News and events
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 to care for our mental health. If you are feeling down, depressed, 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.
Ms. Zemple is the School Counselor for STEP and students who are attending the Virtual Academy from Andover High School and Blaine High School. She will have office hours on Thursday, November 17th from 3:00-5:00. If you would like to schedule a conference for her please sign up through My Conference Time.
School counselor - Alyssa Zemple
(763) 433-4031 (Office) (763) 433-4003 (Fax)
(763) 290-0341 (Google Voice)
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, 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
(763) 433- 4030
Cole Sullivan '22 Graduate of STEP is a finalist in "The Greatest Baker" contest
One of our 2022 graduates Cole Sullivan has entered "The Greatest Baker" contest. If Cole is the winner they will be featured in Bake From Scratch Magazine, and take home $10,000! Cole is currently living independently in Kentucky and I can't think of a bigger leg up for them than a $10K infusion.
- When placing your vote, the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation did ask for a donation. For no cost voting, just scroll down and place your vote with a Facebook verification.
- You can vote every 24 hours; please consider making yourself a note to vote for Cole everyday for the next 7 days.
New: Families have the option to enroll in the Device Protection Plan.
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.
Over 28,000 Chromebooks are distributed to students 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 $100 to $190 depending on 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 reduced priced meals, the cost of the Protection Plan will be reduced to $10 ($30 for families).
If the student qualifies for free school meals, the cost will be reduced to zero.
View the Device Protection Plan flyer to learn more. (PDF)
Enroll in the device protection plan using SchoolPay.
Testing opportunities for students to earn a World Language Proficiency Certificate or Bilingual/Multilingual Seal
Does your student speak two or more languages? Want to earn college credit?
Anoka-Hennepin students in grades 10-12 with a mastery of world languages can use that knowledge to earn special recognitions – World Language Proficiency Certificates or Bilingual/Multilingual Seals.
Additionally, college credit can be awarded to these students who attend or transfer to Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and select other post-secondary institutions within three years of graduation from Anoka-Hennepin.
Fall testing dates are Nov. 15 and/or Nov. 17. The registration deadline is Friday, Nov. 11 at 3 p.m. Cost is $30 per assessment, or $10 if the student receives free or reduced-price lunch. Tests are administered at the high school.
To learn more about this opportunity, see the languages currently available, and register to take an exam, visit ahschools.us/bilingualseal.
Parent Advisory Committee for Racial and Ethnic Equity announces meeting schedule for 2022-23
Join parents and guardians of students of color from around the district for updates, discussion and action planning as part of the Parent Advisory Committee for Racial and Ethnic Equity (PACREE).
Increasing involvement from parents and guardians in education to impact educational outcomes and supporting a sense of belonging in school is the driving force behind PACREE. The group will hold a session covering a different topic each month in support of students and in alignment with the Anoka-Hennepin Equity Achievement Plan, a coordinated effort to promote high academic achievement for all students and eliminate predictable gaps amongst student groups. Visit ahschools.us/equityachievementplan for additional information.
Meetings will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. and will be offered in a virtual format on the following dates: Oct. 18, Nov. 15, Dec. 13, Jan. 17, Feb. 14, March 21, April 18, May 16.
For additional information and to get involved with PACREE sessions, please contact Darron Sherrill, assistant director of students services - diversity, equity and inclusion at darron.sherrill@ahschools.us or Rahmo Ali, cultural liaison, at rahmo.ali@ahschools.us.
Parent Engage 360 Podcast Episode 27: How to prepare for parent/teacher conferences
Parents and guardians may have recently been invited to sign up for the first round of parent/teacher conferences for this school year, and they may be wondering what to expect or how to prepare for conferences with your child’s teacher or teachers.
In the latest episode of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast, host Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin parent involvement coordinator; Nikole Wodash, Sunrise Elementary School assistant principal; and Jill Alton, Coon Rapids High School assistant principal, hope to answer what parents can expect from conferences, how to prepare, and ways that parents/guardians can work with their child’s teacher(s) in partnership to support success in the classroom.
Tune in to the latest Parent Engage 360 Podcast on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, or at ahschools.us/parentengage360.
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 Secondary Technical Education Program (STEP). Questions, comments or concerns about the school e-newsletter? Contact us.