News and events - April 14, 2023
April 14, 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
Late Start Mondays- Update for Trimester 3
The dates of the Late Start Monday mornings in Trimester 3 are the following: 4/17, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22
**Reminder to CRHS students that on late start days students arriving before the 8:20am need to do homework or connect with friends in either the Cafeteria or Auditorium (no food allowed in auditorium). Movement between these spaces stops at 7:35am.
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.
- 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.
CRHS Music Students Visit & Perform in NYC
The CRHS Music students took the trip of a lifetime to New York City over Spring Break! The CRHS Choir performed at the historic St. John the Divine (largest church in North America),
and the CRHS Band and Orchestra performed on the Intrepid Aircraft Carrier.
Music students also participated in workshops with Broadway musicians and an exchange with the North Bergen High School Music Department. Additionally CRHS students and staff enjoyed seeing many of the important landmarks in NYC, including the Statue of LIberty, 9/11 Memorial Museum, and attended two Broadway shows!
Biomedical Innovation Students Partner With U of M for Unique Research Project
Students in the CRHS Biomedical Innovations course recently had the opportunity to be mentored by University of Minnesota biostatistics graduate students during a project about biomedical research. Biomedical Innovations students used "The Islands," a virtual world, to conduct simulated clinical research and analyze their data. The partnership between CRHS Biomedical Innovations students and University of Minnesota biostatistics graduate students was also highlighted in an article published in the American Statistical Association magazine!
Read more about the CRHS Biomedical Innovations project and U of M partnership here!
CRHS Graduate Launches Small Business, Finds Success
Check out some awesome recent stories about CRHS graduate Catherine Huss! Now based out of California, Catherine started her business, Siena & Co., in 2022 and is finding great success for her swimwear lines created from high quality materials and that are ethically and locally produced. Catherine credits the experiences she gained from sewing classes at CRHS as helping her on her journey to Siena & Co! Read a Star Tribune story here and watch a KSTP Channel 5 story here to learn more about Catherine, her journey, and Siena & Co!
University of Minnesota Emerging Leaders of Color is coming to CRHS
On Wednesday April 19, representatives from The Carlson School will be coming to Coon Rapids High School to present an opportunity for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors interested in business through their Emerging Leaders of Color Program.
The presentation will take place in room 142, after school on Wednesday April 19, during the DECA meeting, but all students are encouraged to attend.
Former Coon Rapids DECA Alumni, and current University of Minnesota Carlson School student Brynn Nguyen will be presenting. Nguyen currently serves as an Outreach Ambassador, Carlson Ambassador, and ELOC Mentor.
Emerging Leaders of Color (ELOC) is an opportunity for high school students of color to come to the Carlson School of Management and learn about business from:
- Real-time business students of color
- Carlson professors of color
- Professionals of color
The goal of this is to give students initial exposure to what going into business outside of high school. Here are some additional details about the program:
- The program is free for students
- Offer in-person mentorships
- Numerous professional development activities
- Food
- Attendees Must provide own form of transportation to the sessions
- Sessions take place one Saturday a month beginning in September
Use this link to find out more about the ELOC Program:
Emerging Leaders of Color | Carlson School of Management (umn.edu)
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.
Neighborhood Healthsource Resources at Conference on Thursday April 20
Hi CRHS families! We will have representatives from Neighborhood Healthsource at CRHS during conferences on 4/20/23 to answer questions about low cost healthcare services, and health insurance (MNSure, and Medical Assistance).
Neighborhood Healthsource Information Flyer
You may stop by their table in the atrium between 4-7pm on 4/20/23 for information about Health insurance applications, food programs, community referrals, reducing the cost of medical visits, and the services available at their community clinics. NHS accepts all patients, with or without insurance and has programs to help reduce the cost of visits. A Navigator will be on-site to discuss applications for MNSure programs and Medical Assistance (MA).
If you or your family are currently uninsured or have questions about whether you may qualify for medical assistance and wish to speak with the navigator during conferences, contact the CRHS School Social Worker Emily Gustafson at emily.gustafson@ahschools.us or 763-506-7153 to request a one-on-one meeting (appointments available between 4-7pm - available until filled).
If you are unable to attend, you may contact NHS directly at 612-588-9411 to schedule a free appointment with a Patient Access Coordinator to help navigate and apply for these services.
Reminder- Check Students’ Progress with ParentVue
We are a few weeks into Trimester 3 and this is a good time to check your student's grades. 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.
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.
Volunteer Opportunities
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)
Join us for Tea at the B & B!
CRHS Theatre department is having a unique fundraiser on Sunday, April 16th called Tea at the B & B. Students will be giving guided tours of an historic St. Paul home and performing sneak peek musical numbers from our upcoming production of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast". Tea and light hors d'oeuvres will be served, merchandise will be for sale, guests can buy tickets to our show, and good company will abound! We hope to see you at the tea.
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 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)
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Thursday, April 20th: University of Wisconsin - Eau-Claire
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)
CRHS Senior Job Fair
This week, CRHS had several companies come out to help our seniors who are wanting to go into the workforce after graduation to get possible future jobs that offer great wages, health benefits, retirement, pension and some even offer tuition reimbursement. It also was an opportunity for our seniors to get great jobs over the summer to help pay for college as well. Check out some of the pictures from the event below, and thank you to all our community partners for joining us and supporting our students!
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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