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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
Thursday, May 22 ~ Talent Development Second Grade Showcase, 5:00-5:45 PM
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
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Volunteers help bring the school carnival to life!
Come join the fun—sign up today! Aquila Carnival Volunteer Sign-Up
Whether it's games, setup, or cleanup, your help makes a BIG difference.
| | West African Drumming & Dance | | |
Thanks to a partnership with the McPhail Center, Aquila students had the chance to experience the vibrant music and movement of West Africa through a dynamic workshop led by artists-in-residence Fodé Bangoura and Whitney McClusky.
This vibrant, culturally rich experience fully engaged students, allowing them to connect with the rhythms, movement, and traditions of West African culture in a meaningful way.
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About the teaching artists:
Fodé Bangoura, originally from Guinea, West Africa, is an internationally recognized master drummer. He gained acclaim as the lead drummer for the renowned ensembles Les Merveilles de Guinée and the national ballet of Guinea, Les Ballets Africains. A protégé of the late Mohamed Kemoko Sano, Fodé is considered one of the most respected drummers of his generation and is currently based in the Twin Cities. Career highlights include opening for Damian Marley at the Apollo Theater, a feature on MTV for Black History Month, and recording with Trey Anastasio of Phish.
Whitney McClusky began her African dance training at the Djoniba Dance and Drum Center in New York, studying under master dancers from Les Merveilles de Guinée and Les Ballets Africains. She later traveled to Senegal and Guinea to deepen her understanding of West African dance. Whitney currently teaches at St. Olaf College and Carleton College and also offers weekly community dance classes.
| | 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! | | April is Autism Acceptance Month | | Aquila Staff Appreciation Week | | |
Mark Your Calendars!
The 5th Grade PYP Exhibition at Aquila
Wednesday, 5/21, 5:30-7:00pm
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.
| | Kids Place 2025-26 Registration | | |
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 ~ BIG Questions | | |
Superintendent Dr. Carlondrea Hines Asks Our Students the Big Questions… with the Tiniest Mic
If you haven’t caught Dr. Hines’ tiny mic interviews yet, you’re missing out! 🎤 The series features candid moments and big insights from our students. Recently, Dr. Hines stopped by Junior Achievement, where 4th graders from Peter Hobart and SLP High School students ran a full-on mock city. Then, on National Kindergarten Day, she visited Aquila Elementary to chat with our youngest learners.
Let’s just say—when the tiny mic’s out, the good times roll!
| | 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 | | | | |
