News and events - April 21, 2023
April 21, 2023
Important Upcoming Dates
-April 24- MCA Testing for 10th & 11th graders (remote learning day 9 &12)
*Please note April 24th is now a remote learning day for 9th & 12th graders- April 25 -National Honor Society Induction & Senior Recognition @ 7pm
*Please note the date change for NHS Induction Ceremony
- April 29 - CRHS Prom (International Market Square)
- May 29 - No School- Memorial Day
- June 2 - Seniors’ Last Day
- June 4 - CRHS Graduation (Maturi Pavilion, Univ of MN campus)
- June 8 - Last Day of School (9th-11th graders)
- June 9 - No School- Staff Grading Day
MCA Testing for 10th & 11th Graders- Monday April 24
The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment Test (MCA) will be given to 10th and 11th graders on Monday, April 24. Please review the expectations for students on this day.
- 10th & 11th grade students- MCA testing: 11th graders will take the MCA math test, 10th graders will be taking the MCA reading test.
- Report to CRHS by 7:40am and check for their testing room by looking at the lists on the wall in the hallways.
- Students may leave school once completed.
- Students who are eligible for transportation home will remain at school in a supervised area until 2:20 pm if they do not have a ride once the test is completed.
- A bag lunch will be available for students who remain at school following the test.
- 9th and 12th grade students- optional remote/blended learning day
- CRHS students in 9th & 12th grade have the option to work remotely and complete learning activities through Google Classroom.
- 9th and 12th graders who choose to come to school will work in a supervised study hall in the cafeteria.
- Transportation
- Morning and afternoon buses will run at their normal times.
Late Start Mondays- Update for Trimester 3
The dates of the Late Start Monday mornings in Trimester 3 are the following: 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22
*There is no Late Start on Monday 4/24 due to MCA Testing for 10th & 11th graders and the optional remote/blended learning day for 9th &12th graders.*
Senior Fines & Fees- Check and Pay Now
Seniors- All fines and fees must be resolved before you are able to pick up your cap & gown on Friday, June 2nd. This includes things like: lost books, activity fees, lunch fines, parking tickets, etc. Your chromebook/charger also needs to be returned on June 2nd or you will incur a large fine that needs to be paid before you are able to pick up your cap/gown that day. Click here to access a ”How-to” document to check fines & fees in Destiny.
Reminder- Check Student Progress with ParentVue
Now is a great time to check your student's grades for Trimester 3!
Current grades are located in ParentVue under the "Gradebook" tab. If you would like to reach out to your student's teachers, simply click the envelope icon located next to the teacher’s name. We have Parent-Teacher Conferences scheduled next week on Thursday April 20th; please refer to the communication sent about how to sign up for conference times. If you need assistance with your ParentVue account, please contact our district office help line at 763-506-HELP (4357).
Summer Credit Recovery
As we get further into Spring, it’s a wonderful time to check your student's course history in the ParentVue app. If your student failed a required course for graduation, their school counselor will be reaching out in the weeks to come with information about optional summer credit recovery from June 20-June 30.
CRHS Theatre presents Beauty and the Beast, May 12-20
Purchase Tickets:
CRHSTheatre.com or at the door.
Chromebook Check & Help
As we get closer to the end of the year, 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.
DECA Highlights Young Leaders at CRHS
On April 15th, Coon Rapids DECA held their Leadership Development Academy (LDA). The academy is held to help underclassmen and future DECA members gain skills and leadership in the areas of coordinating, managing, implementing, and controlling an actual DECA chapter project. The Academy had four sessions which all focused on leadership.
Freshmen, Esmeralda Morales said her favorite leadership activity was “Higher Expectations” an activity where attendees were told to make a mark, from their knees, on a piece of paper as high as they could. Their trainer then encouraged them to make a mark even higher on the paper. Morales said,
“When my trainer told me to make a higher mark, I did it every single time, until I could not reach any higher. I then needed to change what I was doing. I had to stand-up, and I needed to stand on a chair to make my highest mark. This showed me that I shouldn’t require others to set my expectations for me, I should definitely set that expectation for myself!”
Sophomore, Kelsey Koehler said the balloon tower was a lot of fun. She stated, “Building the tower showed me how good ideas evolve… I needed to have an open enough mind to change my good idea, to someone else’s better idea. Group effort is one way to achieve great things.”
Current DECA juniors and seniors served as academy trainers. Senior, Libby Larson has been very involved in DECA, and she was excited to pass on what she has learned about leadership to the younger members. Larson said, “It was a lot of fun getting to know the underclassmen at the academy. This group is very passionate about DECA, and I am excited to see what they will do over the next couple of years.”
The academy also had numerous benefits for those that attended. In addition to gained confidence, poise, communication skills, professionalism, and leadership; the attendees earned a LDA Certificate in the area of Chapter Leadership. Freshman Shelby Jimmy summed up the experience best by saying, “It was a lot of fun working with others that I have never met! Everyone was very encouraging and welcoming, their constant positive energy really makes me want to do more in DECA.
This year marks the fifty-eighth year of DECA at Coon Rapids High School. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for future roles in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. For more information about DECA contact Coon Rapids DECA advisor Blake Bodenburg at Blake.Bodenburg@ahschools.us
LDA Trainers: Anna Kelley, Snow Ahmed, Libby Larson, & Madi Froslie
Leadership Academy members completing a trust activity: Shelby Jimmy, Samantha Schulz, Ashley Kivioja, & Ryan Zimmerman
Shelby Jimmy receiving her LDA Certificate from Junior Trainer Anna Kelley
25 DECA Members Volunteer at Feed My Starving Children
On April 12, 2023, Coon Rapids DECA participated in community service project at Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) to help make and pack meals to feed at-risk families around the world. All the meals packed by the 25 DECA volunteers will be sent to Columbia, South America. DECA packed a total of 65 boxes. These 65 boxes equate to 14,040 meals, or enough to feed 38 children a daily meal for an entire year.
When asked why this event is important, senior Jonathan Pokrzywa said, “FMSC is a great way for our DECA chapter to give back to communities around the world in a way that makes it cooperative, lighthearted, and fun.”
FMSC’s mission is to eliminate malnutrition and starvation in children throughout the world by helping to instill compassion in a generation that hears and responds to the cries of those in need until all are fed. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people in the world are dealing with food insecurity.
When asked for comment, DECA advisor, Blake Bodenburg stated, “For the past 8 years Coon Rapids DECA has done a spring service activity at Feed My Starving Children. Our students see the direct impact of their actions helping others, and they are always excited to come back year after year.” Bodenburg went further by thanking DECA senior, Miranda Froslie, for organizing the entire event.
DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for future careers in Marketing, Finance, Hospitality, and Management. For more information on DECA, contact CRHS DECA advisor Blake Bodenburg at Blake.Bodenburg@ahschools.us
DECA members Diana Lopez-Silva and Jordanna Bradford at FMSC.
DECA Members Libby Larson, Madi Froslie, Liz Jaquez, and Kelsey Koehler at FMC.
Elizabeth Becker, Lauren Pavelko, Lilyanna Gagnon, and Alexia Johnson gloved up and ready to make meals.
CRHS Eid Al-Fitr Party- April 25 2:30pm
Coon Rapids High School is planning our first annual Eid Al-Fitr party on April 25 from 2:30pm-5pm! If you celebrate Eid or are interested in participating in the celebration, please sign up with Ms. Quyen in the Main Office.
3rd Annual Multicultural Festival - May 26th
Leo Club is excited to share that they will be hosting the 3rd Annual Multicultural Festival on May 26th at 5:30pm in the CRHS Parking Lot. There will be performances, activities, community resources, & food trucks!
Nurse's Office Reminder for Families of 11th Grade Students
The state of Minnesota requires all students to have a meningococcal booster by the beginning of senior year. Now is a great time to schedule this vaccination! For most, the first dose was given with a tetanus booster back in 7th grade. For those who have not received the first dose, only one dose will be required if your student is at least 16 years old. For those who do not want to complete the vaccination, please complete the exemption portion of the MDH Immunization Form, sections 1A and 1B. Please send completed exemptions or updated vaccination records to julie.swanson@ahschools.us or have your student bring their form to the health office. Thanks!
GOT ALLERGIES?
If your student is struggling with seasonal allergies, they may carry over the counter eye drops in their pocket or backpack during the school day. If they need any over the counter allergy tablets, prescription tablets or prescription drops, please contact Nurse Julie Swanson for a medication form at julie.swanson@ahschools.us.
Coon Rapids High School Student 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.
National Volunteer Appreciation (April 16-22)
Our Volunteers are a gift we cherish all year long. But National Volunteer Appreciation (April 16-22) is a great time to showcase and thank our special helpers.
Our kind and considerate CRHS Volunteers have selflessly given over 7,000 hours to our students and staff this school year!!! From cafeteria helpers and chaperones to ushers and volunteer coaches these folks are filling needs and making a serious impact. Thank you for your generous gift of time!
Volunteers are such 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 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.
HELP: Need 9th-11th grade Parents/Guardians for Sr. All Night Party Com.
HELP: Need 9th-11th grade parents/guardians for the Senior All Night Party Committees. We are in need of several people to help plan the SANP. This is an event that is done at the end of Graduation and takes place at the Mermaid with entertainment and a safe place to be with friends for one more high school event. the major work is done before this thou and the time commitment is small.
Interested please contact Susie at susiek@usfamily.net for more information.
Seniors: Registration for the Senior All Night Party
The 2023 Senior All-Night Senior Party will be held on Sunday, June 4, 2023 from 9:00 PM -2 AM at The Mermaid in Mounds View. Buses will pick up students from the CRHS at 9:00 PM, and return students to CRHS shortly after 2:00am.
Admission is $75.00 and includes transportation to/from the party, food and beverage, bowling, casino games , a henna, tattoo artist, a souvenir T-shirt, bags, yard games and more. Plus many prizes -EVERY graduate leaves with a prize!
If financial assistance is needed, partial scholarships are available on a first come, first serve basis to assist students with the registration fee. If interested in applying for a scholarship, please have your student pick up an application form in the Counseling Office from Megan Manzke.
Final deadline to sign up for the party to guarantee a t-shirt is Friday, May 5th, 2023. Please fill out the google doc to register your student, and submit a NON REFUNDABLE Venmo payment of $75 to @SANP22 or make checks payable to: Coon Rapids Senior Party Association. Mail to: 2340 Northdale Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433 Attn: Guidance Office. Please include your student's name on the payment in Venmo or on the check.
If you would like to make a monetary donation to support the Senior All Night Party or in support to ensure all students can attend, please indicate that in your Venmo donation. If have any questions on registration please contact Lori Van Hulzen at lorivanhulzen@gmail.com.
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)
- Military Branches - Wednesday, April 26th
Scholarships for our Seniors!
1. Career Center Website for advice and scholarships - here
2. Complete FAFSA application - here
3. Wallin 2 year pathway scholarship ($6,000) - here
4. Seniors - check your emails from me (Brenda Mitshulis)
Anoka Tech - Surgical Tech Trip
CRHS students were able to experience first hand on what the ins and outs would be like to be a surgical technician. Such a cool experience for our students and Anoka Tech did an amazing job teaching them!
MITY program - Now accepting applications for summer sessions!
Our high school program brings together talented students from across the Twin Cities, the nation, and the world for intensive learning and discovery during two 2-week summer sessions. Located on the beautiful campus of Macalester College, MITY challenges students academically while developing leadership skills, instilling self-confidence, and fostering lifelong friendships among like-minded peers.
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.
Anoka-Hennepin FAFSA and MN Dream Act Help Session
Now that you’ve submitted college applications, your next step is to apply for financial aid. You may be eligible to complete the FAFSA or the MN Dream Act. These applications can be completed online using your 2021 income taxes.
Attend our Financial Aid help event to get free, on-site professional assistance completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the MN Dream Act. Families will hear a brief presentation outlining eligibility, steps, and tips to complete their financial aid before having time to work and ask questions from expert volunteers. Registration is not required for this event.
Click here for:
* For FAFSA: Apply for your FSA ID number at least 3 days prior to attending at https://fsaid.ed.gov
ASVAB Career Exploration Program
Learn About Yourself Explore Careers Plan Your Future What is the ASVAB test? The ASVAB is a FREE career exploration program measuring your strengths, weaknesses, and potential for future success whether you choose to go to a 2-year college, 4-year college, technical school, or into a military career. When is the ASVAB test? Saturday, April 22 from 8 -11:00 a.m. at Blaine High School. What does it cost? Nothing! This is a free program and you will get your results the following week! How do I register? This is for current Anoka-Hennepin students only. Please sign up in the College and Career Center at your school by Thursday, April 13.
Girls in Aviation
Girls in Aviation, that provides an excellent introduction to aviation. This year’s event is on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Life Link III has an exhibit there, as well as one of our helicopters.
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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