Backpack Online - December 9, 2022
December 9, 2022
Cory McIntyre named next superintendent of Anoka-Hennepin Schools
The Anoka-Hennepin School Board selected Cory McIntyre as the next superintendent of the Anoka-Hennepin School District. The selection was made following a first-round of interviews Nov. 29 and 30, and day-long final interviews with district/community stakeholders and School Board members Dec. 6 and 7.
“Anoka-Hennepin Schools has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a belief that all students can learn at high levels,” McIntyre said. “I believe the mission and vision of the District is a match with my philosophy of education, and my skills and abilities as a leader.”
Monroe Elementary staff goes on surprise shopping spree at Office Depot
In September, students and staff at Monroe Elementary School - Mathematics, Science and Children’s Engineering were surprised with a donation of backpacks and school supplies from Office Depot.
Through the Office Depot Start Proud!® Program, 1,000 backpacks filled with notebooks, composition books, crayons, pencils, highlighters and more were distributed to students at both Monroe and Evergreen Park Elementary: STEM School of Innovation.
Fast forward to Dec. 5, when staff at Monroe showed up to work prepared for a staff development day only to learn of another surprise. Teachers and staff members loaded school buses for a surprise trip to Office Depot in Maple Grove, where they would soon go on a shopping spree for classroom supplies thanks to a donation of over $50,000. View photos of Monroe staff stocking up on school supplies and watch the news story by CCX Media to hear from Monroe staff as they were able to get more supplies for their classrooms.
New $225 substitute teacher rate at select sites and on Fridays now in effect
The Anoka-Hennepin School Board approved increased pay for substitute teachers, including a $225 daily rate, as a strategy to maintain high quality education in classrooms across the district.
A new $225 substitute teacher daily rate is now in effect for 10 schools across the district and at all sites on Fridays through the end of the school year. Substitute teachers help provide stability for students and serve an important role in maintaining educational services. View the schools included in the special rate.
Serving as a substitute teacher is a great way to gain valuable experience in education while assisting in meeting a community priority by helping children learn and develop. Anyone with a bachelor’s degree is eligible to become a substitute teacher. Contact Debbie Richter in the Anoka-Hennepin Employee Services department at 763-506-1100 or debbie.richter@ahschools.us to learn details and the process to apply.
District to host hiring event for operational positions Dec. 14
The Anoka-Hennepin School District will host an in-person hiring event for operational positions Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 2-6 p.m. in the Erling Johnson Rooms A and B at the Educational Service Center (ESC), located at 2727 N Ferry St. in Anoka (enter Door 7).
Join us to learn more about employment opportunities and have a same-day, on-site interview for the positions listed below. Participants are strongly encouraged to begin filling out an application ahead of time at ahschools.us/jobs and come prepared to interview with hiring managers.
- Special Education Paras - Full-time (benefited positions); $17.50 to $20.40/hr and up depending on experience.
- Elementary Para (recess/lunch attendants) - Part-time; $16.50 to $18.90/hr.
- Bus Paras/Assistant - Part-time, a.m. or p.m.; $16 to $18.40/hr.
- Custodians - Full-time, 2nd and 3rd shift (benefited positions); $16.50 to $16.80/hr.
- Custodians - Part-time; $15.30/hr.
- School Food Service - Part-time; $15.30/hr.
- Before and after-school child care (Adventures Plus) - a.m. or p.m.; $14 to $17.25 depending on experience/education.
- Substitute for any of the above positions - Part-time/casual.
For those interested in being bus drivers, the bus companies used by the district will be at the event. Visit ahschools.us/jobs or call 763-506-JOBS for more information.
Increased security in place to ensure safety at school events
Safety at school events continues to be a focus area for the district and surrounding communities. Anoka-Hennepin Schools is committed to creating experiences that showcase the talents of student- athletes in an environment that promotes healthy competition. The district continues to implement safety and security practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for participants and spectators.
Seasonal concerts at district middle and high schools
If you are looking for local holiday entertainment, look no further than your school community. There are a variety of music concerts going on at district middle and high schools in December and January.
In the news: Andover Elementary student featured on KARE 11 news
Lucas Kacer's pencil sharpening prowess caught the eye of KARE's Land of 10,000 Stories team
Check out the story of nine year old Andover Elementary student Lucas Kacer, who has amassed a following of fans as he pursues his hobby of pencil sharpening that helps others along the way.
Deadlines approaching for specialty and magnet school enrollment
Anoka-Hennepin offers 12 specialty and magnet schools at the elementary, middle and high school levels and are designed to provide families with additional choices at no cost. Students who live within the Anoka-Hennepin boundaries may apply to enroll at any of the specialty or magnet schools, but the deadlines are approaching.
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).
Want more information? The specialty and magnet schools offer in-person tours upon request. View the full list of school offerings.
Let's talk about it: Holiday season and chemical health
Posted by Rebecca Velline, chemical health prevention specialist
The holiday season can be a joyous and stressful time of year for all. The holidays can be a trigger for mental health symptoms and increased substance use. Students and families who struggle with substances can have a difficult time during the holidays.
This time of year can also bring emotional stress, including family conflict, trauma, financial concerns, and loneliness. If we are not prepared to encounter these stressors, we may seek unhealthy coping strategies. These are a few tips that may help us avoid substance use and abuse during the holiday season.
- Limit triggers for your child – Recognize triggers and then try to limit them (stress, environment, or certain people). Once triggers are identified, take notice of warning signs (thinking patterns and seeking out unhealthy situations).
- Set boundaries – If you anticipate boundaries being tested during this holiday season, write out specific boundaries allowing everyone to feel supported and comfortable.
- Create a plan as a family – Skip events that include family, friends, or peers that may encourage drinking or misuse of drugs. This could include bringing an accountability person to holiday events, bringing your own safe foods or drinks that you can enjoy, or creating an exit plan if an unhealthy situation arises.
- Engage in healthy self-care – Pick up a new, healthy activity this holiday season so you do not revert to old patterns. Being intentional helps to make your self-care a priority.
- Have a support system – If your child is part of a support group, make the time to engage in more meetings during the holiday times! It is important to build and regularly engage in healthy relationships.
These are tips that are helpful for both our students and families to take care during this time of year. Beginning this conversation can assist in supporting our students during the winter break and holidays.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Anoka-Hennepin Chemical Health Prevention Specialists for more resources: ahschools.us/chemicalhealth.
Resources:
Bid now: Student-built pergola swings, firewood sheds and luxury playhouse
Students in the Blaine High School (BHS) construction program have built four pergola swings and two firewood sheds, which are now open for bidding. Additionally, a luxury playhouse and ice house built by district students are up for auction.
Learn more about the student-built items and how to access the auctions.
Education, Employment, and Enlistment Palooza set for Dec. 10
Anoka-Hennepin career and college specialists from the district’s high schools have collaborated to present the first Education, Employment, and Enlistment Palooza on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 8-11:15 a.m. at Anoka High School (AHS). The event will highlight a variety of college, career and post-high school planning options for all high school students and families.
The sessions feature topics like paying for college, FAFSA information, applying for scholarships, labor market trends and more. More than 40 higher education institutions from the region, 20-plus employers and multiple military branches will be in attendance. View the session schedule and planned palooza attendees.
Learn more about the Education, Employment, and Enlistment Palooza.
Registration is now open for all winter Community Education classes, activities
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.
Upcoming events and important links
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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.