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Backpack Online - January 29, 2024
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January 29, 2024
2024 Kindness Poster Contest
Ten students from across the school district were recognized at the Jan. 22 School Board meeting for their winning posters. This year's theme was "Make Kindness Your Purpose." The district invited students at all grade levels to submit their best artwork for the competition and the school-level winners advanced to the district-level competition. Nearly 150 posters were voted on by staff at the Educational Service Center on Tuesday, Nov. 7 and 10 were named districtwide winners.
🎨 Learn more about the contest and view all of the winning posters.
đź“ş Watch the video showcasing student Kindness Poster contest winners.
Legislative Delegation meeting ensures strong communication
Anoka-Hennepin school board members and district leadership invited state legislators to a special meeting held January 25 to discuss priority items in advance of the upcoming session.
Why it matters: Over 70 percent of the funding provided for school operations is allocated by the Minnesota State Legislature. Ensuring that the 7 state senators and eleven state representatives that serve portions of the district have information and connections regarding matters that impact local schools is important.
On the agenda: The Anoka-Hennepin School Board cooperatively creates a legislative agenda each year and shares that information directly with those who serve the district.
For 2024, the district is prioritizing:
- Improving literacy at all grade levels.
- Improving student engagement, connection and behavior.
- Ensuring a strong workforce to provide services to students.
In the room: Following a presentation from Superintendent Cory McIntyre, legislators engaged in a robust information sharing session with district staff. Senators attending included Jim Abeler, (35, R), John Hoffman, (34,D), Michael Kreun (32, R), Mary Kunesh, (39, D) and representatives Danny Nadeau, (34A, R), Jerry Newton, (35B, D), Harry Niska, (31A, R), Peggy Scott, (31B, R), and Zach Stephenson, (35A, D).
🗓️ The 2024 legislative session is set to begin on Monday, Feb. 12.
Madison Elementary brings families together at Multicultural Night
Madison Elementary School welcomed families and the community to celebrate the many different cultures of their student population at its Multicultural Night on Jan. 25. The evening marked the 16th year of the event.
The Madison Multicultural Night incorporates grade level and student performances combined with community dance companies. The event also welcomes families to attend dressed in clothes celebrating their culture.
Performances included:
- Students from grades 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- Ojibwe drum and dance - performed by a student and his family.
- Irish dance and musical performance by Rebecca Michaelson, the music teacher at Madison.
- Baile Folklorico - a folkloric dance in Mexico. The group Baile Folklorico Mexico Azteca has attended the event at Madison in each of the 16 years.
- Clog dancing - originated from the Appalachian area, performed by a student.
- Natyakala Dance School Performers - a student dance celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage.
- Hmong Qeej - students performed a dance with traditional Hmong instruments.
- Kuyayki Peru - MN - Cultural organization dedicated to educating and spreading awareness of Peruvian culture.
Parent Education Series: Next Parent Engage 360 event set for Thursday, Feb. 29
Join parents and guardians from the Anoka-Hennepin Schools community for information and resources to support the needs of students today.
The big picture: 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 in virtual formats and are free and open to the public.
Advocating for your child: The second Parent Engage 360 event will feature Beth Lovre, family peer educator with the National Alliance of Mental Illness Minnesota. The event, titled "You’re the Expert: How to successfully advocate for your child," will provide parents/guardians with information and resources on how parents can be an advocate for their child in the doctor’s office, the mental health system and in public education settings.
🗓️ When: Thursday, Feb. 29 at 6:30 p.m.
đź“Ť Where: Champlin Park High School auditorium
âś… RSVP: Register for this event (registration is not required, but helps with planning).
What’s next: The next topic will be focused on Chemical Health: Tobacco and vaping prevention, and is scheduled to be held Monday, April 1 at the Andover High School auditorium from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Leading the event will be speaker Claire Weiss, Youth Programs Coordinator, myHealth for Teens and Young Adults.
🎧 Go deeper: For more resources, tune in to the award-winning Parent Engage 360 Podcast which is available on more of your favorite podcasting platforms. Listen to the podcast on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music/Audible, Spotify, iHeartRadio and Samsung Podcasts. To register and learn more about Parent Engage 360 events, please visit ahschools.us/parentengage360.
Curriculum open house set: Two Rivers Transition Program at Franklin
Anoka-Hennepin School District families, students, and staff are invited to review Two Rivers Transition Program at Franklin’s new curriculum options and provide feedback. The district will offer an in-person open house opportunity in February.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 21 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Educational Service Center, 2727 N Ferry St., Anoka.
These new curriculum options are in the areas of transitional programming for students who receive special education services ages 18-22.
The review committee will present an update to the School Board in Fall 2024, the new curriculum will be piloted for the 2024-25 school year.
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.