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Backpack Online - March 8, 2024
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March 8, 2024
Bus safety poster contest winners recognized
The Anoka-Hennepin transportation department held its 29th annual school bus safety poster contest this winter, which began during Winter School Bus Safety Week.
The winners were recognized at the district transportation safety committee meeting on March 6. ๐ธ View photos from the recognition program.
๐ This yearโs theme was Driving Safely Into the Future. The transportation department invited students in all grade levels to submit their best artwork for the competition. Each school held its own poster contest, with one winner chosen from each grade level. The winning poster for each school was then entered into the district contest.
The objective of the contest was to encourage students to think about school bus safety, while also presenting an opportunity for discussion during school bus safety week. The winners are:
- Kaeto Evuleocha, kindergarten, University Avenue Elementary.
- Benjamin Vu, first grade, Jefferson Elementary.
- James Gala, second grade, River Trail Learning Center.
- Asher Dahl, third grade, Sunrise Elementary.
- Gianna Archer, fourth grade, Jefferson Elementary.
- Rosalyn Norton, fifth grade, Jefferson Elementary.
- Cameron Kelly, sixth grade, River Trail Learning Center.Fatima Muhamed, seventh grade, Northdale Middle School.
- Brielle Whitney, eighth grade, Oak View Middle School.'
- Emilio Ramirez Magana, ninth grade, River Trail Learning Center.
๐จ View the winning posters, which will be entered into the state competition and will be displayed in buildings across the district to continue the promotion of school bus safety.
CRHS engineering students showcase automated assembly line projects
Students enrolled in Scott Storrickโs Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) class at Coon Rapids High School - Center for Biomedical Sciences and Engineering (CRHS) hosted a project showcase on March 4 to present their automated assembly lines.
Students created a short presentation outlining their projects for family, friends and community members before showing off their assembly lines to conclude the evening. The project included creating, designing, building and programming a working assembly line. Students were engaged in problem-solving throughout the project โ some even in the hours leading up to the showcase event โ to bring their ideas to life.
See each of the projects in action:
- ๐ฅ Peanut shell cracking assembly line.
- ๐ฅ Salad-making assembly line.
- ๐ฆ Water-powder mixing assembly line.
- ๐ Milkshake assembly line.
๐ธ View photos from the showcase event.
๐ฐ Read the full story.
Hamilton Elementary - School Spotlight
In the News: Blaine High School carries on surprise tradition
Over the past 17 years, Blaine High School staff has continued a tradition of performing choreographed dance routines at school pep fests. Steve Drewlo, Kevin Overgaard, Rob Nick and Megan Schuelein reintroduced these dance routines during the winter pep fest this year. View the story from KARE-11.
Parent input opportunity: Attend Curriculum Open House on March 20
๐ Anoka-Hennepin School District families, students, staff, and community members are invited to review and provide feedback on five new curriculum options in the areas of secondary science and social studies. These new curriculum review options are in the areas of Physics, Biology, U.S. Studies - 7, U.S. History - 10 and World History - 11. ๐๏ธ Read more about each area of review.
The district will offer both in-person and virtual open house opportunities:
๐ค In-person: Wednesday, March 20 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Educational Service Center, 2727 N Ferry St., Anoka.
๐ป Virtual: March 20-27. Participants will be provided links and videos to review online. Register online by Monday, March 18.
Why it matters: As the district reviews and adopts new materials in courses, it involves students, parents, and the community as part of a comprehensive 41-step process. Current math, language arts, science, social studies, and health materials were all adopted after community engagement and public review of the materials, and future purchases will also be reviewed publicly before official adoption.
Winter sports and activities roundup
With the winter sports and activities season wrapping up, take a look at whoโs heading to state, and how they fared when they performed and played. Updates are available from:
๐ Girls basketball
๐คผ Wrestling
๐โโ๏ธ Boys Swimming and Diving
Community Ed hosts elementary volleyball tournament
๐ Northdale Middle School was filled with excitement as Community Education hosted a district-wide elementary volleyball tournament. With 171 eager players and 15 teams representing 10 Anoka-Hennepin Schools, the event promised to be nothing short of thrilling. But what truly made the event unforgettable was the overwhelming support from over 400 enthusiastic spectators.
The tournament allowed each team the opportunity to play at least two games, ensuring ample time for everyone to demonstrate their skills and teamwork on the court.
๐ท View photos from the tournament.
Chess tournament draws enthusiastic participants
๐โ๏ธChess enthusiasts from across the district converged at the Community Education Open Chess Tournament held on Saturday, March 2. With a remarkable turnout of 42 elementary and middle school participants hailing from 15 different district schools, along with representation from three schools outside the district and homeschoolers, the event showcased the vibrant chess community in the area.
The tournament, which attracted over 100 spectators, provided a platform for budding chess players to demonstrate their skills and strategic abilities. A total of 105 matches were played, ensuring that every participant engaged in five matches throughout the day. Despite the competitive atmosphere, the event was marked by camaraderie and sportsmanship, with players displaying resilience and strategic thinking in each game.
๐ทView photos from the tournament.
๐ Read more about the tournament and view tournament results.
In the News: Blaine High School senior selected as NMTV student of the month
๐ Blaine High School senior, Dorcas Aroloye excels academically and leads as the state president of Minnesota's Business Professionals of America (BPA). For making a positive impact in her school community and beyond, Dorcas was named the North Metro TV Student of the Month.
Announcing recipients of 2023-24 Above & Beyond Awards
๐ Fifteen outstanding district employees have been selected to receive the Anoka-Hennepin School Districtโs 2023-24 Above & Beyond Award, a program to recognize outstanding employees for innovation, creativity, caring and commitment.
The recipients are:
- Marta Biegler, Jackson Middle School, special education teacher (DCD and PI) and case manager.
- Melyssa Carlson, Educational Service Center, technology, technology facilitator.
- Cory Davis, Champlin Park High School, physical education teacher and coach.
- Amanda Eilertson, Champlin Park High School, academic intervention teacher.
- Lori De Jong, Lincoln Elementary, school office supervisor.
- Sheila Joslin, Oxbow Creek Elementary, school office supervisor.
- Mindy Meyers, Waapishki Kiisis Ikwe, Educational Service Center, American Indian Education Program Coordinator.
- Bich Lieu Nguyen, Educational Service Center, technology, instructional technology facilitator.
- Corinna Nunnery, Oxbow Creek Elementary, Adventures Plus, site coordinator.
- Ray Richardson, Educational Service Center, buildings and grounds, maintenance manager.
- Denise Schnabel, Evergreen Park Elementary, principal.
- Hannah Schrempp, Oak View Middle School, secondary reading teacher.
- Julia Stock, Brookside Elementary, teacher, grade 2.
- Penny Walsh, Riverview Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), parent and family educator.
- Coral-Lyn Wyman, Champlin Park High School, assistant principal.
Getting ready for school: Easy as 1-2-3!
Families can prepare children for preschool and kindergarten now if they are planning to start in the fall.
If your family has a younger sibling or if you know a neighbor interested in starting school this fall, use or share the following steps so we can keep you informed of important welcome events and information.
- Verify that your child meets the age requirements for school.
- Enroll online so we can save you a seat!
- Make a plan to attend information sessions and welcome events.
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.