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Backpack Online - April 8, 2024
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April 8, 2024
Parent Engage 360 - Chemical health: Tobacco and vaping prevention
Anoka-Hennepin Schools hosted parents/guardians and community members in-person and online April 1 for the final Parent Engage 360 event of the school year.
In case you missed it: Gabby Fitzgerald, Director of Education with myHealth for Teens and Young Adults, was the keynote speaker on Monday, April 1 at the Andover High School auditorium. Fitzgerald provided parents/guardians with information and resources on tobacco and vaping prevention.
Chemical health resources: Anoka-Hennepin has two licensed chemical health prevention specialists to support students, families and staff. The chemical health team provides services in crisis management, screening, assessment, individual and group support, professional development training for staff and consultation for parents and staff. For more information or to contact the chemical health team, visit ahschools.us/chemicalhealth.
Learn more about Parent Engage 360: Parent Engage 360 events aim to provide resources to parents and guardians to support their students and others in the community. Anoka-Hennepin Schools realize the importance of parent engagement in maximizing student success. More information is available at ahschools.us/parentengage360.
Tune in for more: For more resources, tune in to the award-winning Parent Engage 360 Podcast which is available on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music/Audible, Spotify, iHeartRadio and Samsung Podcasts.
District recognized by the City of Coon Rapids for its sustainability efforts
The City of Coon Rapids recognized the Anoka-Hennepin School District with an Earth Month Sustainability Award at its regular City Council meeting on April 2. Greg Cole, district Chief Operations Officer, accepted the award on behalf of Anoka-Hennepin.
🌎 The district was recognized for its sustainability efforts with the installation of solar panels at Adams and Hoover elementary schools. The Coon Rapids Sustainability Commission asked the City Council to proclaim April 2024 as Earth Month in the City of Coon Rapids before presenting awards.
🌞 Anoka-Hennepin recently entered a no-cost agreement with Ideal Energy and Xcel Energy to install solar panels at both schools. The goal is to improve energy efficiency to reduce costs across the system, and solar energy is an area the district is exploring as a possible energy savings tool.
Between solar-generated energy and electric energy (which will still be required for total energy needs), the projected energy utility savings range from 10-25% annually at each site over the next 20 years. After 20 years, the district will own the solar panels outright and realize 100% of the energy savings generated by the solar panels.
Annual elementary art fair runs April 2-11 at Northtown Mall
Anoka-Hennepin’s annual elementary art fair will be on display at Northtown Mall in Blaine starting April 2-11 during mall hours.
🎨 Art teachers across the district have selected works for display that can be viewed in the rotunda near the Becker Furniture store. Northtown Mall is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
The top 10% of artwork from throughout this school year was selected for display at the art fair, showcasing work that exceeded the expectations of the project guidelines. Students whose artwork was selected received a letter and certificate and can see their work on display.
Register now for summer classes and activities
It’s time to gear up for a season filled with excitement and enrichment! Anoka-Hennepin Community Education offers classes and activities for youth from preschool to grade eight, providing a perfect blend of learning and fun.
Whether your child is passionate about sports, arts, sciences, or simply looking to explore new interests, it’s covered! Summer programming is designed to foster personal growth, creativity, and social interaction.
- 🔍 View the summer flyer and follow the links to register.
- 👩🏻💻 Browse the classes online.
Adults: Community Education offers something for you also. See what exciting adult classes are being offered this spring!
District honored for excellence in music education
🎶 The Anoka-Hennepin School District has been recognized with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) for the 10th time. The honor recognizes a district’s outstanding commitment to music education.
Anoka-Hennepin was one of nine school districts in the state, and 975 nationally, to earn the award in 2024.
NAMM is a non-profit organization that aims to advance participation in music-making for all ages by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs.
The Best Communities for Music Education award recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education. Designations are made to districts demonstrating an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education.
To be considered for the award, NAMM conducts an extensive review process to evaluate districts on a variety of factors — both in and outside the schools — from funding levels, participation, access to instruction, and minutes of instruction per grade level, to musical activities in and around the community.
Don’t look up: Solar eclipse to occur afternoon of Monday, April 8
🌙 A solar eclipse will happen during the afternoon hours Monday, April 8, 2024, bringing an uncommon mid-day time of darkness – similar to dusk. This will likely be a topic of discussion in school and in the community.
The basics: This is the first eclipse in the past seven years and an event expected to attract widespread media attention both regionally and across the nation. A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the Sun and Earth, blocking the face of the Sun.
- Portions of the United States, Mexico and Canada will experience a full solar eclipse.
- The Twin Cities metro area will experience a 75% partial eclipse for approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
- The eclipse will start around 1 p.m., peak around 2 p.m. and end by 3:15 p.m.
- Skies will exhibit an unusual darkness during this time and street lights on sensors may illuminate.
👓 Safety first: Schools will inform students to take caution during this time to not look at the eclipse without proper eye protection and outdoor activities during the school day will be limited as a safety precaution. In addition, many classrooms are using the eclipse as an optional learning opportunity, incorporating lessons both outdoors and indoors with lesson support provided by TWIG science curriculum materials.
🪐Learn more: Visit NASA’s 2024 Solar Eclipse website to explore the topic as a family.
Statewide tornado drill set for Thursday, April 11
⚡ Communities across Minnesota will participate in two tornado drills on Thursday, April 11 as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, a time to improve preparedness and safety in advance of possible spring and summer severe weather impacts.
Drill details: In Minnesota, the 2024 statewide tornado drills are scheduled for Thursday, April 11 at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Outdoor warning sirens will sound in a simulated tornado warning. The first drill is intended for institutions and businesses. The evening drill is intended for second shift workers and families.
Anoka-Hennepin Schools will participate in the drills as a way to improve understanding and response should a tornado approach a school site. Families are encouraged to review emergency procedures and prepare for weather-related hazards.
Go deeper: Visit the State of Minnesota’s Severe Weather Awareness Week website for additional information.
District American Indian Education program to host powwow on April 13
The Anoka-Hennepin American Indian Education program will co-host a powwow at Champlin Park High School on Saturday, April 13. The event begins at 11 a.m. and is free and open to the public.
Anoka-Hennepin is co-hosting the event with American Indian Education programs from Elk River Area Schools, Fridley Public Schools, Roseville Area Schools and St. Michal-Albertville Schools.
Activities will include special exhibitions, Native vendors, breakout sessions, a Grand Entry at 1, and a fest at 5 p.m.
Bear Runner will serve as the host drums while Little Earth Singers, Hoka Hey and Southern Boyz will perform as invite drums. Zack Red Bear will be the head male dancer and Holly Henning the head female dancer.
Celebrating the 2024 Above & Beyond Awards recipients
🎉 At a ceremony held April 3, 15 outstanding district employees were honored as Anoka-Hennepin School District’s 2023-24 Above & Beyond Award recipients.
The 2024 Above & Beyond Awards ceremony was held at the Educational Service Center (ESC) in Anoka and was attended by 150 people.
“What an evening of inspiration for our schools,” said Kacy Deschene, Anoka-Hennepin School Board Co-Chair. “Making schools the best they can be is a team effort and you represent the best of the best. You make a difference for our students and our schools and we thank you.”
Anoka-Hennepin recognizes nearly 8,000 staff members across the district do amazing work each day in supporting the students, schools and communities. This year, more than 150 nominations were submitted for the 2024 awards, the 27th year of a recognition program in the school district’s history.
District staff recognized for going Above & Beyond
Anoka-Hennepin Schools has a tradition of involving students, families, community members and staff members in recognizing and honoring employees that consistently go that extra mile so students can be successful. During the next three weeks, the 2024 Above & Beyond Awards recipients will be featured. Learn more about the Above & Beyond awards.
Denise Schnabel
“Denise is one-of-a-kind with her work ethic, passion for education and meeting student needs.” - Callie LeGarde, social worker at Evergreen Park Elementary - STEM School of Innovation.
You will rarely find principal Denise Schnabel in her office, rather, she’s often running around the school in her tennis shoes - pacing the hallways; popping into classrooms; meeting with special education, behavior and social work teams; or reporting for cafeteria duty - from the start until the end of the school day. “There is no job too small for Denise,” said Callie LeGarde, who nominated Schnabel for the award. Read more about Denise Schnabel.
Hannah Schrempp
“Her authentic and kind approach allows students to connect with her on a personal level. This commitment extends beyond the classroom, fostering a strong sense of community within the school.” - Carolyn Conner, parent of a student from Oak View Middle School.
Working alongside her students for almost 11 years, Hannah Schrempp strives to create a vibrant and inclusive classroom community where every individual feels not only seen and heard but genuinely loved. “When I have students within my four walls, I do whatever I can to make sure every single student is successful,” Schrempp said. “I try to meet them where they are at and provide necessary accommodations/modifications so students leave happy and stress-free.” Read more about Hannah Schremmp.
Julia Stock
“Julia's heart for her students is her biggest strength. She’s an excellent communicator, an innovator and goes out of her way to spend hours creating magical experiences for our kids.” - Kate Hale, parent of a Brookside student.
Julia Stock’s commitment to engaging and caring for her students prompted two parents to nominate her for an Above & Beyond Award. Common themes in the nominations for Stock, a second grade teacher at Brookside Elementary School, were engagement, trust and community. Read more about Julia Stock.
Penny Walsh
“Penny greets every staff member and family with a welcoming smile! She makes a point to know their names, interact with them, and get to know each family.” - Meagan Loken, Anoka-Hennepin staff member.
Penny Walsh, an Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) parent educator at Riverview Early Childhood Center, excels at building relationships with families and offering support to parents and children. Read more about Penny Walsh.
Coral-Lyn Wyman
“Ms. Wyman makes a difference in my daughter’s life. There are a lot of amazing staff who have worked with my children, but Coral-Lyn Wyman goes way above and beyond her job description every single day.” - Parent of a CPHS student.
Coral-Lyn Wyman is committed to providing a welcoming and positive learning environment for students. As an assistant principal at Champlin Park High School (CPHS), Wyman believes that fostering positive relationships with students, families and the community is key to helping create that environment. Read more about Coral-Lyn Wyman.
Spring decor on display during Say it Again extended hours on April 11
💐 Say it Again is a store that sells home decor, furniture and gifts refurbished by special education students practicing on-the-job skills through an Anoka-Hennepin Schools work-based learning program called Teaching Employability through Assessment and Manufacturing (TEAM).
The store in Andover (13735 Round Lake Blvd. NW) will have extended hours on Thursday, April 11 until 6 p.m. Everything in the store is 30% off. Regular store hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
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.