In the Know - December 11, 2023
December 11, 2023
Contract negotiations: Next steps include mediation, set for January 3
Anoka-Hennepin Schools values the dedication of its staff members and it is the goal to improve terms and conditions for employees while working within tight budget parameters that maintain financial and operational stability for the district.
The negotiations process the district and Anoka-Hennepin Education Minnesota (AHEM) has included eight meetings to date. The last meeting was held Nov. 21 and AHEM filed for mediation with the Bureau of Mediation Services on Nov. 22. The first mediation session has been set for Jan. 3, 2024.
While conducting contract negotiations, the district aims to work collaboratively with bargaining groups in alignment with Policy 209, the negotiations code of ethics, which details guiding principles and practices in reaching agreements with Anoka-Hennepin employment contracts:
- Provide accurate, timely and complete information to employees and the general public.
- Respectfully and fairly participate in the negotiation process.
- Maintain support of the district, its schools and its staff.
- Make every reasonable effort to arrive at a responsible settlement for each contract.
đź’» View the Negotiations webpage at ahschools.us/negotiations to view the status of current contract negotiations in Anoka-Hennepin Schools. Update comparing the district and AHEM union proposals, Dec. 8, 2023.
Benefits spotlight: Contribute to a 403(b) retirement Plan
Anoka-Hennepin has an optional 403(b) retirement plan available to all employees. Contributions are tax deferred. A district match may be available depending on the employee’s bargaining group and working agreement.
Refer to the terms and conditions in the district contracts for more details.
If employees wish to contribute to a 403(b):
- Contact one of the district's four authorized vendors to discuss fees and options that are available.
- Set up an account with one of the vendors.
- Once the account is open, fill out the salary reduction agreement form and have the vendor representative sign the form.
- Scan and email the completed form to vicki.vancura@ahschools.us.
Employee 2023 W-2 and 1095-C forms will be available electronically; opt-out for printed copy
Anoka-Hennepin employee 2023 W-2 and 1095-C forms will be available for viewing, downloading and printing by logging into Skyward Employee Access.
Benefits of choosing an electronic copy:
- It will be ready earlier than printed copies.
- It is a safer method of delivery considering the documents contain sensitive data such as social security numbers.
- It can be accessed from anywhere you can log in to Skyward.
To access Skyward, first sign in to A-HConnect, then click "Skyward."
- To receive the W-2 electronically instead of a paper copy, please complete the opt-out form titled "Confirm W2 Delivery 2023" in Employee Access of Skyward.
- To receive your 1095-C electronically instead of a paper copy, please complete the opt-out form titled "Confirm 1095-C Delivery 2023" on your Employee Access of Skyward.
Employees have until Jan. 12, 2024, to change their preference to receiving their forms electronically. Communication will be sent out when 2023 W-2s are available electronically.
Please contact Payroll at extension 61050 or Payroll.Help@AHSchools.us with any questions.
Students earn 1,400 tuition-free college credits through College in the Schools
To prepare students for their academic pursuits after high school, Anoka-Hennepin has many options that provide college-level academic rigor. College in the Schools (CIS) is one program that offers challenging coursework for high school students with the opportunity to earn college credit.
During the 2022-23 school year, 254 Anoka-Hennepin students registered for CIS courses within their high school setting, which resulted in 1,441 credits earned from the University of Minnesota (U of M).
Multiple benefits: Tuition last year at the U of M was $538.70 per credit. The tuition-free credits earned by Anoka-Hennepin students in CIS classes equate to more than $815,000 in saved tuition fees. Those credits are recognized by colleges and universities across the nation.
Read more about Anoka-Hennepin students and CIS. Interested students can talk to their counselors about CIS or visit the CIS website.
Statistically speaking: Annual surveys of students who participated in CIS from 2010 through 2018 found:
- 97 to 99% of students would recommend it to other high school students.
- 85 to 89% felt better prepared academically for college.
- In 2022-23, 35% of the course registrations at U of M Twin Cities were by students of color. Of the Anoka-Hennepin students registered, 34% were students of color.
Other post-secondary options in Anoka-Hennepin: In addition to CIS, Anoka-Hennepin students can earn college credits through Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Articulated Credit (AC) courses, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB), Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO), and at the district’s Secondary Technical Education Program (STEP).
The Power of Human Connection: Replay and resources from Parent Engage 360 event
Anoka-Hennepin hosted parents/guardians and community members in-person and online Dec. 5 for the first of three events in the Parent Engage 360 series this school year.
In case you missed it: Joe Beckman, author and co-founder of TILL360, was the keynote speaker Tuesday, Dec. 5 at the Coon Rapids High School Auditorium. Joe delivered a high-energy presentation over one hour about the Power of Human Connection.
Get caught up: A replay of the event is available on the district’s YouTube channel. Joe also provided resources for anyone who attended the event or is interested in viewing the replay and participating in the event.
Learn more about Parent Engage 360: Parent Engage 360 events aim to provide resources to parents and guardians to support their students and others in the community. Anoka-Hennepin Schools realize the importance of parent engagement in maximizing student success.
The second Parent Engage 360 event is set for Thursday, Feb. 29 at Champlin Park High School and will feature Beth Lovre, a family peer educator with the National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota. Beth will share a message titled You’re the Expert: How to successfully advocate for your child.
This session stresses the value of parent engagement and advocacy to ensure the best care and treatment for your child in the doctor’s office, the mental health system, and in public education settings. Learn more and register for this event at ahschools.us/parentengage360.
In the News: Ann Sangster a guest on WCCO Radio to discuss LETRS professional development
Ann Sangster, the director of elementary curriculum, instruction and assessment at Anoka-Hennepin was a guest on the Adam and Jordana show on News Talk 830 AM WCCO about LETRS professional development for reading and how the approach can increase comprehension and proficiency.
KARE 11 story on Andover Elementary student wins regional Emmy award
Last December, Andover Elementary School student Lucas Kacer was featured in Boyd Huppert’s Land of 10,000 Stories on KARE 11. Lucas has built a large social media following where he shares his passion for pencil sharpening.
That story, titled One Sharp Kid, produced by Huppert and photojournalist Chad Nelson, was named the winner of an Upper Midwest Regional Emmy Award in the category of Children/Youth/Teen-News.
Diagnosed with autism at age 4, Lucas has found that sharpening pencils is a way to self-regulate. All three elementary schools in Andover, and many more around the area, have benefited from Lucas and his passion for pencil sharpening.
AHS STEAM Showcase provides important skill building for younger students
At Anoka High School (AHS), a focus within the Center for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) program is to provide students with real-world learning opportunities. On Nov. 15 at the STEAM Showcase, Professional Review, and Open House, freshman and sophomores gained valuable experience by presenting a project to their peers and community members.
The STEAM senior capstone project concludes with a STEAM EXPO and Senior Showcase where students present their projects to not only put their ideas and creations on display but their ability to properly articulate their process and project.
New this year, the Trimester 1 STEAM Showcase created space for more than 200 students in the first two years of the program to practice communicating their ideas and to collect feedback that they can then use in the classroom. This experience will be valuable as the students continue through the program and eventually present their capstone project as a senior.
Learn more: The final STEAM Information Night is Dec. 13 from 6:30-8 p.m. at AHS. For more information about the program and the application process (deadline Dec. 31), visit ahschools.us/ahsSTEAM.
First grade students at Oxbow Creek learn about self regulation with CLIMB Theatre
First grade students at Oxbow Creek Elementary School were treated to a performance by members of CLIMB Theatre on Dec. 7. CLIMB Theatre creates customized plays, classes and workshops that build accountability, resiliency, empathy, advocacy and self-control.
CLIMB creates customized classes and workshops that include 40-60 minute interactive, arts-integrated programs that aim to strengthen and exercise one or more of the skills of Accountability, Resiliency, Empathy, Advocacy and Self Regulation (A.R.E.A.S).
During the performance at Oxbow Creek, students learned about self regulation and using the acronym STAR, Stop, Think Breath, Ahh-out, React. In times of frustration or anger, students learned some skills to stop, think about the situation, take a breath, and change behavior.
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.
Providing choice, empowering minds: Specialty and magnet application deadlines approaching
Anoka-Hennepin offers specialty and magnet schools at all levels that are designed to provide families with additional choices at no cost. Applications are open for both specialty and magnet schools with deadlines approaching.
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.
- The application window is open for the 2024-25 school year and closes Jan. 15, 2024 for priority consideration.
- School Board meeting set for Monday, December 11.
- Staff PD opportunity: Supporting American Indian Students in the Classroom.
- UnitedHealthcare December engagement toolkit: Stress and anxiety.
- Reminder to review winter weather plans.
- Highway 10 construction update.
- SupportingYoU an employee wellness podcast, has 34 episodes available.
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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.