News and events
October 26, 2025
Upcoming events
October 27th - Late Start 8:00 am
November 3rd - Late Start with Advisory 8:00 am
November 10th - Late Start 8:00 am
November 17th - Regular Start 7:30 am
November 24th - November 28th - No School
Help Us Keep Attendance Accurate and Up to Date
Families play an important role in helping us keep student attendance records accurate. If your student will be absent, please be sure to enter the absence in ParentVUE or call the school’s attendance line at 763-506-6506 as early as possible—ideally before the start of the school day.
Entering absences ahead of time allows our office to update records quickly, notify teachers, and ensure that we know your student is safe. It also helps reduce the number of attendance calls families receive later in the day.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep communication clear and consistent!
Fall Academic Letter Recognition
Congratulations to our Academic Letter Recipients!
Congratulations to all students who earned an Academic Letter for the 2024–2025 school year!
Recipients will be invited to a celebration of this accomplishment, to be held during Advisory on November 3.
Criteria for earning an Academic Letter:
• 3.90 weighted cumulative GPA for freshmen (presented fall of grade 10)
• 3.85 weighted cumulative GPA for sophomores (presented fall of grade 11)
• 3.80 weighted cumulative GPA for juniors (presented fall of grade 12)
• 3.75 weighted cumulative GPA for seniors (at the end of trimester 2 of senior year)
We are so proud of your hard work and dedication — well done!
School Counselor 25-26 Contact Information
It is the primary mission of the Anoka-Hennepin School Counseling Program to support students in developing an individual vision of success to meet their academic, personal/social, post-secondary, college and career readiness goals.
School counselors collaborate with students, families, community members, and school personnel to assure that all students realize and integrate their academic, career, and personal/social potential in order to develop and achieve an individualized vision of success.
Additional resources are available on our webpage BHS Counseling and our contact information is below - we look forward to working with you!
Diana Gulenchyn
A-Ch
763-506-6527
Kelsey Petersen
Ci-Ha
763-506-6525
Sarah Bonin
Hb-L
763-506-6521
Kassi Geiselman
M-Q
763-506-6671
Kassandra.Geiselman@ahschools.us
Dalena Khothsombath
R-Tq
763-506-6523
Dalena.Khothsombath@ahschools.us
Laura Weisbrich
Tr-Z & CEMS R-Z
763-506-6714
Allison Fjeld-Anderson
CEMS A-Q
763-506-6529
Counselor Classroom Presentations:
Throughout the year, school counselors will be in classrooms and meeting with students individually. We'll cover topics ranging from study skills to career goals to managing stress and more.
During Trimester 1, students in Health classes receive a presentation around mental health, self-advocacy, and resources available to them. Students in English 9A classes receive an introductory presentation around school resources, accessing information in StudentVue, and top tips to be successful in high school.
Teaching Adolescents Responsibility
Teaching Responsibility Through Freedom and Mistakes
As teens push for more independence, parents play a vital role in helping them balance freedom with responsibility. According to psychologist Carl Pickhardt, Ph.D., adolescents grow best when they learn that choices come with consequences—both good and bad.
Parents can guide this growth by setting clear expectations through what Pickhardt calls a “freedom contract.” Teens earn more freedom when they show honesty, reliability, accountability, respect, and a willingness to communicate.
High school years are prime time for “independence training,” where parents teach practical life skills like managing money, keeping commitments, and solving problems responsibly.
Just as important, mistakes should be treated as learning opportunities, not failures. When parents respond calmly and focus on decisions rather than character, teens are more likely to take responsibility and grow from experience.
As Pickhardt reminds us, “The smartest people aren’t those who never make mistakes—but those who learn from them.”
Career Center
Important College Admissions Information for November 1 Deadline
Seniors applying to colleges with an application deadline of November 1st - you also need to have your November 1 schools correctly indicated in Scoir by October 24th to ensure processing by the application deadline. Transcript Directions After this date, students must also communicate any additions (applications and/or letter of recommendation) to Ms. Wolfe and your counselor. Thank you!
Students from Anoka-Hennepin interested in pursuing a career in the energy sector had the opportunity to participate in an Energy Careers Day on September 24. Throughout the day, students were exposed to multiple career and educational pathways within the industry culminating with an on-site experience at Great River Energy in Elk River. Special thanks to partners Anoka Technical College, Dakota County Tech, Dunwoody, Egan Co., Great River Energy, Hennepin Tech, Minneapolis JATC, St Cloud Tech, and the MN Center of Excellence.
College Possible Accepting Applications for current Juniors & Seniors
College Possible provides support in learning about colleges, financial aid and paying for college, as well as essay writing and ACT prep. Other highlights of this program include:
● A College Possible coach providing virtual support to you through 1:1 phone/video calls
● Entirely free for students and families
● 6+ years of coaching support, starting junior or senior year of high school through college graduation, to help you with everything from creating a college list, applications, and finding college internships
● Free college campus visits in high school
● Scholarships and emergency aid funds while in college
Interested students should apply today!
Minnesota Aspirations in Computing Program
For high school students passionate about technology and eager to learn more about the industry, please apply for the MnAiC program! This is your chance to gain recognition for your computing achievements, develop skills, and immerse yourself in the tech industry. Learn More & Apply Here
The College Planning Series covers important college search and financial aid topics with professionals and live Q & A. The events are free for MN students and families. Interpreters are available in Hmong, Spanish, Somali. Visit bit.ly/CollegePlanningSeries for more information and to register.
October is College Knowledge Month in Minnesota and to celebrate, the colleges and universities of Minnesota State are waiving their undergraduate application fees for the entire month. See full list of Free Applications here!
** Seniors are invited to our next late-start College App seminar on Monday, October 27th from 7:15-7:55 a.m. in room 10A/B.
Events:
Minnesota North College will be hosting fall recruiting events at each campus location. These events will provide prospective students with an opportunity to experience college life, learn about transfer & career programs, meet instructors, staff & current students, and get the inside scoop on preparing for the college admissions process! Just a reminder that October is “College Knowledge Month” and Minnesota North College will be waiving the application fee for anyone who submits an application during the month. See flyer and visit dates here.
Diesel Technology Scholarship Program
Experience a day in the life of a Kibble equipment Diesel Service Technician student! Kibble Equipment offers an Intern Scholarship program to cover 100% of tuition and tools, work in a paid student internship alongside experienced technicians, and be paired with mentors who support their development throughout school and into full-time employment. 10th, 11th, and 12th graders are invited to a FREE Discovery Day to learn more. Register here.
Minneapolis College Fall Open House- Thurs, Nov 13 4:30-6:30pm
Students and families are invited to attend the open house at Minneapolis College , Technical “T” Building. The open house will include a trio admissions application lab, academic and student service presentations and activities, opportunity to connect with college faculty, staff, and students, a walking tour of campus, and more! Register here
Mechatronics & Business Apprenticeship Opportunity at Bühler, Nov 13th 4:30-6pm
Students and families are invited to attend the Buhler Apprenticeship Open House at the headquarters in Plymouth. Buhler offers fantastic apprenticeships in both Mechatronics and Business. Bühler Open House flyer
Save the Date - November 19th, 2025 - Financing your Future
This free workshop is designed to help our Anoka-Hennepin students & families find ways to make college more affordable. We will also offer financial aid assistance (FAFSA or MN Dream Act) for our senior families at this event! See flyer here.
New Staff
Elissa Christensen
My name is Elissa (Christensen) Ward and I am excited to continue my career teaching multilingual students at Blaine High School. This will be my 5th year teaching ML after teaching in Dawson, MN for the last 4 years as the only ML teacher in grades K-12. I am excited to work with a team and have built in opportunities to collaborate and grow as an educator! This summer I went camping with my husband and our dog, Ole, in Grand Marais, spent a week in Door County with my two best friends and was lucky enough to spend some time in the Blaine gym coaching volleyball and getting to know the athletes and coaches. In my free time I love playing sports, spending time outdoors with Ole, tending to my many house plants, and reading.
Jerik Hahn
My name is Jerik Hahn. I am very excited to join the BHS team as a special education teacher. My journey into special education was not a straight line. I have a background in cultural anthropology and political science so I thought my path was to become a teacher in the humanities. While working with special needs children at a local agency I had a change of heart and focused my attention on becoming a special education teacher. I have taught a variety of students from K-12 in many disability areas, most recently at S. St.Paul Secondary. In my free time I am a drummer in a north shore band and enjoy everything nature with my wife and two daughters. I also graduated from BHS and am looking forward to seeing if any teachers remain or remember me from my time as a student.
Business Professionals of America (BPA)
Help a Child Stay Warm This Winter: Coats for Kids Drive
The Blaine High School BPA chapter is proud to continue its 32nd annual Coats for Kids Drive, a tradition that has collected over 15,000 coats for children in need.
This year, the drive has been extended to November 12! Students, staff, and community members are invited to donate new or gently used coats at the main entrance of Blaine High School during the school day or at the Bengal Den in the Athletic Center during after school activities.
Last year, we collected nearly 1,200 coats, breaking an 18-year record! While the original goal was 800, Senior Kelly Tran has set a new target of 1,000 coats this year. She reminds us, “One coat can make a huge difference in someone’s life. As members of BPA, we are looked up to for leadership and to give back to our community. By donating, we are turning coats into more than just clothing; it’s a warm hug to those in need. Let’s bring our warmth to those who need it most!”
For questions or to arrange a drop-off, contact Holly Boisjolie, BPA Advisor, at 763-506-6540 or holly.boisjolie@ahschools.us. Coats for Kids Co-chairs are seniors Kenya Cooper, Nadaline Barry, and Jannah Salama.
Since 1986, Coats for Kids has donated over 473,500 coats across the region; help us continue this incredible tradition!
Blaine Students Explore Data Science at Analytics U
This past August, Blaine students participated in Analytics U, a free, week-long program
introducing underrepresented high school students to data science. Guided by Carlson faculty,
students gained hands-on experience with Tableau, explored how analytics drives decisions at
companies like Best Buy and the Minnesota Wild, and applied their skills to a real-world case
challenge at Nickelodeon Universe in the Mall of America.
Participants shared their experiences:
Nolawi Gibe: “AnalyticsU allowed me to gain real-world experience in data science and
analytics while building invaluable networking connections.”
Falak Naz Ali: “Analytics U was such a great opportunity for growth, both personally
and professionally. I made lots of valuable connections and would highly recommend the
experience to others.”
Mandi Lu: “The data science panel at MNUFC was a highlight—touring the stadium and
seeing behind-the-scenes work was incredibly insightful.”
Gabriella Watson: “I learned so much about analytics in business, STEM, and
visualization while connecting with professionals and University of Minnesota staff.”
Yaaqub Haji: “It was a fun dive into data analytics, from analyzing ride data at MOA to
seeing Minnesota United behind the scenes.”
For more information or to attend the spring info session, visit Analytics U.
Community Curriculum Advisory Committee (CCAC)
Anoka-Hennepin is seeking community members to join the district’s Community Curriculum Advisory Committee (CCAC)
The CCAC's purpose is to:
Review PreK-16 curriculum, assessment, and instructional programming through a community lens.
Review proposed changes to curriculum, assessment, and instructional programming including new resources, courses, programs, assessments, etc.
Provide input and feedback to the School Board on proposed curriculum changes.
The committee will be composed of parents/guardians of elementary, middle, and high school students representing each high school attendance area in the district. There are currently five open positions for community members on this committee. These new voluntary positions are intended to be specifically for community members without current students enrolled in any Anoka-Hennepin school. This is a one-year term.
CCAC meets monthly throughout the year to preview adoptions and standards changes as they are considered through the system. Meetings are scheduled from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on the following dates: Oct. 9, Nov. 20, Jan. 15, Feb. 19, March 19, April 16, and May 21 at the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Service Center (ESC), located at 2727 N Ferry St. in Anoka.
Please complete this application to be considered for membership. If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Hunter, executive director of learning and achievement, at 763-506-1135 or sarah.hunter@ahschools.us. Applications must be submitted no later than Nov. 7, 2025.
Attend to Achieve
Attend to Achieve: Families can support student success, consider the impact of school attendance
Students need to attend school to achieve in school. Anoka-Hennepin Schools appreciates the support and attention of parents and guardians to maximize attendance and increase academic outcomes. Consider these resources and tips to support student success.🌟
Every day counts: Research shows that missing 10% of school negatively affects a student’s academic performance. That’s just two days a month! (Attendance Works.) District student services staff and attendance secretaries at each school may reach out to families throughout the school year if your student is at risk of truancy.
Why it matters: The more involved students are in school, the more likely they are to enjoy and want to attend school. Students who attend school 95% of the time are:
More likely to be on track to graduate on time. 🎓
Do better in reading and math. 📖
Are less likely to fail a class. 👍
Are more likely to have the credits needed to graduate. 📝
Families can make a difference: We can all work together to support students. Consider how you can help your student attend to achieve:
Teach your child to organize their clothes, lunch, and books for school the night before, so they are prepared in the morning. 🍎
Encourage participation in before- or after-school activities. Students who are involved at school usually enjoy it more and are more likely to want to attend each day. 🎨🎶🏈
Schedule non-emergency health and dental appointments outside of school hours; and schedule vacations for days your children don’t have school. 🩺
If you know your child needs to miss school, contact the office to coordinate plans as soon as possible. 📅