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PREPARING STUDENTS FOR LIFE
U . S . Sen . Tina Smith visits STEP cont . from page 2
funding for career and technical education , to allocating new funding for the purchase of expensive manufacturing equipment students learn on , to fixing outdated child labor laws that prevent manufacturing businesses from hiring highly-skilled workers who are under the age of 18 .
But the one thing that educational leaders and STEP partners mentioned might be the trickiest one to overcome : the stigma students face who want to pursue studies in career and technical education over a more traditional four-year university experience .
“ There ’ s a narrative out there that four-year college graduates make more money ,” Anoka-Hennepin Superintendent David Law told Smith . “ But technical and skilled jobs are high-paying jobs , and we ’ ve recognized the value of this programming . Our message is for students to have a post-secondary plan , not necessarily a four-year college plan .”
For STEP ’ s partners , the success of the school is an example that should be expanded on across the state and across the country , they say .
“ There should be 20 of these schools ( like STEP ) in the state , not just one ,” said Michael Lehn , the alliance manager for Minnesota Automotive Youth Educational Systems , one of STEP ’ s partners . He
Supreme Court visits AHS cont . from page 2
Minnesota Supreme Court Associate Justice Margaret Chutich , a 1975 graduate of Anoka High School , poses with her letter jacket in front of her old locker .
opportunity to view first hand the highest court in the judicial branch of the state on Minnesota .”
After the oral arguments wrapped up , the justices adjourned and left the stage to derobe so they could take part in a 30-minute question-and-answer session with students . When the members of the court came back to the stage , Justice Margaret Chutich , a 1975 graduate of AHS , strutted to her seat wearing her letter jacket , which earned a loud ovation from the students in the auditorium .
“ Justice Chutich has us all thrown off with her extravagant wardrobe ,” Gildea joked once the applause subsided .
The mood was rather light for the question and answer session , and Gildea acknowledged the entire experience was a bit of a “ roadshow ,” but said it was an important part of what the Supreme Court does . Twice a year , the court treks out to two different schools to hear arguments in a case like the one they heard at AHS , and expose students to what it is the court does and maybe even drum up some interest in the field of law .
“ It ’ s a really wonderful educational opportunity , both for the students and for us ,” she said . “ We get
U . S . Sen . Tina Smith speaks to STEP senior Dylan Bratsch about his experience at the school .
pointed to STEP ’ s partnership with automotive groups like the Luther Group , Walser Auto Group , and Subaru of America as an example of how it ’ s good for both students and businesses .
Smith said she was impressed . “ Really it ’ s about the freedom to choose what you want to do , and a place like STEP makes that possible ( for students ) — it ’ s a freedom to create the life you want ,” Smith said . “ I ’ m only about three months into this job , and in that short amount of time , I ’ m so struck by the entrepreneurialism of all of you .” ■
to hear from them — what ’ s on their mind and answer their questions , but we hope to learn from them , too .”
Students asked dozens of questions , such as how they got into law , if law school was hard , how technology has influenced the court over the years , how long it takes to prepare for a case , and what the court ’ s relationship with the legislature is .
Some questions were even deeper . AHS student Jack Weaver asked if the justices had ever made a decision they regretted .
“ Part of being a good justice is being able to make decisions and then put them behind you and not let them weigh on you ,” said Justice David Lillehaug , acknowledging it ’ s not always so simple , especially when they are hearing first-degree murder cases .
Before leaving the stage , with a large smile on her face , Gildea joked AHS , which was 47th in-school oral argument for the court since it began visiting schools in 1995 , was “ the best high school in the state ,” earning a loud and raucous round of applause .
For Heather Loeffler-Rostad , the chair of the AHS social studies department , who also lead the school ’ s planning for the Supreme Court visit , the day couldn ’ t have gone much better . “ It went great . It was a really interesting case , and all kids can appreciate the importance of privacy issues ,” she said .
Her favorite moment came during the questionand-answer portion of the day . “ We had wonderful questions from the students and great interactions with the justices ,” she said .
As for Justice Chutich , coming back to the school she graduated from was a wonderful experience and something she was proud of .
“ It ’ s fabulous to be back . Unbelievable ,” she said . “ It ’ s been a long time — 42 years since I was a senior in this high school . I even saw my locker as I walked in .
“ I really enjoyed my time here at Anoka High School . It was brand new back then , and we were the first class to go through all three years . I still keep in contact with friends .”
While the court heard oral arguments at the school , it ’ ll be a number of weeks before the court actually renders a decision , Gildea said . ■
Superintendent column cont . from page 1
Andover community even held a parade in her honor .
It may have been a moment that lasted just a few seconds , but that moment represents a lifetime of training and preparation , much of it done as a youth in Andover and further developed during her years at Crooked Lake Elementary School , Oak View Middle School and Andover High School .
Like Maddie , students and staff in our district are setting high goals and and working hard to achieve them . The School Board values recognizing this excellence at their meetings and congratulating students and staff for outstanding performance . From students who earned a perfect score on their ACT , to state geography bee winners , national merit scholars , middle school math champions , high performers in art and music , and outstanding athletes among others , these celebrations of achievement continue to impress both in number and prestige .
In reality , these are examples of students who are passionate about what they do and are preparing to do their best , values that are essential to achieving the district ’ s mission of preparing students for life . Anoka-Hennepin is focused on providing opportunities and fostering school environments that support all students ’ ability to do their best .
At Coon Rapids High School , a “ kindness matters ” campaign started this year is delivering on a goal to maintain positive school culture , reduce discipline referrals , and more . It ’ s a high-energy team effort that includes assemblies , contests , school-wide challenges , spirit weeks , and celebrity video clips and speakers . Along with extensive local media coverage , the school has gained international recognition in the May issue of Reader ’ s Digest and will also accept a state award for the program ’ s results .
Just this year , eighth grade students at Northdale , Roosevelt , Coon Rapids , and Jackson middle schools achieved a firstplace finish in the national FBI Safe Online Surfing Internet Challenge . Anoka- Hennepin students outpaced nearly 100,000 others across the nation to win the award , demonstrating advanced understanding of staying safe online and respectful digital citizenship .
Whether it is in the classrooms and hallways across the district , or in an ice arena located in another part of the world , we want to prepare our students for success in whatever pathway they choose .
Watching our alumni shine on the international stage and our students being recognized at the district , state and national level is rewarding . Many work to provide a foundation for this achievement . Knowing the drive of our teachers and staff to support students provides another level of gratitude . Motivating students in an environment of increasing expectations fuels a can-do attitude and is essential to delivering the outstanding results that follow .
Thank you for your ongoing support of our students and school district . It makes a difference in our schools today and helps to build a brighter future for all of us . ■