Newsletters 2018-19 Focus newsletter, [2] Fall

PAGE 5 $695,000 federal grant to support teachers, improve student literacy skills Anoka-Hennepin music teachers Levi Comstock and Jesse Holden presented the NAMM Best Communities for Music Education award to the School Board at their Sept. 24 meeting. Tradition of excellence, music programs gain national acclaim For the fifth consecutive year, the Anoka-Hennepin School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Anoka-Hennepin was one of eight school districts in the state, and 583 nationally, to earn the award in 2018. “Anoka-Hennepin is extremely proud of its music program, as well as the teachers, students and com- munity members who continue to display excellence each and every year,” said Dr. Timothy Gadson III, associate superintendent for high schools. “Students are experiencing one of the most robust music pro- grams in the state as a result.” NAMM is a non-profit organization with the mission of advancing participation in music making for all ages by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. The Best Communities for Music Education award recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, par- ents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded educa- tion, according to NAMM. Designations are made to districts that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education. To be considered for the award, NAMM conducts an extensive review process to evaluate districts on a variety of factors — both in and outside the schools — from funding levels, participation, access to instruc- tion, and minutes of instruction per grade level, to musical activities in and around the community. n Coon Rapids High School’s friendly approach is providing results English and social studies teachers at Anoka, Champlin Park, and Coon Rapids high schools will have some additional support in the area of literacy this school year thanks to a federal grant. Anoka-Hennepin was awarded a $695,000 Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy (SRCL) grant from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), with financial support from the U.S. Department of Education. Funding will cover two years of services to help with the literacy needs of students in the core English and social studies classes at each school. The grant application focused on meeting the needs of the students with the highest percent- ages of students qualifying for free and reduced lunch, the highest percentages of students with disabilities, and the highest numbers of English Learners, and from that study, Anoka, Champlin Park and Coon Rapids were selected. If the grant program shows success, it would be reviewed for expansion to all district high schools. Also unique to the grant application is the humanities approach the district is taking. Rather than just providing support to English teachers, social studies teachers will receive the support as well. Reading and writing skills are crucial to student success in social studies coursework. The MDE received more than 120 applications from districts in every corner of the state hoping to secure grant money. Just 25 districts earned a SRCL grant, and Anoka-Hennepin is one of eight to receive funding at the high school-level. n Join our team! Anoka-Hennepin is hiring Coon Rapids High School staff accepting the Minnesota Promising Practice Award include (back row) Jon Young, Jordan DeVries, Jonathan Enns (front row) James Bouley, Sherri Schendzielos, Annette Ziegler, principal; and Jamie Weisz Coon Rapids High School (CRHS) students and staff placed a priority on promoting and sharing kindness throughout their building last school year to make school a more welcoming place to be. Their efforts paid off when Reader’s Digest Magazine named Coon Rapids the friendliest place in Minnesota and the school earned a Minnesota Promising Practice Award, a top state distinction that honors schools that promote character development in their students. The CRHS “CROne Team/KINDNESS Matters” effort was one of six school programs honored by Synergy & Leadership Exchange in Minnesota last year. At CRHS, staff and students organized assem- blies, contests, daily and school-wide challenges, spirit weeks, and speakers to develop skills in treat- ing others with respect and kindness, persevering in tasks, and learning from one another day after day. The effort is showing early signs of making an impact as the school has reported a decrease in discipline reports and an increase in grades, according to principal Dr. Annette Ziegler. n Have you ever considered working for Anoka-Hennepin schools? The district employs teachers, substitutes and paraeducators, but has many positions outside of the classroom, including cooks, bus drivers, secretaries, nurses, custodians and many others. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job or a career — working for Anoka- Hennepin schools is a rewarding employment opportunity that's also fulfilling — most employees recommend Anoka-Hennepin as a great place to work. Learn more at ahschools.us/jobs.

Newsletters 2018-19 Focus newsletter, [2] Fall | Page 5