Hello Neill Families!

We are seeing many more sniffles and coughs throughout our building as the cold and flu season has arrived. Your child’s attendance is important to us, so is their health.  In effort to keep all students healthy we ask that you  please follow our district illness policy which states: 

A student should not come to school (and will be sent home from school) if they have or have had: 

• A fever of 100 degrees F (orally) or higher in the past 24 hours without fever-reducing medication
• Vomiting or diarrhea in the past 24 hours
• An undiagnosed skin rash

Winter Spirit Week starts Monday 12/15!  See the attached flyer for more information.

Hello, at Vona Center for Mental Health we are here to spread awareness about mental health in the month of December! Within December we recognize an increase in seasonal affective disorder which can lead to low energy and low motivation as the days get shorter and colder. Here are some reminders and tips to implement:

• be easy on yourself
• get some exercise
• focus on sleep
• prioritize your favorite social activities
• keep a journal
• keep a schedule that works best for you

Remember that everyone is different and handles mental health in their own way."

The Robbinsdale Area Schools Board of Education held a study session on Monday, Dec. 8, as part of its ongoing work to address the district’s plan to address its statutory operating debt (SOD) and move forward with Phase I of Reimagine Rdale: Vision 2030. Board members reviewed the facility recommendations previously discussed, received additional information requested at the Nov. 24 meeting, and previewed procedures for the Dec. 15 public hearing on school closures. 

Robbinsdale Area Schools (Rdale) will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, regarding potential school closures. Community members who wish to provide testimony must sign up in advance using an online Google Form.

The Robbinsdale Area Schools Board of Education has selected DJ (Richard) Brynteson to serve on the Board through December 2026.

We are aware of recent reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Minnesota that is causing fear and uncertainty for some in our community, especially among our Somali families and other immigrant families.

We want to reaffirm our commitment to each and every student, parent/guardian and staff member: You are valued. You are welcome here. Your children belong in our schools.

The School Board has scheduled an extra Listening Time on Dec. 1 to provide more opportunities for public comment as the board navigates statutory operating debt (SOD) planning.

Families of soon-to-be kindergarteners attended our Kindergarten Information Fair on Nov. 22 to explore Rdale programs, meet staff, and learn about enrollment.

The Board of Education will interview four finalists for the open school board seat during a special, public meeting on Thursday, Nov. 20.

Neill Elementary has a partnership with Calvary Lutheran Church, and The Food Group to provide food on the weekends for children who attend our school. 

On the last day of the week, students will be given a Weekend KidPack, which will be inserted in the child's existing backpack, with a number of food items inside.  The program is completely voluntary and is at not cost to the students and their families.  If you family is experiencing financial difficulties and you are interested in participating, just pick up a form from the front office.  

Students are not allowed to open food packs on the bus or while in school.  They must wait until they are home.  School bus drivers are advised of this. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to call 763-504-7400.

Neill Elementary School hosted a Ready Set Smile dental clinic on Nov. 12, offering students on-site dental care at no cost to families and education as part of the district’s growing Full-Service Community Schools efforts.

The School Board took required steps on Nov. 17 to move potential school closures to a December public hearing following extensive discussion about elementary options.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that the Federal Government shutdown will affect SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. We know this may create concern for some in our community, and we want to share resources that can help.

Robbinsdale Area Schools administration shared updated recommendations for building closures and facility repurposing at the Nov. 3 Board of Education meeting, marking another step forward in Phase I of Reimagine Rdale: Vision 2030 and the district’s plan to address its statutory operating debt (SOD).