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Backpack Online - April 14, 2023
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April 14, 2023
Above & Beyond Awards recipient profiles
Above & Beyond Award recipient: Sarah Kisiah
Sarah Kisiah, an English teacher and AVID support teacher at Northdale Middle School (NMS), has been recognized as a 2022-23 Above & Beyond Awards recipient. She connects to her students through humor and a care that goes beyond the classroom.
“My greatest strength as an educator is connecting with students,” Kisiah said. “I work hard to find ways to highlight the range of voices and perspectives in the classroom: from the shy to the boisterous. The most important elements of my teaching involve using humor to engage students, connecting with students, and maintaining high academic expectations.”
Kisiah is in her 14th year working in the district, all at NMS, working in ELA and with Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) students. Inside the classroom she has brought in monthly guest speakers for her AVID group. Outside of the classroom she helps run Youth for Change, a student activist group that fundraised money to build a school in India. She has co-planned the school Olympics, connected the Coon Rapids Lions with a family that lost a family member to cancer and helped arrange a snack, meal, and self-care train for a co-worker going through a tough time. Read more about Kisiah.
Above & Beyond Award recipient: Dominic Krebsbach
Dominic Krebsbach, a fourth grade teacher at Monroe Elementary School - Mathematics, Science and Children’s Engineering, has been recognized as a 2022-23 Above & Beyond Awards recipient. A passionate sports fan, Krebsbach has been able to connect with students in the classroom and beyond - through sports.
“I love getting involved with sports in children’s lives,” Krebsbach said. “I am a high school referee for soccer and basketball - and at recess, I officiate soccer or football games every day. I go to as many games of current and former students as I can. The power of co-curricular activities and confidence in the classroom is key to motivating students.”
Having taught at Monroe for 14 years, Krebsbach has made connections with a lot of families and students. Whether by reffing games during recess or showing up to sporting events in the community, students who may not have been in his classroom feel a connection to “Mr. K.” He relates success on the field to success in the classroom, using sports to help students strive to be leaders. Read more about Krebsbach.
Above & Beyond Award recipient: Sarah Lindbo
Sarah Lindbo, a second grade teacher at Champlin-Brooklyn Park Academy (CBPA), has been recognized as a 2022-23 Above & Beyond Awards recipient. Her ability to connect with students and families to promote growth in the students and build a positive classroom community is being celebrated through the award.
“Relationships are the foundation for my teaching,” Lindbo said. “Connecting with students and families is the first step to demonstrating that I believe in them. It is my core belief that all children can achieve great things.”
Lindbo has worked in the district for 11 years. Before CBPA she taught third and fourth grade at Monroe Elementary School and Evergreen Park Elementary: STEM School of Innovation. Read more about Lindbo.
Tech-savvy students rise to the top in state computing skills program
Four Anoka-Hennepin students are among 91 across the state to earn recognition for their work in computer science by the Minnesota Aspirations in Computing Awards (MNAiC). The 11th Annual MNAiC Computing Awards recognized four students from Anoka-Hennepin Schools:
- Honorable Mention:
- Champlin Park High School junior Irene Guilavogui.
- Rising Star Award winners:
- Andover High School junior Hexiao Wang
- Blaine High School sophomore AnnaSophia Lor
- Blaine High School senior Carlotta Jaremko
The honorees are high school students who identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary. Honorees were selected for competence and strong scores, as evidenced by their outstanding engagement in a variety of technology and leadership experiences provided by their high school, and community partners, and through online learning experiences.
MNAiC partners with the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) and an array of Minnesota companies and organizations to support high school students to realize their computing-related education and career aspirations.
Award honorees at various levels are provided access to mentoring, job shadowing, internship, and college scholarship opportunities. Students will also receive access to exclusive resources provided by the NCWIT.
NCWIT is a non-profit community of more than 1,100 universities, companies, non-profits, and government organizations nationwide working to increase girls' and women’s meaningful participation in computing. MNAiC seeks to inspire, engage, and empower young women in grades 9-12 to pursue technology education and career paths.
District to host hiring event for operational positions April 19
The Anoka-Hennepin School District will host an in-person hiring event for operational positions Wednesday, April 19 from 2-6 p.m. in the Erling Johnson Rooms A and B at the Educational Service Center (ESC), located at 2727 N Ferry St. in Anoka (enter Door 7).
Join us to learn more about employment opportunities and have a same-day, on-site interview for the positions listed below. Participants are strongly encouraged to begin filling out an application ahead of time at ahschools.us/jobs and come prepared to interview with hiring managers.
- Special Education Paras - Full-time (benefited positions); $17.50 to $20.40/hr and up depending on experience.
- Elementary Paras (recess/lunch attendants) - Part-time; $16.50 to $18.90/hr.
- Bus Paras/Assistant - Part-time, a.m. or p.m.; $16 to $18.40/hr.
- Custodians - Full-time, 2nd and 3rd shift (benefited positions); $16.50 to $16.80/hr.
- Custodians - Part-time; $16.50/hr.
- School Food Service - Part-time; $15.30/hr.
- Before and after-school child care (Adventures Plus) - a.m. or p.m.; $14 to $18.75 depending on experience/education.
The district is also seeking substitutes for any of the above positions on a part-time/casual basis.
For those interested in being bus drivers, the bus companies used by the district (Kottke’s and First Student) will be at the event.
Anoka-Hennepin has employment opportunities for any phase of your work life. Full-time, part-time and substitute positions are available, including flexible weekly schedules with hours ranging from early morning, mid-day, late afternoon or evening opportunities.
Everyone plays a role in student achievement; help your community succeed by applying today!
Visit ahschools.us/jobs or call 763-506-JOBS for more information.
Anoka High School - School Spotlight
Flint Hills Family Festival coming to Anoka Middle School for the Arts April 27
A partnership with one of the leading U.S. performing art centers will bring a free art experience to Anoka Middle School for the Arts (AMSA) April 27. The Flint Hills Family Festival is presented by the Ordway.
This community pop-up event is open to the public and runs from 6:30-8 p.m. at the AMSA Fred Moore Campus Auditorium. The first hour features interactive art making. The event wraps up at 7:30 p.m. with a performance by Ensō Daiko, a loud, energetic performance group that combines music, dance, culture and pure athleticism. View a flyer for the event.
For more than 20 years, the Flint Hills Family Festival has brought communities together through the power of the arts, welcoming over a million students, teachers, and families since its conception in 2001.
Anoka-Hennepin students collect awards at BPA state competition
In March, nearly 100 students from Anoka-Hennepin Schools competed and claimed awards at the Minnesota Business Professionals of America (BPA) State Leadership Conference.
The annual BPA state conference was held March 9-11 at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis. More than 1,200 members, advisors, and guests took part in the organization’s competitive events program, allowing them to compete in nearly 70 events focused in the areas of finance, business administration, management information systems, digital communication and design, health administration and management, and marketing and communication. The competitions are designed to prepare students to succeed and assess real-world business skills and problem-solving abilities.
Teams from Anoka-Hennepin captured chapter and individual awards and nearly 50 students advanced to nationals. Blaine High School students also had the opportunity to run as candidates for the 2023-24 State BPA Executive Team during the conference. Junior Dorcas Aroloye ran a successful campaign to be elected Minnesota BPA President. Additionally, junior Silas Murangiri was elected the Vice President of Development. Read more about the success of the BPA chapters.
Podcast Episode 31: Body image and eating disorders
There are many factors that may impact the way we feel about ourselves and the way we show up each day, and one of these factors that impact many, including students, is body image.
Adults and teens alike are presented with body image media on a daily basis through various forms of traditional and social media which can have a mental and physical impact on an individual. In this episode of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast, Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin's parent involvement coordinator, hopes to connect parents and guardians with resources if they suspect their child may be experiencing body dysmorphia or even eating disorders.
The most common types parents might hear or think about are anorexia or bulimia. But there is so much more that can affect a person's life when it comes to eating disorders, and that can often be referred to as disordered eating, which may include restrictive eating, compulsive eating or irregular or inflexible eating patterns.
Burgard was joined by Dr. Heather Gallivan, clinical director at Melrose Center and Anoka-Hennepin licensed school nurse Jessica Patterson, to learn more about how parents can support their children if they are experiencing body dysmorphia and/or eating disorders and how schools can help connect families with support.
Tune in to the Parent Engage 360 Podcast on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, or at ahschools.us/parentengage360. The Parent Engage 360 Podcast is also now available on Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible and iHeartRadio.
Melrose Center provides care for all types of eating disorders and has helped guide thousands of people toward recovery using evidence-based treatment. As a resource for anyone experiencing eating disorders or those that might be caring for an individual experiencing eating disorders, Melrose Center hosts a podcast titled Melrose Heals a resource. Listen to the Melrose Heals podcast on Spotify.
The Parent Engage 360 Podcast aims to provide parents and guardians with knowledge from experts in chemical health, mental health, internet safety and more, as well as the tools needed to support their children. Anoka-Hennepin hopes that providing timely and helpful information through the Parent Engage 360 podcast series will strengthen the bond between school and home with resources parents and guardians can use and share with others.
Anoka-Hennepin students receive state recognition with art and writing awards
Multiple Anoka-Hennepin high school students were recognized for their outstanding artwork and writing at the Minnesota Scholastic Art and Writing Awards on February 25. Eight students from Anoka-Hennepin were honored with Gold Key Awards for their original and creative pieces this year:
- Thomas Abbott: sculpture “Western Ways.” Grade 12, Andover High School.
- Helena Evans: painting “Ruby.” Grade 9, Blaine High School.
- Hailey Hlavinka: drawing and illusion “Micayla” and painting “Tucker.” Grade 9, Blaine High School.
- Samantha Julkowksi: painting “Toothy.” Grade 12, Anoka High School.
- Kameryn Jolstad: painting “Shackled.” Grade 12, Anoka High School.
- Ava Mehl: painting “Ignominy.” Grade 12, Anoka High School.
- Madeline Ruddy: ceramics and glass sculpture “You Can’t Silence Me.” Grade 11, Andover High School.
- Alyssa Schwarz: drawing and illusion “Never Ending Trails.” Grade 11, Blaine High School.
National recognition
All Gold Key winners were eligible for national-level recognition. Andover High School junior Madeline Ruddy received a national-level recognition with her ceramics and glass sculpture piece “You Can’t Silence Me.” Ruddy was awarded a national silver medal at the 2023 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.
National medalists are eligible for scholarships up to $12,500 and are invited to the national ceremony in New York City.
Other honorees
In addition to Gold Key Awards, several Anoka-Hennepin students were honored with Silver Key and honorable mentions at the state level, including:
Silver Key
- Ingrid Norquis: painting “Transformation.” Grade 12, Anoka High School.
- Madeline Ruddy: sculpture “It’s your story; Take Control.” Grade 11, Andover High School.
- Madeline Schrank: painting “Refuge.” Grade 11, Blaine High School.
- Alexis Reichwein: poetry “I’m an Abomination.” Grade 12, Andover High School.
Honorable Mention
- Anya Campbell: ceramics and glass “Slip Fabric.” Grade 12, Andover High School.
- Connor Fisher: ceramics and glass “Coil Pitcher.” Grade 11, Anoka High School.
- Mathilda Kawecki: digital art “The Great Adventure.” Grade 12, Anoka High School.
- Helena Kritzler: digital art “Girl in Black and White.” Grade 11, Andover High School.
- Sianna Mader: drawing and illusion “A Drop of Honey.” Grade 12, Anoka High School.
- Nate Narr: ceramics and glass “6 Cylinder Pitcher.” Grade 12, Anoka High School.
- Alexis Reichwein: painting “Untitled 5” and art portfolio “Body and Mind” Grade 12, Andover High School.
- Grace Reiman: drawing and illusion “Shame.” Grade 10, Andover High School.
- Kaitlyn Schlosser: ceramics and glass “Lidded Slab Box.” Grade 12, Champlin Park High School.
- Tyler Wilhelmina: sculpture “Untitled.” Grade 9, Blaine High School.
- Alexa Vagle: sculpture “Individual Nature.” Grade 12, Blaine High School.
- Linsey Riese: personal essay and memoir “Email to Ms. Welle.” Grade 12, Champlin Park High School.
For more information on the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.
Young Scientist Roundtable event free for all Anoka-Hennepin families
Young Scientist Roundtable events are free and open to Anoka-Hennepin School District students, parents, and community members seeking to learn more about science. The next session is Wednesday, April 26.
The event is titled “Rapid Intervention in the ER to Save a Dying Patient” and will take place at the Wayzata Central Middle School Auditorium. Part I features a presentation from Dr. Mike Puskarichand and is scheduled from 7-8 p.m. Part II is slated for 8:10-8:40 p.m. and is a roundtable format to allow attendees to ask questions. Visit the registration website. View a flyer for the event.
The Young Scientist Roundtable is currently in its 30th year of presenting accessible and rich science experience for the community. More information about next year’s Young Scientists Roundtable events will be shared through science teachers and other district staff in the fall.
Catherine Huss, Coon Rapids graduate, created a unique and flattering swimwear brand "Siena & Co.". The inspiration behind building her brand was that she wanted to create swimwear that provided more coverage. What started Huss' sewing career was her elective classes that she had taken at Coon Rapids High School when she was a teenager. Huss' brand has been so successful that she has came out with a new collection, "The Retro Collection", which includes tops, bottoms and swim dresses.
- Star Tribune. (Subscription may be required.)
- KSTP-TV.
Putting 'U' in Community Education: Iris Lee's story
Iris Lee is an Anoka High School senior and an Anoka Middle School for the Arts (AMSA) dance team coach. Born with Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, Iris doesn’t let that stop her from doing what she loves. An AMSA dance team alum, she now partners with another Anoka High School student to coach the ‘B’ team.
“Iris is my co-head coach. She’s my other half,” said head coach Hailey Barrows. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Seeing Iris in action is inspirational, and so is the way the entire team embraces her. “I love that all the girls accept her because that’s what she wants. She just loves to be a part of this,” said paraeducator Karen Larson.
In the latest "Putting ‘U’ in Community Education" video, = Iris shares her passion, energy and positive attitude with the dancers on one of the AMSA dance teams.
Community Education kicks off districtwide middle school dance competition
Middle school dance teams from across the district competed on Tuesday night at Anoka High School. ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams from all six Anoka-Hennepin middle schools performed at the field house in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd.
Dancers have been practicing since late February. Once teams were formed, the groups took part in weekly competitions culminating with the District Competition on April 11. Each dance team performed a uniquely choreographed routine to a song selected by their coaches. Middle school teams placed as follows:
‘A’ Team
1st – Northdale Middle School
2nd – Roosevelt Middle School
3rd - Anoka Middle School
‘B’ team
1st - Anoka Middle School
2nd - Roosevelt Middle School
3rd – Jackson Middle School
Dance and other middle school sports are coordinated by Anoka-Hennepin Community Education. Watch a video montage from the evening.
Northdale Middle School dance performance.
Roosevelt Middle School dance performance.
Oak View Middle School dance performance.
Additional District News
- Universal School Meals program to begin in the fall of 2023.
- Education, Employment and Enlistment Spring Spectacular and financial aid help session set for April 22.
- 2023 graduation ceremonies for Andover, Blaine, Champlin Park and Coon Rpaids high schools to be held on University of Minnesota campus - Maturi Pavilion.
- Ready for kindergarten? See how to prepare and register.
- New $225 substitute teacher rate at select sites and on Fridays now in effect through the end of the school year.
- School Board votes to amend 2022-23 school year calendar.
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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.