Newsletters 23-24 Focus [2] Winter Anoka-Hennepin winter Focus

Freshmen and sophomores gain experience presenting a project at the AHS STEAM Showcase . page 3
Students from Anoka , Blaine and Coon Rapids high schools visit the Big Apple with DECA / BPA . page 3
A new telescope attachment at Jackson Middle School Observtory to open more eyes to the universe . page 4
Andover High School student displays artistic talents in downtown Anoka walkway tunnel . page 6

ON ANOKA-HENNEPIN SCHOOLS

WINTER 2024
Monroe staff accept a donation from the Minnesota Business Partnership after earning Minnesota ’ s Future Award .

Business leaders recognize Monroe Elementary with 2023 Minnesota ’ s Future Award

Monroe Elementary School - Mathematics , Science and Children ’ s Engineering was recognized with the 2023 Minnesota ’ s Future Award from the Minnesota Business Partnership ( MBP ) at a ceremony Oct . 18 .
Principal Amy Oliver and Monroe staff were honored in front of nearly 1,000 business , civic , and political leaders at the MBP ’ s annual dinner at the Minneapolis Convention Center .
The Minnesota ’ s Future Award has recognized highperforming schools and education programs for innovation and success in helping all students succeed since 2006 .
Monroe was selected for the award by the MBP education committee for its commitment to transforming the way students are taught to read . Recent Minnesota Comprehensive
Achievement ( MCA ) results demonstrate that Monroe is showing strong gains in literacy for key student cohorts . Current fourth grade students made an 18 % jump in reading proficiency from 2022 to 2023 and current fifth graders made a 25 % improvement .
Monroe is one of 12 schools in Anoka-Hennepin piloting Bridge to Reading literacy instruction . The district is exploring expansion of the program to all 25 elementary schools .
Located in Brooklyn Park , Monroe is a STEM school for mathematics , science and children ’ s engineering K-5 specialty school serving nearly 550 students . n

UNIVERSAL SCHOOL MEALS SERVES UP SAVINGS

Beginning this school year , a new state law provides breakfast and lunch to students at no cost to families .
Compared to last school year : 19 % more students take lunch . 33 % more students take breakfast .
The district serves approximately : 25,100 lunches per day . 9,790 breakfasts per day .
From September - December , 2.62 million meals were served in Anoka-Hennepin Schools .
If a student takes breakfast and lunch each day all school year , families save $ 688 per elementary student and $ 731 per middle or high school student .

Planning for the future with a focus on immediate needs

By Superintendent Cory McIntyre
At the start of this school year I challenged our staff to reevaluate their “ why ” with a theme we call , “ The Power of Purpose .” What is it about education that drew you to this field ? How can we all work together in a common purpose for our students ?
In my first six months serving as superintendent , I have witnessed the dedication and commitment of Anoka- Hennepin staff members in our classrooms , hallways , playgrounds , labs and throughout our schools on a daily basis . It quickly becomes evident that there is a strong sense of pride with Anoka-Hennepin . This “ allin ” approach - bringing out your best everyday - makes a difference for our students and community .
Much of the communication provided by the school district is focused on helping the community understand where we are heading as a school system . This should not
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