Shows
Parent Engage 360Episode 40: One parent’s story on navigating special education servicesAlison Kacer began her journey as an advocate for her son, Lucas, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder when he was four years old. Then, her mindset shifted from finding a fix to finding the right support system for her son.
That support system now includes Andover Elementary School special education teacher Donna Macoskey. In the latest Parent Engage 360 Podcast, Alison and Donna joined host Liz Burgard to discuss the Kacer family’s experience navigating the district’s special education services and the importance of the relationship between home and school.
Alison and her son L...
2024-02-0132 minParent Engage 360Episode 39: You’re the Expert: How to successfully advocate for your childNavigating the mental health system both in the medical and educational settings can be difficult or just a new experience for parents/guardians. In the latest Parent Engage 360 Podcast, Beth Lovre a family peer educator with the National Alliance of Mental Illness Minnesota (NAMI) joined host Liz Burgard to provide information for parents/guardians on the value of parent engagement and advocacy to ensure the best care and treatment for your child.
Lovre will be the guest speaker for the next Parent Engage 360 event set for Thursday, Feb. 29 at Champlin Park High School. The event, titled You’re...
2024-01-1224 minParent Engage 360Episode 38: The Power of Human Connection with Joe BeckmanHuman connection matters. In today’s increasingly digital world, it is more important than ever to make personal engaging connections with your children. Joe Beckman, author and co-founder of TILL360, joined Liz Burgard on the Parent Engage 360 Podcast to share more about the Power of Human Connection.
Beckman was the keynote speaker on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at Coon Rapids High School to kick off the 2023-24 Parent Engage 360 Parent Education Series. Joe delivered a high-energy presentation about the importance of human connection.
Episode highlights
Joe and Liz provide a recap of topics covered at the Dec...
2023-12-2234 minParent Engage 360Episode 37: Free school meals, educational benefits and nutritionNew this school year, every student is able to receive one breakfast and one lunch at no cost during the school year due to the state’s Free School Meals program. While the program is new, students will still have access to the same nutritious meals they have come to expect in Anoka-Hennepin.
In the latest Parent Engage 360 Podcast, host Liz Burgard was joined by Anoka-Hennepin child nutrition leaders Noah Atlas (director) and Callie Neumann (assistant director) to learn more about the state's Free School Meals program, educational benefits and the importance of balanced nutrition for youth.
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2023-10-2437 minParent Engage 360Episode 36: Parent involvement in schoolsIn the latest episode of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast, host Liz Burgard, district parent involvement coordinator, was joined by Coon Rapids High School principal John Peña and volunteer services coordinator Danille Callahan to discuss the importance of parent involvement in schools.
In the episode, Peña and Callahan discussed their experiences both as parents and in their current roles, and the importance of parents/guardians being involved in their child’s educational journey in a number of ways.
Anoka-Hennepin values parent involvement in education and is committed to offering resources to meet the changing needs...
2023-09-2736 minParent Engage 360Episode 35: Welcome back Cory McIntyreCory McIntyre began his new role as Superintendent of Anoka-Hennepin Schools on July 1 and has been off and running meeting with staff across the district. McIntyre joined Liz Burgard, parent involvement coordinator, in the latest episode of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast to share his excitement for returning to the district, discuss the theme for the 2023-24 school year and more.
The Parent Engage 360 Podcast aims to provide parents and guardians with knowledge from experts in chemical health, mental health, internet safety and more, as well as the tools needed to support their children. Anoka-Hennepin hopes that providing t...
2023-08-1824 minParent Engage 360Episode 34: Summer readingWhen you suggest to your children to read a book or a magazine and to put down the screens and devices, chances are you are met with groans and all kinds of excuses. Check out the he latest episode of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast, with resources to help!
District parent involvement coordinator and host Liz Burgard was joined by district media specialist Holly Groebner, Tiffany Casey (senior librarian, community engagement, Hennepin County libraries) and Erin Straszewski (community engagement manager, Anoka County libraries) to learn more about how as parents you can encourage reading activities throughout the summer m...
2023-07-2437 minParent Engage 360Episode 33: Supporting the whole studentAnoka-Hennepin Schools provide structures of support for students to attain the skills and knowledge to succeed. Systems are in place to support students in all areas of academic, social, emotional and behavioral needs.
In the latest episode of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast, host Liz Burgard was joined by Angela Ronay, school social worker at Champlin Park High School, and Julia Corneil-Smith, school counselor at Coon Rapids High School, to learn more about the student support model used in Anoka-Hennepin, and the number of ways students can seek support in their school buildings.
Learn more about th...
2023-06-1539 minParent Engage 360Episode 32 Part 2: A districtwide approach to school safetyThe latest episode of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast is the second of a two-part series focused on school safety. In Episode 32 Part 2, host Liz Burgard was joined by Anoka-Hennepin Chief Operations Officer Greg Cole and Tim Fournier, the district’s Security & Emergency Operations Manager to learn more about the district’s approach to school safety.
Anoka-Hennepin Schools' first priority is the safety of its students and staff, and everyone plays a role in keeping schools safe.
In this episode, parents/guardians and community members can learn more about improvements that were made districtwide thanks to the 2...
2023-05-1839 minParent Engage 360Episode 32 Part 1: School Resource Officers working in partnership with Anoka-Hennepin schoolsThe latest Parent Engage 360 Podcast is the first of a two-part series focused on school safety. In Episode 32 Part 1, host Liz Burgard sat down with Champlin Park High School principal Mike George and City of Brooklyn Park Police Officer and School Resource Officer (SRO) Andy Dickman to learn more about the role of the SRO in Anoka-Hennepin and their vital role in safety, building relationships and getting people comfortable in talking with law enforcement.
Anoka-Hennepin coordinates SROs in 12 schools across the district and maintains relationships with local law enforcement. These partnerships play a vital role in protecting t...
2023-04-2129 minParent Engage 360Episode 31: Body image and eating disorders, disordered eatingThere are many factors that may impact the way we feel about ourselves and the way we show up each day, and one of these factors that impact many, including students is body image.
Adults and teens alike are presented with body image media on a daily basis through various forms of traditional and social media which can have a mental and physical impact on an individual. In this episode of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast, Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin's parent involvement coordinator, hopes to connect parents and guardians with resources if they suspect their child may be experiencing b...
2023-03-2332 minParent Engage 360Episode 30: Transportation safety and winter weatherDid you know that around 34,000 Anoka-Hennepin students ride a bus to and from school each day? The district transportation services department works closely with partners to safely transport students using approximately 380 vehicles traveling more than six million miles annually.
The district services more than 8,000 bus stops traveling to and from more than 60 school sites daily.
In the latest Parent Engage 360 Podcast episode, host Liz Burgard is joined by transportation director B.J. Ison and transportation safety coordinator Jeff Mueller to learn more about what goes into safely planning a school bus route, where bus stops ar...
2023-01-2748 minParent Engage 360Episode 29: Stay Above the Line - promoting sportsmanship and positive fan behaviorSportsmanship is everybody’s business, and Anoka-Hennepin Schools and the Northwest Suburban Conference (NWSC) are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all at athletics and activities events.
Earlier this year, around 100 students from all five district high schools and NWSC member schools participated in a sportsmanship seminar titled “Stay Above the Line,” an initiative to promote positive spectator behavior and expectations.
In the latest Parent Engage 360 Podcast episode, host Liz Burgard is joined by two high school seniors to learn more about the “Stay Above the Line” initiative. Coon Rapids High School senior Elean...
2022-12-2022 minParent Engage 360Episode 28: Anti-bullying and disciplineBullying is a topic that often arises, and is not always easy to discuss as a parent or guardian. Parents may be wondering how to support their child, what questions to ask, or who to talk to at school to help.
In the latest episode of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast, host Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin parent involvement coordinator, is joined by Britt Olean, district school social worker, and Mary Kling, assistant principal of the Compass program overseeing elementary student conduct and discipline, to share information on how Anoka-Hennepin defines bullying and how parents can help support their children i...
2022-11-1836 minParent Engage 360Episode 27: How to prepare for parent/teacher conferencesParents and guardians may have recently been invited to sign up for the first round of parent/teacher conferences for this school year, and they may be wondering what to expect or how to prepare for conferences with your child’s teacher or teachers.
In the latest episode of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast, host Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin parent involvement coordinator; Nikole Wodash, Sunrise Elementary School assistant principal; and Jill Alton, Coon Rapids High School assistant principal, hope to answer what parents can expect from conferences, how to prepare, and ways that parents/guardians can work with their chi...
2022-09-3023 minParent Engage 360Episode 26: Back to School with Dr. Kate MaguireIt is officially back-to-school season! In the latest episode of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast, Interim Superintendent Dr. Kate Maguire joined host Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin parent involvement coordinator, to discuss all things back to school.
Maguire began serving as interim superintendent in July and shares in this podcast what she has learned in just two short months at Anoka-Hennepin. With nearly 40 years of experience in education, Maguire provides tips and recommendations for parents and guardians to help their children have a successful start to the school year while also sharing about the district’s theme this school year, Li...
2022-09-0124 minParent Engage 360Episode 25: Welcome to kindergarten!As the 2022-23 school year approaches, some parents/guardians may be gearing up for their first school year as caregivers or sending their youngest to kindergarten. Whether sending your child to school for the first time or for the first time in a few years, you may have some questions about how it all works or what to expect.
We’ve got you covered! Tune in to the latest Parent Engage 360 Podcast episode titled “Welcome to kindergarten” to hear from two district kindergarten teachers on what you can expect, from orientation to the first day of school and bey...
2022-08-1049 minParent Engage 360Episode 24: Summer safety for youthSummer is a fun-filled time for many, that includes a variety of outdoor activities including swimming and biking, to name a few. While summer is a time to enjoy as many of those activities as possible, it is also important to think about how to enjoy all of those activities safely.
In Episode 24 of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast, host Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin parent involvement coordinator, was joined by Robin Chambers, Anoka-Hennepin Community Schools Specialist, and Danielle Forsman, a patrol officer with the Coon Rapids Police Department, to learn more about summer safety for youth.
Forsman is...
2022-07-0831 minParent Engage 360Episode 23: Specialty and magnet programming in Anoka-HennepinAnoka-Hennepin offers 12 schools that provide in-demand educational options such as the arts; science, technology, math, engineering and biomedical sciences (STEM/STEAM), as well as International Baccalaureate (IB).
Specialty and magnet schools are public schools available to all students at no additional cost. These schools, which are at the elementary, middle and high school levels, are designed to provide family choice.
In Episode 23 of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast, host Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin parent involvement coordinator, visited with three curriculum integrators from across the district to learn more about the specialty and magnet programming offered in the d...
2022-06-2134 minParent Engage 360Episode 22: How students can learn about money management in Anoka-HennepinMoney management is an important topic for teens to think and learn about as they start searching for their first job, starting a savings account for college or getting a head start on personal finances. Join Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin parent involvement coordinator, as she discusses how money management is taught and what is offered to students in the district with Blaine High School (BHS) business teacher and Business Professionals of America (BPA) advisor Holly Boisjolie and BHS senior Elijah Johnson.
In this episode, Boisjolie explains what types of courses and extracurricular activities are available to students in A...
2022-05-2036 minParent Engage 360Episode 21: A day in the life of an Anoka-Hennepin high school studentDo you have a student moving from elementary school to middle school, or middle to high school? Have you wondered what that transition might look like? Join Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin parent involvement coordinator, as she sits down with Coon Rapids High School (CRHS) principal John Peña and senior Lilah Gilyard to learn more about what a day looks like for an Anoka-Hennepin student and what to expect when transitioning.
Gilyard is a multi-sport athlete at CRHS, competing in cross country, cross country skiing and lacrosse while also juggling her classes while preparing for graduation. Peña is...
2022-04-1945 minParent Engage 360Episode 20: Mental Health - How to get support in school and in the communityJoin Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin parent involvement coordinator, as she discusses how to get mental health support for your student with PrairieCare child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Joshua Stein and Anoka-Hennepin school social worker Julie Beaufeaux.
Dr. Stein outlines programming offered by PrairieCare and how to go about getting a mental health assessment for your child(ren). Beaufeaux talks about the role of a school social worker in Anoka-Hennepin and how they can help facilitate connections to resources such as PrairieCare.
Tune in to the latest episode via Podbean, Apple Podcasts, or on the district website to...
2022-04-0146 minParent Engage 360Episode 19: Anoka-Hennepin Community EducationJoin Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin parent involvement coordinator, as she discusses all things Community Education in the latest episode of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast.
In this episode, Burgard is joined by Michelle Trelstad, Anoka-Hennepin’s director of community education, and Jamie Law, community education coordinator at Northdale Middle School to discuss all things community education.
Anoka-Hennepin Community Education reaches more than half a million people every year - through classes, services, tours, programs, outreach activities and athletics. Community Education is provided by the Anoka-Hennepin School District as an efficient and effective way to offer residents of all...
2022-02-2830 minParent Engage 360Episode 18: Suicide awarenessSeveral of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast episodes over the past two years have discussed and provided resources on the topic of mental health. A topic that has been weaved into that conversation is suicide. Suicide can be a topic that is difficult to discuss, and at times, there can be a stigma, and often, we don’t know how to start the conversation on such an emotional topic.
In the latest episode of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast, host Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin parent involvement coordinator, sits down with Janet Casperson, an Anoka-Hennepin parent, and Julia Messenger, the district’s sch...
2022-01-2635 minParent Engage 360Episode 17: Growth MindsetJoin Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin parent involvement coordinator, as she discusses growth mindset with Blaine High School (BHS) achievement coach Kevin Bross.
In this episode, Bross discusses his role at BHS as an achievement coach and how he teaches the concept of growth mindset to fellow teachers. Bross shared his own experience implementing growth mindset into this daily routine both personally and professionally and why a growth mindset can be beneficial for students and adults alike.
2021-12-1628 minParent Engage 360Episode 16: Mental Health - AnxietyJoin Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin parent involvement coordinator, as she discusses mental health, specifically anxiety.
In this episode, Burgard is joined by Sue Abderholden from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to discuss mental health, specifically anxiety and the upcoming Parent Engage 360 event that will be held Dec. 9. Abderholden shares information about anxiety, and the difference between anxiety and depression, including some tips for young adults and parents on managing anxiety.
2021-11-3019 minParent Engage 360Episode 15: Internet safety - CyberbullyingJoin Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin parent involvement coordinator, as she talks about internet safety and cyberbullying in the latest episode of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast.
In this episode, Burgard sits down with Blaine High School (BHS) technology coordinator and learning technologies coach Daryl Boeckers and senior Heba Hussein, a member of the BHS Bengal Bytes club, to discuss internet safety and cyberbullying. Boeckers provides insight both as a teacher and parent of teenagers while Hussein provides a student perspective and how she and other students at BHS are taking action against cyberbullying.
2021-10-2031 minParent Engage 360Episode 14: Referendum 2021 OverviewVoters in Anoka-Hennepin communities will have the opportunity to weigh in on three ballot questions on or before Nov. 2, considering a renewal of two levies for learning and investing in a new operating levy providing support for all students. Referendum 2021 includes two questions to renew levies to fund operations and technology that would not increase taxes but would extend current funding while supporting student learning. Planning and research obtained from community surveys over the past year demonstrated community understanding regarding the services this funding provides. By asking the community to weigh in now, the school district may be able...
2021-09-2822 minParent Engage 360Episode 13: Transitioning Back to SchoolFollowing an unprecedented school year filled with non-traditional learning structures, it is important to acknowledge that some students may have a difficult time transitioning back into the traditional in-person learning model - especially those going from elementary to middle school, and middle school to high school.
Join Liz Burgard, Parent Involvement Coordinator, Tom Shaw, Principal of Coon Rapids Middle School, and Mike George, Principal of Champlin Park High School, as they discuss ways to make both students and parents/guardians comfortable as they head back to full-time in-person learning. Hear about how the middle school experience differs...
2021-08-1639 minParent Engage 360Episode 12: Underage DrinkingWith graduation parties and summer upon us, it is important to be aware of our students' choices surrounding alcohol and alcohol consumption.
Join Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin Parent Involvement Coordinator, as she talks about the effects of alcohol, how kids gain access, and what parameters can be set to prioritize our students' safety and wellbeing. Additionally, learn about what a social host ordinance citation is and how it can impact you as the adult. Liz is joined by Colleen O'Neil, Anoka-Hennepin Schools Chemical Health Prevention Specialist, and Cindy Doth, Youth and School Outreach Manager from Hazelden Betty Ford.
2021-06-1535 minParent Engage 360Episode 11: Talking About Race with ChildrenDiscussions about race are crucial to raising awareness, creating change, and ultimately eradicating racism in society as a whole. These conversations can be uncomfortable, however they are necessary.
Join Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin Parent Involvement Coordinator, as she discusses the best ways to approach talking about race with your children. For this episode, Liz has partnered up with Barbie Smith, Q-Comp peer evaluator, and Peace Mitchell, student achievement advisor at Northdale Middle School, to get their take on navigating these important conversations.
2021-05-1729 minParent Engage 360Episode 10: Career ReadinessJoin Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin Parent Involvement Coordinator, as she discusses career readiness with Eric Feigum, career and college specialist at Andover High School, and Jes Lipa, director of STEP and technical education.
Learn about the unique opportunities high school students in Anoka-Hennepin Schools have to learn about and explore varying career paths. Get information on STEP and hear from our guests about common questions they receive and resources available for students interested in starting a career following high school.
2021-04-1532 minParent Engage 360Episode 9: College ReadinessJoin Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin Parent Involvement Coordinator, as she discusses all aspects of community, technical, public and private college readiness with Colleen Neary, career specialist at Anoka High School, and Mai Nhia Xiong-Chan, vice president of enrollment at Hamline University.
Tune in as they walk listeners through the processes of pre-college courses, testing, applications and admissions, financial aid, and more. Learn about the resources available from Anoka-Hennepin Schools, as well as other outlets and help prepare your student for their future.
2021-02-1649 minParent Engage 360Episode 8: Parenting During a PandemicJoin Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin Parent Involvement Coordinator, as she discusses parenting during a pandemic with Tina Tamura, Andover High School Assistant Principal, and Dr. Ben Flannery, pediatrician.
Parent Resource Center
2021-01-1528 minParent Engage 360Episode 7: Early Intervention and Prevention - Substance UseJoin Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin Parent Involvement Coordinator, as she learns about the topic of substance use from Colleen O'Neil, Anoka-Hennepin Schools Chemical Health Prevention Specialist, and Cindy Doth, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation School and Youth Outreach Manager.
As parents, schools, and communities, understanding what is happening socially and developmentally, and how it may intersect with substance use is crucial in early intervention and prevention. Join us as we help parents gain knowledge about teen substance use and how to set the stage for open communication with their teen(s).
https://hazeldenbettyford.org
https://w...
2020-12-1623 minParent Engage 360Episode 6: Hunger and HomelessnessDid you know that there are over 650 students in the Anoka-Hennepin School District that are currently homeless, and 13,000 students facing food insecurity?
Tune in to this month’s Parent Engage 360 episode as we interview Jessica Jasurda, homeless liaison for Anoka-Hennepin Schools, and Rob Williams, founder of Every Meal.
Every Meal is a Minnesota-based non-profit on a mission to fight child hunger and supply kids with food that is nutritious and delicious. Every Meal has been a great partner of Anoka-Hennepin for many years, but even more so during the pandemic. From March 2020 to Sept. 2020, meals have...
2020-11-1325 minParent Engage 360Episode 5: Internet SafetyJoin Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin parent involvement coordinator, on this month's Parent Engage 360 podcast, as she discusses internet safety with Merve Lapus, vice president of outreach and national partnerships for Common Sense Education. Hear about the difference between passive and active screen time, ways to use technology as an extension of learning and various protective factors within the realm of internet safety. Is what you are posting purposeful and appropriate? Are there technology topics you should be addressing with your children? Are there components that you as a parent should brush up on? For all these answers, tune in to...
2020-10-1432 minParent Engage 360Episode 4: Support in SchoolsJoin Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin Parent Involvement Coordinator, as she dives deep into the world of school supports. Sam Hicks, school counselor at Champlin Park High School, and Liz Mihalchick, elementary mental health therapist, take us through their roles in schools and give insight on the various opportunities students have for support - both education and health-related.
To see what supports are offered at your student's school, click here.
For more information on Headway and Anoka-Hennepin's partnership: www.headway.org
2020-09-1529 minParent Engage 360Episode 3: Back to SchoolJoin Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin Parent Involvement Coordinator, as she discusses the return of the school year with Ross Giles, Anoka-Hennepin Student Achievement Advisor and Gene Roehlkepartain, Senior Scholar at Search Institute. Get equipped with tips on how to get your student(s) re-acclimated after ending the last school year in a distance learning setting and topics to discuss with your student(s) as we enter another atypical school year.
Search Institute is a national nonprofit organization that partners with schools and other organizations to conduct and apply research that promotes positive youth development and advances equity.
2020-08-1737 minParent Engage 360Episode 2: Chemical HealthJoin Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin Parent Involvement Coordinator, as she discusses chemical health topics and parenting tips with Colleen O'Neil, Anoka-Hennepin Schools Chemical Health Prevention Specialist, and Kjirsten Anderson, Regional Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drugs Prevention Coordinator.
Discover what parents need to know about chemical health, especially during COVID-19, i.e. warning signs, conversation starters, resources and ways to support their child.
https://www.ahschools.us/studentsupport
https://www.ahschools.us/chemicalhealth
2020-07-1422 minParent Engage 360Episode 1: Mental HealthJoin Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin Parent Involvement Coordinator, as she discusses mental health topics and parenting tips with Sue Abderholden, Executive Director of NAMI Minnesota, and Megan Lagasse, Anoka-Hennepin School Social Worker.
Discover what parents need to know about mental health, especially during COVID-19, i.e. warning signs, conversation starters, resources and ways to support their child.
https://namimn.org/
https://www.ahschools.us/mentalhealth
2020-06-1123 min