In the Know - October 21, 2024
FOCUS on district news
đź“« Check your mailbox this week for the Anoka-Hennepin Schools' quarterly "Focus" newsletter, which is mailed to all school buildings, homes and businesses in the community as a report on services and updates from the school district.
đź“° What's inside: Read about the repurposing of Franklin Elementary to Two Rivers Transition program, Champlin Park High School recognized as a national banner Unified Champion School, new principals and administrators in place for the 2024-25 school year, Dayton Elementary students brighten up city streets with artwork, Blaine and Coon Rapids high schools induct new hall of fame members, and a Graduate Spotlight on Anoka County Sheriff and CRHS graduate Brad Wise.
đź’» Read the electronic version of the Focus newsletter at ahschools.us/focus.
District technology and information department launching cybersecurity training in conjunction with Cybersecurity Month for staff
As cybersecurity continues to be a growing concern for school districts nationwide, the Anoka-Hennepin technology and information department is launching cybersecurity training for staff in conjunction with Cybersecurity Month.Infosec IQ, a cybersecurity training company, has partnered with the district to conduct phishing campaigns in the past.
Results: 10% of Anoka-Hennepin staff clicked on links in test phishing emails (no sensitive data was collected during this test). Reducing our phishing email fail rate to zero is the goal with this training plan.
Why it matters: In an effort to strengthen the district’s data security defenses and protect staff and student data, Anoka-Hennepin is launching a training course and awareness plan:
Security training course available Oct 14.
Emails will be coming from: AH Cybersecurity Notifications <cybersecurity@ahschools.us>
Additional phishing simulations will begin in December.
Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility and with these additional steps, technology hopes to educate staff on the need to keep our data safe and secure. Please continue to read the regular “In the Know” staff e-newsletter for updates on upcoming cybersecurity initiatives.
It takes all of us! Comment, like and share job postings from district recruitment social media pages
Anoka-Hennepin Schools is a great place to live, learn, and work — and it takes all of us to spread the word! Our school community relies on the skills and talents of people to learn and grow, and our staff make a difference for students every day at our schools.
đź‘Ť Like or follow the Anoka-Hennepin Jobs Facebook and LinkedIn pages, like, comment and share posts to help spread the word about employment opportunities.
The role that school district staff play in each community is powerful, and it takes all of us.
Teach Special Education Minnesota to host recruitment event on Nov. 14
Teach Special Education Minnesota (TeachSpEdMN) is hosting a virtual teacher recruitment event on Thursday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Are you passionate about special education and looking to advance your career? Don’t miss the chance to connect with top universities and learn more about their special education preparation programs.
During the virtual event, participants can speak directly with faculty and advisors from teacher preparation programs to share their backgrounds, interests, and needs and how different programs may fit their pursuit of an initial or additional license in special education.
đź’» Read more about this event and see a list of universities participating.
Saint Mary’s University to hold informational sessions
Saint Mary’s University will hold virtual informational sessions about educational programs offered starting Oct. 28 and running through Nov. 6.
Information sessions:
Ed.D. - Monday, Oct. 28 (4-4:45 p.m.)
MA in Education - Tuesday, Oct. 29 (4-4:45 p.m.)
MA in Teaching - Tuesday, Nov. 5 (4-4:45 p.m.)
Ed. S. - Wednesday, Nov. 6 (4-4:45 p.m.)
💻 Learn more about the Saint Mary’s Trusted Partner Scholarship program.
Where Wellness Matters - Staff Wellness Program
The Anoka-Hennepin Staff Wellness Program, Where Wellness Matters, supports employee wellness. Being healthy and happy is something that all Anoka-Hennepin employees and their families deserve. The staff wellness program was created by the district’s Wellness Steering Committee and is devoted to its mission of helping create a healthy and happy work environment. Each building in the district has identified a Wellness Champion to help serve as a resource.
The staff wellness program is funded solely by the district’s medical provider, Medica.
New chapter begins for Franklin School with dedication of Two Rivers Transition Program
With the cutting of the ribbon, Anoka-Hennepin’s most historic school site was formally dedicated to its new use as the Two Rivers Transition Program at Franklin on Thursday, Oct. 10. With School Board Co-Chair Kacy Deschene doing the honors, school staff and community leaders were there to take part to begin a new chapter in the history of the City of Anoka and the Anoka-Hennepin School District.
The program serves 228 students ages 18-22 years of age following the merging of the former Bridges and Pathways program from leased sites in Andover and Coon Rapids. Along with improving their educational options, the move saves $593,000 in taxes for area taxpayers - a move that Becky Brodeur, associate superintendent for middle schools and student services, characterized as a “double win” for the school district.
High school marching bands hit a high note with end of season performances at U.S. Bank Stadium
Anoka-Hennepin’s five traditional high schools competed in the Minnesota State Championships and Class Championships at U.S. Bank Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 12. The event, “Youth in Music,” convenes over 35 high school and college bands; presenting 49 unique performances in one day.
In Class A, Anoka High School took first place as Champions with 62.650 points.
Three other Anoka-Hennepin marching bands secured top 10 finishes:
Andover High School placed second, just trailing with 62.200 points and earning the “Percussion Champion” award.
Coon Rapids High School placed seventh; while also earning the Class A "Color Guard Champion" award.
Blaine High School placed eighth.
In Class AA, Champlin Park High School took second place.
đź“° Read the full story, including how Anoka High School honored the team with a pepfest.
📸 View photos of the marching bands at the Youth in Music State marching band competition.
Celebrity chef Yia Vang visits with staff and students at Champlin Park High School
👨🏻‍🍳 Globally-recognized chef Yia Vang visited students and staff at Champlin Park High School - International Baccalaureate Programme (CPHS) on Oct. 10 to share his journey as a refugee to a student in the Midwest.
Vang is a James Beart award semifinalist and participated in the popular television show, “Iron Chef.” He has made waves in the Minneapolis food scene at the Union Hmong Kitchen in the North Loop and the newly opened Vinai restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis.
The impact: Jennifer Vang, a junior at CPHS, following the event: “Listening to Yia speak about our Hmong ancestors and the hardships they had to go through, reminded me of why it is so important to value our culture and spread awareness so it won’t be forgotten.”
Elementary schools partner with local fire departments for Fire Prevention Week
đźš’ Fire Prevention Week runs from Oct. 6 through Oct. 12, and many district elementary schools are partnering with local fire departments offering learning opportunities to discuss fire safety with students.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you!
The Coon Rapids Fire Department visited with students at elementary schools throughout the week. 🧯 Read more about fire prevention week activities.
Building a strong foundation in science continues at the elementary level with ongoing support for teachers. Last week, coaches from TwigScience visited Explorations classes in elementary schools across the district to co-teach as part of the professional development plan for teachers. This professional learning model allowed educators to observe and experience rich scientific teaching and learning in an authentic, hands-on manner.
đź“– Read the full story.
