Thursday, March 25, 2021
Hello Aquila Families.

A little over a week ago, our school board unanimously approved the 2020-2025 SLP Strategic Plan for Racial Equity Transformation. I would like to take a moment to highlight the vision statement and how it is connecting to the work we are doing at Aquila.

SLP Vision Statement:
“St. Louis Park Schools - Where students are seen and valued and become their best selves as racially conscious, globally minded contributors to society.”

This vision statement needs to be actualized now more than ever. Recent events let us know that we have work to do, as a nation, to become racially conscious, globally minded contributors to society.

At Aquila, I see our students and staff working towards this vision. As a staff we are talking about the trial of Derek Chauvin and the recent shootings in Atlanta. We are discussing how we need to make space for student discussion and learning around the impact these events have on us as individuals and our community.

Our students are exemplifying this vision, too. This past week I saw first grade students sitting together in a circle to discuss and solve a problem that happened at recess. In this discussion I heard a seven-year-old boy share that he, as a young black boy, believes that our life and our friendships are like circles. He continued to explain that when we make a choice that is wrong, there is a break in the circle and that we must stop and repair the “break” before the circle can continue. This is a beautiful example of our students’ brilliance and how our students are taking the time to learn and hear from one another.

As we are wrapping up our spring family conferences, I hope you are hearing about your own child’s brilliance and hearing examples of how your child is growing both academically and socially.

I want to thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to achieve our vision.

Warmly,

Olivia Tolzin
Shelley Nielsen, Aquila Principal

Olivia Tolzin, Aquila Assistant Principal
952-928-6508 ~ tolzin.olivia@slpschools.org
Note from Shelley Nielsen, Principal
Aquila Families, 

After months of reflection, I have decided to retire at the end of this school year. This decision has not been easy, but I know it is right for me personally.

For 31 of my 37 years in education, I have worked as a teacher, coach, and principal. As many of you know, I attended Aquila in third grade. In fact, St. Louis Park has been a part of my life for 52 years! I have loved being a principal and part of the SLP community for so much of my life.

My official date of retirement is June 30, 2021, but I wanted to share this decision with you now because the district will soon begin its search for the next Aquila Principal. I will work to support that person in any way I can.

I am grateful for the support and partnership we have had over the last several years, but most importantly during this pandemic. This is an amazing community of caring, loving people who truly put the needs of our children first. 


With gratitude,
Shelley Nielsen
Lifetouch School Picture Retakes
Picture Retake Day: Wednesday, April 7



Picture Day ID: EVT9G8PPQ
2020-2021 School Yearbook
Aquila School yearbooks may be purchased online for $14.00. The yearbooks will be delivered to students in September or October of 2021. Purchases must be made online. Reminder Distance Learning Academy students - email Anna Kelly (yearbook coordinator) a picture of your student if they were unable to attend picture day. kelly.anna@slpschools.org


Spring Break

There is NO SCHOOL tomorrow, Friday, March 26.

There is NO SCHOOL Monday, March 29 through Friday, April 2.

We will see students again starting Monday, April 5.



Fifth Graders - Middle School Jump Start
Middle School Jump Start:
For Students Entering 6th Grade - Fall 2021

What happens if I can't get my locker open? How do I know where my classes are? Can I play sports? Find out all these answers and more at Middle School Jump Start! During Jump Start you will: meet teachers, learn about the building, practice opening lockers, learn what you really need for a day in school, meet new people, ask questions, and have fun!

These sessions will take place in-person at St. Louis Park Middle School. Sessions will be limited to 20 students. 4 sessions available:

Saturday, May 8th
8-11:30 am
12:30-4 pm

Saturday, May 22
8-11:30 am
12:30-4 pm
Price: $35 (scholarships available)


Questions? Contact Kelleen at 952-928-6399 or obrion.kelleen@slpschools.org
Health Office - Reminder
Please call the Attendance Line when your child is sick (952-928-6507),
especially if it's a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case.

Please call AQ Health Services at 952-928-6505 with questions.
SPIRITWEAR - Order by Sunday, March 28
Sale is HERE! Show your Park Pride with a new shirt or hat!
Even some Aquila wear! Order by Sunday, March 28.
https://www.parkprints.com/aquila-spirit-wear
AQ PTO (Parent, Teacher Organization)
The Aquila PTO partners with families to
enhance the education experience
of all Aquila students, families and staff!


VIRTUAL Family BINGO Night:
Thursday, April 8
6:30-7:30 PM
*Aquila Family Directory: Click here! Please note the grade level tabs along the bottom. Keep the link handy. If you want to be in the directory, click on this link.

*AQ PTO Website: Click here!

*Chipotle Fundraiser: Wednesday, April 21 - 4:00-8:00PM Click here for more info.

*Parkway Pizza Fundraiser Date: Wednesday, April 14 - All purchases will be donated to the AQ PTO!

*AmazonSmile: When you shop at Amazon a portion of your purchases can be donated to the AQ PTO. Click here to learn more.

*Next AQ PTO Virtual Meeting: Tuesday, April 13 at 6:15PM - All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

*AQ PTO Facebook Page: Click here!

*For more information about the AQ PTO: Please contact AQ PTO President Chelsea Bergaus at bohnbergaus04@gmail.com.
Relate - March Newsletter
Every Meal Counts
Every Meal, formerly known as Sheridan Story, is an organization that: "Works to fight hunger in our community by filling the gaps in food access that children face during weekends, summers, and extended breaks." Click here to learn more about the organization.

If you are interested in receiving a weekly bag of food, let your classroom teacher know or contact Kirsten Marquette (substitute Aquila Social Worker) at marquette.kirsten@slpschools.org or 952-928-6498.

Summer Opportunities - St. Louis Park Community Education

St. Louis Park Community Education have a wide range of summer opportunities for students. Programming updates for Summer 2021 will be added to their website. Please click here to visit their website.

Camp Invention is one example of programming available from August 9 through 13 from 9:00-3:30. Click here for more information.
COVID-19 School District's Response
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. Please bookmark this page and refer to it often.