News and events
Student built construction projects up for auction
The Work Experience students in the Introduction to Building and Construction Careers class had a busy 1st trimester building an animal shelter and a playhouse. The class gives students hands-on experience building projects, so they can see if they are interested in pursuing a job in this area of employment. The animal shelter sold and found a new home in Bemidji, MN. The playhouse just went on auction and will be up for bidding until December 19. If you are interested in the auction, click on the button below.
You are valued at STEP. Your social and emotional well-being is our top priority. We recognize that the last few years have been different and even difficult at times. In the same way we care for our physical health, each of us deserves to to care for our mental health. If you are feeling down, depressed, have lost interest in activities or events that you used to enjoy, you may benefit from talking to someone. You are not alone. We are here to listen and connect you with tools and resources to support your wellness.
Address academic achievement, personal/social development and career development of all students, not just those in need, by collaborating with students, parents, school staff and the community to ensure today's students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow. School counselors are available at district middle and high schools.
Ms. Zemple is the School Counselor for STEP and students who are attending the Virtual Academy from Andover High School and Blaine High School. She will have office hours on Thursday, December 15th from 3:00-5:30, sign up for a time slot through My Conference Time.
School counselor - Alyssa Zemple
(763) 433-4031 (Office) (763) 433-4003 (Fax)
(763) 290-0341 (Google Voice)
Hello! My name is Melissa Upton and I am the College and Career Specialist for students at STEP. My job is to help students figure out what they want to do after graduation and then make a plan to help them be successful. I can provide many great services including: Testing Information (ACT/SAT), College Admissions Information, Financial Aid Information (FAFSA, Scholarship Info, etc.), Career Planning Resources, Resume help, Interview skills, the list goes on.
For more information contact me in the Career Center on the second floor (Room 20A) or email melissa.upton@ahschools.us. You can also review the College and Career Center Newsletter by clicking here. This is updated regularly for you to learn about upcoming events.
College and Career Specialist- Melissa Upton
(763) 433- 4030
Promoting health and wellness in school, early influenza season
Minnesota is starting to see an uptick in flu cases, according to new data from the state department of health. Now is the perfect opportunity to remind your students about healthy habits to prevent the spread of germs and illness. Use these conversation tips at home to stay healthy this school year:
Wash hands frequently: Scrub hands and fingers with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds.
Cover coughs and sneezes: Use an elbow or a tissue.
Avoid touching your face: Germs can enter your body through your eyes, nose and mouth.
Practice healthy eating habits: Food is your body’s fuel. Choosing well-balanced meals boosts energy and health. Avoid sharing food/drinks/utensils with others.
Get plenty of rest: Sleep is important and restores your mind and body.
When to stay home
Ensuring schools are safe and healthy for all students is the first priority for Anoka-Hennepin. If your child does get sick, keep them home from school so they don’t share their illness with others. Reference school district guidelines to help with this decision:
If a student has had a fever of 100 degrees or more, the student must stay home for 24 hours after the temperature returns to normal without fever reducing medication.
If a student has vomited or had diarrhea, the student must stay home until 24 hours after the last episode.
If a student has had any rash that may be disease-related or the cause is unknown, check with your family physician before sending the student to school.
If a student is ill, please call the school daily to report the illness.
For more resources and information contact your school health services office or visit ahschools.us/healthservices.
Parent Advisory Committee for Racial and Ethnic Equity announces meeting schedule for 2022-23
Join parents and guardians of students of color from around the district for updates, discussion and action planning as part of the Parent Advisory Committee for Racial and Ethnic Equity (PACREE).
Increasing involvement from parents and guardians in education to impact educational outcomes and supporting a sense of belonging in school is the driving force behind PACREE. The group will hold a session covering a different topic each month in support of students and in alignment with the Anoka-Hennepin Equity Achievement Plan, a coordinated effort to promote high academic achievement for all students and eliminate predictable gaps amongst student groups. Visit ahschools.us/equityachievementplan for additional information.
Meetings will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. and will be offered in a virtual format on the following dates: Dec. 13, Jan. 17, Feb. 14, March 21, April 18, May 16.
For additional information and to get involved with PACREE sessions, please contact Darron Sherrill, assistant director of students services - diversity, equity and inclusion at darron.sherrill@ahschools.us or Rahmo Ali, cultural liaison, at rahmo.ali@ahschools.us.
Parent Engage 360 Podcast Episode 28: Anti-bullying and discipline
Bullying is a topic that often arises, and is not always easy to discuss as a parent or guardian. Parents may be wondering how to support their child, what questions to ask, or who to talk to at school to help.
In the latest episode of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast, host Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin parent involvement coordinator, is joined by Britt Olean, district school social worker, and Mary Kling, assistant principal of the Compass program overseeing elementary student conduct and discipline, to share information on how Anoka-Hennepin defines bullying and how parents can help support their children if they suspect bullying is happening.
Also in this episode, Olean shares the role of school social workers in the district and how they support students in a variety of ways.
Tune in to the latest Parent Engage 360 Podcast on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, or at ahschools.us/parentengage360.
The Parent Engage 360 Podcast aims to provide parents and guardians with knowledge from experts in chemical health, mental health, internet safety and more, as well as the tools needed to support their children. Anoka-Hennepin hopes that providing timely and helpful information through the Parent Engage 360 podcast series will strengthen the bond between school and home with resources parents and guardians can use and share with others.
This e-newsletter is published by Secondary Technical Education Program (STEP). Questions, comments or concerns about the school e-newsletter? Contact us.