October 2021
RMS Robin Tweetings Newsletter
A message from Principal Jackson
“FALLing for Learning!” As we embark on our return to in-person learning we are all experiencing the excitement and anxieties associated with being around others in a school setting. Class routines, building our resilience to wearing masks properly for several hours daily, constantly washing hands and sanitizing areas has been stressful. Additionally, navigating the substitute teacher and bus driver challenges in the Twin Cities area has proven that we have a high learning curve to adjust to in order to be successful. Let’s face it...we have to fall in love with in-person learning again! This will be a long process, but just like anything else, it will be worth it...and just like anything else, we will all have to agree to lock arms and work together for the greater good, so that our RMS Robins can “fall in love” with learning in a safe environment. I know we can do it, if we all work together!

“Cyber Courage” Will Get You Consequences! As reported in the media, there is a new TikTok challenge going around called the “devious lick” challenge. It involves a list of several monthly “challenges” like stealing or vandalizing school property and posting videos about it. We encourage you to talk to your students about this and other monthly challenges, and about social media in general. While these may seem like innocent pranks on the surface, theft, vandalism and inappropriate touch are criminal activities that can result in charges and thousands of dollars to repair or replace items. We appreciate your ongoing partnership and support of our RMS Robins.

Sincerely,
Shirrie T. Jackson
Principal
Robbinsdale Middle School
Important Dates
For the latest up-to-date information click our online calendar linked above.
October 7: Thursday
  • Virtual Fall Conferences (4:00pm to 8:30pm) - Interpreters will be available for families
October 11: Monday
  • In-Person Fall Conferences (4:00pm to 8:30pm) - Interpreters will be available for families
October 15: Friday
  • No School - Staff Development
October 18: Monday
  • Picture Re-take Day
October 21: Thursday
  • No School - Compensatory/Teacher's Convention
October 22: Friday
  • No School - Teacher's Convention
November 2: Tuesday
  • Election Day* - No School, Staff Development
November 5: Friday
  • End of 1st Quarter
November 25-26: Thursday and Friday
  • Thanksgiving Break (Holiday)
RMS Information
Apply for Educational Benefits for the 2021-2022 School Year
Every family, every year. We ask that ALL families with children enrolled with Robbinsdale Area Schools complete an Application for Educational Benefits each year. It’s quick and easy.

Whether you qualify or not, applying Educational Benefits each are is important because:

  • It provides educational funding for Robbinsdale Area Schools.
  • Determines benefits for students and their families. One benefit is students who qualify may be able to have their Device Protection Plan (formally known as Chromebook insurance) reduced to a lower price.

Please note, school meals for the 2021-2022 school year are free for all students! However, it is still very important that all families fill out an application for Educational Benefits.

You can apply for Educational Benefits by:
  1. Visit TITAN K-12 Family Portal.
  2. Follow the instructions to complete your application online.

An eligibility notice letter will be sent out via USPS mail or email within 10 business days. 
If you would like a paper copy of the application for educational benefits, available in English, Spanish, and Somali, or if you have questions, please call Lori Opitz at 763-504-8050 or email at [email protected].
Device Protection Plan Information
You are now able to log into your Parent Portal to pay for your student(s) Device Protection Plan, formally known as Chromebook Insurance, through Parent Portal/Infinite Campus.
 
The Device Protection Plan costs $25.00 per student, but can be reduced lower if your student(s) qualify for educational benefits. The Device Protection Plan covers a students first accidental break. Intentional damage to a Chromebook is not covered under the Device Protection Plan.

To purchase your student(s) Device Protection Plan, please click this link.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Library Media Center at 763-504-4812 or 763-504-4811.
Parent Teacher Advisory Committee

RMS Parent Teacher Advisory Council (PTAC) NEEDS YOU!

The RMS PTAC is a wonderful group of parents and teachers who work hard together for our students. We are in desperate need of more parents because our current ones will be transitioning to high school.
 
In order for our students and staff to continue receiving support from our PTAC, we need more parents to take the baton and keep our wonderful organization viable. I have included our position descriptions below, in hope that you will consider joining and co-sharing some responsibilities. We have short monthly meetings, and really collaborate to share the work! Please help our PTAC. 
 
For more information email Principal Jackson at [email protected] or our PTAC President (and RMS parent) Christina Skoglund at [email protected].
 
Also see information on our website: https://rms.rdale.org/discover/welcome

RMS would also like to introduce our NEW Officers for the 2021-2022 School Year!  
CO-Presidents - Devin Hanson and Chad Thereau
Vice President - Tiara Fairs 
Treasurer - Susan Hakala 
Secretary - Aressa Willis 
Social Media - Rebecca Allen

Thank you, new officers, for your service and we look forward to the amazing energy you will bring to our PTAC! Thank you Ms. Dani and Mr. Keith for helping recruit parents for our amazing PTAC! Stay tuned for more information about our upcoming October hybrid PTAC meeting, all are welcome!
Open Positions at RMS
RMS currently has multiple positions open in the building and we would like to highlight a few of them. To get more information about the position, click on the titles below:

Bus Tracker App
Robbinsdale Area Schools has launched a new free bus tracker app for families. The app is available in English and Spanish and allows you to:

  • View student bus routes in real-time, including for multiple students simultaneously.
  • See scheduled arrival times for each stop.
  • Receive messages that notify users of route delays and schedule changes.

Download the Durham Bus Tracker app through the Apple app store or Google Play.
  • In the Apple app store, search for Durham Bus Tracker and then download the app.
  • In Google Play, search Durham Bus Tracker and then download the app.

Families can also access the Durham Bus Tracker from a computer at m.durhambustracker.com.

After you have downloaded the app, create an account and login to track your student’s bus. You can find detailed instructions at rdale.org/discover/transportation. Please note, you will need your student's ID number when creating your account. This can be found in your parent portal.
Take a Look Inside RMS

School has been in session for a little over 4-weeks and our students have been working hard. Take a look inside RMS to see what has been going on lately!
Cooper Cares at RMS
On Tuesday, September 28th, 2021 students from Cooper Cares students into the building. Cooper students were able to interact with RMS students throughout the day in their classes. Take a look at some of the photos we captured of RMS and Cooper students:
Away for the Day
Families, please take a look at our cell-phone policy. We are asking that you go over it with your students so that they understand the importance of putting their phone away for the day!
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The month of October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about raising awareness about the impact of breast cancer. To get more information about the cause, click the links below:
RMS Programs and More
Learn more about IB at RMS
Learn more about AVID at RMS
For the most up-to-date information click on our RMS Calendar linked above.
Feel like you might have missed something?
View past issues of our Robin Tweetings Newsletter here:
Robbinsdale Middle School | Phone 763-504-4800 | rms.rdale.org
Mrs. Shirrie Jackson, Principal
RMS Robin Tweetings is created collaboratively by our staff; managed and edited by Tanisa Winter