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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. ■