In the Know - December 16, 2022

December 16, 2022

At its meeting Monday, Dec. 12, the Anoka-Hennepin School Board introduced a recognition program for board members who have demonstrated dedicated service to the schools and community they serve. Tom Heidemann, who served as a board member from 2000 to 2019, was honored with the inaugural Recognition of Distinguished Service.

Board chair Marci Anderson led a recognition program that included supportive comments from Deb Day, Anoka-Hennepin teacher and community volunteer; Michael Farley, Anoka High School principal; Dr. Roger Giroux, former superintendent; and Jinger Gustafson, former associate superintendent and principal.

“This district has a rich history in celebrating student successes, of course - and we also celebrate and honor many other impressive accomplishments,” Anderson explained. “In the past, we have named rooms and vestibules after departing or lost board members, and we started to consider recognition in a different way. We thought about how we could honor those [board members] who have contributed significantly, but also memorialize these accomplishments.”

The school board developed the recognition with specific criteria, and a plaque highlighting Heidemann’s service will be on display at the Sandberg Education Center, located at 1902 Second Ave. in Anoka.

Past superintendent (1995-2008) Giroux reflected on his time in the district and shared his perspective. “I thank the board for doing this award for a very important community reason; our collective memory gets lost with age, and that collective memory is critical to the heart and health of the organization. This is one of the ways that you anchor those memories and important historical moments – and I thank you for that.”

View the full story, including details about Heidemann’s service to Anoka-Hennepin Schools.

Do you know an Anoka-Hennepin staff member who goes above and beyond normal job expectations to ensure that students receive a high quality education in a safe and nurturing environment? Maybe that person is a teacher or a custodian or a paraprofessional? Maybe a school counselor or principal? Perhaps someone working in the cafeteria, or a nurse or a secretary?

If you know someone who does amazing work for children, you’re strongly encouraged to nominate them for the Above & Beyond Awards. The Above & Beyond Awards involve students, staff, parents and community members in recognizing and rewarding Anoka-Hennepin employees and groups who consistently go that extra mile so students can be successful.

Nominations are being accepted for worthy candidates through Friday, Jan. 20, 2023.

Check out the Above & Beyond Awards website, ahschools.us/aboveandbeyond, for a nomination form or to read additional information about the awards.

The program is a joint effort of the district and the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation (AHEF). The 2023 Above & Beyond Awards ceremony will take place March 29 at the Educational Service Center (ESC).

Anoka-Hennepin Schools are committed to creating experiences that showcase the talents of student athletes in an environment that promotes healthy competition. Promoting sportsmanship and a positive environment is a priority and our school communities expect respectful behavior and cheers for all players, fans, opponents and game personnel. Join us in encouraging fans and school communities to stay above the line at games and events.

View this new video illustrating what it means to stay above the line, how our student athletes compete and how our communities support our schools.

Anoka-Hennepin staff who are interested in earning some extra money can get behind their home team! High schools are in need of extra help at extra-curricular activities and events. Positions range from site manager, ticket seller, bleacher supervision, buildings and grounds support and transportation drivers. Rates are between $55-110 depending on the duties. If interested, reach out to the activities secretary of the high school(s) that you are interested in supporting:

• Anoka High School - Donna Spiczka, 506-6380

• Andover High School - Deanna Palmer, 506-8409

• Blaine High School - Molly Gamble, 506-6706

• Champlin Park High School - Marcy Burnevik, 506-6902

• Coon Rapids High School - Jacque Lacy, 506-7307

Anoka-Hennepin employee 2022 W-2s will be available for viewing, downloading and printing by logging into Skyward Employee Access.

To access Skyward, first sign in to A-HConnect, then click Skyward. In order to receive the W-2 electronically instead of a paper copy, please complete the opt out form titled "Confirm W2 Delivery 2022" in Employee Access of Skyward.

Employees have until Jan. 13, 2023 to change their preference to receiving their W-2 electronically. Communication will be sent out when 2022 W-2s are available electronically.

Please contact Payroll at extension 61050 or Payroll.Help@AHSchools.us with any questions.

The School Board approved a change to the district calendar at its December 12 meeting, converting June 8 to a non-student contact day at the elementary level. There will be no change to the schedule at the secondary level. The last day of school for elementary school students will be Wednesday, June 7, while the last day of school for secondary students will remain Thursday, June 8.

This change will allow elementary staff additional time to prepare for transitions that will occur from the current school year to the next, including the closing of Franklin Elementary School and boundary changes across the district.

The Anoka-Hennepin employee services department hosted a substitute appreciation celebration at the Educational Service Center Dec. 2.

The event was held as a thank you to all who work as substitutes across the district in all work areas. Serving as a substitute helps provide stability for students and plays an important role in maintaining quality educational services. A new $225 substitute teacher rate is offered at select sites and on Friday snow in effect through the end of the school year. Share the opportunities with friends or neighbors that may be interested in learning how to substitute teach in Anoka-Hennepin: ahschools.us/jobs.

Three information sessions are available for employees to learn more about the Grow Your Own Program, specifically The Work and Learn Program offered by the University of St. Thomas for Anoka-Hennepin employees. Upcoming information sessions include:

Thursday, Jan. 12

• 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Meeting link: https://stthomas.zoom.us/j/7154955543

Tuesday, Feb. 7

• 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Meeting link: https://stthomas.zoom.us/j/7154955543

Read more about the Work and Learn program.

Anoka-Hennepin Community Education offers many exciting opportunities for lifelong learning this winter. Distribution of printed catalogs has been delayed due to circumstances outside of the district's control, but registration for all programs is open and available online.

Learn more about the upcoming Community Education opportunities.

Say it Again is an Anoka-Hennepin Schools program that sells home decor, furniture and gifts refurbished by special education students practicing on-the-job skills. The store in Andover (13735 Round Lake Blvd. NW) will have extended hours on Wednesday, Dec. 21 until 6 p.m. Everything in the store is 30% off.

Regular store hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• Action of the School Board, December 12.
• Anoka-Hennepin and Allina Health present Supporting YoU, and employee wellness podcast.
• Appreciation of Diversity workshop series for staff to begin Feb. 11.
• Increased security in place to ensure safety at school events.

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