Backpack Online - June 9, 2023
June 9, 2023
Congratulations to the Class of 2023!
Anoka-Hennepin is so proud of its graduates! Over 3,000 Anoka-Hennepin students received their diplomas between May 31 and June 5 during seven graduation ceremonies. Congratulations to the students, as well as the parents, families, teachers and staff who supported them along the way.
Anoka-Hennepin Regional High School
The district’s first graduation of 2023 was Wednesday, May 31 and celebrated 37 students from Anoka-Hennepin Regional High School. The graduation ceremony was held at Anoka Technical College.
Anoka-Hennepin Technical High School
On Thursday, June 1, families, friends and staff honored 111 students from Anoka-Hennepin Technical High School. The graduation ceremony was held at Anoka Technical College.
Andover High School
The Huskies celebrated 428 graduating seniors during a ceremony on Sunday, June 4 at Maturi Pavilion on the University of Minnesota campus.
Anoka High School - Center for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math
On Monday, June 5, at historic Goodrich Field, 530 seniors were celebrated as the class from Anoka High School.
Blaine High School - Center for Engineering, Mathematics and Science
In the largest Anoka-Hennepin graduating class of 2023, Blaine High School honored 755 seniors at Maturi Pavilion on the University of Minnesota campus Sunday, June 4.
Champlin Park High School - International Baccalaureate Programme
Friends, family and staff cheered on 740 graduates from Champlin Park High School during their graduation ceremony at Maturi Pavilion on the University of Minnesota campus Sunday, June 4.
Coon Rapids High School - Center for Biomedical Sciences and Engineering
Cardinal families, supporters and staff honored 435 graduates on Sunday, June 4 at Maturi Pavilion on the University of Minnesota campus.
Youngest Anoka-Hennepin graduates celebrate the end of preschool
There was plenty of pomp and circumstance for some of Anoka-Hennepin’s littlest learners.
Graduates of the Adventures Plus Bound program at Eisenhower Elementary School in Coon Rapids participated in a recent ceremony of their own. The group completed preschool and are now ready to conquer kindergarten.
Students and families experienced all the feels of graduation season. Sporting bright red caps and gowns, the group took part in a processional, performed songs, received diplomas and took plenty of photos.
Blaine and Champlin Park high school seniors named College-sponsored National Merit Scholarship winners
Blaine High School - Center for Engineering, Mathematics and Science (BHS) senior Adhithya Anandaraj and Champlin Park High School - International Baccalaureate Programme (CPHS) senior Maura Wahl have earned College-sponsored National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) announced June 7.
These scholarships provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship.
Anandaraj will attend the University of Minnesota and plans to study computer engineering while Wahl is attending the University of Tulsa where she will study mechanical engineering.
College-sponsored Merit Scholarship winners announced June 7 are part of the distinguished group of more than 7,140 high school seniors who will receive National Merit Scholarships for college undergraduate study worth nearly $28 million. Earlier this spring, NMSC announced winners of corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards and National Merit $2,500 Scholarships.
In May, Andover High School senior Eleanor Fredine and Coon Rapids High School - Center for Biomedical Sciences and Engineering senior Jesse Co each earned $2,500 National Merit Scholarships.
28 graduating seniors recognized as Page Scholars
Anoka-Hennepin Schools is proud to announce that 28 graduating seniors were named Page Scholars by the Page Education Foundation.
Blaine High School totaled 13 Page Scholars, which was the most among district high schools.
The Page Grant is the Page Education Foundation’s scholarship program awarded to students of color who graduate from a Minnesota high school and plan to attend a Minnesota post-secondary institution. Students at all levels of academic achievement seeking to pursue a two or four-year degree at a Minnesota college or university who agree to complete annual service projects with children can qualify for a grant.
The grant specifically seeks students of color who are unlikely to pursue post-secondary education due to barriers, like lack of financial resources and average grades. On average, over 500 Page Scholars are selected to receive a Page Grant. Page Grants range in value from $1,500 to $2,500 annually. Subsequent grants are based on students’ academic progress and mentoring performance. Recipients of the Page Grant are called “Page Scholars.” View the full list of 2023 Page Scholars from Anoka-Hennepin.
Summer Food Service Program
District participation in the Summer Food Service Program makes meals available to children at select school sites
The Anoka-Hennepin School District will participate in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which provides meals to all children 18 and under, free of charge.
Meals will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, at 14 sites across the district. The program will start Thursday, June 15 at most sites. Meal availability and serving times vary from site to site and are subject to change. Review a list of sites and meal times for more information.
Meals will be served inside school buildings. Parents accompanying their children may purchase a meal. Adult breakfast is $3.00 and lunch is $5.00. Exact change is required, and no checks will be taken. Anoka-Hennepin employees may use their meal accounts as long as there are funds available in your account.
The SFSP was created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure that children could continue to receive nutritious meals during summer break, when they may not have access to school breakfast or lunch.
For more information, please contact Anoka-Hennepin child nutrition at 763-506-1240 or staff.CnpEnrollment@ahschools.us.
2023 spring sports and activities round-up
With the spring sports and activities season wrapping up, here’s a look at who’s heading to state, and how they fared when they performed and played. Also included is information about post-season awards gathered by student-athletes and coaches.
Adapted softball
The Minnesota State High School League Adapted Softball State Tournament physical impairment (PI) division was held June 2-3 at Chanhassen High School.
The Anoka-Hennepin Mustangs qualified for the adapted softball state tournament in the PI division and earned the No. 2 seed. In the opening round, the Mustangs defeated Minneapolis South 18-7 earning a spot in the semifinals against the Dakota United Hawks.
Anoka-Hennepin battled the top seed from the south but came up short losing 14-5 to the eventual state champions in Dakota United. The Mustangs weren’t done yet, earning a 13-5 victory over the Rochester Raiders in the third place game to bring home some hardware.
Senior Joey Tonna had three hits and scored four times in the third place game for the Mustangs.
Maci Mauch and Nick Reither represented Anoka-Hennepin on the Wells Fargo All-Tournament Team.
Boys and Girls Track and Field
The Minnesota State High School League Class AAA Boys and Girls Track and Field State Meet is set for June 8 and 10 at St. Michael-Albertville High School. All five traditional high schools had students qualify for the state meet with a total of 34 students entered for 50 individual events. Twelve relay teams also qualified. The Blaine High School boys and girls teams claimed a Section 7AAA title.
Baseball
The Minnesota State High School League Baseball State Tournament will be held June 13-14 with the championship series set for June 16 at CHS Field in St. Paul. The Class AAAA quarterfinals and semifinals will also be held at CHS field with the consolation bracket at Paolm Field.
The Anoka High School baseball team qualified for the Class AAAA state tournament after winning the Section 7AAAA championship on June 6.
Girls lacrosse
The Minnesota State High School League Girls Lacrosse State Tournament will be held June 13-17 at White Bear Lake and Stillwater Area high schools.
The Champlin Park High School girls lacrosse team qualified for the state tournament after winning the Section 7A championship on June 8.
Boys and Girls golf
The Minnesota State High School League Boys and Girls Golf Class AAA State Tournament will be held June 13-14 at Bunker Hills Golf Club in Coon Rapids. The Anoka High School boys golf team advanced to state after winning the Section 7AAA title. A total of five individuals qualified for the state tournaments.
Evergreen Park students participate in first STEM Day experience
Evergreen Park Elementary - STEM School of Innovation began the implementation of its science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) program during the 2020-21 school year and for the first time held a STEM day for students and staff to celebrate the end of the 2022-23 school year and their hard work and learning through challenges, activities and teamwork.
Kindergarten through second-grade students participated in activities on June 5 while third through fifth-grade students had their opportunity June 6.
The specialty focus at Evergreen Park is designed to build student capacity with 21st-century skills with a focus on voice, choice and creativity to increase student engagement. Read more and view photos from the STEM day experience at Evergreen Park on June 6.
2022-23 school celebrations
Elementary schools celebrated 2022-23 this last week with fifth grade moving on ceremonies, end-of-the-year celebrations, the return of Class of 2023 graduates and many more fun activities! Wishing all district students, staff and families a wonderful summer!
Closing ceremony celebrates 151 years of Franklin Elementary
Following the annual track and field day at Franklin Elementary School on June 2,, the school celebrated 151 years, as the site will be repurposed as a special education facility starting in 2024.
In addition to dancing and ice cream, principal Sheryl Ray, fifth grade teacher Don Gawreluk and members of the fifth grade class spoke to students and families in attendance. Ray was presented with a retirement gift from the staff. View photos from the celebration.
Mississippi elementary sends 5th grade students off to middle school in moving on ceremony
On the last day of elementary school on June 7, fifth grade students at Mississippi Elementary School participated in a moving on ceremony in front of parents/guardians, family and friends. Before the ceremony began, students walked the halls of the school one last time to the cheers of teachers, staff and students.
Also a part of the moving on ceremony, fifth grade students received their certificates of D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) completion from Coon Rapids Police Department officer Ryan Olson and acting Chief of Police Bill Steiner. View photos from the Mississippi Elementary moving on ceremony.
Champlin Park High School graduates visit Oxbow Creek
2023 Champlin Park High School graduates who attended Oxbow Creek Elementary School returned to walk the halls one more time in their caps and gowns to much applause from the Oxbow Creek students and staff. View photos as graduates made their way around Oxbow Creek.
Lincoln Elementary celebrates end of the year with Arts Crawl
On Monday, June 5, Lincoln Elementary School students celebrated the 2022-23 school year with an Arts Crawl. Each grade had an hour block of time to explore all the different stations. The stations were ran by local artists, community partners and teachers. View photos from the 2023 Arts Crawl.
Andover Elementary fifth grade students make their "Final Walk" to Sunshine Park for moving on ceremony
A tradition at Andover Elementary School includes a moving on ceremony at Sunshine Park with parents/guardians and family members. Before students participate in their ceremony with classmates, they make their final walk to Sunshine Park through a line of kindergarten through fourth grade students, teachers and staff before finally hearing the roar of their parents and guardians welcoming them to Sunshine Park. View photos of Andover fifth graders making their way through the crowd.
STEP students take fifth graders under their wing on flight simulator
Students taking Aviation II at Anoka-Hennepin Secondary Technical Education Program (STEP) handed the yoke over to a group of fifth graders May 26, as students from the Nebula program at Eisenhower Elementary School flew a space shuttle on a simulator.
The Nebula students visited STEP to wrap their study of Mars Colonization. The high school students taking the Aviation II course, which focuses on curriculum to help pass the private pilot knowledge test, worked one-on-one with the elementary students on the different controls within a cockpit and guided them through different flight and landing simulations. View photos of the experience Nebula students had at STEP.
Pete Groebner has been teaching aviation courses at STEP for 20 years and said nearly half of the students who take the Aviation II course end up pursuing a career in the field after high school. Both Gustafson and Drusko plan to attend flight school after graduation.
STEP offers two aviation courses and both can be used for college credit at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Read more about the STEP simulators.
Chromebooks available to most high schoolers this summer; Tech Protect details
Beginning in the fall of 2023, students will be responsible for the same Chromebook for their secondary school careers - creating a culture of care with electronic devices. Anoka-Hennepin Schools coordinates with Google software updates, which are supported and updated with security and feature enhancements for the life of the device.
In preparation, the Anoka-Hennepin Schools technology team has a distribution and turn-in plan at each school level. Watch for specific news and details about the coordination of turn-in and distribution from your school:
- Middle school: Students will turn in their devices at the end of the 2022-23 school year, and will receive a Chromebook in the fall at the back to school open houses.
- High school: Chromebooks will be available for most high school students to keep and use over the summer months.
- Students in 10th grade at Blaine, Champlin Park and Coon Rapids high schools will need to return devices for the summer, and all 12th grade students will return Chromebooks to their schools.
- Tech support over the summer months is limited, but in the event that your device is lost or damaged, please contact the main office at your child’s school for assistance as soon as possible. It’s important to address any damages as soon as possible to ensure your device is ready for learning in the fall.
- If you are moving schools or to another district, please return your device to your school. Contact the main office to return the device.
- If parents decide to opt out of summer use, they must return the device with the charger before school ends for the school year.
To protect your device over the summer months, or at the start of the 2023-24 school year, families have the option to enroll in the Device Protection Plan now. Visit ahschools.us/techprotect for details.
Summer programming for high school students relocated to Coon Rapids High School
The summer program for district high school students originally scheduled to be held at Regional High School (1313 Coon Rapids Blvd, Coon Rapids) will be relocated due to failure of the HVAC/cooling system at the facility. The program will now be hosted at Coon Rapids High School (2340 Northdale Blvd, Coon Rapids).
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Transportation routes will be adjusted in the upcoming week, and families will receive postcards via postal mail by June 16, confirming route details.
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Brunch will be available for students at no charge.
This decision was made in the best interest of summer school students and staff. It is the goal of Anoka-Hennepin Schools to provide safe and welcoming spaces to support the academic performance and goals of our students.
Background
In November 2022, the School Board approved a permanent relocation of Anoka-Hennepin Regional High School to Sandburg Education Center in Anoka for the 2023-24 school year to invest in facilities owned by the school district, rather than in leased facilities such as the current facility the program has been operating in. The move is intended to improve student experience, leading to better academic outcomes while creating a safer, more supportive environment for students and staff.
The name of the program will change to Sandburg Regional High School. The school serves students grades nine through twelve coming from Andover, Anoka, Blaine, Champlin Park, and Coon Rapids High Schools. The purpose of the program is to provide credit recovery and other structures that provide more supportive and flexible paths to graduation than students would find in their home high schools.
Just in time for summer: Student-built outdoor structures now open for bidding
High school students in construction classes across Anoka-Hennepin Schools were busy this spring and there are now multiple projects up for auction. The sale of these student-built items cover the cost of materials and support future hands-on learning opportunities.
Chicken coops
Built by Champlin Park High School students in the Exploring Construction class. Three chicken coops are framed with 2 x 4 lumber, sided with t1-11 and shingled with 30-year architectural shingles. Bidding starts at $600 and auctions close June 27.
Luxury playhouse
Built by students in the Anoka-Hennepin work experience program, the luxury playhouse is constructed with high quality materials, and designed so that an adult can stand up in it. Bidding starts at $875 and the auction closes June 27. Bid on the luxury playhouse.
Picnic tables
Built by Blaine High School Exploring Construction class. Two six-foot picnic tables are made out of brown treated lumber and exterior deck screws. Bidding starts at $300 and the auctions close June 9.
Sheds
Built by Champlin Park High School students. The walls and roof are framed using 2 x 4's and siding is T1-11 by 5/8 inch thick. Bidding starts at $600 and the auctions close June 26.
Other outdoor items include a gazebo with a counter top and stools, a gazebo with a counter top and a rolling counter top.
Additional District News
- Parent Attitude and Satisfaction Survey available online until June 16.
- Device Protection Plan available for families with students assigned district Chromebooks.
- Parent Engage 360 Podcast Episode 32 Part 2: A districtwide approach to school safety.
- School Board votes to amend 2022-23 school year calendar.
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