January 6, 2022
As we enter 2022, with the pandemic causing a surge in cases, Olivia and I are reminded of the beautiful things that can happen when we all work collectively. This week alone, we have seen families work together to get students to school after we lost a bus route, educators jump in and do anything necessary to support students' continued learning and students continue to bring joy to everyone around them with their smiles and positive energy. All of this to say that, in this stressful time, we are so grateful to be part of this community. 

Important Dates:
Saturday, January 15 - Vaccination Event - see info below
Monday, January 17 - No School
Thursday, January 20 - Virtual Incoming 6th Grade Information Night, 6:30 PM
Friday, January 28 - No School
Friday, February 4 - No School
Saturday, February 5 - Vaccination Event - see info below
Friday, February 18 - No School (Elementary only no school)
Monday, February 21 - No School
Friday, March 25 - No School
Monday, March 28 - Friday, April 1 - No School
Monday, April 4 - School resumes
María Graver, Aquila Principal

Olivia Tolzin, Aquila Assistant Principal
952-928-6508 ~ tolzin.olivia@slpschools.org
Important Family Communication Information:

Parents and guardians, if students' afternoon transportation
plans change, it is necessary to notify our front office
at 952-928-6501 no later than 1:00 PM. Thank you!
Aquila Office Staff Spotlights
Bree Marin is Aquila's new Administrative Assistant. She loves coffee, tacos, and french bread. When she is not at work she loves all things soccer, is a Packer fan, and enjoys cooking!


Brizeida "Bree" Arellano Marin
AQ Administrative Assistant
arellano.brizeida@slpschools.org
952-928-6503
Mia Stewart is a familiar face to Aquila, but has switched roles. She is now Aquila's Office Assistant. She loves being with her family, especially her grand daughter. She loves tacos, chicken, Olive Garden, and Benihana. You might see her with a crutch as she is mending an injury.

Mia Stewart - AQ Office Assistant
stewart.mia@slpschools.org
952-928-6501
AQ PTO Free Aquila Family Sledding Event - Saturday, January 15
WHEN:
Saturday, January 15
TIME:
2:00-4:00 PM
WHERE:
Aquila Park Sliding Hill ~ 3110 Xylon Ave South
WHAT:
Families, come on out to sled.
Bring your own sleds. If you have an extra sled, please consider bringing it for others to use.

The AQ PTO will be providing free donuts and hot cocoa at the event.
Vaccine Event at Aquila - Saturday, January 15 & Saturday, February 5
In partnership with Hennepin County, St. Louis Park Public Schools will be hosting Pfizer vaccination events for people ages 5 and up. If you are receiving a second dose or booster dose, please bring proof of vaccination. Event details:

  • Dates: Saturday, January 15, 2022 and Saturday, February 5, 2021
  • Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location: Aquila Elementary School
  • The vaccine is free and no insurance is required
  • Individuals receiving a vaccine will receive a $50 Visa gift card (while supplies last)

Register by using your phone to capture the QR code or click the following link: Vaccine Registration & Scheduling (hennepin.us).

Event Flyers: English | Spanish | Somali
Aquila Musical ~ Madagascar - A Musical Adventure JR.
Rehearsal Information:
*Rehearsals will take place each week on Thursday, from 2:30-4:00 PM. 
*There will be additional scheduled practices for actors who sing solos on select Mondays.

CLICK on this website for all things musical!

Rachel Haen, Producer/Director ~ haen.rachel@slpschools.org
Grant Nelson, Director ~ nelson.grant@slpschools.org
Jennie Bishop, Director ~ bishop.jennelle@slpschools.org
Bridges Math ~ Home Support Ideas
A great way to support your child in mathematics is to ask questions about his/her thinking. Click here for more information about question asking from Bridges.

Try these questions:
What do you notice?
How did you figure that out?
How can you show your thinking? (e.g., picture, model, equation)
Do you see any patterns?
Library Media Center Update
Before winter break, students were busy in the Library Media Center. Book highlights have included How To Solve A Problem by Ashima Shiraishi and book titles from the Minnesota Star of the North book award nominees. Older students (3, 4, 5) were introduced to the Maud Hart Lovelace book award nominees. Help your students remember to bring their library books back to school when they are done with them. Here are specific grade level highlights:

Fifth Graders completed four Google Interland lessons that use online games to help students recognize the importance of being kind digital citizens, distinguishing between real and fake online components, password smarts, and general internet safety. 

Fourth Graders were reintroduced to Scratch, an online coding program. They have had some exposure to Scratch in previous grades. Students used Scratch to code objects to move, make sound, change colors, and more. Many students enjoy trying Scratch projects and games that other students across the world have made. 

Second and Third Graders used PebbleGo to research new facts about an animal and/or confirm information they already knew about an animal. They used ChatterPix to share their facts. Those have been posted on their Seesaw accounts.

First Graders have been enjoying read alouds and focusing on text connections with books. The books might remind them of other books they have read or personal connections. Making these connections helps students build meaning and knowledge. They have been continuing to rotate through stations in the library using ABCya on iPads, puzzles, legos, and more.

Kindergarteners can now check out two books from the library. We have been focusing on the differences between nonfiction and fiction books as well as genres of books. Kindergarteners continue to use a variety of tools to complete learning tasks in rotations such as geoboards, magnetic tiles, and puzzles. 

Please contact Joanne Bongaarts, Library Media Specialist with any questions. 
Aquila Community Service Club - Youth Enrichment Programs
Thank you AQ Community Service Club participants for making bookmarks for the Aquila Library!
Aquila students will enjoy these bookmarks!
Winter Gear Needed
Aquila is in need of the following winter gear items to help our students stay warm at recess. If you have gently used or new donations of the following items, please bring to the Aquila office. THANK YOU!

Current Needs: Medium and large snow pants & larger size gloves

If you are in need of winter gear, please contact:
Aquila's Social Worker, Dana Baumeister
at 952-928-6498 or baumeister.dana@slpschools.org.
Fifth Grade Families ~ Virtual Incoming 6th Grade Information Night
St. Louis Park Middle School will host a Virtual Incoming 6th Grade Information Night at 6:30 PM on Thursday, January 20. Stay tuned for more information regarding how you can register for this event.

During this virtual event, students and families will be welcomed by school leaders, receive details about course registration, and participate in breakout rooms to learn more about St. Louis Park Middle School.
Aquila PTO ~ Parent, Teacher Organization

The Aquila PTO partners with families to
enhance the education experience
of all Aquila students, families and staff!
*AQ PTO Volunteer Interest Form: Click here!

*AQ PTO 21-22 Family Directory: Click here to add your info!

*AQ PTO 21-22 Family Directory: Click here to see the directory!

*AQ PTO Website: Click here!

*AQ PTO Facebook Page: Click here!

*AQ PTO Meeting: Tuesday, February 15 - 6:00 PM

*For more information about the AQ PTO: 
Please contact AQ PTO President Chelsea Bergaus at bohnbergaus04@gmail.com.