News and events - March 10, 2023
March 10, 2023
Important Upcoming Dates
- March 13-17: No School- Spring Break
- March 20: No School- Staff Development
- March 21: First Day of Trimester 3
- April 29: CRHS Prom (International Market Square)
- June 4: CRHS Graduation (Maturi Pavilion on U of M campus)
Late Start Mondays- Update for Trimester 3
The dates of the Late Start Monday mornings in Trimester 3 are the following: 3/27, 4/10, 4/17, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22
CRHS Jazz Ensemble Performs During Finals Week
On Wednesday, the CRHS Jazz 1 Ensemble performed in the Atrium before school to help create a positive, fun atmosphere during Finals Week and ahead of Spring Break. Thanks to Mr. Palmer and our Jazz Ensemble students who performed- it was a great way to start a morning and end the trimester!
CRHS United Sound Performs at Bethel University
United Sound is a music program with the mission of removing barriers and fostering social change through music, and CRHS is proud to be the only school in Minnesota that runs a United Sound program. Thanks to United Sound, with the help of Mr. Ryan Palmer and Mrs. Amanda Anderson, and mentor musicians from the CRHS Music Department, CRHS students who might not otherwise have the chance were able to learn and perform alongside their CRHS peers. After months of weekly meetings, our new musicians performed with the Coon Rapids High School Wind Ensemble at Bethel University on February 27th, and the concert was incredible! All United Sound musicians showed up with a smile on their face and could not wait to get on stage to perform Heartbeat Five by Gary P. Gilroy.
Coon Rapids High School thanks Mr. Palmer, Ms. Anderson, our mentor musicians and students in the United Sound program for their time, energy, and commitment! We are so proud of you!
CRHS Preschool Story Time
Over this year, CRHS Media Specialist Deb Geiger and Preschool Program Director Laura Craig partnered to create monthly "field trips" to the CRHS Library for our preschool students. During these "field trips," Ms. Geiger reads our preschool students a story and shares a mini-lesson about how to use the library. Yesterday, Mr. Pena, CRHS Principal, also gave our preschool students special bookmarks.
One of the many incredible talents that Ms. Geiger brings to CRHS is connecting students to wonderful books and stories. We’re so happy to collaborate with Ms. Craig and our Preschool Program throughout the year and that Ms. Geiger and Ms. Craig can excite and inspire our youngest members of Cardinal Nation to be lifelong readers!
Coon Rapids High School Volunteer Opportunities
All individual volunteer opportunities will be posted in this list. The list will be updated and shared weekly with students.
If you are unable to find volunteer opportunities, please feel free to contact Ms. Johnson at liz.johnson@ahschools.us. She is happy to work with you and find other opportunities that may be of more interest to you or work better with your schedule.
CRHS Students Compete & Win at State DECA Conference
On March 5th, 6th and 7th at the DECA State Career Development Conference in Minneapolis, Coon Rapids DECA had a wonderful showing. Some of the highlights of the State DECA Conference included event finalists for the Community Giving Project of Azaria Banks, Lilyanna Gagnon, and Samantha Dennis. Also earning a state finalist was the Sales project team of Samantha Schulz, Diana Lopez-Silva, and Madeleine Larson. Sophomore Kelsey Koehler finalized in a very competitive Professional Selling event. The Coon Rapids team of Madi Froslie, Josiah Ashworth, and Edward Tabla also qualified in the School-Based-Enterprise Project by re-certifying the Cardinal Image as a gold level enterprise. Ashworth also earned a 6th place finish in Principles of Marketing. The Coon Rapids DECA Gold Chapter team of Anna Kelley and Libby Larson placed 4th in the state. Lastly, senior Jon Pokrzywa placed 1st, State Champion, in Principles of Marketing. Overall, Coon Rapids had 9 state finalists in their individual or team events.
Amidst the 2,300 competitors at the state conference Miranda Froslie and Jon Pokrzywa earned a top 25 test score in their business administration event. Jon followed that up by also earning a top 25 test score in his finance exam. In addition to all the top finishes, the Coon Rapids chapter was acknowledged with the distinction of earning the highest Achievement Level on all five national DECA chapter campaigns. The campaigns include the Membership Campaign, the Global Entrepreneurship Campaign, the Promotional Campaign, Community Service Campaign, and the Advocacy Campaign.
Other highlights of the conference were when Libby Larson and Madi Froslie were named Coon Rapids High School’s Outstanding DECA Members of the Year. Anna Kelley, Kelsey Koehler, Libby Larson, Josiah Ashworth, and Madi Froslie earned the Minnesota DECA Speaker’s Bureau Awards, for their work this year in speaking in promotion of business and marketing education to the larger community. Along with all the student successes, advisor Blake Bodenburg was honored to be named as one of nine Minnesota Secondary DECA Outstanding Advisors at the conference.
In addition to all the top finishes, recognitions, and awards Miranda Froslie, Kelsey Koehler, Azaria Banks, Madi Froslie, Anna Kelley, Josiah Ashworth, Kimora Freeman, Libby Larson, Jon Pokrzywa, Lilyanna Gagnon, Elizabeth Becker all qualified to attend this spring’s International Career Development Competition in Orlando, FL. At this conference Coon Rapids will be competing with 22,000 other marketing competitors from around the world in an extremely competitive international field. Last but not least, Mr. Bodenburg would like to say thank-you to all the DECA members that competed in the state conference; you represented Coon Rapids and yourselves with dignity and class. Congratulations to all!
Gold Chapter Team of Kelley and Larson
Cardinal Image Attains Gold Recertification
The Coon Rapids Cardinal Image school-based-enterprise received an award for Gold Certification earlier this February. This award is given out to just over 450 schools across the United States. Store managers Josiah Ashworth, Madi Froslie, and Edward Tabla wrote a 25-page recertification project for the Coon Rapids school store. This paper re-certifies the school store for the rest of 2023. Next year, the three store managers will need to start the certification program all over by completing a School-Based-Enterprise submission and presentation that covers 10 specific areas of store management.
This certification allows our store to promote itself as a quality retail operation, and adds to our credibility through our store’s website.
This earned our DECA chapter three positions in DECA’s international competition coming up in April, taking place in Orlando, Florida. The project contained all the workings of the promotion, products, behind the scenes store operations, and every aspect of our selling strategies.
The Cardinal Image is Coon Rapids High School’s SBE and it is run by our DECA program. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for future careers in Marketing, Finance, Hospitality, and Management. For more information on DECA contact CRHS DECA advisor Blake Bodenburg at Blake.Bodenburg@ahschools.us
CRHS Asian Culture Club Hosts Potluck
On Thursday, the CRHS Asian Culture Club hosted a mid-year potluck to celebrate students' hard work and the end of Trimester 2. It was a fun time with a great turnout!
Trimester 3 Parking Permits
Tri 3 parking permits are currently on sale for $35 at the Finance Window or online. All students must display a valid parking permit on their car’s rear view mirror when parking at CRHS. If you do not have a permit, a $2.00 daily pass can be purchased at the Finance Window. Tri 3 will see increased parking lot surveillance. Any cars without properly displayed permits may be ticketed $15 per violation. Also, be sure to park in the student lot only. Permits purchased online must be picked up at the Finance Window. Contact Ms. Matthews at 763-506-7302 with questions.
Volunteer Opportunities
Booster Club, Nonprofit and PTO Resources
It’s not too late (or too early) to register for our last free workshop of the season. We will focus on volunteer recruitment, board transition and retention as well as best practices for closing out the year. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn something new, refresh your knowledge and connect with other non-profit folk!
The workshop will be held in person at the Educational Service Center (ESC) in Anoka as well as virtually. Check out https://www.ahschools.us/ptoboosterworkshops for more information and registration.
Volunteers are an incredible asset to the students here at CRHS. Let’s make sure your impact is recorded and recognized. By filling out your volunteer application you are doing your part to keep our students safe while enriching their lives through extracurricular activities. You can access this year’s volunteer application here:
CRHS Volunteer Application and Criminal Record History Release Form or email your Volunteer Services Coordinator, Danielle Callahan at danielle.callahan@ahschools.us (or call (763) 506-7130)
CRHS Graduation 2023 Update
Graduation 2023 is just around the corner- please read the important information below to be sure you're ready to celebrate your senior this Spring. Also, please coordinate family plans now, as parking and reservation details are available.
- Date & Time: CRHS Graduation 2023 will take place on June 4 at 4pm.
- Location: Graduation will be held at Maturi Pavilion, located on the University of Minnesota campus.
- Parking: Please see information below about parking at graduation.
Coon Rapids High School has traditionally hosted its graduation ceremonies at the University of Minnesota campus to ensure adequate capacity for graduates and their families.
This year, graduation ceremonies will be held in the Maturi Pavilion, located at 1925 University Avenue SE, Minneapolis. In recent years, ceremonies were held at the 3M Arena at Mariucci, which is currently under renovation. Details are now available to assist families in the planning process.
As noted above, the CRHS Graduation ceremony 2023 will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 4. Throughout the spring, the Class of 2023 Senior page will be continually updated with important information, including senior’s last day, cap/gown distribution, the senior all night party, etc.
In addition, be prepared regarding behavior and what to wear guidelines by viewing this document: Student Guidelines and Expectations for the graduation ceremony.
Parking
Family members planning to be in attendance at the graduation ceremonies are advised of parking options in a number of locations:
- University Avenue ramp
- Maroon parking lot, located off Oak Street East and Oak Street SE
- Lot 37, located northwest of the 3M Arena at Mariucci, on 5th Street SE
- 4th Street Parking Ramp, located on 4th Street SE and 17th Avenue SE
Download the map of parking options or view it online on the University of Minnesota website. Pricing of parking spots varies by location.
Seating
While holding the graduation ceremonies at the University of Minnesota campus allows more family members to be in attendance, it is important to note that seating will be available on a first come, first served basis. Attendees who may have difficulty with stairs may want to seek out lower level seating upon arrival. Due to the temporary change of location, seating will be tighter than experienced in past years. As a courtesy, please do not bring additional bags or extra items to allow for maximum capacity for other families.
Accommodations will be made available for attendees with handicap accessible needs or ASL interpretation. To confirm accessibility accommodations, please make a request with your student’s high school before May 22, 2023.
Finally, Beautiful Bouquets and Custom Class Shirts will be outside Maturi on graduation day if families would like to purchase gifts or you can pre-order ahead of time (click here to order) and pick gifts up on graduation day!
Chromebook Check & Help
As we get closer to Spring, please remember these important reminders about your student’s Chromebook and charger:
- If your student has a different device and doesn't need their school Chromebook any more, they can return their Chromebook and charger to the Media Center on any school day.
- Students that have an issue with their Chromebook (e.g. something is broken or lost) can bring it to the Media Center during school to have it looked at. It’s always easier to clear up problems during the school year, so let us know how we can help.
- If your student has any questions, they can connect with our staff in the Media Center or their teacher.
- Lost and damaged items will be assessed fines.
Project Fairy Godmothers
Project Fairy Godmothers is a non-profit organization that collects new and gently used prom dresses, shoes and accessories to provide access for those who cannot otherwise afford to buy Prom apparel. This year's giveaway will be April 1, 2023 in St. Paul.
This is a FREE event, however, anyone interested should submit an application to participate.
Please see the flyer for more information, or contact Ms. Anderson (Prom Advisor) or Ms. Gustafson (CRHS Social Worker).
Project Prom
Project Prom is a non-profit organization that is once again providing FREE prom dresses to girls in the Twin Cities this spring to "Make Prom Dreams Come True!"
This year’s event will have more than 2,000 dresses of all colors, sizes, and styles for girls to choose from. There will be volunteers to help you “shop”, and you take the dress you chose home - completely free! This program is open to any girl who would benefit from a free prom dress (there are no qualifications required).
When: March 25, 26, 31 & April 1 & 2
Where: An empty store at The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes (Truly feel like you have a traditional prom dress shopping experience!)
Who: Any young woman who’s attending prom is welcome! This is an LGBTQ+ friendly event.
Register: Everyone must register in order to attend. The registration link can be found at www.projectprom.us.
**Additionally, March 24 is set aside for any women with disabilities who would benefit from a quieter/less-crowded environment. Please sign up using THIS link for that particular event.
If you have any questions, please contact Jeni Asaba at projectprom.us@gmail.com. You can also visit the website for more information at www.projectprom.us.
CRHS 2022-2023 Yearbook
CRHS yearbooks are on sale now! Order your 2023 yearbook today through Jostens.com. Supplies are limited and once they sell out online, they are GONE.
Questions? Email Kari Berg at karilee.berg@ahschools.us
Senior "Ads for Grads" for the 2022-2023 Yearbook
Senior Parents-
Senior Year is an important milestone in many student's lives and it’s important to find creative ways to commemorate your student’s senior year, celebrate all of their hard work and accomplishments throughout their school career, and let them know that you love and are proud of them. A fun and easy way to do this is to place a recognition ad, or an “Ad for Grads”, in the 2022-2023 Yearbook.This is something that your student can look back on for years to come.
It is very simple to create an “Ad for Grad.” Just visit www.jostensadservice.com and you can begin creating your ad today using your favorite photos of your son or daughter and a personal message. You can choose any photos you like: a baby photo, a grade school photo, or just a photo of your student that you love--you can even take a picture of the photo you want to use and upload that image from your phone.
- Photos may be in color or black and white, and you pick the fonts and background.
- Ads are available in two different sizes, 1/4 page for $60 or 1/8 page for $40.
- The Ads for Grads deadline is February 17, 2023.
If you have any questions or need tips on how to upload the pictures you want to use, please email Kari Berg at karilee.berg@ahschools.us or check out this sheet from Jostens with FAQs.
Class of 2023 Senior Yard Signs Available for Purchase
Class of 2023 Seniors and families:
Purchase your Class of 2023 yard sign in support of the Senior All Night Party. The first set of signs will be ready for pick up on December 12th and must be paid in full prior to pickup. If you have any questions on payment, please email audra.hyatt@ahschools.us.
Coon Rapids High School Food Shelf and Compassion Fund
The School Social Work Department maintains a small food shelf to assist families in crisis. Food is organized in small care packages and sent home in backpacks and cinch sacks. We are particularly in need of nonperishable ready serve meals. Some examples include Canned Raviolios, Packaged Pasta Meals, Stew, Chili, Ramen Cups, Soup Cups, Mac and Cheese Cups, Compleats. Snacks such as granola bars, breakfast bars, and snack crackers would also be appreciated. The list of all our current needs can be found at this link: CRHS Food Shelf and Compassion Fund Needs.
The Cardinal Compassion Fund is used to help students and families facing crises. Checks can be written to AHEF with Carinal Compassion Fund identified as the recipient in the memo line. Checks can either be dropped off in the main office or mailed to CRHS, Attn: Lana Matthews, 2340 Northdale Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433.
If you have questions or if you and your family need assistance, please contact Emily Gustafson at 763-506-7153 emily.gustafson@ahschools.us
Cardinal Career and College Corner
College and Military Rep visits during lunches in the Cafeteria (11:10-1:15)
No visits this week - Spring Break!
Scholarships for our Seniors!
1. Career Center Website for advice and scholarships - here
2. Complete FAFSA application - here
3. Page Grant Scholarship - here (Deadline April 1st)
4. Wallin 2 year pathway scholarship ($6,000) - here
The Anoka-Hennepin Career and College Specialists are excited to be hosting our first annual Spring Spectacular on Saturday, April 22 from 8:30-11:00 a.m. This event will highlight a variety of career and college planning options for students and families. The format will include a mix of scheduled sessions and open fair times. Click here for information on the schedule and session descriptions.
CRHS College and Career Center Website - There are a lot of students asking about college, military, trades and workforce. Check out my website! There are a lot of instructions on "how to"....send/request transcripts, letters of recs, write essays, scholarship opportunities, resumes, etc! Go to the CRHS homepage, hover over Support, click on Career Center - here
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