Newsletters 2014-15 Focus newsletter, [3] spring

National recognition for volunteer service ‘Turnitin’ software helps students write better papers Above & Beyond Award winners honored April 9 Dakota and Anishinaabe Learning Trunk visit schools page 2 page 3 page 4 page 6 FOCUS ANOKA - HENNEPIN SCHOOL ON ANOKA-HENNEPIN SCHOOLS Four Anoka-Hennepin schools named among top magnet programs in the nation DISTRICT SPRING 2015 District headed in right direction By Superintendent David Law As I wrap up my first year as superintendent, I reflect on all that I have learned. This year I have spent considerable time listening. I have traveled around the district listening to students and staff, to parents and community members. I have reconnected with former colleagues and some of my own former teachers. University Avenue Elementary School for Aerospace, Children’s Engineering and Science kindergartner Nevaeh Foster sits in a jet during the school's annual field trip to the Anoka County Blaine Airport April 29. The trip is one of the unique experiences the magnet school offers. Four Anoka-Hennepin specialty schools are educating students at an award-winning level. Champlin-Brooklyn Park Academy for Math and Environmental Science (CBPA), and Blaine’s University Avenue Elementary School for Aerospace, Children’s Engineering and Science (UAE), have been named Magnet School of Excellence by Magnet Schools of America (MSA), a nonprofit organization that provides support and assistance to magnet schools across the nation. Only four other schools in the state join CBPA and UAE as schools of excellence, and just 74 across the nation were given the honor. “We are so excited to be recognized on a national level for our work as a magnet school,” said Kate Watson, the curriculum integration coordinator at UAE. This is the first time UAE has been recognized by MSA. For CBPA, it is the second straight year the school was named a Magnet School of Excellence. “This award reinforces that the extra effort our staff, parents and partners put into our students through relationships and experiences we provide, both in and out of the walls of the school, is an invaluable piece of our school,” said CBPA curriculum integration coordinator Denise Schnabel. “Our community partners are thrilled to be part of such unique programs that are making a difference for students.” In addition, Anoka Middle School for the Arts (AMSA) and Lincoln Elementary School for the Arts have been named Magnet School of Distinction by the group. Just four schools in the state received “distinction” billing, and only 134 nationally. In total, of the 10 Minnesota magnet schools earning recognition, AnokaHennepin’s four are more than any other district in the state. “We are proud of the work all of our teachers and students are doing so it’s exciting when we get national recognition,” said Nicole Hayes, School Board member. “Our teachers are doing such amazing work to integrate the specialty focus continued on page 6 Summer activities and classes for kids! Community Education offers opportunities for children districtwide Summer is a great time to meet friends, learn new things and build on academic skills in preparation for the upcoming school year. Community Education offers fun activities and learning opportunities at several school sites across the district! facebook.com/discovercommunityed What I have heard has reaffirmed what I already knew, that Anoka-Hennepin is a district where people work incredibly hard for our students. It is clear that our teachers and support staff, our School Board and administrators, the parents of our students and others in our communities have high expectations and are working hard for our young people. This year has also reaffirmed my belief that this district is headed in the right direction in so many ways. We have been focusing on ensuring that our students have the skills to do well in their school career, they have a chance to explore a variety of topics throughout their school years, and that they leave our schools prepared for success in whatever they aspire. continued on page 2 Make Anoka-Hennepin part of your social media www.facebook.com/ anokahennepin www.twitter.com/ ahschools www.youtube.com/ anokahennepin