Aquila Communicator

October 10, 2024

Greetings Aquila Community,

There will be no AQ Communicator next week due to the short week.

Tomorrow, Aquila is looking forward to our first all-school assembly. During the assembly, we will recognize Hispanic Heritage Month, as well as National Bullying Prevention Month.

For tomorrow's assembly, we invite grade levels to wear their grade-level color: Kindergarten - Yellow; First Grade - Green; Second Grade - Red; Third Grade - Blue; Fourth Grade - Purple; and Fifth Grade - Black.

Important Safety Information for families during Drop Off and Pick Up:

Please ensure that, should you park, you are walking over to pick your student up from the sidewalk. Students should not be walking through the parking lot alone.
If you park on the opposite side of 31st Street during drop off or pick up, please wait for a break in traffic before you walk your student across the street. Students should not be crossing the street alone.
Please do not make U turns when dropping students off or picking them up. This causes traffic to back up and slows everyone else down.

Paz,

María and 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

October 7-16 ~ AQ PTO Spirit Wear Sale

Tuesday, October 15 ~ Family Conferences - 2:30-6:30 PM

Tuesday, October 15 ~ Book Fair - 3:00-7:00 PM

Wednesday, October 16 ~ No School

Wednesday, October 16 ~ Family Conferences - 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Wednesday, October 16 ~ Book Fair - 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday, October 17 ~ No School, MEA

Friday, October 18 ~ No School, MEA

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

Tuesday, November 5 ~ No School, Election Day

Wednesday, November 6 ~ Fall BINGO Night (note date change)

Wednesday, November 6 ~ Picture Retake Day

November 10-16 ~ Aquila Gives

Tuesday, November 12 ~ ASD Family Meet Up - 6:00-7:30 PM

Wednesday, November 13 ~ Dine Out For AQ, Parkway Pizza

Tuesday, November 19 ~ Kindergarten Talent Development STEAM Showcase

Wednesday, November 27 ~ No School

Thursday, November 28 ~ No School

Friday, November 29 ~ No School

Friday, December 6 ~ No School

Click here for the District Calendar

Staff Spotlights

Keji Afolabi, Dahir Bariise, Dillon Brummel-Culver, Dan Masler ~ Paraprofessionals

Antonio Olivos-Reyes ~ Multicultural Liaison

Aquila School Picture Day Information from Lifetouch

School pictures are ready!

To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's student ID number. This is the six digit number that starts with a "7" that you can view on PowerSchool.

All families can also log on and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card. More about the Smilesafe program here.

Thank you!

Picture Retake Day is Wednesday, November 6

Aquila Happenings

Students wore orange on Monday to show a visible message of building commUNITY through kindness to

prevent bullying.

Second Graders in

Ms. Bauer's Music class are learning a Mexican Folk Dance to honor Hispanic Heritage Month.

Click here to see clip.

SLP Hennepin County Librarian

Ms. Dana came and shared a story with Kindergarteners this week.

Health Office Donations Needed

The Health Office is looking for donations of gently used or new sweatpants and underwear. Various sizes, colors, and styles would be appreciated. They can be dropped off at the front office. Thank you!

Library Media Center Information

Students have been busy during their Library Media Center time. Please help your student return their Aquila Library books each week so they can get new ones. Read on to learn more about what happens during Library Media Center time!

Library Organization

Students learn about how the library is organized. Older students use our Destiny Catalog to help find books. Library routines include the understanding that materials are borrowed, enjoyed, and then returned. Please visit and use the Hennepin County Public Libraries. Click here to see locations, hours, and events.

Digital Citizenship

Students learn and show how to be responsible digital citizens. This includes using their school Google accounts for school work and caring for their Chromebooks or iPads. Students are respectful in their online work with others. Students will sharpen their critical thinking skills to determine the validity of information.

Book Appreciation

Students are exposed to a variety of authors, illustrators, and genres through read alouds. They have time to find books for recreational reading. See the picture below of titles that students have enjoyed the last few weeks. Students read and use books for all kinds of reasons including researching a topic, finding an answer to a question, developing a hobby, and reading for pleasure.

Inquiry, Research, and Creation Tools

Students are introduced to a variety of digital tools for inquiry, research, and creation. Research tools include PebbleGo, PebbleGoNext, Encyclopedia Britannica, and BrainPop. Fourth and Fifth Graders will be refreshing their Google Slide creation skills. A great tool to share their learning and collaborate with others.

Hands-On Experiences & Tech Fun

Students are able to explore tools, coding toys, and games during their library time. Currently students have been exploring different kinds of building toys. All students have been using ABCya on iPads. This resource can be used from home.

If you have any questions please contact Joanne Bongaarts, Library Media Specialist.

bongaarts.joanne@slpschools.org 952-928-6494

Scholastic Book Fair Information

Book Fair

Volunteers Needed!

Click here to volunteer.

Set up an eWallet!

Click here for more information.

Presale Info

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 October Events - Click here

AQ PTO Yearlong Calendar - Click here

AQ PTO Website - Click here

AQ PTO Facebook page - Click here

AQ PTO Volunteer Interest Form - Click here

Spirit Wear Sale

Aquila Breakfast & Lunch Menus ~ October 2024

Breakfast Menu - Click Here

Lunch Menu - Click Here

District News ~ National School Lunch Week

SLP Celebrates National School Lunch Next Week!

National School Lunch Week (October 14-18) gives us a chance to celebrate the important role school meals play in fueling student success. SLP is proud to offer nutritious and appealing lunches that support students' health and learning. We appreciate all of the work our Nutrition Services team does to keep students energized and focused with delicious school lunches.

District News ~ Applications for Educational Benefits

It’s More Than a Meal: Applications for Educational Benefits Supports Students and Schools

Applying for educational benefits is essential for families as it directly supports students and the school community. Although Governor Walz signed the Free School Meals for Kids bill, it is important for all families to complete the Application for Educational Benefits application each year to qualify for non-meal related benefits like bussing and discounts on fees for activities, clubs and tests. Submitted applications also help school districts qualify for education funds and discounts.

Applying for Educational Benefits can include free or discounted supports for:

Class labs
Activity and supplies
Sports registration
High school testing fees (Advanced Placement (AP), PSAT)
Field trips
College applications
Open enrolled transportation

Learn more about how to apply or contact Jodie Woelffer, School Nutrition Assistant, at woelffer.jodie@slpschools.org or call 952-928-6146.

District News ~ Free Book Giveaway

District News ~

Upcoming Days for Reflection & Celebration

October brings two important days for reflection and celebration. National Coming Out Day (October 11) honors those who embrace their authentic selves and support LGBTQ+ visibility. Indigenous Peoples' Day (October 14) recognizes and celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous communities, fostering respect and understanding of their diverse heritage.

Hennepin County Library ~ Kindergarten Open House