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April 17, 2025

Greetings Aquila Community,


Spring is finally here, and with it many exciting opportunities to gather and celebrate our learners and community. As you look over our calendar below and consider which opportunities might work with your schedule, you will see that Aquila's fifth grade class is preparing for Exhibition.


The International Baccalaureate Exhibition is a significant event in the Primary Years Programme (PYP). Exhibition represents a culminating experience for students in their fifth grade year of the PYP. It is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning and understanding of the PYP framework, which emphasizes inquiry-based learning, transdisciplinary themes, and the development of key skills and attitudes.


As each student's inquiry-based project benefits from support and primary resources, Exhibition is also an opportunity for community members to partner with our fifth graders. If you are interested in volunteering to support our fifth grade students with their Exhibition research and project completion, please reach out to Mia Stewart (stewart.mia@slpschools.org) to learn more.


We look forward to seeing you here at Aquila!


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

April 14 - April 19 ~ Aquila Carnival Online Auction


Friday, April 18 ~ Middle School Jumpstart for Fifth Graders


Tuesday, April 22 ~ Dine Out For AQ, México City Café


Saturday, April 26 ~ Aquila Carnival - 12:00-2:00 PM


Tuesday, April 29 ~ Elders Wisdom Children's Song, SLP Middle School - 6:30 PM


Wednesday April 30 ~ Yearbook Order Deadline


May 5 - May 9 ~ Aquila Staff Appreciation Week


Wednesday, May 21 ~ IB Exhibition - Fifth Graders & Families, 5:30-7:00 PM


Monday, May 26 ~ No School


Friday, May 30 ~ Aquila Variety Show


Wednesday, June 4 ~ Aquila Field Day


Thursday, June 5 ~ Fifth Grade Celebration of Learning


Friday, June 6 ~ Last Day of School


Click here for the District Calendar

Fun at Mini Hops Gym!

A huge thanks to Special Olympics MN, Mini Hops, Teachers Allie Nerison and Maddie Anderson, and our wonderful Special Education paraprofessionals for their support of this opportunity, which ensured that ALL our students at Aquila could experience the joy of physical activity!


Here at Aquila Elementary, we are proud to be recognized as a Unified Champion School through Special Olympics MN. As a result of this partnership, our Unified PE group had the opportunity to explore an Inclusive Gym at Mini Hops in Plymouth, MN.

Aquila Carnival ~ Classroom Basket Raffle Donations

Be on the look out for information about donating items to your student's Carnival Classroom Basket. These baskets will be raffled off at the Carnival. Classes will collect theme based donations for their baskets.


Send in donations to your classroom by tomorrow,

Friday, April 18. Thank you!


Kindergarten-Stadler/Stenross - Art

Kindergarten-Haen/Schladweiler - Superheroes/Disney

First Grade-Swedberg/Ludens- Crafts

First Grade-Kelly/Rablin - Family Game Night

Second Grade-Overend/Hussong - Slime & Fidgets

Second Grade-Richardson/Eul - Lego

Third Grade-Papas/Deming - Family Movie Night

Third Grade-Nelson/Osmundson - Mad Scientist

Fourth Grade-Hanson - Ice Cream Party

Fourth Grade-Williams/Mueller- Kids in the Kitchen

Fifth Grade-Mink/Slingluff - Ultimate snack attack

Fifth Grade-Stern/Bishop - Outdoor games & sports

Aquila Carnival ~ Online Silent Auction

Aquila Carnival

We're looking for volunteers to help bring the school carnival to life!


Whether it's games, setup, or cleanup, your help makes a big difference.


Come join the fun—sign up today! Aquila Carnival Volunteer Sign-Up

2024-25 Yearbooks ~ Order Today!

Attention, families!


Order your child's yearbook today for just $14 and capture all the special moments from this school year. With class photos, memorable events, and fun student memories, it's a keepsake you don't want to miss!


Be sure to place your order by April 30, 2025, to guarantee your copy. Don't wait - order now!

Elders Wisdom Children's Song

Aquila Community - Please join the 4th graders as we honor three extravagant Elders in our community! All 4th graders should arrive by 6:10 please. Thanks!

Aquila Staff Appreciation Week

5th Grade IB Exhibition

Mark Your Calendars!



The 5th Grade PYP Exhibition at Aquila will be held on Wednesday, 5/21. 


The PYP Exhibition is a meaningful and exciting experience for our fifth graders at Aquila, marking the culmination of their journey in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP).


Throughout the Exhibition process, students work together to explore real-world topics they are passionate about. They ask thoughtful questions, conduct in-depth research, and take meaningful action. The experience ends with students sharing their learning with families and the school communit - a celebration of who they’ve become as IB learners: curious, caring, knowledgeable, and ready to make a positive impact on the world.

Summer Academic Opportunities

Kids Place 2025-26 Registration

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 Yearlong Calendar - Click here

AQ PTO Website - Click here

AQ PTO Facebook page - Click here

AQ PTO Volunteer Interest Form - Click here

Aquila PTO April 2025 Events

Aquila PTO 2024-25 Calendar

District News ~ Celebrating Volunteers

April is National Volunteer Month, and we’re so grateful for the amazing volunteers in our district! Volunteers are the heart of our community, making a powerful impact on students, teachers, and everyone they support. Their dedication helps create a lasting, positive change that echoes throughout our district.


To celebrate National Volunteer Week (April 20–26), we’re hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast with delicious food, great company, and special giveaways, just a small thank you for all the work they do!

District News ~ Q&A with the Superintendent

Please join us for a special Q&A Session with Superintendent Dr. Carlondrea Hines!


When: Monday, April 21, 2025

Time: 6:00-7:30pm

Location: District Office - Room 21


Hear directly from Dr. Hines, ask questions, and engage in open dialogue about the priorities, changes, and future direction of our schools.

District News ~ School Board Listening Session

Please attend this listening session to share your thoughts!


Educational leaders from across Minnesota have shared feedback with the Minnesota Department of Education about the U.S. Department of Education letter. The letter details information on Title VI and SFFA v. Harvard.


While next steps are still being determined by MDE and the Attorney General’s office, we’d like to provide an opportunity for the SLP community to share their voices on this matter.

District News ~ 4th Annual Water Safety Festival

St. Louis Park Community Education is partnering with the University of Minnesota's Aquatics program to promote this wonderful opportunity! Join us April 27th 2025 at the Jean K Freeman Aquatic Center to learn more about water safety through a day of FREE swim clinics, lessons, performances, activities, and games! 


All ages welcome, children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by a guardian.

Sign up for general admissions to the Water Safety Festival for a day of events, performances, and activities here


If you are interested in transportation, please contact communityedsm@slpschools.org

District News ~ Free Immunization Clinic for Children

SLP is partnering with Hennepin County Public Health to host a free walk-in immunization clinic on Wednesday, April 30, from 2 - 6 p.m. at St. Louis Park Middle School. This event is open to children of all ages, up to the age of 18 years. All children are welcome.


Minnesota law requires all K-12 students to be up to date on immunizations or have an exemption on file to attend school. This clinic provides an opportunity for students to meet these requirements, and keep the community healthy.


Wednesday, April 30 – 2 - 6 p.m.

Cost: Free

St. Louis Park Middle School, 2025 Texas Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55426

District News ~ Strategic Plan Focus Groups

St. Louis Park Public Schools is building its next 5-year strategic plan (2025–2030), and we need your input to ensure it reflects the lived experiences of all families.

While we’ve received valuable input from many community members, we recognize the critical importance of including more perspectives from our Black, Asian, and Indigenous families.


PINK Consulting, LLC invites Black, Asian, and Indigenous families to participate in a confidential focus group to share how the last strategic plan - centered on racial equity - impacted you and your student(s).


Confidential Focus Group Registration Links:


Asian Families: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/teLxzgO7T3qJR8nL-F1jKw


Black Families: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Mx873G7pSZqW6aTPKD1b9A


Indigenous Families: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/yEESUpQOQlugcO_HiTV_Pw


Your feedback is vital to shaping a district culture of belonging, academic rigor, high expectations, and equity for the future.

District News ~ Support St. Louis Park Kids

The PPS&CF is a partnership of school, business, and community that enhances the excellence of our St. Louis Park public schools and youth programs throughout the community. The PPS&CF raises money and makes grants to (1) St. Louis Park public school teachers to fund special projects in pre-K through 12th grade and (2) non-profit organizations serving kids’ vital needs in St. Louis Park.


We rely on students’ families and our broader community to fund the exceptional work our grants make possible!


Please help us support our schools, community and kids this coming year with a gift today by visiting www.slppscf.org

District News ~ Spring & Summer Youth Enrichment

Check out our new Spring/Summer Community Education catalog for a wide range of exciting opportunities, including family activities, summer camps, and Kids Place childcare programs.


Whether you're looking for ways to keep your child engaged, or interested in fun, educational activities for the whole family, there's something for everyone. Be sure to explore all the fantastic programs we have to offer this season!


Registration for youth programs begins on February 17; all other catalog registration begins on February 24.


View our catalog at slpcommunityed.com

Aquila Breakfast & Lunch Menus ~ April 2025

Breakfast Menu - Click Here

Lunch Menu - Click Here

April Calendar






María Graver, Principal

Olivia Tolzin, Assistant Principal


8500 West 31st Street

St. Louis Park, MN 55426

Phone: 952-928-6500

Fax: 952-928-6466

24-Hour Attendance Line: 952-928-6507


graver.maria@slpschools.org

tolzin.olivia@slpschools.org

aq.slpschools.org

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