COLLABORATING FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE PAGE 6
National certification of School Resource Officer becomes a catalyst for positivity and teamwork at Northdale Middle School
Anoka-Hennepin Schools has committed to the placement of Automatic External Defibrillators as a safety measure in school facilities for over 15 years.
Life-saving AED update headed to district schools
When a person suffers Sudden Cardiac Arrest( SCA), response time to provide care is critical to survival and recovery. Anoka-Hennepin Schools are equipped with Automated External Defibrillators- or AED’ s- that provide a level of preparedness to respond to emergencies and save lives.
Anoka-Hennepin is in the process of installing 107 replacement AED’ s across the district at all sites including 14 portable units for outdoor use and away from campus events. Data shows that 2 out of every 50 high schools in the nation will experience an SCA event each year which includes impacts to students, staff and community members.
AED’ s serve as a part of Anoka-Hennepin’ s commitment to safe schools. The units are portable, battery powered and placed in highly visible areas in the school. The units can be operated by staff members or community members in times of need to provide care with easy to follow verbal commands which guide users to ensure effective use. Anoka-Hennepin has managed an AED program for over 15 years and this project is an upgrade to the latest technology available. n
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HIRING EVENT:
Thursday, July 24 • 1- 5 p. m.
Anoka-Hennepin Schools Educational Service Center( ESC) 2727 N Ferry St., Anoka( Enter Door 7)
Full- and part-time positions, substitutes needed:
• Food service
• Custodial
• Special education paras
• Teacher assistants and paras
• Substitute teachers
• Technology
• Transportation crossing guards, bus helpers
• Community Education
• Preschool and ECFE assistants
ahschools. us / jobs 763-506-JOBS
Northdale Middle School( NMS) School Resource Officer( SRO) and Coon Rapids Police Department Detective Ryan Olson is officially the first-ever police officer to earn the prestigious Catalyst Certification. Throughout the process of obtaining the certification, educators and coaches learn practical strategies to effectively manage behavior while prioritizing connection.
Detective Olson ' s initial interest in the Catalyst Approach was to better support students and staff while he was at the school. Dr. Elizabeth Keeling, an instructional coach at NMS, invited him to attend the training program with other teachers.
He first earned the lunchroom certification in the fall, and was impressed by the order that was brought to the cafeteria by having team strategies in place among the NMS staff.“ Just by being in certain spots, we can control and command the space without saying a word to kids and use my voice for building and maintaining positive relationships with students.” He then began envisioning additional positive impacts he could have in his role and continued with the training.
On May 9, he earned the Catalyst Whole Group Foundational Skills certification for use in the classroom.“ His ability to connect with students creates a fun, joyful, and welcoming learning environment where students get to be themselves and share openly,” Keeling said.“ And, his use of a variety of engagement modes is especially impressive, boosting both interest and participation from students in the room.”
Throughout the school year, he has visited health classes to share the effects of chemical and alcohol use, and English Language Arts( ELA) classes to teach
Madison students access bike safety resources, thanks to AHEF grant
Madison Elementary School students are equipped for rolling to school and around the neighborhood, thanks to bike safety gear and tips shared by community partners- made possible by an event organized by the school and financial support- including a grant from the Anoka Hennepin Educational Foundation( AHEF).
The grant enabled the school to purchase and present 100 bike helmets, 100 bike bells, and 130 bike locks to students. The school hosted an event April 29, which was a blend of fun and learning, with the fire department fitting helmets, which were decorated by students at a sticker decorating station; while the Blaine Police Department’ s bike patrol officer demonstrated bike safety skills in the parking lot before practicing them with students.
Students were able to get their bikes in gear for the season, with bell installations, and tune-ups, including tire inflation, tightening any loose parts and inspecting chains. The event emphasized the
importance of safe biking practices, particularly in school zones, allowing opportunities for students to practice stopping at stop signs, learning to look both ways before crossing roads, and being aware of their surroundings.
Detective Olson ' s earned the Catalyst certification which promotes positive connections between adults and students in school communities.
students about safe social media use and the impact of their digital footprint.“ It’ s surprising how well it works,” Olson explained.“ Kids can look and know what to expect, it sets them up for success which builds trust and confidence in the students.”
Olson also serves as an assistant coach for the Andover High School hockey and lacrosse teams. With 16 years of youth coaching experience, he notices a difference in the interactions he has with players that can hear and understand him better, and know when to participate verbally versus executing skills on the field or on the ice.
The success of this partnership at NMS has been a team effort among the school staff, serving as a unique and powerful example of how law enforcement and staff can work together to create a productive learning environment and positive school culture. n
Blaine police officers shared bike safety tips with students from Madison Elementary School thanks to an event organized by the school and financial support from the Anoka Hennepin Educational Foundation( AHEF).
Madison Elementary School staff also shared the benefits of biking to school in conversations with students and their families, including improved exercise which fosters better concentration and focus at school. The initiative, championed by a paraeducator and traffic control officer, Jessie Coon, aims to make safe biking to school a reality for more students. n