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, December 15th from 3:00-5:30, sign up for a time slot 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
Increased security in place to ensure safety at school events
Safety at school events continues to be a focus area for the district and surrounding communities. Anoka-Hennepin Schools are committed to creating experiences that showcase the talents of student-athletes in an environment that promotes healthy competition. The district continues to implement safety and security practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for participants and spectators.
These guidelines limit entrance to students at participating schools with identification and adult supervision for younger students and increased presence of staff and support personnel amongst other strategies in place to keep our activities safe.
As your family makes a plan to attend school events, keep the following guidelines in mind:
Bring student IDs and allow extra time for admission and entry. Students from the hosting and visiting schools are welcome with student ID. No student ID, no entry. Students from any other schools/non-participating schools must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.
Allow extra time for admission and entry. Increased security may mean lines are longer at the entrance gate. Ticket sales time frames may be adjusted during the event, and admission may be denied based on site capacity. Please plan accordingly.
Plan for parent/guardian chaperones in accordance with district guidelines to monitor student activity and behavior. The student-to-adult chaperone ratio is 2:1. Adult chaperones are expected to supervise middle and elementary school students they escorted to the game at all times. Adult chaperones are NOT allowed to leave the stadium without their students. Adult chaperones and students who are unable to follow these guidelines may be asked to leave the facility. Students from any other schools/non-participating schools must also be accompanied by an adult chaperone.
Get behind your team! Spectators are expected to view the event in the appropriate designated seating area.
Leave extra items at home or in your vehicle. Backpacks, large bags/purses and outside food or drink (if concessions are sold on-site) are not allowed. Anoka-Hennepin prohibits weapons, alcoholic beverages, e-cigarettes / vaping, tobacco products and controlled substances.
It takes everyone to keep school events and activities safe. If your student, you or anyone in your family sees something or hears something suspicious or threatening in nature, report the information to school leadership or law enforcement immediately.
Spectators who are unwilling or unable to follow the rules, regulations, or directions from event staff may be asked to leave the event. For more information, please visit ahschools.us/eventpolicies.
Parent Engage 360 Podcast Episode 29: Stay Above the Line - promoting sportsmanship and positive fan behavior
Sportsmanship is everybody’s business, and Anoka-Hennepin Schools and the Northwest Suburban Conference (NWSC) are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all at athletics and activities events.
Earlier this year, around 100 students from all five district high schools and NWSC member schools participated in a sportsmanship seminar titled “Stay Above the Line,” an initiative to promote positive spectator behavior and expectations.
In the latest Parent Engage 360 Podcast episode, host Liz Burgard is joined by two high school seniors to learn more about the “Stay Above the Line” initiative. Coon Rapids High School senior Eleanor Defoe and Blaine High School senior Kendall Stadden both represent their schools as Bleacher Captains.
Bleacher Captains will be visible at all NWSC-sponsored activities to help promote a positive environment and respectful behavior and cheers for all players, fans, opponents and game personnel.
In this episode, both Defoe and Stadden share insights into what it is like at a high school sporting event both from the spectator and student-athlete perspectives.
Tune in to the 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.
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: 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.
This e-newsletter is published by Secondary Technical Education Program (STEP). Questions, comments or concerns about the school e-newsletter? Contact us.