News and events

December, 2023

Greetings from STEP.

December is here! Winter break is just around the corner! As we close out 2023, we'd like to celebrate our students' accomplishments. We hope that our students can let go of worries, relax, and enjoy time off of school!

In this newsletter, you will find helpful information to support your student in their education.

Please note, that we have a few important events coming up that you should be aware of.

• December 1st: no school-staff planning day
• December 4th: no school-staff development day
• December 5th: trimester 2 begins
• December 25th - January 2nd: no school-winter break
• January 3rd: school resumes
• January 15th: no school-district holiday
  

Thank you!

Congratulations! The following students have been selected as Student of the Term at STEP:

• Academic Cluster: Jenna Davidson, College Now - First Year Experience

• Arts Cluster: Ethan Jones, Music/Media Tech

• Business Cluster: Kaelan Heffron, CAPS Business Admin I

• Emergency Services Cluster: Veronica Moran, Law Enforcement CSI

• Enterprising Cluster: Sophia Estby, Salon Spa Barbering Careers

• Health Sciences Cluster: Jocelyn Kline, Nursing Assistant

• Manufacturing & Transportation: Justin Shaw, Advanced Automotive

• Vocational Cluster: Chelsea Xiong, Work Experience Bakery

• Aviation: Ransford Moore, Aviation Tech I

I have taken many continuing educational classes for my career to further my skills. I have met so many people who give great life advice and vice versa. I think one of the many amazing things about Cosmetology, is that it's always changing so you are constantly learning new things. My advice for others with any career is you're going to have good days and bad days. You just have to be strong within yourself and keep going if you are truly passionate about what you are doing. My favorite memories of STEP are the wonderful environment for learning and support from the teachers. It most definitely helped give a preview of what the industry of Cosmetology is all about. This is so nice because a lot of times people going into a career interest don't know what it's going to be like. So having that insight is great.

Students Doug Fisher (Pathways), Keenan Zierdt (CRHS) and Bradley Woehler (Pathways)

The Work Experience students in the Introduction to Building and Construction Careers class had a busy 1st trimester building a chicken coop. The class gives students hands-on experience building projects, so they can see if they are interested in pursuing a job in this area of employment. The chicken coop is up for auction and will be up for bidding until December 4. If you are interested in the auction, click here.

Join parents and guardians from the Anoka-Hennepin Schools community for information and resources to support the needs of students today.

Anoka Hennepin is hosting three Parent Engage 360 community and parent education events during the 2023-24 school year. These events aim to provide resources for parents and guardians to support their students and others in the community. Topics range from mental health, chemical health, internet safety, and more. Parent Engage 360 forum events are offered both in-person and virtually and are free and open to the public.

The first Parent Engage 360 event will feature the author and co-founder of TILL360 Joe Beckman. Over the last 20 years, Beckman has spoken all over the world with one mission, to reclaim human connection. Registration is not required but helps with planning. Click here for more information.

STEP TRANSPORTATION FROM THE HIGH SCHOOLS

Please note Bus #'s are subject to change.

Andover Bus Schedule to and from STEP: click here for bus information.

Anoka HS Bus Schedule to and from STEP: click here for bus information.

Blaine HS Bus Schedule to and from STEP: click here for bus information.

Champlin Park HS Bus Schedule to and from STEP: click here for bus information.

Coon Rapids HS Bus Schedule to and from STEP: click here for bus information.

We have students who have enrolled with us both part-time as well as full-time. Therefore, we have a student schedule that aligns with the home high schools so that the students can attend both schools successfully. Our schedule is as follows:

AM Session: 7:55 am - 9:40 am

PM Session: 12:10 pm - 1:55 pm

Please note that we do not have a late start on Monday mornings. Classes at STEP start and end at the same time each day.

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 care for our mental health. If you are feeling down, depressed, or 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, December 14th from 3:00-5:30, sign up for a time slot through My Conference Time.

School counselor - Alyssa Zemple

Alyssa.Zemple@ahschools.us

(763) 433-4031 (Office) (763) 433-4003 (Fax)

(763) 290-0341 (Google Voice)

Request an Appointment

Request a Schedule Change

Dougherty Family College Tour: Wednesday, December 20th. You are invited to explore the offerings and opportunities at Dougherty Family College at the University of St. Thomas. You'll learn about various programs and college admission requirements and tour the Minneapolis campus. Stop by the Career Center to pick up a permission slip and learn more.

Be a Teacher, Change the World: Join us on Monday, December 18th for a student gathering to elevate the profession of teaching. this is open to students who have the natural inclination and skills to become a teacher. the event will be held at Anoka-Ramsey Community College. Permission slips are available in the Career Center.

Scholarships are a great way for college-bound students to subsidize the cost of college. Below is a list of scholarships with upcoming deadlines.

• Wallin Scholarship: (Due February 1, 2024)
• If you're a graduating senior with a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need planning on enrolling in an accredited college in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, or any HBCU, consider applying for this scholarship. Applications are now being accepted and close on February 1st. Wallin Scholarship Information and Application
• STEP Scholarship: (Due April 19, 2024)
  
• Every year, STEP gives scholarships to many deserving students who have attended our program. You are encouraged to complete an application for a STEP scholarship. Must have all application materials submitted by Friday, April 19, 2024. STEP Scholarship Information and Application

• Ann Talle Scholarship: (Due March 1, 2024)
• The Education Committee of the Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the availability of a $1000 scholarship to a graduating senior from Andover, Anoka, Blaine, Champlin Park, Coon Rapids, and St. Francis High Schools. This scholarship intends to assist students who are pursuing a career in a business-related area. Applications are due in the Career Center by March 1, 2024. Ann Talle Scholarship Information and Application.

Minnesota weather is shifting gears, and the Anoka-Hennepin School District has plans in place for when extreme winter weather arrives.

The safety of all students is the first priority when determining if schools should stay open in adverse weather. If a determination is made to close school due to extreme winter weather, the district will alert families in a variety of ways, including:

• Phone, text or email message from AHlert system (for Anoka-Hennepin parents/guardians only).

• District and school websites.

• District and school social media pages (e.g. Facebook, Instagram and Twitter).

• Media outlets including WCCO, KSTP, FOX 9, KARE 11, CCX Media, WCCO radio and Star Tribune newspaper.

Those responsible for activities scheduled in schools over the weekend will determine if adverse weather conditions necessitate a cancellation.

Read more about the district’s policies on extreme winter weather at ahschools.us/weather.

Class Schedule:

• AM Session: 7:55am - 9:40am
• PM Session: 12:10pm - 1:55pm

Phone Numbers:

• Main Line: (763) 433-4000
• Attendance: (763) 433-4006
• Technology Help: (763) 506-1000
• Counselor: (763) 433-4031

Email Addresses:

• General Info: step@ahschools.us
• Counselor: alyssa.zemple@ahschools.us

Important Dates:

• December 1st: no school-staff planning day
• December 4th: no school-staff development day
• December 5th: trimester 2 begins
• December 25th - January 2nd: no school-winter break
• January 3rd: school resumes
• January 15th: no school-district holiday

Trimester Dates:

• Trimester 2: December 5th, 2023 - March 8th, 2024
• Trimester 3: March 19th, 2023 - June 6th, 2024