PAGE 7
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Thanking our volunteers - This past year , over 16,240 volunteers contributed over 285,800 hours of work . Volunteer recognition week was Apr . 15-21 , but we think it ’ s important to thank volunteers all year long .
Volunteer opportunities in our schools are coordinated by Anoka-Hennepin Community Education through the Volunteer Services program , and student service learning opportunities are coordinated by youth service programs . Take a look at just a few examples of how volunteers make an impact on our students , staff , schools and communities .
Student volunteers at Andover High School give time to make the world a better place – starting with a small prairie
Youth service programs are coordinated at each Anoka-Hennepin high school by Anoka-Hennepin Community Education . The programs give students the opportunities to get involved in meaningful leadership and service opportunities , trips and projects to benefit the community .
At Andover High School , students in the “ Leadership Academy ” - part of the youth service program - heard about the prairie restoration work Bob Ameli , the environmental science teacher at Andover High School , had been working on for some time .
A stretch of land located off Crosstown and Andover Boulevard in Andover had died off years ago , giving way to invasive species and threatening plants and food sources for pollinators – bees or butterflies . “ We all need bees and butterflies , they help harvest fruits and grasses ,” explained Ameli . Students in his classes had done some planting in the fall , but Ameli needed help to prep for spring .
Olivia Paulson , junior ; and Kenzi Thomas , sophomore ; decided with their fellow Leadership Academy team that they wanted to help . This winter , the students began planting , watering and tending to the plants inside the building , after-school , to be ready for planting as soon as the snow melted . The plants and grasses will hopefully revive the area , providing nutrients for the pollinators in the area – which is good for the environment in the neighborhood and their own community .
“ I feel like I ’ m doing a good thing , and it ’ s easy to do ,” Paulson said . “ Even if it ’ s a little patch of grass , we can do small things locally to make the world a better place .”
The students became involved in the youth service program by word-of-mouth from classmates involved in other activities before- and after-school . “ I agreed to get involved , and I ended up loving the work because it ’ s such a positive environment here ,” Thomas said . “ More than just doing good deeds , we gain friendships , too .”
The Leadership Academy plans to continue tackling the Prairie Restoration project with Ameli this spring , help with road clean-up and possibly take over a community garden . Next fall , they have discussed working with local homeless shelters , as well .
“ It ’ s rare , to have kids like these ,” Ameli said . “ A lot of times , young people sometimes wait to be taken by the hand and told what to do – but these kids are organized – and someone always steps up to make good things happen .” ■
Consistent volunteer at Mississippi Elementary believes experience is rewarding for him
After working at his job for over 12 years , Scott Cleven- Mulcahy found himself leaving with a buy-out package that gave him the freedom to comfortably do whatever he wanted to do for a few months . Cleven-Mulcahy was excited to spend time with his wife , their three children ranging in age from 17 to 23 , and his dog . He went camping in the Boundary Waters for 21 days .
Then , when he returned home , he wanted to give back and do something that felt rewarding . He contacted the Anoka-Hennepin Schools volunteer services program , completed his application and signed up to help kindergarten students hone their reading and math skills in the K-Skillbuilders volunteer program .
For the past three months , Scott has spent an hour and a half at Mississippi Elementary School three days a week , focusing on reading and math skills with students ranging from kindergarten to second grade . “ The kids love to read , they love getting positive feedback ,” Cleven- Mulcahy said . “ And I love giving high-fives .”
One of the classrooms that Scott works in is Alissa Knutson ’ s first-grade classroom . “ Scott is so good at building relationships with the students – he is consistent and committed ,” she said . “ I see them gaining more confidence , and they aren ’ t just getting academic support – they are getting a mentor , too .”
Cleven-Mulcahy notes that he loves being a dad , and now that his kids are growing up , he believes that volunteering gives him an opportunity to continue working with school-age kids .
Cleven-Mulcahy doesn ’ t just do it alone . “ My wife came to the school with me one day and at least three or four kids ran up to me – they recognized me – they called me ‘ Mr . Scott ,’ and hugged me ,” he shared , proudly . Now , on Thursdays , his wife , Nicole , comes along to volunteer , too .
The couple doesn ’ t support just the students , they support the teachers and staff at Mississippi Elementary School , as well . The couple just remodeled their kitchen and enjoy baking – especially French desserts – which they often share with the school staff . “ These teachers let me come into their classrooms , and in a way , I know that I ’ m a helping them – but it ’ s so much more rewarding for me ,” Cleven-Mulcahy said . “ Every day , I leave with a smile .” ■
Discover Community Education !
We value the opportunity to bring quality educational programs to our community members , and there is something for everyone . Classes and activities are offered year-round . Register today !
Adult Learning
No matter what your interest or skill level , Community Education offers hundreds of classes yearround for adults ages 18 and up . Classes focus on technology , money , creativity , hobbies , home improvement , parenting , health , fitness and more ! Call 763-506-5766 with questions .
Adults with special needs
Specialized classes offer educational , recreational and social activities for adults with developmental disabilities that practice life skills to increase independence , communication , and community integration . Call 763-506-1290 with questions .
Early Childhood Family Education
Educational and enrichment classes are available for families with young children ages birth to kindergarten . Classes are offered for parents to attend with children or for preschoolers to learn and practice independence . Call 763-506-1275 with questions about Early Childhood Family Education and Preschool .
Youth Enrichment
The Community Schools program coordinates a wide variety of fun classes and activities to enhance your child ’ s academic and social experiences afterschool , in the evening and on the weekend . Opportunities for students in preschool through grade eight include arts and crafts ; science , technology , engineering and math ( STEM ) classes ; language and performing arts ; sports and recreation ; and swimming . Call 763-506-1260 with questions .
Get more news and information about lifelong learning opportunities , or check-in , tag and share your photos and memories of Community Education programs with us – and your family , friends and followers !
www . discovercommunityed . com
www . facebook . com / DiscoverCommunityEd
@ AHCommunityEd @ AHCommunityEd
Anoka-Hennepin Community Education also offers adult basic education , adult / youth athletic leagues and recreational opportunities , aquatic fitness , parent involvement , school-age child care and swimming lessons for community members . ■