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Backpack Online - August 11, 2023
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August 11, 2023
2023-24 Back-to-school information
Looking for more back-to-school information? Visit our back-to-school website at ahschools.us/bts for supply lists, open houses, news and more.
The first day of school is Tuesday, Sept. 5. View the district calendar for important updates.
District holds Leadership Workshop in preparation for 2023-24 school year
Starting off the school year strong for students is supported by leaders who are aligned in that effort. Anoka-Hennepin’s leadership workshop, which is an annual event for school and district administrators, was held at the Educational Service Center in Anoka, Aug. 9. The event provided a boost as preparations continue to welcome students for the 2023-24 school year.
Leaders from across the district gathered to foster collaborative relationships and build community, align with district strategic priorities and build leadership capacity to advance the district. View photos from the event.
The event featured comments and updates from Superintendent Cory McIntyre, School Board Vice Chair Nicole Hayes and Tess DeGeest from Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation. The leaders in the room also were energized by international speaker Joe Beckman, recent Coon Rapids High School (CRHS) alum Imani Harris, and keynote speaker Dr. Cindra Kamphoff.
In his first leadership workshop as the superintendent, McIntyre revealed the theme for the 2023-24 school year: The Power of Purpose. During his address, he shared his ‘why’ and what the power of purpose meant to him. Through his speech and the guest speakers, district leaders were challenged to identify their ‘why’ to focus on the district's mission: “To effectively educate each of our students for success.”
Families must complete back-to-school verification before the first day
It’s important that each family completes the verification process (back-to-school forms) before the first day of school. Verification ensures that each student’s school has confirmed emergency contact information and releases for the safety of each student.
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.
By logging in to complete student verification for the upcoming school year, families may also apply to receive additional educational benefits, discounts and reduced fees after completing the verification process.
Login to A-HConnect to complete your student’s back to school forms for the upcoming school year. . Visit the #AHSchools website to login and get started.
Families can save money, earn educational benefits - application opened Aug. 1
While the state's Free School Meals program to being in 2023, families will still need to apply to qualify for more educational benefits
Starting Sept. 5, 2023, every student may receive one breakfast and one lunch at no cost during the school year. The state’s Free School Meals program will cover the cost of one breakfast meal and one lunch meal for every student daily, however the cost of a la carte items, such as milk, other drinks, or extra meal items will not be covered. Students will need to have funds in their meal accounts to purchase any additional food items.
If your family needs access to any other educational benefits available to your student, please visit ahschools.us/freereduced to complete an application. The enrollment window for the 2023 Applications for Educational Benefits begins Aug. 1, 2023.
Anoka-Hennepin asks that all families complete an online application to provide additional school funding to support all students in the district. By filling out this application, your school can earn funding and you can save money.
Educational benefits include:
- Athletics fees: Eligible students may qualify for fees to be waived or reduced.
- SAT, ACT, AP Fees: Students may be eligible for discounted fees for academic tests and some lab fees.
- Other high school activities: Students may qualify for discounts on speech, debate, theater, band and others.
- Additional benefits and cost savings: Chromebook device protection, Comcast Internet Essentials discount, Amazon Prime membership discounts, discounted bus fares with Metro Transit, Xcel Energy account assistance, discounts at museums and theaters.
Freshman and new-to-district student orientation day set for Tuesday, Sept. 5
Getting off to a strong start at a new school is a key strategy for ensuring students feel safe, welcome and ready to maximize opportunities. When school begins for the 2023-24 school year on Sept. 5, freshmen and new-to-district students at Anoka-Hennepin’s five traditional high schools will participate in a series of activities that aim to ease the transition to high school and build a foundation for academic success.
What does this mean for freshmen (ninth-graders) and new-to-district students?
Freshmen and new-to-district students will attend school as usual. Students will attend orientation activities as a group and then attend classes on a modified schedule. Arrival and dismissal times remain the same. Student transportation, nutrition and other school day programs will be offered.
What does this mean for sophomores, juniors and seniors (grades 10-12)?
Senior, junior and sophomore students at the listed schools will not be required to attend school in person on this day. The first day of school for grades 10, 11 and 12 will be Wed., Sept. 6.
Which schools are involved?
The freshmen and new-to-district orientation day schedule involves students who attend Andover High School, Anoka High School, Blaine High School, Champlin Park High School, Coon Rapids High School and students in the Secondary Technical Education Program (STEP). Students who are scheduled to attend STEP classes will have the option to attend tours on-site. STEP will communicate to families directly.
Students who attend River Trail Learning Center, Compass programs, Post-secondary education opportunities (PSEO), Regional High School or Technical High School will attend school in-person on the regular bell schedule. Student transportation and nutrition programs will be offered.
What are the activities for freshmen and new-to-district students?
Students will have opportunities to be involved in first day activities such as, but not limited to: school handbook review, review of mental health supports for students, bus safety, reviewing the district secondary handbook, getting-to-know-you activities in advisory, and classroom self-directed activities. Students will also follow a modified schedule of classes.
What about special education students?
All students in special education programs will align to the schedule as outlined in this document. Only ninth grade and new to district students will attend in person. Other students will be contacted individually to determine options for attendance at school in-person for this day.
Important update regarding transportation for 2023 fall activities
Due to continued nationwide shortages of bus drivers, we are experiencing disruptions with after school activity transportation. Anoka-Hennepin transportation has been working diligently to ensure that bus routes to and from school and activities are covered. While the bus companies are making progress in adding drivers to address the shortage, we anticipate that there will be continued issues this fall.
Anoka-Hennepin is committed to keeping planned athletic and activity events this fall season. The main goal is for student-athletes to continue to compete despite the driver shortage and transportation issues.
When determining routes for athletics and activities, Anoka-Hennepin considers a variety of factors and locations to determine priority routes. This model requires constant change and adjustment.
In anticipation of a continued driver shortage, you may be asked to consider alternate plans for your child, such as carpooling, or driving your child to events when necessary.
Anoka-Hennepin Schools is not alone in this shortage. School districts across the country are canceling bus routes because of the severe driver shortage. We know that this causes frustration and hardships for families.
Please contact the activities office at your school with questions. This is not an issue your coach is able to remedy.
One solution other districts are trying is to have parents become licensed drivers and get paid to drive their team to events. If you are interested in this or know someone who might be interested, please contact:
- First Student (Champlin & Anoka areas) 763-421-5785 or apply online.
- Kottkes Bus Service (Andover, Blaine, Coon Rapids areas) 763-755-3100 or apply online.
Or feel free to call our district transportation department at 763-506-1125 with other general questions.
Thank you for your patience as we work through this labor shortage.
School Spotlight: Coon Rapids Middle School
"What I like about the teachers here at Coon Rapids Middle School is how they work hard to get their students not only to their goals but above their goals too." - Xavier Jaooah, student.
Coon Rapids Middle School (CRMS) is a community dedicated to high expectations, continuous improvement and life-long learning. Learn more about CRMS in the latest School Spotlight video.
District partners with United Way to help provide backpacks for students
Anoka-Hennepin Schools has partnered with the United Way Twin Cities for the sixth straight year to help distribute backpacks to students in need. The district will be distributing nearly 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies at the elementary and secondary levels.
Volunteer services coordinators and school social workers help coordinate the distribution of backpacks. Backpacks from the United Way were stuffed on Aug. 3 at Target Field as a part of “Action Day 2023” where more than 5,000 volunteers gathered to pack backpacks full of school supplies for 43,000 local students.
“Anoka-Hennepin is grateful to the United Way and Action Day volunteers and donors for the generous donation of backpacks and school supplies,” said Heidi Geiss, district McKinney Vento and foster care liaison. “It is so important that students can start the school year with the gear and supplies that they need to start the school year ready to learn.”
Backpacks include a variety of school supplies, including folders, notebooks, crayons, markers, pencil sharpeners, a pencil pouch, erasers, scissors and glue sticks for elementary students. Secondary backpacks include folders, notebooks, a scientific calculator, index cards, planner, pens, pencils and highlighters.
Families with a need for school supplies are encouraged to contact their student’s school office.
Join our team!
You can make a difference in the school community. Join our team!
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.
Additional district news
- Action of the School Board, July 10, 2023.
- Media centers, other improvements continue as Fit for the Future projects near the final year.
- District to replace ash trees in response to emerald ash borer.
- District participation in the Summer Food Service Program makes meals available to children at select school sites.
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This e-newsletter is published by Anoka-Hennepin Schools. It's sent to Anoka-Hennepin families and community members who subscribe on a weekly basis during the school year, excluding breaks (and periodically during the summer). Questions, comments or concerns about the Backpack Online e-newsletter? Contact us.