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It’s not just school schedules that have been adjusted this year – middle school athletic programs have found ways to creatively provide students with opportunities to stay physically active, socialize with friends, learn/practice skills and try new activities – while keeping students safe.
“We realize that families in our communities are looking for resources to give students positive youth development opportunities,” said Kristin Keller, program supervisor of Community Education youth programs. “Although it may look different than it did last year or in the past, our team really embraced the challenge and has developed a quality intramural sports program in addition to other challenging and unique activities for students in our elementary and middle schools to participate in this year.”
Anoka-Hennepin Community Education has traditionally offered the middle school athletic program each season, with teams competing against other middle schools across the district while emphasizing skill development, participation, sportsmanship and respect for others. To emphasize safety this year, while aligning with state health and safety recommendations, students are encouraged to register for activities on their assigned in-person learning days for after-school programs, and participate in programs with students at their school.
Like the traditional school day, students, staff and coaches participating in activities wear face coverings when physical exertion allows and wash hands or use hand sanitizer each time they exit and enter the school buildings. Coaches and staff encourage social distancing and have adjusted drills and practice activities to accommodate that.
“Students are adjusting the best they can and they are doing a really good job,” Anthony DeRosa, a coach at Anoka Middle School said. “The students are very respectful of health and safety, and we value that.”
The intramural athletic program allows students to continue developing skills, participate in scrimmages with students in the same cohort, and find encouragement among their peers and adult mentors serving as coaches. “I think we were all just super excited to come back together after being out of school and activities for almost eight months,” explained Anthony DeRosa, Anoka Middle School coach. “We get to invest in our kids again and build those important relationships in our school.”
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Anoka-Hennepin Community Education Coordinators note that most students are participating the same sports or activities that they would have in years past, but they are seeing an uptick in students joining to try out a sport or activity that they wouldn’t have before, due to the desire for social opportunities, and more focus on fun.
“We are getting more one-on-one time to work with the kids, and they are getting more time to practice,” said Anna Olson, a teacher and coach at Roosevelt Middle School. In addition to traditional school athletics, middle schools are offering alternative fitness activities including personal training, fencing and archery, to name a few. For students looking for another way to unwind, connect with friends and challenge their minds, elementary and middle schools are offering enrichment opportunities such as finance/money classes, chess, cooking/baking classes, musical opportunities like drumming, and babysitting classes, after-school and in the evening.
“According to studies conducted by the University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development, after-school programs really do matter,” Keller said. “Youth who participate in after-school activities tend to score higher on developmental skill indicators such as commitment to learning, positive identity, social competence and family/community support; and we are working to continue providing these opportunities for students and families across the district.”
Anoka-Hennepin Community Education programs will operate in alignment with Anoka-Hennepin Schools, following health and safety recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to protect the health and safety of staff, learners and the community. View our health and safety protocols: www.ahschools.us/COVID-19_CommEd. Find more school district updates and FAQs at www.ahschools.us/COVID-19.
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What's new? There's still time to register for fall classes and activities! |
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Begins October 24 or December 13, Age 11 and up
Parents are looking for certified babysitters! Get a leg up on the competition with this American Red Cross class that prepares you for a wide variety of babysitting situations. Through hands-on activities, you’ll learn about the basic care of young children including safety and responsibility, age-appropriate activities and first aid. Boys and girls at least 11 years of age are welcome to participate. Class includes a comprehensive babysitting manual. Must complete the entire class to receive certification.
Begins November 4, Grades 6-8
Challenge yourself! Play chess! Exercise your brain! This is an excellent opportunity to develop better chess skills this fall. Impress your opponents and increase your IQ while having fun playing chess. Compete for different prizes and end of the year trophies. All chess levels are welcome.
Begins December 1, Grades 6-8
During this dance-line clinic, we will work on various skills and choreography. Girls will improve their flexibility, endurance and skills such as turns and leaps. This is a great opportunity to get more individual help with dance technique and other important aspects of dance like performance, timing and execution of moves. The students will be taught skills, not routines.
Begins November 2-5, Grades 6-8
Community Education is offering fun and safe programs this fall. Our two day/week sports camp programs will build skills and teamwork during practices and scrimmages. We encourage all students to participate and enroll with their cohort (A/B) on their assigned learning in-person learning days.
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Adult programs are now offered in-person, and online!
Now is a great time to focus on your health, review your finances or try something new, just for fun! Our most popular classes - led by our local instructors - are offering in-person and online.
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Northdale Middle School
Anoka-Hennepin Community Education
11301 Dogwood St. NW
Coon Rapids, MN, 55448
763-506-5522
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