(05/10/2024) The District is conducting a review of middle school programming this spring and summer, a process last undertaken when the district shifted from a semester-model to a trimester-model at the middle school level in 2009. 

The overall goal: Middle school programming seeks to improve academic outcomes and create caring and challenging learning communities that meet the needs of young adolescents and work toward the district’s strategic priorities. The process will result in recommending changes to middle school programming with the following desired outcomes:

• Improve student achievement
• Improve student behavior
• Reduce costs while maintaining high-quality exploratory programming 

Feedback options: Anoka-Hennepin staff and families will have the opportunity to learn about options and provide feedback through an online form or at upcoming community meetings:

• Community Meeting #1: Northdale Middle School, 11301 Dogwood St., Coon Rapids.  Monday, May 13 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., brief presentation at 6:15 p.m. 
• Community Meeting #2: Educational Service Center, 2727 Ferry St., Anoka 
  Tuesday, May 14 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., brief presentation at 7:45 a.m. Enter at Door 1.
• Community Meeting #3: Jackson Middle School, 6000 109th St., Champlin.  Wednesday, May 15 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., brief presentation at 6:15 p.m. 
• Online feedback option: An online feedback form is available for parents/guardians to provide input. View the handout from the meetings. (PDF) Priority deadline for submitting feedback is Wednesday, May 29 at 5 p.m.

The bottom line: The district is committed to continuous improvement with the goal of improving outcomes for students. This program review is considered part of the district’s normal curriculum review process, which could lead to budget efficiencies to maintain quality while effectively delivering education for students.   

Timeline: School Board direction is expected this summer so that work to implement the  changes in the middle school model would be ready for staff and students for the fall of 2025.

Updated May 13, 2024.