Community Education funds , including participant fees , paid for the printing and distribution of this publication . Regular K-12 instruction funding was not used .
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Celebrating Metro North Adult Basic Education graduates
A long-awaited celebration played out with all the pomp and circumstance Metro North Adult Basic Education graduates deserved .
The last in-person graduation ceremony took place in June 2019 . More than two years later , students from three different graduating classes were given the opportunity to be recognized for their hard work . Sporting caps , gowns and tassels , those who chose to walk the stage Sept . 16 proudly collected a GED or adult diploma with huge smiles on their faces . Enthusiastic cheers and rounds of applause came from family , friends , and staff who were there to support them .
“ We ’ re here to honor and celebrate your successes ,” said Theresa Zingery , Community Education Manager . “ Not only did you meet the standards required to get a GED or high school credential , you also demonstrated true determination , courage ,
Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation keeping students connected during the pandemic and beyond
The Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation ’ s ( AHEF ) mission is to cultivate equitable and innovative experiences for students and it does so through partnerships with compassionate people who have generous hearts .
When the COVID-19 pandemic began , Tess DeGeest , executive director of the AHEF , wondered “ how does a student with no internet access show their work on a math problem or how do you type up a history report and turn it in digitally ?”
In the summer of 2020 , a district survey revealed that about 700 families said they lacked adequate digital access . With roughly 6,000 parents / guardians not responding to the survey , DeGeest was left to wonder if a lack of access to the internet was possibly a factor .
As Anoka-Hennepin prepared to start the 2020 school year in the hybrid learning model , in which students would learn two days from home and two days at
Graduate spotlight cont . from page 8
help , and learn the stories of how your role models got to where they are today . I bet their path isn ’ t as clear as you ’ d imagine .”
As a COVID-19 researcher , Ulrich is confident that in spite of the challenges the virus poses right now , the pandemic will fade .
Jake Johnson was one of more than 125 ABE graduates honored for their accomplishments since 2019 . strength and persistence in pursuing your dream , particularly in a year as challenging as the one we ’ ve just been through .”
Several graduates spoke about their educational experiences during the ceremony . Jake Johnson was a year into his studies and testing when the pandemic changed everything .
“ Pursuing my goal to get my GED became a much harder task . I learn more efficiently in a classroom setting , one-onone with a teacher or tutor , but suddenly I had to become familiar with distance learning at home , which took me to a new level of
AHEF and Comcast partnered to provide families with access to internet and financial assistance related to technology .
school , DeGeest was determined to close that gap .
AHEF donors stepped up to ensure students had hotspots . By the end of the school year , over 850 were donated for students to use at home to connect with online classes . Hotspots provided internet , but when damaged or waiting for repairs , caused lack of available internet for a short time .
The AHEF was the first organization and Anoka-Hennepin became the first district to partner with Comcast and a program called Internet Essentials , which
“ Eventually , the pandemic will come to an end and this chapter will be behind us , but kindness , understanding , patience , and flexibility will go a long way in all of us getting through the pandemic together ,” she said . “ If I could encourage people discipline ,” said Johnson .
Each story was testimony to the many hurdles these graduates faced . At 15 , Belle Larson left home and dropped out of school due to family problems .
“ While the plans we make in our youth don ’ t often play out in the ways we ’ d like them to , we are sometimes afforded the second chance needed to realize our success and overcome obstacles ,” said Larson . “ Metro North ABE gave me the chance to rekindle my passion for learning and to believe in myself again .”
Carlos Urrutia earned his GED while serving time as an inmate in a county jail .
“ I will not let my past define me ,” Urrutia said during his graduation speech . “ I just want to take an opportunity to thank everyone who works in this program — who works hard everyday to give people a chance to change .” n
lowers the cost of broadband internet to $ 9.95 per month . The program also offers discounts on Chromebook laptops as well .
AHEF is also footing the bill for those in need , and Comcast is waiving past due bills for families that have enrolled in the program .
“ I ’ m proud to partner with Comcast ,” DeGeest said . “ They have stepped up to support our students and families during these difficult times when families genuinely needed it .”
The AHEF has extended this partnership with Comcast to June of 2022 with the hopes of it never going away and continuing to provide internet connectivity for students during the school year and beyond .
To learn more about the Anoka- Hennepin Educational Foundation , visit ahef . us or contact Tess DeGeest at theresa . degeest @ ahschools . us . n
to do one thing , it would be to do something kind for another person every single day .”
To learn more about Anoka- Hennepin ’ s COVID-19 response , such as answers to frequently asked questions , visit ahschools . us / COVID-19 . n
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Discover Community Education !
Anoka-Hennepin Community Education is dedicated to lifelong learning , involving people and enriching communities . We value the opportunity to bring high-quality educational programs to our community members , and there is something for everyone ! Check out our fall catalogs and register online at www . discovercommunityed . com
Adult learning
No matter what your interest or skill level , Community Education offers hundreds of yearround classes 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 disabilities
Specialized classes offer educational , recreational and social activities for adults with developmental disabilities to practice life skills and to increase independence , communication and community integration . Call 763-506-1290 with questions .
Early Learners
Educational and enrichment classes are available for families with young children ages birth to kindergarten . Early Childhood Family Education ( ECFE ) classes give children the chance to build school readiness skills while parents discuss ways to help their children become confident , independent learners . Many preschool options are also available providing early learners with a wide variety of learning experiences to prepare them for kindergarten . Call 763-506-1275 with questions .
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
Welcome Fall !
We are so excited to start a new season with all of you . Take a cookie baking class , join friends at Pizza Ranch for dinner , take in a holiday show at Northen Starz Theater , make your own canvas art and so much more . Look inside to see all the classes and sign up soon !
Arts and crafts
Petey the Puppy Bank Pick your colors to paint this adorable dog bank . They call him Petey , but you can name him anything you like . Instructor : Peggy .
Day / Date : W , Sept . 15
Time : 6-7:30 pm Location : Coon Rapids MS-Rm 162 Fee : $ 19
Scarecrow Craft Create a face and design a hat to create this adorable scarecrow . Instructor : Peggy .
Day / Date : M , Oct . 18
Time : 6-7:30 pm Location : Coon Rapids MS-Rm 162 Fee : $ 15
Watercolor Landscape Art Paint a beautiful landscape with watercolors . Practice blending colors to create a beautiful skyline . Instructor : Peggy .
Day / Date : T , Oct . 12
Time : 6-7:30 pm Location : Coon Rapids MS-Rm 162 Fee : $ 19
Programs are made possible by Anoka-Hennepin Community Education
Holiday Gnome Made of pine leaves and felt , these adorable holiday gnomes are fun to make and display . Instructor : Peggy .
Day / Date : T , Nov . 30
Time : 6-7:30 pm Location : Coon Rapids MS-Rm 162 Fee : $ 19
Tissue Paper Trees Add colorful tissue paper and decorations to craft cones to create these festive holiday trees . Instructor : Peggy .
Day / Date : T , Dec . 7
Time : 6-7:30 pm Location : Coon Rapids MS-Rm 162 Fee : $ 15
and crafts ; science , technology , engineering and math ( STEM ) classes ; language and performing arts ; sports and recreation ; and swimming . Call 763-506-
2021
FALL !
Anoka-Hennepin Community Education
Community Schools Youth Activities www . discovercommunityed . com
facebook . com / DiscoverCommunityEd
@ AHCommunityEd @ AHCommunityEd