Aquila families,
As we say goodbye to the 2020-21 school year, I want to reflect back on the meaning of Ubuntu: “I am, because we are.” This African proverb has been a focal point in the district the last two years. I saw some of the collective work and attributes of Ubuntu come to life during the pandemic. COVID-19 created hardships, but as a community we came together to care for each other.
To all of our parents, guardians, grandparents, relatives, and others who worked alongside us to help educate our students, thank you! Our students thrived because we worked collectively on those things that were most important. All of us had to learn to let go of some routines. Maybe in the end, that was not so bad. We all gained skills during the pandemic. I would like to think my technology skills improved!
As a caring community, we made sure families were fed, connected to the internet, and helped each other navigate the many learning models. None of this was easy. In the end, we did this out of love and care for our children. Thank you for being a partner who shared your voice, your perspective, offered your gifts, and expressed your support. We appreciated all the times you attended a listening session, called us, or sent us an email. As a staff, we are so grateful for each of you.
Our students will not forget this year and their experience. It is my hope they felt loved, valued, and seen. The pandemic didn’t stop us from continuing our work to develop culturally and racially conscious students who are globally minded. As they were learning more about themselves and each other, they were studying current events as well as history. Our students were doing all of this while learning the basics of math, reading, and writing.
As a community, we are so proud of our students and their work despite the obstacles they faced. They were examples to all of us that collectively we can do anything if we prioritize it.
I wish you the very best as you head into summer. I hope you can enjoy a more normal summer with your family and friends.
In partnership,
Shelley Nielsen
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Shelley Nielsen, Aquila Principal
Olivia Tolzin, Aquila Assistant Principal
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Aquila 2021-2022 Principal María Graver |
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Aquila's new principal for the 2021-2022 school year, stopped in for a visit.
María Graver (pictured center) was welcomed by staff and students as she toured the building Tuesday.
Welcome Principal Graver!
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Last Thoughts - Shelley Nielsen |
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Dear Aquila Families,
This is my last newsletter. It is hard to say goodbye to a community that has been a part of my life for 52 years. When I was in third grade, my mother and two older brothers moved into St. Louis Park. I lived in the apartments right across the street from our school. I could never have guessed, that many years later, I would have the opportunity to be principal at Aquila. This happened twice: 2007-2010 & 2018-2021. My life has been blessed to be part of this community the majority of my life.
I have great memories of being a coach, teacher, assistant principal and principal in this district. When thinking about the last three years at Aquila, one of my favorite parts of the day is the energy the kids bring to school every morning. I loved greeting kids and families at the front of the building.
I loved watching your children grow up in our classrooms. It is magical to watch a child learn to read or perform in front of the class for the first time. Your children are brilliant. They have shown their brilliance in our school plays, school assembly performances, speaking multiple languages, artwork in our halls, school work, academics, how they navigate challenging conversations, gym class, and the list goes on.
I had so much fun attending the awesome events our PTO put on over the years. My heartfelt thanks to all the parents and guardians who made the monthly events happen and gave countless hours to support Aquila. I loved working with all of you.
The staff is amazing; they are a family. We have gone through a lot in three years. Just like you see them care for your children, they also work to take care of each other. I have always admired them for that.
I am going to miss your children and all of you a ton. Thank you for the love and support you gave me these last three years. It is a dream come true to retire from Aquila, the same school that took such great care of me when I was child. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your principal.
I wish you nothing but the best!!
Love,
Shelley Nielsen
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Butterfly Fun - DLA Kindergarten! |
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DLA Magic Show - Thank you AQ Parent
Mr. Hughes!
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Mrs. Deming's Camping Day |
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Dash time during Library! |
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Mr. Roberts &
The Ice Bucket Challenge
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First Graders mixing new colors during Library! |
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Fifth Grade Celebration of Learning! |
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School Chromebook, iPad, Hotspot, and Library Book Collection |
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All school-issued devices such as Chromebooks, hotspots, and iPads should have been returned to school with your student. Please return all chargers.
All Aquila Library Books need to be returned.
TODAY: Thursday, June 10: Distance Learning Academy students will need to turn in all devices, chargers, hotspots, and other materials to Aquila from 9:30-11:30AM.
Any questions, please contact Joanne Bongaarts - Library Media Specialist at bongaarts.joanne@slpschools.org or 952-928-6494
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Wednesday, June 16 - Progress reports will be mailed to families
Wednesday, September 8 - First day of school, grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Thursday, September 9 - First day of school for Kindergarteners
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Seeds Feeds - Tuesday Nights |
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Seeds Feeds will be hosting weekly tours, free dinner, and food security forums. Register online to ensure enough food for everyone.
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AQ PTO (Parent, Teacher Organization) |
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THANK YOU AQUILA families, staff, and community members who helped the AQ PTO during the 20-21 school year. The AQ PTO is grateful for the ongoing support.
We are looking forward to the 21-22 school year. Thank you for supporting and enhancing the education experience of all Aquila students, families and staff!
Families - we are looking for feedback!
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*School Supply Kits: Save time and money ordering your child’s school supplies for the 2021-2022 school year. Order now at schoolkiz.com and eliminate the back-to-school shopping hassle. Kits are filled with brand names and quality products that are competitively priced with local and large retailers. Kits will be available for purchase all summer long!
*For more information about the AQ PTO: Please contact AQ PTO President Chelsea Bergaus at bohnbergaus04@gmail.com.
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Free - Summer Eats MN Program |
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Free Meals Available to Children this Summer
St. Louis Park Public Schools will once again take part in the Summer Eats Minnesota program that provides children 18 and younger with healthy and delicious meals throughout the summer months.
Meal pick up locations, dates and times are listed below. Click here to download a one-page flyer with more detailed information. All ages are welcome at all sites.
Aquila Elementary | 8500 West 31st St.
June 21 through August 26
Pick-up days: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
Lunch/snack pick-up: 11:15AM to 12:45PM
Park Spanish Immersion Elementary | 9400 Cedar Lake Rd.
June 28 through August 12
Pick-up days: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
Breakfast pick-up: 7:45 to 8:15AM
Lunch pick-up: 11:45 a.m. to 12:30PM
St. Louis Park High School | 6425 West 33rd St.
June 14 through August 25
Pick-up days: Mondays (includes Monday/Tuesday meals)
Wednesdays (includes Wednesday/Thursday/Friday meals)
Time: 11:45AM to 12:45PM
Please note that no meals will be available the week of July 5-9.
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Please click here to see the flyer about an upcoming, free, virtual summer offering. "We See Color" will be taught by Marriah Foudray (Aquila) and Maurna Rome (Susan Lindgren). Click on the flyer QR code or visit these websites for more information. To register, click here.
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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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