News and events

October 2023

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, important events coming up that you should be aware of:

• Picture day for all full-time STEP students will be on Monday, October 16

We have students who 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: 7:55 am - 9:40 am

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

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

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 care for our mental health. If you are feeling down, depressed, or 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 counselors: Melanie Hankins - Students A-L; Alyssa Zemple - Students M-Z

melanie.hankins@ahschools.us

(763) 433-4036 (Office) (763) 433-4003 (Fax)

(763) 392-0463 (Google Voice)

Alyssa.Zemple@ahschools.us

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

(763) 290-0341 (Google Voice)

Request an Appointment

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, and 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- 4076

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.

There are many great services available to you in the Career Center, including testing (ACT/SAT) information, college admissions information, financial aid information (FAFSA, scholarship Info, etc.), career planning resources, resume help, interview skills, and the list goes on. For more information see/contact Mrs. Upton in the Career Center, room 20A on the second floor.

(763-433-4076) or email Melissa.Upton@ahschools.us.

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

• Minnesota State University Mankato - Dental Hygiene/Nursing. Tuesday, October 17. Learn about the Dental Hygiene and Nursing Programs at Minnesota State University - Mankato. If you are interested in either program, come check it out! Space is limited.

• University of St. Thomas/Concordia University, St. Paul - Tuesday, October 10. Learn about two great colleges in the metro. Take tours of both campuses and hear about admissions and programs. Students must register online in addition to completing the permission slip. Great opportunity!

• University of Wisconsin Eau Claire - Tuesday, October 24. You are invited to explore the offerings and opportunities at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Learn about various programs, and college admission requirements, and tour the campus.

• Emergency Services Career Day - Friday, October 27. Learn about careers in emergency services. If you are interested in a career where you positively impact your community and respond to emergencies - this day is for you!

• Plumbing Careers Day - Tuesday, October 31. Learn more about careers in plumbing including education and apprenticeship options. We will visit St. Cloud Community and Technical College and Minneapolis Plumbers JATC.

• Minnesota State University - Mankato - Thursday, November 2. Come and learn about the offerings and opportunities at Minnesota State University Mankato. Students will learn about various programs, and college admission requirements, and tour the campus.

• Forensic Science Tour -Tuesday, November 7. Do you have an interest in forensic science and want to learn more about this field and pathways into this career? Join us for a day to learn from the experts in this field.

• Apprenticeship Tour - Wednesday, November 15. Join us for a day to learn about getting paid to learn in an apprenticeship! You will get to see Buhler Inc., an international company with a fantastic mechatronics apprenticeship. We will then go to Limited Energy JATC to learn about their apprenticeship in the power-limited industry including voice/data/video, fire alarms, security and access control systems, audio computer networking, structured wiring, first aid/CPR, and OSHA construction safety. Earn while you learn, start your career, gain new skills, and get certified!

• Inspire Conference - Thursday, November 16. Join us at the University of Minnesota Institute for Engineering in Medicine which is inspiring high school students to consider careers in STEM and Medicine.

On Tuesday, October 17th from 6:30 - 8:00 pm at Andover High School, attend this free workshop designed to help parents find ways to work within the financial aid system to increase their eligibility for financial aid, reduce taxes, and find more efficient ways to pay for a college education. Register Here for this event.

After college, I was a Law Enforcement Park Ranger with the National Park Service. From there, I became a Patrol Officer with the City of Stillwater, MN in 2017. Over the past several years, I've gained numerous responsibilities such as Use of Force Instructor, Mobile Field Force team member, and most recently I've been appointed as the School Resource Officer. "My favorite memories of STEP are the hands-on learning and the teacher! He gave the best advice...some of which I still use today"! "Hands-on experiences along with the instructor sharing his experiences impacted my decision to pursue a career in law enforcement."

After graduating from Blaine High School, I got my private pilot certificate at the Anoka County Airport. I then enrolled at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and joined the aviation program where I completed the rest of my required certificates and ratings and completed a Bachelor of Science in Professional flight. During my last year, I flight instructed to build flight time. After that, I began flying as a First Officer for Endeavor Air based out of MSP. When I worked there, Endeavor operated Delta Connection flights on the CRJ 200/700/900 aircraft. After three years (and the uncertainty of how Covid would impact the airline industry) I upgraded to Captain in NYC. Following a few months of being Captain, I got hired by Delta Air Lines. I currently fly the Boeing 737 out of MSP as a First Officer for Delta. A favorite memory at STEP was "It was so cool to be able to spend hours flying the flight simulator in the computer room at STEP. Being in a class where the day-to-day content was relevant to my desired career path was pretty cool". "STEP helped me learn enough about the career to allow me to make an educated decision on pursuing it. Mr. Groebner was an awesome instructor and his classes translated to MNSU for full credit. Those credits, combined with the ones I earned through AP exams and CIS courses, allowed me to graduate almost two years early and get into the career quickly".

Technology plays an important role in preparing students for life, and Chromebooks are utilized as a daily learning tool in Anoka-Hennepin's 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 during 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 $50 to $150 depending on the 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 free school meals, the cost will be reduced to zero.

• Repairs with the Protection Plan are subject to a $15 deductible.

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 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 with other vehicles stopped for pedestrians and use 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.

Starting September 5, 2023, every student may receive one breakfast and one lunch at no cost during the school year. The cost of ala carte items, such as milk, other drinks, or extra meal items will NOT be covered. Students will need to have funds in their meal accounts to purchase any additional food items. The cost for an extra breakfast is $1.60 and lunch is $2.65, which will be charged to your student's lunch account.

Breakfast: They rotate what is offered daily. Students will not get a choice of what to order. A typical breakfast includes muffins, yogurt, milk, juice, or fruit. You must sign up by 8:15 am each day to receive breakfast the following day.

The STEP program has an "open lunch" policy for STEP full-time students. It is an approximate 60-minute open lunch. Students may choose to do the following:

Lunch

You may request a district bag lunch. Your student ID# is your lunch PIN. Each day there will be a different option from sub sandwiches to salads. Students who request a bag lunch must sign up each day by 8:15 am by using the QR CODE posted in your classroom, at the front desk, or on the iPad at the front desk. Lunch will be delivered on the same day.

OR

Purchase a lunch in the Anoka Technical College cafeteria. Costs vary from $3.00 to $6.00, depending on your choice of food items. Hours are 7:00 am to 1:00 pm on the days that the college is in session.

Leave campus to eat at a nearby restaurant, drive-thru, or go home.

Students may receive free or reduced fees for transportation, academic, and co-curricular activities. Please visit ahschools.us/freereduced to set up. The educational benefits program not only ensures that students have access to nutritious meals, but also provides critical federal funding for schools.

Class Schedule:

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

Phone Numbers: