio introduced the policy at the beginning of this year, an effort championed by school nurse Cindy Rogers-Block. "The kids are getting used to it and the teachers love it," says Osorio. Ward concurs. "Cutting down on the birthday treats has significantly impacted our students' health and learning time for the better," she said.

Birthdays are still a special time to celebrate in all three schools. Students are personally acknowledged by the principal, and classroom teachers have created their own unique traditions to make all children feel special on their birthdays.

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Art Comes Back to First and Second Grade

The School of Engineering and Arts (SEA) welcomed visitors on March 12 to help with engineering activities. Members of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) at the University of Minnesota stopped by to help students learn how to make simple motors. With engineering a focus of the curriculum at SEA, hands-on activities with community members are valuable experiences to have outside the classroom. SEA students who wish to continue science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum after fifth grade are encouraged to attend Robbinsdale Middle School (RMS), which is opening a STEM magnet program beginning fall of 2013. More photos are available on SEA's Facebook page here. 

Lakeview Celebrates Music In our Schools Month with Special Guest

Performer and teacher Lyz Jaakola performed at Lakeview Elementary on Monday, March 18 and taught students about the music and culture of the Ojibwe people. Students heard folk stories and original songs and learned about musical instruments. This unique performance was made possible by the Minnesota Public Radio program "Artists in Residence."

 Cooper Marching Band Thankful for Community Fundraising Efforts

Last week we celebrated Cooper's band director Mary James' beautiful hair color, after the Cooper Marching Band fundraising was successful in reaching their goal. We mentioned a couple of activities/events but the fundraising success wouldn't have been achieved without so many people working together for the benefit of our students.

Here is a list of all the activities/events that led to the achievement of their goal. Flip Flop Sales, Super Fan T-shirt Sales, Bake Sales at the New Hope Farmers Market, Donations given by fans at the home Football games when we passed the hat, Donations from Marching Band Families and Friends, Donations given by many local businesses, Money earned from a summer marching band clinic, Flower Sales at every concert, Beatlemania Concert, Bagging Groceries at Cub Foods, Country Kitchen Purchases, Freeziac in Plymouth Purchases, Cooper Band Button Sales, Cooper Marching Band Wristband Sales, Herbergers Community Days Coupon Book Sales, Qdoba Purchases, Advertisement Sales in Concert Programs, Dairy Queen Purchases, Applebees Purchases, Papa Murphys Purchases, Perkins Purchases. Thank you to the entire Cooper community of staff, families and business for helping Cooper achieve the goal of new uniforms. We can't wait to see them!

Who Are Your Neighbors?

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Robbinsdale Area Schools Presents Spring Art Show

The Robbinsdale Area Schools Spring Art Show will take place from Mar. 6 - April 3 at the Ridgedale Library, 12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka. 

Click here for more details.

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Empty Bowls

Don't forget the Empty Bowls event is on Thursday, March 21 from 4-7 p.m. A donation buys you a bowl, delicious soup and bread donated from our fantastic community, and great entertainment from students - and can help ensure that another's bowl at home does not go empty. Thanks for your support! 

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Armstrong Concert Choir Benefit