Back-to-school FOCUS 2024-25

August 19, 2024

This back-to-school issue of the FOCUS is provided as a resource to families to prepare for the upcoming school year. It was first sent on August 5; this second distribution serves as a reminder for families. Stay tuned for more information specific from your student's school in the coming weeks.

Anoka-Hennepin Schools families,

I hope you are having a safe and enjoyable summer. Our team is looking forward to welcoming students back to start a new school year in September.

We have been focused on our purpose and why we are in education, and it’s incredibly meaningful for our staff to realize how they make a difference in our schools. It takes all of us. Our school leaders, teachers, support staff and families all work together to effectively educate each student for success.

As a parent/guardian, I hope the information in this publication is useful for your family as you prepare for the upcoming school year. We value your partnership in your child’s education. Let’s make it a great year!

Sincerely,

Cory McIntyre, Superintendent

Anoka-Hennepin School District

Open house dates are available on the back-to-school website.

View the K-12 2024-25 school year calendar.

School supply lists are on school websites and available at ahschools.us/bts.

It’s important that each family completes the back-to-school verification process before the first day of school. Verification ensures that each student’s school has access to accurate emergency contact information and releases to ensure the safety of each student.

Back-to-school verification may be completed online. Even if families’ contact information has not changed, it’s important to log in to access a variety of other student information in the coming weeks, including class schedules and teacher assignments, attendance, school handbooks, progress reports and grades for middle and high school students. High school students will not be able to enroll in fall activities until the back-to-school verification process is complete.

Log in to A-HConnect at ahconnect.ahschools.us/ to complete your student’s back-to-school forms for the upcoming school year:

• Parents/guardians can access the forms by clicking the lock icon and logging in at the top right corner of any district or school website.
• Then, select “my student information.”
• Next, choose "Online registration."
• Select "Back-to-school annual verification."
  
  

The handbook covers the basics from school to activities to homework, and key policies approved by the School Board explaining on how the district handles matters of conduct and discipline consistently and fairly. View the publication at ahschools.us/policies.

Please contact your child’s school if you have any questions about the handbook’s content.

Beginning Sept. 4, 2024, Backpack Online will shift from weekly distribution to monthly. The e-newsletter will be published on the first Wednesday of each month, except for holidays. It will be sent to its current subscribers and all parents/guardians of Anoka-Hennepin students.

Expect to see the next edition of Backpack Online in your inbox on Wednesday, Sept. 4.

Questions or feedback? Email info@ahschools.us.

All Anoka-Hennepin families are encouraged to apply for the educational benefits program for the 2024-25 school year. A new application must be submitted each school year.

The enrollment window for the 2024-25 school year begins Aug. 1, 2024. Although school meals are still free, your family may still qualify for other educational benefits. If your family needs access to educational benefits available to your student, an application can be completed by visiting ahschools.us/freereduced.

Learn more about educational benefits and complete your application online.

All menu and nutritional information is available online at ahschools.us/menus. You can print daily, weekly, or monthly menus, as well as check allergen information. To keep up to date on what’s for breakfast or lunch at your student’s school, download the SchoolCafé app through Apple or Android devices.

Lactose reduced or soy milk is available to students with a written request from a parent or guardian. This request must be given to the school cafeteria supervisor.

All other modifications require a completed diet modification request form signed by a licensed Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Clinical Nurse Practitioner, Osteopathic Dr. (D.O.) or Physicians Assistant (P.A.C.), and a parent or guardian.

The form can be found at ahschools.us/dietform. Fax the completed form to the CNP office at 763-506-1253 or mail it to 2727 N Ferry St., Anoka, MN 55303. Requests may take up to 10 days to be accommodated.

Anoka-Hennepin’s transportation system is nationally recognized as a leader in the industry with innovative solutions, using the latest technology for bus routing and discipline issues. The safety record of our fleet is well above the national average thanks to dedicated, well-trained bus drivers, paraprofessionals, crossing guards, and traffic control staff. Our mission is simple, it’s to provide safe, reliable, and efficient transportation so when all students arrive at school, they are ready to learn.

Bus information cards are mailed to homes approximately one week before school starts. The information on the bus card will include the student’s name, address, bus route numbers, bus stop locations and bus arrival times. Please make sure your child knows, or carries this card every day. Keep this information written down at home in case of an emergency. If you do not receive the yellow bus information card in the mail, check with the school office at open house or in the days prior to school starting.

Student bus information is also available online at A-HConnect. Watch for this to be posted the last week of August. Each family will have an A-HConnect account established for them at the beginning of the year. Login information will be emailed before school starts. If you do not receive your information or have questions, call the A-HConnect help line at 763-506-HELP (4357).

The Anoka-Hennepin transportation department coordinates routes for thousands of students in cooperation with First Student, Kottkes, and Northstar Bus Services. Knowing with increased accuracy who is planning to ride the bus, and from which addresses they plan to use, leads to higher efficiency and effective use of district resources.

The option to opt-out of transportation services is currently available for students enrolled in Anoka-Hennepin schools and with our private school partners. If your student will not need transportation this school year, please help us by completing the Transportation Opt-out Form. Students and families eligible for transportation can re-establish service any time throughout the school year by contacting Transportation.

Unless informed otherwise, the district will assume all eligible riders will use the bus stop nearest their primary home address.

• Daycare or alternate pick-up/drop-off: If you wish to designate a day care facility or other alternate residence for transportation services, please complete the Transportation Day Care/Alternate Address Form.

• Shared custody: Transportation may be provided for students when parents/guardians have joint legal/physical custody and both have primary addresses located inside their child(ren)'s school attendance area. Complete the Transportation Shared Custody Form for accommodations.

For new school year priority, all transportation request forms should be completed before August 2, 2024. Forms are available for use all year round on the Transportation Services Department website, ahschools.us/transportation.

There are more than 17,000 bus stops in the Anoka-Hennepin School District. If everyone had a bus stop at their home, the number of stops would more than double and the number of school buses needed would dramatically increase, along with the time students would spend on the bus. Bus stops are designed to be collector points for the neighborhood, to safely serve the students in each area, as well as accommodate any students who move in during the course of the school year.

For more information about buses and transportation, visit ahschools.us/transportation

Anoka-Hennepin families have access to their students’ bus routes through the FirstView bus app. The app monitors regular school bus routes in real-time, and it’s free to use.

While Anoka-Hennepin buses have an excellent on-time performance record, inclement weather, traffic delays, and driver shortages may impact routes. The FirstView bus app provides bus arrival times, anticipated length of any delay, an estimated arrival time and if a substitute bus is being used on the route. Go to ahschools.us/busapp to learn more or download FirstView from the Apple or Android app stores.

Anoka-Hennepin’s Transportation Department also uses text messaging and email for reporting bus route delays. Please make sure to have your most current email address and mobile number updated in A-HConnect to allow for these updates. When bus drivers or bus companies report a route as being more than10 minutes late, an email and text message is sent out listing the length of expected delay.

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. Students in grades 6-12 are assigned a Chromebook from the school district to ensure access to technology systems that support classroom learning.

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. Optional Technology Protection Plans are available to families with students assigned a Chromebook. Families can opt-in when completing their back-to-school verification, and pay for the coverage in SchoolPay. Visit ahschools.us/TechProtect to learn more.

A-HConnect is Anoka-Hennepin's parent portal where parents/guardians can access the My Student Information portal, AHlert, activities registration, school meal accounts, community education registration and more. To access A-HConnect, go to ahschools.us and click on the lock icon at the top of the page.

Forgot your password or need help with accessing your A-HConnect account? Call 763-506-HELP (4357), or email 506HELP@ahschools.us. New families will receive two emails with their username and password.

Anoka-Hennepin Schools utilize a variety of technology-based systems for the purposes of classroom instruction, assessment, and to perform services such as report cards, transcripts and communications with parents and/or guardians. When contracting with companies, the district carefully examines data security provisions in contracts or agreements as well as the terms of the company’s privacy policy to ensure student data is protected. The safety and security of student data is of utmost importance.

Schools are required to provide annual notice of the technology-based products and services used for curriculum, assessment, or testing purposes, that contain student data elements. The district is also required to provide information about inspecting contracts or receiving further information regarding student data privacy safeguards. Additional information is available at ahschools.us/dataprivacy.

If your child requires medication at school, connect with the school nurse at your child’s open house or by calling the main office at your child’s school. Together, you can make a plan for administering medications on a regular basis or in case of emergency. Download the medication request form. (PDF)

Health services staff screen children for possible vision and hearing concerns every two years through seventh grade. Parents/guardians are notified if there is a need to follow up with private healthcare providers. More detailed information about screenings is available in the Anoka-Hennepin School District Handbook.

State law requires proof your student has been immunized.

The Minnesota School Immunization Law (MS 121A.11) requires all students to provide proof of vaccine preventable disease immunizations to enroll or remain enrolled in school. There are exceptions to the immunization rules. The state law does allow a process for parents/guardians to file a legal exemption to immunizations for medical reasons or conscientiously held beliefs. The conscientious objection must be notarized and turned in to the student’s Health Service office at his/ her school. The form is available on the district website or from the health service office at your student’s school. More detailed information about immunizations is available in the Anoka-Hennepin School Handbook.

Anoka-Hennepin Schools utilizes a multi-layered approach to protect the safety of students and staff. Parents, guardians and volunteers are welcome to visit the school, most commonly with a pre-determined appointment. Plan to bring your driver’s license with you when visiting the school or picking up your child. Children are only allowed to visit with or leave school with the parent/guardian or emergency contact provided when each family completes the back-to-school verification forms.

New this school year, Anoka-Hennepin Schools has partnered with GoFan for mobile ticketing for athletic events at all five traditional high schools (Andover, Anoka, Blaine, Champlin Park and Coon Rapids). Fans can purchase tickets online through their respective school’s GoFan page, the GoFan App or by presenting a card or mobile payment option at the ticket gate. All major credit cards are accepted, along with Apple Pay.

The new ticketing partner allows both schools and visitors a more efficient, professional ticketing experience. Buying tickets online allows fans to access and share tickets easily by email or text message without standing in line. Fans are encouraged to buy tickets online prior to reaching the facility, however credit card payments will be accepted on site.

Pricing

• Adult (18-59) tickets for athletic events are $10 and students (K-12) are $5. A service fee will be added to each ticket.
• Adults 60 and older receive free admission to regular season events. Please be aware that this does not apply to section or state tournament events.

Community pride is a big part of the experience as students progress through the Anoka-Hennepin school system. Attending high school activities such as football games on Friday nights is a perfect example of that community pride.

It is important to remember that athletic events are governed by the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) and that student conduct at school and district events is governed by the Anoka-Hennepin Schools Policy Handbook.

All students must be prepared to show student identification at events and middle school students and younger must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian.

Anoka-Hennepin prohibits the following at school events:

• Backpacks
• Outside food or drink
• Weapons
• Pets/animals (service animals are permitted)
• Alcoholic beverages
• E-cigarettes / Vaping
• Tobacco products
• Controlled substances

For more information, please visit ahschools.us/eventpolicies. Spectators who are unwilling or unable to follow the rules, regulations, or directions from event staff may be asked to leave the event.

Anoka-Hennepin realizes the importance of athletics and activities in the communities it serves and wants to ensure participants, fans, and community members experience a positive environment at each event.

Students must have a sports qualifying physical (valid for three years from the date of the exam) on file to participate in middle school athletic programs or may be picked up at your school’s community education or health office.

Specific activity schedules are available to view on any middle and high school athletics and activities calendars. Visit ahschools.us/calendar for links to view.

Anoka-Hennepin Community Education coordinates programs to support students after-school, in the evening and on the weekend. These programs provide fun, hands-on opportunities for children to meet friends, develop skills and explore new interests.

• Enrichment classes/activities: Each elementary and middle school coordinates a wide variety of classes and activities.

• Middle school athletics: Community Education coordinates athletic programs at each middle school to emphasize skill development, participation, teamwork, leadership, social growth, sportsmanship and respect for others.

• Open swim, swim lessons: Roosevelt Community Pool offers swim programs for all ages and skill levels.

• Youth service: High school youth service programs provide students with meaningful service opportunities that positively impact the community.

View all opportunities online at discovercommunityed.com or visit the Community Education office at your child's school.

Anoka-Hennepin Schools are grateful that each year, around 10,000 dedicated volunteers contribute thousands of hours of their time, energy and talents to support our schools, students and staff. You can make a difference as a school volunteer.

The online application system is quick and easy to complete, and saves time coordinating our resources - which means that we can spend more time and talent serving our students, staff and schools.Visit ahschools.us/volunteer to find and complete the application form for your school, or to be assigned to a school with a specific need.

Our staff members make a difference in the lives of students, and you can too! Anoka-Hennepin Schools is a great place to live, learn and work. Eligible employees may elect to enroll in a comprehensive benefit package:

• Health, hospitalization, dental insurance.
  
• Life and supplemental life insurance benefits.
  
• Long-term disability plan.
  
• Opportunities to participate in flexible benefit plans such as health savings and dependent/child care savings accounts.
  
• Professional development opportunities.
  

The district and its schools are always looking for professionals, parents, volunteers or community members to join our team! View openings and apply online at ahschools.us/jobs.

Special education services are provided for students from birth until their 22nd birthday who have been evaluated and determined as meeting one of the 13 disability categories identified by federal law:

• Developmental delays (birth to age seven).
• Autism spectrum disorders.
• Blind/visually impaired.
• Deaf-blind.
• Deaf/hard of hearing.
• Developmental cognitive disabilities mild-moderate.
• Developmental cognitive disabilities moderate-severe.
• Emotional or behavioral disorders.
• Other health disabilities.
• Physically impaired.
• Specific learning disabilities.
• Speech or language impairments.

The district offers a full continuum of services for students identified as meeting special education criteria. An Individual Education Plan (IEP) meeting is held following a special education evaluation. District staff work with the student’s parents/guardians to determine what goals and objectives are appropriate to meet the child’s needs. The team determines what specialized instruction is required and what related services might be appropriate. Students who are identified as having special education needs will receive instruction from a special education teacher. Some students may require additional support in the area of motor, speech/language, vision or hearing needs.

While the goal is to have students taught in their neighborhood school, it is not always appropriate based on a student's individual needs. Students with specific needs may be placed in a program that best addresses her/his needs. Academic, functional, and behavioral needs addressed in these programs can vary, and can be provided in conjunction with general education, with increased mainstreaming as the goal. Some students demonstrate needs that surpass what can be offered at a traditional school/site, and may be serviced at River Trail Learning Center, which is a special education site. Learn more.

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