Episode 36: Parent involvement in schools

09/27/23 • 36 min

In 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 of parents and families. The district invites parents/guardians and community members to volunteer or participate on committees as a meaningful way to get involved with the district.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer in Anoka-Hennepin, please visit ahschools.us/volunteer. If you are interested in joining a district committee, there are four committees in need of more members. Learn more about district committees.

Previous Episode

Episode 35: Welcome back Cory McIntyre

Cory 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 timely and helpful information through the Parent Engage 360 podcast series will strengthen the bond between school and home with resources parents and guardians can use and share with others.

Next Episode

Episode 37: Free school meals, educational benefits and nutrition

New 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.

Episode highlights

The state’s Free School Meals program began in the fall of 2023, allowing every student to receive one breakfast and one lunch at no cost during the school year.
Learn more about why it's important for families to continue to apply for educational benefits even though school meals are now offered at no cost.
Neumann discusses the nutritional requirements of school meals by the federal government and the importance of a balanced diet for youth. Learn more about how to eat healthy with MyPlate at myplate.gov.