PAGE 5
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, to allocating new funding for the purchase of expensive manufacturing equipment students learn on , to fixing outdated child labor laws that prevent manufacturing businesses from hiring highly-skilled workers who are under the age of 18 .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 . ■
PREPARING STUDENTS FOR LIFE
PAGE 5
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith visits STEP
cont. from page 2
funding for career and technical education, to allo-
cating new funding for the purchase of expensive
manufacturing equipment students learn on, to fix-
ing outdated child labor laws that prevent manufac-
turing businesses from hiring highly-skilled workers
who are under the age of 18.
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 repre-
sents 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.
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 rec-
ognized the value of this programming. Our mes-
sage 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
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.” ■
Supreme Court visits AHS
cont. from page 2
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 tech-
nology 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.
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 let-
ter jacket, which earned a loud ovation from the stu-
dents 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
Superintendent column
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 ͅ)!ȁٽɥєЁɥѡՕѥ)ݕȁѥѡ七q]ݽəհ)Օѥ́ɽѡՑ́ɕЁѕɅѥ)ݥѠѡѥ̳t͡ͅ)́ȁ)ѥ
ѥѼѡ͍)͡ɅՅѕɽ݅́ݽəհɥ)ͽѡ݅́͡ɽՐ+q%ӊéձ́ѼUمt͡ͅ+q%ӊéѥPȁ啅́ͥ$͕݅́)ѡ͍́$ٕͅ܁䁱ȁ́$݅)+q$ɕ䁕啐ѥɔЁ!)M%Ё݅́Ʌ܁ѡݔݕɔѡ)Ё́Ѽѡɽ՝ѡɕ啅̸$ѥ)хЁݥѠɥ̻t)]ѡЁɐɅɝյ́Ёѡ͍)ӊeյȁݕ́ɔѡЁՅ)ɕ́ͥ ͅZ)15Ց́хȁ̴)ɥЁɔ͕ѥ́ݽɭ)ɐѼٔѡQM ɐ)مՕ́ɕ饹ѡ́ፕЁѡ)ѥ́ɅձѥՑ́)хȁхəɵɽ)Ց́ݡɹəЁ͍ɔ)ѡȁ
PѼхєɅ䁉ݥ̰)ѥɥЁ͍̰͍Ѡ)̰əɵ́Ё)ͥхѡѕ́)ѡ̰ѡ͔Ʌѥٕ́)ѥՔѼɕ́Ѡյȁ)ɕѥ)%ɕ䰁ѡ͔ɔᅵ́Ց)ݡɔͥєЁݡЁѡ䁑)ɔɕɥѼѡȁаمՕ́ѡ)ɔ͕ѥѼ٥ѡɥӊe)ͥɕɥՑ́ȁ)!͕́ɽ٥)չѥ́ѕɥ͍٥ɽ)́ѡЁЁՑϊdѼ)ѡȁи)Ё
Í!Mq)ѕϊtхѕѡ́啅ȁ́ش)ɥѼхͥѥ͍ٔ)ձɔɕՍ͍ɕɅ̰)ɔ%ӊéɝѕЁѡ)Ց͕̰́ѕ̰͍ݥ)̰ɥЁݕ̰ɥ٥)̸́ݥѠѕͥٔ)ٕɅѡ͍)ѕɹѥɕѥѡ5)ՔIˊéЁݥͼ)хє݅ɐȁѡɽɅéɕձ̸))Ёѡ́啅ȰѠɅՑ́)9ѡI͕ٕа
Ḭ))ͽ͍ٕ́д)͠ѡѥ $M=)Mə%ѕɹЁ
)!Ց́ɱ(ѡ́ɽ́ѡѥѼݥ)ѡ݅ɐɅѥم)չхх她ͅ)ɕљհхѥ镹͡)]ѡȁЁ́ѡɽ́)݅́ɽ́ѡɥаȁ)ɕѕѡȁЁѡݽɱ)ݔ݅ЁѼɕɔȁՑ́ȁՍ)ݡѕٕȁѡ݅ѡ䁍͔)]эȁյ͡ѡѕɹ)ѥхȁՑ́ɕ)镐Ёѡɥахєѥٕ)́ɕ݅ɑ5ݽɬѼɽ٥ո)ѥȁѡٕ́и-ݥѡ)ɥٔȁѕ́хѼ)Ց́ɽ٥́ѡȁٕɅѥՑ)5ѥمѥՑ́٥ɽЁ)ɕͥхѥ́Օ́)ѥՑ͕́ѥѼٕɥѡ)хɕձ́ѡЁܸ)QԁȁȁЁ)ȁՑ͍́ɥи%Ё́)ɕȁ͍́ѽ䁅́Ѽ)եɥѕȁɔȁ̸Z