Full service community schools bring in partners, community

Robbinsdale Area Schools (Rdale) has established three full service community schools with funding from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). Full service community schools support all aspects of students' lives to help them succeed academically. 

In partnership with Robbinsdale Area Redesign, Rdale identified three sites for full service community school based on their location, space available, community needs and existing partnerships. Current full service community school sites are Cooper High School, Robbinsdale Middle School (RMS), and Sandburg Learning Center (Sandburg Middle School and Robbinsdale Academy).

Research and experience tell us that young people – regardless of their economic, racial, or family circumstances – deserve access to a variety of opportunities and supports. 

Full service community schools promote academic excellence by offering such opportunities and supports to students, families and community members. Schools then become community hubs that support not only students but also their families and the neighborhood. The partner offerings in full service community schools are open to everyone.

“We appreciate all partnerships that help our students, families and community,” said Anthony Williams, executive director of community education. “Our goal for our full service community schools is to offer a wide range of partnerships that meet diverse needs and make our community a better place.”  

Among the partners now serving RMS, for example, is Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union. Staff from the credit union visited the school last week and donated funds along with supplies for a new supply shelf, which will provide nonperishable food items, hygiene products, winter gear and other items. Affinity Plus plans to donate holiday turkeys and sponsor families to meet other needs over winter break.

Rdale’s director of nutrition services, Katie Wahl, worked with RMS full service community staff to address needs they saw among families whose students are in the building daily. A similar assessment informs the partners brought on board at every full service community school site.

An on-site full service community schools coordinator and family liaison works at each of the three sites. These staff members coordinate services with community partners and help connect families with appropriate services. 

When the full service community school sites are fully operational, services will be available by appointment Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Hours for evening and weekend events will vary.

Learn more about our Full Service Community Schools by visiting our web page.