News and events - October 27, 2023
Device Protection Plan - Enrollment for the 2023-24 school year closes on October 31
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.
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 have until October 31, 2023 to enroll in the protection plan, after the window closes, damage repairs will be full cost. Families can opt-in to the Device Protection Plan by logging into A-HConnect, and selecting "My Student Information," and "Fees." Parents must select or decline coverage under the Device Protection Plan.
The plan cost is $20 per student or $60 per family per school year.
If the student qualifies for free or reduced-price school meals in the 2023-24 school year, the cost of the Protection Plan will be reduced to $0.
Repairs with the Protection Plan are subject to a $15 deductible.
Parent Advisory Committee for Racial and Ethnic Equity
For more information on the Parent Advisory Committee for Racial and Ethnic Equity please see the flyer here.
Purpose of the committee:
- Foster racial and ethnic equity in the district.
- Create successful students with a sense of belonging.
- Empower families from racially and ethnically under-served communities to advocate for their students.
Parent Engage 360 Podcast Episode 36: Parent involvement in schools
In the latest episode of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast, host Liz Burgard, district parent involvement coordinator, was joined by Coon Rapids High School principal John Peña and volunteer services coordinator Danille Callahan to discuss the importance of parent involvement in schools.
In the episode, Peña and Callahan discussed their experiences both as parents and in their current roles, and the importance of parents/guardians being involved in their child’s educational journey in a number of ways.
Tune in to the Parent Engage 360 Podcast on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, or at ahschools.us/parentengage360. The podcast is also now available on Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, iHeartRadio and Samsung Podcasts.
Volunteering and getting involved
Anoka-Hennepin values parent involvement in education and is committed to offering resources to meet the changing needs of parents and families. The district invites parents/guardians and community members to volunteer or participate on committees as a meaningful way to get involved with the district.
To learn more about becoming a volunteer in Anoka-Hennepin, please visit ahschools.us/volunteer.
If you are interested in joining a district committee, there are four committees in need of more members. Learn more about district committees.
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.
Jackson Middle School Observatory
Join us at the JMS Observatory to look at stars, the moon, constellations, and anything else we can find in space. Public viewings will be held , along with special event nights, as long as the sky is clear, when something of interest is happening in the sky above us. Weather is always an issue so if it is cloudy, raining, or snowing, the public viewing will be cancelled. Dress for the weather as the temperature of the dome is the same as that of the outdoors.
Please check the Observatory page on the JMS website at 6:00 p.m. on viewing dates to make sure viewing has not been cancelled.
Upcoming dates:
Monday, October 30 - 7:30 - 9:30 PM
Monday, November 20 - 6 - 8 PM
Tuesday, November 21 - 6 - 8 PM
Monday, November 27 - 6 - 8 PM
Tuesday, November 28 - 6 - 8 PM
Directions to the Observatory
AVID Program looking for Paraprofessionals
Are you, or a family member, looking for a part-time job? Jackson’s AVID program is in need of adults that would like to work 2 or 3 days a week with small groups of 7th and 8th grade students. The paraeducator job is every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1:30 to 3:30. Paraeducators receive training and work with AVID teachers and other school staff. The goal is to provide support to students as they use questioning to help each other through classwork in all academic areas. These small groups are student directed and promote connections and teamwork through questioning. Understanding of teaching various subjects is not required.
Please check the Anoka-Hennepin postings for the specifics (AVID Paraeducators - Supplemental Programs). There is also a position that is shared with Coon Rapids Middle if interested in more hours and experiences. The position requires a high school diploma and you will be trained through the district.
This is a thriving program that continues for students at Champlin Park and we would love to have you as part of the support team for our diverse group of 7th and 8th grade AVID students. Please contact Dawn Kugler-Park (dawn.kuglerpark@ahschools.us) with questions or the district office to apply for the position.
This e-newsletter is published by Jackson Middle School, supported by the Anoka-Hennepin communication and public relations department. Questions, comment or concerns about the school e-newsletter? Contact us.