Thursday, February 25, 2021
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Hello Aquila Families!
This week at Aquila, I continued to see the importance of having such a strong Aquila community. There have been so many situations where I needed the help of a co-worker, or to hear the perspective of a parent or the wisdom of a child. Relationships are important.
At our staff meeting this week we were reminded of the importance of building and strengthening relationships within our classroom through the use of restorative circles. Restorative circles have roots from indigenous cultures. They include opportunities throughout the day for children to build and maintain relationships, intentionally have their voices and perspectives heard, while knowing and believing that their voice and human spirit are valued. We are on our path to becoming a Restorative Practices school, and we will work to keep you informed along our journey.
A reminder, there is no school on Friday, March 5. St. Louis Park staff will be involved in a district-wide professional development day with Dr. Yvette Jackson.
Thank you for your partnership in creating our strong, caring, Aquila community!
Olivia Tolzin
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Shelley Nielsen, Aquila Principal
Olivia Tolzin, Aquila Assistant Principal
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Aquila Give$ - THANK YOU!
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Aquila Give$ 2021 is a wrap - and what a success it was!! With generous support from our community, the Aquila PTO is proud to announce funds raised to date totaling $15,142!!
We are so grateful and excited for what this means for Aquila. Plans are in the works to select and purchase a gaga ball pit for the recess area, ukuleles for the music classroom, new equipment for the playground, a portable speaker with microphone, and supplies for every single classroom. Future fun family events and student opportunities will also be funded by Aquila Give$ - more to come on these.
Thank you to everyone who donated, asked for donations, shared with family and friends, and supported Aquila.
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School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
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Yesterday was School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. Thank you to all the Park Adam bus drivers who help safely transport St. Louis Park students.
We would like to give a special shout out to three Aquila staff members who are bus drivers and paraprofessionals in our building.
Ruby Campbell - She has been a bus driver for twenty one years, eight years with Park Adam. Ms. Ruby likes fried fish, shrimp fried rice, cheesecake, Benihana, and Famous Daves. When she is not at Aquila she loves to be with family. Ms. Ruby enjoys seeing the lightbulb go on for students when they start to understand concepts.
Lashawn Favors - Mr. Lashawn has been driving bus for ten years. When he is working with kids at Aquila or driving, his favorite part of the job is putting smiles on the kids' faces. His favorite foods are steak, potatoes, and pizza. He loves Outback Steakhouse, Red Lobster, and Capital Grille. When he is not at Aquila, you will find him listening to music and playing video games.
Mia Stewart - Ms. Mia has been a school bus driver in the metro area for seventeen years. Nine of those years have been with Park Adam. She loves driving kids to school and helping them with their various learning tasks inside the school. When she is not at Aquila, she enjoys trying different restaurants and watching movies.
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Update - Student Drop Off and Pick up System
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The new student drop off and pick up system is becoming more streamlined! Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we continue to improve systems for dropping off and picking up your child(ren). We are able to safely dismiss about 250 students and over 100 cars in 15 minutes at the end of the day. Please review reminders below:
Morning Student DROP OFF (doors open at 7:28AM and close at 7:45AM):
- Use a turn signal (blinker) when entering or exiting the parking lot
- Wear a mask and please try not to exit your vehicle
- Pull as far forward as possible, forming two lanes upon entering the parking lot
- ONLY allow your child(ren) to exit on the passenger side of the vehicle on the sidewalk side only.
- Please wait to exit the car until you are near the sidewalk.
Afternoon Student PICK UP (the school day ends at 2:15PM):
- Please don't arrive prior to 1:45PM
- Use your turn signal (blinker) when entering or exiting the parking lot
- Wear a Mask and try not to exit your vehicle
- If you need to help buckle, please pull forward as far as possible so that others can drive safely around you
- Display your number on the passenger side of your dashboard
- Pull as far forward as possible, forming two lanes upon entering the parking lot
- If your child(ren) are not outside and you have been waiting, we will have you pull into a designated spot in our parking lot.
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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.
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Picture Day - TOMORROW - Friday, February 26
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Picture Day has been scheduled for
TOMORROW
Friday, February 26.
Distance Learning Families:
Option A:
You can bring your student to Aquila during these times tomorrow on Friday, February 26. Parents will wait in the front doorway vestibule area and a helper will bring your student to take their photo and return them to you in the vestibule. Please note Distance Learning siblings can come together at one time. You don't need to make two separate trips.
1:30-2:00 = Kindergarten and First Grade Distance Learning Students
2:30-3:00 = Second and Third Grade Distance Learning Students
3:00-3:30 = Fourth and Fifth Grade Distance Learning Students
Option B:
Another option for Distance Learning Families is to use Lifetouch's Picture Day Snaps @Home Program. Click here for the information. You would download the Shutterfly App, pick a portrait package, take a picture at home, and upload. Our yearbook coordinator, Anna Kelly, can use that picture for the yearbook. INFO in English. INFO in Spanish.
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Bus - Families Can Opt Back Into Busing
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The District knows that circumstances have changed so if families want or need a bus for their students, call
612-437-4719. The process will take 2-3 weeks.
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Kindergarten Online Enrollment - Now Open
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The District's new online enrollment system is now open. This is especially pertinent for families with a student who is eligible to begin Kindergarten in the Fall of 2021.
Our Enrollment Center staff is ready to answer any questions you might have to help guide you through the process.
Enrollment Center Contact Information
Monday through Friday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM
6311 Wayzata Blvd. St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Phone: 952-928-6023
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Parenting In A Pandemic Newsletter
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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!
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*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.
*Next AQ PTO Virtual Meeting: Tuesday, April 13 at 6:15PM - All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
*For more information about the AQ PTO: Please contact AQ PTO President Chelsea Bergaus at bohnbergaus04@gmail.com.
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School Safety Patrols - Parent/Guardian & Student Duos
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LAST CALL FOR SAFETY PATROLS!
With all of the in-person students and changes with traffic around our school, we are hoping to add another layer of safety - SAFETY PATROLS!
Parents, you may remember being a safety patrol yourself - now is your chance to relive those days OR If this is an unfilled dream - now is your chance!
In collaboration with Olivia Tolzin, we reimagined what Aquila's Safety Patrol will look like this year. We are hoping for a parent/guardian and child duo to sign up for 1 day a week, for a 1 month commitment at a time.
Thank you!
Rachel Nelson, Aquila's School Counselor
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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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