OCTOBER NEWSLETTER

September 30, 2022

Greetings from the STEP Program!

Our school year is off to a great start! Our teachers are working hard to provide our students with a rigorous curriculum of academia and real world skills. We are so excited to see everything our students will accomplish by the end of the school year.

In this newsletter, you will find helpful information to support your student in their education.

Please note, we have a few important events coming up that you should be aware of.

• Monday, October 10th is a busy day at STEP. The Practice ACT will be given to juniors in the district. All full-time AHVA and full-time AHVA/STEP students will be taking the test in the Forum Rooms. All part-time STEP students will be taking it at their home high school. This will be an asynchronous learning day for all students in grades 9, 10, and 12. More information about the practice ACT can be found later on in this newsletter.
• Also on Monday, October 10th, STEP will be hosting Parent/Teacher Conferences from 3:00PM - 6:00PM. Parents will be notified to sign up on myconferencetime.com with the option to sign up for an in-person or virtual session with the teacher. Parents- please indicate in the comments if you are requesting a virtual meeting.
• Picture day for all STEP students will be on Monday, October 17th, 2022.

We have students that have enrolled with us both part-time as well as full-time. Therefore, we have a student schedule that aligns with the home high schools so that the students can attend both schools successfully. Our schedule is as follows:

AM Session: 7:55am - 9:40am

PM Session: 12:10pm - 1:55pm

Please note- We do not have a late start on Monday mornings. Classes at STEP start and end at the same time each day.

• All Part-time 11th grade AHVA students will be taking the Practice ACT at the home high schools

• Part-time students should report to their home high schools the morning of the practice test. Students may leave school once completed.

• A bag lunch will be provided to 11th grade students who remain at school following the test

• All Full-time 11th grade AHVA students will be taking the Practice ACT at STEP

• Students should report to STEP by 8am

• Regular district transportation will be provided on the STEP shuttles

• Students in grades 9, 10 & 12

• Students in grades 9 10 and 12 will be provided assignments through Google Classroom to complete remotely at home

• The high schools will provide a learning location at school for students who choose to come to school. Students that choose to come to school to work independently and complete google classroom coursework will be supervised in the cafeteria or auditorium in a quiet learning environment.

Important test day information:

• Students need to sign-up to take the Practice ACT; please see the Google Form that was sent out by Ms. Zemple.

• Please note that cell phones and other electronic devices are not allowed to be on or seen at any point during the test, including breaks. Violation will result in removal from the testing environment and invalidation of test scores.

Remember to bring:

• Student ID

• Two #2 Pencils

• Calculator (see ACT calculator policy)

• Water

• Snack

For students on a 504 or an IEP, Accommodations are not provided for the practice ACT. Paperwork can be completed to request accommodations for the ACT in Spring.

If you have questions, please contact Ms. Alyssa Zemple.

You are valued at STEP. Your social and emotional well-being is our top priority. We recognize that the last few years have been different and even difficult at times. In the same way we care for our physical health, each of us deserves to to care for our mental health. If you are feeling down, depressed, have lost interest in activities or events that you used to enjoy, you may benefit from talking to someone. You are not alone. We are here to listen and connect you with tools and resources to support your wellness.

Address academic achievement, personal/social development and career development of all students, not just those in need, by collaborating with students, parents, school staff and the community to ensure today's students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow. School counselors are available at district middle and high schools.

School counselor - Alyssa Zemple

Alyssa.Zemple@ahschools.us

(763) 433-4031 (Office) (763) 433-4003 (Fax)

(763) 290-0341 (Google Voice)

Request an Appointment

Request a Schedule Change

Hello! My name is Melissa Upton and I am the College and Career Specialist for students at STEP. My job is to help students figure out what they want to do after graduation and then make a plan to help them be successful. I can provide many great services including: Testing Information (ACT/SAT), College Admissions Information, Financial Aid Information (FAFSA, Scholarship Info, etc.), Career Planning Resources, Resume help, Interview skills, the list goes on.

For more information contact me in the Career Center on the second floor (Room 20A) or email melissa.upton@ahschools.us. You can also review the College and Career Center Newsletter by clicking here. This is updated regularly for you to learn about upcoming events.

College and Career Specialist- Melissa Upton

melissa.upton@ahschools.us

(763) 433- 4030

Request an Appointment

Link to the College and Career Center Newsletter

October is College Knowledge month. The goal is to provide every graduating high school senior with the preparation, opportunity, and support needed to apply to college. Remember that college is not just a four-year university. College is any training and education that offers certification, a credential, or a degree that leads to employment. Within this time frame, students can participate in the college exploration and planning process at their own pace. Many postsecondary institutions waive application fees during this time! Click here for a complete list of free application opportunities in Minnesota. In addition, all Minnesota colleges and universities waive application fees for low-income students. Use the application fee waiver to do this.

October is also a good time to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). On Wednesday, October 5, 2022, there will be a Financial Aid Night at Blaine High School from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Attend our FAFSA help event to get free, on-site professional assistance completing the FAFSA. Families will hear a FAFSA presentation outlining steps and tips to complete their FAFSA before having time to work and have their questions answered. Registration is not required for this event. Fore more information about this event click here.

Stop in the Career Center to get more information and a permission slip.

• University of MN - Twin Cities - Wednesday, October 19th. Come and learn about all the offerings and opportunities at the U of MN.

• Minnesota State University Mankato - Wednesday, October 26th. Join us for a tour of Mankato and learn about the variety of programs offered.

• University of Minnesota - Duluth - Wednesday, November 2nd. Join us for a great day of touring and learning about the campus, what this university has to offer, what the admissions requirements are, and what the college students have to say about attending the U of M, Duluth!

• University of St. Thomas - Thursday, November 10th. Learn about the campus and programs offered at St. Thomas. Get a tour and see what the college has to offer.

• Bühler/HTC Mechatronics Day - Tuesday, November 21st. Join us for a day to learn about the world of mechatronics and a great pathway into this career. Visit Bühler Inc, and Hennepin Tech to learn about mechatronics.

On Wednesday, October 5th come to Blaine High School to get free, on-site professional assistance completing the FAFSA. Families will hear a FAFSA presentation and then have time to work on completing the FAFSA with support from experts. Click here for more information about this event.

Ready, Set FAFSA! Free financial aid events available to Minnesota students and families this fall! The series, running September 27 through October 25, will cover general college application and financial aid information, details on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Minnesota Dream Act for undocumented students, and other ways to pay for college. Students who attend will be entered to win a $500 scholarship! Talk to Ms. Upton in the Career Center for more information.

Technology plays an important role in preparing students for life, and Chromebooks are utilized as a daily learning tool in Anoka-Hennepin middle and high school classrooms. Anoka-Hennepin students in grades 6-12 are assigned a Chromebook from the school district to ensure access to technology systems that support classroom learning.

Over 28,000 Chromebooks are distributed to students the first week of school. As careful as students and schools are, accidents do happen each year - and hundreds of Chromebooks are returned at the end of the school year with damages.

The Technology Protection Plan is optional; it is not required, however, by electing not to participate in the Protection Plan, families may be required to reimburse the school district for the replacement or repair of damaged Chromebooks assigned to their student/s. Damaged or broken screens may cost between $100 to $190 depending on parts needed; or the replacement cost for the entire device could be up to $410.

Families can opt-in to the Device Protection Plan:

• Log into A-HConnect.

• Select “My Student Information,” and then select “Fees.”

• Parents must select or decline coverage under the Device Protection Plan.

If you forget your login and password, call 763-506-HELP (4357) or email 506help@ahschools.us.

• The plan cost is $20 per student or $60 per family per school year.

• If the student qualifies for reduced priced meals, the cost of the Protection Plan will be reduced to $10 ($30 for families).

• If the student qualifies for free school meals, the cost will be reduced to zero.

View the Device Protection Plan flyer to learn more. (PDF)
Enroll in the device protection plan using SchoolPay.

The back to school season is a busy time for families, school staff and our communities. There is often more traffic congestion in this season and it’s more important than ever for drivers to pay attention before- and after-school to keep families, students and staff safe.

Check out these tips from the Anoka-Hennepin transportation department as a back to school reminder:

• Crosswalks: Be mindful that we are sharing the road with young walkers and staff helping them across the crosswalks or intersections. Always stop for school patrols and crossing guards.
  

• Know drop-off and pick-up procedures: Schools have procedures in place to keep traffic safe. Make sure you know your school’s plan for the safety of all students and staff.
  

• Use slow speeds: Use caution in school zones and be aware of your surroundings. We can all work together to ensure the safety of drivers, school buses, walkers and bikers.
  

• School bus safety: Familiarize yourself with school bus safety tips on the road. Always stop if yellow or red lights are flashing or if stop arms are extended from a school bus. Allow extra time for students to board and exit the bus and proceed to safe sidewalks to enter school zones or return home.
  

• Share the road: Be patient of other vehicles stopped for pedestrians or using caution in school zones. Do not pass other vehicles or school buses. Be alert, young children may take an unpredictable path as they are learning safety rules.

Thank you for your partnership in school traffic safety.

All Anoka-Hennepin families are encouraged to apply for the educational benefits program for the upcoming school year. A new application must be submitted each school year.

By completing this application, students may receive free or reduced fees for transportation, meals, academic, and co-curricular activities. Please visit ahschools.us/freereduced to set up, or log in to your SchoolCafe account and complete an application for free or reduced-price meal and other benefits. The educational benefits program not only ensures that students have access to nutritious meals, it also provides critical federal funding for schools.

As a reminder, the federal subsidy to provide free school meals for every student will no longer be available this school year. Only one application is needed per household. Please contact the child nutrition department with any questions or assistance at 763-506-1240 or staff.CnpEnrollment@ahschools.us.

Join the district’s Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school year. A broad range of parents/guardians are needed, from those representing early childhood, all the way to elementary, middle school, high school, and transition-aged students - with a full continuum of student disabilities.

Those interested in participating in future meetings should complete an application either by completing a Google form, or by contacting Mary Esch at 763-506-1362, or mary.esch@ahschools.us. Parents/guardians who wish to be part of SEAC are asked to make an effort to attend all four meetings as council members. The application process will close October 10. Learn more about SEAC and what it means to be involved.

The Anoka-Hennepin School Board is seeking your input as we begin the important responsibility of hiring a new superintendent.

Dr. Kenneth Dragseth and Dr. Antoinette Johns from the firm School Exec Connect will meet with board members, school district staff, parents, students, and community members individually and in focus groups to determine the strengths, challenges, goals for our district and the characteristics or skills you would like to see in a superintendent. Additionally, our staff and community members will have the opportunity to give anonymous written feedback to the consultants via a link from our district website beginning September 12, 2022. Using this information, we will develop a profile of the desired skills and characteristics in the next superintendent.

The position will be advertised, and candidates will be recruited, beginning in August and the School Board will determine which candidates to participate in first-round interviews on November 28, 2022. The Board will interview four to six recommended candidates on November 29 and 30 and is expected to narrow the field to two or three finalist candidates at that time. Each finalist will be invited for an all-day interview process on December 5, December 6 and December 7, and the selection of a preferred candidate to serve as the new superintendent is expected on Dec. 7, 2022.

The process for selecting a new superintendent will include feedback from interviews conducted by committees made up of staff, parents, and community members as well as a final formal Board interview. Feedback and considerations from an online survey will also be provided to inform decision making by the School Board.

You may choose to give your anonymous feedback to us beginning September 12, 2022 by accessing the Anoka-Hennepin Schools website at ahschools.us/superintendentsearch and completing the survey form. All replies will be anonymous. Please submit feedback by Oct. 4, 2022.

Please feel free to contact Ken Dragseth at 952-210-2790 or Toni Johns at 612-309-1511 if you have any questions regarding the search. We look forward to your assistance in this search process and believe that your input will help us make the best possible choice for your next superintendent.

Sincerely,

Board of Education, Anoka-Hennepin Schools
Marci Anderson, Chair
Nicole Hayes, Vice Chair
Erin Heers-McArdle, Treasurer
Jeff Simon, Clerk
Kacy Deschene, Director
Matt Audette, Director

Community and stakeholder feedback is an essential element to a successful search for a new superintendent. Please provide your input for consideration. All replies will remain anonymous. Please submit feedback by Oct. 4, 2022.

Complete a survey by clicking on the link(s) below:

• English

• Hmong

• Spanish

• Somali

Class Schedule:

• AM Session: 7:55am - 9:40am
• PM Session: 12:10pm - 1:55pm

Phone Numbers: