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Backpack Online - November 3, 2023
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November 3, 2023
School Board election to be held Nov. 7
Three seats on the Anoka-Hennepin School Board will be up for election on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. The six-member Anoka-Hennepin School Board makes policy and oversees the districtβs budget, curriculum, personnel and physical facilities. Members are elected by district to four-year terms. Details regarding impacted districts:
- District 1: Includes Anoka, western Andover, western Coon Rapids and southwestern Ramsey.
Candidates: Incumbent Erin Heers-McArdle, Linda Hoekman
- District 2: Includes Blaine and eastern Coon Rapids
Candidates: Zach Arco, Susan Witt
- District 5: Includes Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, southern Coon Rapids, Fridley.
Candidates: Michelle Langenfeld, Scott Simmons, Cyrus Wilson
π To see which district you live in, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State polling place finder.
π³οΈ For more information about where and how to vote, visit the Minnesota Secretary of Stateβs website.
Information about the election process or voter registration is available through the Anoka County Elections office or contact them at elections@co.anoka.mn.us or 763-324-1300.
Project Lead the Way visits Blaine High Schoolβs CEMS program
The Center for Engineering, Mathematics, and Science (CEMS) program at Blaine High School (BHS) integrates Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum into its engineering and computer science programs.
On Oct. 26, the school had the opportunity to showcase the CEMS program to PLTW leaders, community partners from local businesses and area school districts looking to add PLTW. During the visit, students, teachers, administrators and community mentors discussed how PLTW has enhanced the CEMS program. The guests also visited a handful of classrooms to see the partnership in action.
ποΈ Read more about BHS and PLTW.
Grant program brings more water bottle filling stations to schools
District schools located in Anoka County have started to receive upgrades to drinking fountains with the installation of water bottle filling stations.
The big picture: This project was made possible through the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Waste Wise program which is available to members in Anoka, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties. Anoka-Hennepin buildings and grounds applied for the grants through Anoka County and received up to $10,000 per school site in the county per school year. The grant could fund up to three stations per school site.
Water bottle filling stations have been installed at five sites in the district, including Andover, Eisenhower and Johnsville elementary schools, Compass at Bell Center and the Blaine Early Childhood Center.
Why it matters: The installation of bottle filling stations is expected to reduce the use of plastic bottles and remove them from the waste stream. The partnership approach intends to deliver long-term environmental benefits while creating healthy habits for the next generation.
Health benefits: Water filling stations filter out contaminants and offer beneficial substances like fluoride and promote healthy behaviors for youth, such as staying hydrated and choosing water over sugary beverages.
Whatβs next: Hamilton, Hoover and Jefferson elementary schools have approved plans and will be installed before winter break and more schools located in Anoka County will be added as the project continues.
πΈ: View photos of students using the new bottle filling station at Andover Elementary.
Parent Engage 360 Podcast
Episode 37: Free school meals, educational benefits and nutrition
New this school year, every student is able to receive one breakfast and one lunch at no cost during the school year due to the stateβs Free School Meals program. While the program is new, students will still have access to the same nutritious meals they have come to expect in Anoka-Hennepin.
In the latest Parent Engage 360 Podcast, host Liz Burgard was joined by Anoka-Hennepin child nutrition leaders Noah Atlas (director) and Callie Neumann (assistant director) to learn more about the stateβs Free School Meals program, educational benefits and the importance of balanced nutrition for youth.
Tune in to the Parent Engage 360 Podcast on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, or at ahschools.us/parentengage360. The podcast is also available on Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, iHeartRadio and Samsung Podcasts.
Episode highlights
- The stateβs Free School Meals program began in the fall of 2023, allowing every student to receive one breakfast and one lunch at no cost during the school year.
- In order to receive a meal, students must take a complete meal. Learn more about what makes a βcomplete meal.β
- Learn more about why it's important for families to continue to apply for educational benefits even though school meals are now offered at no cost.
- Neumann discusses the nutritional requirements from the federal government for school meals and the importance of a balanced diet for youth. Learn more about how to eat healthy with MyPlate at myplate.gov.
In the news: WCCO-TV reports - Don't miss out on educational benefits
Anoka-Hennepin Schools' director of child nutrition director, Noah Atlas, was interviewed to share additional steps the district took this year to ensure families were aware of the continued need to complete the application; while some families could still be missing out.
π° πΊ Read or watch the story to learn more.
Students build knowledge, interest in manufacturing careers
Anoka-Hennepin students attending the Secondary Technical Education Program (STEP) have multiple opportunities to experience manufacturing careers through internships, career tours and field trips.
The big picture: October was proclaimed as Manufacturing Month in the state of Minnesota, which is also a national initiative to address common misperceptions about manufacturing by giving companies an opportunity to open their doors and demonstrate what manufacturing is β and what manufacturing isnβt.
Currently, students have internship positions at seven different companies, some of which are through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industryβs Youth Skills Training (YST) Program. Already this school year, students have visited more than a handful of companies and college campuses on tours and field trips. Blaine High School student Davontae Williams said, βThe trips open up options for what you could want to do for your career.β
Zoom in: On Oct. 31, students wrapped Manufacturing Month by visiting St. Cloud Technical & Community College to learn about programs in plumbing, HVAC and water environment technologies. Matt Olsen, a student from Anoka High School said, βI liked hearing from the instructors because it gave me more of an idea of how the program would go.β
The group also visited the Minneapolis Plumbers Joint Journeyman Apprenticeship Training Committee in Maple Grove to learn about programs for aspiring plumbers. View photos from the visits.
Go deeper: The Secondary Technical Education Program (STEP) provides relevant education to prepare students for the high-tech, high-skill workplace of the 21st century. Located adjacent to Anoka Technical College, over 800 students daily have resources to simulate real work experiences and instructors who are industry professionals.
First early snowfall serves as reminder to review weather emergency plans
Anoka-Hennepin communities experienced an unusually early first snowfall this week, which prompts planning for winter weather safety. Review details about frequently asked questions related to winter weather.
Learning about school closures
The safety of all students is the first priority when determining if schools should stay open in adverse weather. If a determination is made to close school due to extreme winter weather, the district will alert families in a variety of ways, including:
Phone, text or email message from the district, #AHSchools.
District and school websites.
District and school social media pages (e.g. Facebook, Instagram and X - formally Twitter).
Media outlets including WCCO, KSTP, FOX 9, KARE 11, CCX Media, WCCO radio and Star Tribune newspaper.
Those responsible for activities scheduled in schools over the weekend will determine if adverse weather conditions necessitate a cancellation.
Prepare for outdoor activities
Families are encouraged to dress students appropriately for winter weather conditions, especially for children walking to school, waiting at bus stops and participating in outdoor recess activities.
βοΈ Review tips and resources for cold weather conditions.
βοΈ Visit ahschools.us/weather for more winter-weather related information.
Providing clarity regarding temporary postponing of some student activities
This week, some students and families at the high school level have received communication regarding the temporary postponement of certain clubs and activities. These student activities are coordinated by teachers who volunteer so that opportunities are available for students. The District appreciates the important role that teachers play in supporting students both during the school day and as part of extracurricular activities and events. Without their time and support it would not be possible to operate many extra-curricular activities outside the school day. The majority of employees who perform extra-curricular duties are compensated under the terms and conditions of the contract and those activities will continue as expected.
The District or school sites have not implemented a policy directing or encouraging teaching staff to postpone after-school student activities and clubs. The District is aware that teachers at some locations are opting a βwork to ruleβ approach during the pending contract negotiations. These actions are not at the direction or encouragement of the District.
Anoka-Hennepin Schools is committed to providing accurate and timely information regarding negotiations and is focused on working in collaboration for a successful outcome in this matter.
Bid now: Student-built luxury playhouse up for auction
π¨ Students in the Anoka-Hennepin work experience program have built a luxury playhouse, which is now open for bidding. The sale of these student-built items cover the cost of materials and support future hands-on learning opportunities.
π The playhouse features a rough sawn exterior plywood siding with LP smart trim, treated plywood for the inside floor and composite decking for the outside deck. The playhouse has a double swing dutch door, two planter boxes and a working mailbox. The size is approximately 6 feet wide by 8 feet 5 inches long by 7 feet 8 inches tall.
The starting bid is $1,500 and is up for auction until Nov. 22.
Work-based learning is a structured academic program where students engage in real-world activities with instruction occurring both at school and at a community-based setting with an employer. ποΈ Read more about work-based learning.
2023-24 fall sports and activities round-up
Boys Cross Country
The MSHSL Class AAA Boys Cross Country Running State Meet will be held Nov. 4 at Les Bolstad Golf Course on the campus of the University of Minnesota. Six individuals and one team from Anoka-Hennepin high schools have qualified. The boys 5000 meter race begins at 10 a.m.
- Andover High School won the Section 7AAA Championship to earn a bid to the state tournament.
- Members of the Huskies include: Eli Ahlstrom, Joseph Beuning, Brandon Board, Johnny Downs, Tyler Flippen, Aidan Gomes, Blake Hinderks, Jack Jendro and Carter Stevens.
- Andover High School head coach Scott Clark was named the Section 7AAA coach of the year and assistant coach Jennifer Birkmeier was named the Section 7AAA assistant coach of the year.
- River Santiago, Connor Bialka and David Meberg of Blaine High School qualified for the state meet as individuals. Santiago was the Section 7AAA champion and set a new school record.
- Champlin Park High Schoolβs Charlie Hibbs and Salman Mohamed qualified for the state meet as individuals.
- Lachlan Demmer of Coon Rapids High School qualified for the state meet as an individual.
Girls Cross Country
The MSHSL Class AAA Girls Cross Country Running State Meet will be held Nov. 4 at Les Bolstad Golf Course on the campus of the University of Minnesota. Four individuals from Anoka-Hennepin high schools have qualified. The girls 5000 meter race begins at 10:45 a.m.
- Julia Strobel of Andover High School qualified for the state meet as an individual.
- Anoka High Schoolβs Kaelyn Nelson qualified for the state meet as an individual and is making her sixth appearance at the state meet.
- Brynlee Wegener, one of six seventh graders in the field, of the Blaine High School girls cross country team qualified for the state meet as an individual.
- From Champlin Park High School, Abigail Hibbs qualified for the state meet as an individual.
Volleyball
The MSHSL Class AAAA Girls State Volleyball Tournament will be held Nov. 8-11 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. After winning the Section 7AAAA championship, Anoka High School (AHS) is advancing to the state tournament for the first time since 2012 and the first time as a Class AAAA school.
AHS enters the state tournament with a 26-3 record. Seeding for the tournament will be announced Nov. 5. The quarterfinal round will be held Nov. 8.
As the top seed in the section tournament, the Tornadoes swept their three section matches by a score of 3-0, which included the section title match against No. 2 seed Forest Lake High School. During the season, AHS swept their opponent on 23 occasions.
Girls Soccer
The MSHSL Class AAA Girls State Soccer tournament was held Oct. 24-Nov. 3.
Andover earned third place in the state tournament after defeating Maple Grove High School 2-0 on Nov. 1. The Huskies finish the season with a record of 13-5-2 after making their fourth state tournament appearance in school history, the first since 2017.
Andover entered the state tournament as the No. 4 seed and earned a 2-1 win in the quarterfinals over Eagan High School by penalty kicks. In the semifinals, the Huskies lost 3-0 to No. 1 seed Edina High School.
Andover girls soccer will graduate 15 seniors this year.
District schools to honor past and present service members on Veterans Day
During the week of Nov. 6, Anoka-Hennepin will honor past and present service members with a variety of Veterans Day events or educational opportunities aimed at learning about and honoring those who have served or who are serving in the military.
Schools will recognize Veterans Day in a variety of meaningful ways, including all-school assemblies, flag raising ceremonies, displays honoring veterans and special lessons. Some schools are also welcoming family members who are veterans to the building or featuring veteran speakers to share the importance of the day with students.
πΊπΈ History
Veterans Day is always observed officially on Nov. 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls, and marks the anniversary of the day World War I formally ended β at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.
The U.S. previously observed the day as Armistice Day, but the holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954, and is now the day our country honors persons who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The Anoka-Hennepin School District would like to thank all of our veterans and their families for their service and dedication.
In the News: Oxbow Elementary students 'treat' neighbors with kindness
Students from Oxbow Elementary School were applauded in a recent story by KSTP-TV, when a neighbor's doorbell camera caught their act of kindness on Halloween night. The community has demonstrated their support for the students, treating them to a pizza buffet and funding an opportunity for the group to do more good deeds.
ποΈπΊ Watch and read the full story from KSTP to get all the details.
Providing choice, empowering minds: The district's 12 specialty & magnet schools
Anoka-Hennepin offers 12 specialty and magnet schools designed to provide families with additional choices at no cost. Students in kindergarten - grade 12 who live within the Anoka-Hennepin boundaries may apply to enroll at any of the specialty or magnet schools as an opportunity to explore interest areas in depth.
The specialty and magnet programs provide in-demand educational options such as the arts, science, technology, math, engineering and biomedical sciences (STEM/STEAM), as well as International Baccalaureate (IB).
Magnet schools:
- Offered to students districtwide in partnership with the Northwest Suburban Integration School District (NWSISD).
- Transportation is provided.
- The application window is open for the 2024-25 school year and closes Dec. 31, 2023.
Specialty schools:
- Students may enroll at the specialty schools using an in-district transfer process.
- Families are responsible for providing transportation.
- Applications are accepted Dec. 1, 2023 - Jan. 15, 2024 for priority consideration.
The specialty and magnet schools are hosting information nights/open houses for parents to learn more about the programs offered. These events range from mid October to mid January. Tours by appointment are also available at each site.
For specific open house dates, more information on each of the specialty and magnet schools and the application/enrollment process, visit ahschools.us/specialtymagnet.
Special Education Advisory Council Resource Information Night set for Nov. 16
The Anoka-Hennepin Schools Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) is hosting a resource information night on Thursday, Nov. 16 for families of students with special needs. A total of seven different vendors will be in attendance to share information with families about community resources.
Event information:
- Thursday, Nov. 16 from 6-7:30 p.m.
- Educational Service Center, 2727 N Ferry St., Anoka.
- Erling Johnson A & B
- Families will be able to speak with various vendors at stations which will be set up in the room.
- Vendors will cover activities, dental care, sports, and community groups for students with special needs.
ποΈ Read more about the SEAC.
Additional district news
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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.