Sunrise Elementary School

COVID-19: July 23 update

CORRECTION: District will offer face coverings for students and staff

The following information is provided as an update to a July 22 message on face coverings. 

In response to the new guidance that came out yesterday from Governor Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Anoka-Hennepin Schools is updating its message in regards to students providing their own face coverings. The district will provide face coverings to students who request and/or need them. This same system will be in place for employees. Personal face coverings may also be used. 

The state order requires mandatory wearing of face coverings indoors, with some exceptions, beginning on Saturday, July 25. The MDH guidance on school districts providing face coverings pertains to a return to school under either the in-person or hybrid models in the fall. Programs currently in operation, such as Adventures Plus school-age care, will receive additional information directly from those programs.  

Look for more detailed guidance on how to acquire a face covering from the district soon. Visit ahschools.us/COVID-19 for the latest information.

COVID-19: July 22 update

COVID-19 Safety: Wear face coverings inside school buildings

Face coverings are required indoors at all Anoka-Hennepin Schools facilities in alignment with a July 22 state order to control the spread of COVID-19, and protect the health and safety of employees, students and the community. This order begins July 25 and covers all persons including employees, kindergarten through grade 12 students, visitors, and vendors, and will continue until further notice.

Anoka-Hennepin Community Education will provide additional information on how the state order impacts Adventures Plus school-age care and its operation later this week.

Settings that face coverings are expected to be used include: time spent with other people, in hallways, riding on school transportation, as well as public areas such as restrooms. Social distancing, keeping at least six feet between yourself and others, is considered the best way to protect yourself and others. The face covering is not a substitute for social distancing. 

The wearing of face coverings is part of a system of health and safety protections that include social distancing, hand hygiene, limiting building access, and other strategies in operation at Anoka-Hennepin Schools. Compliance with the cloth face cover wearing order is voluntary. Thank you for your compliance with this request.

The State of Minnesota will provide a direction next week on which learning scenario – in-person, hybrid model with 50% capacity or distance learning – our schools will start in for the 2020-21 school year. Please remain alert for additional messages from Anoka-Hennepin Schools regarding this and other COVID-19 school information, ahschools.us/COVID-19.

FAQ on cloth face coverings

Do I have to wear a cloth face cover outside?
The recommendation is to wear a cloth face cover in workplace settings on school property or around students in a work environment. Outside spaces are not considered part of this order. 

Why is this being done now?
Anoka-Hennepin Schools is following a state order signed July 22. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance does recommend wearing of cloth face coverings. A message to inform employees and the community is being sent now in response to the state order. 

What happens if myself or others don’t wear a cloth face cover?
The order to wear a cloth face cover is a directive from the state government and there is an expectation that all citizens will follow this direction to provide maximum protection for community health and safety. This is a voluntary compliance program and there are no fines or penalties involved in not wearing a cloth face cover. However, since school employees work in confined spaces and are at an increased risk for COVID-19, compliance by all leads to improved workplace health and safety for all.

COVID-19: July 17 update

2020-21 school guidance expected, planning continues

Planning for the 2020-21 school year continues in Anoka-Hennepin Schools following guidance shared June 18 by the State of Minnesota to develop contingency plans based on three learning scenarios: in-person, hybrid model with 50% capacity, and distance learning. Anoka-Hennepin’s 30-member cross-functional leadership team and support committees continue to refine options within each of these formats. Direction of which format will be in place when school resumes is expected to come from the State of Minnesota the week of July 27. 

Once direction is provided from the state, Anoka-Hennepin Schools will share additional details and collect information from parents/guardians regarding their students' return to school. It’s understood that while some desire students to return to school in-person full time, there are others who would prefer distance learning. School planning will allow for parent/guardian choice on distance learning regardless of the format chosen by the state. Please understand, state leaders, not the School Board, superintendent or principal, will make that decision on the learning format. It’s also likely that the district will be moving between learning formats as the school year advances, depending on conditions. 

Consult the ahschools.us/covid-19 website as a resource and remain alert for email communications that will include directions for providing important information regarding school format choice and transportation needs that will assist in back-to-school school planning. 

Please send any questions or concerns to health@ahschools.us.

COVID-19: June 25 update

Planning for fall 2020-21 school year underway

As planning for the 2020-21 school year, guidance shared June 18 by the State of Minnesota provided some direction for decision making. School districts, including Anoka-Hennepin,  are developing contingency plans based on three scenarios constructed by state agencies: fully in-person, hybrid and fully distance learning. Anoka-Hennepin has formed a 29-member cross-functional leadership team to coordinate planning and preparation in advance of further direction. 

The state agencies and leadership, not the school board, superintendent or principal, will determine which of the three formats will be used for school in the fall. Anoka-Hennepin will be prepared for that decision, which is expected the week of July 27. The district will share additional information on how the chosen format impacts Anoka-Hennepin students and families as soon as possible after that date, likely within five days. It’s acknowledged that everyone would like information sooner, and your patience and understanding is appreciated as district leaders prepare plans to ensure students and staff remain safe and that students receive the highest quality education available. The following further explains the three planning scenarios constructed by the state: 

Scenario 1: In-person learning for all students. In this planning scenario, schools should create as much space between students and teachers as is feasible during the day, but will not be held strictly to enforcing 6 feet of social distancing during primary instructional time in the classroom. Activities and extracurricular programming should continue to follow the Guidance for Social Distancing in Youth Sports.

Scenario 2: Hybrid model with strict social distancing and capacity limits. In this planning scenario, schools must limit the overall number of people in school facilities and on transportation vehicles to 50% maximum occupancy. Sufficient social distancing with at least 6 feet between people must occur at all times.

Scenario 3: Distance learning only. Students receive instruction off-school sites, but schools may also be open to provide emergency child care or other functions. It’s likely that the format of Distance Learning will be modified with improvements from what has been learned from the spring. 

Anoka-Hennepin parents and guardians will have a choice in planning decisions regarding their child’s return to school settings, depending on the format selected. The district will need data on the number of students who plan to attend school to assist with logistics such as transportation, food service and ensuring physical distancing requirements. 

If you have not yet taken the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Distance learning survey, please follow this link. The survey will close on June 30. Your input will help them and us! 

Please consult our ahschools.us/covid-19 website as a resource and stay tuned for additional Anoka-Hennepin communications regarding the return to school in the weeks and months to come. Please send any questions or concerns to health@ahschools.us. 

COVID-19: May 29 update 

Planning for fall 2020 underway, direction expected over the summer

As the school year comes to a close, Anoka-Hennepin schools continue to prepare options that may be necessary when school resumes in the fall. Unless otherwise directed by the state of Minnesota or other government agency, school will begin as planned on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

It is understood that employees, students and their families have many questions regarding a return to in-person school. As plans develop, the district will seek feedback from teachers and district staff along with the community to provide the best possible decisions. Protecting the health and safety of all involved will be the first priority. Contingency planning for a variety of potential scenarios will continue to make sure the district is prepared should state and/or federal guidelines provide direction that does not allow all students to return to school full-time. 

The district is committed to communicate decisions that impact school as far in advance as possible to allow for ample planning time, but it may be late July or August before information can be shared. Please remain alert for messaging regarding the start of school over the summer months.

COVID-19: May 15 update

Distance learning week seven - positive strides being made

Anoka-Hennepin is proud of our efforts to continuously improve. Each year the district utilizes student assessment data, survey data from students, parents/guardians, staff, and the community, graduation rates, and other measures to identify areas for improvement. Working with internal and external experts, the district prioritizes time and resources to address the areas of greatest need. 

Now that a “normal day” of school has been replaced by a virtual, distance learning format, there are new sources of data to consider. Student access to instruction and student engagement are two areas of focus. One thing that hasn’t changed, school is about learning. Teachers and students are responding to the challenges of the new distance learning format and finding a way to make it work. While it’s understood that this system is new and each student may react differently, work is happening to refine and improve with a focus on moving students forward. 

Late April, in an effort to learn more and improve, the district offered a survey opportunity to middle and high schoolers as well as teachers. The feedback leaned more positively for both groups. Just over 71% of students reported they were satisfied with their distance learning to some degree (7% extremely satisfied, 32% satisfied, 32% moderately satisfied). Also, 78% of students reported they were satisfied with their teacher connections to some degree (14% extremely satisfied, 33% satisfied, 31% moderately satisfied). And just over 83% of teachers reported they were satisfied with distance learning to some degree (7% extremely satisfied, 42% satisfied, 34% moderately satisfied). 

During this time of forced innovation, when so many are impacted by a sense of loss, an energy and focus on what can be done is alive and well in our schools. Motivated staff and students are finding new ways to get the job done. While classrooms have been temporarily replaced by kitchen tables, the effort and drive of students to succeed perseveres. Personal connection and interaction between teacher and student has changed, but should not be lost during distance learning. 

Thank you all for your continued support of our schools and your great efforts to make the end of the school year a successful one. 

David Law, superintendent 

COVID-19: May 8 update

State limits in-person commencement, Anoka-Hennepin to honor Class of 2020 with virtual ceremonies 

Anoka-Hennepin Schools will host virtual commencement ceremonies for the 3,000 graduates from the five traditional high schools in the district following the direction received by the State of Minnesota today.  

Anoka-Hennepin Schools has been preparing for virtual ceremonies and in-person options in anticipation of this direction and is prepared to present a high quality virtual graduation experience for the students of the Class of 2020 and those who support them. State guidance also encouraged districts not to reschedule ceremonies to a later date due to the uncertainty of social distancing guidelines. 

Virtual commencement ceremonies will be held at dates and times already scheduled on the calendar and will include the same elements as a traditional in-person ceremony. Graduates will hear their name called as part of the diploma presentation and have the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishment. Traditional caps and gowns will be distributed to allow for commemorative photos. In addition to the ceremonies, each high school will coordinate photo opportunities using a decorated stage on their school campuses for graduates and family members. This opportunity will be staggered over several days during the week of graduation to allow families adequate time and comply with safety expectations. Additional information on this option will be shared with graduates as details are finalized.  

Commencement ceremonies will be produced in cooperation with local cable programming partners QCTV, CTN, North Metro TV, and CCX Media. Ceremonies will be shared live on the cable channels in their communities and streamed on their websites along with school and district media outlets. Additional information on outlets to view the ceremonies will be shared prior to the events. 

Commencement ceremonies are scheduled at the following dates and times: 

• Andover: 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 7.
• Anoka: 7 p.m. on Monday, June 8.
• Blaine: 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9.
• Champlin Park: 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 7.
• Coon Rapids: 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 7.

Anoka-Hennepin has produced a frequently asked questions webpage, ahschools.us/graduationFAQ, to answer questions and provide information about the graduation ceremonies. Should you need additional information please email graduation2020@ahschools.us.

COVID-19: May 5 update

Adjustments to district calendar for distance learning, return of district technology items and materials distribution

Anoka-Hennepin Schools is enacting adjustments to the district calendar to accommodate distance learning modifications, the return of technology items and distribution of materials.

Distance learning engagement and catch-up days

Anoka-Hennepin has established one day per week, four days total in the calendar, to support individual student needs for distance learning. Distance learning engagement and catch-up days are set for Wednesday, May 13, Wednesday, May 20, Wednesday, May 27 and Friday, June 5. 

New instruction will not be provided on these days but rather the time will be used to assist students who are struggling and support time concerns for parents/guardians who are supporting their students. Teachers may monitor progress, communicate with students individually or in small groups to offer support, and potentially offer additional learning opportunities for students who need them.   

Last day of school  

The final day of new instruction for seniors is Thursday, May 28. Seniors may return to distance learning on Friday, May 29 to complete coursework, but it is not a required school day. 

The final day of new instruction for students in kindergarten through grade 11 is Thursday, June 4. Students may return to distance learning on Friday, June 5 to complete coursework, but it is not a required school day. 

Return of district technology/personal property pick-up 

The end-of-year calendar needs to be adapted to facilitate the return of Chromebooks used for instruction during distance learning. 

Seniors will return district Chromebooks and other technology and pick up graduation items such as their cap and gown on Monday, June 1 and Tuesday, June 2. Additional information will be provided to seniors as it becomes available. 

Students in kindergarten through grade 11 will return district Chromebooks and other technology on Monday, June 8 and Tuesday, June 9. Additional information on the return locations and times along with possible personal property pick-up at schools will be shared as it becomes available.

COVID-19: May 1 update

Week five of distance learning

Dear parents/guardians,

All of us have all been experiencing a much different spring than what was anticipated. Here at Anoka-Hennepin, our district has and will continue to remain focused on supporting our students even with the end of the school year quickly approaching. 

Finishing strong is an important attribute to learn for any situation and it’s particularly important during times of uncertainty. This can be a time when character and integrity develop and a time for students to build their personal pride and gain the sense of satisfaction that comes with a job well done.  

When it was learned that school will continue in distance learning to the end of the school year, our focus remained on our students. What is the next decision that needs to be made in their best interest and development? One of those important decisions involves a change in grading practices for the third trimester. This decision is the result of feedback from multiple stakeholders and represents a desire to motivate students while also maintaining a level of fairness for those students not as prepared for this new style of learning. Thank you for reviewing these practices at ahschools.us/tri3grading. Should you need further clarification or have questions, please reach out to your school principal for support. 

Additional decisions will need to be made in the weeks ahead regarding the many year end celebrations and graduation ceremonies. Your schools will do their very best to honor traditions by creating plans with the hope to host these events in-person, while also preparing for the possibility of honoring achievement in a virtual format. No matter the format, the focus will remain on students and their outstanding accomplishments during their time with Anoka-Hennepin Schools. This situation continues to be monitored and the district is committed to communicating decisions in advance to provide time necessary for planning. 

Students and staff enter the last month of the school year better prepared and ready to face any challenge that awaits. Now is a good time to focus on a strong finish and build on all that has been gained throughout the course of the school year. I remain optimistic for the future of our students and committed to do all that is possible to ensure their future success. 

David Law, superintendent

COVID-19: April 23 update

Minnesota schools closed through end of the school year, events canceled, distance learning to continue

What has been anticipated for some time has happened: a state order to close schools through May 5 has been extended through the end of the 2019-20 school year. Distance learning programs will remain in place for students and will follow the regular school calendar through the final day of instruction for the school year, Tuesday, June 9. 

The announcement from state leaders provides time for parents/guardians and educators to plan and make decisions for the weeks ahead. Our district is grateful for relationships with various state, national, and community partners as well as with parents/guardians to navigate the challenges that accompany this unusual situation. 

Anoka-Hennepin’s first priority continues to be protecting the health and safety of students, families and the community at-large. Our schools will work closely with public health officials to make the best decisions to ensure a high level of health and safety for all. The district is also committed to doing its best to support students and those who support them during this time. Our schools are determining whether the many events on the calendar may be postponed or provided in a virtual format. Please look for communication directly from your school(s) on these. 

Anoka-Hennepin will continue to provide meals to students and school-age child care for emergency workers needing it. A variety of district and community resources are also available to families from emotional and behavioral supports to technology supports. Visit ahschools.us/COVID-19resources for details on these topics and a number of others.

It’s understood that these are challenging times for all and our district is proceeding with decisions about the future with full knowledge of the impacts they may have on our families and community. Anoka-Hennepin remains committed to staying in communication with you and maintaining strong connections through this situation.  

Thank you for your ongoing support of your student and our schools. I’m proud of our resolve and positive approach to make the best of our situation and look forward to what we can accomplish together in the future. 

David Law, superintendent

Frequently asked questions

When does the 2019-20 school year end? 

School will end as scheduled on Tuesday, June 9 for elementary, middle and high school students. 

How will grading be done for trimester three?

Anoka-Hennepin aims to maximize student achievement during this distance learning time while also holding students harmless from a potential change in grade due to the new structure. The district is reviewing options and will communicate regarding the policy once proposals are finalized.

In the meantime, school work will continue to be assessed.

Are all activities canceled? 

Cancelations continue to remain in effect for all before- and after-school activities as well as facility rentals.

High school spring athletics and activities follow the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) guildelines, which now state that the remainder of the season has been canceled. This includes all participation in MSHSL events including, but not limited to, practices, tryouts, scrimmages, contests and competitions as well as postseason tournaments.

What about events such as prom, graduation and other end-of-the-year celebrations? 

Future events must comply with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state guidance with regard to the number of participants and proximity. This includes all district-sponsored events including prom and commencement ceremonies along with facility rentals. Some events and recognitions have the ability to be conducted virtually using live streaming technology. Schools will share details once such events are finalized. 

Anoka-Hennepin is truly aiming to provide the best possible completion to the school year for all students.  

Does the cancelation include summer school?

The district is working with the Minnesota Department of Education on summer school programming and is currently reviewing options. Plans will be shared with families once finalized.

There are still belongings of mine at school, how do I get them?

Each school will establish a time for picking up remaining personal belongings, including medication, later this spring. Please stay tuned to your regular school communications for further directions on this. 

What about items lent from school, including Chromebooks, library books, athletic uniforms, etc.?

The high schools will hold a school drop off event for all their school and cluster elementary and middle schools (similar to the Chromebook pick up). Please return any school items, such as Chromebooks, library books, athletic uniforms, or other items during this time. 

Note: Materials collections will now be held at individual schools instead of centrally at the high school locations. Additional information on dates and times regarding the return of technology, library books, athletic uniforms and other materials will be provided directly from the school of attendance. Updated May 5, 2020.

Will fees be reimbursed? 

Yes. The Anoka-Hennepin finance department is coordinating the refund of fees. Fees paid electronically will be reimbursed in that same fashion. Fees paid by check or cash will both be paid by check and sent to parent/guardians’ homes via U.S. mail. 

• Meals: Unused lunch balances will remain in student accounts until utilized. If a refund is preferred, please reach out to the child nutrition department at staff.cnpenrollment@ahschools.us. A refund voucher is also available online. A special note, account balances can be donated to other accounts, e.g. a senior student giving their account balance to a sibling.
• Athletics and activities: Due to complexities in athletic and activity fees, a plan for each activity is being developed and will be communicated when available.   
• Parking permits: Multi-term permit holders will receive a partial refund of their fees and trimester three parking permits will be reimbursed in their entirety. 
• Adventures Plus school-age care and Community Education classes: Community Education has been contacting participants individually since school and programs were canceled in March. Participants have been able to choose to receive credits on account or refunds. Credits on account may be applied to future classes or activities through June 2021, and would help to keep Community Education stable during this unprecedented time. Anoka-Hennepin Community Education values the relationships that we have built in our communities and hopes to continue to count on the support of our communities in the future. Families with Adventures Plus child care contracts for the 2019-20 school-year will be canceled automatically, and families will not be billed for care the remainder of the school year.

Will meals continue to be distributed? 

Meals will continue to be offered to school-age children through the end of the school year, Tuesday, June 9, as detailed at ahschools.us/COVID-19meals.

Once school concludes, meal access will be consolidated and continue. Locations for meal distribution may be different than they are now. Details will again be shared at ahschools.us/COVID-19meals.  

Will District Emergency Child Care continue? 

District Emergency Child Care will continue to be offered for Tier 1 and 2 workers as directed by the state order, which is currently until the end of the school year, Tuesday, June 9. 

What about Adventures Plus school-age care scheduled for this summer?

Adventures Plus has not yet received guidance from the state in regard to if and how schools may offer summer programming, however, our team continues to develop plans to offer summer child care dependent upon state health guidelines and direction from the Minnesota departments of education (MDE) and health (MDH), and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding COVID-19.

The Adventures Plus school-age care summer program has closed summer registration. Future program details will be shared with families who are registered for the program as the circumstances evolve.

Are other summer Community Education programs canceled?

The safety of our community is our top priority. At this time, Community Education will not offer most summer programs for youth, adults and families. Visit discovercommunityed.com or ahschools.us/COVID-19_CommEd for specific program updates. 

Community Education is currently offering programs via online platforms through Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), preschool classes, adult learning and adult basic education (ABE). We will continue to monitor guidance from the Minnesota departments of education (MDE) and health (MDH), and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine if and how we can continue to offer limited online and/or outdoor programming over the summer months. 

Can students, families and community members utilize district facilities during this school closure extension? 

District facilities are closed and cannot be rented at this time. 

Any activity on school property is not district sanctioned or supervised, other than emergency child care, student meals, learning materials distribution and the operational support of these activities. 

Playgrounds, specifically, are closed entirely to the public. 

I haven’t registered my soon-to-be kindergartener for the 2020-21 school year. How do I go about doing that? 

Kindergarten online registration is open for the 2020-21 school year.  

Please utilize the registration information sent via U.S. mail and/or email. Families that have not received this information should reach out to acshelp@ahschools.us. Once these details are gathered, families can begin the registration process online at ahschools.us/enrollment. 

What about next school year, 2020-21?

Currently, Anoka-Hennepin is planning for in-person learning to resume next fall. This situation could change depending on direction from the State of Minnesota. The district is monitoring the situation closely in conjunction with the Minnesota departments of health and education, with the goal to finalize and communicate the plan for the start of school by late summer. 

Will students be held back or retained this fall, the 2020-21 school year?

Students will be held harmless in this new learning structure. Holding students back, known as retention, will not be administered to any student solely because of their learning or work in trimester three of this school year.

COVID-19: April 17 update

Week three of distance learning

What was said weeks ago regarding distance learning remains true today as we complete week three, our teachers and students continue to improve. Moreover, this community is responding with a sense of purpose, providing the assistance necessary for our students and each other during this time of great need. 

The supportive and caring nature of parents and guardians is a key factor for our students as teachers, administrators, and employees in all facets of service in our organization have felt an outpouring of support from the community. It’s making a difference. One strong example of community support is found in the $25,000 raised following a call for help from the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation to support internet hotspots so that all students have online access to learning. Just today I’m proud to report that each of our high schools have identified less than five students without internet access, and we’re working on moving to 100 percent next week. 

Our teachers and students have also stepped up to fill gaps and solve problems. Healthcare workers will benefit from a coordinated effort in our schools to produce personal protective equipment, filling a key need in our society. At the same time our schools are supporting child care for emergency workers and serving over 5,000 meals a day for students. 

Students have demonstrated support and care for our seniors citizens, coordinating a letter-writing and connection campaign for those isolated seniors and others in the community. These examples are amongst the thousands of caring and selfless actions taken to support others. Continue to check in with our district’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages for more of these great examples.

Like you, our schools await direction from the state regarding the future of distance learning and the potential to return to school, or the likelihood of conducting any of the hundreds of events planned for the weeks ahead. No matter the direction, it’s our goal to support our seniors in the Class of 2020 to ensure they have the best possible finish to their education with us as we also work to support the needs of all students throughout the district. 

Our commitment to you is to provide timely and accurate updates to keep you informed, and to maintain and strengthen your trust in us. Thank you for remaining positive and optimistic for the work we do to support your student. 

David Law, superintendent

COVID-19: April 9 update

Positive second week of distance learning

As the second week of distance learning concludes, there are many positives to celebrate. 

One of our core values as a school district is to listen to feedback from the community to monitor satisfaction with services provided and determine any changes needed to improve those services. Last week, middle and high school parents/guardians had the opportunity to provide feedback on distance learning thus far. About 70% of the 2,800 respondents said they were satisfied with distance learning, with about that same amount saying the homework load is appropriate. These results are strikingly similar to questions regarding homework in the annual parent/guardian survey Anoka-Hennepin has done annually for several years. The numbers provide confidence that teachers are connecting with students in a way that is similar to what they have in the classroom. Elementary school parents/guardians will have a similar opportunity to share feedback next week. Stay tuned for those results. 

Several examples of how learning is looking for Anoka-Hennepin students can be seen right on the district’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Some of the highlights have included a high school band practice, a fourth grade class working on an assignment to spread kindness, and even masks being made with a high school 3-D printer. Make sure to check all these great stories out. And staff and community members alike, please continue to share this good news with us. 

The number of families serviced with Anoka-Hennepin’s meal and child care programs continue to climb as well. More than 5,300 meals are now being provided. For emergency child care, hundreds of students are being cared for as their parents/guardians are providing essential services to protect the health and safety of the community.   

Looking forward, there are several events like graduation, spring sports and prom that normally occur in May and June. At this point, the Governor, the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota State High School League have not made any decisions about that window of time. As soon as the district receives guidance for activities in those months, families will receive communications from the district and their schools regarding these and other events. 

Our staff and families are doing a fabulous job at making the best of this challenging situation. Please continue to push forward, your hard work is truly making a difference for our students. 

Stay tuned to ahschools.us/COVID-19 for the latest information. 

Superintendent David Law

COVID-19: April 3 update

Pulling together in times of need

Today marks the end of our first week of distance learning. It’s hard to grasp the changes we‘ve all experienced in just a few weeks. This has been an unprecedented team effort by all of us in Anoka-Hennepin and there are so many reasons to thank each and every student, parents/guardians and employees for pulling together to support our students. Thank you!

As kitchen tables and living rooms have turned into classrooms, students and those who support them, have experienced education like never before. Our school system has worked equally hard to provide the support to make it happen. In just five days of distance learning, 20,000 video conferencing sessions were conducted, 3,000 classroom hubs were created by teachers and 80,000 digital documents were created by staff and students a day. Keep in mind that all this activity took place using current district resources, computer equipment and systems the district already owns. 

Along with distance learning, our district has met the challenge of the state’s directive for child care for emergency workers and a student meals program. Our schools have supported hundreds of families of Tier 1 and Tier 2 workers so they’re able to provide essential services to protect the health and safety of the community. Nearly 4,000 students a day are receiving lunch and breakfast at over 30 locations throughout the community in our student meals distribution plan, an effort which continues to adjust to meet needs and serve as many families as possible.  

We understand the significant challenges the state’s stay-at-home order and social distancing directives have placed on all of you. While our schools are still at the beginning of the distance learning period, we’re off to a strong start with a resolve to continually improve. Our students benefit from your support, and we all look forward to what can be accomplished for their benefit in the weeks to come. 

Sincerely, 

David Law, superintendent

COVID-19: March 27 update

Anoka-Hennepin families, 

Beginning Monday our schools will operate under a distance learning model of education as part of a comprehensive effort to ensure the personal health and safety of all citizens. Our teachers, staff and community have risen to the challenge over the past week to provide confidence and optimism that we can create the best possible outcomes for our students. 

Thank you for your cooperation, patience and support as we transition to distance learning. Our schools will be working to maintain connections and provide communications in this new environment. Student learning and the momentum of positive energy for our students must continue. Along with this voicemail, an email will be sent that provides more detailed information about distance learning. Please know that this is a new process and we will likely make adjustments to improve our service along the way.  

Thank you for your attention to this message and your ongoing support of your student and our schools. 

David Law, superintendent

Anoka-Hennepin Schools 

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March 27 updates

Schools closed, distance learning in effect through May 5: A state order has closed school buildings and enacted a distance learning model of education for all students through May 5. Students should not come to school during this time. All school district activities, events and community rentals are canceled until at least Tues. May 4.

School office hours: Beginning Monday, every district school will have limited in-person hours of service, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Schools will continue to be reachable by phone and email during their regular business hours. 

Technology and internet access: Anoka-Hennepin has offered Chromebook devices to students who need them, grades four through 12. For those with technology at home, a desktop, laptop or iPad with internet speeds of three Mbps or higher is recommended. Kindles, Nooks or iPhones are not considered personal learning devices. Options for low-cost internet access are provided at ahschools.us/DistanceLearningFAQ. Anoka-Hennepin coordinated a chromebook distribution for students grades 4-12 from March 25-27. Students who missed that distribution and require a chromebook for distance learning should contact the main phone number at their high school to make arrangements to secure a Chromebook. 

Technology help questions can be shared with your student’s teacher, school’s technology paraeducator or by contacting at: 506help@ahschools.us or 763-506-HELP.

Distance learning: Distance learning is intended to provide instruction without requiring students to be working at the same time or in the same location.  The goal is to provide comparable activities with enough flexibility and support to meet the unique needs of each student and family. 

Students in kindergarten through grade three will use a blended digital/packet-based system. The materials provided included guidelines for daily activities that allow parents and students to work through the materials and ask for support as needed.  

Some families in grades four and five have opted to have packet driven instruction similar to the K-3 students.  For these families, their instruction will be similar to the explanation above.  

Students in grades four through 12 will primarily be receiving instruction through technology.  This instruction will be a blend of teacher communication, student interaction, student activity and teacher follow up.  For different grade levels and classes, this might be daily communication, or weekly check ins.  

Please note that the teachers and curriculum will continue, the method of delivery is simply changing. Review the distance learning plan online.

For all students, inquiries are welcome anytime of the day, however, established office hours are as follows: 

• From 9-11 a.m., Tuesday through Friday. 
• From 1-3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

District emergency care: Anoka-Hennepin will continue to offer child care for Tier 1 emergency workers, at no cost, at elementary schools in compliance with the state order.  Child care for Tier 2 emergency workers will open soon. The District Emergency Care program is open to children in kindergarten through age 12. Care during school-day hours is free of charge to eligible families. Before-and after-school care is available to families at an additional charge.

Community education programs, including Adventures Plus school-age care: All community education programs serving adults and youth, including facility rentals, will be closed through Tuesday, May 4, following the state order. Review community education program updates at ahschools.us/COVID-19_CommEd.

Expanded access for student meals: Anoka-Hennepin is expanding “grab and go” meals for students age 18 and under to 36 locations in the district starting Monday, March 30. Food will be distributed from school buses located in various district parking lots. Students will receive lunch and breakfast for the following day. No identification or registration will be required in alignment with program guidelines. More is on the COVID-19 website.

How can you help? 
Please continue to practice healthy habits to limit the spread of disease:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you cannot wash your hands, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol content.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough into the inside of the elbow. Dispose of tissues immediately. Wash hands afterwards.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces.
• Practice social distancing guidelines, and stay home when you are sick.

Learn more about COVID-19 and its status in Minnesota on the Minnesota Department of Health website or by calling the MDH information line at 651-201-3920 or submit questions via email to health@ahschools.us.

COVID-19: March 25 update

Distance learning begins March 30; state school closure extended through May 5

Anoka-Hennepin is moving to distance learning starting Monday, March 30, following a state order to extend schools across Minnesota through Tuesday, May 5. Students should not come to school during this time. The order may be extended by the state, but if it’s allowed to expire, students would discontinue distance learning on and return to the classroom on Tuesday, May 5. 

In Anoka-Hennepin’s distance learning plan, students in grades four through 12 will conduct school using computers and the Google classroom online learning management platform. Kindergarten through third graders, special education students and some fourth and fifth graders, will use a blended online/paper format. Teachers have been preparing to move to the distance learning model over the past eight days school has been closed. 

Parents who have students in grades four through 12, who do not have access to technology at home to complete distance learning and still need technology, please continue to pick up Chromebook devices. In order to ensure the maximum number of students in need are able to borrow technology, please only pick up these items if needed. Pickups for packets and personal belongings will continue as planned. Our schools will remain open until Friday to complete this process. Call your school by Friday afternoon if you need to make alternate plans.

Anoka-Hennepin remains committed to providing the best distance learning experience for students. Visit the COVID-19 website for news, information and resources. The district will again be reaching out with additional details on how distance learning will operate, including its structure, each student’s expectations, and who to reach out to for technology help, prior to its start on Monday.

COVID-19: March 22 update

The week ahead is important planning time for our schools, students and families.

Work continues on our distance learning plan, schools are supporting child care needs for emergency workers, and providing nutritional support for students. Time and effort, and a spirit of pulling together for the common good, have been in large supply in our school communities. Over the past week Anoka-Hennepin’s efforts have:

• Prepared 13,000 Chromebook computers for student distance learning needs and surveyed students kindergarten through grade 12 on technology needs at home.
• Registered over 500 students for emergency child care at 26 school sites.
• Created five initial student nutrition drop-off sites that will be expanding significantly in the near future.
• Established a framework for distance learning using Google Classroom and a digital platform for students grades four through 12, as well as a blended paper/digital model for grades preschool through grade three.

The safety and personal health of students, employees and the community our district serves must be protected as the obligations of the state order are met. To do so, district sites will be reducing the number of people in our buildings and following the social distancing guidelines to assemble in groups of 10 or fewer people as recommended. Please take this time to prepare for an extended school closure with a distance learning model of education.

It’s understood that there is strong interest in learning the plan for school starting March 30. That information will be shared by Wednesday this week.

Make sure to view the COVID-19 website for information.

Thank you for your attention to this message and your ongoing support of your student and our schools.

David Law, superintendent
Anoka-Hennepin Schools

------------------------------

March 22 updates

Schools closed by order through March 27: All students attending Anoka-Hennepin schools are excused from school by state order through Friday, March 27. This week, work will continue to finalize plans for students’ distance learning and district operations.

Plan now for an extended school closure: Additional information regarding the plans for distance or in-person learning March 30 and after will be shared when they are confirmed. The goal is to provide additional information by Wednesday this week.

Technology and internet access: Distance learning could begin for your student next week. Anoka-Hennepin will provide Chromebooks to students who need them, grades four through 12. Look for information on technology distribution in a message from your student’s school later this week. A listing of approved personal devices such as a desktop, laptop or iPad, with internet speeds of three Mbps or higher is recommended. Kindles, Nooks or iPhones are not considered personal learning devices. Options for low-cost high speed internet access and computers are provided at ahschools.us/DistanceLearningFAQ.

Distance learning: 13,000 Chromebooks at all five high schools were removed from mobile carts and prepared for distribution. Preparation at additional schools is happening this week. Distance learning for students in grades four through 12 will primarily be provided via computer with an internet connection. Students in kindergarten through grade three will use a blended digital/paper-based system. Please note that the teachers and curriculum will continue, only the method of delivery is changing.

District emergency care: Anoka-Hennepin is offering child care for Tier 1 emergency workers, at no cost, at elementary schools in compliance with the state order. More information: ahschools.us/DistrictEmergencyCare.

Community education programs, including Adventures Plus school-age care: All community education programs serving adults and youth, including facility rentals, will be closed through Friday, March 27, following the executive order from the state of Minnesota. Review community education program updates at ahschools.us/COVID-19_CommEd.

Activities, events and facility rentals: All school district activities, events and community rentals are canceled until at least Friday, March 27.

Medications: Parent/guardians that need to pick up medication from school within the next few days can come to school to pick them up from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, March 23, and from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24. Parents/guardians that can wait to pick up medication may choose to make a single trip to school to gather any necessary personal belongings at the full school pick up time. Note that students are not able to pick up their own medications.

Personal items: A previous message noted that personal items in school could also be picked up on Monday and Tuesday at school. That notice was premature. The only items to be picked up on Monday and Tuesday are medications. A separate announcement about picking up school supplies and personal items will come later directly from your school.

Emergency student meals: Anoka-Hennepin is providing “grab and go” meals for students age 18 and under at no cost starting on Tuesday, March 24 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Food will be distributed from school buses located in various district parking lots. Locations include Andover Elementary School, Anoka High School, Coon Rapids High School, Blaine High School and Jackson Middle School - A Speciality School for Math and Science. Only students present will receive a meal, but no identification or registration will be required in alignment with program guidelines. Students will receive lunch and also breakfast for the following day. This program will significantly expand to additional sites starting next week. More is on the COVID-19 website.

Plans under development that will be communicated in the future:

• Pick-up of personal and other items at school, look for notice from your student’s school next week.
• Distance learning plan and the distribution of Chromebooks and other technology devices.
• Student support services, mental health and counseling support.
• Plans for school on March 30 - either distance or in-person learning.
• Continued emergency care for emergency workers after March 27.
• Additional locations for emergency food distribution.

How can you help?
Please continue to practice healthy habits to limit the spread of disease:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you cannot wash your hands, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol content.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough into the inside of the elbow. Dispose of tissues immediately. Wash hands afterwards.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces.
• Practice social distancing guidelines, and stay home when you are sick.

Learn more about COVID-19 and its status in Minnesota on the Minnesota Department of Health website or by calling the MDH information line at 651-201-3920 or submit questions via email to health@ahschools.us.

COVID-19: March 19 update

Thank you for your patience and understanding as the planning continues to best serve our students and community during this unprecedented time in history. This message covers the need-to-know information for parents/guardians for the week of March 23-27 in response to a state order to close schools.

Please read this message carefully and consult ahschools.us/covid-19 for additional information and answers to frequently asked questions. This situation is quickly developing and your attention to this matter is essential.

Anoka-Hennepin is taking action to protect the safety and personal health of students, employees and the community it serves. Operational guidelines are in place for any person who comes to district buildings for their own protection and the safety and health of others. These include:

• Following guidelines for social distancing with other individuals.
• Maximizing deployment of work-from-home for employees and distance learning for students.
• Organizing in groups of 10 or fewer people when meeting in person.
• Ensuring the safety and security of all aspects of our school system.
• Practicing personal hygiene recommendations such as covering your cough, washing your hands and staying home when sick.

Schools closed March 16-27: All students attending Anoka-Hennepin schools are excused from school through Friday, March 27. Work will continue on Monday, March 23, to finalize plans for students’ distance learning and district operations. Additional information regarding the plans for distance learning or in-person school after March 30 will be shared when they are confirmed.

Emergency child care: Anoka-Hennepin is offering emergency child care for emergency workers, at no cost, at elementary schools. The state order directs the district to provide child care services to families of school-age children for Tier 1 health care workers and emergency personnel. Emergency care is being offered for children in kindergarten up to age 12 who qualify, at no cost, starting Monday, March 23, and continuing through Friday, March 27. The original registration period closed on March 18. To request this service, please complete this form as soon as possible, and program administrators will be in contact to discuss options.

Community education programs, including Adventures Plus school-age care: All community education programs serving adults and youth, including facility rentals, will be closed through Friday, March 27, following the state order from the state of Minnesota. Review community education program updates at ahschools.us/COVID-19_CommEd.

Activities, events and facility rentals: All school district activities, events and community rentals are canceled until at least Friday, March 27.

Medications: Parent/guardians that need to pick up medication from school within the next few days can come to school to pick them up from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, March 23, and from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24. Parents/guardians that can wait to pick up medication may choose to make a single trip to school to gather any necessary personal belongings at the full school pick up time. Note that students are not able to pick up their own medications.

Personal items: A previous message noted that personal items in school could also be picked up on Monday and Tuesday at school. That notice was premature. The only items to be picked up on Monday and Tuesday are medications. A separate announcement about picking up school supplies and personal items will come later directly from your school.

Emergency student meals: Anoka-Hennepin will offer “grab and go” meals for students age 18 and under at no cost starting on Tuesday, March 24 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Food will be distributed from school buses located in various district parking lots. Locations include Andover Elementary School, Anoka High School, Coon Rapids High School, Blaine High School and Jackson Middle School, A Speciality School for Math and Science. Only students present will receive a meal, but no identification or registration will be required in alignment with program guidelines. Students will receive lunch and breakfast for the following day. More is on the COVID-19 website.

Plans under development that will be communicated in the future:

• Pick-up of personal and other items at school, look for notice from your student’s school next week.
• Distance learning plan and the distribution of Chromebooks and other technology devices.
• Student support services, mental health and counseling support.
• Plans for school on March 30 - either distance learning or in-person.
• Continued emergency care for emergency workers after March 27.
• Additional locations for emergency food distributions.

How can you help?

Please continue to practice healthy habits to limit the spread of disease:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you cannot wash your hands, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol content.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough into the inside of the elbow. Dispose of tissues immediately. Wash hands afterwards.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces.
• Practice social distancing guidelines, and stay home when you are sick.

Learn more about COVID-19 and its status in Minnesota on the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) website or by calling the MDH information line at 651-201-3920 or submit questions via email to health@ahschools.us.

There's no question that it will take the adaptability of students and the support of those who support them to provide the best outcomes for them. Thank you for your attention to this message and your ongoing support of your student and our schools.

COVID-19: March 16 update

Anoka-Hennepin is committed to timely and accurate information regarding district planning in response to the state order to close schools through March 27. This is a quickly developing situation and your attention to this matter is essential. Please review all items carefully and thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Schools closed March 16-27, 2020: All students attending Anoka-Hennepin schools are excused from school through Friday, March 27. Staff will report as usual starting on Monday, March 23, to finalize plans for distance learning and district operations, which are scheduled to begin on Monday, March 30. Information regarding staff duties will be shared as the district learns more about family technology capabilities from home, and district emergency care needs of health and emergency workers in our community.

Distance learning help: Parents and guardians are asked to complete a brief survey regarding technology resources and internet access availability for students in grades 6-12. This information will be used to assess the district needs to provide technology for students. Students in grades kindergarten-5 will not require digital devices to complete learning plans at this time. Complete the middle and high school distance learning form. 

Technology distribution for distance learning: Details regarding the distribution of district Chromebooks will be shared once the distance learning survey information has been collected in its entirety. 

Emergency child care: The state order directs the district to provide child care services to families of school-age children for health care workers and emergency personnel. Emergency child care will be offered for children in kindergarten up to age 12 who qualify at no cost starting Monday, March 23 and continuing through Friday, March 27. Please complete this form as soon as possible, and no later than 12 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18 to assist the district in assessing need and providing staff and space to provide this service. Complete the form.

Community education programs, including Adventures Plus school-age care: All community education programs serving adults and youth, including facility rentals, will be closed through Friday, March 27, following the executive order from the state of Minnesota. Review community education program updates at ahschools.us/COVID-19_CommEd.

Adventures Plus school-age care will still be provided for families who enrolled in the program to receive non-school day care Tuesday, March 17. Care will not be available for families from Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 27.

Activities, events and facility rentals: All school district activities, events and community rentals are canceled. 

Medications and personal items: Students, parents and/or guardians can come to school to pick up medications and personal items from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, March 23, and from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24.

Student meals: A plan to provide meals under the state order will be communicated as soon as it is finalized. Service will begin as soon as possible as soon as possible but no later than Monday, March 30. 

Student support services, mental health and counseling support: A plan is being developed to support students at home. This includes such items as chemical health, emotional and behavioral health, mental health, wellness and counseling services. An update will be shared later this week. 

How can you help? Please continue to practice healthy habits to limit the spread of disease:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you cannot wash your hands, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol content.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough into the inside of the elbow. Dispose of tissues immediately. Wash hands afterwards.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces.
• Practice social distancing guidelines, and stay home when you are sick. 

Learn more about COVID-19 and its status in Minnesota on the Minnesota Department of Health website or by calling the MDH information line at 651-201-3920 or submit questions via email to health@ahschools.us.

COVID-19: March 15 update; Minnesota schools closed by state order through March 27

Anoka-Hennepin Schools, and all schools from across Minnesota, are temporarily closed by state order through March 27. The decision was shared on Sunday, March 15. 

Anoka-Hennepin will provide additional information regarding what this temporary closure means to staff, families and community members by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 16. Consider the following:  

• Students and staff in Anoka-Hennepin are currently on spring break. This order essentially extends the Anoka-Hennepin spring break for one week to allow for planning.
• Anoka-Hennepin will create and share a plan for continuity of education and essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic. This plan will include additional information on distance learning and responsibilities of school employees.
• This order will be put into effect in Anoka-Hennepin Schools immediately. 

Learn more about COVID-19 and its status in Minnesota on the Minnesota Department of Health website or by calling the MDH information line at 651-201-3920 or submit questions via email to health@ahschools.us.  

More information: ahschools.us/covid-19, which includes an FAQ page.

COVID-19: March 14 update; District is on spring break, classes resume March 23

Anoka-Hennepin Schools is on spring break, with classes resuming on Monday, March 23. 

Community members have been contacting the district with questions about school closures or school event cancelations. Please understand that schools would close for health-related concerns based on the recommendation of the Minnesota Department of Health. Note that information about COVID-19 cases must be confirmed by MDH before the school can act on them.  

The district is constantly monitoring new information and will be providing additional messaging as soon as possible by no later than Friday, March 20. The district will be continuously monitoring this situation up until the planned return of students and staff on March 23 and is committed to informing staff, students and the community immediately if and when any decision to cancel or postpone school or school events is made. 

Learn more about COVID-19 and its status in Minnesota on the Minnesota Department of Health website or by calling the MDH information line at 651-201-3920  or submit questions by email at health@ahschools.us.  

More information: ahschools.us/covid-19. Check out the frequently asked questions page as well.

COVID-19: March 12 update; Message from Supt. Law

Anoka-Hennepin Schools is committed to timely, ongoing communication regarding decisions that impact school in response to the quickly developing nature of Coronavirus, or COVID-19.

Community members have been contacting the district with questions about school closures. Please understand that schools would close for health-related concerns based on the recommendation of the Minnesota Department of Health. If any recommendations occur, they are likely to be local in nature and not state- or country-wide. In fact, it could be school or community specific direction provided.

Anoka-Hennepin is closely monitoring this situation and is following expert guidance from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Minnesota Department of Health and county public health. This situation is developing and decisions may be made quickly. Anoka-Hennepin is committed to informing staff, students and the community immediately if and when any decision to cancel or postpone school or school events is made. Please consult ahschools.us/covid19 as a resource.

Learn more about COVID-19 and its status in Minnesota on the Minnesota Department of Health website or by calling the MDH information line at 651-201-3920 or submit questions by email at health@ahschools.us. Check out the frequently asked questions page as well.

Thanks for your ongoing support as we pull together to support our schools and communities.

David Law, superintendent
Anoka-Hennepin Schools

COVID-19: March 11 update; Message from Supt. Law

COVID-19: Coronavirus 
Anoka-Hennepin Schools is monitoring the respiratory illness novel (new) coronavirus or COVID-19 closely. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) take the lead on decisions regarding school closures or other impact on schools that could result from outbreaks of contagious conditions. The district is also following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in a district-wide effort coordinated by the health services coordinator. These organizations and our local authorities are connected with major health organizations, enabling access to up-to-date information.

Prevention and protection for students, staff and visitors
Anoka-Hennepin Schools has activated a 25-member pandemic planning team to coordinate operations and a prevention system, an effort led by the district’s health service coordinator Cindy Hiltz, MS, RN, PHN. This team has reviewed district practices with the goal of limiting introduction and spread of COVID-19, novel (new) COVID-19 during the school day. The prevention system includes:

• Use of hospital grade disinfectant in common areas such as bathrooms, drinking fountains and railings, an industrial grade product that effectively kills viruses left on surfaces. 
• Preparing food service operations to limit student touch of utensils and food products with bare hands. Additional information will be shared should these strategies be placed in operation.
• Reviewing all student trips to international and domestic locations to comply with CDC guidelines regarding travel advisories. 
• Daily monitoring of student and staff illness to coordinate efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 with state and federal public health agencies. 

Actions students, staff and visitors can take
Students, staff and visitors to district facilities play an important role in limiting exposure to contagious conditions by practicing common sense prevention behaviors: 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. More on handwashing instruction.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
• No facemask use is recommended for well people in the U.S. currently.
• No preparation steps for parents/guardians or staff are being advised regarding school closures at this time.
• Stop the spread of germs resource.

In the event that COVID-19 becomes an issue that impacts the school day, schools will use the communications systems in place to widely share information with the public and staff.

The district will coordinate with state and county resources on an infectious disease mitigation plan if it is deemed necessary. This plan uses both public health and school nurses as part of the response plan.

Anoka-Hennepin Schools is prepared to take action to protect the safety of students and staff.

School closures
Decisions to close schools are made by the Minnesota Department of Health. The district will share information about closures using email, text, phone, social media and website methods used for weather closures. 

This is a good time to plan ahead for alternate plans for child care, work and activities should schools or workplaces need to close. 

Resources

• Minnesota Department of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• World Health Organization: What is coronavirus

Information for kids

• Goats and Soda: A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus
• Child Mind Institute: Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus
• National Association of School Psychologists/School Nurses: Talking to Children about COVID-19

Do you need more information or have a question?

Parents and guardians are asked to coordinate requests for information with the school nurse where their student attends or by email at this address health@ahschools.us. Check out the frequently asked questions page as well.

COVID-19: Information as of Feb. 27

The district has been receiving requests for information regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) and understand staff, parents, and students may have questions and concerns regarding the disease. Anoka-Hennepin Schools has a coordinated management planning effort to guide action steps in situations such as a COVID-19 outbreak or other community health events.

The district health services coordinator is monitoring this situation and will provide guidance on potential next steps, if needed.

District officials are in contact with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and district and school protocol will follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

At this point, the recommendation is as with other respiratory infectious viruses such as influenza.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. More on handwashing instruction.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
• No facemask use is recommended for well people in the U.S. currently.
• No preparation steps for parents/guardians or staff are being advised regarding school closures at this time.
• Stop the spread download.

In the event that COVID-19 becomes an issue that impacts the school day, schools will use the communications systems in place to widely share information with the public and staff.

The district will coordinate with state and county resources on an infectious disease mitigation plan if it is deemed necessary. This plan uses both public health and school nurses as part of the response plan.

Anoka-Hennepin Schools is prepared to take action to protect the safety of students and staff.