Backpack Online: Jan. 6, 2023
January 6, 2023
Preparing for the 2023-24 school year: School placement letters sent
Email reminders coming next week; enrollment and school choice details
Families have many choices today for their student’s education. Students enrolled in Anoka-Hennepin Schools are assigned to attend school based on their home address, and students transitioning to middle or high school have already received a placement letter via postal mail. A reminder email will be sent next week.
If a family is planning to send a child to kindergarten next school year, or if a family is interested in exploring alternate school options for the 2023-24 school year, now is the time to learn more. Information sessions and open houses for specialty/magnet schools are scheduled now through February, and elementary schools will offer kindergarten registration events beginning in March through April, varying at each school.
- If your family decides that they are interested in attending a school other than the school they are assigned to for the 2023-24 school year, complete either an in-district transfer or open enrollment form by Jan. 15, 2023 for priority consideration.
- If your family plans to stay at the school they are assigned to based on your home address, no additional action is needed.
Visit ahschools.us/enroll to complete the process, find FAQs and additional enrollment resources.
Sand Creek fifth grade ambassadors gain leadership by supporting fellow students
On Dec. 21, Sand Creek Elementary School fifth grade ambassadors joined students in the developmental cognitive disability (DCD) centerbase program on a field trip to Blainbrook Bowl in a one-to-one peer mentoring and support role.
Fifth grade ambassadors at the school are gaining leadership and mentorship opportunities by helping the DCD students to their buses at the end of the day. The bowling trip was a celebration of a successful first trimester. View photos from the field trip.
“The energy and excitement from our fifth grade ambassadors was infectious, and the support and friendship they offered to our students in the DCD program was special,” said Sand Creek principal Paul Anderson. Read more about the bowling field trip.
Anoka High School hosts panel of district alumni currently attending HBCUs
On Jan. 5, Anoka High School - Center for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (AHS) hosted a panel which featured former students from the district that are currently attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).
Current AHS students listened to six recent graduates talk about their college and HBCU experience to give them more information about their post-graduate options. Students in attendance were members of a multicultural perspectives elective class, as well as AVID students and members from the school’s men’s and women’s groups. View photos from the panel of district alumni. Read more about the panel.
Above & Beyond Award nominations accepted through Jan. 20
Two weeks remain to nominate an outstanding staff member
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.
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).
School Board votes to amend 2022-23 school year calendar
The last day of school for elementary students will now be Wednesday, June 7, while secondary students will have their last day Thursday, June 8
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.
Generous donations make grant opportunities available for district projects
The Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation (AHEF) has opened the first round of grants for the 2023-24 school year. Grant awards typically range between $200 and $7,000 depending on the scope and depth of the proposed project.
Grant awards further the mission of the AHEF, which is to cultivate equitable and innovative experiences for students in the Anoka-Hennepin Schools. AHEF does not typically fund capital expenses, alternative seating, furniture, or staff development, which are core responsibilities of the district. “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.”
All grant recipients commit to submitting a report on the impact of the grant-funded project along with photos, videos and/or testimonials of the grant’s impact on students. "We are especially interested in seeding innovative projects and those that address the equity gap for our students. We also recognize that mental health and wellbeing continues to be a primary concern for our students and welcome grants to address these needs," said DeGeest. Applications close on March 31, 2023. Questions about the grant process should be directed to Tess DeGeest at 763-506-1107 or via email at Theresa.degeest@ahschools.us. Read more about the benefits of AHEF grants.
Parent Engage 360 Podcast Episode 29: Stay Above the Line
Sportsmanship and positivity in school activities and events
Sportsmanship is everybody’s business, and Anoka-Hennepin Schools and the Northwest Suburban Conference (NWSC) are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all at athletics and activities events.
In the latest Parent Engage 360 Podcast episode, host Liz Burgard is joined by two high school seniors to learn more about the “Stay Above the Line” initiative. Coon Rapids High School senior Eleanor Defoe and Blaine High School senior Kendall Stadden both represent their schools as Bleacher Captains. Bleacher Captains will be visible at all NWSC-sponsored activities to help promote a positive environment and respectful behavior and cheers for all players, fans, opponents and game personnel.
In this episode, both Defoe and Stadden share insights into what it is like at a high school sporting event both from the spectator and student-athlete perspectives. Tune in to the Parent Engage 360 Podcast on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, or at ahschools.us/parentengage360.
Join us in supporting student athletes and schools, Stay Above the Line
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 supporting student athletes and school communities, watch the video to learn what it means to stay above the line. Join us in supporting Anoka-Hennepin student athletes and schools, share the video with your friends, family and neighbors.
Read more about increased security in place to ensure safety at school events and activities: www.ahschools.us/safegames
Upcoming events and important updates
- School Board meeting set for Monday, Jan. 9
- Action of the School Board, December 12.
- New $225 substitute teacher rate at select sites and on Fridays now in effect through the end of the school year.
- Safety is the top priority in extreme winter weather.
- Specialty school application deadline approaching Jan. 15.
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This e-newsletter is published by Anoka-Hennepin Schools. It's sent to Anoka-Hennepin families and community members who subscribe on a weekly basis during the school year, excluding breaks (and periodically during the summer). Questions, comments or concerns about the Backpack Online e-newsletter? Contact us.