Aquila Communicator

January 4, 2024

Happy 2024, Aquila Community!

We were so happy to welcome everyone back on Tuesday. Our students' bright spirits and excitement about being part of the Aquila community are contagious.

We're also looking forward to seeing YOU at our upcoming PTO-sponsored events. Please join us in celebrating creativity at the Imagination Fair on Wednesday, 1/17/24 from 6:30-7:30 PM.

Then, we will have the opportunity to be in community again from 12:00-2:00 PM on Saturday, 1/20/24, at Aquila Park for sledding and cocoa.

Aquila is a strong and vibrant community because of each one of you!

Paz,

María & Olivia

María Graver, Aquila Principal

952-928-6502 ~ graver.maria@slpschools.org

Olivia Tolzin, Aquila Assistant Principal

952-928-6508 ~ tolzin.olivia@slpschools.org

Key Dates

Monday, January 8 ~ ASD Family Meetup, AQ Library, 6:00-7:30 PM

Wednesday, January 10 ~ "Get Fit" Forms deadline - give to Mr. Roberts

Wednesday, January 10 ~ Dine Out for Aquila - Parkway Pizza

Friday, January 12 ~ Imagination Fair Registration Deadline - Click Here

Monday, January 15 ~ No School

Wednesday, January 17 ~ Imagination Fair, 6:30-7:30 PM

Saturday, January 20 ~ Sledding Party, 12:00-2:00 PM

Monday, January 22 ~ AQ PTO Meeting, 6:00 PM

Tuesday, January 23 ~ Dine Out for Aquila - Panera

Thursday, January 25 ~ 6th Grade Information Night, 6:30-7:30 PM, Virtual

Friday, January 26 ~ No School

Monday, January 29 ~ AQ PTO LTD Brewing Night

Friday, February 2 ~ No School

Thursday, February 8 ~ Whole School Field Trip to Middle School for AQ Musical

Thursday, February 15 ~ Family Connect Times, 2:30-6:30 PM

Friday, February 16 ~ No School, Family Connect Times, 7:30AM-3:30 PM

Monday, February 19 ~ No School

Five Fabulous Aquila Fifth Graders

IB PYP Intel ~ Anne LaLonde Laux

Aquila Theatre Arts ~ Volunteer Opportunites

All call for Finding Nemo Jr. VOLUNTEERS.

If you have not filled out the survey and

would like to assist please complete this form.

THANK YOU!

https://forms.gle/9fikRjj814ndmt426

Aquila Theatre Arts ~ Pool Noodles Needed

We need your pool noodles. Do you have a few laying around? Or even pipe covers that could be turned into an underwater world of coral? Please drop them off in the office or have your student deliver them to Rachel Haen's classroom (Room 128) by Tuesday, January 30.

Noodles will be modified and not returned.

We thank you for your donations!

Aquila Theatre Arts ~ Disability In The Big Blue World

During a recent rehearsal of Finding Nemo Jr., the cast was joined by guest speaker Ramona who is a SLP Class of 2024 upcoming graduate and Aqulia Alumnus (K-5).

Ramona was born with a limb difference just like our fish hero Nemo, in the show, Finding Nemo. Ramona talked about what it has been like to grow up with a physical difference and how kids can be better about interacting with someone who might look different than them. The questions were insightful and our discussion was so good, it could still be going on now. We thank Ramona for her candid and thoughtful leadership with the cast.

Students also watched a video called Disability In The Big Blue World. You can view the video (click here) at home to further the discussion about the importance of representation and disability within the world and in our show. Students talked about limb differences, neurodivergence, OCD and more.

As always, more information, including ticketing at our website:

https://aquilatheatrearts.weebly.com/

Rachel Haen

Aquila Theatre Arts Director

GET FIT FORMS

Students should turn in their "Get Fit" forms no later than Wednesday, January 10 to

Tom Roberts, Physical Education Teacher.

AQ PTO Events

Aquila PTO Information

The mission of the Aquila Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

is to enhance the educational experience of all Aquila students and support all Aquila community and staff through fundraising

and community events.

AQ PTO Website - Click here

AQ PTO Facebook page - Click here

AQ PTO Calendar - Click here

AQ PTO Email Signup & Volunteer Interest Form - Click here

AQ Dine Out Nights For Aquila - Click here

**Click here for Lunchroom Volunteer Opportunities for January 2024**

District News ~

Get Involved With The Superintendent Selection Process

We’ve mailed a magnet postcard to SLP families with a QR code. We invite families to stay informed with real-time updates about the superintendent search. Right now, families can take an anonymous survey to help the school board understand the qualities you want in a superintendent. Click here for the survey. Please complete the survey by Thursday, January 18.

District News ~ A Book Of My Own

Is your family in need of books? Do your children need books?

The new non-profit A Book of My Own, that originated right here in St. Louis Park, aims to increase book ownership across the state. You tell us your child's age and interests and we'll send high-quality, age-appropriate, diverse books directly to your door that they can read, share, and love for many years to come.

Please only request books if you are truly in need and unable to purchase them on your own. We serve all ages, infants through 18. Click here to learn more.

District News ~ In The Loop SLP Construction Update

View updates HERE from Knutson Construction and St. Louis Park Public Schools about construction projects in the school district.

December highlights include project milestones and progress for the High School, Middle School and Data Center.

Fun Fact: December 2023 is looking to be one of the warmest Decembers in 150 years! The average temperature at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport so far this month is 33.5 degrees. The warmest December on record was 33.8 degrees in 1877 (MPR). Great weather for outdoor construction activities! But not so much for snow lovers...

In the Loop: SLP Construction Newsletter

District News ~

Special Education Paraprofessional Opportunities

Looking for a way to support your community and make a difference in your child's school district? St. Louis Park Schools has Special Education Paraprofessional opportunities available. Paraprofessionals provide support to students with a wide variety of disabilities. No evenings or weekends. Similar work calendar as your child's school calendar. Summers off, with optional employment opportunities if you should desire to work. For job openings, navigate to the St Louis Park Schools Human Resources page. Click here for link.

District News ~ Free COVID Tests

Click on the links below for free at home COVID tests.

MDH: Order Your Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests

(MN Department of Health)

COVID.Gov: Order Your Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests

(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

January 2024 A-E Calendar