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Backpack Online - December 18, 2023
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December 18, 2023
Superintendent McIntyre begins student roundtable series
For Anoka-Hennepin Superintendent Cory McIntyre, student voice is an important and powerful component for the decision-making process and for providing a safe, welcoming and positive school environment. On Dec. 15, Superintendent McIntyre visited with a group of students at Anoka High School (AHS) for the first of many student roundtable discussions scheduled throughout the district.
The hour-long sessions aim to gather student perspectives on the high school experience. Both students and Superintendent McIntyre came prepared with questions to guide the discussion.
A few of the topics included:
- Impactful curriculum being offered and what should be required.
- Expressing barriers to learning.
- Common discipline issues.
- What the students were most proud of about their school.
Above & Beyond Awards nominations being accepted now through Jan. 22
Do you know an Anoka-Hennepin staff member who goes above and beyond normal job expectations to ensure that students receive a high-quality education in a safe and nurturing environment? Maybe that person is a teacher, a custodian or a para? Maybe a school counselor or principal? Perhaps someone working in the cafeteria, or a nurse or a secretary?
If you know someone who does amazing work for children, you’re strongly encouraged to nominate them for the Above & Beyond Awards. The Above & Beyond Awards involve students, staff, parents and community members in recognizing and honoring Anoka-Hennepin staff who consistently go that extra mile so students can be successful.
Nominations are being accepted through Monday, Jan. 22, 2024.
Visit the Above & Beyond Awards website, ahschools.us/aboveandbeyond, for a nomination form or to read additional information about the awards.
The program is a joint effort of the district and the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation (AHEF). The 2024 Above & Beyond Awards ceremony will take place April 3 at the Educational Service Center (ESC).
Learning takes off using Seesaw app at Adams Elementary
Adams Elementary embraces technology for learning, creates connections between home and school
Technology continues to play a major role in the classroom, and first grade teachers at Adams Elementary School are at the forefront of engaging students and families using Seesaw.
Between the lines: Seesaw is an app that creates a learning loop between students, teachers and families. Students can work on a math or reading assignment in the app, which provides interactive lessons or activities, the teacher can comment on their work and provide feedback, and finally, parents and guardians can view their child’s learning portfolio in the app, see the teacher’s comments, and even leave a note of encouragement.
What they’re saying: “We work in a world where our students have become so much more tech-savvy and this is something that we as educators cannot ignore,” said Michael Johnson, first grade teacher at Adams Elementary. “My students are excited to do activities that allow some interactive abilities instead of traditional pencil and paper.”
Dig deeper: Learn more about how Johnson is using technology to enhance instruction and curriculum in his classroom.
📸 View photos of students using Seesaw to complete assignments and lessons at Adams Elementary.
Seasonal concerts at district middle and high schools
If you are looking for local holiday entertainment, look no further than your school community. There are a variety of music concerts going on at district middle and high schools in December and January.
In addition to school performances, some musical groups brought their talents to the community at city holiday celebrations and area malls. 📸 View photos from the Roosevelt Middle School 8th Grade Choir performing at Northtown Mall on Dec. 15.
AHEF Donors fund another $26,458 in Grants for the 2023-24 School Year
Donors to the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation (AHEF) recently funded $26,458 in the second round of grant funds for school projects and students for the 2023-24 school year. These funds are in addition to the $41,922 in Spring grant awards, and $24,000 in perennial grants that AHEF funds each year, for an anticipated total of over $93,000 in funds awarded for the current school year. AHEF donors will also fund $15,000 in scholarships this Spring for students pursuing post-secondary education.
Through AHEF, donors funded 3D printers and recording equipment for middle schools, and musical instruments for students in Adventures Plus. Other examples of donor funded grant projects include a giant, outdoor chess set to get more students outside for recess and to provide opportunities for more kids to learn (from their peers) how to play chess.
“Our donors make these grants possible,” Tess DeGeest said, “Thank you to everyone: teachers, administrators, staff, parents, and community partners, for making these innovative experiences possible for our students.”
For more information on AHEF grants, visit ahef.us or email theresa.degeest@ahschools.us.
Local artist guides AMSA students in piecing together a school ‘Minnesota’ mural
Sixth graders at Anoka Middle School for the Arts have been connecting their arts experiences with social studies for the past two weeks, working with local ceramics artist, Elizabeth Coleman, on a project that will leave its mark on the school for years to come.
Coleman, who has a passion for creating murals, guided more than 250 students in the Ceramics and Sculpture course in creating tiles based on a Minnesota icon drawing they completed in Minnesota Studies, a social studies class that focuses on Minnesota history. AMSA ceramics teacher Terra Houltberg said the plan is to select a number of the student’s titles to create a mural in a grid formation that would be a permanent installation at the school.
📸 View photos of students working on their ceramic tiles.
“The most rewarding thing about being here is seeing the students engage with and focus on that 5x5 inch world that they are creating,” Coleman said. “They lose what is going on in their day and look calm while working.”
Sixth graders Violet Sullivan and Jazmyn Krzmarzick chose to feature their favorite Minnesota sports teams and are working on the tiles that celebrate the Twins and the Wild, respectively.
“I like doing this project because I get to leave my mark at the school,” Krzmarzick said.
Anoka-Hennepin thanks outgoing board members for their service
Three board members were honored at the Anoka-Hennepin School Board meeting Dec. 11, which was the last meeting of the year in addition to the conclusion of their service to the Anoka-Hennepin School Board.
Erin Heers-McArdle, Treasurer, (District One) served one four-year term.
Nicole Hayes, Vice Chair (District Three), served a total of nine years on the school board following her appointment to the board in 2015.
Board Chair, Marci Anderson (District Two) served three four-year terms.
All three board members were presented with a bell in recognition of their commitment, dedication and service to the Anoka-Hennepin School District. Anderson holds the distinction as the first woman to serve as the School Board Chair in the history of the school district, and was also presented with a ceremonial gavel to commemorate her service in that role.
📺 Watch the meeting.
📸 View photos from the recognition event.
What’s next: In January, three new school board members will begin their four-year terms of service. District One will be represented by Linda Hoekman, Michelle Langenfeld will serve as a representative in District Three and Zach Arco will represent District Two.
The full scope: The Anoka-Hennepin School Board includes six members, each elected to represent a portion of the district. Three positions are decided every two years, with the next election set for members representing districts 3, 4 and 6 set for November 2025.
🔎 Learn more about the Anoka-Hennepin School Board and its members at ahschools.us/schoolboard.
Bid now: Student-built pergola swings up for auction
Students at Blaine High School have built pergola swings that are open for bidding. The sale of these student-built items covers the cost of materials and supports future hands-on learning opportunities.
Three student-built pergola swings:
- Made out of brown treated lumber and fastened with exterior deck screws.
- Swing base is 8 feet wide by 3 feet deep.
- The swing chair can hold up to 3 adults.
- Chain for the swing is not included (10 foot chain will be needed).
- Bidding starts at $1,000 (includes base and chair assembly).
- Auction ends Jan. 3.
- Pergola swing #1 auction.
- Pergola swing #2 auction.
- Pergola swing #3 auction.
Additionally, student-built outdoor tables and garden beds are currently up for auction.
Providing choice: Specialty and magnet application deadlines approaching
Anoka-Hennepin offers specialty and magnet schools at all levels that are designed to provide families with additional choices at no cost. Applications are open for both specialty and magnet schools with deadlines approaching.
Specialty schools
- Students may enroll at the specialty schools using an in-district transfer process.
- Families are responsible for providing transportation.
- The application window is open for the 2024-25 school year and closes Jan. 15, 2024 for priority consideration.
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.
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.