News and events - January 10, 2024
Trimester 2 Conference Information
Trimester 2 conferences are Thursday, January 11 and Tuesday, January 16, from 3:45 PM to 7:30 PM. Conference times need to be scheduled using the My Conference Time website.
Make your visit even smoother:
- Choose your style: Select "in-person" or "virtual" conferences through My Conference Time.
- Plan your route: Staff will be holding conferences from their classrooms. Consider scheduling appointments by grade level or building location to cut down on travel time.
- Need help? No worries! If you haven't booked your slots before conference night, stop by the Main Office, and we'll be happy to assist you.
Remember: Early scheduling equals more options! Secure your conference time with your student's teachers through My Conference Time. For any questions or help signing up, call 763-506-5331.
Jackson Middle School Talent Show
We're looking for singers, dancers, magicians, rappers, comedians, musicians and talented 6th, 7th, and 8th graders of all kinds for the annual JMS Talent Show! Tryouts will take place 𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟 on 𝗪𝗘𝗗𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗗𝗔𝗬, 𝗝𝗔𝗡𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝟮4 in P701. Individual and group acts are welcome. If you're interested in trying out for the talent show, please complete this interest form 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗢𝗥 to 𝗧𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗗𝗔𝗬, 𝗝𝗔𝗡𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝟮3.
Other Key Dates:
𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀: Wednesday, January 31, 3:25 to 5:00 pm
𝗗𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗹: Thursday, February 8, from 3:25 to 5:00pm
𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: Friday, February 9, starting at 7:00pm
Spring Musical
JMS Theater department is seeking cast and crew members for its Spring Production of Wanted: Dead or Alive
“Wanted” takes place in a wild west town known as Crimson Waters. Once a respectable, well-functioning community, Crimson Waters has fallen into chaos due to its growing population of outlaws. When the sheriff mysteriously shows up dead, everyone assumes the outlaws must be at fault. The newly hired sheriff, however, does not agree. Will he solve the mystery–or will someone else be next? Part Western, part murder mystery, and part off-the-wall comedy, this student-written play has something in it for everyone!
At JMS theater, we want every single participant to have a rewarding and realistic theater experience, no matter their role. Theater is a fantastic way to grow your confidence and hone lots of important skills like responsibility, communication, and teamwork. On top of that, JMS theater is a great place to meet some truly amazing people. You can also get involved with acting or one of several offstage roles like making sets and props.
6th - 8th grade students who are interested in participating in cast or crew can pick up a packet in the Community Education Office. Auditions start for all cast and crew after school on Monday, January 22, in the Rebel Cafeteria. We hope to see you there!
JMS Volunteers
We are in need of volunteers to help make upcoming JMS events a success. Whether you can spare an hour or commit to several shifts, your time and effort will make a difference in the lives of our students. Plus, volunteering is a great way to meet other parents and community members while making a positive impact on our school.
We are currently seeking volunteers to tutor reading and math subjects to JMS students during the school day. As a volunteer, you would come in once per week (or more, depending on your schedule) and provide extra help to students who need it. The schedule is flexible as long as it is consistent.
To sign up to volunteer for tutoring, please view the link Reading & Math Tutors or view all of our Current Volunteer Opportunities on the JMS website here.
As a reminder, individuals who wish to volunteer must complete the volunteer application and criminal record history release form at each site every school year.
We appreciate your support and look forward to making this winter season a memorable one for our staff and students.
JMS Observatory Public Viewing Nights
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:
Tuesday, January 16: 6:00 – 8:00pm
Thursday, January 18: 6:00 – 8:00pm
Tuesday, January 23: 6:00 – 8:00pm
Thursday, January 25: 6:00 – 8:00pm
Directions to the Observatory
District STEM Fair Judges/Volunteers Needed
The Annual Anoka-Hennepin District Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Fair
On February 10, 2024, the Anoka-Hennepin School District will be holding its Annual STEM Fair at Anoka High School in Anoka, Minnesota. The Fair consists of students in grades K-12 presenting the findings of their research and experimentation to the public. With well over 2,000 students involved, this Fair is the largest of its kind in the entire State.
In order for this Fair to work, we need community members to be volunteers and/or judges at the Fair. Prospective judges do not need science or math backgrounds. We provide training for all of the judges. We are looking for responsible adults who are willing to give something back to the community. Your job as a judge is to talk with students about their projects and give them feedback. Please consider being a judge/volunteer and feel free to share this opportunity with anyone whom you feel would be interested.
You can find further information about the Fair (schedule, location map,judge/volunteer registration, Fair Coordinator contact information) on the Stemfair website.
Thank you for your time and consideration! This Fair doesn’t happen without your support!
MCA Score Reports available online
MCA Individual Score Reports available to view online
Starting this school year, the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) Individual Score Reports for students will be available for families to access online and will no longer be sent through postal mail. The 2023 MCA report is available now for students who took a test during the 2022-23 school year and families can access the document by logging into A-HConnect or viewing it on the ParentVUE mobile app.
Who takes the MCA test? Students in grades 3-8 and in grades 10 and 11 take MCA tests each year. Current MCA reports will only be available for students who took an MCA test during the 2022-23 school year.
In addition to detailed test results, the report also includes a QR code directing families to an individualized video report of the student’s score. Parents, guardians and any person with educational rights to a student will be able to access the student’s MCA report online.
If you need assistance logging in to A-HConnect or forgot your password, call 763-506-HELP (4357) or email 506help@ahschools.us. For questions about the MCA report or for printing accommodations, please contact the main office at your child’s school.
How to view the MCA report from A-HConnect (view detailed instructions):
Login to A-HConnect.
Click on the ‘My Student Information/ParentVUE’ icon.
Select a student from the dropdown menu.
Select ‘Documents.’
Select and view ‘MCA 2023’ from the ‘Documents’ window.
The report will open as a PDF in a new tab where the capabilities to download or print will be available.
View from the ParentVUE app (view detailed instructions):
Go to the AppStore or Google Play and search for the ParentVUE app.
Enter your zip code when prompted, and select “Anoka-Hennepin School District” from the menu options.
Confirm ‘yes’ and select ‘Already Activated,’ if prompted.
Use login/password to login.
Select a student from the student list.
Select ‘Documents.’
Select and view the ‘Assessment MCA 2023’ document.
Click the share button to save or share the PDF.
Above & Beyond Award Nominations
Above & Beyond Awards nominations being accepted now through Jan. 22
If you know an Anoka-Hennepin staff member who does amazing work for children, you’re strongly encouraged to nominate them for the Above & Beyond Awards. The Above & Beyond Awards involve students, staff, parents and community members in recognizing and honoring Anoka-Hennepin staff who consistently go that extra mile so students can be successful.
Nominations are being accepted through Monday, Jan. 22, 2024.
Visit the Above & Beyond Awards website, ahschools.us/aboveandbeyond, for a nomination form or to read additional information about the awards.
The program is a joint effort of the district and the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation (AHEF). The 2024 Above & Beyond Awards ceremony will take place April 3 at the Educational Service Center (ESC).
District Hiring Event for non-teaching positions
District to host hiring event for non-teaching positions Jan. 25 at Coon Rapids High School
The Anoka-Hennepin School District will host an in-person hiring event for non-teaching positions on Thursday, Jan. 25 from 3:30-6 p.m. at Coon Rapids High School located at 2340 Northdale Blvd. NW.
Attendees should park in the parking lot off Raven St. and enter the activities entrance of the school using Door 16.
Join us to learn about employment opportunities and have a same-day, on-site interview for various positions. View available positions and begin filling out an application at ahschools.us/jobs and come prepared to interview with hiring managers.
Anoka-Hennepin Schools is a great place to live and work. Our communities work together to provide residents with safe and friendly neighborhoods, high-quality schools, a wide range of business and economic opportunities, beautiful parks and abundant recreational activities.
What we offer: Eligible employees may enroll in a comprehensive benefits package.
Health, hospitalization, dental insurance.
Life and supplemental life insurance benefits.
Long-term disability plan.
Opportunities to participate in flexible benefits plans such as health savings and dependent/child care savings accounts.
Professional development opportunities.
Anoka-Hennepin has employment opportunities for any phase of your work life. Full-time, part-time and substitute positions are available, including flexible weekly schedules with hours ranging from early morning, mid-day, late afternoon or evening opportunities.
Everyone plays a role in student achievement; help your community succeed by applying today!
Visit ahschools.us/jobs or call 763-506-JOBS for more information.
Parent Engage 360 Podcast
Parent Engage 360 Podcast Episode 38: The Power of Human Connection with Joe Beckman
Human connection matters. In today’s increasingly digital world, it is more important than ever to make personal and engaging connections with your children. Joe Beckman, author and co-founder of TILL360, joined Liz Burgard on the Parent Engage 360 Podcast to share more about the Power of Human Connection.
Joe was the keynote speaker on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at Coon Rapids High School to kick off the 2023-24 Parent Engage 360 Parent Education Series. Joe delivered a high-energy presentation about the importance of human connection.
Tune in to the Parent Engage 360 Podcast on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, or at ahschools.us/parentengage360. The podcast is also available on Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, iHeartRadio and Samsung Podcasts.
Episode highlights
Joe and Liz provide a recap of topics covered at the Dec. 5 Parent Engage 360 event held at Coon Rapids High School.
Joe talks about the importance of human connection and the addictive nature of cell phones and social media targeting today’s youth.
Joe shared resources, including two helpful exercises families can engage with their children at home to help create healthy habits with technology.
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.
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.