In the Know - March 24, 2023
March 24, 2023
NEW EPISODES: Anoka-Hennepin and Allina Health present SupportingYoU podcast
Anoka-Hennepin and Allina Health partnered to provide district teachers and staff with a library of resources to support employee health and mental wellness.
SupportingYoU, an employee wellness podcast, has 34 episodes available now - featuring a range of topics from self-care fundamentals to the importance of gratitude.
Listen by visiting the website at ahschools.us/supportingyou.
Preparing to change your employee password
Keeping data safe and secure is the driving factor behind having a secure network password. All Anoka-Hennepin employees will be required to change their password starting in April. There will be a phased support model with all sites assigned to one of three phases. Communication regarding the phases of password change deadlines will come from the technology team in your building.
When changing your password in A-HConnect, you will have new password requirements. Your new password must be a 16-character (minimum) passphrase. Complexity (capital letters, numbers, special characters) is not required. Helpful tips were given in the Cyber Security Training for creating a unique passphrase.
Tips on how to create a long passphrase
First, start with a strong word or phrase. Try to pick something that is memorable to you personally, but does not include sensitive information. Your name is sensitive information: Never include your name, address, ID number, or any details about your family or life in your passphrases.
Strong password choices include:
- Favorite sayings.
- Funny phrases.
- References to something you like.
Next, add to your strong word or phrase. For example: Gold Crown. This can be made stronger by making it more complex. The Queen Wears a Gold Crown is still easy to remember, but harder to crack.
Your password goal:
- Create something long, memorable, and difficult to guess.
- Be ready to change your password when your assigned date arrives.
Once you change your password in A-HConnect, you will be logged out of Google, iCloud, and OneDrive on all devices and you will need to log in again using your new passphrase. This is a Google 2-step verification requirement.
Johnsville Elementary’s Lisa Humble named KS95 Teacher of the Week
Lisa Humble of Johnsville Elementary School, has been selected as a KS95 Teacher of the Week. She accepted the award in front of her fifth grade class March 7 from KS95 on-air talent “Hutch.”
“I am so incredibly humbled by this nomination and so honored to have impacted the life of my student,” Humble said. “The words that were written brought tears to my eyes. I will remember this forever. However, all teachers are so well-deserving for the work they do to serve children and our communities. Teaching is not just a career it is a passion, shaping the minds and hearts of the future.”
A former student at Johnsville herself, Humble is a Blaine High School graduate and has been a teacher for 20 years with 12 of them in the district. Nolawi Gibe, a former student, nominated her for the award.
“Mrs. Humble is a teacher who has taught me independence and resilience are the key ways to succeeding in life and set the foundation, and building blocks for the future of my education. If it wasn't for her I probably wouldn't be challenging myself as much as I am in high school right now. I haven't really had a chance to thank her for it, but I feel like this is my opportunity to do so. Teachers truly want to see their students succeed in life, and Mrs. Humble made that crystal-clear.”
Deadline March 31: AHEF grant applications for 2023-24 school year
The Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation (AHEF) has opened the first round of grants for the 2023-24 school year (grant application). Grant awards typically range between $200 and $7,000 depending on the scope and depth of the proposed project.
Applications close on March 31, 2023, with funds available after July 1, 2023, for implementation in the 2023-24 school year. Questions about the grant process should be directed to Tess DeGeest at 763-506-1107 or via email at Theresa.degeest@ahschools.us. Read more about the benefits of AHEF grants.
Muslim students and families to observe Ramadan in March and April
The observance of Ramadan occurs during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar by Muslims worldwide as a time of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. The 2023 observance began on March 22 and is expected to end April 20. Muslims in our schools and around the world will be fasting for 30 days from dawn to sunset, forgoing food and water the entire time of Ramadan.
This information is being shared to ensure staff are aware of the timing and potential impact of fasting on students and/or staff. Muslims may wake up early and stay up late for prayer and nourishment during this time. Please encourage understanding and empathy toward fasting students and keep lines of communication open and supportive of student and family needs.
Fasting students may request or be offered accommodations during Ramadan, including spending lunchtime away from the cafeteria or saving treats from celebrations to bring home.
Ramadan ends with a major Muslim holiday, Eid al-Fitr, or the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” which is expected to be observed on Friday, April 21 and or Saturday, April 22. This is a time of celebration that may include morning activities and a community celebration. Food, games and presents for children are also typically included with the festivities.
Thank you for your understanding and support of fasting Muslim students in our schools during this time.
Universal School Meals program to begin in the fall of 2023
Last week, the Minnesota Legislature approved and the Governor signed a bill providing “Universal School Meals,” which means every student may receive free breakfast and lunch beginning in the fall of 2023. The program will cover one breakfast and one lunch for every student, however ala carte and other meal choices will not be covered.
Families will need to continue purchasing meals for their students for the remainder of this school year, as the new bill will not forgive or pay for any meal debt accrued before Sept. 2023.
If your family needs immediate assistance with free or reduced-priced meals, or access to other educational benefits (such as high school athletics and activity fees; ACT, SAT and AP fees; Comcast internet and SNAP membership discounts; Xcel Energy account assistance and more), please visit ahschools.us/childnutrition to complete an application.
The district’s child nutrition program is working to provide details for all families in preparation for the 2023-24 school year. Stay tuned to your back to school communications for specific details about this benefit for your family in the summer of 2023.
Highway 10 update: Ferry Street Bridge closed
A major portion of the Highway 10 Anoka Project began mid-March, 2023, as construction is underway on a new Single Point Urban Interchange at Ferry Street in Anoka. To facilitate work, the bridge has been removed and detours are in place for the duration of the project. Completion is expected by Dec. 1, 2023. Employees and visitors to the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Services Center should plan accordingly as routes could be modified by detour during this time.
Northbound access to Ferry Street has been eliminated from Highway 10 during the construction period. Follow posted detours or view the detour map.
For more information visit the Highway 10 Anoka project website.
Minnesota United FC to host educator appreciation night
Minnesota United FC is hosting an Educator Appreciation Night at Allianz Field in St. Paul on April 15 against Orlando.
The night includes discounted tickets to the April 15 game, a Minnesota United cooler bag and access to an on-field postgame experience to take a penalty kick.
Visit this link for information and to purchase tickets for the Minnesota United FC educator appreciation night. Act fast, a limited number of ticket purchasers will be able to participate in the Post-Game Shot on Net experience.
Apply for summer school positions, now
Anoka-Hennepin is currently seeking teachers and paraeducators for early childhood, elementary and secondary Extended School Year and Targeted Services summer positions.
Paraeducators and teachers who are not available for working the entirety of the summer schedule are encouraged to still apply and reach out to the appropriate supervisor indicating your availability. Sub coverage is still needed in the summer and your availability may help to fill that need. Read details and apply online.
School spotlight: Coon Rapids High School
Coon Rapids High School - Center for Biomedical Sciences and Engineering has caring and dedicated staff that strives to bring new and innovative experiences into the classroom. Watch the new video, highlighting Coon Rapids High School, to learn more about the staff, students and the school.
Two district high school seniors named U.S. Presidential Scholars candidates
Eleanor Fredine
Andover High School.
Adhithya Anandaraj
Blaine High School.
Eleanor Fredine, Andover High School; and Adhithya Anandaraj, Blaine High School; are two of approximately 5,000 students recognized nationwide
Two Anoka-Hennepin Schools high school seniors were named as candidates of the 2023 United States Presidential Scholars Program.
Eleanor A. Fredine from Andover High School and Adhithya Anandaraj from Blaine High School - Center for Engineering, Mathematics and Science were two of 5,000 students selected nationally. Candidacy is based on outstanding performance on the ACT Assessment or the College Board SAT test.
Later this spring, the Commission on Presidential Scholars will narrow the candidates, and name up to 161 distinguished graduating high school seniors as U.S. Presidential Scholars.
Being selected as a U.S. Presidential Scholar is one of the highest honors our nation’s high school students may receive. The program was established to recognize some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments related to their academic success; leadership; service to their schools and communities; exceptional talent in visual, creative and performing arts; and demonstrated ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields.
U.S. Presidential Scholars will be honored for their accomplishments during the online National Recognition Program each June, when the top Presidential Scholars are awarded the Presidential Scholars Medallion.
Congratulations to Eleanor Fredine and Adhithya Anandaraj!
Athena Award winners announced from all five district high schools
Five female student-athletes — one from each of Anoka-Hennepin’s five traditional high schools — have been recognized for their hard work both in the classroom and on the playing field or court.
The Athena Award is given to one senior female athlete from each participating school who has distinguished herself in special individual athletic achievement or superior achievements in one or more sports.
This year’s Anoka-Hennepin Athena Award winners are:
- Andover High School (AndHS): Ella Boerger.
- Anoka High School (AHS): Brooklyn Jones.
- Blaine High School (BHS): Kendall Stadden.
- Champlin Park High School (CPHS): Paige Kalal.
- Coon Rapids High School (CRHS): Kennedy Martinson.
The student-athletes will be recognized at the 51st annual Minneapolis Athena Awards luncheon on Friday, May 5 at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center.
Congratulations to all five outstanding Anoka-Hennepin student-athletes. Read more about each Athena Award winner.
2022-23 winter sports and activities roundup
With the winter sports and activities season wrapping up, here’s a look at who’s heading to state, and how they fared when they performed and played. Also included is information about post-season awards gathered by student-athletes and coaches. Visit the district website for updates on adapted floor hockey, PI division and boys basketball.
Student-built sheds cover storage needs
Need more space? Anoka-Hennepin students have you covered! Students from Champlin Park High School built three 8-foot wide by 4-foot deep sheds, which are now open for bidding. Sales benefit hands-on learning opportunities, so the school may continue funding future student-built projects. The starting bid for each shed is $900.
Act now! The auctions are scheduled to close on Wednesday, April 12. Read more and make a bid on a student-built shed.
- District technology and information department launching emailing phishing training for staff.
- Suicide Prevention Training available in the district's learning management system.
- School Board meeting set for Monday, March 24.
- Announcing recipients of 2022-23 Above & Beyond Awards.
- W-2s now available for printing.
- 2022 1095c forms available for download.
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