COLLABORATING FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE PAGE 6
District recognized by the City of Coon Rapids for its sustainability efforts
School and police partnership return following state law update
Anoka-Hennepin Schools partners with six local law enforcement agencies to provide 12 School Resource Officers ( SROs ), providing service to schools across the district :
• Anoka Police Department
• Anoka County Sheriff ’ s Office
• Blaine Police Department
• Brooklyn Park Police Department
• Champlin Police Department
• Coon Rapids Police Department
Coon Rapids mayor Jerry Koch presents the sustainability award to chief operations officer , Greg Cole .
The City of Coon Rapids recognized the Anoka-Hennepin School District with an Earth Month Sustainability Award at its regular City Council meeting on April 2 . Greg Cole , district Chief Operations Officer , accepted the award on behalf of Anoka-Hennepin .
The district was recognized for its sustainability efforts with the installation of solar panels at Adams and Hoover elementary schools . The Coon Rapids Sustainability Commission asked the City Council to proclaim April 2024 as Earth Month in the City of Coon Rapids before presenting awards .
Anoka-Hennepin recently entered a no-cost agreement with Ideal Energy and Xcel Energy to install solar panels at both schools . The goal is to improve energy efficiency to reduce costs across the system , and solar energy is an area the district is exploring as a possible energy savings tool .
Between solar-generated energy and electric energy ( which will still be required for total energy needs ), the projected energy utility savings range from 10-25 % annually at each site over the next 20 years . After 20 years , the district will own the solar panels outright and realize 100 % of the energy savings generated by the solar panels . n
A state law update suspended the program in most schools at the start of the 2023-24 school year when local law enforcement agencies learned of a concern that restricted the ability for SROs to function effectively in the school setting . At that time , five of the six traditional SRO programs were suspended by police at all sites , however , close cooperation with school administration continued as part of the school safety plan , and all agencies remained committed to increased patrol and school visits along with protection at events throughout the school year .
Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise connects with Dr . Josh Delich , associate superintendent of high schools , and Andover High School principal Tim Feine on the first day of school , Sept . 5 , 2023 .
Committed to safe and welcoming learning environments
In March , SROs returned to school sites without coverage following a law update in alignment with the School Board legislative priority . Work with area law enforcement partners on revised agreements continues with consideration from governing bodies expected over the next several weeks .
The SRO program supports Anoka-
Hennepin ’ s strategic priority to ensure schools are safe and welcoming . The district utilizes a multi-layered approach to protect the safety of students and staff . School culture and climate and safety benefit from the SRO partnership that works in coordination with structural and physical systems , controlled singlepoint entries , visitor management systems , staff training and more . n
District recognized for excellence in music education for the 10th time
The Anoka-Hennepin School District has been recognized with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association of Music Merchants ( NAMM ) for the 10th time . The honor recognizes a district ’ s outstanding commitment to music education .
Anoka-Hennepin was one of nine school districts in the state , and 975 nationally , to earn the award in 2024 .
NAMM is a non-profit organization that aims to advance 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 , parents , students , and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education . Designations are made to districts demonstrating 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
Anoka Middle School for the Arts students perform at the annual middle school jazz festival .
variety of factors — both in and outside the schools — from funding levels , participation , access to instruction , and minutes of instruction per grade level , to musical activities in and around the community . n
PROVIDING A FUTURE WITHOUT LIMIT Anoka-Hennepin Schools are proud to work together , effectively educating each student for success .
Highly rated schools , programs 96 % parents strongly believe their child receives high-quality education . Award-winning schools , programs , staff and students .
Wide range of opportunities Elementary , middle & high schools ; early learning and alternative programs , community education . Serving 13 communities in Anoka and Hennepin counties .
Safe and welcoming schools We believe all students learn better in a safe , welcoming environment . 97 % parents strongly believe staff care about their children .
Solar panels at Adams Elementary School in Coon Rapids .
New to Anoka-Hennepin ? Interested in exploring school choices for the 2024-25 school year ? Visit ahschools . us / enroll or call 763-506-1000 .