RALC March Newsletter
A Full-Service Community Schools Connection
Welcome to March!
As April 5 approaches, RALC is busy making plans for the return to an in-person learning model (families and students still have the option to remain in distance learning). We are looking forward to spring and the return of our students!
Please note these dates:
March 2: NO SCHOOL; ACT Testing Day
March 5: NO SCHOOL (Professional Development for Staff)
March 8-March 19: Career Weeks
March 18: Student Circles Regarding Quarter 4 Updates
March 23: Last Day of Quarter 3
March 24-26: NO SCHOOL (Scheduled Transition Planning Days for Staff)
March 29-April 2: NO SCHOOL, Spring Break
April 5: Quarter 4 Begins, In Person Learning Resumes (Distance Learning Remains an Option)
RALC Career Weeks
Students can check out opportunities here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sGoINOphAVBHFbS_yLpjxBzUmgnEW5WKR8nANKvk2qs/edit?usp=sharing
Many thanks to the community for contributing time to our RALC students.
Family Event: Identifying Mental Health Concerns in Your Child and Next Steps
Ashley Bauer, a RPS mental health practitioner, will facilitate a discussion and presentation about ADHD, Anxiety and Depression. The presentation will assist parents in identifying some concerns they may be seeing in their child, provide some tips in managing some of their concerns and offer resources parents can access within the RPS school district and community.
Contact Ann Halloran at anhalloran@rochesterschools.org for the meeting link.
February Students of the Month
Miski Ahmed
Muna Ahmed
Rachel Galvan
Caden Morris
Ryan Gowan-Nuehring
Free 5 Day Meal Kits Pick Up Times Changed
Want to access school meals? The district has continued the opportunity to pick up a five day meal kit for your student. Times are now updated to include late afternoon pick-up options. Daytime pick-up is now on Fridays only.
Day Option Pick Up:
March 12 and 19
Location:
Grahm Park Building #35 Fairgounds
1403 3rd Ave SE
Time:
10am-12pm
OR
Evening Meal Pick Up:
March 3, 10, 17, and 24
Location:
Grahm Park Building #35 Fairgounds
1403 3rd Ave SE
Time:
3:30-5:30pm
More info here:
Channel One Food Bank Grocery Delivery
Call to Covid 19 Hotline to arrange a Channel One gracery delivery at 507.328.2822.
More info here: https://share.peachjar.com/flyers/1078428/districts/11606
Food Donations Needed
- Cereal
- Rice
- Peanut Butter
- Healthy Snacks (Trail Mix)
- Canned Fruits and Vegetables)
- Salsa
- Beans
- NO Macaroni and Cheese (HyVee gave a large donation)
Beginning April 5:
- Apples
- Oranges
- Bananas
- Cheese Sticks
- Salad Kits and Lettuce
Thank you for supporting our students!
New*** Families Can Now Report Student Absence Electronically
**NEW You can now report your student's absence electronically!
Directions are posted in Skyward Family access, if you have questions or need assistance accessing your family skyward account please contact the RALC office. (507-328-3999 or kolee@rochesterschools.org)
This is optional; you can still call the 24/7 Attendance line (507-328-3958)
After School Activities
Activities include:
- Homework Help
- Music
- Welch Ski Events
- Online Games
- Relaxation Activies
- Trivia
- Crafting
We hope to see you there!
This program is partially funded with a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) using federal funding, CFDA 84.287, 21st Century Community Learning Centers. This program does not necessarily represent the policy of the federal Department of Education or MDE and you should not assume endorsement by the federal or state government.
Covid 19 and Mental Health
With the COVID-19 pandemic we have seen an increase in mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Although social distancing is necessary to prevent the spread of this virus, often at times people can experience feelings of isolation and loneliness. Below you can find ways to cope, symptoms to look out for, and who you can contact.
MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS:
Sadness
Loss of interest in activities
Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
Headaches
Anxious
Know that mental health conditions are common and that you are not alone.
(CDC.gov, 2021)
WAYS TO COPE:
Keep yourself on a set schedule
Reach out to your peers
Spend time with pets
Go for a walk
Game nights
Practice deep breathing (breathe in from your stomach, not your chest when anxious)
Eat a well balanced diet
If in a Crisis:
Call 911 for immediate help
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
1-800-273-8255
Covid Vaccination Information from Mayo Clinic
· Mayo Clinic will share information on its website and via Patient Online Services regarding when patients are eligible to receive the vaccine.
· Mayo Clinic is following federal and state guidelines for vaccine allocation.
· While vaccination is recommended for everyone, initial supplies are limited and are being distributed in accordance with federal and state guidelines.
· The COVID-19 vaccine will be free. However, vaccine administration charges will be billed to insurance. We anticipate that the fee for vaccine administration will be covered by insurance at 100% and that patients and staff will not be billed for any unpaid charges.
· Mayo Clinic will share updates as new information becomes available.
RALC Health Clinic Remains Open
Need a no cost to families appointment? Need basic care including help with sexual health?
Contact Kris at the clinic to set up an appointment.
Call 328.3967 or email krnelson1@rochester.k12.mn.us
Clinic hours: Tues & Wed 8 - 11:30; Thurs 1 - 4:30
***NEW***: Students are able to schedule appointments themselves by clicking here: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/selfsched?sstoken=UUFXVHk4alNvX1g1fGRlZmF1bHR8ZDNhYjMxYjU5MWY5Nzc3ZTU3NzIwOTRhZmM0OWNhMmI
Community Resource Room Needs Food Donations
-We are limiting acceptance of clothing donations at this time due to lower usage during distance learning. Please contact Nicole at niwibstad@rochesterschools.org or 507.328.3962 prior to donating.
HyVee Receipts
Weekly Announcement Link Now Live
Weekly student announcements and the advisory weekly talking points are listed for your review.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: Student Help Needed!
Are you interested in helping to create content for our social media pages and our newsletter? We would love to include more student photos, student work, and student driven content.
Contact Nicole at niwibstad@rochesterschools.org or 507.328.3962 to let us know you would like to help.
Technical Support Available for Families
Tech Helpline for Students (M-F 7am-7pm 1-800-789-0051)
Support for standard software like Microsoft Office, Adobe, G Suite
Support for some hardware like printers, Internet and Wi-Fi Connectivity
District Family Engagement
The RPS District-Wide Family Engagement Team has been working on creating quick, informal videos to get information out to families in multiple languages. Check out the video links below and keep an eye out for future Top Five videos in the near future!
Full Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4-R055A62MbFEuPeEpR5lmx-0pCnWDNh
English: https://youtu.be/ILY9kKmZM18
Somali: https://youtu.be/CHJn0TDp00s
Spanish: https://youtu.be/vhEFr6R6hkI
Vietnamese: https://youtu.be/rNvnVNTSJUw
Khmer: https://youtu.be/zuIPC3poiPA
Chinese: https://youtu.be/IQvfsAjTrkE
Lao: https://youtu.be/CknWILUQDyk
Anywaa: https://youtu.be/fJ7pqBnJUnA
Arabic: https://youtu.be/8pE72jjJ8j4
Bosnian: https://youtu.be/AKG8Gx_e4lw
Interested in a Free Consultation Regarding Your Student's Mental Health?
We have a great opportunity for students and families and in being able to offer free mental health consultations for students.
Sessions will be 45-minute slots via phone or ZOOM. The goal of the session is to clarify student’s needs, talk about next steps and connect the student with resources such as School Linked Mental Health services (school-based therapy).
Support Team Contact Information
Kelly Crawford, School Social Worker
507.328.4336
kecrawford@rochesterschools.org
Amanda Meyer, School Social Worker
507.328.4319
Marshall Kading, School Counselor
507.328.3995
Megan Wilgenbusch, Chemical Health Specialist
507.328.3988
mewilgenbusch@rochesterschools.org
Elsa Salazar, Housing Specialist
507.328.4291
elsalazar@rochesterschools.org
Nicole Wibstad, Community School Site Facilitator
507.328.3962
RALC Leadership Team Update
In March, the team plans to continue work preparing for the return to in-person instruction.
Weekly Talking Points
1.What would you consider to be strengths for yourself?
2. What areas of your life need improvement?
3. What steps can you take to make the improvements that you identified?
4. How do you typically deal with stressful situations?
5. What areas of your life are causing you stress right now?
6. Is there anything you can do to change this?
The questions could also be used as tools for families to connect with their student. Support team members are also available to connect with students and families.