News and events - March 24, 2023
March 24, 2023
Important Upcoming Dates
- April 4: ACT Test (11th graders; remote learning option for 9th, 10th, & 12th graders)
- April 7: No School- Staff Development
- April 24: MCA Testing for 10th & 11th graders (Late Start for 9th & 12th graders)
- April 29: CRHS Prom (International Market Square)
- May 29: No School- Memorial Day
- June 2: Seniors' Last Day
- June 4: CRHS Graduation (Maturi Pavilion on U of M campus)
- June 8: Last Day of School (9th-11th graders)
- June 9: No School- Staff Grading Day
ACT Testing Schedule for 11th grade students- Tues April 4th
ACT Testing Day for CRHS juniors is Tuesday, April 4, and we’ve created a test day schedule for all students. Developing a consistent testing structure for students and the staff who support them is a key strategy for ensuring a day of testing and instruction flows smoothly in high schools across the district. Over the past decade, Anoka-Hennepin has utilized a testing day format that provides a supportive environment for students who are taking tests while also providing options for students who are receiving instruction.
Key information about ACT Testing Day:
- CRHS 11th graders will take the ACT test at CRHS on Tuesday, April 4.
- 11th graders should report to school no later than 7:30am on Tuesday April 4th and look for testing classroom lists on walls throughout the school and then move to their assigned testing room.
- Students may leave school once completed.
- A bag lunch will be available to 11th grade students who remain at school following the test.
- 11th grade students who choose to stay at school after the ACT will be in a supervised study hall in the cafeteria until 2:20pm.
- CRHS students in 9th, 10th and 12th grade have the option to work remotely and complete learning activities through Google Classroom.
- 9th, 10th, and 12th graders who choose to come to school will work in a supervised study hall in the cafeteria.
Important Trimester 3 Reminders
We wanted to share a few important reminders as we start Trimester 3 at CRHS:
- Students are expected to enter through Door 1 only after school starts for the day. Students will then need to show their Student ID or StudentVue at our Check-In Desk.
- PSEO and STEP students may pick up a pink pass from Ms. Pavelko in the Main Office for their programs.
- Students may eat lunch in the cafeteria only- other spaces are not open to food.
- CRHS is a closed campus, which means students must remain on campus for lunch and are not allowed to order food into the building through restaurants/outside vendors (e.g. restaurant delivery, DoorDash, GrubHub, etc). Any food delivered to CRHS will be turned away.
- Students cannot go to their cars during the school day without a pass from the Main Office.
Late Start Mondays- Update for Trimester 3
The dates of the Late Start Monday mornings in Trimester 3 are the following: 3/27, 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22
* Please note that 4/3 was not on previous lists but is a day with a Late Start schedule.
ParentVue App Reminder
As we start a new trimester, remember that the ParentVue app offers parents/guardians real-time access to student’s attendance, grades, course history, and other valuable information. The ParentVue app can be a great tool to help guide regular check-in conversations with your student/s about their progress in classes and towards their larger goals at CRHS and beyond. The app is available to download on your phone or check through the “Lock and Key.” If you have trouble logging in, please contact 763-506-HELP.
CRHS Students Collect Books for Hoover Elementary
CRHS students and Hoover Elementary alumni Esther Oyetunde and Kaitlyn Caminati wanted to give back to the Hoover Elementary community for the support and education they received when they were students at Hoover. They started a book drive at CRHS and collected over 400 books to give back to Hoover students. The Hoover Elementary Volunteer Services Coordinator, Ms. Kunza, along with Hoover Elementary volunteers, sorted the books and worked with the Hoover Elementary Media Specialist, Ms. Walker, on a plan to distribute them to students.
Esther and Kaitlyn are currently seniors here at CRHS, finishing their final year before heading on their next journey. Kaitlyn plans to attend Lake Superior College in Duluth, majoring in Fire Technology, and aspires to become a firefighter. Esther is heading to the University of Minnesota, majoring in biochemistry, and aspires to become a researcher.
Thank you to Esther and Kaitlyn for their leadership and commitment to the Coon Rapids and Anoka-Hennepin community! We’re so proud to have you in Cardinal Nation!
CRHS Engineering Students Showcase Assembly Line Projects
Students enrolled in Scott Storrick’s Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) class hosted a project showcase on March 7 to present their automated assembly lines which they created in class.
Students created a short presentation outlining each of their projects for family, friends and community members before showing off their work to conclude the evening. The project included the creation, design, building and programming of a working assembly line. Students were engaged in problem-solving throughout the project to get their ideas to come to life.
The projects included a coffee assembly line, which used a robot to pour and stir coffee and creamer into a cup. Another group was working to create an assembly line to ensure a 100% field goal percentage using a paper football. The next assembly line created the perfect pop tart, including putting the ingredients on the tasty treat and packaging. The final project was a LEGO® truck assembly line, making the building of LEGO hands-free.
Watch these videos to see each of the projects in action:
- Coffee and creamer assembly line.
- Football kicking assembly line.
- Pop tart assembly line.
- LEGO truck assembly line.
Cardinal Activities Corner
Coon Rapids High School Volunteer Opportunities
All individual volunteer opportunities will be posted in this list. The list will be updated and shared weekly with students.
If you are unable to find volunteer opportunities, please feel free to contact Ms. Johnson at liz.johnson@ahschools.us. She is happy to work with you and find other opportunities that may be of more interest to you or work better with your schedule.
Trimester 3 Parking Permits
Tri 3 parking permits are currently on sale for $35 at the Finance Window or online. All students must display a valid parking permit on their car’s rear view mirror when parking at CRHS. If you do not have a permit, a $2.00 daily pass can be purchased at the Finance Window. Tri 3 will see increased parking lot surveillance. Any cars without properly displayed permits may be ticketed $15 per violation. Also, be sure to park in the student lot only. Permits purchased online must be picked up at the Finance Window. Contact Ms. Matthews at 763-506-7302 with questions.
Volunteer Opportunities
Orchestra Concert Ushers Needed
The CRHS Orchestra will present their Spring String Fling on Monday, April 3rd 2023. Please consider joining us for the evening as an usher! Please note that this concert will be held in the Field House (not the auditorium).
Booster Club, Nonprofit and PTO Resources
It’s not too late (or too early) to register for our last free workshop of the season. We will focus on volunteer recruitment, board transition and retention as well as best practices for closing out the year. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn something new, refresh your knowledge and connect with other non-profit folk!
The workshop will be held in person at the Educational Service Center (ESC) in Anoka as well as virtually. Check out https://www.ahschools.us/ptoboosterworkshops for more information and registration.
Volunteers are an incredible asset to the students here at CRHS. Let’s make sure your impact is recorded and recognized. By filling out your volunteer application you are doing your part to keep our students safe while enriching their lives through extracurricular activities. You can access this year’s volunteer application here:
CRHS Volunteer Application and Criminal Record History Release Form or email your Volunteer Services Coordinator, Danielle Callahan at danielle.callahan@ahschools.us (or call (763) 506-7130)
CRHS Volleyball Tournament, April 6th
Student Council is hosting a CRHS volleyball tournament on April 6th @ 3:00pm-6:30pm, located in the CRHS Field House. Come watch students and staff battle it out in a bracket style tournament & witness which team earns the title of CRHS Volleyball Champions! Ticket price will be $3 (Sold at the door). Concessions will be available in the Field House.
CRHS Got Talent Show, May 25
CRHS Got Talent is back! We will be hosting our Talent Show on May 25th during 3rd hour. So teachers, make sure you sign up your classroom for this event because you will definitely not want to miss it!
We will also be opening up auditions back up to students and staff! If you want a second chance to showcase your talent come on down to the CRHS Auditorium on April 6th to audition!
CRHS Graduation 2023 Update
Graduation 2023 is just around the corner- please read the important information below to be sure you're ready to celebrate your senior this Spring. Also, please coordinate family plans now, as parking and reservation details are available.
- Date & Time: CRHS Graduation 2023 will take place on June 4 at 4pm.
- Location: Graduation will be held at Maturi Pavilion, located on the University of Minnesota campus.
- Parking: Please see information below about parking at graduation.
Coon Rapids High School has traditionally hosted its graduation ceremonies at the University of Minnesota campus to ensure adequate capacity for graduates and their families.
This year, graduation ceremonies will be held in the Maturi Pavilion, located at 1925 University Avenue SE, Minneapolis. In recent years, ceremonies were held at the 3M Arena at Mariucci, which is currently under renovation. Details are now available to assist families in the planning process.
As noted above, the CRHS Graduation ceremony 2023 will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 4. Throughout the spring, the Class of 2023 Senior page will be continually updated with important information, including senior’s last day, cap/gown distribution, the senior all night party, etc.
In addition, be prepared regarding behavior and what to wear guidelines by viewing this document: Student Guidelines and Expectations for the graduation ceremony.
Parking
Family members planning to be in attendance at the graduation ceremonies are advised of parking options in a number of locations:
- University Avenue ramp
- Maroon parking lot, located off Oak Street East and Oak Street SE
- Lot 37, located northwest of the 3M Arena at Mariucci, on 5th Street SE
- 4th Street Parking Ramp, located on 4th Street SE and 17th Avenue SE
Download the map of parking options or view it online on the University of Minnesota website. Pricing of parking spots varies by location.
Seating
While holding the graduation ceremonies at the University of Minnesota campus allows more family members to be in attendance, it is important to note that seating will be available on a first come, first served basis. Attendees who may have difficulty with stairs may want to seek out lower level seating upon arrival. Due to the temporary change of location, seating will be tighter than experienced in past years. As a courtesy, please do not bring additional bags or extra items to allow for maximum capacity for other families.
Accommodations will be made available for attendees with handicap accessible needs or ASL interpretation. To confirm accessibility accommodations, please make a request with your student’s high school before May 22, 2023.
Finally, Beautiful Bouquets and Custom Class Shirts will be outside Maturi on graduation day if families would like to purchase gifts or you can pre-order ahead of time (click here to order) and pick gifts up on graduation day!
Chromebook Check & Help
As we get closer to Spring, please remember these important reminders about your student’s Chromebook and charger:
- If your student has a different device and doesn't need their school Chromebook any more, they can return their Chromebook and charger to the Media Center on any school day.
- Students that have an issue with their Chromebook (e.g. something is broken or lost) can bring it to the Media Center during school to have it looked at. It’s always easier to clear up problems during the school year, so let us know how we can help.
- If your student has any questions, they can connect with our staff in the Media Center or their teacher.
- Lost and damaged items will be assessed fines.
Project Fairy Godmothers
Project Fairy Godmothers is a non-profit organization that collects new and gently used prom dresses, shoes and accessories to provide access for those who cannot otherwise afford to buy Prom apparel. This year's giveaway will be April 1, 2023 in St. Paul.
This is a FREE event, however, anyone interested should submit an application to participate.
Please see the flyer for more information, or contact Ms. Anderson (Prom Advisor) or Ms. Gustafson (CRHS Social Worker).
Project Prom
Project Prom is a non-profit organization that is once again providing FREE prom dresses to girls in the Twin Cities this spring to "Make Prom Dreams Come True!"
This year’s event will have more than 2,000 dresses of all colors, sizes, and styles for girls to choose from. There will be volunteers to help you “shop”, and you take the dress you chose home - completely free! This program is open to any girl who would benefit from a free prom dress (there are no qualifications required).
When: March 25, 26, 31 & April 1 & 2
Where: An empty store at The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes (Truly feel like you have a traditional prom dress shopping experience!)
Who: Any young woman who’s attending prom is welcome! This is an LGBTQ+ friendly event.
Register: Everyone must register in order to attend. The registration link can be found at www.projectprom.us.
**Additionally, March 24 is set aside for any women with disabilities who would benefit from a quieter/less-crowded environment. Please sign up using THIS link for that particular event.
If you have any questions, please contact Jeni Asaba at projectprom.us@gmail.com. You can also visit the website for more information at www.projectprom.us.
CRHS 2022-2023 Yearbook
CRHS yearbooks are on sale now! Order your 2023 yearbook today through Jostens.com. Supplies are limited and once they sell out online, they are GONE.
Questions? Email Kari Berg at karilee.berg@ahschools.us
Senior "Ads for Grads" for the 2022-2023 Yearbook
Senior Parents-
Senior Year is an important milestone in many student's lives and it’s important to find creative ways to commemorate your student’s senior year, celebrate all of their hard work and accomplishments throughout their school career, and let them know that you love and are proud of them. A fun and easy way to do this is to place a recognition ad, or an “Ad for Grads”, in the 2022-2023 Yearbook.This is something that your student can look back on for years to come.
It is very simple to create an “Ad for Grad.” Just visit www.jostensadservice.com and you can begin creating your ad today using your favorite photos of your son or daughter and a personal message. You can choose any photos you like: a baby photo, a grade school photo, or just a photo of your student that you love--you can even take a picture of the photo you want to use and upload that image from your phone.
- Photos may be in color or black and white, and you pick the fonts and background.
- Ads are available in two different sizes, 1/4 page for $60 or 1/8 page for $40.
- The Ads for Grads deadline is February 17, 2023.
If you have any questions or need tips on how to upload the pictures you want to use, please email Kari Berg at karilee.berg@ahschools.us or check out this sheet from Jostens with FAQs.
Class of 2023 Senior Yard Signs Available for Purchase
Class of 2023 Seniors and families:
Purchase your Class of 2023 yard sign in support of the Senior All Night Party. The first set of signs will be ready for pick up on December 12th and must be paid in full prior to pickup. If you have any questions on payment, please email audra.hyatt@ahschools.us.
Coon Rapids High School Food Shelf and Compassion Fund
The School Social Work Department maintains a small food shelf to assist families in crisis. Food is organized in small care packages and sent home in backpacks and cinch sacks. We are particularly in need of nonperishable ready serve meals. Some examples include Canned Raviolios, Packaged Pasta Meals, Stew, Chili, Ramen Cups, Soup Cups, Mac and Cheese Cups, Compleats. Snacks such as granola bars, breakfast bars, and snack crackers would also be appreciated. The list of all our current needs can be found at this link: CRHS Food Shelf and Compassion Fund Needs.
The Cardinal Compassion Fund is used to help students and families facing crises. Checks can be written to AHEF with Carinal Compassion Fund identified as the recipient in the memo line. Checks can either be dropped off in the main office or mailed to CRHS, Attn: Lana Matthews, 2340 Northdale Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433.
If you have questions or if you and your family need assistance, please contact Emily Gustafson at 763-506-7153 emily.gustafson@ahschools.us
Cardinal Career and College Corner
College and Military Rep visits during lunches in the Cafeteria (11:10-1:15)
- Tuesday, March 28th - University of St. Thomas
- Thursday, March 30th - North Hennepin Community College
Scholarships for our Seniors!
1. Career Center Website for advice and scholarships - here
2. Complete FAFSA application - here
3. Page Grant Scholarship - here (Deadline April 1st)
4. Wallin 2 year pathway scholarship ($6,000) - here
5. Seniors - check your emails from me (Brenda Mitshulis)!
Career Spotlight - Life Link III
The Anoka Hennepin Career and College Specialists were able to learn about another career during their staff development day. Life Link III is located in Blaine and operates nine helicopter bases located throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. Helicopter and airplane services are available 24/7, providing on-scene emergency response and inter-facility transport. Life Link III’s transportation services are accredited by CAMTS (Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transportation Systems), ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety are met on every transport.
The Anoka-Hennepin Career and College Specialists are excited to be hosting our first annual Spring Spectacular on Saturday, April 22 from 8:30-11:00 a.m. This event will highlight a variety of career and college planning options for students and families. The format will include a mix of scheduled sessions and open fair times. Click here for information on the schedule and session descriptions.
CRHS College and Career Center Website - There are a lot of students asking about college, military, trades and workforce. Check out my website! There are a lot of instructions on "how to"....send/request transcripts, letters of recs, write essays, scholarship opportunities, resumes, etc! Go to the CRHS homepage, hover over Support, click on Career Center - here
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