Spotlight Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools Summer 2021 | Volume 61 • Number 4 At District 196, the sky’s the limit. Masks optional for summer programming as District 196 That’s because our committed team updates COVID-19 protocols of educators is dedicated to helping learners explore the outer limits of District 196 is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for each their vast potential. employee, student, parent/guardian and visitor to our buildings. This summer, as regulations and executive orders expire with changes in the pandemic, we will return to our primary focus on education, while also integrating COVID-19 IN THIS ISSUE responses into our existing pre-pandemic public health support. School Board candidate filing These changes include fewer regulations and requirements, and more personal/ opens July 27 ........................................... p.2 family choice and responsibility. In response, the district has updated the COVID-19 Operational Plan for Students, Families and Guests for the summer, Equity and inclusion coordinator which outlines the practices and protocols to help ensure we have a safe and hired .......................................................... p.5 healthy learning environment and mitigate transmission of COVID-19. Review the Community Education updated operational plan and protocols table at District196.org/about/covid-19- offerings ........................................... p.12-16 dashboard. Masks and face coverings guidance District 196 will not require masks to be worn during summer programming, whether indoor or outdoor, or during after-school and other co-curricular activities. However, per the federal order from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all staff and students riding in District 196 vehicles and buses — to and from instructional summer programming only — are required to wear a mask. << continued on page 4 >> Oak Ridge students make out-of-this-world connection with Minnesota astronaut The third-grade space and science unit at Oak Ridge Elementary School of Leadership, Environmental and Health Science got more hands-on May 18 when students connected live with a local astronaut aboard the Class of 2021 celebrates International Space Station (ISS). completion of unprecedented year Pre-recorded questions from Jessica Santiago’s third-grade students were sent 248 miles above Earth Superintendent Mary Kreger bumps elbows and up to the ISS, where they were answered by NASA with a Rosemount High School graduate Expedition 65 Astronaut Mark Vande Hei – a Minnesota during the school’s Graduation Walk event. native. Vande Hei is currently serving as a flight engineer on This was one of the many graduation the ISS. Santiago said her students engaged in an in-depth unit festivities across District 196 in celebration about space study and exploration in anticipation of the conversation. of the nearly 2,200 graduates. And a scorching hot afternoon June 5 didn’t halt “We were so excited for our students to extend their solar system learning to the celebrations for the Class of 2021, which real life,” Santiago said. “They couldn’t wait to hear answers to their thoughtful were held at Eagan and Rosemount high questions from a Minnesota astronaut in space.” school’s stadiums. See related article and The interview was made possible through NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, photos on page 8 and 9. which provides students with an opportunity to engage in NASA’s mission of space exploration and authentic science, technology, engineering and math experiences. The event was broadcast live to the entire school and aired on NASA TV. << continued on page 4 >> 1 DISTRICT196.ORG District News Infinite Possibilities District 196 is nationally Candidate filing opens July 27 for three School Board seats recognized for providing Three of the seven at-large positions on the School Board of Independent School District boundless opportunities in 196 are up for election in the Nov. 2, 2021 General School Board Election. The terms of Craig which students can learn Angrimson, Art Coulson and Mike Roseen expire Jan. 3, 2022. The term of each open position and grow. Whether they have is four years, from January 2022 to January 2026. an affinity for academics, arts or athletics, our goal is The two-week filing period for School Board candidates will open Tuesday, July 27 at 7:30 a.m. and runs through Tuesday, Aug. 10, at 5 p.m. All candidates must file during this two-week to expose students to the period in order to be placed on the ballot. infinite possibilities within the district and throughout The School Board is responsible for developing policy to ensure the proper care, management our communities. Together, and control of district affairs, and supporting the district’s mission of “educating our students we encourage them each to reach their full potential.” day to pursue excellence as Any individual may be a candidate who: they experience their exciting • is eligible to vote; journey along the road of life. • would be at least 21 years old upon assuming office (Jan. 3, 2022); • is a resident of the school district for at least 30 days before the election, and • is not registered as a convicted sex offender. Spotlight Newsletter This quarterly publication is Beginning July 27, affidavits of candidacy will be available during office hours (7:30 a.m.–4 mailed to every household in p.m., Monday through Friday) in the Superintendent’s Office of Independent School District District 196 to inform parents 196, 3455 153rd St. W., Rosemount. Completed affidavits of candidacy must be filed at the Superintendent’s Office by 5 p.m. Aug. 10, along with a $2 filing fee or a petition with at least and other residents about 244 signatures of eligible voters in place of the filing fee. district news. Send comments on Spotlight to Five or more voters may also draft a candidate by filing an application on behalf of the [email protected] candidate. The candidate must indicate his or her willingness to serve by signing the application. The same filing fee requirements and timeline apply. Persons considering running for one of the three open positions may call the Superintendent’s NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICE: Office at 651-423-7736 for more information or to schedule an informational meeting. As required by Title IX and other state and federal nondiscrimination laws, District 196 does not discriminate in employment or in any of its education Applications for Educational Benefits Program increase school programs and activities, including funding; all should apply beginning July 19 vocational opportunities, on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, All District 196 families are encouraged to apply for the Educational Benefits Program creed, national origin, marital status, familial status,* disability, status with (formerly known as the Free and Reduced-Price Meals Program) for the upcoming school regard to public assistance, sexual year. Applications will be available beginning July 19. While all students will continue to orientation, membership or activity in a local human rights commission,* receive school breakfast and lunch at no cost in 2021-22 through funding from the U.S. age or genetic information.* Department of Agriculture, families are still encouraged to apply for the Educational Benefits District 196 provides equal access Program. to designated youth groups. The Director of Human Resources, The program directly supports your child’s school with compensatory aid, which is Tom Pederstuen (651-423-7859 – [email protected]) is determined by how many eligible families complete an application. This compensatory aid the designated Title IX Coordinator helps provide additional teachers, additional instructional materials, math and reading and has also been designated to respond to employment-related supports, and additional paraprofessionals and social workers. An approval for educational inquiries regarding the district’s benefits also allows families to receive discounted or free meals, and activity or Community non-discrimination policies. The Director of Elementary Education, Education fees. Sally Soliday (651-423-7782 – [email protected]) and the Apply online at District196.org/edbenefits beginning July 19. The process is safe, secure and Director of Secondary Education, private. Only one application is needed per household. Paper applications are also available Michael Bolsoni (651-423-7712 – [email protected]) in all District 196 school offices. If you have questions or need assistance, email Nutrition@ have been designated to respond to district196.org or call 651-683-6958. student-related inquiries regarding the district’s non-discrimination policies. If you have already received a letter from District 196 indicating that all your children have The Director of Special Education, already been directly certified for educational benefits for the 2021-22 school year based on Janet Fimmen (651-423-7629 – [email protected]) data from the Minnesota Department of Education, you do not need to apply. If only some of has been designated to respond your children living in the household were directly certified, you may apply to include them or to inquiries concerning the rights of a student with a disability. The return the “Letter of Notification” listing the additional children within your household to the mailing address for all directors is District 196 Nutrition Services office to be approved. 3455 153rd Street W, Rosemount, MN 55068. Title IX inquiries may also be Parents and guardians are responsible for all meal account debts incurred prior to this referred to the Assistant Secretary of the US Office for Civil Rights (OCR). school year and any charges incurred through a la carte purchases. *Asterisked categories are limited to employment-relatedDistrict 196 discrimination Summer 2021 2 and harassment. Spotlight Superintendent's Message Pandemic reaffirms district’s work in safety, equity and achievement By Mary M. Kreger, superintendent he end of the guidance and trained our schools on 1.5 million meals for students to take school year proper protocols.