Aquila Communicator

January 23, 2025

Greetings Aquila Community,

As we close out the shortest (and possibly strangest) week of school ever, we want to thank you for your patience and partnership as we navigated the extreme cold earlier this week. We appreciate each of you and will continue to prioritize the safety of our students.

With that being said, we have so much to look forward to as a community. Over the next couple of weeks, we will have the opportunity to gather for our PTO meeting (Monday, 1/27), to experience Moana Jr (Over 120 of our students in grades 3-5 have been working hard with Mrs. Haen and the theater team), and to honor and enjoy February's many celebrations (Black History Month, Word Hijab Day and I Love to Read Month).

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

Friday, January 24 ~ No School

Monday, January 27 ~ AQ PTO Winter PTO Meeting - 6:00-7:30 PM

Tuesday, January 28 ~ Dine Out For AQ, México City Café

Thursday, January 30 ~ 6th Grade Information Night - 6:30-8:00 PM

Saturday, February 1 ~ AQ Annual Pancake Breakfast - 9:00-10:30 AM

Monday, February 3 ~ Read My Shirt Day

Thursday, February 6 ~ Whole School Field Trip to Middle School for AQ Musical

Tuesday, February 11 ~ ASD Family Meet Up - 6:00-7:30 PM

Thursday, February 13 ~ Family Connect Times - 3:00-700PM

Friday, February 14 ~ No School; Family Connect Times - 7:20AM-4:00PM

Monday, February 17 ~ No School

Monday, February 24 ~ AQ Winter Bingo Night - 5:30-7:00PM

Friday, March 7 ~ AQ Imagination Fair

March 28 - April 4 ~ No School

Click here for the District Calendar

Field Trip Recap: Physics Force

Fourth and fifth graders attended the University of Minnesota’s “Physics Force” presentation in January. The show is a unique mix of physics demonstrations and humor. The Physics Force is a K-12 outreach program through the University of Minnesota that hopes to generate an interest in science in K-12 students.

Bussing for this event was partially funded with money raised from Aquila Gives!

Library Media Center Update

Students have been busy in the Library Media Center. Help your student remember to return their Aquila Library books so they can get new books.

We have enjoyed new books that feature great animal characters. All students have used PebbleGo and/or Encyclopedia Britannica to find information to verify and expand their knowledge about topics. Third, Fourth, and Fifth graders completed Google slide animal riddle projects. Fourth and Fifth graders used Pixton to create comics and are now exploring Adobe Express to create a digital poem.

Please contact Joanne Bongaarts with any questions. 952-928-6494 or bongaarts.joanne@slpschools.org

February ~ I Love To Read Month

The AQ PTO and the Aquila Library Media Center have planned some special activities for I Love To Read Month in February. Be watching for more information.

The first activity to kick off the month is a "Read My Shirt Day" on Monday, February 3. Wear something with words!

Aquila Girls On The Run (GOTR)

Aquila is thrilled to be able to host one Girls on the Run (GOTR) team this spring!

Registration will be open from February 1-7 with a lottery held for a team of 20 participants in grades 3-5. You must register between February 1-7 to participate in the lottery. Please only register for the lottery if your child is able to regularly attend practice both days of the week.

The spring GOTR program is 8 weeks long. Specifically, practice will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school from 2:15-3:45 pm from April 8-May 29 with a celebratory 5k held the weekend of May 31-June 1.

Financial aid is available! Please contact Jacey Cassem, parent volunteer head coach, at jaceycassem@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Aquila Annual Pancake Breakfast

Please join us for our annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, February 1.

No need to cook, instead start your weekend by having breakfast made for you. We'll have chicken sausage, breakfast beverages, gluten-free options - something for everybody!

Wanna flip?! You don't need to be an Aquila Dad!

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

Please join us for the final PTO meeting of the school year on Monday evening, January 27. We will have free childcare and snacks and it's an opportunity to chat with a St. Louis Park School Board member and our principals, as well as work on special events and activities. We hope to see you there!

Aquila PTO January 2025 Events

Aquila PTO Needs You!

If you haven't filled out the PTO Volunteer Interest Form, now is your chance! We have many opportunities available to make memories at PTO events for the remainder of the school year:

Aquila PTO Volunteer Interest Form 2024-2025

Do you have any special skills or interests you'd like to put to use to support Aquila while your little(s) are in elementary school? Please let us know!

We are looking for a temporary PTO Board member for a few months, and it's a great opportunity to see if this fits into your life longer term.

Send an email to communications@aquilapto.com or ask a board member!

Aquila PTO 2024-25 Calendar

Winter Youth Enrichment Classes At Aquila

District News ~ Community Education Winter Catalog

Winter Season is Here!

Discover fun and inspiring classes, workshops, and experiences for the whole family in our Community Education Winter Catalog! Exciting opportunities for all ages await! Physical copies of the catalog will be mailed to SLP residents in mid-December.

District News ~ Strategic Plan Survey & Upcoming Event

Make Your Voice Heard: Take the Community Survey on the Strategic Plan

We are moving forward with our strategic planning and are warmly inviting families and community members to share their feedback by taking the survey. Their input is a crucial part of the process because we want to ensure that every family's voice is heard and valued.

We are also inviting community members and families to participate in the upcoming in-person community engagement session on Monday, January 27 from 5-7 p.m. at the District Office (6300 Walker Street). There will be another session specifically for teachers with students in the district at a later date.

Learn more about the strategic plan process

District News ~ Free Upcoming Family Events

School’s out, but we’re open!

Join our Community Education team on Friday, January 24 at the Lenox Community Center for TWO free family friendly events that are sure to add some sparkle to your day. Kick off the noon hour with our second Book Giveaway & Cocoa Bash from 12-4pm because who doesn’t love free books and hot cocoa? Then, grab a seat for a special screening of Coco - it’s like a movie fiesta for your soul!

Both events are free, but space for the movie is limited, so be sure to register at slpscommunityed.com. Let’s make it a Friday to remember!

District News ~ 6th Grade Online Info Night

Discover What 6th Grade at SLP Has to Offer!

Discover what's in store for your 6th grader! Join us on January 30th from 6:30-7:30 pm for our virtual 6th Grade Information Night. Meet the principal, interact with teachers, and explore the 6th-grade curriculum.

Don't miss this chance to get a comprehensive overview of the upcoming academic year. Find out more at ms.slpschools.org/incoming-6th-grade-families. We look forward to seeing you!

MinnesotaCare

Free or Lower Cost Health Insurance

Everyone living in Minnesota deserves the peace of mind that comes with health insurance. All are welcome to apply for free or lower cost coverage with MinnesotaCare regardless of immigration status.

Applications are accepted 24/7/365. There is no deadline to apply, and no limit on the number of people who enroll.

Learn more at mn.gov/dhs/MinnesotaCare.