(09/10/2021) The sun was shining bright as students returned to school buildings across Anoka-Hennepin on the first day of school Sept. 7.

Enrollment appeared to be strong on the first day as students entered buses and buildings with excitement and smiles all over the district. Anoka-Hennepin information services reported that student enrollment was up this year based on initial projections by at least 400.

Students were met with enthusiasm and excitement from the staff, including new principals welcoming students at their buildings.

At Coon Rapids High School (CRHS), John Peña greeted students with a fist bump and a reminder: “It’s a great day to be a Cardinal!”

“We are so excited to have students back in the building,” Peña said. “The energy at CRHS is contagious and we are looking forward to a great school year.”

Tim Feine, new principal for Andover High School (AndHS), greeted students in the main entrance of the school along with other school staff members. “It has been so great seeing kids coming back into the building with smiles on their faces and ready to get back to school. Last year made it crystal clear that we need each other,” Feine said. “I have challenged our staff and students to find their joy again. The students need daily support from our staff and each other - and having kids back on a full-time basis will restore joy within our staff and our school.”

Keisha Davis had a busy morning at Hoover Elementary School in Coon Rapids where she was welcoming students for the first time as the principal. Davis greeted students and families at drop-off and even spent some time directing traffic and cleaning up spilled milk in the cafeteria before students scurried off to their classrooms for the day.

Check out scenes from the first day of school at a number of schools around the district.

• Read more about Tim Feine, new AndHS principal.
• Read more about John Peña, new CRHS principal.
• Read more about Keisha Davis, new Hoover Elementary principal.

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