In the Know - October 27, 2023
October 27, 2023
District, schools participate in Anoka Big Parade of Little People
🎃 District students, staff and administrators participated in the annual Big Parade of Little People down Main Street in Anoka, the Halloween Capital of the World, Friday, Oct. 27.
🧙♀️🧛♂️👻 In full costumes, students and staff from Lincoln and Wilson elementaries in Anoka waved to the people lining street.
🎺🥁 Middle school bands filled the air with music, as Anoka Middle School for the Arts and Jackson, Oak View, and Roosevelt middle schools marched.
🏫 Finally, district administrators walked the route and handed out Anoka-Hennepin stickers.
The parade provides an opportunity for students to participate in the rich history and pride of the Anoka community. 📸 View photos from the Big Parade of Little People.
Students from Lincoln Elementary.
Members of the Roosevelt Middle School Marching Band.
Students from Wilson Elementary.
Enrollment reports indicate growth in Anoka-Hennepin
Anoka-Hennepin’s 2023-24 school enrollment report shows an overall increase of 171 students from the 2022-23 school year. Officially, this year’s K-12 enrollment is 36,788 students.
Data and analysis on enrollment was presented to the Anoka-Hennepin School Board on Oct. 23 by Dr. Joel VerDuin, chief information and technology officer. Additional information regarding enrollment at both the district and school levels is available in the Oct. 1, 2023 enrollment report, a document published each year and posted online for review. Data in this report are used to set budgets and are used in various planning activities for the district.
The big picture: The secondary grades 9-12 count drove the enrollment gains, with an increase of 231 students reported over projections.
📺 Watch the presentation from the Oct. 23, 2023 School Board meeting.
Online store for Anoka-Hennepin Schools apparel open until Nov. 6
👕👚 An online store to purchase Anoka-Hennepin branded apparel and accessories is now open through Monday, Nov. 6. Items will be customized with the Anoka-Hennepin Schools logo through BSN Sports.
Orders will be delivered to the Anoka-Hennepin Schools Educational Service Center (2727 N. Ferry Street, Anoka) for pick-up from the district warehouse. Items will not be shipped to sites. Apparel will arrive 5-7 weeks after the store closes. Email notifications will be sent to staff when orders are ready for pick-up.
Note: District funds may not be used for purchases. This opportunity is available for staff members who wish to enhance their wardrobe with Anoka-Hennepin Schools apparel and accessories.
Staff PD opportunity: Supporting American Indian Students in the Classroom
The Anoka-Hennepin American Indian Education Program is hosting seven virtual discussions on Supporting American Indian Students in the Classroom starting Nov. 1. The discussions will be held virtually using Google Meet from 6-8 p.m. on each date.
Virtual discussions:
- Nov. 1: Introductions, Icebreakers, Definitions
- Nov. 8: History of Indian Education
- Nov. 15: Teaching American Indian Students
- Nov. 29: Minnesota Chippewa Tribe
- Dec. 6: Dakota Oyate
- Dec. 13: Indigenous Games
- Dec. 20: American Indian Literature
The discussions will be hosted by Benjamin Burgess, Ph.D. elementary American Indian Education advisor. The courses will focus on American Indian experiences within the educational system with a special emphasis on perspectives of Ojibwe and Dakota people of Minnesota.
Join the virtual discussions on Google Meet. For more information, please contact Benjamin Burgess at benjamin.burgess@ahschools.us or 763-506-1172.
School Board election to be held Nov. 7
Three seats on the Anoka-Hennepin School Board will be up for election on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. The six-member Anoka-Hennepin School Board makes policy and oversees the district’s budget, curriculum, personnel and physical facilities. Members are elected by district to four-year terms. Details regarding impacted districts:
- District 1: Includes Anoka, western Andover, western Coon Rapids and southwestern Ramsey.
Candidates: Incumbent Erin Heers-McArdle, Linda Hoekman - District 2: Includes Blaine and eastern Coon Rapids.
Candidates: Zach Arco, Susan Witt - District 5: Includes Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, southern Coon Rapids, Fridley.
Candidates: Michelle Langenfeld, Scott Simmons, Cyrus Wilson
📍 To see which district you live in, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State polling place finder.
🗳️ For more information about where and how to vote, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website.
Information about the election process or voter registration is available through the Anoka County Elections office or contact them at elections@co.anoka.mn.us or 763-324-1300.
Where Wellness Matters: The PoWEr of Connection
As human beings, we are wired for connection and belonging. While we work to make sure the students in our district feel connected and a sense of belonging in our school communities, don’t we also want this for ourselves at work? Research shows that connection and belonging enhances our quality of life, positively influences our mental and physical health, and promotes engagement. This is the “PoWEr of Connection.”
Connection and belonging happens when people are seen, heard, valued, and accepted. You may be familiar with how it feels to be connected and belong. I’m guessing, you definitely know how it feels to be in a room full of people yet feel alone. As it turns out, it is in small moments like asking someone how they are doing that creates connection. Start building connection and belonging by greeting co-workers, or expressing genuine interest in how they are doing. Be present and listen. Schedule quality time with friends or family to reconnect.
Wellness Resources
- Connection and Belonging: How to Create it and Why we Need it.
- Employees receive a $10 discount on Community Education Adult Learning fitness, health and finance classes. See a sample of November class offerings and view the discount code.
- Call the Employee Assistance Program toll-free at 1-800-626-7944 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. View more information about this free resource here.
- Self Care by AbleTo (self-help app - formerly Sanvello).
- Wellness website.
Monroe reading gains awarded by state business leaders
An organization of top business leaders from throughout Minnesota has selected Monroe Elementary School - Mathematics, Science and Children’s Engineering to receive the 2023 2023 Minnesota’s Future Award. The honor is bestowed on one educational agency in the state each year.
Why it matters: Improving literacy skills for students is a strategic priority for Anoka-Hennepin Schools and a goal for schools across Minnesota. Monroe was selected for transforming the way students are taught to read which led to demonstrated gains in the Minnesota Comprehensive Achievement (MCA) results. Current fourth-grade students made an 18% jump in reading proficiency from 2022 to 2023 and current fifth-grader students made a 25% improvement. Monroe is one of 12 schools in Anoka-Hennepin piloting the Bridge to Read curriculum.
Taking the lead: Principal Amy Oliver and Monroe staff were honored in front of nearly 1,000 business, civic, and political leaders at the MBP’s annual dinner at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Oct. 18. The Minnesota’s Future Award has recognized high-performing schools and education programs for innovation and success in helping all students succeed since 2006.
About Monroe: Located in Brooklyn Park, Monroe is a STEM school for mathematics, science and children’s engineering K-5 specialty school serving nearly 550 students. 📺 Watch the video highlighting the award.
Andover High School student “spreads wings” with artwork featured in downtown Anoka mural
Andover High School freshman Rachel Kroona was able to participate in the repainting of the Mainstreet tunnel in downtown Anoka due to her participation in classes at the Rum River Art Center. The tunnel was completed with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 21.
The big picture: The project took approximately six months, beginning in May of 2023, with the intent of including interactive backdrops while paying homage to the history and landscape of downtown Anoka.
Fun fact: Kroona was the youngest artist to have their artwork featured in the Mainstreet tunnel, an opportunity the freshman appreciated and learned from. “I was able to work with all of these really talented adult artists,” Kroona said. “I feel super honored. I hope I have the opportunity to do this again.”
📸 View photos of Kroona and the completed project.
🔎 Learn more about the project.
📖 Read the full story.
October is Manufacturing Month: Ninth grade students tour local businesses, envision future career opportunities
Ninth-grade students in introduction to engineering design courses at both Blaine and Coon Rapids high schools recently visited two local manufacturing businesses to see real-world applications of what they are learning in class.
Both sites are magnet schools with programs that have an engineering focus:
- Blaine High School - Center for Engineering, Mathematics and Science (BHS)
- Coon Rapids High School - Center for Biomedical Sciences and Engineering (CRHS)
🎛️ A total of 40 students from the two schools visited Design Ready Controls and Delta ModTech to experience how a product comes to life, starting from an idea on paper, all the way to a finished, manufactured product. “It’s nice to be able to understand and learn how the design process works,” said Zachary Lizakowski, a BHS student. 📸 View photos from the visits.
The visits help students see what kind of careers are available in the industry and connect them to future course selection during their time in the programs. These on-site experiences can also be helpful for students like Madalina Istratii, who is enrolled in both the biomedical sciences and engineering programs at CRHS. “I like hands-on learning,” Istrati said. “You’re not just sitting at a desk; you’re building, designing and drawing. You’re making things happen.” 🗞️ Read more about the impact of the visits.
A total of 305 Anoka-Hennepin students named AP scholar
A total of 305 students from the five traditional high schools in Anoka-Hennepin Schools were named Advanced Placement (AP) scholars based on scores on AP course exams taken during the 2022-23 school year.
Anoka-Hennepin offers more than two dozen different AP courses to high school students which have been audited and approved by the College Board. Students who complete an AP course can take an optional exam and earn college credit, depending on their score on the exam and admission requirements at the college or university they attend. An AP exam score of 3 or higher (on a scale of 1 to 5) earns credit at many of the nation’s colleges and universities.
🗞️ View the full list of Anoka-Hennepin students who were named AP scholars.
Parent Engage 360 Podcast Episode 37: Free school meals, educational benefits and nutrition
New this school year, every student is able to receive one breakfast and one lunch at no cost during the school year due to the state’s Free School Meals program. While the program is new, students will still have access to the same nutritious meals they have come to expect in Anoka-Hennepin.
In the latest Parent Engage 360 Podcast, host Liz Burgard was joined by Anoka-Hennepin child nutrition leaders Noah Atlas (director) and Callie Neumann (assistant director) to learn more about the state’s Free School Meals program, educational benefits and the importance of balanced nutrition for youth.
Tune in to the Parent Engage 360 Podcast on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, or at ahschools.us/parentengage360. The podcast is also available on Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, iHeartRadio and Samsung Podcasts.
Episode highlights
- The state’s Free School Meals program began in the fall of 2023, allowing every student to receive one breakfast and one lunch at no cost during the school year.
- In order to receive a meal, students must take a complete meal. Learn more about what makes a “complete meal.”
- Learn more about why it's important for families to continue to apply for educational benefits even though school meals are now offered at no cost.
- Neumann discusses the nutritional requirements from the federal government for school meals and the importance of a balanced diet for youth. Learn more about how to eat healthy with MyPlate at myplate.gov.
Curriculum Open House provides parent input opportunity
Anoka-Hennepin School District families, students, staff, and community members are invited to review and provide feedback on eight new curriculum options in the areas of secondary science, math, and social studies. The district will offer both in-person and virtual open house opportunities in November.
Open house information:
In-person: 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16 at the Educational Service Center, 2727 N Ferry St., Anoka.
Virtual: Nov. 15-29. Participants will be provided links and videos to review online. Interested participants must register online by Monday, Nov. 13. Complete this form to register for the virtual review option.
These new curriculum review options are in the areas of (view detailed descriptions of each area):
- AP Calculus
- Physics
- Biology
- IB Chemistry
- IB Biology
- U.S. Studies - 7
- U.S. History - 10
- World History - 11
As the district reviews and adopts new materials in courses, it involves students, parents, and the community as part of a comprehensive 41-step process. Current math, language arts, science, social studies, and health materials were all adopted after community engagement and public review of the materials, and future purchases will also be reviewed publicly before official adoption.
Fall sports and activities round-up: ⚽️ Andover girls soccer advances in the state tournament
With the fall sports and activities season wrapping up, here’s a look at who’s heading to state, and how they fared when they performed and played. Also included is information about post-season awards gathered by student-athletes and coaches.
Girls Soccer
The Andover High School girls soccer team (12-4-2) advanced to the semifinals of the 2023 MSHSL Girls State Soccer Tournament with a 2-1 victory by penalty kicks over Eagan High School on Oct. 24.
The Huskies held a 1-0 lead with six minutes remaining in the quarterfinal match-up of the state tournament before the Wildcats (13-4-2) netted the game-tying goal which would eventually send the game into overtime. After a scoreless overtime session, the game came down to penalty kicks.
Sklyn Jorenson, Addie Dobratz, Lauren Wright, and Brenna Hudson scored on penalty kicks for the Huskies, while goalkeeper Haley Mau stopped two of three penalty kicks to send the Huskies into the semifinals.
The Huskies, making their fourth trip to the state tournament in school history, will play No. 1 seeded Edina High School on Tuesday, Oct. 31 at 8 a.m. in the semifinals at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Boys Soccer
The Andover High School boys soccer team made its second straight and fifth overall appearance in the MSHSL State Boys Soccer Tournament on Thursday, Oct. 26. Unfortunately, the Huskies suffered a 1-0 loss to No. 2 seed Maple Grove High School at Kuhlman Stadium - Edina Community Center. The Huskies finished the season with a record of 10-8-0.
Providing choice, empowering minds: Anoka-Hennepin features 12 specialty and magnet schools
Anoka-Hennepin offers 12 specialty and magnet schools designed to provide families with additional choices at no cost. Students in kindergarten - grade 12 who live within the Anoka-Hennepin boundaries may apply to enroll at any of the specialty or magnet schools as an opportunity to explore interest areas in depth.
The specialty and magnet programs provide in-demand educational options such as the arts, science, technology, math, engineering and biomedical sciences (STEM/STEAM), as well as International Baccalaureate (IB).
Magnet schools:
- Offered to students districtwide in partnership with the Northwest Suburban Integration School District (NWSISD).
- Transportation is provided.
- The application window is open for the 2024-25 school year and closes Dec. 31, 2023.
Specialty schools:
- Students may enroll at the specialty schools using an in-district transfer process.
- Families are responsible for providing transportation.
- Applications are accepted Dec. 1, 2023 - Jan. 15, 2024 for priority consideration.
The specialty and magnet schools are hosting information nights/open houses for parents to learn more about the programs offered. These events range from mid October to mid January. Tours by appointment are also available at each site.
For specific open house dates, more information on each of the specialty and magnet schools and the application/enrollment process, visit ahschools.us/specialtymagnet.
Special Education Advisory Council Resource Information Night set for Nov. 16
The Anoka-Hennepin Schools Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) is hosting a resource information night on Thursday, Nov. 16 for families of students with special needs. A total of seven different vendors will be in attendance to share information with families about community resources.
Event information:
- Thursday, Nov. 16 from 6-7:30 p.m.
- Educational Service Center, 2727 N Ferry St., Anoka.
- Erling Johnson A & B
- Families will be able to speak with various vendors at stations which will be set up in the room.
- Vendors will cover activities, dental care, sports, and community groups for students with special needs.
Join the district Elementary English Language Arts review committee
Anoka-Hennepin is seeking community members to join the district’s Elementary English Language Arts (ELA) Review Committee. Applications must be submitted by Nov. 1.
The elementary ELA review committee’s purpose is to study research and best practices based on the science of reading using the READ Act legislation as a guide. The committee will analyze Anoka-Hennepin elementary student achievement results relative to the Minnesota state standards. The study will additionally integrate and study the present ELA program and stakeholder feedback.
A goal for the committee will be to provide results and recommendations to the School Board, informing next steps for an ELA curriculum pilot.
The committee will include district personnel, teachers, school board members and parents/guardians of elementary students representing each attendance area in the district.
Meetings will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the Educational Service Center (ESC) located at 2727 N Ferry St. in Anoka on the following dates: Nov. 29, Dec. 14, Jan. 24, Feb. 26, March 28, April 23 and May 14.
Please complete the online application to be considered for membership. If you have any questions, please contact Ann Sangster, elementary director of curriculum, instruction and assessment at 763-506-1063 or at ann.sangster@ahschools.us.
In the news: #AHSchools substitute teacher, Jessica Koehler, competes on TV game show honoring educators
LoterÍa Loca, a new game show on CBS, hosted #AHSchools substitute teacher Jessica Koehler in an episode tonight - saluting teachers and education. The new series is based on the traditional Mexican game of chance akin to Bingo, that millions of Americans play every week.
🎲 View the full game show episode featuring Koehler.
▶️ Skip to 7:10 to hear how Miss Jessica decided to start substitute teaching in the district.
- Staff may subscribe to receive emergency text message alerts.
- Submit artwork for the annual kindness poster contest.
- 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.