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Backpack Online - December 11, 2023
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December 11, 2023
Students earn 1,400 tuition-free college credits through College in the Schools
To prepare students for their academic pursuits after high school, Anoka-Hennepin has many options that provide college-level academic rigor. College in the Schools (CIS) is one program that offers challenging coursework for high school students with the opportunity to earn college credit.
During the 2022-23 school year, 254 Anoka-Hennepin students registered for CIS courses within their high school setting, which resulted in 1,441 credits earned from the University of Minnesota (U of M).
Multiple benefits: Tuition last year at the U of M was $538.70 per credit. The tuition-free credits earned by Anoka-Hennepin students in CIS classes equate to more than $815,000 in saved tuition fees. Those credits are recognized by colleges and universities across the nation.
Read more about Anoka-Hennepin students and CIS. Interested students can talk to their counselors about CIS or visit the CIS website.
Statistically speaking: Annual surveys of students who participated in CIS from 2010 through 2018 found:
- 97 to 99% of students would recommend it to other high school students.
- 85 to 89% felt better prepared academically for college.
- In 2022-23, 35% of the course registrations at U of M Twin Cities were by students of color. Of the Anoka-Hennepin students registered, 34% were students of color.
Other post-secondary options in Anoka-Hennepin: In addition to CIS, Anoka-Hennepin students can earn college credits through Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Articulated Credit (AC) courses, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB), Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO), and at the district’s Secondary Technical Education Program (STEP).
The Power of Human Connection: Replay and resources from Parent Engage 360 event
Conversation starters for families to develop safe screen plans, opportunities for connection
Anoka-Hennepin hosted parents/guardians and community members in-person and online Dec. 5 for the first of three events in the Parent Engage 360 series this school year.
In case you missed it: Joe Beckman, author and co-founder of TILL360, was the keynote speaker Tuesday, Dec. 5 at the Coon Rapids High School Auditorium. Joe delivered a high-energy presentation over one hour about the Power of Human Connection.
Get caught up: A replay of the event is available on the district’s YouTube channel. Joe also provided resources for anyone who attended the event or is interested in viewing the replay and participating in the event.
Learn more about Parent Engage 360: Parent Engage 360 events aim to provide resources to parents and guardians to support their students and others in the community. Anoka-Hennepin Schools realize the importance of parent engagement in maximizing student success.
The second Parent Engage 360 event is set for Thursday, Feb. 29 at Champlin Park High School and will feature Beth Lovre, a family peer educator with the National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota. Beth will share a message titled You’re the Expert: How to successfully advocate for your child.
This session stresses the value of parent engagement and advocacy to ensure the best care and treatment for your child in the doctor’s office, the mental health system, and in public education settings. Learn more and register for this event at ahschools.us/parentengage360.
Seasonal concerts at district middle and high schools
If you are looking for local holiday entertainment, look no further than your school community. There are a variety of music concerts going on at district middle and high schools in December and January.
KARE 11 story on Andover Elementary student wins regional Emmy award
Last December, Andover Elementary School student Lucas Kacer was featured in Boyd Huppert’s Land of 10,000 Stories on KARE 11. Lucas has built a large social media following where he shares his passion for pencil sharpening.
That story, titled One Sharp Kid, produced by Huppert and photojournalist Chad Nelson, was named the winner of an Upper Midwest Regional Emmy Award in the category of Children/Youth/Teen-News.
Diagnosed with autism at age 4, Lucas has found that sharpening pencils is a way to self-regulate. All three elementary schools in Andover, and many more around the area, have benefited from Lucas and his passion for pencil sharpening.
AHS STEAM Showcase provides important skill building for younger students
At Anoka High School (AHS), a focus within the Center for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) program is to provide students with real-world learning opportunities. On Nov. 15 at the STEAM Showcase, Professional Review, and Open House, freshman and sophomores gained valuable experience by presenting a project to their peers and community members.
The STEAM senior capstone project concludes with a STEAM EXPO and Senior Showcase where students present their projects to not only put their ideas and creations on display but their ability to properly articulate their process and project.
New this year, the Trimester 1 STEAM Showcase created space for more than 200 students in the first two years of the program to practice communicating their ideas and to collect feedback that they can then use in the classroom. This experience will be valuable as the students continue through the program and eventually present their capstone project as a senior.
Learn more: The final STEAM Information Night is Dec. 13 from 6:30-8 p.m. at AHS. For more information about the program and the application process (deadline Dec. 31), visit ahschools.us/ahsSTEAM.
Students at Oxbow Creek learn about self regulation with CLIMB Theatre
First grade students at Oxbow Creek Elementary School were treated to a performance by members of CLIMB Theatre on Dec. 7. CLIMB Theatre creates customized plays, classes and workshops that build accountability, resiliency, empathy, advocacy and self-control.
CLIMB creates customized classes and workshops that include 40-60 minute interactive, arts-integrated programs that aim to strengthen and exercise one or more of the skills of Accountability, Resiliency, Empathy, Advocacy and Self Regulation (A.R.E.A.S).
During the performance at Oxbow Creek, students learned about self regulation and using the acronym STAR, Stop, Think Breath, Ahh-out, React. In times of frustration or anger, students learned some skills to stop, think about the situation, take a breath, and change behavior.
Providing choice: Specialty and magnet application deadlines approaching
Anoka-Hennepin offers specialty and magnet schools at all levels that are designed to provide families with additional choices at no cost. Applications are open for both specialty and magnet schools with deadlines approaching.
Specialty schools
- Students may enroll at the specialty schools using an in-district transfer process.
- Families are responsible for providing transportation.
- The application window is open for the 2024-25 school year and closes Jan. 15, 2024 for priority consideration.
Magnet schools
- Offered to students districtwide in partnership with the Northwest Suburban Integration School District (NWSISD).
- Transportation is provided.
- The application window is open for the 2024-25 school year and closes Dec. 31, 2023.
Additional district news
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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.