In the Know - January 22, 2024
January 22, 2024
Anoka-Hennepin and AHEM reach tentative contract settlement
Anoka-Hennepin Schools values the dedication of its staff members and it is the goal to improve terms and conditions for employees while working within tight budget parameters that maintain financial and operational stability for the district.
What's new: Negotiation teams representing the Anoka-Hennepin School District and the teachers union, Anoka Hennepin Education Minnesota (AHEM), reached a tentative agreement Saturday, January 20 on a contract settlement during mediation. The tentative agreement is within the authority provided by the school board and is subject to the approval of AHEM members. Final approval of the contract could occur as soon as the February 26, 2024 school board meeting.
Q and A on hold: Due to this announcement the district will not be publishing answers to employee questions regarding mediation and a possible work stoppage in this issue of In the Know.
โMore questions? Visit ahschools.us/negotiations to view resources and information.
Reminder: Staff may subscribe to receive emergency text message alerts
Staff members are encouraged to confirm that they are subscribed to receive text message alerts to stay "in the know." An emergency message could be sent to make staff aware of weather closings and delays, school emergencies and other important notices.
โ ๏ธ At this time, only 52% of staff members will receive a text message alert in the event of an emergency.
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Verify that you are subscribed: From the Skyward employee access screen, select โupdate phone numberโ icon and follow the on-screen instructions. Detailed instructions are provided for those who need them. Subscribers can opt out of the text messages by responding STOP to any message sent by the system.
๐ For technical support: Email 506help@ahschools.us or call 763-506-HELP (4357). For more details, visit the Anoka-Hennepin Schools communications webpage to view important reminders.
Last chance: Above & Beyond Award nominations accepted through today
๐ฃ If you know an Anoka-Hennepin staff member who does amazing work for children, youโre strongly encouraged to nominate them for the Above & Beyond Awards. The Above & Beyond Awards involve students, staff, parents and community members in recognizing and honoring Anoka-Hennepin staff who consistently go that extra mile so students can be successful.
๐ณ๏ธ Nominations are being accepted through TODAY.
๐ป Visit the Above & Beyond Awards website, ahschools.us/aboveandbeyond, for a nomination form or to read additional information about the awards.
Third free online educational class for employees is Jan. 30: Estate Planning Basics
A partnership between the Anoka-Hennepin Labor Relations and Benefits Department and Capital Street Financial Services, Inc. has led to the Anoka-Hennepin Financial Education Program. The goal of the program is to provide employees with practical knowledge, skills-building opportunities and resources they can use to manage their finances with confidence.
๐ต Class information: Estate Planning Basics
๐๏ธ When: Jan. 30, 2024 - 5-6 p.m.
๐ What: General estate planning concepts and strategies are explained. Learn about wills, trusts, health care, directives, and other important documents and considerations for your legacy planning.
๐ Learn more about the partnership and see dates for other classes.
Results of December email phishing campaign
In December, the technology and information department conducted an email phishing campaign for all staff. The initiative aimed to assess the effectiveness of staff members in identifying potential emails or shared documents designed to elicit unsafe behavior. Eight email phishing templates were selected, and one of those emails was sent to all district staff over nine days.
Why it matters: All district staff can enhance the cybersecurity posture of the district and create a safer digital environment for all.
Results: The district phishing rate has decreased from 30% to 10% since the last phishing campaign. Technology and information department staff believe recent training and education have helped reduce the overall phishing rate.
Were you phished? Approximately 782 staff members were phished during the last blind campaign.
What you can do to help: More training opportunities will be provided for those who were fished Jan. 29. Employees who were phished will receive an email from AH Cybersecurity Notifications (CyberSecurity@ahschools.us) with the subject line โPhishing Follow-up Course.โ This is NOT spam.
- The email will include a highly recommended training course consisting of two short videos with two activities to complete.
- Please take the time to review and complete the training to improve your cybersecurity knowledge to protect yourself both at home and at work.
- Training should be completed by March 29, 2024.
Tickets for annual AHEF Northern Stars Celebration on sale now
Every year, the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation (AHEF) hosts a fun, lively party called the Northern Stars Celebration, to celebrate the excellence that is our Anoka-Hennepin students, schools, and foundation.
"This is a great evening to celebrate how our fabulous and generous donors have benefitted our students, schools and community," said Board Chair and retired educator, Kim Allen. "The Anoka-Hennepin School District and our foundation impact the daily lives of more than 37,000 students and their families and we want to recognize and continue this combined success."
๐ When: Saturday, Feb. 10 from 5:30-9 p.m.
๐ Where: The Bunker Hills Event Center.
What to expect this year:
- Social hour with unique silent auction items to entice you and your friends.
- Live auction with exciting new experiences for you.
- A delicious dinner (chicken florentine, boneless beef short ribs, or saffron balsamic grilled vegetables).
- A special appeal to fuel innovation for our students and schools.
- An after program social hour to connect with friends .
๐๏ธ Get your tickets online for the Northern Stars Celebration 2024!
Apply now for summer school positions
Anoka-Hennepin is currently seeking teachers and paraeducators for early childhood, elementary and secondary Extended School Year and Targeted Services summer positions.
Paraeducators and teachers who are not available for working the entirety of the summer schedule are encouraged to still apply and reach out to the appropriate supervisor indicating your availability. Sub coverage is still needed in the summer and your availability may help to fill that need.
๐ป Visit ahschools.us/jobs to browse positions and apply online.
Johnsville Elementary - School Spotlight
Johnsville Elementary's motto is "With high expectations, we will grow together. Whatever we do, where ever we go! Learning: Love it! Live it!" Check out the Johnsville school spotlight to learn more about what makes it so special.
๐บ View the video.
Reading is a slam dunk at Sand Creek Elementary
๐ On Tuesday, Jan. 16, fourth graders at Sand Creek Elementary School were visited by the Minnesota Timberwolves Education Station with special guest, Crunch, the team's mascot. Each student got a reading bag full of gifts and a book signed by Crunch.
๐บ Sponsored by Xcel Energy, the Education Station advances literacy and fosters a love of reading by providing free books to kids. The Education Station visits schools, youth-serving non-profit organizations and community centers. ๐ธ View photos from the visit.
Superintendent McIntyre holds roundtable discussion with Andover High School students
On Jan. 16, Anoka-Hennepin Superintendent Cory McIntyre visited with students from Andover High School (AndHS) for the fourth of several scheduled student roundtable discussions throughout the district.
Why it matters: Superintendent McIntyre values student voice in the decision-making process and in ensuring the district is providing a safe, welcoming, and positive school environment.
During the hour-long sessions, McIntyre and other school and district administrators aim to gather student perspectives on the high school experience.
๐ธ View photos from the AndHS superintendent roundtable discussion.
What theyโre saying: โIt was eye-opening to see other student's opinions and thoughts,โ said Chloe Cho, a ninth grade student at AndHS. โI found it very helpful to have these sessions because it shows that they care about students and that they are trying to make a difference.โ
The big picture: Students shared what they thought was unique or special about their school and felt as if there was a strong sense of community and support. Students also shared that they felt that the school building itself was of high quality and it was appreciated and that everyone in the school community has high expectations for one another.
There were also discussions about student groups, clubs, and activities and how students are generally accepting of each otherโs differences.
๐๏ธ Read more about the Superintendent roundtable discussion at Andover High School.
Low temperatures serve as reminder to review winter weather plans
Anoka-Hennepin communities experienced a drop in temperatures this week, which prompts planning for winter weather safety.
Be prepared for outdoor activities
Families are encouraged to dress students appropriately for winter weather conditions, especially for children walking to school, waiting at bus stops and participating in outdoor recess activities. Review tips and resources for cold weather conditions:
- Winter school bus safety tips.
- Dressing appropriately for cold weather.
- Other frequently asked questions.
Learning about school closures
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 the district, #AHSchools.
- District and school websites.
- District and school social media pages (e.g. Facebook, Instagram and X - formally Twitter).
- Media outlets including WCCO, KSTP, FOX 9, KARE 11, CCX Media, WCCO radio and Star Tribune newspaper.
โ๏ธFor more information, visit ahschools.us/weather.
Join our team! Learn more, meet hiring managers at Coon Rapids High School on January 25
You can make a difference - work here. The Anoka-Hennepin School District will host an in-person hiring event for non-teaching positions.
๐๏ธ When: Thursday, Jan. 25 from 3:30-6 p.m.
๐ Where: Coon Rapids High School, 2340 Northdale Blvd. NW., Coon Rapids. Attendees should park in the parking lot off Raven St. and enter the activities entrance of the school using Door 16.
Join us to learn about employment opportunities and have a same-day, on-site interview for various positions. View available positions and begin filling out an application at ahschools.us/jobs and come prepared to interview with hiring managers.
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!
๐ป Visit ahschools.us/jobs or call 763-506-JOBS for more information.
- School Board meeting set for Monday, January 22.
- Testing opportunities for students to earn a World Language Proficiency Certificate or Bilingual/Multilingual Seal.
- Contribute to a 403(b) retirement plan.
- Employee 2023 W-2 and 1095-C form will be available electronically.
- SupportingYoU an employee wellness podcast, has 34 episodes available.
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This e-newsletter is published by Anoka-Hennepin Schools. It's sent to all Anoka-Hennepin staff on a weekly basis during the school year, excluding breaks (and periodically during the summer). Questions, comments or concerns about In the Know e-newsletter? Contact us.