Newsletters 24-25 Focus [3] Summer | Page 5

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LEADERSHIP IN PUBLIC EDUCATION

Principals receive state recognition

Superintendent column cont. from page 1
The Minnesota Association for Secondary School Principals( MASSP) has recognized three Anoka-Hennepin Schools leaders with Star of Innovation awards.
• Steve Drewlo, assistant principal- Blaine High School. Gold Star recognition for " Adopt-a-Hallway " program.
• Quyen Phan, assistant principal- Coon Rapids High School. Silver Star recognition for " Admin Instructional and Student Support model."
• Jason Paske, principal- Blaine High School. Bronze Star recognition for " Paws-itive Impact " program.
Programs are judged upon demonstrated positive impact on education and children; principal leadership in the development and implementation of the program; creativity and imagination; and positive school change and ease of replication at other schools. The Star of Innovation awards have been issued to school leaders since 2009, designed to recognize principals and schools statewide for the development and support of an exemplary and innovative education program in their school.
Assistant principal of the year
Christopher Nelson, assistant principal at Anoka Middle School for the Arts, received the Assistant Principal of the Year award in the Hennepin division of the MASSP. The recognition honors outstanding leadership in education celebrating principals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, a commitment to student success, and service to the organization. n
Steve Drewlo
Jason Paske
Quyen Phan
Christopher Nelson
curriculum options and an implementation plan so that students from all 25 elementary schools across the district will have learning under this new structure. It’ s a multi-million infusion with the goal of ensuring a strong foundation in literacy for students starting in kindergarten through Grade 5.
It’ s also an investment that offers promising future results. District schools such as Monroe Elementary in Brooklyn Park or Hamlton Elementary in Coon Rapids amongst other schools where these new instructional practices have been piloted have experienced double-digit gains in proficiency. This is the first step in a long-term plan to ensure reading at grade level is within reach for each student K-5 and that support for multilingual learners and students receiving special education services are able to reach their reading goals.
The summer months are typically a time for students, staff and families to recharge- but also a time to look forward with anticipation for September and the return of school. This issue of the FOCUS provides examples of the staff members being awarded for excellence and students recognized for their achievements. It is indeed good news that our schools are producing results that lead to a source of pride for all of us.
Thank you for being an active resident by reading the FOCUS newsletter and keeping updated on matters involving your schools. The best school districts and the students who attend them benefit from involved parents and community members. It is our goal to ensure that a return on investment is maximized and that students are well-prepared for their future when they graduate from our district. n

School Board 101: School Board election set for Nov. 4

The Anoka-Hennepin School Board is a six-member, nonpartisan elected body whose representatives are selected from election districts every two years. Three seats will be up for election November 4 – districts three, four and six. Community members living within those districts who are interested in serving on the board must file for election between July 29 and August 12 by 5 p. m. Members serve four-year terms.
On the ballot:
• District Three includes Champlin and the portions of Dayton plus the northwest section of Coon Rapids. This seat is currently held by Kacy Deschene who was elected in 2021.
• District Four includes the portions of Nowthen, Ham Lake and Oak Grove plus a large share of Andover and the northeastern section of Ramsey. This seat is currently held by Matt Audette, who was elected in 2021.
• District Six includes northern Coon Rapids and southern Andover. This seat is currently held by Jeff Simon, who was elected to his first full term in 2013.
School Board candidates must be eligible to vote and 21 years of age or older. Candidates must also have been a resident of the specific election district for 30 days before the general election and must not have filed for any other office.
Persons interested in running for the School Board must file an Affidavit of Candidacy in person at the Anoka County Elections Office, 2100 Third Avenue, Suite 16, Anoka, and pay a $ 2 filing fee no later than August 12 at 5 p. m. For information about candidate filing, voter registration or the election process, contact the Anoka County Elections Office by email at elections @ co. anoka. mn. us or by phone at 763-324-1300.
Election judges
Anoka County Elections is recruiting election judges to work the polls for the Nov. 4 Anoka-Hennepin elections. Election judges must be eligible to vote in Minnesota and able to read, write and speak English.
Students 16 and 17 years old can be election judge trainees. Election judges are paid for their service, and Minnesota law requires that employers provide them with time off from work without a reduction in
ANOKA-HENNEPIN SCHOOLS

ELECTION DISTRICTS pay to be an election judge. All election judges are required to complete online training prior to Election Day. Interested candidates may apply online at anokacounty. us / 231 / Election-Judges. n

Residents can determine your election district by viewing the map or using using the Minnesota Secretary of State polling place finder online at pollfinder. sos. state. mn. us.