22. McKinley Elementary School raises money for Alexandra House
23. Mississippi Elementary School participates in Kids Against Hunger event



School Board News:
1. Action of the School Board PDFs now available: June
Action of the School Board (ASB) provides brief summaries of Anoka-Hennepin School Board meetings for staff and the general public in PDF format. PDF copies of the June 1 and 22 meetings are available to download at: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/actionsb.
 
Summaries of the June 1 and 22 meetings are also available to download as podcast episodes in the Anoka-Hennepin Podcast Network (AHPN) section online: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/ahpodcast.
 
Complete minutes of School Board meetings are published on the district's Web site at: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/schoolboard and in the school district's legal newspapers:

• Anoka County Union
• Blaine Life
• Coon Rapids Herald
• Champlin Dayton Press
• Brooklyn Park Sun-Post
• Brooklyn Center Sun-Post

General News and Events:
2. Important information for parents/guardians about new booster seat law
From the Minnesota Department of Education: 

Minnesota children under age 8 or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches tall must be in a child safety seat or booster seat, effective July 1. Under the booster law, children cannot use a seat belt alone until they are age 8 or 4 feet 9 inches tall - whichever comes first. To ensure child safety, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) recommends parents keep children in a booster based on their height, rather than their age.

DPS has materials available to download and distribute at: http://www.buckleupkids.state.mn.us, including a flier explaining the law, frequently asked questions and more. See the June 25 DPS press release at: http://www.dps.state.mn.us/comm/press/newPRSystem/viewPR.asp?PR_Num=899.

Booster seats lift a child up allowing for proper seat belt fit - the lap belt low and snug across the hips and the shoulder belt snug across the middle of the chest. Typically children around age 4 and more than 40 pounds are ready for a booster, upon outgrowing a forward-facing child safety seat.

"Boosters are common sense safety tools to ensure children are riding as safe as possible in a vehicle," said Heather Darby, DPS child passenger safety coordinator. "Children that are shorter than 4 feet 9 simply aren't tall enough to use a seat belt alone; if they do, a belt may do more damage than good in case of a crash."

DPS reports only 30 percent of Minnesota children use boosters. In the last five years in Minnesota, 2004-2008, 18 children passengers ages 4 to 8 were killed in crashes and 3,047 were injured. Child passenger safety officials say the importance of boosters is underscored by death and injuries associated with poor seat belt fit - including ejection, internal decapitation and serious abdominal damage.

Darby said children are not ready to ride in a seat belt alone until they can sit with their back against the vehicle seat, knees bent completely over the seat and feet touching the floor. Darby said a sign that a seat belt does not fit properly is if the child wraps the shoulder belt behind them to avoid the belt rubbing against their neck.

3. New podcast episodes added to A-H Podcast Network Web section
New podcast episodes have been added to the Anoka-Hennepin Podcast Network (AHPN) Web section. The award-winning AHPN is the official district podcast and reports on the latest news and events from around Anoka-Hennepin in periodical podcast episodes.

Two AHPN episodes recapping the May 11 and 26 and June 1 and 22 School Board meetings have been added. View these episodes at: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/ahpodcast. Click on:

• Episode 13, Vol. 02 for May 11 and 26 meetings
• Episode 14, Vol. 02 for June 1 and 22 meetings

4. District Task Force to look at facility needs
Sunnyvale, Red Brick, Benson, Lake Netta, Soderville. If you were an elementary student in the Anoka-Hennepin School District in the early 1950's you may have attended one of those schools. They were among the nearly dozen schools the district closed in the 1950's at the beginning of a new era.

By a vote of citizens on April 8, 1952, the Anoka-Hennepin School District formed from the consolidation of 26 school districts in Anoka County and five school districts in Hennepin County. Each of the tiny districts supported a small schoolhouse, most with just one classroom.

When citizens voted overwhelmingly to consolidate, they realized that the rural schoolhouses, though often charming in appearance, could no longer meet the needs of a rapidly growing student population. It was clear they had to close. The district grew from fewer than 4,000 students its first year to more than 40,000 by the late 1990's to become the largest district in Minnesota.

The district is once again facing a new era, one of steady decline rather than growth, due primarily to changes in the birth rate. According to state demographer Tom Gillaspy, enrollment is expected to decline statewide for the next 20 to 30 years and Anoka-Hennepin is expected to experience a decline mirroring the state average.

The School Board has begun planning for changing conditions. Last fall, it appointed the Discovery Team to investigate the issues most critical to the success of the district in the areas of demographics, educational programs, and money and buildings, and then report findings and alternatives for action to the board. After an in-depth study, the team suggested the district close schools due to declining enrollment and establish a citizen/staff committee to help with the process.

  In response to that recommendation, the School Board appointed the Facility Use Task Force in April to "study capacity of schools, enrollment projections, future program needs, staffing ratios, transportation costs and student support service costs to make recommendations toward the goal of using facilities and district resources efficiently."

The 30-member team of citizens and staff has a rich mix of expertise, with city and county officials, parents and other citizens, teachers, principals and other staff representing the various communities of the district. "The members are intensely interested in this task. They bring a real seriousness and concern. They want good solutions and a positive outcome," said Linda Rodgers, parent involvement coordinator who provides staff support to the team along with Chuck Holden, director of administrative services. Co-chairs for the task force are Tom Miller, who also co-chaired the Discovery Team, and Dave McCauley, who has served as both a city councilman and a county commissioner. Pat Stearns, a professional facilitator who volunteered as facilitator of the Discovery Team, is also facilitating the task force.

Thus far, the task force has been looking at enrollment history, trends and forecasts. They have also been developing an extensive list of criteria to consider in recommending schools for possible closure. These include such factors as location of the school in its community, surrounding traffic patterns, parking availability, potential for other uses - educational or community - and many more.

"The School Board's goal is that buildings that are closed have a thriving purpose and not be boarded up to detract from a community," said Rodgers. "Having city and county expertise on the task force is very helpful in that aspect."

Holden stressed that a number of staff resource committees have formed to provide information and other support to the task force. These include facilities/operations, demographics and transportation, community and government collaboration, special programs, and finance and staffing.

The Facility Use Task Force is expected to make recommendations to the School Board in late August. The School Board will hold public meetings to give citizens information and an opportunity for input before decisions are made. You can follow the work of the task force through the district Web site at: www.anoka.k12.mn.us/facilityusetaskforce.


5. District Discovery Team studies issues, suggests alternatives
Following six months of study, analysis, and debate, the Discovery Team of citizens and staff presented eight alternatives for action to the School Board, including a call for closing schools due to declining enrollment.

Other recommendations focus on expanding early childhood programs; developing partnerships with parents and other governmental agencies and educational institutions; evaluating district programs; engaging state policy makers on funding issues, renewing an operating levy; and consideration of student poverty in staffing decisions.

Formed at the request of the board, the team was guided by the charge to investigate the issues that are most critical to the success of the district in the areas of demographics, educational programs, money and buildings, and report findings and alternatives for action to the board.

The team steeped itself in information about its key topics through a number of presentations and study of other work before stating findings and developing alternatives for action.

Following a presentation from state demographer Tom Gillaspy, the team found that enrollment will continue to decline, yet at the same time, students will become more economically, racially and culturally diverse. In addition, aging of the population is accelerating, a trend that will increase competition with health and social services for state dollars. From the work of Professor Myron Orfield, Institute on Race and Poverty, University of Minnesota, the team found that students perform better in schools that have an integrated mixture of students from various economic and cultural backgrounds and that clusters of poverty adversely impact communities, schools and individual student success.

  Findings on educational programs stemmed largely from presentations by the district's three associate superintendents, Bruce Borchers, Michelle Langenfeld and Mary Wolverton, and Community Education manager Diana Menster-Sullivan, as well as the experience of team members who are educators. From their presentations, the team found that student transiency and poverty are increasing and negatively impact student achievement. At the same time, more students enter kindergarten without the skills and background knowledge to be successful and the percentage of students with significant special education needs is increasing. Schools have developed a large array of educational programs to meet student needs, but the district lacks a systemic framework for evaluating the effectiveness of the programs. Finally, the team found that a high school diploma is not enough; success in an increasingly global marketplace will require students to have post-secondary education.

After hearing from David Buck, director of business services, the team learned that funding influences all decisions and is based on dollars per pupil, so as enrollment declines, the district will receive less revenue. The team also found that it is crucial to maintain a budget reserve for flexibility and cash flow and that an operating levy expiring this year needs to be renewed this fall. Funding inequities exist between Anoka-Hennepin and other school districts due to the district's low property tax base per pupil and the state's compensatory revenue formula. Finally, because of all of the cuts in programs, services and staff the district has made in the past, it will be difficult to keep future cuts out of the classroom.

Chuck Holden, director of administrative services, presented information to the team on facility needs. Representatives from Anoka and Hennepin counties, city officials and Anoka Technical College representatives also participated in this discussion to begin considering potential areas of cooperation regarding facility use. In this area the team found that to maintain enrollment in some schools, students are bused long distances. The team learned that the district would not save general fund dollars by moving out of space it currently leases because state law allows it to levy on property taxes to pay the lease costs. The team also found that closing schools has a negative impact on residential neighborhoods and because schools are often difficult to repurpose, it is important to connect with cities, counties, and other educational institutions regarding closings. The district has several schools with small enrollment that are not cost efficient.

After developing its list of significant findings, the team formulated eight alternatives for action that address the findings:

• Close schools due to declining enrollment.  
• Establish a citizen/staff school closing and boundary committee.
• Expand early childhood and school readiness programs.
• Develop working partnerships with families and communities.
• Develop working partnerships with other educational institutions, units of government and governmental agencies.
•   Annually evaluate district programs according to success criteria. 
•   Engage state policy makers on funding disparities and demand that the state rank priorities for expenditure.
• Authorize a referendum to replace an expiring levy.
• Factor in student poverty and transiency in staffing decisions.

Board member Kathy Tingelstad, who had served as a co-chair for the team until she was appointed to fill a board vacancy, thanked the team members for their work. "I was impressed with how the team came together and looked at the issues in positive ways," she said, commenting that the report will be an important reference piece for the board.

Superintendent Dennis Carlson said the report would be used to identify strategic directions for the district and Board Chair Tom Heidemann said it would serve as a framework for decisions the board will need to make relative to facilities and budget issues.

The complete report and all committee documents are available online at: www.anoka.k12.mn.us/discoveryteam.


6. Partnerships at elementary and middle schools honored
Roosevelt Middle School has been featured in the 2008 National Network of Partnership Schools book "Promising Partnership Practices" published by Johns Hopkins University.

The school hosted an Internet Safety Night to teach the parents and students about staying safe on the Internet. Administrators and parents developed the event in response to an increase in cyber-bullying.

About 75 students and parents attended the presentation. All those attending received information from Mediawise, a national institute on media and family. A presentation for parents and students was followed by an interactive tutorial, with parents using the school's computers to search the Internet with the filters off and learned about the hazards that are just a click away.

The speaker, local college professor Peggy Kendall, has written a book about the challenges of raising children in the age of MySpace and instant messaging. Evaluation forms revealed that parents were very happy with the presentation and said they learned a lot that would help them monitor their children's Internet usage.

Lincoln Elementary School for the Arts was included in the 2007 volume of the book for the school's Classroom Coordinators program. The coordinators are parents who shared school news with other parents, helping new families and working with teachers and staff. There is one coordinator for each classroom, a parent or guardian of one of the students.

Also in the 2007 edition was a write-up about the Family Partnership for Math and Reading program, which included math games, math and literacy tip cards and conversation starter magnets for parents. The tip cards were also translated in the district's top five non-English languages: Spanish, Russian, Hmong, Vietnamese and Arabic.

In 2006, Riverview Specialty School for Math and Environmental Science was recognized for its Partnership Action Team folder. The folder was distributed to each student and was filled with information, ideas and announcements for parents. The idea was to help increase parental support, since it directly affects student achievement.

The same year, Morris Bye Elementary was included in the book for its Power Hour healthy school initiative. Power Hour was an after-school program designed to improve the health of students and their families through better nutrition and increased physical activity.

7. 2009-10 school start and dismissal times (link)
The start and dismissal times for schools for the 2009-10 school year are now available to view in the A-H Newsroom: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=233410&itemID=25879.


8. NorthWest Suburban Integration School District June newsletter available to download
The NorthWest Suburban Integration School District (NWSISD) June newsletter is now available to download in the district's Document Center: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=233661&fileitem=55362&catfilter=11714.

NWSISD is a collaborative effort of the Anoka-Hennepin, Brooklyn Center, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose, Elk River, Fridley, Osseo and Rockford school districts formed to meet the requirements of the Minnesota Desegregation Rule. Funding for specialty schools and programs is through a combination of desegregation funding from the state and federal government, as well as NWSISD. One of the goals of specialty schools is to encourage racial integration in the district. Specialty schools are part of the district's plan for meeting state and federal desegregation laws.


Elementary School News and Events:
9. Morris Bye Elementary School receives visit from award-winning author
Morris Bye Elementary School students learned what it's like to be an author after a visit from award-winning children's book author and poet Judy Young on May 4. Young recited poems, talked about her books and inspired students in each grade level at the school to be better writers.

In anticipation of Young's May 4 visit, Morris Bye students wrote poems about friendship in anticipation of Young's visit. The poems were written on a leaf budding on a friendship tree and were displayed on classroom doors.

Young received the 2009 Storytelling World Honor Award for her book "The Lucky Star" and the 2008 Mom's Choice Gold Award for her book "R is for Rhyme."

10. Riverview and Monroe girls learn about careers in science, mathematics
Girls from Riverview Specialty School for Math and Environmental Science and Monroe Elementary for Math, Science and Children's Engineering participated in a Girls in Science - Saturday Science Camp held Feb. 21 at Bethel University.

The fifth grade girls who attended learned about careers in math and science from women who work in those fields. They participated in hands-on activities related to engineering and life science, and watched demonstrations by Aveda scientists.

"I liked working in different groups, interacting with the professors and students from other schools, and especially the hands-on activities that we got to take with us," said Annee Lorentzen, a Riverview student.

Speakers included professors of biology and chemistry at Bethel University and a veterinarian from the University of Minnesota. "My favorite was the fingerprints because I am really interested in that kind of science," said Areeg Abdalla, a Riverview student.

Riverview and Monroe elementary schools and Bethel University sponsored the event. The students attended for free courtesy of a district talent development grant funded by the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation.

The goal of the Girls in Science programs is to help girls envision careers in math and science and close the gender gap in science test scores. Past programs have included a visit with astronaut Sally Ride and a similar Saturday science program for third-grade girls.

Riverview received a $5,000 grant this spring from Honeywell Hometown Solutions to support future Girls in Science Saturday camps and other environmental programs to support the school's curriculum.  

Middle School News and Events:
11. All-new Pinocchio takes the stage at Fred Moore Middle School Center for the Arts
When Fred Moore Middle School Center for the Arts teacher Jefferson Fietek set out to rewrite the story of Pinocchio, he wanted to include more moments of the original tale written by Carlo Collodi.

What he hadn't anticipated was the way that conversations with his own 13-year-old son would become integrated into the script.

"I saw so many parallels between our lives and the book," Fietek said. "I was struck by how many family moments are universal." Some of the discussions between Pinocchio and Geppetto, his woodcarver father, and Pinocchio and the Blue Fairy were drawn from his real discussions with his own son.

In Fietek's adaptation, the basic story is the same: a wooden puppet who wants to become a real boy. His distractions in pursuit of his goal are more numerous and complex in the Fred Moore performance than in the Disney adaptation.

Fietek began writing the script three years ago at a Puppeteers of America International Puppetry convention. He was inspired by discussions of the many great moments from the original book.

"I was disappointed by the moments that didn't come into the Disney story," Fietek said. He couldn't include it all in his story though, because the original story is really too dark for children. He did restore some original elements, like the shark that swallows Pinocchio.

The cast included 34 students, with another 20 behind the scenes. Fietek said he couldn't have fit any more students onto the stage. After auditions, Fietek said he did some script changes to more closely fit the students who auditioned for the roles. Some characters he had written out were put back in because there was a student who fit perfectly.

Fietek was concerned about how his middle school cast would react to his newly-conceived Pinocchio, but he said there are many elements that are fun for students and parents: magic, humor and lots of fun. "Some of the students said it was a little bit like the humor in Shrek," Fietek said. There were six performances in April, and Fietek said the students really stepped up to make it a great show.


12. Jackson Middle School student wins Minnesota Geography Bee
Jackson Middle School eighth-grader Cody Baird knows there are three kinds of answers you could give when confronted with a question in the Geography Bee: wild guesses, educated guesses and for sure answers. When it came time to answer the final question in the Minnesota Geography Bee, he was sure he had read it in a book somewhere.

The question: "Where is Sandro Botticelli's painting "The Birth of Venus" on display?" The answer: Florence, Italy. The winner: Cody Baird.

He outlasted 102 other state finalists to win a $100 prize, an atlas and a trip to Washington, D.C., May 18 through 21. There, Baird competed against other state winners for a chance at a $25,000 scholarship.

"I just decided to study it," Baird said. "It looked fun - something real and very useful. I started with state capitals."

Rita Beckman, who teaches geography at Jackson Middle School and runs the school geography bee, said there are many kinds of questions in a geography bee.

"It's a lot more than locations. Cody is an avid reader, and that comes into play," Beckman said.

Baird said he studies a lot of different sources to learn his geography trivia. He likes the quizzes on the National Geographic Web site and other similar sites.

This year was Baird's second trip to the state bee. He also qualified as a fifth-grader at Oxbow Creek Elementary School.


High School News and Events:
13. House built by Blaine High School carpentry students for sale through July 14
A house built by Blaine High School Carpentry I and II students is now for sale. The house is a three-bedroom rambler with one and three-quarter bathrooms. It measures 36 by 48/1,248 sq. ft.

Other features include:

• Energy efficient
• Oak trim
• Laminate floors
• Carpeted bedrooms
• Main floor laundry
• Kit areas
• Solar light in bathrooms
• Maintenance free exterior
• Microwave/stove hood
• Dishwasher
• Clear span floor trusses

All bids are due by 2 p.m. central daylight time on Tuesday, July 14. Sealed bids will be accepted by the Anoka-Hennepin Purchasing Department, 2727 N. Ferry St., Anoka, MN 55303. Submit bid (minimum of $50,000) and check for $20,000 down payment in a sealed envelope labeled, "bid for house."

Buyer is responsible for all taxes and moving of the house, which must be moved by Monday, Aug. 31. For a set of plans, or to view the house, contact Tim Nestrud at 763-506-6534 or at: Tim.Nestrud@anoka.k12.mn.us.

View photos of the house online in the A-H Newsroom: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=233410&itemID=25896.

View house floor plans online in the Document Center: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=233661&fileitem=54919&catfilter=11722.

14. Champlin Park High School students attend jazz improvisation clinic
Band students from Champlin Park High School participated in a jazz improvisation clinic on May 7, led by MacPhail Center for Music Instructor Greg Keel. The clinic was held at Champlin Park and coordinated by band program director Sieglinde Grivna. Grivna won the clinic after signing up for a drawing during a Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) conference.

During the clinic, Keel demonstrated a blues solo with a rhythm section play-along track and then did some call and response with students using the blues scale. Keel also discussed scales, chords and improvisation techniques and ideas with students. The clinic ended with a short demonstration from Keel on the ease in learning the three basic types of scales for jazz improvisation.


15. A Performance of Note: Champlin Park High School concert orchestra plays at Carnegie Hall
By Amanda Squire, Editor-in-Chief of Rebel Times newspaper and orchestra principal violist

The Champlin Park Concert Orchestra, made up of 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students, performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City on April 10 as part of the National Invitational Orchestra Festival.

The once-in-a-lifetime road to Carnegie Hall started in Champlin Park's parking lot early on April 7. There, a charter bus waited, along with the 35 accomplished musicians - many blurry-eyed and tired from packing the night before. A few dozen parents were on hand for the send-off, as was Champlin Park Assistant Principal Jill Alton. "Rebels, off you go to New York. This is an awesome opportunity. I know that you will make us proud," Alton said.

Nearly six months earlier, Judy Blomgren, Champlin Park orchestra director, told the students she had sent in an audition tape for the festival. In response to this announcement, Jessie Carlson, a senior cellist in the concert orchestra said, "It would be an amazing opportunity, but I didn't think we would actually be selected to play. There was such a small chance."

When Blomgren received the call that the orchestra had indeed been selected, she asked several times, "Are you sure?" The next day she shared the news with her students. Immediately plans got underway to make the trip possible.

There were no school funds available for this opportunity, so students sold coffee, cookies, and pastries in an effort to raise the money for this trip. They also held a free benefit concert on April 4 to raise additional money.

After 23 hours of driving, the students arrived in New York City. In the days leading up to the performance, the students saw a Broadway show, visited the American Museum of Natural

History, took a ferry ride to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, and saw many other sights in the city. They also fit in a last minute rehearsal at Montana Studios, the same studio where many music greats have rehearsed - from rock legend Led Zeppelin to pop princess Brittany Spears.

On Friday, Champlin Park's concert orchestra found itself backstage, poised for its Carnegie Hall debut. After a final run through of their music, they received the signal to go on stage. Nicole Amegashie, a senior who plays second violin, said that walking on the stage at Carnegie Hall was "like what walking into heaven would look like, with its white walls accented with gold paint."

For 30 minutes, these musicians stole the spotlight. Raising their bows on the final note, the hall in turn rose to give the group a standing ovation.

"It was a pretty awesome stage to display the cumulative efforts of many hours of practice and preparation," said Cameron Hixson, senior cellist.

Following the performance, a reception awaited the students along with several of the students' parents who made the trip to New York as a surprise for their son or daughter. "I didn't want to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity," said Dallas Hixson, Cameron's dad, who arrived in New York City just hours before the performance.

Directly after leaving the stage, junior and the lone bassist for this trip, Jade Wallat, along with two friends let out an enormous shout of relief while hugging and jumping up and down outside the historic hall. Similarly, other students released their excitement with tears of joy and phone calls home.

"It was kind of a 'wow' moment. I can't even put it into words," Amegashie said.

The following morning, students boarded the bus again for their long ride home. After all, Monday morning was back to school again.


Schools and Programs Event Calendar
16. Upcoming events and activities from district schools and programs (link)
Are you looking for the latest high school theater production or want to know what upcoming courses are available from Community Education? Do you want to know when your local elementary school is having its arts and academics night? Visit: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/schoolevents to view upcoming school and program events, activities, courses, etc. open to the public as submitted by schools/programs.

Events and activities intended only for parents of a particular school rather than the community in general (like parent/teacher conferences) will not be announced in Backpack Online. There may be additional events open to the public that have not been submitted for this section. Check with your school for more information if you don't see an event or activity listed in this section.

District Web site users can subscribe to the School and Program Events page and receive email notices when new articles are added. Click on the "Subscribe to this page" link at the bottom of the page.

Do you have an event you'd like to have considered for Backpack Online? Visit: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/contactcommandpr or contact Courtney Markuson at: Courtney.Markuson@anoka.k12.mn.us to submit your school or program's upcoming event or activity.

All events/activities must be open to the public to be considered and sponsored by a school or the district. Please include complete event details (who, what, where, when, contact person/Web site, admission cost, etc.). The Communications and Public Relations Department reserves the right to edit approved submissions as needed.

Recently added events/activities (since July 6, see calendar for complete event details):

• Anoka High School and Anoka Community Theatre present Les Miserables in concert July 24, 25, 31 and Aug. 1
• Dayton Police Department free teen driving program Aug. 29
• Kindergarten and middle school open houses Sept. 1
• Elementary and high school open houses Sept. 2
• Annual Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation Northern Stars Ball set for Oct. 24

Upcoming courses and leagues from Community Education (see links in calendar section or visit: www.discovercommunityed.com )
Recreational Athletics

• Men's, women's and co-rec softball
• Co-rec kickball
• Men's, women's and co-rec volleyball
• Men's, women's and co-rec basketball (3, 4, or 5-person leagues)
• Men's, women's and co-rec 4-person touch football

Click on the following link to view the School and Program Events Calendar section archive: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=233410&itemID=25613.


Student Success:
17. Andover High School student scored perfect on the ACT
Andover High School senior Elise Mead was pretty shocked when she found out she got the highest possible score on the ACT - a 36.

"I thought I did better the first time," Mead said. She topped the charts on her second attempt.

"I checked it online during school. I was so excited; I thought I'd seen it wrong. I checked it again and then called my mom."

It might have been a surprise to Mead, but not to her favorite teacher, Jessica Askew. Askew teaches Advanced Placement U.S. history and AP government and politics at Andover High School, and she says Mead is "amazing" as a student.

"She's very serious and very challenging in that she's very curious and wants to probe and question and won't rest until she gets the answer," Askew said. "She raises the bar for others in the class. She's great in class discussions, incredibly bright and thoughtful."

In turn, Mead said Askew's classes were the best she's had at Andover. "She's amazing," Mead said. "I'm pretty sure she has the book memorized. I had her politics class during the election and she was in a frenzy about the whole thing."

Mead keeps busy outside the classroom too. She served as president of Andover's National Honor Society chapter and competed in Math League. Mead also does volunteer work, including volunteering at Summer Institute.

She has competed on the school's cross country and track teams for the past two years, something that she came to late, but has loved.

"It's been so great," she said. "There's only five seniors this year, it's a young team with so much energy."

Mead is looking forward to attending Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, this fall, where she has a full scholarship. She chose Cornell because of their standing on the list of "Colleges that Change Lives" and academic reputation. She is planning on pursuing a pre-medical program. Askew looks for Mead to do whatever she sets her mind to.

"I can't wait to see what she does and nothing would surprise me," Askew said. "Elise is charting her own path. She's going to burst out of the mold."


18. Blaine High School CEMS teams named as finalists in Internet Science and Technology Fair
Blaine High School Center for Engineering, Mathematics and Science (CEMS) had nine teams designated as finalists in the 2008-09 Internet Science and Technology Fair (ISTF). ISTF is the 21st century science fair that:

• Challenges students to use information technology tools to discover and explore the future of science and engineering,
• Provides science, math and computer teachers with a means to integrate the Internet and research methods into their curricula, and
• Offers scientists and engineers working within corporations, federal/state agencies and academic research centers an opportunity to invest their time on-line as technical advisors who become "digital mentors."

From October through February of each year, student teams apply technology to real-world problems when they participate in the ISTF. As a team, students use ISTF Content Guidelines that are based on national science content standards (1996) developed by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Teams work with a practicing scientist or engineer who acts as the team's online technical advisor. Teams publish their final research reports in a Web page format that is then judged against other teams from the United States and other participating countries. Top teams receive certificates of award from the National Medal of Technology and Innovation at the U.S. Department of Commerce's Patent and Trademark Office.

Projects from finalists are grouped into seven categories: energy, environmental quality, information and communication, living systems, manufacturing, materials and transportation.

Each team from Blaine consisted of four students. Team projects varied from applications in passive thermal imaging, to wireless communications and telecom/data routing. Teams were assisted by teachers Jennifer Birkmeier (business) and John Bayer (industrial technology).

Listed below are team members and Web sites:

Anti Collapse Crew
Team members: Madison Estuesta, Wes Marchand, James Perona and Tobey Thomas
Team Web site: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/projects/projects.php?sectionid=34995&
 
Team WiEnergy
Team members: Gary Braun, Courtney Bye, Stephan Egbujor and Adam Reckseidler
Team Web site: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/projects/projects.php?sectionid=35017&

Virtual Heroes
Team members: Andrew Dessellier, Lizz Johnson, Joey Kubischek and Tim Stefczak
Team Web site: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/projects/projects.php?sectionid=35004&

Lost & Found
Team members: Jean Diaz, Brittany Fussy, John Gregornik and Kirstin Peters
Team Web site: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/projects/projects.php?sectionid=35008&

Liz L. Suz J.
Team members: Linda Amaya, Lizzy Bruder, Joey Fritz and Suzi Hickey
Team Web site: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/projects/projects.php?sectionid=35003&

Unburned Marshmallow
Team members: Dylan Fazel, Ben Setterholm, Sophia Stembridge and Tony Vang
Team Web site: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/projects/projects.php?sectionid=35001&

Team Zoom Zoom
Team members: John Abrahamsen, Joshua Thesing, Yaia Yang and Dan Zarling
Team Web site: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/projects/projects.php?sectionid=35009&

Recon Wireless
Team members: Eric Case, Matt Dankers, Jeff Landin and Nate Skalsky
Team Web site: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/projects/projects.php?sectionid=35006&
 
Los Diablos De Computados
Team members: Brandon Bauer, Will Hempel, Melanie Lee and Rachel Quaday
Team Web site: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/projects/projects.php?sectionid=34993&


Community Education News and Events:
19. Register now for the 2009-2010 School Readiness Preschool Program
The Anoka-Hennepin Community Education School Readiness Preschool Program has openings for the 2009-2010 school year. Children who will be three or four by Sept. 1, 2009 are age eligible for fall preschool classes. To register, call 763-506-2480. 
 
School Readiness Preschool offers classes for three, four and five year old children at 13 locations in the Anoka-Hennepin School District. Two- and three-day-a-week classes are held mornings, afternoons and early evenings. A sliding fee scale is available based on income and family size. Parents are responsible for transportation.
 
Children have fun as they prepare for kindergarten at School Readiness Preschool. They learn readiness and social skills in a classroom set up for hands on play. The instructors guide them through a daily schedule that includes large and small group activities, snack time and choice time at learning centers.
 
For more information, call 763-506-2480, TTY 763-506-7865, or visit the district Web site: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/ce. Click on the School Readiness link in the left index.


Reaching Out:
20. Andover Elementary School participates in Adopt-an Acre, collects food items
Fifth grade students and teachers at Andover Elementary School collected 10 boxes of food and $300 in monetary donations at the school's annual Showcase event on May 7. The collection was donated to the Anoka County Food Shelf.

Students and staff also collected a total of $1,353.98 through participation in the Adopt-an-Acre Program. Through the program, participants can adopt an acre at $50 per acre. Andover will be able to adopt approximately 27 acres of critically endangered habitat in the countries of Columbia, Ecuador and Peru.


21. Eisenhower Elementary School participates in March of Dimes fundraiser
This spring, Eisenhower Elementary School families decided to support Taylah Manners and her family by participating in the annual March of Dimes fundraiser. Taylah was born at 24 weeks gestation and weighed one pound, six ounces. Thanks to support from March of Dimes, she is now a healthy, happy 3-year-old and was an ambassador in March of this year.
 
The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Eisenhower students, staff and families raised a total of $1,546.96 in two weeks. School staff said that wonderful stories of giving were heard in the hallways of Eisenhower. One student gave his entire "life savings" of $27.04 to the cause. Another student asked all of her relatives and neighbors for support and collected more than $50. The parents of another student collected $97 at their place of employment.


22. McKinley Elementary School raises money for Alexandra House
McKinley Elementary School students and staff collected $1,373.74 during the school's "Penny Week" event held June 1 through 5. The funds were donated to the Alexandra House Shelter.


23. Mississippi Elementary School participates in Kids Against Hunger event
Mississippi Elementary School students learned about how to make a difference and the importance of giving to others on Wednesday, April 29. The school's 440 students, along with staff, 21 students from Coon Rapids High School and 75 parents, grandparents and community volunteers, packaged meals to send to Haiti through the Kids Against Hunger Program.

Kids Against Hunger, a program of Feeding Children International, is a non-profit organization based in New Hope, Minn. The program packages and ships highly nutritious, life-saving meals to starving and malnourished children in developing countries and the United States.

Mississippi packed a total of 63,700 meals and raised a total of $2,245 to help feed starving children around the world. The school exceeded its totals from 2008, in which 56,000 meals were packaged and $2,000 was raised.

"Everything we did was a part of a bigger, more amazing day than we could have imagined," said Mississippi Principal Mark Hansen. "We did make the world a better place! I wish everyone could have the opportunity to experience this event."

• Episode 09, Vol. 02 for Oak View Middle School service project
• Episode 10, Vol. 02 for March 23 meeting
• Episode 11, Vol. 02 for April 13 meeting
• Episode 12, Vol. 02 for April 27 meeting

8. Focus Newsletter PDF added to district Web site
The spring 2009 issue of the Focus Newsletter is now available to download as a PDF in the district's document center: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=233661&fileitem=54053&catfilter=18072.

The Focus Newsletter features news and photos from around the district. It's published three times a year and is mailed to all Anoka-Hennepin residents.


9. 2009-10 school start and dismissal times (link)
The start and dismissal times for schools for the 2009-10 school year are now available to view in the A-H Newsroom: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=233410&itemID=25879.


Elementary School News and Events:
10. Deborah Shepard receives Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association Professional Leadership Award
The Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association (MESPA) recognized Deborah Shepard, principal of Rum River Elementary School, with the 2009 MESPA Division Leadership Achievement Award in late March. Principals are responsible for a school's instructional, school culture and resource leadership. The award honors principals whose exemplary leadership and sustained efforts have made noteworthy contributions to the operation of effective school learning programs - improving education, their communities and their profession.

In nominating Shepard, Cheryl Kortuem (principal of Crooked Lake Elementary School), said, "Deborah has demonstrated excellent principal skills, always basing her decisions on what is best for students. She has provided the changes needed in her school in order to provide a high quality-learning environment. Deborah has been consistent in her building with establishing rigor and high expectations not only for students but also staff. She uses creative problem solving and a sense of humor when faced with difficult situations."

"Deborah displays many areas of strength," said Kortuem. "She is well-organized, creative and always treats children and adults with respect. Deborah is presently working on her dissertation for her Doctorate in Educational Leadership. She deserves this award and is a role-model and mentor for her colleagues."

In her principalship, Shepard follows the philosophy of Ralph Waldo Emerson: "To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social situation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."

Shepard includes among her most significant career accomplishments: Teacher of the Year, her first principal job and having her school make the "greatest gains" list (second in the state) in the area of math in relation to the MCA II tests.

Past honors and recognition received by Shepard include: MESPA division president, president-elect; Educational Advisory Committee division representative; Teacher of the Year; Anoka-Hennepin Elementary Principals' Association, treasurer and elementary principal representative on paraeducators negotiations.

MESPA members selected 12 of their peers to receive the 2009 MESPA Division Leadership Achievement Award. Shepard was nominated by her North Suburban division colleagues.  

MESPA is the professional association of Minnesota's elementary and middle level principals. With the vision to "be the premiere resource for preparing today's principals for tomorrow and a strong leading voice for public education" and a statewide membership over 950 principals, MESPA has represented Minnesota's principals since 1950. MESPA is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals and its 29,500 members nationwide.

The Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association is dedicated to promoting and improving education for children and youth, strengthening the role as educational leader for elementary and middle level principals, and collaborating with partners in education to assist in achieving these goals.


Middle School News and Events:
11. Middle school schedule and requirements to be studied
The schedule for all middle schools in the Anoka-Hennepin School District will be studied this fall for change beginning in 2010-11 when a new high school schedule will go into effect.

In May the School Board approved a new trimester schedule with five class periods per day for the high schools. Elementary schools are already on a trimester schedule. Because of the need to align with the elementary and high school schedules, only trimester schedules will be studied. The choice will be in the number of periods per day - five, six or seven.

Having all schools on a trimester schedule will eliminate potential conflicts for families that would have been likely if their children were on different schedules. In addition, it will save on costs for transportation and other central services.

The process used to review middle school schedules will be based on that used for the high school schedule. A large Middle School Schedule and Requirement Committee will meet in September and October. The committee will include teachers representing each department, administrators and parents.  A number of task forces with specific interests will convene to provide input on the potential schedules. In addition, public forums will be held to give all parents, students and staff and opportunity to comment. All the input will be summarized and presented to the School Board in early October for a decision by mid-October.

The early decision is necessary in order to prepare registration materials and conduct student registration early enough for the staffing process to occur within required timelines.

Parents interested in serving on the Middle School Schedule and Requirement Committee or the Parent Task Force should contact Linda Rodgers, parent involvement coordinator, 763-506-1282, or at: Linda.Rodgers@anoka.k12.mn.us.


High School News and Events:
12. House built by Blaine High School carpentry students for sale through July 14
A house built by Blaine High School Carpentry I and II students is now for sale. The house is a three-bedroom rambler with one and three-quarter bathrooms. It measures 36 by 48/1,248 sq. ft.

Other features include:

• Energy efficient
• Oak trim
• Laminate floors
• Carpeted bedrooms
• Main floor laundry
• Kit areas
• Solar light in bathrooms
• Maintenance free exterior
• Microwave/stove hood
• Dishwasher
• Clear span floor trusses

All bids are due by 2 p.m. central daylight time on Tuesday, July 14. Sealed bids will be accepted by the Anoka-Hennepin Purchasing Department, 2727 N. Ferry St., Anoka, MN 55303. Submit bid (minimum of $50,000) and check for $20,000 down payment in a sealed envelope labeled, "bid for house."

Buyer is responsible for all taxes and moving of the house, which must be moved by Monday, Aug. 31. For a set of plans, or to view the house, contact Tim Nestrud at 763-506-6534 or at: Tim.Nestrud@anoka.k12.mn.us.

View photos of the house online in the A-H Newsroom: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=233410&itemID=25896.

View house floor plans online in the Document Center: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=233661&fileitem=54919&catfilter=11722.


13. Marjory Humbert receives 2009 Minnesota ProStart Educator Excellence Award
The Minnesota Education Foundation recently named Marjory Humbert, food occupations teacher at Anoka-Hennepin's Secondary Technical Education Program (STEP), the recipient of the 2009 Minnesota ProStart Educator Excellence Award.

The Educator Excellence Awards recognizes exceptional high school educators who use the ProStart program in their classrooms. The ProStart program is a two-year curriculum designed to teach high school students the management skills needed for a career in the restaurant and foodservice industry.

Each state restaurant association ProStart coordinator is asked to nominate the state's leading educator who has demonstrated a commitment to their students and to the ProStart program. The winning teachers have employed innovative techniques to motivate their students to learn and participate in mentored internships to prepare them for a career in the industry.

"Our ProStart educators are on the front lines preparing students for exciting careers in the restaurant and foodservice industry," said said Ashley Folsom, Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation's ProStart Coordinator. "Marjory Humbert is a truly outstanding educator, and is a model for all other ProStart educators in Minnesota. She has been recognized for her passion to encourage students to strive for excellence in serving others through culinary education."

The ProStart program encompasses approximately 60,000 students and 1,600 teachers in 47 states, territories and districts. A total of 34 Minnesota schools have the curriculum in place. The career-building program was developed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and is managed nationally by National Restaurant Association Solutions. The Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation manages the program in Minnesota.

STEP has been with the ProStart program from the beginning and was one of the first schools to offer the curriculum to students.  

Humbert joined 31 other top educators in Chicago for the National Restaurant Association Solutions ProStart Educator Excellence Awards on May 15 and 16.


Schools and Programs Event Calendar
14. Upcoming events and activities from district schools and programs (link)
Are you looking for the latest high school theater production or want to know what upcoming courses are available from Community Education? Do you want to know when your local elementary school is having its arts and academics night? Visit: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/schoolevents to view upcoming school and program events, activities, courses, etc. open to the public as submitted by schools/programs.

Events and activities intended only for parents of a particular school rather than the community in general (like parent/teacher conferences) will not be announced in Backpack Online. There may be additional events open to the public that have not been submitted for this section. Check with your school more information if you don't see an event or activity listed in this section.

District Web site users can subscribe to the School and Program Events page and receive email notices when new articles are added. Click on the "Subscribe to this page" link at the bottom of the page.

Do you have an event you'd like to have considered for Backpack Online? Visit: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/contactcommandpr or contact Courtney Markuson at: Courtney.Markuson@anoka.k12.mn.us to submit your school or program's upcoming event or activity.

All events/activities must be open to the public to be considered and sponsored by a school or the district. Please include complete event details (who, what, where, when, contact person/Web site, admission cost, etc.). The Communications and Public Relations Department reserves the right to edit approved submissions as needed.

Recently added events/activities (since June 15, see calendar for complete event details):

• Registration for Blaine High School summer volleyball youth day camps due July 1
• Dayton Police Department free teen driving program Aug. 29

Upcoming summer family and youth field trips from Community Education Recreational Athletics (view event fliers in the Document Center: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=233661&catfilter=11722#showDoc)

• Minnesota Twins baseball games
• Minnesota Lynx basketball game
• St. Louis Park Aquatic Center
• Jump-N-Art Camp at Pump It Up

Click on the following link to view the School and Program Events Calendar section archive: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=233410&itemID=25613.


Student Success:
15. Coon Rapids High School Destination ImagiNation team finishes first at World Finals
The Coon Rapids High School Destination ImagiNation team "Melonie and the Maniacs" took the top prize at the DI World Finals, held May 20 through 23 at the University of Tennessee. Their  "A New Angle" entry made of balsa wood supported 955 pounds of applied weight before collapsing. The 16.28-gram structure had the best ratio of weight to weight supported in the competition.

This challenge focuses on structural engineering and construction, asking students to create a two-part, angled structure and see how much weight it will bear in proportion to the structure's weight. The DI World competition included teams from each of the 50 states and more than 40 countries.

To qualify for worlds, the Coon Rapids High School team swept the competition at the state contest, with the nearest competitor supporting less than 200 pounds while Coon Rapids' entry supported nearly 900 pounds.


16. High school students qualify for national FCCLA-HERO leadership conference
The following students qualified to participate in the national FCCLA-HERO leadership conference, held July 12 through 16 in Tennessee. Students were selected at the Minnesota Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA-HERO) state competition, held on April 20 and 21 in Brooklyn Park. The theme for this year's state event was "We're All in This Together."

CHAMPLIN PARK HIGH SCHOOL
Kathie Brier, Chapter Service Project
Amanda Flynn, Entrepreneurship
Amanda Freeman, Entrepreneurship
Kassie Vonbusch, Entrepreneurship
Advisors: Lori Brumbaugh, Kathy Suski

COON RAPIDS HIGH SCHOOL
Paige Crosby, Community Service
Corissa Duffy, Illustrated Talk
Melissa Elsen, Job Interview
Jessica Johnson-Quade, National Programs
Chelsea Olson, Community Service
Heather Rohrer, Applied Technology
Cassie Ruha, National Programs
Advisor: Karen Sherga

SECONDARY TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
Elle Abeler, National Programs in Action
Jordan Cobb, Culinary Arts
Donovan Ek, Culinary Arts
Julie Kosak, Life Event Planning
Breanna Puumala, Life Event Planning
Ashley Stich, Fashion Construction
Chris Xiong, Culinary Arts
Advisor: Marge Humbert

Minnesota FCCLA-HERO held its first state leadership conference in the spring of 1971. The focus of FCCLA-HERO is to provide leadership opportunities for students in service occupations programs. FCCLA-HERO lets students learn and develop practical, real-world skills and talents - keys to success whether they are entering the work force directly after high school or going on to post-secondary education.


17. District middle and high school students place at state adapted bowling tournament
The following students placed in the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) adapted bowling tournament for students with physical impairments (PI) and cognitive impairments (CI) on May 15:

COON RAPIDS MIDDLE SCHOOL
Jasmine Gomez, second place, Girls' CI singles

ANDOVER HIGH SCHOOL
Victoria Price, third place, Girls' PI singles; third place Girls' PI doubles
Emily Raffensparger, third place, Girls' PI doubles

COON RAPIDS HIGH SCHOOL
Scott Clark, second place, Boys' PI doubles
Corey Kuphal, second place, Boys' PI doubles

Adapted soccer is one of four sports MSHSL sponsors for athletes with disabilities. Adapted soccer is conducted in the fall, adapted floor hockey is conducted in the winter and adapted softball and bowling are conducted in the spring.


Community Education News and Events:
18. Register now for School Readiness Preschool summer 2009 classes
The Community Education School Readiness Preschool Program is gearing up for new classes to start this summer. Summer Preschool is for children who will go to kindergarten this September. Fun summer activities will focus on readiness skills to help children enter kindergarten with more ease and confidence.

The Summer Preschool Classes meet at four sites:

• Anoka-Hennepin Learning Center Preschool located at 2740 Wingfield Ave. N., Anoka
• Blaine Preschool located at Blaine United Methodist Church 621 - 115th Ave. N.E., in Blaine
• Champlin Family Place located at Champlin Plaza Mall, 12443 Champlin Dr. in Champlin
• Coon Rapids Foley, located in the Head Start Building, 9574 Foley Blvd. in Coon Rapids

The six-week session starts June 23 and ends July 30. Days and times are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 to 11:30 am. A 12:30 to 3 p.m. class is available at the Anoka site only.

Children who have not had any preschool experience will receive registration priority. Children who have been to preschool are welcome as space allows.  

Parents are responsible for transportation. A sliding fee scale based on family size and income is available to help pay tuition. Registration for the classes will be accepted by phone.

For more information, call 763-506-2480, TTY 763-506-7865, or visit the district Web site: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/ce. Click on the School Readiness link in the left index.


19. Register now for the 2009-2010 School Readiness Preschool Program
The Anoka-Hennepin Community Education School Readiness Preschool Program has openings for the 2009-2010 school year. Children who are will be 3 or 4 by Sept. 1, 2009, are age eligible for fall preschool classes. To register, call 763-506-2480.  
 
School Readiness Preschool offers classes for 3, 4 and 5-year-old children at 13 locations in the Anoka-Hennepin School District. Two- and three-day-a-week classes are held mornings, afternoons and early evenings. A sliding fee scale is available based on income and family size. Parents are responsible for transportation.
 
Children have fun as they prepare for kindergarten at School Readiness Preschool. They learn readiness and social skills in a classroom set up for hands on play. The instructors guide them through a daily schedule that includes large and small group activities, snack time and choice time at learning centers.
 
For more information, call 763-506-2480, TTY 763-506-7865, or visit the district Web site: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/ce. Click on the School Readiness link in the left index.


Reaching Out:
20. Franklin and Oak View schools celebrate Memorial Day
Elementary and middle school students reflected on the meaning of Memorial Day during special events at Franklin Elementary and Oak View Middle School on May 21 and 22, respectively.

Franklin Elementary School's celebration on Thursday, May 21 included musical performances from students and staff, reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance and poems and a visit  from armed forces veterans.

Oak View Middle School's celebration on Friday, May 22 included performances by the choir, band and orchestra, as well as student readings of published and original poems, plus commentary. Oak View School has celebrated Memorial Day every year since the school opened in 1996.


21. Oak View Middle School students reach out to new families in Anoka-Hennepin
For the past two years, sixth grade students in Toni Chipka's "Pride Class" at Oak View Middle School have been welcoming new students and their families to the district, one winter hat at time.

Click on the following link to view this item as a video podcast episode in the Anoka-Hennepin Podcast Network (AHPN) page: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/ahpodcast (click on "Episode 09").

Click on the following link to read the entire article online in the A-H Newsroom: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=233410&itemID=25903.

• Free training on attention disorders for parents and youth from Anoka County May 14
• Evergreen Park World Studies Elementary School arts and academics night May 19
• Anoka High School presents An Evening of Symphonic Rock May 28
• Northdale Middle School golf fundraiser June 6

Click on the following link to view the School and Program Events Calendar section archive: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=233410&itemID=25613.


Student Success:
7. Blaine High School students place at Minnesota HOSA leadership conference
The following Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) students from Blaine High School placed at the Minnesota HOSA leadership conference, held March 23 through 25 in St. Cloud. First, second and third place winners from the state competition qualify to compete in the National HOSA competition in Nashville, Tennessee from June 24 through 27.

HOSA is a National Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) endorsed by the Department of Education and the Health Occupations Education Division of the Association for Career and Technical Education. HOSA provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation, and recognition exclusively for secondary, postsecondary, adult and collegiate students enrolled in health occupations education programs. HOSA has three competitive events during the year, in which students compete in health-related categories like medical spelling and terminology.

Robert Armstead, first place, Medical Spelling
Valentine Awasom, second place, Extemporaneous Speaking
Chelsea Banken, first place, Career Health Display
Danielle Francen, third place, Medical Spelling; third place Career Health Display
Jenna Jorgensen, first place, Career Health Display; third place, Medical Photography
Zainab Khatoon, first place, Researched Persuasive Speaking; third place, Prepared Speaking
Carly Saben, third place, Career Health Display

The following Blaine High School students also served as state officers this school year:

Derrick Throndsen, president
Josh Mitchell, vice president
Zainab Khatoon, president-elect


8. Middle school students take top two spots at Optimist Club oratorical contest
Two Anoka-Hennepin middle school students recently participated in the DMM Optimist District Oratorical contest held on May 1 in Fargo, North Dakota, and placed in the top two spots.

Mac Rasmus, seventh grader at Fred Moore Middle School Center for the Arts, placed first in the boys' contest and will receive a $1,500 scholarship after graduation. Wakpor Ighovojah, eighth grader at Northdale Middle School, placed second in the girls' contest. Both students gave a four to five minute presentation on the topic, "For me, optimism is…"

The contest included contestants from Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Manitoba, Canada.

Ighovojah and Rasmus both advanced to the DMM Optimist District competition by winning their respective contests at the North Suburban and Zone 4 Optimist competitions.

Optimist Clubs conduct positive service projects aimed at providing a helping hand to youth. Club members are best known in their communities for their upbeat attitudes. Optimist International sponsors three contests to provide college scholarships for students.


9. Winners of the 2009 Anoka-Hennepin School District writing contest
Grandma's house, the cabin, a neighborhood creek and a bedroom closet. What could these assorted places have in common? They were all favorite places of elementary-aged children, as described in fond detail by entrants in the 2009 Anoka-Hennepin writing contest. The theme for this year's contest was "My Favorite Place."

It appears that many students in the district regularly escape T.V. and computers, said Phyllis Haensel, contest coordinator.

"For nearly three fourths of the entrants, the favorite place is somewhere outdoors, for reasons of natural beauty, freedom from the constraints of indoor activity, and the many sporting opportunities available," said Haensel. "Others love the familiarity and coziness of their own bedrooms, and a few even love to relax under their beds!"

The contest is open to students in grades one through five who live or attend school in the Anoka-Hennepin School District. Prizes are awarded to first place ($25), second place ($20) and third place ($15) winners in each grade level (grades one and two are combined). Honorable Mention winners each receive $5.

The winners of this year's contest are:

GRADES ONE AND TWO
Ian Skinner, second grade, Eisenhower Elementary School, first place      
Stevey France, second grade, Eisenhower Elementary School, second place  
Brainna Cruise, second grade, Eisenhower Elementary School, third place
Brady Nordin, first grade, Andover Elementary School, honorable mention
Max Gutenberg, first grade, Andover Elementary School, honorable mention
Amanda Li, second grade, Wilson Elementary School, honorable mention

GRADE THREE
Sphynex Scheller, Eisenhower Elementary School, first place
Jacob Dinkel, Eisenhower Elementary School, second place
Emma Wardour, Andover Elementary School, third place
Rylee Thompson, Eisenhower Elementary School, honorable mention
Nikolas Erickson, Eisenhower Elementary School, honorable mention
Karah Stangret, Andover Elementary School, honorable mention
Anna Hjelmberg, Riverview Specialty School, honorable mention
Willy Kron, Andover Elementary School, honorable mention
Beau Mares, Eisenhower Elementary School, honorable mention

GRADE FOUR
Emma Symanski, Sorteberg Elementary School, first place
Celeste Hofste, Hoover Elementary School, second place
Destiny Larson, Eisenhower Elementary School, third place
Grace Beckman, Andover Elementary School, honorable mention
McKenzie Stevens, Sorteberg Elementary School, honorable mention

GRADE FIVE
Victoria Cole, Wilson Elementary School, first place
Hope Feist, Andover Elementary School, second place
Samantha Rolfson, Eisenhower Elementary School, third place
Andrew Bialon, Hamilton Elementary School, honorable mention
Sophia Curtis, Andover Elementary School, honorable mention
Rachael Youngren, Andover Elementary School, honorable mention

Marlene Colvin, Marilyn Eisenschank, Phyllis Haensel, Jackie Osterud and Sandy Perkerwicz served as judges for this year's contest.

First and second place winners received their awards at luncheon as guests of the Coon Rapids Rotary Cub on May 11. The Coon Rapids Rotary Club and the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation co-sponsor the contest.


10. District students participate in 2009 state bus safety poster contest
The following students placed in the 2009 state bus safety poster contest, sponsored by the Minnesota Association for Pupil Transportation. The theme for the state contest was "Cross in View, it's the Right Thing to Do."

State contest entries were divided into 12 categories (kindergarten, first grade through eighth grade, and special needs students: kindergarten through third grade, fourth through sixth grade and seventh and eighth grades). A total of four posters were then selected from the first place category winners to represent Minnesota in the national school bus safety poster contest.

2009 STATE CONTEST WINNERS
Second grade: David Rudenko, Dayton Elementary School, third place
Third grade: Daphne Moua, Monroe Elementary School, first place
Fifth grade: Angelena Levchenko, Wilson Elementary School, first place
Sixth grade: Sofia Dzyubanyuk, Coon Rapids Middle School, first place
Seventh grade: Matthew Lentner, Epiphany School, first place
Eighth grade: Megan Furrow, Epiphany School, first place (will compete in national contest)


11. District high school students receive 2008-09 Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards
Several Anoka-Hennepin high school students received Gold and Silver Key awards and Awards of Merit in the 2008-09 Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards competition.

The Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards program (MSAA) is a statewide regional affiliation of the national Scholastic Art Awards program, which offers early recognition of creative teenagers and scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors.

MSAA program is open to all Minnesota students in grades 7 through 12. A total of 1,147 artwork entries and 121 portfolio entries were submitted this year. Of those, 54 Gold Key and 121 Silver Key entries were selected for an exhibition at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD). Merit Awards were given to 132 entries and 53 portfolio entries. Selected Gold Key artwork continues on to the national competition in New York.

In addition to Gold and Silver Keys, scholarships and other honors are awarded in the Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards program, including scholarships to MCAD and its programs. Five Gold Key Award winners are to represent Minnesota's "Best of Show" in the national competition. One of these winners is selected as Minnesota's "American Vision." Selected Gold Key Award winners are also selected for merchant awards.

Student works was on display in the MCAD Concourse Gallery in January and February. MSAA Gold Key and Silver Key images are available to view online at: http://flickr.com/photos/msaa/sets.


ANDOVER HIGH SCHOOL
Silver Key Award
Laura Mead, grade 10, drawing

Merit Award
Holly Hapka, grade 11, drawing

Instructor: Bree Nieland


ANOKA HIGH SCHOOL
Silver Key Award
Alyssa Benson, grade 11, painting
Caitlin Eisel, grade 12, photography
Ashley Holm, grade 12, drawing
Deb Turney, grade 12, painting

Merit Award
Michaela Chorn, grade 12, painting
Marisa Collette, grade 10, painting
Cierra Lidtke, grade 11, painting

Instructors: Diane Gronewold, Kevan Nitzberg


CHAMPLIN PARK HIGH SCHOOL
Gold Key Award
April Dammar grade 10, drawing
Martha Engwall grade 9, drawing
Alex Ostman, grade 11, drawing
Tou Ger Vang, grade 11, sculpture

Merit Award
Rebecca Dearing, grade 9, sculpture
Emma Irsfeld, grade 10, drawing
Alyssa Matykiewicz, grade 11, sculpture
Chehvang Vang, grade 10, sculpture
Ana Maria Vasquez, grade 12, ceramics and glass
Thao Vu, grade 12, photography
John Wallace, grade 12, sculpture

Instructors: Ellen Hoffman, Dolly Ptak


COON RAPIDS HIGH SCHOOL
Silver Key Award
Carolynne Beede, drawing
Raquel Hermansen, painting
Rachel Kraft, painting
Nick Miller, ceramics
Melanie Povlitzki, painting
Stephinie Rentz, mixed media
Alyssa Stienke, ceramics
Connie Yang, ceramics

Merit Award
Melanie Povlitzki, eight piece portfolio
Alyssa Steinke, ceramics

Instructors: Sarah Hjelmberg, Susan McLean-Keeney


Community Education News and Events:
12. Register now for School Readiness Preschool summer 2009 classes
The Community Education School Readiness Preschool Program is gearing up for new classes to start this summer. Summer Preschool is for children who will go to kindergarten this September. Fun summer activities will focus on readiness skills to help children enter kindergarten with more ease and confidence.

The Summer Preschool Classes meet at four sites:

• Anoka-Hennepin Learning Center Preschool located at 2740 Wingfield Ave. N., Anoka
• Blaine Preschool located at Blaine United Methodist Church 621 - 115th Ave. N.E., in Blaine
• Champlin Family Place located at Champlin Plaza Mall, 12443 Champlin Dr. in Champlin
• Coon Rapids Foley, located in the Head Start Building, 9574 Foley Blvd. in Coon Rapids

The six-week session starts June 23 and ends July 30. Days and times are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 to 11:30 am. A 12:30 to 3 p.m. class is available at the Anoka site only.

Children who have not had any preschool experience will receive registration priority. Children who have been to preschool are welcome as space allows. 

Parents are responsible for transportation. A sliding fee scale based on family size and income is available to help pay tuition. Registration for the classes will be accepted by phone.

For more information, call 763-506-2480, TTY 763-506-7865, or visit the district Web site: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/ce. Click on the School Readiness link in the left index.


13. Register now for the 2009-2010 School Readiness Preschool Program
The Anoka-Hennepin Community Education School Readiness Preschool Program has openings for the 2009-2010 school year. Children who are will be three or four by Sept. 1, 2009 are age eligible for fall preschool classes. To register, call 763-506-2480. 
 
School Readiness Preschool offers classes for three, four and five year old children at 13 locations in the Anoka-Hennepin School District. Two- and three-day-a-week classes are held mornings, afternoons and early evenings. A sliding fee scale is available based on income and family size. Parents are responsible for transportation.
 
Children have fun as they prepare for kindergarten at School Readiness Preschool. They learn readiness and social skills in a classroom set up for hands on play. The instructors guide them through a daily schedule that includes large and small group activities, snack time and choice time at learning centers.
 
For more information, call 763-506-2480, TTY 763-506-7865, or visit the district Web site: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/ce. Click on the School Readiness link in the left index.


Reaching Out:
14. Monroe Elementary School contributes to Heifer Project International
Monroe Elementary School - Mathematics, Science and Children's Engineering, recently collected $3,822 to contribute to Heifer Project International (HPI), an organization which pools funds for animals to be given to villages in need.

The service project, lead by second-grade teacher Joan Campe, involved the entire school, said Principal Rose Wippler. Each classroom could choose what they wanted to purchase, once funds had been collected. Monroe purchased a total of 16 beehives, 16 flocks of chickens, 14 flocks of geese and ducks, 10 goats, five trios of rabbits, two water buffalo, one Heifer cow and one pig to contribute to communities in need.

The school had a culmination celebration earlier this month.

• Keep your children home if they are sick, and contact your health physician if your child exhibits flu-like symptoms.
• The best defense is frequent hand washing (with soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizer).
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with hands. Germs spread this way.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirtsleeve.
• Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, drink fluids and eat nutritious food.

The situation with swine flu is evolving rapidly. We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide information to you when appropriate. If emergency messages are necessary, you will receive an automated phone call.

For the latest information, visit these Web sites: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ or http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/swine/index.html.


3. Marci Boettcher named Minnesota Marketing Teacher of the Year
Marci Boettcher, Business and Marketing teacher at Andover High School, was recently awarded the Minnesota Marketing Teacher of the Year at the state Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) Leadership Conference in Minneapolis.

Boettcher is the local advisor of the DECA chapter at Andover High School. Boettcher was nominated by her colleagues in the state. One nominator said of Boettcher: "Marci's membership numbers have increased tremendously throughout the past five years; a testament to her passion for Marketing Education and DECA. Andover High School students have attended and competed at district, state, and national levels of DECA Competition as well as served in leadership roles; including a state officer." 

Another nominator wrote, "She loves teaching business and marketing classes, she loves DECA, and she loves the students. She holds the students to high standards because she has high expectations for them. She has also traveled with her students to Orlando, Florida and New York City to attend Marketing and Management workshops."
 
DECA is a local, state, and national organization, made up of students and advisors, which enhances the education of students with interests in marketing, management or entrepreneurship. DECA assists students in developing business and leadership skills as well as provides community services through local, state, and national activities and competitive events.

DECA promotes marketing education as well as the growth of business, community and education partnerships in our global economy and is geared toward the interests of future leaders in marketing, merchandising, and management.


4. 2009 Teacher Outstanding Performance Award winner biographies
For the 13th year, the Anoka-Hennepin School District recognized excellent teachers through its Teacher Outstanding Performance Award program.

Great teachers have an ability to connect with students in a way that inspires learning and achievement. They motivate students to learn by setting high expectations, giving them creative challenges and by using humor. They make even reluctant students want to come to class and learn.

These are some of the qualities that parents and students found in the teachers they nominated for Teacher Outstanding Performance (TOP) Awards this year. Of more than 40 teachers nominated, seven winners were selected for recognition during a ceremony April 29 at the Anoka-Hennepin Learning Center. Each TOP winner received a $200 check from the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation.

Initiated through a three-year grant from the Medtronic Foundation, the TOP Awards program is in its 13th year. It is funded through the Anoka-Hennepin School District and the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation.

The TOP Award program is designed to involve parents, students and community members in recognizing exemplary teachers and to reward teachers for their efforts. TOP Award winners are selected based on nominations and applications from nominees, which are reviewed by a committee of parents, community members and district administrators.

2009 TOP AWARD WINNERS
Karen Gfroerer, kindergarten, Andover Elementary School
Jonathan Kell, mathematics, Blaine High School
Dominic Krebsbach, fifth grade, Riverview Specialty School
Bryce Lastine, career and technical education work coordinator, Blaine High School
Sabrina Olson, band director, Fred Moore Middle School Center for the Arts
Leanne Trandem VanSanten, fourth grade, Johnsville Elementary School
Kim Wiczek, first grade, Washington Elementary School

Backpack Online will feature the biographies of each of the seven winners throughout the remainder of the school year. This week's featured winners are: Karen Gfroerer and Jonathan Kell.

Karen Gfroerer, kindergarten, Andover Elementary School
Karen Gfroerer is a graduate of Anoka High School. She received her bachelor's degree from the College of St. Benedict, in St. Joseph, Minn., and her Master's degree in information media from St. Cloud University. She has been teaching for 15 years, all of them in the Anoka-Hennepin School District. She spent one year at Oxbow Creek Elementary and six years at Champlin Elementary before coming to Andover Elementary.

Karen is a member of the literacy and sunshine committees at Andover and has been a member of the school's technology and budget committees. At the district level, she is an ILA teacher leader and has been a member of the MSTL. Outside of school, she is a volunteer with Elk River youth hockey and at her church, Grace Lutheran.

The parent who nominated Karen for the award praised her ability to help each kindergartener feel special and learn at his or her own level. "The most important give Mrs. Gfroerer gave was a continued love of school to our daughter. We are very grateful that Mrs. Gfroerer is using her given talents to be a great teacher and role model to her students."

Karen's personal statement: "Learning is in a constant state of change. I think for me to be an effective teacher I need to be aware of how my students learn and then be flexible and adjust my instructional techniques to meet their needs. Students also need to feel safe in their learning environment so they will feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes, because some of the best learning comes from our mistakes."

Jonathan Kell, mathematics, Blaine High School
Jonathan Kell is a graduate of Hudson High School, Hudson, Wisc. He received his bachelor's degree in secondary education from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and his Master's degree in teaching and learning from Saint Mary's University.

Jonathan is a member of the PLC committee and a cooperative learning coach at Blaine High School. He also coaches sports at BHS, serving as the freshman soccer coach and assistant coach for the varsity hockey team. He is also an elementary age volunteer and small group leader for third-graders at Eagle Brook Church.

The two students who nominated Jonathan for the award praised his creativity in helping all of his students learn. "He always found a way to help students learn," one student wrote. "He made learning fun by letting us all work together in groups and he would sometimes turn some of the things that we were learning into a game." Another student appreciated his enthusiasm: "He gets really excited about teaching us fast easy tricks and saying how cool they are. When he realizes something new about a problem he gets excited and compliments us."

Jonathan's personal statement: "As a teacher, I want to make a difference in the lives of my students. I feel I can do this through building a rapport with them and genuinely caring about each student and their learning. In my classroom, I strive to create a positive learning environment built around respect that encourages social interaction and active participation."


5. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) summer enrichment institute (link)
The Anoka-Hennepin Math and Science summer enrichment institute is an opportunity for a limited number of students going into grades 6 through 12 to explore areas of mathematics and science not generally taught in existing courses. Students will be asked to think differently about math and science as they investigate new concepts and activities.

Click on the following link to read the entire article in the A-H Newsroom:
http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=233410&itemID=25363.

Visit: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/summerstem for complete course descriptions and other information.


Elementary School News and Events:
6. Kindergarten registration event dates announced (link)
Anoka-Hennepin elementary schools and kindergarten centers will host kindergarten registration events this March, April and May. Click on the following link to view dates in A-H News: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=233410&itemID=25029.


High School News and Events:
7. Three high school schedules remain in consideration (link)
The Anoka-Hennepin School Board has selected three potential high school schedules to study further before choosing one for use in all district high schools beginning in fall 2010. These three potential schedules will now be shared with a number of groups for more input. In addition, each high school will hold a meeting to give parents and students an opportunity to comment.

Meetings are scheduled as follows:

• Tuesday, May 5, 7 p.m. at Champlin Park High School, 6025 109th Ave. N, Brooklyn Park
• Wednesday, May 6, 7 p.m. at Anoka High School, 3939 Seventh Ave. N., Anoka
• Thursday, May 7, 7 p.m. at Andover High School, 2115 Andover Blvd. N.W., Andover

Click on the following link to read the entire article in the A-H Newsroom: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=233410&itemID=25301.

Detailed information regarding high school schedules and credit requirements is available at: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/hsschedule.


Schools and Programs Event Calendar
8. Upcoming events and activities from district schools and programs (link)
Are you looking for the latest high school theater production or want to know what upcoming courses are available from Community Education? Do you want to know when your local elementary school is having its arts and academics night? Visit: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/schoolevents to view upcoming school and program events, activities, courses, etc. open to the public as submitted by schools/programs.

Events and activities intended only for parents of a particular school rather than the community in general (like parent/teacher conferences) will not be announced in Backpack Online. There may be additional events open to the public that have not been submitted for this section. Check with your school more information if you don't see an event or activity listed in this section.

District Web site users can subscribe to the School and Program Events page and receive email notices when new articles are added. Click on the "Subscribe to this page" link at the bottom of the page.

Do you have an event you'd like to have considered for Backpack Online? Visit: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/contactcommandpr or contact Courtney Markuson at: Courtney.Markuson@anoka.k12.mn.us to submit your school or program's upcoming event or activity.

All events/activities must be open to the public to be considered and sponsored by a school or the district. Please include complete event details (who, what, where, when, contact person/Web site, admission cost, etc.). The Communications and Public Relations Department reserves the right to edit approved submissions as needed.

Recently added events/activities (see calendar for complete event details)

• Upcoming high school theater productions: Coon Rapids May 1, 2, 7 through 9
• Early Childhood Family Education annual vehicle day for children, May 2
• Food allergy boot camp event for parents of students with food allergies May 2
• Lincoln Elementary School for the Arts presents "The Little Mermaid" May 5 and 6
• Andover High School College Fair, open to district students and parents May 7
• Andover Elementary School annual showcase May 7
• Tom Anderson Memorial 5K Run/Walk event May 16

Upcoming courses and leagues from Community Education (see links in calendar section)
Recreational Athletics registration

• Start Smart baseball (youth ages 3 to 5)
• Quick Start tennis (youth ages 5 to 10)
• Junior Team tennis (youth ages 10 to 14)
• Andover T-Ball (youth ages 4 to 6)

Student Success:
9. Andover High School student named semifinalist in 2009 Presidential Scholars competition
Elise Mead, a senior at Andover High School, was recently named as a semifinalist in the 2009 Presidential Scholars competition. Mead is one of approximately 560 semifinalists to advance to the final round of competition. Up to 141 students will eventually be named Presidential Scholars.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of President Lyndon B. Johnson to recognize and honor some of the Nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. The Presidential Scholar Award is one of the nation's highest honors for high school students.

Students have the opportunity to become Presidential Scholars based on two paths of accomplishment: an academic component (ACT and SAT scores) and an arts component (participation on the youngARTS program). The majority of the scholars are selected on the basis of broad academic achievement. Approximately 20 additional students are selected on the basis of their academic and artistic scholarship in the visual arts, the performing arts, or creative writing.
 
To be considered further, candidates must submit candidacy materials, including essays, self-assessments, secondary school reports, and transcripts. Candidates are evaluated on their academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership and service activities, and an analysis of their essay.

For more information on the Presidential Scholars program, visit: http://www.ed.gov/programs/psp/index.html.


10. Coon Rapids High School Destination ImagiNation team headed to World Finals
At the Minnesota State Destination ImagiNation tournament, held at Chaska High School this past Saturday, April 18, Anoka-Hennepin had six teams participating (two high school and four elementary.)  Destination ImagiNation is a creative problem-solving competition in which teams vie to create an original, workable solution to a given problem.

One district team, the Coon Rapids High School "A New Angle" challenge team, won first place with their structure, which held nearly 900 pounds of applied weight before collapsing. This was the state record for the event, as all of the other structures held less than 200 pounds. This challenge focuses on structural engineering and construction, asking students to create a two-part, angled structure and see how much weight it will bear.

Coon Rapids now advances to the Global Finals Competition, which will be held at the University of Tennessee on May 20 through 23. There will be teams from each of the 50 states and more than 40 countries, including Korea, Turkey, England, Portugal, China, and Poland.

Blaine High School also placed in one the top three spots at the state tournament, taking third place in the "A New Angle" category.


11. Middle school students compete in Optimist Club oratorical contests
A total of 31 students from Anoka-Hennepin middle schools competed in the North Suburban Optimist oratorical contest on March 31. Students had to speak on the topic, "For me, optimism is…"

Wakpor Ighovojah (Northdale Middle School) won first place in the girls' contest, followed by Nicole Olson (Jackson Middle School) in second place and Rachel Spiering (Fred Moore Middle School Center for the Arts) in third place.

Mac Rasmus (Fred Moore Middle School Center for the Arts) won first place in the boys' contest, followed by Matthew Lerdahl (Northdale Middle School) in second place and Devin Denzer (Fred Moore Middle School Center for the Arts) in third place.

Ighovojah and Rasmus advanced to the Zone 4 Optimist oratorical contest on April 4 and competed against students from St. Cloud. Both Ighovojah and Rasmus won their respective contests and advanced to the District Optimist oratorical contest held May 1 and 2 in Fargo, North Dakota. Both students will compete against students from other clubs in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Manitoba, Canada for a $1,500 grand prize.

Optimist Clubs conduct positive service projects aimed at providing a helping hand to youth. Club members are best known in their communities for their upbeat attitudes. Optimist International sponsors three contests to provide college scholarships for students.


Community Education News and Events:
12. Community Education Athletics Department seeks middle school coaches
The Anoka-Hennepin Community Education Athletics Department is seeking people interested in coaching for the following after school spring athletic teams:

Oak View Middle School
Contact Nancy at 763-506-5612
1)  Baseball coach
2)  Other activities

If you or someone you know is interested in these after school coaching positions, contact the person listed for each school.


13. Register now for School Readiness Preschool summer 2009 classes
The Community Education School Readiness Preschool Program is gearing up for new classes to start this summer. Summer Preschool is for children who will go to kindergarten this September. Fun summer activities will focus on readiness skills to help children enter kindergarten with more ease and confidence.

The Summer Preschool Classes meet at four sites:

• Anoka-Hennepin Learning Center Preschool located at 2740 Wingfield Ave. N., Anoka
• Blaine Preschool located at Blaine United Methodist Church 621 - 115th Ave. N.E., in Blaine
• Champlin Family Place located at Champlin Plaza Mall, 12443 Champlin Dr. in Champlin
• Coon Rapids Foley, located in the Head Start Building, 9574 Foley Blvd. in Coon Rapids

The six-week session starts June 23 and ends July 30. Days and times are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 to 11:30 am. A 12:30 to 3 p.m. class is available at the Anoka site only.

Children who have not had any preschool experience will receive registration priority. Children who have been to preschool are welcome as space allows. 

Parents are responsible for transportation. A sliding fee scale based on family size and income is available to help pay tuition. Registration for the classes will be accepted by phone.

For more information, call 763-506-2480, TTY 763-506-7865, or visit the district Web site: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/ce. Click on the School Readiness link in the left index.


14. Register now for the 2009-2010 School Readiness Preschool Program
The Anoka-Hennepin Community Education School Readiness Preschool Program has openings for the 2009-2010 school year. Children who are will be three or four by Sept. 1, 2009 are age eligible for fall preschool classes. To register, call 763-506-2480. 
 
School Readiness Preschool offers classes for three, four and five year old children at 13 locations in the Anoka-Hennepin School District. Two- and three-day-a-week classes are held mornings, afternoons and early evenings. A sliding fee scale is available based on income and family size. Parents are responsible for transportation.
 
Children have fun as they prepare for kindergarten at School Readiness Preschool. They learn readiness and social skills in a classroom set up for hands on play. The instructors guide them through a daily schedule that includes large and small group activities, snack time and choice time at learning centers.
 
For more information, call 763-506-2480, TTY 763-506-7865, or visit the district Web site: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/ce. Click on the School Readiness link in the left index.


Reaching Out:
15. Franklin Elementary School participates in "Pennies for Patients" program
Franklin Elementary School students and staff participated in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's "Pennies For Patients" Program. The school was able to collect $1,507.27 during the school's annual drive in February.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The Society's mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has invested more than $550.8 million for research specifically targeting blood cancers.


16. Hoover Elementary School participates in American Heart Association fundraiser
Hoover Elementary School students recently participated in the American Heart Association's "Jump Rope for Heart" fundraiser. Jump Rope For Heart is a national educational fund-raising program that is sponsored by the American Heart Association and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD).

Jump Rope For Heart engages elementary students in jumping rope while raising funds to support lifesaving heart and stroke research. Students ask friends and family for donations and receive thank-you gifts based on the dollars they raise.  This educational program teaches physical fitness and promotes the value of community service to students and their families. It shows students that they can contribute to their community's welfare.

Physical fitness events were held on March 26 and 27 during regular physical education classes at Hoover. All Hoover students participated in continuous jump rope and hula-hoop activities for the entire 30-minutes class period, said Ryan Weber, physical education teacher.

Hoover raised $1,960.50, which equals to about 40 lives saved (at $50 to save a life), said Weber. Kathy Nelson's third grade class collected the top amount with $423. The top two earning students were second grade student Samantha Caminati, with $205 collected and third grade student Logan Severson with $200 collected.

In addition to helping save lives and working to get physically fit, Hoover students have been learning about resting heart rates versus active heart rates through the use of pulse stick heart rate monitors.

"We have been talking about the benefits of an active heart rate and how raising your heart rate to a healthy active level helps keep your heart, body and brain healthy," said Weber.

Students were able to see for themselves the benefits while participating in the fundraiser event exercises. Students recorded their heart rates before and after completing a turn at the jump rope and hula-hoop stations set up.

"They were able to see a difference in their resting heart rate at the beginning of class compared to their active heart rate during the course and end of class," said Weber. "The kids had a great time working towards a great cause."

• Fishing the Boundary Waters (June 15, 16 and 18 through 22)
• Freshwater Diving and Fish Studies (June 15 through 19)
• Pathfinder: Space Adventure (June 18 through 22)
• Fishing Minnesota (June 22 and June 23 through 26)
• All About Horses (July 6 through 10)
• Marine Biology (July 14 through 21 or July 21 through 28 or July 28 through Aug. 4)

Questions about course offerings can be directed to Nancy DuBois at 763-506-1075 or Randy Smasal at 763-506-1135.

Registration is due by May 2. Register and pay online for institute classes at: http://www.discovercommunityed.com (click on available courses and then click on Math and Science summer enrichment institute).


7. Tiffany Weeks receives Minnesota School-Age Care Alliance Award of Excellence
Tiffany Weeks, Adventures Plus special needs coordinator, was recently named as the recipient of the 2009 Minnesota School-Age Care Alliance (MNSACA) Award of Excellence.

MNSACA works to promote quality out-of-school time programs and support the leadership and development of out-of-school time professionals. It has approximately 750 child/youth-focused professionals who provide care for school-age children and youth in school, park, home and agency settings during out-of-school hours.

The Award of Excellence is presented annually to an individual, organization or agency who:

• Has had a significant impact on the field of care and education for school-age youth through their support; and/or
• Has had a significant impact on public awareness of the impor¬tance of quality care for school-age children; and/or
• Has had a significant impact on the quality of care for school-age children through their vision and leadership.
• Has demonstrated extraordinary care and professionalism while directly working to care for school-age children; and/or
• Has developed new program ideas that have provided a model for others working in the field.

MNSACA also honors one member each year with the "Distinguished MNSACA Member" award.

"I am very honored to receive this award from MNSACA for my work with students who have disabilities," said Weeks. "I view it as an opportunity to highlight the importance of inclusion in Adventures Plus, and how much inclusion benefits the program as a whole."

Weeks was nominated for the award for crafting child first initiatives for full inclusion of children with special needs in the district's 29 Adventures Plus sites, said Julie Morris, site coordinator for Rum River Adventures Plus. Weeks also created a "Special Needs Handbook" for program staff, assembled sensory binders for sites and continues to work on policy integration for health issues including diabetes and life-threatening allergies.

"Tiffany has that special something that is in-tune with kids," said Lanette Hess, Adventures Plus site coordinator. "She is focused, goal oriented, and when she sees needs she finds a way to meet them."


8. Graduate Spotlight: Kris Helgen, Coon Rapids High School
1997 Coon Rapids High School grad finds mammals in the remotest places

Anyone who thinks there's nothing new under the sun should talk to Kristofer Helgen. Helgen has discovered about 100 new species of mammals previously unknown to science.

He knows it's surprising to many people to think about new species of mammals, but Helgen said there are many types of animals that haven't been named.

"It's easier to imagine new species of insects or flowers, but the truth is there are areas of the planet that are so little-explored," Helgen said. "There are still opportunities to find birds and mammals that no one has given a scientific name to."

Helgen said his favorite classes in school were AP European History and geography and history. He was also interested in math and active in the orchestra.

However, he has always had a passion for animals that goes back to his earliest childhood. When he was young he was "phenomenally interested" in National Geographic. "That was how I knew there were people out there that did this sort of thing, and that was what I wanted to do," Helgen said. "My post-high school life has been trying to become one of those lucky few."

After graduation, Helgen enrolled in Harvard University where he met Tim Flannery, a professor from Adelaide University. Helgen later moved to Australia and completed his doctorate with Flannery as his advisor. While he was there, he began participating in New Guinea biodiversity surveys, going to remote tropical areas and documenting what he found there. "A common outcome of those expeditions is finding new plants and animals," Helgen said.

He completed his Ph.D. in 2006 and accepted a postdoctoral research position at the Smithsonian Institute's National Museum of Natural History. After a year, he was named a curator. He is the youngest curator at the museum.

Many of his discoveries have come not in the field, but in specimen storage rooms of museums around the world.

"For every new species I find in the field, I find two or three more by studying historical samples in museums," Helgen said. "There are vast numbers of species stored from past centuries. There is so much material and a limited number of experts, it just hasn't been possible to study them all."

One of his discoveries was an animal called the striped bandicoot. Helgen describes a bandicoot as a marsupial rabbit. In 2004, he described a new species with a distinctive striping pattern. He discovered them by fieldwork and studying specimens he discovered in museums, but only four samples existed in the whole world - they were in Honolulu, Hawaii; Port Moresby, New Guinea; Jakarta, Indonesia, and Berlin. He found that the species existed only in one specific mountain range in New Guinea.

The process of discovering new species is not a quick and easy one, but Helgen believes it is all worth it.

"It takes many years, it is long work. But to me, it's the most rewarding thing in the world to find something and name a new species that no one has ever named before," he said.

Helgen left the country on Feb. 13 for another expedition to New Guinea. First he will join a BBC expedition to a gigantic extinct volcano crater containing an isolated mountain forest. The second half of the expedition will take him to an isolated mountain range on New Britain, an island near New Guinea.


Elementary School News and Events:
9. Andover Elementary School student artwork selected for display at state capitol
Artwork was selected from students Anna Belchner, Dane Hall, Jackson Odegard and Marissa Winterlin to represent Andover Elementary School at the Art Educators of Minnesota annual art show at the state capitol. An open house was held on Feb. 22 to recognize the students, their families and teachers. The artwork was on display through March 6 in observance of Youth Art Month.

Click on the following link to view samples of the selected artwork in the A-H News section:
http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=233410&itemID=25444.


10. Two Anoka-Hennepin elementary specialty schools recognized by Magnet Schools of America
Two of Anoka-Hennepin's specialty schools have been recognized nationally for their outstanding work this year by Magnet Schools of America (MSA).

Evergreen Park World Studies Elementary School received the top MSA rating of National School of Excellence. It was one of 53 schools nationally to receive this honor. This award recognizes commitment to high academic standards, curriculum innovation, successful desegregation/diversity efforts and the consistent delivery of quality services to all stakeholders.

This is the second time that Evergreen Park has been recognized by the MSA. The school was previously named as a MSA National School of Distinction in 2008. 

Riverview Specialty School for Math and Environmental Science was recognized as a National School of Distinction. It was one of 74 schools nationally to receive this honor. This award recognizes innovative instruction programs that promote equity, diversity and academic excellence for all students through public school choice programs.

MSA's mission is to provide leadership for innovative instructional programs that promote equity, diversity and academic excellence for all students in public school choice programs. Both schools will be honored at the MSA annual convention in Charlotte in April.


11. Everyday Mathematics makes its mark in district elementary schools
Anoka-Hennepin's new mathematics curriculum, Everyday Mathematics (which was adopted last fall), is making its mark in the district's 29 elementary schools. So much so, it has students and teachers "spiraling" toward success.

Everyday Mathematics is a rigorous, high-level program that is designed to help students prepare themselves for the more challenging mathematics required in today's world. It operates on a spiraling philosophy, in which students are exposed to concepts and ideas multiple times before they have mastery of it.

The program was developed by the University of Chicago School of Mathematics Project, which grew out of concern that the nation was failing to provide students with an adequate math education.

Everyday Mathematics will help students prepare to meet increased graduation requirements in math. Students in the class of 2015 and beyond must:

• Successfully complete Algebra I by the end of grade 8
• Successfully complete Algebra II (or its equivalent) before graduation (in addition to current requirements of Algebra I, Geometry, and Probability and Statistics) and
• Successfully complete either chemistry or physics for biology.

It uses different components that work together to help students not only develop new skills, but to help them retain information they learned earlier in the year, said Shana McNamara, fourth-grade teacher at McKinley Elementary School.

"With our previous math curriculum, we'd have a single unit on multiplication that would be rather extensive, and then we'd stop studying multiplication for pretty much the rest of the year," said McNamara. "With Everyday Mathematics, students are briefly introduced to a concept. We then talk about the fundamentals of it and move away for a little bit. We review it periodically and then we'll come back and discover a bit more about it on a deeper level."

With Everyday Mathematics, students have a predictable, everyday routine. Teachers may begin the lesson with a mental math activity that studies basic arithmetic and a math message for students to consider that relates to the day's main lesson.

Students also work on one or two topics through individual partner work, and in small and large group activities doing hands-on, paper and pencil activities. Math lessons also include daily discussions and summaries of math concepts, brief review problems and math games.

Teachers are finding that students are retaining more information using Everyday Mathematics than compared to previous years using different mathematics curriculum programs.

"Prior to Everyday Mathematics, I could tell when a student had mastered a concept," said McNamara. "However, they had gone so long without using it that when we'd come back to it, they had lost those skills and had to almost start over again. Now I can see that students are maintaining their understanding of things so we can pick up right where we left off on a topic and explore further."

Everyday Mathematics also exposes students to higher-level concepts much earlier than in the past and provides opportunities for students to revisit topics.

"Students like the fact that they know they have more opportunities to come back and study a topic," said McNamara. "So if there's something that they're not quite grasping yet, they know we're going to have more opportunities to learn it and that they haven't missed their only chance."

Teachers are seeing some encouraging results at this point in the school year.

"This year I see my kids willing to try harder things because they're there," said Sarah Puglisi, third-grade teacher at McKinley Elementary School.

"The rigor of this math curriculum I think is at a higher level than our previous curriculum. Kids are being presented with even higher material than state standards. Seeing the confidence in my kids this year as they try some of these big things is pretty neat!"


12. Kindergarten registration event dates announced (link)
Anoka-Hennepin elementary schools and kindergarten centers will host kindergarten registration events this March, April and May. Click on the following link to view dates in A-H News: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=233410&itemID=25029.


High School News and Events:
13. Three high school schedules remain in consideration
The Anoka-Hennepin School Board has selected three potential high school schedules to study further before choosing one for use in all district high schools beginning in fall 2010. These three potential schedules will now be shared with a number of groups for more input. In addition, each high school will hold a meeting to give parents and students an opportunity to comment.

Meetings are scheduled as follows:

• Wednesday, April 29, 7 p.m. at Blaine High School, 12555 University Ave. N.E., Blaine
• Thursday, April 30, 7 p.m. at Coon Rapids High School, 2340 Northdale Blvd., Coon Rapids
• Tuesday, May 5, 7 p.m. at Champlin Park High School, 6025 109th Ave. N, Brooklyn Park
• Wednesday, May 6, 7 p.m. at Anoka High School, 3939 Seventh Ave. N., Anoka
• Thursday, May 7, 7 p.m. at Andover High School, 2115 Andover Blvd. N.W., Andover

The high school schedule and credit requirements have been under study throughout the year by a large committee of staff and citizens plus the smaller Secondary Task Force of teachers and two School Board members. The committee developed comprehensive criteria for judging schedules and used those criteria to evaluate nine possible schedules. It sent its evaluation to the task force, which worked with the School Board in selecting three for further consideration. Criteria included such things as providing flexibility, maximizing student achievement, minimizing scheduling conflicts, aligning with testing, limiting stresses, creating a cost efficient model, and more.

One of the three schedules remaining under consideration is the current four-period day divided into four quarters per year - also know as a "four by four" schedule. The other two are trimester schedules, one with five periods per day (five by three) and one with six periods per day (six by three).

Review of the high school schedule is in response to several factors, including the district's financial challenges and growing recognition that the four-period day may not best meet the learning needs of students. "We have done a cost analysis, however, at this point cost is not the only factor in selecting a schedule," said Bruce Borchers, Associate Superintendent - Secondary.

In a four-period day, a traditional full-year course is condensed into a semester and a semester course is condensed into a quarter. This can lead to gaps in a student's learning. For example, a student might take Spanish I in his first semester as a freshman and not be able to schedule Spanish II until the second semester of his sophomore year, which would mean the student would go for approximately one year without further instruction in the language. There is also some evidence that similar gaps in mathematics learning may make it difficult for some students to do well on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment II (MCAII), which is a state math test used to determine if a school makes Adequate Yearly Progress under the No Child Left Behind Law. Beginning next year, a portion of the math test will be used as the GRAD test, which students must pass to earn a diploma.

The current schedule is more expensive to operate than the other two schedules remaining in consideration. Changing to a five-period trimester schedule would save approximately $1.2 million annually and the six-period trimester schedule would save approximately $1.9 million per year. While the district would save money in staffing costs with the five- or six-period schedules, a change to either would require an initial investment of up to $4 million in textbooks, depending on which schedule is chosen.

A review of literature related to high school schedules and student achievement seems to indicate that students from traditional schedules or extended period (60 minutes or longer) schedules performed better on college admissions tests, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests and state achievement tests.  However, at present, there is no body of literature or study which definitively says that one schedule is better than others for student achievement overall.

The School Board is expected to make a final decision on the schedule in late May. Once that decision has been made, the task force will wrap up work on credit requirements and make recommendations to the board. The number of credits required will depend, in part, on the schedule selected. Each department has had the opportunity to present information on potential requirements in its area of study.

Detailed information is available on the district Web site at: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/hsschedule.


14. Schools and Programs Event Calendar
Are you looking for the latest high school theater production or want to know what upcoming courses are available from Community Education? Do you want to know when your local elementary school is having its arts and academics night? Visit: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/schoolevents to view upcoming school and program events, activities, courses, etc. open to the public as submitted by schools/programs.

Events and activities intended only for parents of a particular school rather than the community in general (like parent/teacher conferences) will not be announced in Backpack Online. There may be additional events open to the public that have not been submitted for this section. Check with your school more information if you don't see an event or activity listed in this section.

Do you have an event you'd like to have considered for Backpack Online? Visit: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/contactcommandpr to submit your school or program's upcoming event or activity.

All events/activities must be open to the public to be considered and sponsored by a school or the district. Please include complete event details (who, what, where, when, contact person/Web site, admission cost, etc.). The Communications and Public Relations Department reserves the right to edit approved submissions as needed.

Recently added events/activities (see calendar for complete event details)

• Andover High School baseball night with the Minnesota Twins May 1 (ticket purchase deadline April 17)
• Fitness class fundraiser to prevent sexual violence in Anoka County April 18
• Andover High School varsity fastpitch softball youth night April 22
• Senator Klobuchar staff to hold K-12 education forum at STEP April 25
• Job Prep 101 event for high school seniors April 30
• Morris Bye Elementary School fine arts night April 30
• Three high school schedules remain in consideration, meetings April 30 through May 7
• Randy Bauer Memorial 5K Run/Walk May 2
• Jackson Middle School tree sale fundraiser May 2
• Graduation dates for high schools and programs (2008-09 school year)
• Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation annual golf tournament Sept. 12
• Graduation dates for high schools and programs (2009-10 school year)

Upcoming courses and leagues from Community Education (see links in calendar section)
Parent Involvement courses  

• Too Fast and With Too Much: April 20

Recreational Athletics registration

• Start Smart baseball (youth ages 3 to 5)
• Quick Start tennis (youth ages 5 to 10)
• Junior Team tennis (youth ages 10 to 14)
• Andover T-Ball (youth ages 4 to 6)

Student Success:
15. Monroe Elementary School student wins Minnesota InvestWrite essay competition
Lauren Smith, student at Monroe Elementary School - Mathematics, Science and Children's Engineering, recently placed first in the Minnesota InvestWrite essay competition.

The contest is sponsored by the Foundation for Investor Education, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising the level of investor awareness across the country. The contest is an extension of the group's Stock Market Game, which helps students to understand the stock market and its role in the American economic system.

Students who participate in the Stock Market Game are invited to submit an essay to the contest. Students apply knowledge of math, language arts and business to actual savings and investments principals in writing the essays.
Smith was honored with a plaque, certificate and T-shirt at an awards ceremony at the Carlson School of Management on the University of Minnesota campus.


16. Middle school students place in district spelling bee, advance to regional bee
The following students were named winners at the district's annual middle school spelling bee, held at Fred Moore Middle School Center for the Arts auditorium on Friday, Feb. 20:

Zac Sorenson, Roosevelt Middle School, first place
Cole Birklid, Sandburg Middle School, second place

Each of the district's seven middle schools had one representative participating in the bee. Sorenson and Birklid advanced to the 2009 Seven County Metro Regional Spelling Bee on March 14. The event was sponsored by the Minneapolis law firm of Lockridge Grindal Nauen and held at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul.

A total of 43 students from across the metro area competed in the regional event. A student from Valley View Middle School emerged as the top speller and advances to the National Spelling Bee in May.


17. District Destination ImagiNation teams advance to state competition
Four teams from the Anoka-Hennepin School District were winners at the North Metro Regional Destination ImagiNation creative problem-solving tournament March 21 at Blaine High School. They advance to state competition April 18 at Chaska High School.
The Destination ImagiNation program helps students build important, lifelong skills, such as problem solving, teamwork and divergent thinking.

Approximately 100 teams of K-12 students competed in the North Metro regional tournament. They competed in five different problems and three age divisions. The following is a list of Anoka-Hennepin teams that placed first through third in their category during the North Metro Regional DI tournament March 21. Teams with an asterick advanced to the state tournament:

A NEW ANGLE (ARCHITECTURAL CHALLENGE)
Elementary level
*Madison Elementary School, second place
Franklin Elementary School, third place

Secondary level
*Coon Rapids High School, first place
*Blaine High School, second place

PRIVATE DI (IMPROVISATIONAL CHALLENGE)
Elementary level
*Morris Bye Elementary School, first place
*Jefferson Elementary School, second place

VIDIO LIT HITS (THEATRICAL, LITERATURE CHALLENEGE)
Elementary level
*Riverview Specialty School, first place

INSTINCT MESSAGING (PERFORMANCE CHALLENGE)
Elementary level
Jefferson Elementary School, third place

Middle level
Roosevelt Middle School, third place

OPERATION COOPERATION (ENGINEERING CHALLENGE)
Elementary level
Oxbow Creek Elementary School, third place


18. District adapted floor hockey team places third at state tournament
The Anoka-Hennepin Mustangs adapted floor hockey team for students with physical impairments (PI) recently completed its season with 10 wins and two losses and a third place finish at the state tournament.

Anoka-Hennepin defeated Rochester in the opening round and was defeated by Dakota United in the semi-finals in overtime. The Mustangs defeated Brainerd for third place.

Adapted soccer is one of four sports the Minnesota State High School League sponsors for athletes with disabilities. Adapted soccer is conducted in the fall, adapted floor hockey is conducted in the winter and adapted softball and bowling are conducted in the spring.

Anoka-Hennepin previously won the state adapted floor hockey championship in 2008 and 2007.


19. Superintendent's Column: April
By Dennis Carlson, superintendent

"How old are you?" the boy asked. "Sixty-one," I said.

"How long does it take to do your hair?" The girl who asked was a beautiful African-American with cornrow braids in her own hair. "Not as long as it takes you to do yours," was my response. 

"Do you like President Obama?" another student asked. "Yes, I do," I said and went on to say that I hope to meet him someday in my role as superintendent of Minnesota's largest school district.

As I was speaking to them I got a lump in my throat and my voice started to quiver. These were fifth graders at Evergreen Park Elementary School in Brooklyn Center, which is our most diverse school with over 70 percent students of color. As I was talking to this class filled with students of all colors and nationalities I realized that their futures were profoundly impacted by the events in November and our Presidential election. These students, who have come from families all over the world to our schools to be educated, now can see clearly the possibility of themselves as future leaders. 

I had been invited to Evergreen Park to read to students as part of "I Love To Read Month," on Dr. Seuss Day. I had chosen to read Green Eggs and Ham, as it was a favorite of mine to read to our two girls when they were young. I had read it so often that I would get bored with the repetition and change the words - I would say, "Not in a box, not with a bear!" Our girls would say, "No Dad, not with a fox!" These fifth grade students knew the phrases so well that towards the end of the story they were reciting the words of Dr. Seuss aloud with me - very fun. In each of the schools I visit I try to spend some time with students.  It is the best part of my job as superintendent.

Our school district is experiencing significant change in many ways. Our immigrant population is rising as our enrollment is falling. We have lost many teachers, support staff, and administrators to retirements and now we are laying off nearly 140 teachers due to declining enrollment and insufficient revenue. Thankfully, the President's stimulus package will provide funds that will allow us to hire back some teachers and support staff.

Regardless, we expect financial challenges and further cuts will be with us for the next three to four years as the nation finds its way out of the current financial crisis. In November, we will need to ask voters to renew a levy expiring this year. Enrollment decline means we will need to close some schools. Each school is an integral part of a city and a neighborhood, a place that holds memories that mean a lot to the students and families who have gone there. None of this is easy.

So, why does a happily retired public school administrator, working in the private sector as an educational consultant, come back to take on these challenges with new unforeseen problems around the next corner? It may help you to understand my decision if I share with you where I come from and a bit about my background. 

My parents were Scandinavian dairy farmers who settled the land between Aitkin and McGregor.  Yes, there were two Norwegian bachelor farmers just down the road from us - we bought cream from them. Because my parents came through the Great Depression, they viewed education as a must for my brother, my sister, and me and made it clear we were each going to college. To make ends meet and pay for that education my dad also worked on the railroad for over 19 years.  Both mom and dad worked the farm 365 days a year, milking the cows twice a day. No vacations, no sick leave, and no time off - I don't ever remember a babysitter. I do remember seeing the satisfaction of hard work and productivity, but as a youngster, the work seemed endless. Our social and spiritual life revolved around the Fleming Methodist Church; it was really an ecumenical house of worship since it was the only one close enough for busy farmers. 

How my parents paid for we three to go to college still amazes me. I can remember my dad saying the money from the milk check would not cover the feed bill at Boyer's Store. My parents had a survival work ethic that came from the Great Depression years. It was passed on to us kids early, and we knew that if you did not make yourself useful around the farm you didn't have much value. My dad and mom worked on the farm until they were well into their sixties. Whenever I feel really tired in the morning or weary of the work ahead, I think of what they did for us kids and I say to myself, "I think I can do this."

I still feel I have contributions to make to this community and the good people who live here. It is an honor and a privilege to do this work that I love. We will get through these tough times, as our hard-working parents did, by each contributing and doing our part. It will mean some sacrifice but the end result is worth the effort. Through all of these changes and challenges, our district's mission remains the same - we will educate all of our students so that they can have a successful future.

One day last week I started my day by going to the Arts and Academic Expo at Park View Early Childhood Center in Champlin. I wrote positive comments to some of the students about their projects, talked to the other volunteers, including grandparents - with whom I joked about potential judging bias - and then visited with a few of the kindergarten students. They beamed as I praised their projects in photography, painting, and writing. There were volcano science projects, various construction projects with all kinds of materials, and their stories in many written and visual forms. Principal Marilyn McKeehen then led me on a tour of the building and I visited with more students, teachers, parent volunteers, office staff, a retired librarian, and a student teacher from Minneapolis. Park View is like all of our schools - filled with colorful, vibrant classrooms of students who are delightful - energetic, hopeful, happy, and thrilled to have a conversation with you. Visit a school, talk to the students and staff. If you do, you will understand why I came back to Anoka-Hennepin to do this job.


Community Education News and Events:
20. Community Education Athletics Department seeks middle school coaches
The Anoka-Hennepin Community Education Athletics Department is seeking people interested in coaching for the following after school spring athletic teams:

Jackson Middle School
Contact Sandy at 763-506-5212
1)  Baseball coach
2)  Track starter

Oak View Middle School
Contact Nancy at 763-506-5612
1)  Baseball coach
2)  Other activities

If you or someone you know is interested in these after school coaching positions, contact the person listed for each school.


21. Register now for School Readiness Preschool summer 2009 classes
The Community Education School Readiness Preschool Program is gearing up for new classes to start this summer. Summer Preschool is for children who will go to kindergarten this September. Fun summer activities will focus on readiness skills to help children enter kindergarten with more ease and confidence.

The Summer Preschool Classes meet at four sites:

• Anoka-Hennepin Learning Center Preschool located at 2740 Wingfield Ave. N., Anoka
• Blaine Preschool located at Blaine United Methodist Church 621 - 115th Ave. N.E., in Blaine
• Champlin Family Place located at Champlin Plaza Mall, 12443 Champlin Dr. in Champlin
• Coon Rapids Foley, located in the Head Start Building, 9574 Foley Blvd. in Coon Rapids

The six-week session starts June 23 and ends July 30. Days and times are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 to 11:30 am. A 12:30 to 3 p.m. class is available at the Anoka site only.

Children who have not had any preschool experience will receive registration priority. Children who have been to preschool are welcome as space allows. 

Parents are responsible for transportation. A sliding fee scale based on family size and income is available to help pay tuition. Registration for the classes will be accepted by phone.

For more information, call 763-506-2480, TTY 763-506-7865, or visit the district Web site: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/ce. Click on the School Readiness link in the left index.


22. Register now for the 2009-2010 School Readiness Preschool Program
The Anoka-Hennepin Community Education School Readiness Preschool Program has openings for the 2009-2010 school year. Children who are will be three or four by Sept. 1, 2009 are age eligible for fall preschool classes. To register, call 763-506-2480. 
 
School Readiness Preschool offers classes for three, four and five year old children at 13 locations in the Anoka-Hennepin School District. Two- and three-day-a-week classes are held mornings, afternoons and early evenings. A sliding fee scale is available based on income and family size. Parents are responsible for transportation.
 
Children have fun as they prepare for kindergarten at School Readiness Preschool. They learn readiness and social skills in a classroom set up for hands on play. The instructors guide them through a daily schedule that includes large and small group activities, snack time and choice time at learning centers.
 
For more information, call 763-506-2480, TTY 763-506-7865, or visit the district Web site: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/ce. Click on the School Readiness link in the left index.


Reaching Out:
23. Rum River Elementary School participates in Kids Against Hunger event
Rum River Elementary School students learned about how to make a difference and the importance of giving to others on Thursday, March 19. The school's 995 students, along with staff, parents and 130 community volunteers, packaged meals to send to Haiti through the Kids Against Hunger Program.

Kids Against Hunger, a program of Feeding Children International, is a non-profit organization based in New Hope, Minn. The program packages and ships highly nutritious, life-saving meals to starving and malnourished children in developing countries and the United States.

Rum River packed a total of 80,780 meals and raised more than $8,000 to help feed starving children around the world. Students raised money for the event (to cover the cost of ingredients and travel) by performing chores or donating a part of their allowance, said Renee Blue, Rum River kindergarten teacher. Families and staff also contributed to help raise funds.

"Students truly understood the importance of their work and took pride in knowing they were making a significant difference in the lives of others," said Deb Shepard, Rum River principal.

Blue's Kids Care Club, consisting of second, third and fourth grade students who meet once a month to work on community service projects, worked to make promotional posters and spoke to students and others about the program. Some students also trained to be leaders during the packing event.

When presented with the idea of participating in the program, Rum River students immediately took it to heart and began promoting and raising money right away, Blue said.

After presenting to Rum River's parent group, Blue decided to see how her kindergarten students would react and showed a video of food being delivered in Haiti.

"I would never have thought it would touch five year olds hearts so much," said Blue. "The next day a child brought in a dollar and handed it to me. Puzzled, I looked at him and said, 'What is this for?' With a gleam in his eyes he said, 'You know Mrs. Blue, for the starving children. I did chores last night and got a dollar.' How heart warming that was!"

View photos of the event online in the A-H Newsroom: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=233410&itemID=25441.

• Episode 04, Vol. 02 for Jan. 12
• Episode 05, Vol. 02 for Jan. 26
• Episode 06, Vol. 02 for Feb. 9
• Episode 07, Vol. 02 for Feb. 23
• Episode 08, Vol. 02 for March 9

Three video segments from the latest episode of Schools in Focus, the district's monthly TV news program, have been added at: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/sifstream.

Everyday Math: All Anoka-Hennepin elementary schools began using a new mathematics curriculum this fall called Everyday Mathematics. This segment shows what Everyday Mathematics is all about and how the program challenges and empowers student to truly understand mathematics.

School Readiness Preschool: The School Readiness Preschool program implemented Creative Curriculum, which guides classroom instruction. The curriculum includes a new assessment tool that tracks academic success of preschoolers preparing them for kindergarten.

Dr. Roger Giroux Discussion: The career of long-time Superintendent Roger Giroux, who retired on Dec. 31, 2008, is discussed.

Three formats are available to view in: Windows Media, QuickTime and RealPlayer. Segments from the 2007-08 school year are available to view online at: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/sifstream0708.

Visit: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/sifschedule for Schools In Focus cable television broadcast times and dates.


4. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) summer enrichment institute
The Anoka-Hennepin Math and Science summer enrichment institute is an opportunity for a limited number of students going into grades 6 through 12 to explore areas of mathematics and science not generally taught in existing courses. Students will be asked to think differently about math and science as they investigate new concepts and activities.

The following courses will be offered this summer. Visit: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/summerstem for complete course descriptions and other information.

• Fishing the Boundary Waters (June 15, 16 and 18 through 22)
• Freshwater Diving and Fish Studies (June 15 through 19)
• Pathfinder: Space Adventure (June 18 through 22)
• Fishing Minnesota (June 22 and June 23 through 26)
• All About Horses (July 6 through 10)
• Marine Biology (July 14 through 21 or July 21 through 28 or July 28 through Aug. 4)

Questions about course offerings can be directed to Nancy DuBois at 763-506-1075 or Randy Smasal at 763-506-1135.

Registration is due by May 2. Register and pay online for institute classes at: http://www.discovercommunityed.com (click on available courses and then click on Math and Science summer enrichment institute).


5. Decision Resources survey results
Bill Morris of Decision Resources had good news for the Anoka-Hennepin School Board as he presented the latest survey results to board members at the Dec. 9 meeting.

Overall, he said many of the results that are related to financial issues showed the expected results, with residents expressing slightly more concerns about district spending and levies than in a survey two years ago. Morris said that is predictable in these economic times and since a property tax levy was just approved last year.

"This is a very good report," he said. "The key is that numbers didn't go down as much as expected and in many, many issues, those numbers actually went up. It's all the more impressive given gale-force winds the other way."

The 2008 survey is the most recent in a series of surveys, which were also conducted by Decision Resources in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

The latest survey shows that most parents believe that Anoka-Hennepin schools provide ideas for ways to help children (82 percent) provide a safe learning environment (99 percent) and provide a respectful learning environment (96 percent). Morris said that all three of those numbers are very high, especially in relation to other metro school districts.

Decision Resources' survey also included questions about possible budget cuts in the coming years. Residents responded that to cope with declining enrollment, the district should close schools and/or adjust boundaries (59 percent). Thirty-four percent said the district should seek revenue to keep schools open.

As to where the budget cuts should come, those surveyed most supported reducing district administration (72 percent) and reducing school administration (56 percent). Closing schools was favored by 37 percent and increased high school fees by 36 percent.

Residents were also surveyed about their sources of information about the district. Seventy-six percent of residents said they received at least some of their information from the Focus on Anoka-Hennepin newsletter. Morris said this was clearly the top number among metro school districts.

Other top sources of information included local weekly newspaper articles (66 percent), the community education catalogue (48 percent), daily newspaper articles (41 percent) and the district Web site (40 percent). Morris noted that the percentages for the district Web site and Backpack Online (28 percent) have been climbing, while viewership of Schools in Focus has been declining, reaching 9 percent this year. Podcasts as a source of information were on the survey for the first time this year, and 9 percent of those surveyed said they got at least some information from them.

Eighty-seven percent of residents said they felt the amount of print information they received from the district was "about right" compared to 81 percent two years ago. Three percent said they received "too much" information.

This year's survey also included a survey of parents who live in the district but do not send their students to Anoka-Hennepin schools. Morris said the results of that portion of the survey revealed some strategies for the district to pursue in attracting these families to the district.

He said the most losses seem to occur in transition years - before kindergarten, before middle school and before high school. "That's where you're losing them, that's a key trouble spot," he said of students in grades seven through nine. He said that it seems the district could increase enrollment by 10 to 15 percent by getting more information about schools into the hands of parents.

Other key strategies included considering a character development curriculum, using "customer recovery practices" among parents of seventh through ninth-grade students and mailings to parents of 3 and 4-year-olds emphasizing the district's strengths.


6. Ed Schaefle named Minnesota Outstanding String Teacher of the Year
Ed Schaefle, orchestra teacher at Blaine High School, was named the 2008 Minnesota Outstanding String Teacher of the Year, last fall by the Minnesota String and Orchestra Teachers Association (MNSOTA).

MNSOTA is the state affiliate of the national organization, American String Teachers Association (ASTA), which promotes excellence in string and orchestra teaching and playing.

MNSOTA honors educators and organizations that have made a significant contribution to string music in Minnesota with four annual awards: Master Teacher: Studio, Master Teacher: School Orchestra, Meritorious Orchestra Program and Community Service.

Schaefle, who also leads the successful district Summer Strings program, received the Master Teacher: School Orchestra award, which is presented to a meritorious teacher from a school program. Schaefle was noted for his vast contributions to teaching music to students, his mentoring of colleagues and offering his expertise to the community. He was nominated for the award by colleague Michael Watson, string teacher at Coon Rapids High School.

Schaefle, who has won multiple teaching awards including a 2003 Anoka-Hennepin Teacher Outstanding Performance (TOP) Award, was recognized at an awards luncheon last fall.

View a photo online in the A-H Newsroom at: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=233410&itemID=25353.


Elementary School News:
7. Riverview Specialty School named finalist in Junior Master Gardener National Group Service and Achievement Award
Riverview Specialty School for Math and Environmental Science was recently named as one of the top three finalists for the Junior Master Gardener (JMG) National Groups Service and Achievement Award.

JMG annually recognizes individuals and groups that exemplify excellence through hard work, personal achievement and service to the community. The National Group Service and Achievement Award is given to the group that has best demonstrates increased knowledge and appreciation for horticulture and environmental concepts, and has provided leadership and volunteer service to the local community.

Riverview students work closely with master gardeners on a variety of projects and learning opportunities throughout fourth and fifth grade, said Kari Rock, principal.

Riverview was also recognized as the JMG Group of the Month for March 2009. The following excerpt is from the March JMG national newsletter.

Riverview's "River Raccoon Junior Master Gardeners" began in 2003 with a small group that has since grown to more than 150 hard-working fourth and fifth graders. What began as an interest in the JMG program has evolved to become a part of the culture on the campus.

Meeting regularly throughout the school year and more often in the spring, the group has been involved in the development of garden space across the school grounds. The campus even includes a rain garden the catches the run off from the parking lot. The program's growth is seen in the expansion of classrooms utilizing JMG materials. JMG is working in six classes at Riverview and has been incorporated in other aspects of the school's program as well.

The Raccoons also value leadership and service. Past projects include the following: a clean up project at a nearby park, fruit baskets prepared for a local homeless shelter, gathered and delivered food nearby food pantry, participated in beautification projects, and held plant sales to donate funds for environmental non-profits. Last year 48 students earned their Junior Master Gardener certification - a new school record.

"We are thrilled that our students work is being recognized," said Rock. "It is amazing the amount that the students learn about gardening and can apply by being a part of this program." 


8. Kindergarten registration event dates announced (link)
Anoka-Hennepin elementary schools and kindergarten centers will host kindergarten registration events this March, April and May. Click on the following link to view dates in A-H News: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=233410&itemID=25029.


High School News:
9. Three high school schedules remain in consideration
The Anoka-Hennepin School Board has selected three potential high school schedules to study further before choosing one for use in all district high schools beginning in fall 2010. These three potential schedules will now be shared with a number of groups for more input. In addition, each high school will hold a meeting to give parents and students an opportunity to comment.

Meetings are scheduled as follows:

• Wednesday, April 29, 7 p.m. at Blaine High School, 12555 University Ave. N.E., Blaine
• Thursday, April 30, 7 p.m. at Coon Rapids High School, 2340 Northdale Blvd., Coon Rapids
• Tuesday, May 5, 7 p.m. at Champlin Park High School, 6025 109th Ave. N, Brooklyn Park
• Wednesday, May 6, 7 p.m. at Anoka High School, 3939 Seventh Ave. N., Anoka
• Thursday, May 7, 7 p.m. at Andover High School, 2115 Andover Blvd. N.W., Andover

The high school schedule and credit requirements have been under study throughout the year by a large committee of staff and citizens plus the smaller Secondary Task Force of teachers and two School Board members. The committee developed comprehensive criteria for judging schedules and used those criteria to evaluate nine possible schedules. It sent its evaluation to the task force, which worked with the School Board in selecting three for further consideration. Criteria included such things as providing flexibility, maximizing student achievement, minimizing scheduling conflicts, aligning with testing, limiting stresses, creating a cost efficient model, and more.

One of the three schedules remaining under consideration is the current four-period day divided into four quarters per year - also know as a "four by four" schedule. The other two are trimester schedules, one with five periods per day (five by three) and one with six periods per day (six by three).

Review of the high school schedule is in response to several factors, including the district's financial challenges and growing recognition that the four-period day may not best meet the learning needs of students. "We have done a cost analysis, however, at this point cost is not the only factor in selecting a schedule," said Bruce Borchers, Associate Superintendent - Secondary.

In a four-period day, a traditional full-year course is condensed into a semester and a semester course is condensed into a quarter. This can lead to gaps in a student's learning. For example, a student might take Spanish I in his first semester as a freshman and not be able to schedule Spanish II until the second semester of his sophomore year, which would mean the student would go for approximately one year without further instruction in the language. There is also some evidence that similar gaps in mathematics learning may make it difficult for some students to do well on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment II (MCAII), which is a state math test used to determine if a school makes Adequate Yearly Progress under the No Child Left Behind Law. Beginning next year, a portion of the math test will be used as the GRAD test, which students must pass to earn a diploma.

The current schedule is more expensive to operate than the other two schedules remaining in consideration. Changing to a five-period trimester schedule would save approximately $1.2 million annually and the six-period trimester schedule would save approximately $1.9 million per year. While the district would save money in staffing costs with the five- or six-period schedules, a change to either would require an initial investment of up to $4 million in textbooks, depending on which schedule is chosen.

A review of literature related to high school schedules and student achievement seems to indicate that students from traditional schedules or extended period (60 minutes or longer) schedules performed better on college admissions tests, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests and state achievement tests.  However, at present, there is no body of literature or study which definitively says that one schedule is better than others for student achievement overall.

The School Board is expected to make a final decision on the schedule in late May. Once that decision has been made, the task force will wrap up work on credit requirements and make recommendations to the board. The number of credits required will depend, in part, on the schedule selected. Each department has had the opportunity to present information on potential requirements in its area of study.

Detailed information is available on the district Web site at: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/hsschedule.


10. Champlin Park High School students witness history at inauguration
Forty-three Champlin Park High School students were among the 1.8 million who gathered on the National Mall on Jan. 20 to witness the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

The group took a whirlwind four-day trip to Washington, D.C., for the experience of a lifetime.
Juniors Per Lundmark and Dan Wattenhofer said the experience was amazing and the atmosphere on the National Mall was electric.

"Everyone was tired from getting there, but they were so excited," Wattenhofer said. "Everyone was so keyed in to what was going on."

Lundmark and Wattenhofer said they were concerned that the huge crush of people heading for the Mall might get out of control, but they said it was calmer than they thought it would be.
"Two million people is a lot of people," Lundmark said. "You don't realize that until you're in it."

Even though they couldn't see the new president in person, there were big screens set up at intervals on the Mall. The tickets were in different places - one group was up closer, the others back near the reflecting pool.

CPHS social studies teacher Matt Anderson said the crowd was a "true picture of America", with people from all backgrounds and racial groups.

Anderson said the trip was not a relaxing vacation for the students, but well worth it. "Our group walked probably six miles [on Jan. 20], our feet hurt," he said.

There were moments they will always remember. For Wattenhofer, it was the whole crowd saying the Lord's Prayer with Pastor Rick Warren and hearing President Obama's inauguration speech. "It was powerful," he said.

"It was history in the making," Lundmark said. "The gravity of it didn't hit me until later, how lucky we were to see that."

"It was the day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and it seemed like there was a real feeling that this was his dream come true, in some ways," Anderson said. "Someone told me, 'Rosa Parks sat, so Martin Luther King could walk, so Barack Obama could run.' It made me feel good about our country."

Planning for the trip began last spring, before anyone knew who the candidates would be. In retrospect, Anderson said, it was a blessing that they started so early. Once the election had been decided, it would have been impossible to plan such a trip.

The group did a lot of touring in their short time in the nation's capital. They saw Mount Vernon, the National Archives, Arlington National Cemetery, the Supreme Court and the Capital. They met with Rep. Erik Paulsen, who helped them secure some of their inauguration tickets.

Anderson said he was so glad to give the students this experience. Not only the inauguration, but to see Washington, D.C.

"Our driver was talking about what it was like on 9/11, he worked at the Pentagon," he said. "It was all this history, and it was a whole different perspective on what we try to teach in the classroom."

All of the students in the group kept a journal and made their own online picture albums and shared them with the others to find the best shots.

"I wanted them to journal so they don't forget the details," Anderson said. "Every year a president gets elected, this year will come up. This was so personal to so many people. There was a lot of emotion."

View a group photo online in the A-H Newsroom at: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=233410&itemID=25354.


11. Schools and Programs Event Calendar
Are you looking for the latest high school theater production or want to know what upcoming courses are available from Community Education? Do you want to know when your local elementary school is having its arts and academics night? Visit: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/schoolevents to view upcoming school and program events, activities, courses, etc. open to the public as submitted by schools/programs.

Events and activities intended only for parents of a particular school rather than the community in general (like parent/teacher conferences) will not be announced in Backpack Online. There may be additional events open to the public that have not been submitted for this section. Check with your school more information if you don't see an event or activity listed in this section.

Do you have an event you'd like to have considered for Backpack Online? Visit: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/contactcommandpr or contact Courtney Markuson at: Courtney.Markuson@anoka.k12.mn.us to submit your school or program's upcoming event or activity.

All events/activities must be open to the public to be considered and sponsored by a school or the district. Please include complete event details (who, what, where, when, contact person/Web site, admission cost, etc.). The Communications and Public Relations Department reserves the right to edit approved submissions as needed.

Recently added events/activities (see calendar for complete event details)

• Oxbow Creek Elementary School and Parkview ECC art and academic expo April 2
• Hamilton Elementary School 12th annual craft and garage sale April 4
• Andover High School all ages chess tournament April 4
• Coon Rapids Middle School Inventors Fair April 4
• Coon Rapids High School FCCLA Stop the Violence walk-a-thon April 4
• Coon Rapids High School annual plant sale to benefit senior all-night party, orders due April 14
• Upcoming college and career preparation opportunities and options: U of M SGM (April 15)
• Fred Moore Middle School Center for the Arts presents "Pinocchio" April 17-19 and 24-26
• AHEF Night with the Minnesota Twins April 17
• AHEF Bill Gallagher Memorial Run and Walk for Literacy set for April 18
• Spaghetti dinner and silent auction fundraiser for Ken Krook April 18
• Coon Rapids Middle School Falcon Sign Singers to perform "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat" April 19
• Free Anoka County workshop for parents "From Dr. Seuss to Porn" April 21
• Upcoming high school theater productions: Andover, Anoka and Blaine (April 24 through May 10)
• Free practice ACT sessions offered this spring (May 2 and 5)
• Ramsey Elementary School Fine Arts Night May 7

Upcoming courses and leagues from Community Education (see links in calendar section)

• Parent Involvement courses
• Bringing Up Johnny: April 14 
• You're Not My Friend: April 15  
• Too Fast and With Too Much: April 20

Recreational Athletics registration

• Start Smart baseball (youth ages 3 to 5)
• Quick Start tennis (youth ages 5 to 10)
• Junior Team tennis (youth ages 10 to 14)
• Andover T-Ball (youth ages 4 to 6)

Student Success:
12. District students participate in bullying essay and poster contests
Congratulations to winners of the district's 2008 anti-bullying poster and essay contests. The annual contest challenges students to create a poster or write an essay that shows what they can do to stop bullying in their schools. This year's theme was "Stand Together Against Bullying." The contest is open to all Anoka-Hennepin students.
One winning essay and poster is selected from each grade at each school to compete in the district-level contest. District winners were recognized by the School Board earlier this fall.

POSTER WINNERS
Kindergarten: Brennen Wall, Rum River Elementary School
First Grade: Ryan Pham, Johnsville Elementary School
Second Grade: Becca Sharon, Johnsville Elementary School
Second Grade: Savannah Schmalz, Washington Elementary School
Third Grade: Gwen Hughes, Mississippi Elementary School
Fourth Grade: Jordan Fleek, Johnsville Elementary School
Fifth Grade: Mitchell Ashburn, Dayton Elementary School
Fifth Grade: Colten Lanoue, Ramsey Elementary School
Sixth Grade: Leanna Nguyen, Coon Rapids Middle School
Seventh Grade: Kate Roth, Oak View Middle School
Eighth Grade: Charlotte Kuntz, Coon Rapids Middle School

ESSAY WINNERS
Third Grade: Bailey Mikulak, McKinley Elementary School
Fourth Grade: Ben Gjerde, Dayton Elementary School
Fifth Grade: Alexis Herrmann, Mississippi Elementary School
Sixth Grade: Christina McManus, Northdale Middle School

Posters and essays will be posted at a later date on the Student Services Department Web site.


Community Education News:
13. Register now for School Readiness Preschool summer 2009 classes
The Community Education School Readiness Preschool Program is gearing up for new classes to start this summer. Summer Preschool is for children who will go to kindergarten this September. Fun summer activities will focus on readiness skills to help children enter kindergarten with more ease and confidence.

The Summer Preschool Classes meet at four sites:

• Anoka-Hennepin Learning Center Preschool located at 2740 Wingfield Ave. N., Anoka
• Blaine Preschool located at Blaine United Methodist Church 621 - 115th Ave. N.E., Blaine
• Champlin Family Place located at Champlin Plaza Mall, 12443 Champlin Dr. in Champlin
• Coon Rapids Foley, located in the Head Start Building, 9574 Foley Blvd. in Coon Rapids

The six-week session starts June 23 and ends July 30. Days and times are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 to 11:30 am. A 12:30 to 3 p.m. class is available at the Anoka site only.

Children who have not had any preschool experience will receive registration priority. Children who have been to preschool are welcome as space allows. 

Parents are responsible for transportation. A sliding fee scale based on family size and income is available to help pay tuition. Registration for the classes will be accepted by phone.

For more information, call 763-506-2480, TTY 763-506-7865, or visit the district web site: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/ce. Click on the School Readiness link in the left index.


14. Register now for the 2009-2010 School Readiness Preschool Program
The Anoka-Hennepin Community Education School Readiness Preschool Program has openings for the 2009-2010 school year. Children who are will be three or four by Sept. 1, 2009, are eligible for fall preschool classes. To register, call 763-506-2480. 
 
School Readiness Preschool offers classes for 3, 4 and 5-year-old children at 13 locations in the Anoka-Hennepin School District. Two- and three-day-a-week classes are held mornings, afternoons and early evenings. A sliding fee scale is available based on income and family size. Parents are responsible for transportation.
 
Children have fun as they prepare for kindergarten at School Readiness Preschool. They learn readiness and social skills in a classroom set up for hands on play. The instructors guide them through a daily schedule that includes large and small group activities, snack time and choice time at learning centers.
 
For more information, call 763-506-2480, TTY 763-506-7865, or visit the district web site: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/ce. Click on the School Readiness link in the left index.


Reaching Out:
15. University Avenue and Washington elementary schools participates in American Heart Association fundraiser
University Avenue and Washington elementary schools both recently participated in the American Heart Association's "Jump Rope for Heart" fundraiser.

Jump Rope For Heart is a national educational fund-raising program that is sponsored by the American Heart Association and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD).

Jump Rope For Heart engages elementary students in jumping rope while raising funds to support lifesaving heart and stroke research. Students ask friends and family for donations and receive thank-you gifts based on the dollars they raise.  This educational program teaches physical fitness and promotes the value of community service to students and their families.  It shows students that they can contribute to their community's welfare.

University Avenue raised $1,100 during the week of Feb. 9 through 13. Washington raised $2,180 in February. Tina St. Martin's second grade class at Washington collected the top amount with $467. Student Evalyn Beall collected the most for an individual at Washington.


16. Anoka-Hennepin Future Educators Club book collection a success
Anoka-Hennepin Future Educators Clubs collected more than 1,300 books for children during a January "I Want to Read" children's book drive. The drive benefitted children throughout the Northwest Suburban Integration School District, comprised of the Anoka-Hennepin, Brooklyn Center, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose, Elk River, Fridley, Osseo and Rockford school districts.

• Friday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 28 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, March 29 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for youth (ages 18 and under) and are available at the door or by calling the ACT reservation line at 763-506-5114.

ACT is an Anoka-Hennepin Community Education fine arts program for students in grades four through eight.

Fred Moore Middle School Center for the Arts is located at 1523 Fifth Ave. S., in Anoka.


8. Beyond Voting: Preparation for Democracy civic forum March 30, free and open to the public
Effective civic education leads to strong communities

The public is invited to a free civic forum entitled "Beyond Voting: Preparation for Democracy" on Monday, March 30 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Coon Rapids Community Center, 11155 Robinson Dr., Coon Rapids. The event will have a pizza buffet (featuring Davanni's Pizza).

The following keynote speakers will present:
 
Kathy Tingelstad
Anoka-Hennepin School District School Board member and former state legislator 
"What Civic Education We Need to Become Informed Citizens" 

Jo Ellen Ambrose
Award-winning educator at Champlin Park High School
"What Anoka-Hennepin School District Does to Prepare Students for Citizenship"

Terry Bray
President of Student Senate, Anoka Technical College
"Blogs and Twitters, or what helped me to become an informed voter"

Facilitated small group discussion will follow the keynote speakers as well as follow-up recommendations. For questions and to confirm your attendance, call 763-421-7197.

Sponsored by the League of Women Voters ABC with a grant from the Joyce Foundation through League of Women Voters Minnesota Education Fund.


9. Changes for transportation program in 2009-10 school year
The Anoka-Hennepin transportation department has reviewed ways to make bus routes more efficient, saving the district money without sacrificing student safety. "We have declining enrollment and declining funds, but the number of square miles and street miles are the same," Keith Paulson, Transportation Director said.

Under the new plan, routes have been streamlined and bus stops have been combined, resulting in some students walking one or two blocks further to their neighborhood bus stops. This will save time, since the buses will have fewer stops and will be able to complete their routes more quickly and efficiently without compromising student safety. 

The distances to the bus stops will remain the same for kindergarten and elementary students: .1 miles for kindergarten student only routes and .2 miles for K-5 elementary student routes. There will be a slight policy modification in the distance for secondary students from .3 to .4 miles.  When routing, Transportation staff will lean more towards the outer home-to-stop distances.  

The savings would be significant. Paulson estimates that the changes will allow the district to eliminate about 12 routes without reducing the number of students served, a savings of about $600,000 a year. "This would help us adhere to the board directive of keeping budget cuts away from the classroom," Paulson said.

If you have a question or comment regarding the change, you can submit your input through a feedback form on the district Web site: www.anoka.k12.mn.us/contacttransportation.


10. Online information coming this spring for Child Nutrition
Before the end of the current school year, parents will be able to use a new tool to help track their children's meal purchases and balances.

Currently, parents and guardians can use A-HConnect to access a student's balance and the date the student last ate a meal. The new online account management system will not only allow parents to view account balances, but also receive e-mail notifications of low balances, make payments with a credit or debit card or direct bank account withdrawal, and view a student's purchase history for the preceding 90 days.

A service change of 4.29 percent will be added to each online payment. This covers the cost of processing the transaction.

Parents/guardians will be able to view meal purchase history even if they choose not to make payments using the system.

The Anoka-Hennepin meal system is a pre-paid system. All meals and ala carte items are paid for by money deposited in an account before meals are served.

An A-HConnect account is required to use the new services. Families who have an A-HConnect account but have forgotten their password should call the district office at 763-506-HELP (4357) to reset it.

Families needing a new account must fill out the account request form available at their child's school and return it to the school with a picture ID for verification purposes. The same account can be used for all children in a household. Once the account is set up, a message will be sent to your e-mail address or home address if you do not include an e-mail address.


11. Dennis Holt receives Tech Ed award
Dennis Holt, director of secondary curriculum and instruction, was awarded the 2008 Administration Support Award by the Minnesota Technology Education Association.

The award recognizes administrators for their commitment and support to a technology education program. The award was announced at the MTEA recognition banquet held last fall.

Mike Lindstrom, executive director of SciMathMN, said Holt has been very active in supporting the technical education curriculum at Anoka-Hennepin, especially in embedding mathematics into the technical curriculum. He attended the technical education leader meetings, listened to concerns and provided advice.

"He has the strong respect of the technical education teachers in the district, and they credit Denny for his role in keeping technical education healthy and strong in Anoka-Hennepin," Lindstrom said.

The North Suburban Technology Education Association nominated Holt for the award. The NSTEA includes nine school districts in the north metro area.

Holt has had a long career with Anoka-Hennepin. He came to Anoka-Hennepin in 1974 as a math teacher at Coon Rapids High School, then taught math at Coon Rapids Junior High from 1975 to 1992. He moved to Champlin Park High School when it opened in 1992, where he taught until 2002. He taught at Andover High School for two years before moving to the Educational Service Center as a Teacher on Special Assignment. He became the director of secondary curriculum in 2006. Holt received the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics in 1993.


12. Graduate Spotlight: Maria Holland, Coon Rapids High School
Coon Rapids High School class of 2006; engineering student, University of Tulsa

Maria Holland didn't dream of engineering as a career path when she was a student at Coon Rapids High School. It wasn't until she got out of the labs and into the field that she found her calling: sustainable energy engineering.

"Once I saw what I could do with it, I decided I really wanted to go in sustainable energy," Holland said. "That's what's really affected where I'm headed."

The turning point for her was in rural northeast China, in Jilin province. Holland traveled there last summer, and again this year, with Engineers Without Borders' Sustainable Energy for North East Asia (SENEA) project. Although she was there for only eight days last year, she describes it as a "pretty life-changing trip."

"Most people who went on the trip have changed areas of study if not majors or life paths," she said. She changed from an engineering/physics major to mechanical engineering and hopes to pursue a Master's degree in sustainable energy after she graduates from the University of Tulsa.

She was probably headed for an English major, she said, until she took physics in high school. But at that point, she didn't like the hands-on aspects of science. Holland said that is ironic, since mechanical engineering is the most hands-on engineering discipline.

This summer, she traveled to Jilin province for two months to help with the construction of a biogas digester. The biogas digester produces energy from manure and biogas can be used for electricity production, cooking, space heating and water heating. Methane in biogas can be concentrated to the same standards as natural gas.

Holland described the biogas digester as an eight cubic meter hole in the ground with a container constructed of brick.

The project also includes construction of three wind turbines, a passive solar oven and a greenhouse with a moat. The system will sustainably power a residence for a shepherd and his animals. The group uses simple designs that can be reproduced by the local people. Unfiltered coal is the primary source of power in the province, which causes widespread respiratory illness when it's burned inside.

Holland didn't know any Chinese when she started traveling to China, but this summer she developed what she calls "functional" Chinese.

"I had a crew of five Chinese men; I had to be able to get them to understand what I wanted to build," Holland said. "At first there was lots of grunting and pointing. By the time I left, I could make myself understood."

This spring, Holland was awarded the Goldwater Scholarship, the premier award for recognizing students pursuing careers in science, mathematics and engineering. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition, fees, books and room and board for up to $7,500 a year. Since she is a sophomore, she can receive the scholarship for two years.

Holland said she already has a full scholarship at the University of Tulsa but hopes to be able to use the scholarship for educational opportunities outside her regular classes. Aside from the financial benefits, Holland said the scholarship is prestigious and will hopefully help her on her graduate school applications.

Her application for the Goldwater Scholarship was based on her work in China with SENEA and she hopes to return in 2009 to continue working on the project.


Elementary School News and Events:
13. Oxbow Creek Elementary and Parkview ECC art and academic expo April 2
The public is invited to attend the ninth annual Oxbow Creek Elementary and Parkview Early Childhood Center art and academic expo on Thursday, April 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. Projects will be displayed at both schools.

The event, sponsored by the Talent Development Committee, will feature approximately 600 student projects in 14 categories, along with live performances. Parents, community members, district staff and Champlin Park High School students judge the projects. This year, more than 30 parent volunteers and 100 community leaders (including professional artists, writers, political leaders and business owners) volunteered to judge.

For the past two years, Ingrid Newman, parent volunteer, has coordinated the event. "I love this event and believe it is an opportunity like few others for all of our students to be a star," said Newman.

"When you see artwork made with patience, love and determination, performances worthy of an Oscar/Tony award, or are moved by a display depicting a child's native heritage, it is nothing short of inspiring, said Newman. "They fill our schools with their brilliance, and that's what it is all about."

For more information or special arrangements, please contact Shari Grundy, parent volunteer/media contact for the expo, at 763-566-3490 or at 612-741-7847.

Oxbow Creek Elementary School is located at 6505 109th Ave. N. in Champlin. Parkview Early Childhood Center is located at 6100 109th Ave. in Champlin.


14. Hamilton Elementary School 12th annual craft and garage sale April 4
Hamilton Elementary will host its 12th annual craft and garage sale on Saturday, April 4 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event will feature a variety of crafts and items from participating sellers. The money made from renting tables and concession stand sales will benefit the Hamilton Children's Sunshine fund, which helps purchase school supplies, warm winter clothing and other necessary items for students in need. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Call the school at 763-506-2700 for more information. Hamilton Elementary School is located at 1374 111th Ave. N.W. in Coon Rapids.


15. Eisenhower Elementary recognized by University of Minnesota for improvement in reading
Eisenhower Elementary School was recently recognized by the University of Minnesota Center for Reading Research for its improvement in reading. The Center has annually recognized 20 Minnesota elementary schools for their significant improvement in reading (as measured by state tests and Adequate Yearly Progress status) since 2005.

Schools that were recognized this year had previously missed state goals but made them during the school years 2006-2007 and 2007-08. The schools were honored in a special ceremony on Feb. 12 for their achievement.

The University of Minnesota Center for Reading Research conducts applied research on reading and research on teaching approaches that facilitate reading instruction. The focus is on conducting research that supports teachers, particularly those who teach students of poverty and students from diverse backgrounds. The Center addresses problems and issues in reading that require creative and powerful research efforts.

"We believe the students' achievements, as measured in the state tests, are a direct reflection of the focused work accomplished by our teachers over the past few years," said Eisenhower Principal Sharon Engel.

"The instructional approach our district has supported and maintained within our elementary schools, which incorporates the use of SMART goals, instructional coaching, professional conversations through PLCs, and instruction relevant to each student, has been pivotal to our work at Eisenhower. We look forward to what our students and teachers will continue to accomplish together."


16. Madison Elementary School hosts successful multicultural night
The evening of Feb. 19 was sparkling with sounds, movements and colorful performances at Madison Elementary School. The excitement stemmed from the school's first multicultural night event, attended by Madison students, parents, community members and staff. Many Madison parents came dressed in cultural attire for the event.

The event was held to showcase the diversity of the school and surrounding area and featured performances from the following groups and individuals:

• Bethany Russian Orchestra
• Liberian Nine Four
• Hmong Butterfly Dance Troupe
• Ghanaian Storytelling
• Ojibwa Dancers
• Hip Hop Dancers of Champlin Park High School
• The Korean Drums
• Sons of Norway Vikings

The Bethany Russian Orchestra is made up of members (including some Madison students) who work to preserve their culture while becoming members of American society. Languages spoken by members include Russian, Ukrainian, Belorussian, Moldavian and English.

The Hmong Butterfly Dancers are a synchronized dance troop with lavish costumes and incredible tumbling skills, noted Sandy Perkerwicz, Madison media specialist. "They did two dances that wowed the crowd!"

The Hip Hop Dancers of Champlin Park High School (formed last fall) demonstrated "stepping," a high-energy fusion of African and African American music. The Korean Drums troupe performed two synchronized, traditional Korean dance and drum numbers.

Madison parent Paul Oduro recited a traditional Ghanaian tale. The Ojibwa Dancers of Minnesota featured Madison second grade teacher Vicky Prince and her entire family. The Liberian Nine Four featured Madison students who demonstrated a traditional school recess game played in Liberia.

The event also featured vendors that showcased Hmong, Inca, Norway Vikings and Native American crafts.

"It was great to get such a mixture of cultures in one place," said Perkerwicz. "Many of these groups have family connections to Madison." Brenda Murphy (Madison ESL teacher) and Jennifer Aeshilman (Madison social worker) coordinated the event. Principal Susan Donovan emceed the event.

View photos of this event online in the A-H News section: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=233410&itemID=25246.


17. Riverview Specialty School students participate in dance residency
Riverview Specialty School for Math and Environmental students danced in the New Year during a dance residency with professional dancer Christopher Yaeger in January.

During the week-long residency, Riverview students learned the techniques of folk, line and ballroom dances. Students had the opportunity to test their new dance skills at Riverview's Family Dance and Silent Auction event on Feb. 20.

Yaeger has more than 20 years of dance training and performance experience worldwide. He directs his own dance ensemble, C. Street Dance, which celebrates American social dances from ragtime to early rock and roll.

Approximately 430 people attended the Riverview dance and auction event, which also featured a family photo booth, tattoos, bandanas and a pizza dinner.

"Students enjoyed teaching their families the dances they learned through the dance residency," said Sue Schmitz, parent. "Riverview families are already looking forward to next year's dance!"


18. Kindergarten registration event dates announced (link)
Anoka-Hennepin elementary schools and kindergarten centers will host kindergarten registration events this March, April and May. Click on the following link to view dates in A-H News: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=233410&itemID=25029.


Middle School News and Events:
19. Coon Rapids Middle School Inventors Fair April 4
The public is invited to attend Coon Rapids Middle School's annual Inventors Fair on Saturday, April 4 from 10 to 11 a.m. The fair will include projects from all three grades at the school. The overall top student invention will receive a $100 gift card from Best Buy.

For more information, contact John Chasteen, Coon Rapids Middle School sixth grade teacher, at 763-506-4852 or at: John.Chasteen@anoka.k12.mn.us. Coon Rapids Middle School is located at 11600 Raven St. N.W. in Coon Rapids.


High School News and Events:
20. Crossroads Alternative High School students suit up for President Obama
When Crossroad Alternative School Assistant Principal Nancy Chave was greeting students on Nov. 5, she was met with something unusual - several of the boys who were coming in the doors were wearing dress shirts, ties and even full suits. When she asked them why, the answer brought tears to her eyes. They had dressed up in honor of the new president, Barack Obama.

In a letter to the Pioneer Press, which she directed to the new president, she said, "When in my 22 years in education have I ever witnessed such pride and patriotism? I wanted to share this joy-filled moment in the hope that it will impress upon you the caliber of students we are working with and the impact you have had on their lives."

The nine students who turned up in suits that morning are part of the school's Thursday morning men's group. They talk about money and relationships and academics. But during election season, the young men's thoughts turned to politics. Shortly after the election, they reflected on what it means to them.

"All of us, we listen to rap and say I want to grow up and be a rapper," said Corderall Farrell. "Now I could grow up and be president. That's real cool."

"When he speaks, it's real powerful," said Davon Bryant. And inspiring, said Marcus Spraggins: "He makes you believe you can do it. He makes you believe that someone who is from the south side of Chicago can grow up to be president."

One of member of the group, Mike Nordick, was a fervent supporter of Sen. John McCain. He worked in the candidate's field office and wore his button proudly to school. But on the day after the election, he donned his suit for the new president. "He's our new president," Nordick said. "I'll support him."

"You know where my heart is," he told the group. "The day after the election, I came to school and thought, I'm going to get [teased]. But people didn't."

They all appreciated the historic nature of what they had seen in this election. "It was exciting that we were able to see history," said Paris Hughes. "A lot of things are not big enough to make the history books. This is something people will talk about forever."

Not only is it history for the country, it is life-changing for these young men."This man is changing lives, and he ain't even president yet," said Daniel Khotsombath. "I want to try extra hard. Maybe be a doctor."

View a photo of the group online in A-H News:
http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=233410&itemID=25248.


21. Upcoming high school theater productions (updated)
It's time to get ready for another great season of high school theater spring productions! School productions, times and prices will be posted as they become available.

Andover High School
"Thoroughly Modern Millie"
Friday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 3 at 2 p.m.
Friday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 10 at 2 p.m.

Based on the Oscar-winning film starring Julie Andrews and Mary Tyler Moore, and winner of the 2002 Broadway Tony Award for best musical, "Thoroughly Modern Millie' is a romantic, vivacious musical with tremendous dancing that captures the style and mood of the roaring twenties. Bring your tap shoes and tap back to Manhattan at the height of the Jazz Age when women were just beginning to enter the workforce, raising their hemlines and rewriting the rules of love.

"Thoroughly Modern Millie" is the story of Millie Dillmount, a young girl who escapes to New York City from Salina, Kansas determined to marry her wealthy boss - whoever he may be. Bobbing her hair and assuming the modern look of a "flapper," she takes a room at the Hotel Priscilla for Women and gets a job as a stenographer at the Sincere Trust Insurance Company. In a short time, she finds herself involved with Jimmy Smith, a poor but fun-loving paper-clip salesman; Miss Dorothy Brown, a gentle aspiring actress who never seems to have spare change; several other stage-struck young women staying at the hotel; and Muzzy van Hossmere, a madcap Manhattan cabaret singer and heiress with a zest for the high life and a glamorous penthouse.  But the Hotel Priscilla is a front for the real occupation of Mrs. Meers who is behind the kidnapping of young orphan girls who are shipped away into slavery, assisted reluctantly by Chinese immigrants Ching Ho and Bunn Foo whose mother Mrs. Meers has promised to bring to America.
"Thoroughly Modern Millie" is a story of two girls, two men and two dreams - but who ends up with whom? A series of surprise revelations guarantees a happy ending for all. Toe-tapping in the aisles is positively encouraged.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students and senior citizens. For more information, call 763-506-8491 or visit: http://www.andovertheatre.org.


Anoka High School
"Aida: The Timeless Love Story"
Thursday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 2 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Elton John and Tim Rice's "Aida" is a contemporary musical about the grand classic tale of the love between a soldier and an enslaved princess - a love that condemns them to death, but ultimately transcends the vast cultural differences between the two warring nations, heralding an unprecedented time of peace and prosperity. With a pop-rock score that features stirring ballads and rousing choral numbers, "Aida" is a modern crowd pleaser that embraces multi-cultural casting and exuberant dancing, staging and singing.

Ticket prices are $10 for reserved and $8 for general admission balcony. Ticket prices for students and senior citizens are $5 reserved and $4 for balcony. A total of $0.50 of each ticket sale will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Ticket office hours are from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday and Thursday. Call 763-506-6439 for more information. Anoka High School is located at 3939 N. Seventh Ave. in Anoka.


College and Career Planning Events:
22. Free practice ACT sessions offered this spring
Do you have a junior who is taking the ACT test this year and wants to practice? The Anoka-Hennepin Career Centers are once again offering students the opportunity to take a free, full-length ACT practice test this winter and next spring.

The ACT test represents one of the first and most important steps in the highly competitive college admissions process for high school students. Being familiar with the question types and test content before taking the official ACT is critical to maximizing a student's score. By taking a free, full-length practice test with Kaplan, students will know exactly where to begin the preparation process, no matter what their level is in school.

The tests are administered by Kaplan, an educational subsidiary of the Washington Post. The test will take approximately three hours. Each test date will have a follow-up meeting to discuss the results and how to prepare for the actual test. All test dates include the writing test.

Space is limited. To reserve a spot, visit www.kaptest.com or call 1-800-KAPTEST and give the customer service provider the code:
         
Anoka      
Practice ACT: Saturday, May 2 from 8 to noon, AKMS9014
Follow up: Tuesday, May 5 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., AKMS9015
                                       

23. College planning workshops from Community Education
Don't miss the following valuable learning opportunities from Anoka-Hennepin Community Education.

ZAPPING THE ACT
Provides students with strategies for specific question types, general test taking tips, and suggestions for ACT test preparation. Three practice tests and a study guide included. Class fee: $85.

• Multiple winter and spring class dates and locations throughout the district
• Visit Community Education for complete details: https://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?CourseID=11072

24. Upcoming college and career preparation opportunities and options information for high school students
The Anoka-Hennepin Career Placement Specialists work together to develop career days, college and career preparation opportunities and prepare college options information. These are opportunities for students to "try on" different occupations by visiting the workplace or gain valuable college prep information. A variety of experiences are available. Contact your career center specialist for more information about tours, college and career prep workshops available at your student's high school.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA "SCRUBS, GLOVES AND MICROSCOPES" (SGM)
Scrubs, Gloves and Microscopes (SGM) is a hands-on health career exploration opportunity for high school students currently in grades nine through 12. Students can explore six different health careers during the 2008-09 school year.

SGM provides students with the opportunity to briefly experience life in the health profession they wish to explore. Each half-day session lasts about three to four hours. During each session, students will learn from graduate students and professionals in the field, participate in a hands-on experience and discover important next steps for pursuing the featured health career.

Program dates:
Medical Doctor: "Surgeons and Specialists," March 27
Physical therapy, April 15

For program details and application information, visit the SGM Web site at: http://www.healthcareers.umn.edu/hcc/highschool/SGM.html.


Student Success:
25. Andover High School student featured on KARE 11 Academic All-Star segment
Andover High School student Elise Mead was featured on KARE 11's "Academic All-Star segment" on Feb. 17.

View the KARE 11 video segment and text online at: http://www.kare11.com/life/community/schools/academic/academic_article.aspx?storyid=539711&catid=65.


Community Education News and Events:
26. Metro North ABE GED transition to college course offered this spring, April 1 deadline
In April, Metro North Adult Basic Education (ABE) will offer a GED-transition to college course. This course is more than just standard GED preparation. Participants will learn the essential skills needed to pass the GED and necessary study habits to be successful in college. Information and presentations will be provided on the many aspects of college life including: applications, financial aid forms, choosing a major, technology skills and making important college connections.

This is an eight-week course that meets Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Blaine Learning Lab, 1201 89th Ave. N.E., Suite 335, Blaine.

Pre-enrollment and an eight-week commitment is required. To enroll, contact Metro North ABE at 763-783-4870 by April 1. A limited number of spaces are available, preference will be given to those registered early.

Metro North ABE is a consortium partnership among the following school districts: Anoka-Hennepin, Brooklyn Center, Centennial, Columbia Heights, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Spring Lake Park and St. Francis. Metro North ABE provides basic adult education programming to eligible adult learners throughout the nine-school district geographic area through the collaborative use of federal, state and local resources.
 
The Metro North ABE consortium is governed by a board made up of the Community Education Directors from the nine member districts. Visit the Metro North ABE Web site at: http://www.metronorthabe.org.


27. Register for Community Education adult and youth spring and summer athletic leagues
Attention Backpack Online readers! Are you looking for a fun way to exercise this spring and summer? Or are you looking for an activity for your child? If so, consider participating in one of Community Education's adult and youth athletic leagues.

The Anoka-Hennepin Community Education Athletics Department is accepting registration for adult softball, kickball and three-on-three basketball leagues through March 27. New adult volleyball and basketball leagues have been added. These leagues will begin the week of April 13 and run through late May/early June. Registration is due April 1.

Registration is also being accepted for the following youth leagues:

• Start Smart baseball (youth ages 3 to 5)
• Quick Start tennis (youth ages 5 to 10)
• Junior Team tennis (youth ages 10 to 14)
• Andover T-Ball (youth ages 4 to 6)

For more information or to register, visit: www.discovercommunityed.com. Contact Marv Johnson, Rec/Athletic Supervisor, at 763-506-1267 for fliers.


28. What's new from Community Education Adult Learning
Adult Learning's spring schedule has bloomed and now is your chance to browse through classes (including many still remaining from winter quarter) and register online. Choose from more than 50 new Adult Learning classes! For the complete schedule of spring classes, including returning favorites go to: http://www.discovercommunityed.com.

Update Work Skills
Free Technology Information night
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=11658&catID=
Excel-Foundation
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=11404&catID=
Microsoft Office
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=11775&catID=
New classes for Mac Users
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=11401&catID=

Survive and Thrive
Get Completely Out of Debt
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=11401&catID=
Internet Selling Success
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=12185&catID=
Small Business-Planning
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=10887&catID=
Job Search Seminar
https://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?CourseID=12095

A Season of Color - the easy way
Mosaic Stepping Stone
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=10955&catID=
Graduation Yard Party
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=12081&catID=
Container Gardening
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=10965&catID=
Landscaping 101
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=10999&catID=

Save Money and Still Eat Well
Dinner on a Dime
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=12068&catID=
Fabulous Fish Dishes
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=11242&catID=
Stress Free Entertaining
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=12075&catID= 

For the complete schedule of spring classes, including returning favorites, visit: http://www.discovercommunityed.com.

To check out all of the available classes or to register, visit: http://www.discovercommunityed.com or call 763-506-5766 (Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Press one when prompted.


29. Available classes from Anoka-Hennepin Parent Involvement
Listed below are current classes available from Anoka-Hennepin Parent Involvement Program. Register online at: www.discovercommunityed.com or call 763-506-1587 for more information.

Tired of Yelling and Nagging
Do you wonder if there are ways to get your child to listen to you without yelling, threatening and pleading? Do you wish you could reduce the nagging you feel you do with your child to get something done? Do you want to reduce the amount of fighting you are doing with him/her?

Join us to learn ways to reduce fighting with your child, increase cooperation from her and improve the relationship you have with him. The content of the discussion will draw upon the content of the book "How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk," by Faber and Mazlish. Instructor: Christine Fehst, PhD

• Tuesday, March 24 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Staff Development Center, 2727 N. Ferry St., Anoka.
• One session, $9 per person.

Tips for Talking with School Staff
What's the difference between saying "you should" and "how can we"? Find out in this workshop that provides parents of special education students easy-to-use, practical tips for communicating with school staff and resolving differences in effective ways.

• Thursday, March 26 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Staff Development Center, 2727 N. Ferry St., Anoka.
• One session, no fee

Proactive Parenting of Tweens and Teens
This presentation gives practical tips and advice for parenting tweens and teens by addressing many areas, including dealing with friends, grades, alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, bullying, internet safety, conflicts with teachers and more.  Presented by Glen Gilderman, secondary teacher and author of "Managing Middle School Madness - Helping Parents and Teachers Understand the 'Wonder Years.'"

• Tuesday, March 31 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Northdale Middle School, 11301 Dogwood St. N.W.,
• Coon Rapids
• One session, $9 per person.

Bringing Up Johnny
How do we raise healthy boys in a culture saturated with messages about violence and skewed visions of what it takes to be a "real" man? This interactive workshop is designed for moms and dads to understand the challenge and provide the tools to raise emotionally healthy boys.

Information about the Coaching Boys Into Men project, currently being implemented by the Domestic Violence Council of Anoka County, will also be shared. Presenter: Donna McDonald, LSW, Anoka County Violence Prevention Coordinator.

• Tuesday, April 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Staff Development Center, 2727 N. Ferry St., Anoka.
• One session, $9 per person.

Growing Up Too Fast and With Too Much: How to be a Grounded Parent in a Crazy World
Today's parents feel pushed to do more for children, to provide more experiences and opportunities, and to buy clothing (especially for girls) that encourages them to grow up too fast.

Toys and videogames overflow, birthday parties become Hollywood productions, and even grandparents buy kids too many things. With so many of our fellow parents bragging about how accomplished and grown up their kids are, it's hard not to feel old fashioned if you want your kids to have a childhood where they act like children instead of miniature adults. It's time to take a deep breath and ask ourselves how parent wisely nowadays, beginning with regular family meals, clothing appropriate for young girls, low-intensity birthday parties, regular bedtimes, and fun but sober graduation parties. This presentation is suitable for families with children in preschool through grade 12.
 
William Doherty is professor in the Department of Family Social Science and director of the Citizen Professional Center Director at the University of Minnesota. He is a popular speaker and author on parenting topics. His books include "The Intentional Family" and "Take Back Your Kids."

• Monday, April 20 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Staff Development Center, 2727 N. Ferry St., Anoka.
• One session, $9 per person.

• Friday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 28 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, March 29 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for youth (ages 18 and under) and are available at the door or by calling the ACT reservation line at 763-506-5114. Reservations will be accepted through Tuesday, Dec. 2.

ACT is an Anoka-Hennepin Community Education fine arts program for students in grades four through eight.

Fred Moore Middle School Center for the Arts is located at 1523 Fifth Ave. S., in Anoka.


14. Beyond Voting: Preparation for Democracy civic forum March 30, free and open to the public
Effective civic education leads to strong communities

The public is invited to a free civic forum entitled "Beyond Voting: Preparation for Democracy" on Monday, March 30 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Coon Rapids Community Center, 11155 Robinson Dr., Coon Rapids. The event will have a pizza buffet (featuring Davanni's Pizza).

The following keynote speakers will present:
 
Kathy Tingelstad

• Anoka-Hennepin School District School Board member and former state legislator 
• "What Civic Education We Need to Become Informed Citizens" 

Jo Ellen Ambrose

• Award-winning educator at Champlin Park High School
• "What Anoka-Hennepin School District Does to Prepare Students for Citizenship"

Terry Bray

• President of Student Senate, Anoka Technical College
• "Blogs and Twitters, or what helped me to become an informed voter"

Facilitated small group discussion will follow the keynote speakers as well as follow-up recommendations. For questions and to confirm your attendance, call 763-421-7197.

Sponsored by the League of Women Voters ABC with a grant from the Joyce Foundation through League of Women Voters Minnesota Education Fund.


15. Online information coming this spring for Child Nutrition
Before the end of the current school year, parents will be able to use a new tool to help track their children's meal purchases and balances.

Currently, parents and guardians can use AHConnect to access a student's balance and the date the student last ate a meal. The new online account management system will not only allow parents to view account balances, but also receive e-mail notifications of low balances, make payments with a credit or debit card or direct bank account withdrawal, and view a student's purchase history for the preceding 90 days.

A service change of 4.29 percent will be added to each online payment. This covers the cost of processing the transaction.

Parents/guardians will be able to view meal purchase history even if they choose not to make payments using the system.

The Anoka-Hennepin meal system is a pre-paid system. All meals and ala carte items are paid for by money deposited in an account before meals are served.

An AHConnect account is required to use the new services. Families who have an AHConnect account but have forgotten their password should call the district office at 763-506-HELP (4357) to reset it.

Families needing a new account must fill out the account request form available at their child's school and return it to the school with a picture ID for verification purposes. The same account can be used for all children in a household. Once the account is set up, a message will be sent to your e-mail address or home address if you do not include an e-mail address.


16. Focus Newsletter PDF added to district Web site
The winter 2009 issue of the Focus Newsletter is now available to download as a PDF in the district's document center: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=233661&fileitem=48727&catfilter=18072.

The Focus Newsletter features news and photos from around the district, It is published three times a year and is mailed to all Anoka-Hennepin residents.


17. NorthWest Suburban Integration School District February newsletter available to download
The NorthWest Suburban Integration School District (NWSISD) February newsletter is now available to download in the district's document center: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=233661&fileitem=48728&catfilter=11714.

NWSISD is a collaborative effort of the Anoka-Hennepin, Brooklyn Center, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose, Elk River, Fridley, Osseo and Rockford school districts formed to meet the requirements of the Minnesota Desegregation Rule. Funding for specialty schools and programs is through a combination of desegregation funding from the state and federal government, as well as NWSISD. One of the goals of specialty schools is to encourage racial integration in the district. Specialty schools are part of the district's plan for meeting state and federal desegregation laws.


18. NorthWest Suburban Integration School District changes specialty school application process
The NorthWest Suburban Integration School District (NWSISD) has changed its application process. As of March 1, NWSISD will accept applications to magnet schools (also known as specialty schools) year-round.

This change will affect the following Anoka-Hennepin specialty schools: Evergreen Park World Studies Elementary School (An IB Primary Years Programme), Monroe Elementary School for Mathematics, Science and Children's Engineering, Fred Moore Middle School Center for the Arts and Blaine High School - Center for Engineering, Mathematics and Science. These schools are open to all other districts that make up NWSISD, in addition to all Anoka-Hennepin School District students.

The former application window, which typically started in November and ran through Jan. 15, will now stand as a "priority application period." Students who apply before Jan. 15 will have the greatest chance of being placed in a specialty school. An initial lottery will be run about a week after the "priority application period" closes.

The NWSISD application can be downloaded at: http://www.nws.k12.mn.us/magnet_schools/forms_and_applications.php or in the district's online document center (http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/documentcenter), click on the "Specialty Schools Document Center" folder.


19. Discovery Team develops alternatives for action on district challenges
A team of citizens and staff completed an extensive study of major issues facing the district and presented its report to the School Board Feb. 23.

The Discovery Team's report will be available online by the time this newsletter reaches homes. It outlines key findings and alternatives for action related to the charge the board gave the team: "Investigate the issues that are most critical to the success of the district in the areas of demographics, educational programs, and money and buildings. Report findings and alternatives for action to the School Board by the end of February 2009."

The team's work was divided into three phases: changing demographics, educational programs, and money and buildings. At the conclusion of each phase, the team reported progress to the School Board.

During its six-months of study and deliberation, the 21-member team steeped itself in information about its key topics through a number of presentations and study of other work before stating findings and developing alternatives for action.

During the demographic phase, the team heard from the state's leading experts, State Demographer Dr. Tom Gillaspy and Professor Myron Orfield of the Institute on Race and Poverty, University of Minnesota. It also studied the work of John Carpenter of Excensus, a firm that has done extensive work specifically on Anoka-Hennepin enrollments.

The team developed five demographic findings that served as a backdrop for the remaining phases.

The district's three associate superintendents, Bruce Borchers, Michelle Langenfeld, and Mary Wolverton, presented a comprehensive overview of the district's educational programs. In addition, Diana Menster-Sullivan outlined Community Education programs for the team. After a great deal of discussion and debate, the team arrived at six broad educational program findings focusing on how demographics impact educational programs.

David Buck, director of business services, provide an overview of district finances for the team and Chuck Holden, director of administrative services, presented information on district facilities. In addition, Jerry Soma of Anoka County and Jamie Halpern and Rex Holzner of Hennepin County discussed county facilities and their needs. Representatives of a number of cities within the district also attended and participated in discussion. Click here for findings on money and buildings.

After completing its findings, the team developed a number of broad alternatives for action, each addressing one or more findings. It then selected eight primary alternatives for action. Click here for primary alternatives for action.

The full report includes all alternatives for action the team considered. Download the report along with other Discovery Team documents online in the district's document center: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/documentcenter. Click on the "Discovery Team" folder.

Superintendent Dennis Carlson said the report would be used to identify strategic directions for the district and Board Chair Tom Heidemann said it will serve as a framework for decisions the board will need to make relative to facilities and budget issues.


Elementary School News and Events:
20. Minnesota Academic Excellence Foundation awards includes two district elementary schools
The Minnesota Academic Excellence Foundation (MAEF) announced last month that 23 schools had been selected as recipients of the 2008 Minnesota Academic Excellence Foundation School Spotlight Award, including two Anoka-Hennepin elementary schools: Morris Bye and Wilson.

The award program was established in 2005 to identify schools that demonstrate academic excellence through significant gains in student achievement. It shines a spotlight on a school's curriculum, instruction, assessment and staff development that addresses student needs and works toward success for all. All Minnesota schools that participate in Minnesota's statewide assessments are eligible to apply.

"We know we have excellent schools in Anoka-Hennepin," said Dennis Carlson, interim superintendent. "It is always gratifying when an outside statewide group acknowledges that and recognizes them. Congratulations to the leadership and staff at Morris Bye and Wilson Elementary Schools - exemplary student achievement comes from strong building leadership and sound instructional practice - well done!"

The Minnesota Academic Excellence Foundation (MAEF) is a non-profit organization that promotes academic excellence in Minnesota public and nonpublic schools and communities through public-private partnerships. MAEF advocates, promotes and recognizes academic excellence in all Minnesota elementary and secondary students, schools and communities.


21. Kindergarten registration event dates announced (link)
Anoka-Hennepin elementary schools and kindergarten centers will host kindergarten registration events this March, April and May. Click on the following link to view dates in A-H News: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=233410&itemID=25029.


High School News and Events:
22. Upcoming high school theater productions
It's time to get ready for another great season of high school theater spring productions! School productions, times and prices will be posted as they become available.

Anoka High School
"Aida: The Timeless Love Story"
Thursday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 2 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Elton John and Tim Rice's "Aida" is a contemporary musical about the grand classic tale of the love between a soldier and an enslaved princess - a love that condemns them to death, but ultimately transcends the vast cultural differences between the two warring nations, heralding an unprecedented time of peace and prosperity. With a pop-rock score that features stirring ballads and rousing choral numbers, "Aida" is a modern crowd pleaser that embraces multi-cultural casting and exuberant dancing, staging and singing.

Ticket prices are $10 for reserved and $8 for general admission balcony. Ticket prices for students and senior citizens are $5 reserved and $4 for balcony. A total of $0.50 of each ticket sale will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Ticket office hours are from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday and Thursday. Call 763-506-6439 for more information. Anoka High School is located at 3939 N. Seventh Ave. in Anoka.


23. Look here for high school sports games and information (link)
For upcoming high school sports schedules and locations, go to: http://www.nwsconference.org and click on Calendar.


College and Career Planning Events:
24. Free financial aid form assistance for students March 21
College Goal Sunday is a national program that provides free information and assistance to families who are filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the federally required form for students seeking financial aid, such as grants and loans. Completing the FAFSA is the first and most important step in qualifying for aid.

Anoka-Hennepin students are invited to a completion session at Anoka Technical College on Saturday, March 21 from 9 to 11 a.m. Participants will receive assistance in completing the FAFSA.

For more information about workshops and what to bring if attending, visit: www.mncollegegoalsunday.org. Anoka Technical College is located at 1355 W. Highway 10 in Anoka. 


25. Free practice ACT sessions offered in winter and spring
Do you have a junior who is taking the ACT test this year and wants to practice? The Anoka-Hennepin Career Centers are once again offering students the opportunity to take a free, full-length ACT practice test this winter and next spring.

The ACT test represents one of the first and most important steps in the highly competitive college admissions process for high school students. Being familiar with the question types and test content before taking the official ACT is critical to maximizing a student's score. By taking a free, full-length practice test with Kaplan, students will know exactly where to begin the preparation process, no matter what their level is in school.

The tests are administered by Kaplan, an educational subsidiary of the Washington Post. The test will take approximately three hours. Each test date will have a follow-up meeting to discuss the results and how to prepare for the actual test. All test dates include the writing test.

Space is limited. To reserve a spot, visit www.kaptest.com or call 1-800-KAPTEST and give the customer service provider the code:
         
Anoka   
Practice ACT: Saturday, May 2 from 8 to noon, AKMS9014
Follow up: Tuesday, May 5 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., AKMS9015
                                       
Coon Rapids   
Practice ACT: Saturday, Mar. 14 from 8 a.m. to noon, code: AKMS9012  
Follow up: Tuesday, Mar. 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., code: AKMS9013


26. College planning workshops from Community Education
Don't miss the following valuable learning opportunities from Anoka-Hennepin Community Education.

ZAPPING THE ACT
Provides students with strategies for specific question types, general test taking tips, and suggestions for ACT test preparation. Three practice tests and a study guide included. Class fee: $85.

• Multiple winter and spring class dates and locations throughout the district
• Visit Community Education for complete details: https://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?CourseID=11072

COLLEGE STUDY SKILLS
Get great grades without stressful cramming! Learn what top college students know about organizing study time, using a calendar, and breaking overwhelming tasks down into small, manageable pieces. Parents are encouraged but not required to attend for free with a paying student. Class fee: $24.

• Thursday, March 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Staff Development Center, 2727 N. Ferry St. in Anoka.
• Visit Community Education for complete details: http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=11400&catID=

27. Upcoming college and career preparation opportunities and options information for high school students
The Anoka-Hennepin Career Placement Specialists work together to develop career days, college and career preparation opportunities and prepare college options information. These are opportunities for students to "try on" different occupations by visiting the workplace or gain valuable college prep information. A variety of experiences are available. Contact your career center specialist for more information about tours, college and career prep workshops available at your student's high school.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA "SCRUBS, GLOVES AND MICROSCOPES" (SGM)
Scrubs, Gloves and Microscopes (SGM) is a hands-on health career exploration opportunity for high school students currently in grades nine through 12. Students can explore six different health careers during the 2008-09 school year.

SGM provides students with the opportunity to briefly experience life in the health profession they wish to explore. Each half-day session lasts about three to four hours. During each session, students will learn from graduate students and professionals in the field, participate in a hands-on experience and discover important next steps for pursuing the featured health career.

Program dates:

• Medical Doctor: "Surgeons and Specialists," March 27
• Physical therapy, April 15

For program details and application information, visit the SGM Web site at: http://www.healthcareers.umn.edu/hcc/highschool/SGM.html.


Community Education News and Events:
28. Registration for Adventures Plus summer and fall child care due week of March 23
Adventures Plus, the district's in-school school-age care provider, will accept registrations for the upcoming summer and 2009-10 school year service. For program offerings, locations, rates, etc.  visit: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/dept/dept.php?sectiondetailid=105234&&timestamp=1071775041

Registration materials were sent home with all elementary students this week. Currently registered families will receive registration materials on-site and will be able to register on March 24 and 25.

Any families interested in joining the program must complete the random drawing registration form and submit it no later than March 27.

For additional information, please contact the Adventures Plus program at your elementary school or the main Adventures Plus office at: 763-506-7562.


29. Early Childhood Family Education "The Gift of Being Grand(parents)" class March 26
Attention grandparents with grandchildren birth up to kindergarten! What does being a grandparent look like in the 21st Century? In today's world, some grandparents are watching children full-time while parents work, some are back in the parenting role, and others may be grandparenting from afar. 

Spend part of your time with your grandchildren in a room full of fun toys and activities and meet with other grandparents and a parent educator to discuss the important life passage and the responsibility it involves.

Class cost is based on a sliding fee scale. Mini-session two: Eight weeks beginning Thursday, March 26 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For more information or to register, call 763-506-1284 or visit: http://www.discovercommunityed.com.


30. Register for Community Education adult and youth spring and summer athletic leagues (updated)
Attention Backpack Online readers! Are you looking for a fun way to exercise this spring and summer? Or are you looking for an activity for your child? If so, consider participating in one of Community Education's adult and youth athletic leagues.

The Anoka-Hennepin Community Education Athletics Department is accepting registration for adult softball, kickball and three-on-three basketball leagues through March 27. New adult volleyball and basketball leagues have been added. These leagues will begin the week of April 13 and run through late May/early June. Registration is due April 1.

Registration is also being accepted for the following youth leagues:

• Start Smart baseball (youth ages 3 to 5)
• Quick Start tennis (youth ages 5 to 10)
• Junior Team tennis (youth ages 10 to 14)
• Andover T-Ball (youth ages 4 to 6)

For more information or to register, visit: http://www.discovercommunityed.com . Contact Marv Johnson, Rec/Athletic Supervisor, at 763-506-1267 for fliers.


31. What's new from Community Education Adult Learning
Adult Learning's spring schedule has bloomed and now is your chance to browse through classes, including many still remaining from winter quarter, and register online. Choose from more than 50 new Adult Learning classes!

For the complete schedule of spring classes, including returning favorites, visit: http://www.discovercommunityed.com .

Update Work Skills
Free Technology Information night
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=11658&catID=
Excel - Foundation
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=11404&catID=
Microsoft Office
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=11775&catID=
New classes for Mac Users
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=11401&catID=

Survive and Thrive
Get Completely Out of Debt
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=11401&catID=
Internet Selling Success 
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=12185&catID=
Small Business-Planning
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=10887&catID=

Enjoy a Creative Break
Flame Painted Copper Jewelry
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=12108&catID=
Drawing In the Park
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=12107&catID=
African Drumming
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=12117&catID=
Ballroom Dancing
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=11152&catID=

Save Money and Still Eat Well
Dinner on a Dime
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=12068&catID=
Fabulous Fish Dishes
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=11242&catID=
Stress Free Entertaining
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=12075&catID= 

To check out all of the available classes or to register, visit: http://www.discovercommunityed.com or call 763-506-5766 (Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Press one when prompted.


Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation (AHEF) News and Events:
32. AHEF Night with the Minnesota Twins April 17
Join the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation (AHEF) at the Metrodome for a fantastic family evening with the Minnesota Twins on Friday, April 17 at 7:10 p.m. (at the Twins vs. Angels game).

Upper club seats are available for $18 (normally $22) and lower reserved seats are available for $26 (normally $31). Concession coupons are also available for $3.75 each (good for a hot dog and pop). Order forms are available at the AHEF office, located at the district's Educational Service Center, 11299 Hanson Blvd. N.W. Tickets will be under the family name at "Will Call" on April 17.

Download the ticket order form online in the AHEF document center: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=178063&fileitem=48691&catfilter=18068. For more information, contact the AHEF office at 763-506-1107.

• Multiple winter and spring class dates and locations throughout the district
• Visit Community Education for complete details: https://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?CourseID=11072

COLLEGE AND SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION ESSAYS
Learn how to prepare vividly written stories to create powerful college admission and scholarship application essays. Other Anoka-Hennepin high school students have called this class "amazing" and "revolutionary." Parents are encouraged but not required to attend for free with a paying student. Class fee: $24.

• Thursday, February 26 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Staff Development Center, 2727 N. Ferry St. in Anoka.
• Visit Community Education for complete details: http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=11399&catID=

COLLEGE STUDY SKILLS
Get great grades without stressful cramming! Learn what top college students know about organizing study time, using a calendar, and breaking overwhelming tasks down into small, manageable pieces. Parents are encouraged but not required to attend for free with a paying student. Class fee: $24.

• Thursday, March 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Staff Development Center, 2727 N. Ferry St. in Anoka.
• Visit Community Education for complete details: http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=11400&catID=

15. Upcoming college and career preparation opportunities and options information for high school students
The Anoka-Hennepin Career Placement Specialists work together to develop career days, college and career preparation opportunities and prepare college options information. These are opportunities for students to "try on" different occupations by visiting the workplace or gain valuable college prep information. A variety of experiences are available. Contact your career center specialist for more information about tours, college and career prep workshops available at your student's high school.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA "SCRUBS, GLOVES AND MICROSCOPES" (SGM)
Scrubs, Gloves and Microscopes (SGM) is a hands-on health career exploration opportunity for high school students currently in grades nine through 12. Students can explore six different health careers during the 2008-09 school year.

SGM provides students with the opportunity to briefly experience life in the health profession they wish to explore. Each half-day session lasts about three to four hours. During each session, students will learn from graduate students and professionals in the field, participate in a hands-on experience and discover important next steps for pursuing the featured health career.

Program dates:
Medical Doctor: "Surgeons and Specialists," March 27
Physical therapy, April 15

For program details and application information, visit the SGM Web site at: http://www.healthcareers.umn.edu/hcc/highschool/SGM.html.


Student Success:
16. University Avenue Elementary School students place in Martin Luther King Jr. essay and poster contest
Three University Avenue Elementary School students were named winners in the 2009 Martin Luther King Jr. essay and poster contest, sponsored by the Governor's Commission on the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration and the Council on Black Minnesotans. The students participated in the contest as part of a class project.

Samual Carl, a student in Kristi Lode's class, won first place in the third-grade level poster contest. Angela Birr and Dunia Tesfaye, students in John Wippler's class, won first place and second place respectively in the fifth-grade level poster contest. Carl and Birr each received a Gateway Desktop Computer as a prize. Tesfaye received a $50 cash prize.

The contest works to promote the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The poster contest portion is open to students in grades three through six. The essay contest portion is open to students in grades seven through 12. This year's theme was "Education: American Dream or Public Crisis," an examination of an American education.

Contest winners and their families were recognized at the Martin Luther King Jr. rally and celebration held at Central High School and Concordia University in January.


17. 2009 District bus safety poster contest winners
The following students are the first place winners of the district's 14th annual Bus Safety Poster Contest. The theme for this year's contest was "Cross in View, it's the Right Thing to Do." Students had to design a poster that best illustrated this theme. The winners will receive awards and have their photos taken at the district Transportation Safety Meeting on March 11.

"The creativity, design and the messages the students displayed were exceptional," said Jeff Mueller, transportation safety coordinator. "It truly illustrates that the staff at our schools are teaching, promoting and reviewing the important rules of riding the school bus safely."

2009 CONTEST WINNERS
Kindergarten: Jenna Larsen, Peter Enich Kindergarten Center
First grade: Rachel Main, Johnsville Elementary School  
Second grade: David Rudenko, Dayton Elementary School  
Third grade: Daphne Moua, Monroe Elementary School - Mathematics, Science and Children's Engineering  
Fourth grade: Alyssa Wagner, Wilson Elementary School
Fifth grade: Angelena Levchenko, Wilson Elementary School
Sixth grade: Sofia Dzyubanyuk, Coon Rapids Middle School
Seventh grade: Matthew Lentner, Epiphany School
Eighth grade: Megan Furrow, Epiphany School
Ninth grade: Jeff Borell, Anoka High School 

The winning posters will be available to view online at a later date when the electronic versions become available.


18. 2009 District STEM Fair medal winners
The following students were awarded medals for their projects at the Anoka-Hennepin Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Fair, held on Jan. 17. Project names will be included online in the Anoka-Hennepin News section at a later date: www.anoka.k12.mn.us/ahnews.

High school medalists
Andover High School
Rhiannon Anderson
Becca Arend
Madeline Bittner
Tyler McLaughlin

Anoka High School
Chase Baumgartner
Bailey Deters
Amanda Guimont
Rachel Hedin
Kala McDonald
Rebecca Olson
Benjamin Sjodin
Michael Spiering

Blaine High School
Christopher Anderson
William Anderson
Sherah Head
Trent Hensler
Dallin Ingalls
Shannon Lee
Josie Melgren
Jeremy Miller
Zachary Slama
Nicole Voit

Champlin Park High School
Brittany Askelin
Nicholas Beauchene
Ryan Bennek
Rebecca Dearing
Spencer Dorf
Iraina Edwards
Kendra Fallon
Mariah Frigaard
Mary Haasl
Benjamin Irsfeld
Emma Irsfeld
Viktoriya Khrystotodorova
Andrew LaChance
Cody Lessard
Maarisa Lilley
Laura Lomauro
Corryn Lyons
Greg Martinetti
Cassia Mullin
William Rice
Marchiniak Ross
Karin Sather
Sam Schaust
Katie Sievers
Travis Sigafoos
Karlee Szeliga
Paul Taplin
Kyle Thorstad
Philip Tierney
Sophia Tracy
Kayla Tureson
Garrett Van Tuyl
Beth Walsh
Jessie Welton
Jana Wilie
Vance Xiong
Shane Young

Middle school medalists
Coon Rapids Middle School
Cassie Brown
Haele Freeman
Dalton Friedeck
Nicole Holle
Alyssa Hyde
Jordan Kassa
Sara Kleba
Anthony Kramer
Raymond Twumasi

Fred Moore Middle School Center for the Arts
Jason Brumbaugh
Rachael Graske
Abby Hastings
Emily Keis
John Kraemer
Darian Obermeier

Jackson Middle School
Andrew Aakre
Adeel Ahmad
Cydney Cassem
Nico Castro
Will Croteau
Brendon Disrud
Christian Dube
Nathan Dupre
Ally Ruher
Sydney Goodman
Anthony Gunter
Cody Haala
Samuel Hause
Aaron Herman
Kate Jansen
Jackie Johnson
Jordan Jonassen
Connor Klemenhagen
Alec Leabo
Flore Muange
Annis Nusseibeh
Isaac Parupsky
Reid Schuerman
Jacob Sherwin
Brittany Sorg
Matthew Steenerson
Annika Williamson
Jessica Willis
Shannon Yurick
Niko Zona

Northdale Middle School
Erika Rossow

Other
Danielle Thornton

Oak View Middle School
Emily Blake
Susie Burgeson
Meredith Carstens
Katie Fourniea
Katelyn Holmquist
Jonathan Mullen
Kiersten Rades

Roosevelt Middle School
Austin Stangler

Sandburg Middle School
Katie Springer


STEM Fair special award winners
Fantastic Photography
Anna Bartolec, Champlin Park High School
Dalton Friedeck, Coon Rapids Middle School
Nicole Holle, Coon Rapids Middle School
Ben Irsfield, Champlin Park High School
Spencer Pasno, Jackson Middle School
Samantha Scheel Anoka High School

Ingenious Idea
Kathryn Johnson, Andover High School
Jordan Kassa, Coon Rapids Middle School
Cassie Meyer, Jackson Middle School
Katherine Raab, Oak View Middle School
Ricky Rojas, Champlin Park High School
Joseph Zwolski, Champlin Park High School

Great Enthusiasm
Dylan Anderson, Champlin Park High School
Erin Clarkin, Fred Moore Middle School Center for the Arts
Kate Jansen, Jackson Middle School
Ekow Nana-Kweson, Coon Rapids Middle School
Josh Posterick, Blaine High School
Hawi Tilahune, Coon Rapids High School

Best Board
Rachel Ganion, Oak View Middle School
Viktoriya Khrystodorova, Champlin Park High School
Andrew LaGrange, Jackson Middle School
Kayla Lindgren, Champlin Park High School
Jonathon Mullen, Oak View Middle School
Jessie Welton, Champlin Park High School

Dedicated Scientist
Matt Krych, Jackson Middle School
Megan Lein, Champlin Park High School
Nearyroth Meh, Coon Rapids Middle School
Cassia Mullin, Champlin Park High School
Joseph Murphy, Coon Rapids Middle School
Amanda Ramdeen, Champlin Park High School


Community Education News and Events:
19. Early Childhood Family Education "The Gift of Being Grand(parents)" class March 26
Attention grandparents with grandchildren birth up to kindergarten! What does being a grandparent look like in the 21st century? In today's world, some grandparents are watching children full-time while parents work, some are back in the parenting role, and others may be grandparenting from afar. 

Spend part of your time with your grandchildren in a room full of fun toys and activities and meet with other grandparents and a parent educator to discuss the important life passage and the responsibility it involves.

Class cost is based on a sliding fee scale. Mini-session two: Eight weeks beginning Thursday, March 26 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For more information or to register, call 763-506-1284 or visit: http://www.discovercommunityed.com.


20. Register for Community Education adult and youth spring and summer athletic leagues
Attention Backpack Online readers! Are you looking for a fun way to exercise this spring and summer? Or are you looking for an activity for your child? If so, consider participating in one of Community Education's adult and youth athletic leagues.

The Anoka-Hennepin Community Education Athletics Department is accepting registration for adult softball, kickball and three-on-three basketball leagues. Men's, women's and co-rec leagues are available. Leagues are offered in various cities throughout the district.

Registration is also being accepted for the following youth leagues:
Start Smart baseball (youth ages 3 to 5)
Quick Start tennis (youth ages 5 to 10)
Junior Team tennis (youth ages 10 to 14)
Andover T-Ball (youth ages 4 to 6)

For more information or to register, visit: www.discovercommunityed.com. Contact Marv Johnson, Rec/Athletic Supervisor, at 763-506-1267 for fliers.


21. Registration information for 2009-2010 School Readiness Preschool
The Anoka-Hennepin Community Education School Readiness Preschool program is now accepting registrations for the 2009-2010 school year. A booklet with registration information has been mailed to district families with age eligible children. If your child will be 3 or 4 by Sept. 1 and you did not receive the registration mailing, call 763-506-2480.

School Readiness Preschool offers classes for 3-, 4- and 5-year-old children at 14 locations throughout the district. Two- and three-day-a-week classes are held mornings, afternoons and early evenings. A sliding fee scale is available based on income and family size. Parents are responsible for transportation.

At School Readiness Preschool, children have fun as they prepare for kindergarten. They learn readiness and social skills in a classroom set up for hands on play. The instructors guide them through a daily schedule that includes large and small group activities, snack time and choice time at learning centers.

For more information, call 763-506-2480, TTY 763-506-7865, or visit: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/ce. Click on the "School Readiness Preschool" link in the left-hand index.


22. Early Childhood Family Education now accepting registrations for upcoming winter/spring semester
Anoka-Hennepin Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) offers classes, events and home visits for families with young children, ages birth to kindergarten.

ECFE parent/child classes are available mornings, afternoons and evenings at five locations in the district. Most classes are held once a week, beginning at the end of January and go through May.

ECFE is now accepting registrations for the upcoming winter/spring semester.

For more information on ECFE, call 763-506-1275 or visit: www.anoka.k12.mn.us/ecfe. Catalogs are also available to download at: www.anoka.k12.mn.us/ce. Click on the "Catalogs to Download" link in the left-hand index.

• Tuesday. Feb. 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Anoka High School IMC

For more information, contact the Career Placement Specialist at your child's school:

Andover High School
Location: 2115 Andover Blvd., Andover
Contact: Kathy Coello, 763-506-8551

Anoka High School
Location: 3939 Seventh Ave. N., Anoka
Contact: Colleen Neary, 763-506-6295

Blaine High School
Location: 12555 University Ave. N.E., Blaine
Contact: Barb Rice, 763-506-6548

Champlin Park High School
Location: 6025 109th Ave N., Champlin
Contact: Pam Baker, 763-506-6844

Coon Rapids High School
Location: 2340 Northdale Blvd. N.W., Coon Rapids
Contact: Kyra Pasche, 763-506-7220

Secondary Technical Education Program (STEP)
Location: 1353 W. Highway 10, Anoka
Contact: Jessica Grams, 763-433-4030


9. Free practice ACT sessions offered in winter and spring
Do you have a junior who is taking the ACT test this year and wants to practice? The Anoka-Hennepin Career Centers are once again offering students the opportunity to take a free, full-length ACT practice test this winter and next spring.

The ACT test represents one of the first and most important steps in the highly competitive college admissions process for high school students. Being familiar with the question types and test content before taking the official ACT is critical to maximizing a student's score. By taking a free, full-length practice test with Kaplan, students will know exactly where to begin the preparation process, no matter what their level is in school.

The tests are administered by Kaplan, an educational subsidiary of the Washington Post. The test will take approximately three hours. Each test date will have a follow-up meeting to discuss the results and how to prepare for the actual test. All test dates include the writing test.

Space is limited. To reserve a spot, visit www.kaptest.com or call 1-800-KAPTEST and give the customer service provider the code:
         
Anoka   
Practice ACT: Saturday, May 2 from 8 to noon, AKMS9014
Follow up: Tuesday, May 5 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., AKMS9015
               
Blaine   
Practice ACT: Saturday, Feb. 21 from 8 a.m. to noon, code: AKMS9010
Follow up: Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., code: AKMS9011
                 
Champlin Park   
Practice ACT: Saturday, Feb. 14 from 8 a.m. to noon, code: AKMS9008
Follow up: Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., code: AKMS9009
                 
Coon Rapids   
Practice ACT: Saturday, Mar. 14 from 8 a.m. to noon, code: AKMS9012  
Follow up: Tuesday, Mar. 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., code: AKMS9013


10. College planning workshops from Community Education
Don't miss the following valuable learning opportunities from Anoka-Hennepin Community Education.

ZAPPING THE ACT
Provides students with strategies for specific question types, general test taking tips, and suggestions for ACT test preparation. Three practice tests and a study guide included. Class fee: $85.

• Multiple winter and spring class dates and locations throughout the district
• Visit Community Education for complete details: https://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?CourseID=11072

COLLEGE AND SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION ESSAYS
Learn how to prepare vividly written stories to create powerful college admission and scholarship application essays. Other Anoka-Hennepin high school students have called this class "amazing" and "revolutionary." Parents are encouraged but not required to attend for free with a paying student. Class fee: $24.

• Thursday, February 26 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Staff Development Center, 2727 N. Ferry St. in Anoka.
• Visit Community Education for complete details: http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=11399&catID=

COLLEGE STUDY SKILLS
Get great grades without stressful cramming! Learn what top college students know about organizing study time, using a calendar, and breaking overwhelming tasks down into small, manageable pieces. Parents are encouraged but not required to attend for free with a paying student. Class fee: $24.

• Thursday, March 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Staff Development Center, 2727 N. Ferry St. in Anoka.
• Visit Community Education for complete details: http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classinfo.asp?courseID=11400&catID=

11. Upcoming college and career preparation opportunities and options information for high school students
The Anoka-Hennepin Career Placement Specialists work together to develop career days, college and career preparation opportunities and prepare college options information. These are opportunities for students to "try on" different occupations by visiting the workplace or gain valuable college prep information. A variety of experiences are available. Contact your career center specialist for more information about tours, college and career prep workshops available at your student's high school.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA "SCRUBS, GLOVES AND MICROSCOPES" (SGM)
Scrubs, Gloves and Microscopes (SGM) is a hands-on health career exploration opportunity for high school students currently in grades nine through 12. Students can explore six different health careers during the 2008-09 school year.

SGM provides students with the opportunity to briefly experience life in the health profession they wish to explore. Each half-day session lasts about three to four hours. During each session, students will learn from graduate students and professionals in the field, participate in a hands-on experience and discover important next steps for pursuing the featured health career.

Program dates:

• Dentistry, Feb. 16
• Medical Doctor: "Surgeons and Specialists," March 2009 (date TBD)
• Physical therapy, April 15

For program details and application information, visit the SGM Web site at: http://www.healthcareers.umn.edu/hcc/highschool/SGM.html.


Community Education News and Events:
12. Early Childhood Family Education "The Gift of Being Grand(parents)" class March 26
Attention grandparents with grandchildren birth up to kindergarten! What does being a grandparent look like in the 21st century? In today's world, some grandparents are watching children full-time while parents work, some are back in the parenting role, and others may be grandparenting from afar. 

Spend part of your time with your grandchildren in a room full of fun toys and activities and meet with other grandparents and a parent educator to discuss the important life passage and the responsibility it involves.

Class cost is based on a sliding fee scale.

• Mini-session one: Seven weeks beginning Thursday, Jan. 29 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Mini-session two: Eight weeks beginning Thursday, March 26 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For more information or to register, call 763-506-1284 or visit: http://www.discovercommunityed.com.


13. Registration information for 2009-2010 School Readiness Preschool
The Anoka-Hennepin Community Education School Readiness Preschool program is now accepting registrations for the 2009-2010 school year. A booklet with registration information has been mailed to district families with age eligible children. If your child will be 3 or 4 by Sept. 1 and you did not receive the registration mailing, call 763-506-2480.

School Readiness Preschool offers classes for 3-, 4- and 5-year-old children at 14 locations throughout the district. Two- and three-day-a-week classes are held mornings, afternoons and early evenings. A sliding fee scale is available based on income and family size. Parents are responsible for transportation.

At School Readiness Preschool, children have fun as they prepare for kindergarten. They learn readiness and social skills in a classroom set up for hands on play. The instructors guide them through a daily schedule that includes large and small group activities, snack time and choice time at learning centers.

For more information, call 763-506-2480, TTY 763-506-7865, or visit: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/ce. Click on the "School Readiness Preschool" link in the left-hand index.


14. Early Childhood Family Education now accepting registrations for upcoming winter/spring semester
Anoka-Hennepin Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) offers classes, events and home visits for families with young children, ages birth to kindergarten.

ECFE parent/child classes are available mornings, afternoons and evenings at five locations in the district. Most classes are held once a week, beginning at the end of January and go through May.

ECFE is now accepting registrations for the upcoming winter/spring semester.

For more information on ECFE, call 763-506-1275 or visit: www.anoka.k12.mn.us/ecfe. Catalogs are also available to download at: www.anoka.k12.mn.us/ce. Click on the "Catalogs to Download" link in the left-hand index.


15. What's new from Community Education Adult Learning
We are a month into 2009. Does your New Year's resolution need a boost? Learn a new skill or discover a hidden passion with Adult Learning.
 
Adult Learning has more than 250 learning opportunities for you to choose from during winter quarter. From cooking and eliminating your debt to classes that will help you get the most from your new digital camera. Now is the perfect time to move forward with your goals and discover your potential!
 
Visit: http://www.discovercommunityed.com for a complete list of the Winter 2009 Adult Learning courses. Do you need another catalog? Call 763-506-5766 and press option one.
 
Your Headquarters for Job Skills
Adult Learning is a lot more than cooking classes and fun. Our courses can provide you with skills to make you more productive and valuable in the workplace.
 
Whether it's computer training, management skills, or information on running your own business, Adult Learning can provide the job skills training you need to be successful.
 
To view the complete list of technology courses visit:
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classlist.asp?catID=443

To view the complete list of business courses visit:
http://www.discovercommunityed.com/insight/registry/classlist.asp?catID=437

To check out all of the available classes or to register, visit: http://www.discovercommunityed.com or call 763-506-5766 (Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Press one when prompted.


Reaching Out:
Anoka-Hennepin schools were involved in helping those in need a variety of ways this past holiday season. Many schools collected items for food shelves and organized volunteer activities after school.

Encouraging and helping students to give to those in need promotes compassion, a core value of Anoka-Hennepin's Character Education program. Backpack Online will include examples from our schools each week throughout the next several issues.


16. Andover Elementary School reaches out in multiple ways (updated)
Students and staff at Andover Elementary School participated in a week-long food drive for Anoka County families in need during the week of Dec. 1 through 5. The school collected three large pallets of food and approximately $850 in monetary donations.

Gail Fessler's class hand-made teddy bears for their annual community service project. Nine students in kindergarten through third grade all worked on this project. Each student was responsible for attaching safety eyes and a nose, stuffing the bear with batting and hand stitching the back of the bear. The bears were donated to the Alexandra House Shelter.

"The students' pride oozed as they lovingly handed the bears over to Alexandra House," said Principal Dorothy Olsen. "It is the hope of our students that the teddy bears go to children who need a 'loving bear hug.'"

Robert Barnetteʼs fourth grade class collected 30 toys during their "Toys for Tots" drive. The toys were dropped off at a local Andover business that was designated as a "Toys for Tots" site.

Andover Adventureʼs Plus program sponsored three families over the holidays, one with 11 family members, one with eight and one with seven members. More than 100 gifts were wrapped and donated to the families from the Adventures Plus children, parents and staff.

Jon Olsonʼs third grade class collected money to give to children in need in a community in Brazil through World Vision. The total amount collected was $1,400. This was enough to supply a school with small music instruments for their music program, purchase needed academic supplies and athletic equipment.

Many Andover Elementary School staff rang bells in front of Festival Foods for the Salvation Army the evening of Dec. 12. Several Andover staff members also sponsored families by donating gifts and clothing to help brighten their holidays, said Olsen.


17. Bell Center participates in macaroni and cheese food drive
Bell Center students and staff collected more than 200 boxes of macaroni and cheese during the program's "Macaroni and Cheese" drive this past holiday season. The collection was donated to the Community Emergency Assistance Program (CEAP). Bell Center also participated in a canned food drive recently and collected almost 200 pounds of food, which was also donated to CEAP.


18. Coon Rapids High School participates in "empty bowls" fundraiser, gives to families in need
Coon Rapids High School students held a small fundraiser in late November to raise funds to help fight hunger. The fundraiser was modeled after a national non-profit program in which artists make bowls (and typically serve food with them) and then sell them for $10 each to raise money to fight hunger.

Students in Sarah Hjelmberg's ceramics classes made bowls and sold them for $5 each during conferences. A total of $380 was raised. The collection was donated to the Community Emergency Assistance Program (CEAP). Hjelmberg hopes to continue the project next year and raise even more funds.

"I'm sure this holiday season was not easy for many of our families," said Hjelmberg. "This is our small way of helping."

In other school news, the Coon Rapids High School student council paired up with the school's National Honor Society to adopt five families from the Coon Rapids community for the holiday season. The families had an average of six people, including children and parents. 

Each family received gifts of clothing, warm winter items, wallets, household items (like laundry baskets, glasses and pans) and movies and toys. Several families also received Cub Foods gift cards.
 

19. Lincoln Elementary School for the Arts participates in Adopt-a-Family program, food drive and CAPS for cancer
Lincoln Elementary School for the Arts students carried on a school tradition by participating in the Anoka County "Adopt a Family" program in December. Students collected $320 to purchase gifts for two families in need.

Lincoln's fifth grade students then made a trip to Target in Coon Rapids to shop for their family. Students learned to spend money wisely by looking for deals and comparing items they wanted to buy. Target donated $70 to the cause.

Lincoln teacher John Horton dyed his hair "Green Bay Packer" colors, while teacher Sarah Edmundson served lunch to all of Lincoln's students to entice them to raise funds.

Lincoln students also raised money for cancer research through a "Caps for Cancer" drive in which students paid $1 to wear a cap to school on designated Fridays. The drive raised $90 in December.

Lincoln students also participated in the school's annual food drive. Students decorated bags and created posters. More than 600 items were collected to fill more than 20 boxes.


20. Madison Elementary School honors veterans and assists families in need
Madison celebrated Veterans Day in November by honoring a Madison parent on the school's morning daily news show. The honored parented shared information regarding his service to our country in Iraq and lead the school in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Prior to Thanksgiving, Madison staff and Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) members invited the Madison school community to "Turkey BINGO." A total of $600 in gift cards were awarded to families for the purchase of turkeys, pies or other food.  More than 80 winter items, like scarves, hats and gloves and 118 children's books were also awarded.

Just before the winter break, Madison students and staff gave gift baskets and holiday food to 10 Madison families in need, with the assistance of a neighboring church.

Madison also initiated a new "giving tree program" this year. The needs of students and classrooms were hung on a tree in the school's main hallway. Madison families selected needed items from the tree and purchased them throughout the year. The program has received a positive response.


21. University Avenue Elementary School participates in "Pennies for Patients" program
University Avenue Elementary School students and staff participated in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's "Pennies For Patients" Program. The school was able to collect $1,528.50 during the period of Jan. 12 through Jan. 23.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The Society's mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has invested more than $550.8 million for research specifically targeting blood cancers.