Tuesday, December 8, 2020 |
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Dear Families,
It seems like everywhere I turn, I am flooded with messages about COVID-19, politics, and the gifts I should buy. I started thinking about your family and know you are getting bombarded with similar messages and lots of communication from our school and district.
Information is important, as long as it is helpful. This month our leadership teams are focusing on communication to make sure we are providing you the information you want. Please reach out to Olivia or myself (using the emails and phone numbers below) if you want to share your perspective on what has been helpful and what you would like to hear more about going forward.
Tomorrow, we will resume our Family Connect Times with grade level teachers. If you have the opportunity to join for a half hour, I know our teachers would appreciate it. This time is being set aside every month to allow grade level families and staff to connect, share ideas, ask questions, and learn more about what is being taught. The dates and times are listed below.
I have heard from staff and families that one challenge that persists is keeping all the material organized at home while we are in distance learning. One of our teachers told me she is having her students pack up all their supplies and materials in their backpack at the end of the day. I thought this was an excellent idea and wanted to share it with you in case your child is struggling to keep track of their things.
Take care and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or suggestions.
In partnership,
Shelley Nielsen, Aquila Principal
Olivia Tolzin, Aquila Assistant Principal
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Please Report Illnesses to School Nurse During Distance Learning |
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Even though we're not physically in school, it's important that you still call the Attendance Line when your child is sick (952-928-6507) - especially if it's a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case.
We also need data about who has been asked to quarantine, at both student and staff levels, to ensure our positive cases have stabilized when we want to bring students back into the buildings.
Our public health agencies at the state and country levels are overwhelmed with the current number of positive cases. School nurses and health office staff are playing a crucial role in helping with contact tracing and investigating, and are far more likely to answer questions in a timely manner.
Please call AQ Health Services at 952-928-6505 with questions.
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Kindergarten Information Night - TOMORROW! |
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St. Louis Park Public Schools is excited to welcome the Class of 2034 to Kindergarten in the fall of 2021!
For the most up-to-date information to assist families who have a student starting Kindergarten in the fall of 202, please go to the district website here.
Things you should know about Kindergarten in St. Louis Park:
- Rigorous Instruction
- IB-PYP and Spanish Immersion Options
- Average Kindergarten Class Size of 23
- Focus on Equity for ALL Learners
- Updated Facilities Focused on Next Century Learning and Student Safety
- Before and After School Care Available
Watch this short video to get a glimpse of what Kindergarten will be like for your child.
Kindergarten Fall 2021 Information Night:
TOMORROW Wednesday, December 9
6:30-8:00 PM
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Aquila Library Media Center - Book Check Out |
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Students and Caregivers are welcome to come to the Aquila Library Media Center to check out books on the days and times listed below. Please note the following guidelines:
- 15 minute time limit in the library.
- Enter and exit through Aquila front main doors.
- No one is allowed in the school beyond the library.
- Patrons will be offered hand sanitizer on the way in and out of the library.
- All patron names will be noted on a library contact tracing form, including time in, time out, and phone number.
- If demand is high, patrons will be distanced in foyer and/or asked to come at a different time/day.
- Three (3) books per student.
- All patrons need to wear masks.
- More information will be provided to students about Destiny Discover, our online library catalog, via Seesaw.
Contact Joanne Bongaarts, Library Media Specialist with any questions:
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Aquila Mental Health Services |
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How are you and your family coping with stress? Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. Please reach out to our School Counselor, Rachel Nelson or School Social Worker, Dana Baumeister for any additional support that you or your family may need. We are able to meet with students virtually to provide emotional support as well as consult with teachers and parents about helpful resources and coping strategies.
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Virtual Family Connect Times |
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Grade level teachers will be holding Virtual Family Connect Meetings with families from their grade levels. These online meetings will give parents and caregivers a chance to ask questions and share experiences about distance learning.Teachers will share links to meetings closer to dates.
Wednesday, December 9 (TOMORROW)
Kindergarten: 12:00-12:30 PM
Grade 1: 9:30-10:00 AM
Grade 2: 11:00-11:30 AM
Wednesday, December 16
Grade 3: 12:00-12:30 PM
Grade 4: 9:30-10:00 AM
Grade 5: 12:30-1:00 PM
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AQ PTO (Parent, Teacher Organization) |
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The Aquila PTO partners with families to enhance the education experience
of all Aquila students, families and staff!
PTO MEETING -- Virtual
All are welcome and encouraged to attend!
For more information, please contact
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Wednesday, December 9
All food and drink purchases, including deliveries, will be donated
to the AQ PTO.
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AmazonSmile
When you shop at Amazon a portion of your purchases can be donated to the AQ PTO using this website.
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STEP (St. Louis Park Emergency Program) is suspending its annual Holiday Toy Shop due to the pandemic. In place, families will receive $30 Target gift cards for each eligible child. Registration for STEP’s Toy Program for infants through age 14 who live in St. Louis Park will be December 1-18th, or as long as our funding lasts.
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Free At-Home COVID Saliva Tests |
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The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has now expanded their at-home saliva test program to all of Minnesota. MDH and Vault Health are offering this test to anyone at ZERO cost. Vault Health will ask for insurance information, but it is not required. Requests for tests can be made whether an individual is symptomatic or asymptomatic. Please go to this website for all the information. Available in English, Spanish, Somalian, Hmong, and Vietnamese
Tests come shipped to your home with complete instructions for the process. If a parent is ordering tests for their children, they will need to link the child to an email that is different from the parent's email.
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Familias Latinas High School SLP! All Schools! |
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Familias Latinas de nuestras escuelas, ahora ya tenemos una página de Facebook con información totalmente en español! Les invitamos a visitar y a darnos un me gusta.
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Families:
Students in households that meet the free or reduced-price meal income guidelines will generate compensatory revenue for the district. Schools must use compensatory revenue to meet the needs of students who are behind their peers, such as remedial instruction, instructional materials including digital learning and technology, bilingual programs and additional teachers and teacher aides. However, the household must complete and return the forms, or complete the online form, no later than December 15 so the district can calculate eligibility and report to the Minnesota Department of Education. This will not impact your students’ eligibility to receive free meals during the 2020-21 school year because meals are free for all students this year.
THANK YOU!
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Seed Feeds - FREE Fresh Food! |
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Seeds Feeds (formerly known as SLP SEEDS) received a grant where they are able to provide free fresh food to folks in Hennepin County through December 30, 2020.
To sign up:
Call 507-226-3299
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Space Camp Scholarship Information |
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The Geek Partnership Society (GPS) is now accepting applications for the 2021 Space Camp Scholarship through January 19, 2021. This allows a student (ages 10-14) living in the states of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin to attend Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama at no cost (other than transportation to the airport).
This year's essay theme: "Given the choice of being a colonist on Mars or on the moon, which do you pick and why? What unique challenges are presented by your choice?"
Qualifications:
- Be age 10-14 (at the time they attend)
- Live in the 5-state area (MN, IA, WI. SD, ND)
- Be able to demonstrate an interest in and understanding of space exploration
- Have parental consent and fill out the application fully and accurately
- Be able to attend Space Camp during the available time period
- Be able to attend a 5-night program out of state without a parent
- If you win the scholarship, you must fill out additional forms from Space Camp and agree to follow its rules and regulations.
- Be able and willing to represent Geek Partnership Society while attending Space Camp.
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Be able to attend the 2021 CONvergence convention in Minneapolis for the announcement on stage during Opening Ceremony. The winner and responsible adult will receive complimentary memberships to the convention.
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Kids Place Forky (Toy Story) Project |
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COVID-19 School District's Response |
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PLEASE NOTE:
Updates and information about the school district's response to COVID-19 can be found on the school district website at www.slpschools.org/COVID19. P lease bookmark this page and refer to it often.
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