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An eight classroom addition was added to Sunrise Elementary to help accommodate the growth in the attendance area .

In 2017 , voters supported the Fit for the Future plan , approving a request for new funding to create safe and secure learning environments by removing all 62 portable classrooms across the district , constructing additional schools and classroom space , providing solutions for maintaining quality schools at every building in the district , and addressing class sizes at every level .

Also a part of the Fit for the Future plan , all district schools were to receive a number of science , media center , and special education improvements , and these projects are scheduled to be completed by the start of the 2024-25 school year .

Students enjoying the newly renovated library at Oak View Middle School .

Students at Andover and Blaine high schools recently teamed up to help a community in need . After learning used car tires were being illegally dumped in the Rum River , students from both schools developed a plan to clean up the mess .

Bob Ameli , environmental science teacher at Andover High School , and Larry Osmek , science teacher at Blaine High School , enlisted over 60 students to help clean up the area and properly dispose of the tires .

After scouting the area this summer , Ameli figured there were around 75 tires needing to be removed ,

Sites receiving media center updates last summer include :

McKinley Mississippi Oxbow Creek Ramsey Rum River University Avenue Wilson

Multi-classroom additions have been completed at both Sunrise and River Trail Learning Center at L . O . Jacob . Schools across the district have also received HVAC systems , classroom and front office upgrades . but once they got to work , they learned it was so much more .

“ All totaled , we removed well over 200 tires from the river using canoes and a lot of determination ,” Ameli said . “ The students were very enthusiastic about making such a tangible difference .”

To celebrate the successful mission , students enjoyed a two-hour float on the river in canoes and kayaks before roasting hot dogs over a fire at Rum River Central Regional Park .

Available only to seniors , students who take the elective outdoor adventures class can earn college credit in environmental sciences because its curriculum centers around environmental education , field biology , interpersonal dynamics and personal growth .

Offered at Anoka-Hennepin ’ s five traditional high schools , this course introduces students to ice fishing , camping , hiking , and other outdoor activities . n

Blaine High School students pose for a photo with the 200 tires they helped remove from the Rum River .

As the 2022-23 school year came to a close , that marked the beginning of 31 projects across the district . Funding for these projects also originates from longterm facilities management funds and district capital funds . n

Superintendent column cont . from page 1

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The district has adopted a theme called “ The Power of Purpose .” When motivated individuals work together on a shared purpose , amazing things are possible . Teamwork and focus are at the core of our work .

One of the foundational values of Anoka-Hennepin Schools is to use the resources provided for education in the most effective and responsible way possible . The return of 230 high school students to downtown Anoka as part of Sandburg Regional High School is a shining example of that approach . The school was relocated from a leased facility to the historic Sandburg Education Center . This move saves taxpayer dollars and improves the experience and opportunities for students .

This issue of the FOCUS also highlights outstanding achievements by students . Please read more about the nationleading academic performance by Blaine High School senior Mujaddid Khan and a national bus safety poster contest won by Coon Rapids Middle School seventh grade student Avrie Siedschlag . High achievements and awards by staff members and departments include recognition of the district ’ s music educators , awards for excellence for financial stewardship and honors for emerging leadership in the trades . It is rewarding to witness excellence in our school district in such a wide variety of people and programs .

The school district values community feedback and conducts a scientific survey , annually . This information is used to monitor performance and guide decision making . The 2023 results reported increased recognition of educational quality , with 87 % rating the quality of education provided as good or excellent , up five percentage points from 2022 . Data from the survey , conducted by the Morris Leatherman Company , indicated a majority of community members think the district is “ moving in the right direction .”

It ’ s a direction fueled by our people . Schools are a “ people business ” and our staff continue to make a difference . It is the mission of the district to provide an education that prepares each of our students for success . Strong relationships between students and staff and each other build the foundation for success .

Thank you for such a warm welcome - or welcome back - to the thousands of community members and staff I have been able to greet since my return . I look forward to working together with the community in the years to come to provide the best education possible for our students . n