In the Know- September 1, 2023
September 1, 2023
Convocation 2023
Whether you are new to Anoka-Hennepin Schools or you are approaching a “first day of school” as a longtime district staff member, it’s important to view Convocation 2023. Anoka-Hennepin Schools has a tradition of launching each school year with key messages for all staff members to understand the theme and priorities for the year.
Teams and staff groups were encouraged to view the pre-recorded event together between August 28 and September 1. It is the expectation that all Anoka-Hennepin staff view Convocation 2023 and are aware of the content in the recording. If you want to review portions of the presentation or watch it, now, view it below or on the Staff Intranet.
View the 2023 back-to-school video: “The Power of Purpose”
At Anoka-Hennepin School District, we believe that *miracles* happen in our schools each and every day, and when teams have a shared purpose - amazing things can happen.
In preparation for the upcoming school year, staff members across the district have focused on their purpose or their “why,” and how they make a difference in the lives of students through a theme for the upcoming school year, ”The Power of Purpose.”
#AHSchools has a tradition of inspiring staff, students and community partners with a back-to-school video each year. Recognizing that great opportunities come with each new school year, the district reflected on a time in history when the nation came together in a shared purpose for this years’ video inspiration.
In 1980, Americans embraced positivity in support of the United States men’s ice hockey team, which competed in the winter Olympics - and achieved the unthinkable - inspiring hope while bringing home the gold medal.
Check out the 2023-24 back-to-school video and join us in supporting and cheering on our students and staff as they go for the gold this school year.
Supt. Cory McIntyre poses with Andover High School alum and goalie for Team U.S.A, Maddie Rooney, and Assoc. Supt. of Middle Schools and Student Services, Becky Brodeur. As former principal of Andover High School, Brodeur made the connection with Rooney.
"Superfans" from the Morris Bye Elementary summer Adventures Plus school-age child care program helped cheer the Anoka-Hennepin team on.
Much appreciation to the principals who served as "good sports" for the making of this years' back-to-school video. Let's go for the gold!
Connection before content: High-energy message promoting engagement in the classroom welcomes Brookside and Hamilton elementary teachers back to school
On Aug. 28, administrators at both Brookside and Hamilton Elementary School in Coon Rapids collaborated to bring in an award-winning educator and administrator to deliver a high-energy message to teachers.
Former Radio Disney Host and education influencer Chris Pombonyo was the guest speaker and his time with the teachers was spent focused on how engagement can create positive outcomes in the classroom. Pombonyo spent the morning with teachers to provide examples and help generate ideas on how to actively engage students and make connections. View the full story.
Online policy training required for licensed staff
Aligning actions in the schools with district policies is an important factor in ensuring safe and welcoming environments. An online policy training system available through the district’s Learning Management System (LMS) provides important updates, ensures compliance with regulations, and provides a shared expectation for employees.
This online policy training provides valuable information about essential Anoka-Hennepin policies including Equal Education Opportunity, Data Practices, Mandated Reporting, Harassment, Violence, and Discrimination, and Bullying Prohibition. Completing this training program is a requirement for all staff for the 2023-24 school year.
To complete this required training, log in to the A-H Connect through the district website on the Learning Management System (LMS) application through the district website using your Anoka-Hennepin credentials. Additional detailed information will be sent directly to employees via email. Employees are encouraged to complete the training module during time provided during back-to-school workshop week and no later than Oct. 2, 2023.
Contact Shelly Leciejewski, Employee Services Manager, at 763-506-1109 or shelly.leciejewski@ahschools.us for additional information.
AHEF Mini-Grant Applications Now Open for 2023-24 School Year
The Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation (AHEF) has opened the second round of grants for the 2023-24 school year. This is the fall mini-grant application for funds up to $500 for immediate classroom or school needs.
“It is because of our generous donors, that these funds are available to teachers and staff to benefit students,” said Tess DeGeest, executive director of the AHEF. “Donors make this possible because they care about kids, and they care about education.”
Applications close on Monday, Oct. 2, with funds available later that month, for implementation in the 2023-24 school year. Visit the AHEF website at ahef.us to apply.
Questions about the grant process should be directed to Tess DeGeest at 763-506-1107 or via email at theresa.degeest@ahschools.us.
School Spotlight : Northdale Middle School
"What I think is special about Northdale is the environment. It's an inclusive place where everyone can be yourself without feeling judged," Olivia Jideofor, student. Learn more about Northdale Middle School in the latest School Spotlight video.
2023-24 Back-to-school information
Looking for more back-to-school information? Visit our back-to-school website at ahschools.us/bts for supply lists, open house dates, news and more.
The first day of school is Tuesday, Sept 5. View the district calendar for important updates.
SRO: Information regarding the School Resource Officer program with area law enforcement partners
Anoka-Hennepin Schools utilizes a multi-layered approach to protect the safety of students and staff. At the core of this effort are relationships that form a positive school culture and climate and partnerships with law enforcement through a School Resource Officer program (SRO). Structural and physical systems and use of technology and clear communication also play a significant role.
Read this information about the SRO program, which includes:
- New legislation impacting the SRO program.
- Status of the SRO program.
- Anoka-Hennepin Schools message shared with media outlets on Aug. 29, 2023.
- Anoka-Hennepin Schools message shared with families on Aug. 25, 2023.
- Resources.
Bleacher Captains from five district high schools team up for sportsmanship
Students from all five of Anoka-Hennepin’s traditional high schools participated in a sportsmanship training seminar at Andover High School Aug. 30.
Each school in the district designated student Bleacher Captains to participate in a sportsmanship training seminar titled “Stay Above the Line,” an initiative to promote positive spectator behavior and expectations for the upcoming sports and activities season.
The seminar was led by the activities from each of the five district high schools and included group discussions by students to share their experiences as student-athletes and spectators at events. Bleacher Captains will be visible at all Northwest Suburban Conference (NWSC)-sponsored activities and events to help promote a positive environment and respectful behavior and cheers for all players, fans, opponents and game personnel. View photos from the training seminar.
Sportsmanship is everybody’s business, and Anoka-Hennepin and the NWSC is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all.
District high schools transition to online ticketing for athletics and activities events
All five Anoka-Hennepin traditional high schools (Andover, Anoka, Blaine, Champlin Park and Coon Rapids) have made the transition to online ticket sales for athletics and activities events. With the exception of boys and girls hockey, all ticket sales for events hosted by district schools will be online using VANCO Events, the official ticketing system.
Payment will no longer be accepted at the admission gate. Fans and spectators are encouraged to purchase tickets prior to a scheduled event and be prepared to show their confirmation email with QR code to be scanned upon entry to the chosen event. Fans may show a confirmation email/QR code on their smartphone or with a printed copy.
Adult (18-59) tickets for football games are $8 and other athletic events are $6. Students (K-12) are $6 for football games and $4 for other athletic events. Fans 60 and older receive free admission to all events.
Students from the hosting and visiting schools must be prepared to show student identification at events and middle school students and younger must be accompanied and supervised by an adult chaperone. Students from any other schools/non-participating schools must also be accompanied by an adult chaperone.
Ticket information for each school can be found at the following websites:
- Andover High School: ahschools.us/huskytickets
- Anoka High School: ahschools.us/tornadotickets
- Blaine High School: ahschools.us/bhstickets
- Champlin Park High School: ahschools.us/cphstickets
- Coon Rapids High School: ahschools.us/crhstickets
The state's Free School Meals program to begin in 2023, families will still need to apply to qualify for more educational benefits
If a family needs access to any other educational benefits, please encourage them to visit ahschools.us/freereduced to complete an application.
The enrollment window for the 2023 Applications for Educational Benefits opened Aug. 1, 2023.
Parent Engage 360 Podcast Episode 35: Welcome back Cory McIntyre
Cory McIntyre began his new role as Superintendent of Anoka-Hennepin Schools on July 1 and has been off and running meeting with staff across the district. McIntyre joined Liz Burgard, parent involvement coordinator, in the latest episode of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast to share his excitement for returning to the district, discuss the theme for the 2023-24 school year and more.
Tune in to the Parent Engage 360 Podcast on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, or at ahschools.us/parentengage360. The Parent Engage 360 Podcast is also now available on Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, iHeartRadio and Samsung Podcasts.
The Parent Engage 360 Podcast aims to provide parents and guardians with knowledge from experts in chemical health, mental health, internet safety and more, as well as the tools needed to support their children. Anoka-Hennepin hopes that providing timely and helpful information through the Parent Engage 360 podcast series will strengthen the bond between school and home with resources parents and guardians can use and share with others.
- Action of the School Board, August 21, 2023.
- District to replace ash trees in response to emerald ash borer.
- Staff may subscribe to receive emergency text message alerts.
- Highway 10 construction update.
- Redeem your Rally® rewards before they expire.
- SupportingYoU, an employee wellness podcast, has 34 episodes available.
- Suicide Prevention Training available in the district's learning management system.
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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.