Newsletters 2017-18 Focus newsletter, [2] Fall

Making Anoka-Hennepin Fit for the Future Students thriving in repurposed buildings Page Scholars pave way for students of color Metro North ABE earns $100,000 grant page 2 page 3 page 5 page 6 FOCUS ANOKA - HENNEPIN SCHOOL ON ANOKA-HENNEPIN SCHOOLS Vote on whether to make district schools Fit for the Future Early voting has already begun; election day is Nov. 7. DISTRICT FALL 2017 Meeting student, community needs through Technical partnership By Superintendent David Law At its September meeting, our School Board honored the achievements of Anoka- Hennepin Technical High School (AHTHS). In just three short years, this school has risen to become one of six programs in the nation fea- tured in the American School Board Journal magazine for its innovation, service to students, and ability to meet the needs of the community. Students fill a hallway at Blaine High School during passing time between class periods. Making Anoka-Hennepin Fit for the Future Voting information, including registration and early voting The Anoka-Hennepin School District is growing and buildings across the district are at or beyond capacity. Each day, thousands of students attend classes in portable classrooms in yards and parking lots because the permanent building they go to doesn’t have adequate space. There are 62 portable classrooms in all, posing a safety and security risk to students and staff. Every vote is important in shaping what Anoka-Hennepin looks like for years to come. That is why, on Tuesday, Nov. 7, residents of Anoka-Hennepin will have the opportunity to make district schools Fit for the Future by addressing facility needs for students today and in the future. In Minnesota, you don’t have to wait until election day to cast your ballot — you can vote early through absentee voting, for any reason. Early voting applications for both Anoka and Hennepin county residents are available in the main office at any Anoka-Hennepin school, or online at the district’s Fit for the Future website, ahschools.us/VotingInfo. The plan will: ● Create safe and secure learning environments through the removal of portable classrooms; ● Construct additional schools and classroom space where student populations are significantly growing; ● Offer solutions for maintaining quality schools by improving science labs, media centers, and flexible learning areas throughout the district; and ● Address class sizes at all levels — elementary, middle and high school. continued on page 4 ote N o v. 7 SAFETY, SECURITY, SPACE Residents also have the option of voting early in-person at the Anoka County Elections office, which serves both Anoka and Hennepin County residents voting in the Anoka- Hennepin election. The Anoka County Elections office is located at 325 E Main St. in downtown Anoka, and the office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4. Community members must re-reg- ister to vote if their address or name changes, or if they have not voted at continued on page 4 ATTHS serves 19-21 year olds students who did not graduate with their peers and helps them earn a diploma and more. The school is co-located at Anoka Technical College, allowing students to select a career pathway and earn post-secondary credit as they complete high school. Students are finding success in growing numbers. AHTHS started with an enrollment just under 50 students in 2015, and began this school year with enroll- ment approaching 200. Matching student interest with their abilities provides a new level of relevancy. Students are motivated with continued on page 4 Make Anoka-Hennepin part of your social media facebook.com/ anokahennepin twitter.com/ ahschools youtube.com/ anokahennepin