Volume 1 | September 15, 2017
Programs supported by the Community Education department:
  • Adult basic education (ABE)
  • Adult learning, including Project Power
  • Adventures Plus school-age care
  • Aquatics
  • Community Schools
  • Community use of school facilities
  • Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)
  • Home School
  • Parent Involvement
  • Preschool
  • Print Shop and technology services
  • Recreation and athletics
  • Staff Development Center
  • Volunteer services
  • Wellness
  • Youth service
A note from Al and Michelle
It is hard to believe that September is almost behind us. There is so much to do each fall as the new year begins. I hope each of you had a great summer. Welcome back to those of you who had the summer off; welcome to the new school year for those that worked all summer; and welcome to all our new staff.

Michelle and I are both relatively new to Anoka-Hennepin Schools (see intros below). We don't want to bog your down with "one more thing," but thought it might be interesting to provide updates/insights into the work across our department and district.
Al Ickler has been serving the community education department since February 2016 , and Michelle Trelstad began serving as the director of Community Education in July. Following the retirement of Steve Kerr, Al took on the role of executive director of community and government relations, and Michelle came on board.
So, this is the first of periodic email updates that staff across the Community Education department will receive throughout the year. We'll try to keep it short and sweet, and we would love to hear ideas of what could be added to it in the future. A few things that we thought would be fun to share that happened over the summer include:
  • Community Schools and Adventures Plus school-age care partnered with the Child Nutrition department to offer free summer meals to participants enrolled in summer programming at Oak View Middle School.



  • The National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) awarded Adventures Plus school-age care and Communications with four awards of merit for their work on marketing videos for the program. The "Got Veggies?" Wellness project earned a Golden Achievement award;


Thank you, everyone! Do good things, and check out more stories about our work at the bottom of this email.
A note from Al
I have enjoyed introducing Michelle to our team. Together, we will work to support the programs across our department, and continue to provide great programming, finding ways to serve all community members — with a focus on reaching learners that have not traditionally participated in our programs. Additionally, we plan to continue our department's strong collaborative work, and find new partnership opportunities while remaining open to change and innovation.

With the changes in our roles, I look forward to supporting the community education department and also broader district initiatives including its legislative priorities, the Fit for the Future referendum work, and working with Michelle as she continues to learn about our district, our department and our community.

A note from Michelle
I am very happy to be here and excited to be serving the community I live in and have close ties to. I am a graduate of Coon Rapids High School, raised my own family in the district and one of my very first teaching positions was in our ECFE program many years ago. 

In the short time that I have been here, I have enjoyed learning about each community education program through the working relationships that I have with Pat Adams (adult programs, home and non-public schools), Beth Yokom (early learning programs), Sandra Bengtson (youth programs and athletics), and Monika Helmen (school-age care). It was wonderful to meet many of you when I attended numerous staff meetings over the past few weeks and I look forward to better understanding how I can support your work.
Training opportunities

The Community Education department has worked with TIES to offer technology training opportunities for community education staff. Check the staff page on the Community Education website to view the training sessions that are scheduled this year and reserve your spot.


Fit for the Future - the role of community education staff
You may notice a few familiar faces in the recent Fit for the Future video , which provides an overview of information about the plan, which residents of the Anoka-Hennepin Schools will vote on, Nov. 7. Adventures Plus staff and students participated in filming over the summer months so this video could give residents a peek at what some of our classrooms look like and where the district needs to improve.

The Anoka-Hennepin School District has a responsibility to inform residents about the levy and bond referendum election this fall. Please watch the video below to ensure that you understand information about the referendum when asked by community education participants or members of our community.
Feel free to share or distribute marketing videos, flyers, information cards or early voting applications.
How does community education fit in?

We know that community education participants are some of the strongest supporters of the school district , which is why it is so important that we ensure that our participants have the information they need to make an informed decision, and remind them to vote on election day.

What you can do

Feel free to share or distribute the Fit for the Future marketing flyers, videos , information cards, or early voting applications. Each school should have marketing collateral on hand in the main office, but extra copies are available by contacting Heather Peters , communications coordinator for community education.

Direct community members, participants and families to the Fit for the Future website. The website is updated on a weekly basis with voting information, articles addressing rumors - " Fact or Fiction ," concept construction plans of some schools - should the bond and levy pass, a tax impact calculator , and so much more.

Use the talking points below in conversations to help explain the materials to our participants and community members.

  • This election season, the community will be asked if they want to make Anoka-Hennepin schools Fit for the Future with a referendum vote. The plan will include:

  • Creating safe and secure learning environments through the removal of portable classrooms.

  • Constructing additional classroom space and schools where student populations are significantly growing to support lifelong learning across the school district.

  • Solutions for maintaining quality schools and facilities by improving science labs, media centers, and flexible learning areas throughout the district.

  • Addressing class sizes for all learners.

  • The referendum impacts community education programs. More space will provide more programming options for all learners, and flexibility for community use.

  • We want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to make their voice heard. There are two ways to do that:

  1. Determine if you want to vote early via absentee ballot. After you apply, ballots can be mailed to your home, or you can vote in-person as early as Sept. 22;
  2. or lastly, plan to vote at your polling place Nov. 7.
What's trending?

Follow Anoka-Hennepin Community Education on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see these stories - and more - on social media.

You are welcome to help us "share" information with your friends and followers. (You may even see your own programs and team members!)

Submit content ideas to Heather Peters , communications coordinator for community education.
The new website is user-friendly and features photos of current students and staff at the Blaine Learning Lab and Columbia Heights program locations. View the new website.
Members of the Anoka High School step team visited incoming middle school students enrolled in the “Peak Adventures” summer care program to discuss core values and how those can help prepare them for success their next year in school and in their educational career. Read more.
Our preschool teachers and early childhood family education (ECFE) staff have compiled tips to help families prepare their children for the first few days of preschool. Read more.
Parent Involvement is hosting a workshop, "Treasurer's Tips," Oct. 3 for parent group treasurers. Gain insight on how to keep your organization's money safe and how to implement sound money management practices. Read more.
Preparing for college is an important step for any student. Anoka-Hennepin Community Education offers opportunities for high school students and their families to learn more about college placement tests, scholarships and how to apply.
Anoka-Hennepin Community Education | 763-506-1260
communityed@ahschools.us | www.discovercommunityed.com