Full Service Community Schools

Robbinsdale Area Schools recently launched three full service community schools. Full service community schools support all aspects of students' lives to help them succeed academically.

Full service community schools promote academic excellence by offering an array of health and social services to students, families and community. Schools become community hubs that help meet the diverse needs of students, their families and the neighborhood. The partner offerings in full service community schools are open to everyone.

Robbinsdale Area Schools, in partnership with Robbinsdale Area Redesign, identified three full service community school sites based on location, space available, community needs and existing partnerships. Robbinsdale Area Schools has launched full service community schools at:

Cooper High School, 8230 47th Ave. N, New Hope, MN 55428
Robbinsdale Middle School, 3730 Toledo Ave. N, Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Sandburg Learning Center (Sandburg Middle School and Robbinsdale Academy), 2400 Sandburg Lane, Golden Valley, MN 55427

Research and experience tell us that young people need a wide range of opportunities and support to be successful. All children, regardless of their economic, racial, or family circumstances, deserve access to an array of opportunities.

Each site employs an on-site full service community schools coordinator and family liaison. These staff members coordinate services with community partners and help connect families with appropriate services.

Site-specific services will be offered Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. by appointment. Hours may vary for evening and weekend events.

Contact

Anthony Williams
Executive Director of Community Education, Athletics and Activities
763-504-8013
Anthony_Williams@rdale.org

Locations

Cooper High School

DeSean Smedley, Full Service Community School Coordinator- Cooper High School

desean_smedley@rdale.org | 763-504-8620

DeSean Smedley is a Bay Area, California native who is community oriented and cares about the advancement of the inner city youth. He obtained a B.A. in Afro-American and African studies from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. He is committed to creating a better future for the next generation. When he is not working within the Full-Service Community Schools strategy, he is Coaching boxing with the youth, promoting discipline, hard work and dedication. DeSean is invested in the community by volunteering, mentoring the youth and modeling positive ways of being through affirmations while seeking holistic advancements for all. He looks forward to making a positive impact in Robbinsdale School District through the Full-Service Community Schools strategy by building healthy relationships with community partners and stakeholders in the Twin Cities.

Kowanna Powell Anderson, Full Service Community School Family Liaison- Cooper High School

kowanna_powell@rdale.org | 763-504-8414

Robbinsdale Middle School

Nieshea Smith, Full Service Community School Coordinator – Robbinsdale Middle School

nieshea_smith@rdale.org | 763-504-7566

Nieshea Smith is the Full Service Community School Coordinator at Robbinsdale Middle School. As a leader, Ms. Smith is a strong ambassador for public education and connecting the community.

She has worked in public education for the last 20 years serving diverse populations of students in grades PreK -12, their families and communities, while gaining experience in Special Education Services, Community Engagement, and Equity and Inclusion leadership.

Creative ideas, courageous conversations, great listening/ leading skills, and boundless energy have been hallmarks in her career. Ms. Smith believes passionately in the potential of the community she supports, and loves inspiring students and witnessing the development of youth and their community.

As a coordinator for Full-Service Community Schools, she looks forward to becoming a present, active and resourceful member of the Robbinsdale Middle School community.

Sandburg Learning Center

Lakia McGahee, Full Service Community School Coordinator

Lakia_McGahee@rdale.org| 763-504-8221

Lakia is a fun-loving, kind-hearted, down-to-earth mother to five children, ages 1 to 17 years old. She is a nurturer by nature and passionate about advocating and helping people overcome challenges they face.

Ms. McGahee’s life experiences have strengthened her ability to be compassionate and empathetic to the needs of others.

Jackie Starr, Family Liaison

jackie_starr@rdale.org| 763-504-8260

Jackie has been in the educational field since 1993. She has always worked with families because that is where her passion lies. Ms. Starr loves to establish trust with families so they will know that they are not in this alone. She is mother of two (son and daughter), a grandmother to nine granddaughters, one grandson and five great granddaughters. Jackie works with them the same way that she works with families.

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