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Backpack Online- September 8, 2023
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September 8, 2023
Students return with smiles and excitement to start the 2023-24 school year
Students and staff returned to Anoka-Hennepin's 40-plus sites on the first day of school Tuesday, Sept. 5 full of energy and excitement.
Around 37,000 students brought life and smiles to schools around the district the first week, and students were met with energy and enthusiasm from teachers and staff ready for another school year in Anoka-Hennepin. District information services reported that student enrollment is in line with projections for the 2023-24 school year. The official enrollment report will be available in October.
Freshmen and new-to-district students at Anoka-Hennepin's five traditional high schools participated in a series of activities aimed at easing the transition to high school and building a foundation for academic success. New this year, kindergarten students had time to meet with their teachers individually Sept. 5 and 6 before experiencing their first days on Sept. 7 or 8, and on Monday, Sept. 11, kindergarten classrooms will meet as full classes.
View photos of the first few days of school from schools across Anoka-Hennepin.
First day hugs at Ramsey Elementary.
Students at Jackson Middle School were greeted with high fives and smiles.
Freshmen connect with friends, learn the ropes while walking the halls at Andover High School.
Traffic tips for the back-to-school season
The back to school season is a busy time for families, school staff and our communities. There is often more traffic congestion in this season and it’s more important than ever for drivers to pay attention before- and after-school to keep families, students and staff safe.
Check out these tips from the Anoka-Hennepin transportation department as a back to school reminder:
Crosswalks: Be mindful that we are sharing the road with young walkers and staff helping them across the crosswalks or intersections. Always stop for school patrols and crossing guards.
Know drop-off and pick-up procedures: Schools have procedures in place to keep traffic safe. Make sure you know your school’s plan for the safety of all students and staff.
Use slow speeds: Use caution in school zones and be aware of your surroundings. We can all work together to ensure the safety of drivers, school buses, walkers and bikers.
School bus safety: Familiarize yourself with school bus safety tips on the road. Always stop if yellow or red lights are flashing or if stop arms are extended from a school bus. Allow extra time for students to board and exit the bus and proceed to safe sidewalks to enter school zones or return home.
Share the road: Be patient of other vehicles stopped for pedestrians or using caution in school zones. Do not pass other vehicles or school buses. Be alert, young children may take an unpredictable path as they are learning safety rules.
Thank you for your partnership in school traffic safety.
Sandburg Regional HS brings school site back to the heart of downtown Anoka
On Tuesday, Sept. 5 school buses pulled up to the front of Sandburg Educational Center, the new home of Sandburg Regional High School, for the first time since 2010. The move also celebrates the return of a high school to downtown Anoka after 70 years.
Sandburg Regional, which serves around 300 students from all around the district, moved to the Sandburg Educational Center this summer and made the name change to Sandburg Regional High School from Anoka-Hennepin Regional High School. The school adopted the nickname ‘Sabers,’ which was previously used by Sandburg Middle School.
See photos and read more about the school and the historic building.
Looking to become more involved? Join a district committee.
Anoka-Hennepin values parent involvement in education and is committed to offering resources to meet the changing needs of parents and families. The district invites parents/guardians and community members to participate on committees as a meaningful way to get involved with the district.
The district is coordinating an annual committee application process for committees in need of new members as a strategy to increase awareness of opportunities and participation from community members and parents.
There are currently nine committees districtwide and five are in need of more members. The Community Curriculum Advisory Council (CCAC), Early Childhood Family Education Parent Advisory Council (PAC), Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC), Student Services Advisory Council (SSAC) and the Parent Advisory Committee for Racial and Ethnic Equity are all seeking new members.
Device Protection Plan now available for 2023-24 school year
Technology plays an important role in preparing students for life, and Chromebooks are utilized as a daily learning tool in Anoka-Hennepin middle and high school classrooms. Anoka-Hennepin students in grades 6-12 are assigned a Chromebook from the school district to ensure access to technology systems that support classroom learning.
Over 28,000 Chromebooks are distributed to students the first week of school. As careful as students and schools are, accidents do happen each year - and hundreds of Chromebooks are returned at the end of the school year with damages.
Families have the option to enroll in the Device Protection Plan.
The Technology Protection Plan is optional; it is not required, however, by electing not to participate in the Protection Plan, families may be required to reimburse the school district for the replacement or repair of damaged Chromebooks assigned to their student/s. Damaged or broken screens may cost between $50 to $150 depending on parts needed; or the replacement cost for the entire device could be up to $410.
Families can opt-in to the Device Protection Plan by logging into A-HConnect, and selecting "My Student Information," and "Fees." Parents must select or decline coverage under the Device Protection Plan.
The plan cost is $20 per student or $60 per family per school year.
If the student qualifies for free or reduced-price school meals in the 2023-24 school year, the cost of the Protection Plan will be reduced to $0.
- Repairs with the Protection Plan are subject to a $15 deductible.
School Spotlight: Oak View Middle School
Oak View Middle School students explore a wide-range of academic courses and experience engaging lessons and activities prepared by dedicated staff to meet the unique academic, social, and emotional needs of all students. Learn more about Oak View Middle School in the latest School Spotlight video.
School Board approves increased wages for a range of positions
Child nutrition, substitute teachers, custodians and other operational positions
The Anoka-Hennepin School Board recently approved pay rate increases for a wide range of employee positions that are important to keeping schools operating to maximize learning for students. Most positions now offer a base wage at a minimum of $17 per hour along with flexible hours and safe, energetic work environments located close to home.
Operational positions:
Anoka-Hennepin is seeking applicants for positions in the following operational areas with the hourly wage rates of:
- Child Nutrition - $17.00/hour
- Custodial - $16.50/hour
- Secretary/Clerical - $17.10/hour
- Paraeducators
- Bus - $16.50/hour
- Elementary, secondary, supplemental programs, ESL - $17.00/hour
- Special Education, technology, COTA, Health - $18.00/hour
- LPN, SPED-LPN - $24.00/hour
- School monitors - $17.00/hour
- Education Support Professionals
- Early Childhood Screener - $29.80/hour
- Job coaches - $17.00/hour
Substitute teacher pay raised to $200 to $225 per day
Substitute teachers can now earn up to $225/day and a minimum of $200/day in Anoka-Hennepin Schools, half-day assignments earn a prorated amount.
Retired Anoka-Hennepin employees can earn $215/day and substitute teacher assignments at Evergreen Park STEM School of Innovation, Coon Rapids Middle School and River Trail Learning Center at L.O. Jacob earn a $225 daily amount.
Persons with a bachelor’s degree are eligible to serve as a substitute teacher. For more information on how to become a substitute teacher, contact the Employee Services department at 763-506-1100 or email Debbie Richter at debbie.richter@ahschools.us.
View available positions on individual school websites at ahschools.us. For complete listings of all positions visit ahschools.us/jobs or call 763-506-JOBS for more information and to apply today!
Families can save money, earn educational benefits
While the state's Free School Meals program to being in 2023, families will still need to apply to qualify for more educational benefits
Starting Sept. 5, 2023, every student may receive one breakfast and one lunch at no cost during the school year. The state’s Free School Meals program will cover the cost of one breakfast meal and one lunch meal for every student daily, however the cost of a la carte items, such as milk, other drinks, or extra meal items will not be covered. Students will need to have funds in their meal accounts to purchase any additional food items.
If your family needs access to any other educational benefits available to your student, please visit ahschools.us/freereduced to complete an application. The enrollment window for the 2023 Applications for Educational Benefits begins Aug. 1, 2023.
Anoka-Hennepin asks that all families complete an online application to provide additional school funding to support all students in the district. By filling out this application, your school can earn funding and you can save money.
Educational benefits include:
- Athletics fees: Eligible students may qualify for fees to be waived or reduced.
- SAT, ACT, AP Fees: Students may be eligible for discounted fees for academic tests and some lab fees.
- Other high school activities: Students may qualify for discounts on speech, debate, theater, band and others.
- Additional benefits and cost savings: Chromebook device protection, Comcast Internet Essentials discount, Amazon Prime membership discounts, discounted bus fares with Metro Transit, Xcel Energy account assistance, discounts at museums and theaters.
Register for fall classes and activities now!
As a new school year begins, don’t forget about opportunities for youth after school! Anoka-Hennepin Community Education hosts a wide variety of classes, clubs, recreational activities, and events to enhance your child's academic and social experiences. Classes and activities through Anoka-Hennepin Community Ed offer students a chance to try something new, have fun and make new friends! Browse all youth classes and register online.
In the News: Anoka-Hennepin administrators discuss ChatGPT in classrooms
Additional district news
- Anoka-Hennepin is seeking community members to join the district's Community Curriculum Advisory Committee.
- Parent Engage 360 Podcast Episode 35: Welcome back Cory McIntyre.
- Media centers, other improvements continue as Fit for the Future projects near the final year.
- District to replace ash trees in response to emerald ash borer.
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This e-newsletter is published by Anoka-Hennepin Schools. It's sent to Anoka-Hennepin families and community members who subscribe on a weekly basis during the school year, excluding breaks (and periodically during the summer). Questions, comments or concerns about the Backpack Online e-newsletter? Contact us.