Newsletters 23-24 Focus [3] Spring

Academic growth recognition page 3
Mentorship program generates interest in education careers page 4
Employees recognized for service that goes Above & Beyond page 5
Anoka-Hennepin named “ best communities for music ” for the 10th consecutive year page 6

ON ANOKA-HENNEPIN SCHOOLS

SPRING 2024

District high school graduation rates increase , continue to outperform state average

The state released graduation rates for 2023 that showed Anoka-Hennepin Schools increased and continue to outperform the state average , graduating 86.7 % of all seniors in four years .
The district continues to outpace the state average overall by 3.4 %. Graduation rates are a key performance indicator for success of a school district as measured by Minnesota ’ s World ’ s Best Workforce plan . Student demographics in Anoka-Hennepin closely mirror state averages .
The 2023 overall district graduation rate increased 0.7 % from last year , 2 % less than the district ’ s all-time highest district graduation rate in 2021 , resulting in the second highest rate in history .
• Graduation rates increased for 12 of the 15 measured student groups .
• Four of the five traditional high schools achieved graduation rates over 90 %.
The 2023 results include an 80.9 % graduation rate for Black students , the highest rate in district history and a number that outpaces the state rate by 8.8 %.
• Blaine High School led the district with 91.4 % of Black students graduating in four years , a 1.5 % gap from their White student group .
2023 GRADUATION RATE
Anoka-Hennepin

86.7 %

Three schools from Anoka-Hennepin have been recognized by Project Lead the Way ( PLTW ) for their commitment to helping students own their education by increasing student access , engagement and achievement in PLTW programs .
State average

83.3 %

Secondary schools : Blaine High School - Center for Engineering , Mathematics , and Science ( BHS ) and Coon Rapids High School - Center for Biomedical Sciences and Engineering ( CRHS ) were both named PLTW Distinguished High Schools . BHS and CRHS are the only two high schools in the state of Minnesota to receive the award .
Graduates Vy Le and Maria Meyer celebrate their achievements at the Champlin Park High School commencement ceremony at the University of Minnesota - Maturi Pavilion on Jun . 4 , 2023 .
• Three of Anoka-Hennepin ’ s five traditional high schools have a Black-White graduation gap of 5 % or less , with a fourth high school at less than 7 %.
All five traditional high schools in Anoka-Hennepin had at least two student groups of color graduate at rates at or above 90 %. Two of the five traditional high schools ( Coon Rapids and Blaine ) had two student groups of color ( multi-racial and Asian students ) graduate at higher rates than white students . View the full story at ahschools . us . n

Three district schools recognized by Project Lead the Way

Elementary schools : Monroe Elementary School - Mathematics , Science and Children ’ s Engineering was named a Distinguished School Launch .
PLTW is a national program that creates engaging classroom environments by empowering students to develop and apply in-demand , transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges .
This is the seventh straight year BHS has been recognized by PLTW and the fifth overall and fourth straight for CRHS .
Monroe has earned this recognition in five consecutive years . n

Developing schools of choice starts with listening and learning

By Superintendent Cory McIntyre
Throughout the school year , Anoka-Hennepin surveys families , residents , and students to gain insight and perspectives . Each year the district conducts a community survey with an independent firm to measure satisfaction with services and look for areas of improvement . Serving 13 cities with 250,000 residents , this data provides a scientifically valid perspective from community members across the district . The annual Parent Annual Satisfaction Survey ( PASS ) is another important feedback loop . In addition to student surveys , I met with hundreds of high school students this year in roundtable discussions to provide their input into district decision-making .
Feedback loops are essential to our success as a district and listening is a strategy for school success .
Anoka-Hennepin Schools are constantly monitoring and looking for ways to
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