New teacher orientation kicks off the back-to-school season

Anoka-Hennepin officially welcomed over 200 new teachers for a three-day orientation Aug. 25-27 — another sign that the 2026-27 school year is just around the corner.

The new teacher orientation is one of a number of events held around the district for staff to get ready for the upcoming school year.

The first of the three-day event is held each year at Anoka High School, and the new teachers heard from Superintendent Greg Cole and other leaders in the district. 

Days two and three of the event are held at the Educational Service Center and at the building-level, where new teachers have a chance to meet their colleagues at their new school, have opportunities for professional development at their buildings, and check out their classrooms.

The district will welcome staff back to school buildings across the district the week of Aug. 31, and schools will welcome students back Sept. 1-2 for orientation events. Visit ahschools.us/bts for more information. 

The 2026–27 school year starts Tuesday, Sept. 8 for students in grades 1-5, 6 and 9; and *Anoka Middle School for the Arts also welcomes Grade 7. Schools welcome students in remaining grades on Wednesday, Sept. 9. (Kindergarten welcome week schedules vary by school).