Backpack Online - September 2, 2022
September 2, 2022
BREAKING NEWS: View the 2022-23 back-to-school video
Student reporters attend #AHSchools back-to-school press conference
Staff and students from across the Anoka-Hennepin School District are eager to kick off the new school year. Student reporters gathered for a back-to-school press conference with Interim Superintendent Dr. Kate Maguire, with hard-hitting questions prepared to gather the information needed to have a great year ahead.
Special thanks to CTN Studios and Sportsnight anchors Howie Shapiro and Joe Yund; the Champlin Park High School Rebel Reporter, Aubrey Bryant; and student reporters from Sunrise Elementary School, Ramsey Elementary School and University Avenue Elementary School. In addition, staff members representing just a handful of employee groups joined Maguire at the “press conference,” teaming up to effectively educate each of our students for success.
District hosts conference sportsmanship and fan behavior seminar
Around 100 students from all five Anoka-Hennepin traditional high schools and Northwest Suburban Conference (NWSC) member schools geared up for the season ahead by participating in a sportsmanship training seminar at Coon Rapids High School (CRHS) Aug. 30.
Each school in the conference designated student Bleacher Captains to participate in a sportsmanship training seminar titled “Stay Above the Line,” an initiative to promote positive spectator behavior and expectations for the upcoming sports and activities season. View photos from the event.
The seminar was led by the activities directors from each of the 14 NWSC schools and included group discussions by students to share their experiences as student-athletes and spectators at events. Bleacher Captains will be visible at all NWSC-sponsored activities and events to help promote a positive environment and respectful behavior and cheers for all players, fans, opponents and game personnel.
Parent Engage 360 back to school podcast
Episode 26: Back to school with Dr. Kate Maguire
It is officially back-to-school season! In the latest episode of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast, Interim Superintendent Dr. Kate Maguire joins host Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin parent involvement coordinator, to discuss all things back to school.
Maguire began serving as interim superintendent in July and shares in this podcast what she has learned in just two short months at Anoka-Hennepin. With nearly 40 years of experience in education, Maguire provides tips and recommendations for parents and guardians to help their children have a successful start to the school year while also sharing about the district’s theme this school year, Live Well, Lead Well, Learn Well.
Tune in to the latest Parent Engage 360 Podcast on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, or at ahschools.us/parentengage360.
Traffic tips for the back-to-school season
The back-to-school season is a busy time for families, school staff and our communities. There is often more traffic congestion in this season and it’s more important than ever for drivers to pay attention before and after school to keep families, students and staff safe.
Check out these tips from the Anoka-Hennepin transportation department as a back-to-school reminder:
- Crosswalks: Be mindful that we are sharing the road with young walkers and staff helping them across the crosswalks or intersections. Always stop for school patrols and crossing guards.
- Know drop-off and pick-up procedures: Schools have procedures in place to keep traffic safe. Make sure you know your school’s plan for the safety of all students and staff.
- Use slow speeds: Use caution in school zones and be aware of your surroundings. We can all work together to ensure the safety of drivers, school buses, walkers and bikers.
- School bus safety: Familiarize yourself with school bus safety tips on the road. Always stop if yellow or red lights are flashing or if stop arms are extended from a school bus. Allow extra time for students to board and exit the bus and proceed to safe sidewalks to enter school zones or return home.
- Share the road: Be patient of other vehicles stopped for pedestrians or using caution in school zones. Do not pass other vehicles or school buses. Be alert, young children may take an unpredictable path as they are learning safety rules.
Thank you for your partnership in school traffic safety.
Freshmen and new-to-district student orientation day set for Tuesday, Sept. 6
When school begins for the 2022-23 school year on Sept. 6, freshmen and new-to-district students at Anoka-Hennepin’s five traditional high schools will participate in a series of activities that aim to ease the transition to high school and build a foundation for academic success.
This is a new program for Anoka-Hennepin Schools which is informed by “best practice” positive results from high schools from around the metro area and state who report strong results for providing positive outcomes for students. It is also aligned with a School Board strategic priority to refine and improve the high school schedule to maximize student achievement.
2022-23 School year starts Tuesday, Sept. 6
Get a variety of back-to-school information, including supply lists, handbooks, Lifetouch “picture days,” and more by visiting the district’s back-to-school website at ahschools.us/bts.
Complete back to school verification
As families prepare to start the 2022-23 school year, back to school verification is now available online. It’s important that each family completes the verification process before the first day of school. Verification ensures that Anoka-Hennepin Schools has confirmed contact information for each student to ensure schools have access to emergency contact information and information releases for the safety of students.
Login to A-HConnect to complete back to school forms for the upcoming school year.
- Parents/guardians can access back to school forms by clicking the lock icon and “Login” at the top right corner of any district or school website.
- Then, select, "My Student Information,"
- Then, select, "Online Registration,"
- Then, select, "22-23 Back to School Verification."
If you need help finding your login/password, call 763-506-HELP for assistance.
Apply for educational benefits for the 2022-23 school year
All Anoka-Hennepin families are encouraged to apply for the educational benefits program for the upcoming school year. A new application must be submitted each school year.
By completing this application, students may receive free or reduced fees for transportation, meals, academic, and co-curricular activities. Please visit ahschools.us/freereduced to set up, or log in to your SchoolCafe account and complete an application for free or reduced-price meal and other benefits. The educational benefits program not only ensures that students have access to nutritious meals, it also provides critical federal funding for schools.
As a reminder, the federal subsidy to provide free school meals for every student will no longer be available this school year. Only one application is needed per household. Please contact the child nutrition department with any questions or assistance at 763-506-1240 or staff.CnpEnrollment@ahschools.us.
Anoka-Hennepin 2022-23 school handbook
The Anoka-Hennepin School District has updated its school handbook for the 2022-23 school year. Parents/guardians will be required to view and sign off on the handbook as part of the district’s back to school verification process through A-HConnect, and families can preview the School Handbook now for important information and updates about the upcoming school year.
Important update regarding transportation for 2022 fall activities
As experienced during the 2021-22 school year, the nationwide shortage of bus drivers continues to affect the availability of transportation services. Anoka-Hennepin transportation has been working diligently to ensure that bus routes to and from school and activities are covered. While the bus companies are making progress in adding drivers to address the shortage, we anticipate that there will be continued issues this fall. Anoka-Hennepin is committed to keeping planned athletic and activity events this fall season. The main goal is for student-athletes to continue to compete despite the driver shortage and transportation issues.
Device Protection Plan available to students assigned Chromebooks
New this year, families have the option to enroll in the Device Protection Plan.
Families can opt-in to the Device Protection Plan when completing their back-to-school verification and pay for the coverage in SchoolPay.
- The plan cost is $20 per student or $60 per family per school year.
- If the student qualifies for reduced priced meals, the cost of the Protection Plan will be reduced to $10 ($30 for families). If the student qualifies for free school meals, the cost will be reduced to zero.
View the Device Protection Plan flyer to learn more. (PDF).
Enroll in the device protection plan using SchoolPay.
Upcoming events and important updates
- Action of the School Board, July 22.
- School meal prices to increase for the 2022-23 school year.
- Parent Engage 360 podcast: Welcome to kindergarten!
- 2022-23 calendar published.
- Bid now: Student-built house is up for auction.
- Superintendent search.
- Franklin Elementary School closure and repurposing plan approved, Bridges and Pathways special education programs to relocate.
- Blaine High School announces Athletics Hall of Fame class of 2022.
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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.