(04/03/20) From digitally collaborating with their peers in band to create music, to learning social studies, mathematics and other lessons on their computer, Anoka-Hennepin’s middle and high school students are adapting to new home-based classrooms as the nation combats the spread of COVID-19.
Distance learning began Monday for Anoka-Hennepin students, and while it’s a big change for students and staff alike, from the looks of things, everyone is doing their best and finding positivity along the way.
For example, Coon Rapids Middle School has a tradition where Principal Tom Shaw presents a traveling guitar trophy to the school’s rockstar staff member of the month. This month, he did it while also social distancing — delivering the guitar to teacher Mary Trosvig and filming it so his school community could see.
Other examples:
- Anoka High School band students perform Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” as part of a distance learning assignment.
- Champlin Park High School orchestra director Levi Comstock had a Mr. Rogers-themed introduction to distance learning for his students.
- The April 1 edition of Coon Rapids High School’s Red Zone announcements featured sincere messages from staff at the school, distance learning details for students, and a few light-hearted moments.
There are dozens of other examples. Staff and parents/guardians are encouraged to share their distance learning videos on social media using the hashtags #AHSchools and #AHDistanceLearning. Be sure to follow Anoka-Hennepin on Twitter, Instagram and like us on Facebook.
Distance learning will continue to grow and evolve as students and staff gain experience with the system. Anoka-Hennepin has posted a distance learning plan on the COVID-19 website. Expectations for students are shared on the FAQ page.
