Diploma+

Annandale High School heads into November with a highly successful start to the school year and notable accomplishments on our fields, courts, and in our auditorium and classrooms. Earlier this fall, we challenged students to maximize their high school opportunities and experiences as they work toward a diploma plus college, career, and life-skill readiness (Diploma+). Staff sought input from students through surveys regarding which “plusses” students currently seek in our programming and what programs they would like to see become a part of their high school experience.

This purposeful pre-teaching led us into our Career Day, where students engaged in sessions led by over 30 local professionals. During break-out sessions, these professionals shared about their careers and gave students an opportunity to ask questions, and network with successful people from a variety of career fields. More recently, we have shifted to in-depth lessons centered around the three areas of readiness. In quarter two, we continued our exploration of career readiness and shared research-based predictors of success, which included examples of both hard and soft skills.

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Charlie Bakker, AHS Principal

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, November 15 - Early Childhood Screening
Thursday, November 21 - All Pro Dads
Friday, November 22 - AHS Fall Play
Saturday, November 23 - AHS Fall Play
Monday, November 25 - 6th Grade Choir Concert
Monday, November 25 - 7th/8th Grade Choir Concert
Monday, November 25 - School Board Meeting
Monday, November 25 - Safe Communities of Wright County
Monday, November 25 - AES Parent/Staff Advisory Meeting
Thurs., November 28 & Fri., November 29 - No School: Thanksgiving Break
Wednesday, December 4 - AES Unity Day
Monday, December 9 - AHS Conferences
Monday, December 9 - AMS Conferences
Monday, December 9 - AHS Choir Concert
Thursday, December 12 - 6th Grade Band Concert
Friday, December 13 - Early Childhood Screening
Monday, December 16 - School Board Work Session

American Education Week is the opportunity to celebrate public education, honor the people who work in public schools, and to celebrate the success of students. To celebrate we will hold some fun & optional dress up days for next week!

Mon., Nov. 18- Comfy Cozy Clothing Day

Tues., Nov. 19- Hats off for Education Day (A school-appropriate hat)

Wed., Nov. 20- Jersey or Favorite Sports Team

Thurs., Nov. 21- Wear Red for Education

Fri., Nov. 22- Wear Cardinal Gear

Thank you for choosing public education. Let's show our school spirit and appreciation for education by dressing up.

Election Results specific to Annandale Public Schools

The November 5, 2024, Operating Levy failed by 568 votes. Final total showing 3,211 Yes votes and 3,779 No votes.

The three open seats on our school board will go to newly elected Dillon Dougherty and Jenna Witherbee and re-elected Katie Jones. They will take their oaths in January 2025. Congratulations to our new board members! We would like to also extend our sincerest gratitude to board member, Jon Scheer, who has served Annandale Public Schools, the students, and the community for 12 years.

We understand that many of our residents will have questions regarding what impact this failed levy will have on our students, staff, school programming and activities. Our school board and administration is committed to keeping you informed as we move forward. The school board will be holding a series of work sessions to continue to discuss the future of our district.

The first of these meetings was held virtually and in person on Wednesday, November 13, in the AES Cafeteria. A recording of this meeting is available to view here. We invite the public to join the next school board work session on Monday, December 16 at 6:00PM at the AES Media Center.

Annandale Community Ed (ACE)

On Friday, November 15, we celebrated our Community Education staff and programs. We have a lot to be proud of with our Community Education programs! The number of people, of all ages, that take part in Community Education is incredible. Thank you for all that you do for us and our community!

Annandale Community Education offers a variety of programming and events for ages birth - senior citizens. Be sure to check out our upcoming offerings!

View Offerings

Annandale Elementary (AES)

At various times between October 28 - November 8, several of our 2nd through 5th grade classes participated in a leaf raking community service project. This has become a proud tradition of our elementary school teaching the importance of hard work, building community, and looking out for others.

AES Parent/Staff Advisory Meeting

November 25, 2024

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

AES Conference Room

We welcome parents/guardians to attend if you are able!

Annandale Middle School (AMS)

The AMS staff is grateful for your partnership in nurturing our students' growth and success.

American Education Week held on November 18-22 is an opportunity to honor the people who work in public schools and to celebrate the success of students. We appreciate the continued support in helping your child succeed! Students are encouraged to dress up next week to show their school spirit and appreciation for education.

Monday 11/18: Comfy Cozy Clothing Day
Tuesday 11/19: Hats off for Education Day (Wear a school-appropriate hat)
Wednesday 11/20: Jersey or Favorite Sports Team attire
Thursday 11/21: Wear RED for Education
Friday 11/22: Wear Cardinal Gear

Our Veterans Day Program honored local veterans with a moving ceremony hosted by student leaders. A variety of AMS talents were on display with performances from the 8th grade band, 6th and 7th grade choirs, and a vocal solo of the National Anthem. The program was a meaningful way to share this important day with our community while honoring the service of our veterans.

Photo by the Annandale Advocate

Choir Concert

Our AMS music students will have another opportunity to display their talents at the upcoming choir concerts for grades 6-8 on November 25!

Important Dates

November 25 - Grade 6 Choir Concert @ 6PM
November 25 - Grade 7 & 8 Choir Concert at 7PM
November 28 & 29 Thanksgiving Break - No School
December 9 - AMS Conferences 4:00-7:00
December 12 - AMS 6th Grade Band Concert
December 16 - AMS Parent Advisory Council
December 20 - 6th Grade Ski Trip @ Powder Ridge
December 23 - Winter Break - No School

Annandale High School (AHS)

Cardinal Performance (winter strength and conditioning) for students in grades 7-12 will run from November 25 - March 6 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:15-4:30PM at the high school. Interested students can sign up using this FORM and turn in payment to the high school office.

The AHS Food Drive will take place next week, November 18 through the 21. AHS students can drop donations off at the table in the Commons first thing in the morning any of the days. The top three SSR classes will win prizes for the most donations collected. Stay tuned as the competition gets fierce!

Game of Tiaras written by Don Zolidis

Annandale High School Theater Department presents, Game of Tiaras, a bloody, bloody tragic comedy in two acts with apologies to Shakespeare. Be prepared for ridiculous humor with some violent, medieval themes.

NOTE: Parental discretion for elementary aged students is advised. This fall play does include some violent imagery.

Ticket Price: $7/Adult and $5/Student & Seniors

Fall Play Performances:

November 22 @ 7PM
November 23 @ 2PM & 7PM

Annandale Activities

Cross Country

This year, we had three state cross country qualifiers - Sal Wirth, Emery Wirth, and Mariah Klippenes. These Cardinals represented us well with strong finishes. Congratulations to Mariah Klippenes on 100th place and to Emery Wirth for placing 18th and qualifying for All-State! Finally, congratulations to Sal Wirth Minnesota's Class AA State Champion!

Volleyball

Volleyball finished up their season at the state tournament, going 1-2 at state and placing 6th overall. The team was also named a Gold Academic Team Award recipient for having a cumulative GPA higher than 3.75.