In the Know - September 8, 2023
September 8, 2023
Students welcomed with smiles and excitement to start the 2023-24 school year
Students and staff returned to Anoka-Hennepin's 40-plus sites on the first day of school Tuesday, Sept. 5 full of energy and excitement.
Around 37,000 students brought life and smiles to schools around the district the first week, and students were met with energy and enthusiasm from teachers and staff ready for another school year in Anoka-Hennepin. District information services reported that student enrollment is in line with projections for the 2023-24 school year. The official enrollment report will be available in October.
Freshmen and new-to-district students at Anoka-Hennepin's five traditional high schools participated in a series of activities aimed at easing the transition to high school and building a foundation for academic success. New this year, kindergarten students had time to meet with their teachers individually Sept. 5 and 6 before experiencing their first days on Sept. 7 or 8, and on Monday, Sept. 11, kindergarten classrooms will meet as full classes.
View photos of the first few days of school from schools across Anoka-Hennepin.
Three-part Appreciation of Diversity workshop series for staff to begin Oct. 28
The Appreciation of Diversity speaker series is offered in alignment with the Anoka-Hennepin Equity Achievement Plan, a coordinated effort to promote high academic achievement for all students and eliminate predictable and persistent gaps between student groups.
Gaining an understanding of the cultures throughout Anoka-Hennepin schools and the community is the focus of the series, a voluntary opportunity available to all staff.
The three-part series gets underway Saturday, Oct. 28 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at the Educational Service Center in Anoka. Registration is free and available through the Learning Management System (LMS) in A-HConnect. Licensed staff will earn three hours of license requirement towards cultural competency training for each session attended.
Staff are encouraged to attend one, all, or a combination of the series.
Visit the Staff Intranet to learn more and register for the workshop series.
AHEF Mini-Grant applications now open for 2023-24 school year
The Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation (AHEF) has opened the second round of grants for the 2023-24 school year. This is the fall mini-grant application for funds up to $500 for immediate classroom or school needs.
“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.”
Applications close on Monday, Oct. 2, with funds available later that month, for implementation in the 2023-24 school year. Visit the AHEF website at ahef.us to apply.
Questions about the grant process should be directed to Tess DeGeest at 763-506-1107 or via email at theresa.degeest@ahschools.us.
Minnesota Wild to hold Educator Appreciation Night on Oct. 19
The Minnesota Wild are showing their appreciation for educators and their hard work and dedication by holding an Educator Appreciation Night on Thursday, Oct. 19.
Educators have the opportunity to purchase an exclusively-priced ticket pack that includes a Wild-branded educator lanyard. Additionally, a donation will be made to the Education Minnesota Foundation from a portion of each ticket pack purchased.
Start MEA break by watching the Minnesota Wild take on the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday, Oct. 19. Opening faceoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Purchase tickets using this exclusive link.
School Spotlight: Oak View Middle School
Oak View Middle School students explore a wide-range of academic courses and experience engaging lessons and activities prepared by dedicated staff to meet the unique academic, social, and emotional needs of all students. Learn more about Oak View Middle School in the latest School Spotlight.
Sandburg Regional High School brings school site back to the heart of downtown Anoka
On Tuesday, Sept. 5 school buses pulled up to the front of Sandburg Educational Center, the new home of Sandburg Regional High School, for the first time since 2010. The move also celebrates the return of a high school to downtown Anoka after 70 years.
Sandburg Regional, which serves around 300 students from all around the district, moved to the Sandburg Educational Center this summer and made the name change to Sandburg Regional High School from Anoka-Hennepin Regional High School. The school adopted the nickname ‘Sabers,’ which was previously used by Sandburg Middle School.
See photos and read more about the school and the historic building.
In the News: Anoka-Hennepin administrators discuss ChatGPT in classrooms with KARE 11
Daryl Boeckers, a learning technologies coach at Blaine High School and Justin Wewers, an instructional technology facilitator, were featured in a KARE 11 story about how to address the AI-powered chatbot, ChatGPT, in the classroom.
Looking to become more involved? Join a district committee
Anoka-Hennepin values parent involvement in education and is committed to offering resources to meet the changing needs of parents and families. The district invites parents/guardians and community members to participate on committees as a meaningful way to get involved with the district.
The district is coordinating an annual committee application process for committees in need of new members as a strategy to increase awareness of opportunities and participation from community members and parents.
There are currently nine committees districtwide and five are in need of more members. The Community Curriculum Advisory Council (CCAC), Early Childhood Family Education Parent Advisory Council (PAC), Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC), Student Services Advisory Council (SSAC) and the Parent Advisory Committee for Racial and Ethnic Equity are all seeking new members.
In the news: Hall of Fame Anoka High School football coach Stan Nelson featured in the Star Tribune
Later this month, Hall of Fame Anoka High School football coach Stan Nelson will turn 103, but this legendary coach still lives on his own just miles from the high school. He was recently featured in the Star Tribune.
Use the Anoka-Hennepin staff login for the online version of the Star Tribune to read the article.
Username: AnokaHenn11
Password: anokaremote
- Action of the School Board, August 21, 2023.
- District to replace ash trees in response to emerald ash borer.
- Staff may subscribe to receive emergency text message alerts.
- 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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