In the Know - May 19, 2023
May 19, 2023
Dr. Kate Maguire, interim superintendent - Maintaining positive momentum through times of change
I started my service with the Anoka-Hennepin School District in July 2022 with the idea that we continue to grow and improve as a system and provide the best possible experience for our students this school year.
My focus throughout the year has been to highlight our district mission and core values; to build relationships in order to help people feel heard, respected, and valued; to support our strategic priorities, including the Equity Achievement Plan, and to support all of you in contributing to the success of each of our students.
As high school seniors take the final steps to cross the stage at commencement and thousands of other students advance another year in their education, there is little question that this school year has provided a better learning experience for most students than either of the past two years which were disrupted by the pandemic. This positive momentum serves us all well, and provides hope and inspiration for continued success in the years to come.
This year our district has produced four national merit scholarship finalists and two presidential scholars. Nine of our educators were in the running for Minnesota’s Teacher of the Year and three were named semi-finalists. Over 3,200 students were recognized for outstanding academic growth in math, reading and science and hundreds were recognized at school board meetings. Four magnet schools were recognized nationally by Magnet Schools of America and University Avenue Elementary was named a top magnet school in the nation.
The School Board has taken key actions to position the district for continued academic excellence. While elementary schools will remain committed to ensuring students can read well by third grade, a new science curriculum will be in place for all elementary schools this fall. Called twigScience, this curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and STEM principles for all elementary students. Relevant computer science skills such as coding will also be added district wide at the elementary level, another example of highly interactive learning options to build student interest in career pathways of the future. The School Board has also approved strategic investments which support safe and welcoming environments, academic achievement, and physical facility improvements.
The district is in a position to continue this positive trajectory in part due to the drive and motivation of our dedicated employees. Our staff is consistently focused on doing their best for students and helping them reach their highest potential.
Thank you to all in the Anoka-Hennepin Schools community for your continued effort to make our schools the best possible experience for our students this school year.
Cory McIntyre will begin service as Superintendent of Anoka-Hennepin Schools on July 1, 2023. McIntyre currently serves as superintendent for neighboring Osseo Area Schools. McIntyre served as associate superintendent and executive director of student services for Anoka-Hennepin Schools from 2016 to 2019.
District receives Excellence in Financial Reporting Award for 21st straight year
The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) awarded Anoka-Hennepin Schools the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (COE). ASBO International’s COE recognizes districts that have met the program’s high standards for financial reporting and transparency. The school district earned the Certificate of Excellence for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ended 2022. This marks the 21st straight year to earn the recognition.
To be considered for the award, school districts must submit their Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for review by a team of financial professionals who provide feedback to improve future documents. Districts whose ACFR complies with all key program criteria are eligible for the award. Anoka-Hennepin Schools posts its ACFR annually on the district website with annual reports and evaluations.
Now arriving in district mailboxes: Spring 2023 FOCUS newsletter
The spring issue of Anoka-Hennepin Schools' FOCUS newsletter began arriving at district households last week. Mailed to all residences within the school district, the FOCUS newsletter is listed as a top resource for community members to learn more about their local schools.
Among this edition's features is information about new "hands on" science materials and tech tools approved for elementary students, notable student and staff accomplishments, details regarding how partnerships and preparedness tools enhance school safety, and a graduate spotlight on 2012 Blaine High School graduate Morgan Wolfe, who currently serves as a reporter and anchor at KARE-11 television news.
Additional copies are available at school sites for new families or staff and families who do not reside in the Anoka-Hennepin district. It can be viewed via the district's website at ahschools.us/focus.
Anoka-Hennepin and Allina Health present SupportingYoU podcast
Anoka-Hennepin and Allina Health partnered to provide district teachers and staff with a library of resources to support employee health and mental wellness.
SupportingYoU, an employee wellness podcast, has 34 episodes available now - featuring a range of topics from self-care fundamentals to the importance of gratitude.
Listen by visiting the website at ahschools.us/supportingyou.
District to discontinue use of Screencastify August 1, 2023
Anoka-Hennepin will no longer purchase Screencastify for staff use, effective August 1, 2023. This tool was purchased during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to support teachers and staff with video creation, and is no longer being used by a number of staff.
EdPuzzle, purchased around the same time as Screencastify, will remain and become the preferred substitute for video creation for secondary sites (grades 6-12). For grades K-5, Seesaw or Quicktime will now serve as the platform for video creation.
Teacher licenses in Screencastify will be downgraded on August 1, 2023 to the free version. Visit the Screencastify website for information on the free version. Users will need to download any videos they wish to save out of Google Drive.
Please contact your technology teacher in your building for additional assistance.
2023 employee retirements
Congratulations to our Anoka-Hennepin staff retiring this year! Check back as we will update this list as additional event information becomes available. If you would like to share a retirement announcement, please email info@ahschools.us.
- May 23: Retirement gathering for Jeff Richards (Secondary Virtual Academy)
- May 23: Retirement gathering for Lesli Skelly (Champlin-Brooklyn Park Academy)
- May 23: Retirement gathering for Lisa Palmer (Wilson Elementary)
- May 24: Retirement gathering for Debbie Prodahl (Franklin Elementary)
- May 24: Retirement gathering for Deb Day (Curriculum department)
- May 25: Retirement gathering for Kate Boynton, Kim Johnson, Muggy Pierfelice, Vicki Ekbom, Marti Pasterik and Denise Seviour (Oxbow Creek Elementary)
- May 31: Retirement gathering for Darla Heil (Dayton Elementary)
Law enforcement partnerships and preparedness are tools to enhance safety
We believe that all students learn better when every student is in a safe and supportive learning environment. Anoka-Hennepin Schools first priority is the safety of its students and staff, and everyone plays a role in keeping schools safe. Community partnerships are one tool that the district utilizes to ensure safe and welcoming schools.
The school district works to clearly communicate potential safety issues with families as soon as possible. The school district partners with local law enforcement agencies in the event of emergencies, and also works regularly to establish positive and productive relationships between school resource officers, school and district staff, students and their families to create a sense of familiarity within school communities.
A school emergency can take a number of forms including an environmental event such as a chemical spill or gas leak; a weather emergency such as a tornado warning; or an intruder in or near the school. The nature of a school emergency dictates what emergency response protocol school officials will put in place to ensure the safety and well being of students and staff.
Preparation is the key to effective response in case of an emergency. Each school has a safety plan, referenced in at least 11 drills throughout the year to help staff and students respond quickly, calmly and safely to a number of situations. Read the full article, published in the FOCUS print newsletter sent to all community members in the school district.
Parent Engage 360 Podcast Episode 32 Part 2: A districtwide approach to school safety
The latest episode of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast is the second of a two-part series focused on school safety. In Episode 32 Part 2, host Liz Burgard was joined by Anoka-Hennepin Chief Operations Officer Greg Cole and Tim Fournier, the district’s Security & Emergency Operations Manager to learn more about the district’s approach to school safety.
Anoka-Hennepin Schools' first priority is the safety of its students and staff, and everyone plays a role in keeping schools safe. In this episode, parents/guardians and community members can learn more about improvements that were made districtwide thanks to the 2017 Fit for the Future referendum, where voters approved the plan to address facility needs to create safe and secure learning environments for students and staff. You will also learn more about the district’s safety plan, including the terminology LOCKOUT, LOCKDOWN, and more on safety procedures and practices.
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.
CPHS senior headed towards a career in cybersecurity through IB Career-related Programme Pathway
Over the last three school years, the International Baccalaureate Programme at Champlin Park High School (CPHS) has been creating more opportunities for students to shine.
One of those ways is through the career-related pathways, which is giving students options to explore careers in the culinary, medical, cybersecurity/IT, educational, architecture and construction, design and fabrication, communication and transportation fields.
Mya Benson, a senior at CPHS, has taken advantage of that opportunity and is setting herself up for a potential career in cybersecurity. A self-described “techy,” Benson could always see herself working in the tech industry, but it wasn’t until she completed a reflection project in her Personal and Professional Skills II class that she really saw it become a reality.
Read more about Benson and her plans to work in the cybersecurity field.
MetroNorth Chamber supports Blaine High School students in state and national business competitions
The Business Professionals of America (BPA) chapter at Blaine High School - Center for Mathematics, Engineering and Science (BHS) has experienced a lot of success at the regional, state and national levels. A partnership with professionals at the school and in the community has sharpened the skills of the students and enabled them to reach high levels of success.
One of those connections is with the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce. Holly Boisjolie is the BHS BPA advisor and has helped foster a relationship with Chamber President Lori Higgins. Through this partnership students have gained industry experience by presenting at events, learned about internship and career opportunities and gathered advice, guidance and mentors.
“Supporting and interacting with local students is integral to our mission,” Higgins said. “We want students to know that there is a vast network of business and community leaders who want them to succeed, and that by working together we will continue to have not just a strong business community but a strong and vibrant community overall.”
Learning from Higgins about how a chamber of commerce works, BHS juniors Dorcas Aroloye and Silas Murangiri earned a state title in the team category of Presentation Management at the Minnesota BPA State Leadership Conference to advance to the national conference where the team placed second. Read more about the partnership.
Putting 'U' in Community Education: Evie's Story
When eighth grade student Evie Jones hits the track, she is listening while she runs. Listening to cheers from her family, encouragement from the stands and helpful information from her guide.
Evie was born with a rare condition that took her vision when she was a baby. But being blind doesn’t stop Evie from doing the things she loves. She is in her second year of track and field at Northdale Middle School through Community Education. She runs 60M and 100M races, as well as throws shot put. Evie’s guide, Judy Heichert runs alongside her using a tether. Thanks to Judy, Evie is able to get the complete track and field experience.
“I really love it. I enjoy it,” said Evie. “I’m the speedster.” Evie is also a goalie in a blind hockey league and plays several musical instruments. Read the full story on the Anoka-Hennepin Community Education website.
2022-23 spring sports and activities round-up
Adapted bowling
The Minnesota State High School League adapted Bowling tournaments for autism spectrum (ASD), cognitive impairment (CI) and physical impairment (PI) divisions was held May 12 at Bowlero in Brooklyn Park. A total of 37 students competed for Anoka-Hennepin. There were 13 top 10 finishes. Visit the district website for individual results from this year's adapted bowling competition.
Andover High School holds annual multicultural showcase
Andover High School held its annual multicultural showcase event May 16. Students performed three times during the school day, and once in the evening for community members and parents/guardians.
Students performed traditional dances and sang songs representing a number of nationalities during the event. The show featured three student hosts, performances, and concluded with a fashion show. View photos from the multicultural showcase on May 16.
Families gather for annual Arts Fest at Anoka Middle School for the Arts
Anoka Middle School for the Arts welcomed community members and families to its annual Arts Fest at both the Washington and Fred Moore campuses May 11. The evening showcased all the creative and artistic work of the students during the 2022-23 academic year with displays, performances, demonstrations and more.
The two-hour event is hardly enough time to experience all both campuses have to offer, as the evening highlighted more than 50 stations featuring:
- Musical and dance performances by individuals, teams, after-school programs, the school band/jazz band and choir groups.
- Creative writing readings.
- Raku firing and ceramics demonstrations.
- Interactive English, math, science, social studies and technical arts activities.
- A multicultural fashion show.
- And endless displays of student art and quilting projects.
Middle school students selected for state honor choir program
Each academic year, the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota (ACDA-MN) selects a special honor choir. Their mission of this program is to provide enriched singing opportunities for students in middle school.
Eleven students from Jackson Middle School - A Specialty School for Math and Science and three students from Anoka Middle School for the Arts were named members of the 2023 ACDA-MN State Honor Choir program.
Sixth graders performed with the All-State Choir on April 29 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, Minn. Seventh and eighth graders performed with the All-State Choir on May 6 at the same location.
This opportunity is open to all students who want to audition. The students worked before and after school hours to prepare their music for the event. More than 2,400 students audition each year for placement into the honor choir program with over 950 selected. View the list of Anoka-Hennepin students and staff selected.
In the news: Champlin Park senior receives scholarship for volunteer work
CCX Media visited St. Therese Senior Living at Oxbow Lake to meet Kayvon Raza, a senior volunteering his time there to connect with and entertain residents. Raza was selected to be a recipient of St. Therese's Youth Volunteer Scholarship for enriching the lives of senior citizens.
Live coverage and facility information for upcoming high school graduation ceremonies
Anoka-Hennepin will hold graduation ceremonies for Andover, Blaine, Champlin Park and Coon Rapids high schools Sunday, June 4 at Maturi Pavilion on the University of Minnesota campus. Anoka High School will hold its graduation ceremony Monday, June 5, at Goodrich Field.
Sunday, June 4 - Maturi Pavilion
- Champlin Park High School - 10 a.m.
- Blaine High School - 1 p.m.
- Coon Rapids High School - 4 p.m.
- Andover High School - 7 p.m.
Monday, June 5 - Goodrich Field
- Anoka High School - 7 p.m.
For more information about graduations, including links for live coverage, please visit the district website.
- School Board meeting set for Monday, May 22.
- Staff may subscribe to receive emergency text message alerts.
- Highway 10 update: Ramp from 7th Ave. to eastbound Hwy 10 has reopened.
- May engagement toolkit: Calming anxiety.
- 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.