(01/11/19) Anoka-Hennepin Superintendent David Law has made it a priority to hear from students in 2018-19. On Jan. 4, Law was joined by Associate Superintendent Dr. Timothy Gadson, III and School Board members Bill Harvey and Nicole Hayes at Champlin Park High School (CPHS) to meet with students for the eighth of nine listening sessions with district high school students.

Superintendent Law encouraged students to use this opportunity to be heard and be a voice for themselves and their peers. The students were asked a variety of questions ranging from what their favorite classes were, to how prepared they feel about life after graduation, to class scheduling, and to school safety. View photos of the event.

After revealing their favorite classes, CPHS students at the listening session discussed classes they felt were valuable for all students to take, such as multicultural studies, the AVID program, which teaches organizational skills and helps students prepare for college and career paths, as well as intro to culinary and personal money management.

Every student involved in the listening session said that they thought it would be beneficial to be required to take a life skills course during their time in high school and all would be willing to give up an elective course to do so.

Throughout the listening sessions this school year, life skills has been an area of interest mentioned by students at each of the eight schools visited. Students are interested in learning personal money management, communication skills, and organizational skills.

The majority of the students at the CPHS listening session said that they felt prepared for their next step after graduation because of their experiences. “I feel confident in my ability to succeed because of what I have been through here,” one student said.

Students also discussed school schedules, teachers or staff members that have positively impacted their education and school safety.

The first student roundtable was held at Andover High School on Oct. 9. Superintendent Law will visit with students at Anoka-Hennepin Technical High School on Feb. 6 for the final discussion with high school students of the 2018-19 school year.