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
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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
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