Don’t be Spooked, Election Day is Sneaking Up On Us

Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 4) is just around the corner for Annandale School District’s proposed operating levy referendum. If approved, this operating levy would provide the district with $1.4 million annually ($750 per pupil) for the next ten years.

The district chose the referendum amount to give students the most benefit while keeping taxes reasonable for the community. If the referendum is approved, the owner of a $300,000 home would see a tax increase of $19 per month starting in 2026. A home valued at $450,000 would see an increase of $28 per month.

Watch this video from Annandale School Board Member Melissa Muehring-Paulson to learn more: Operating Levy Referendum Testimonial.

Mark Your Calendars

Monday, November 3 - No School: Staff Development Day
Tuesday, November 4 - Election Day
Wednesday, November 5 - AMS Picture Retakes
Wednesday, November 5 - AES Fall Conferences
Thursday, November 6 - AES Fall Conferences
Saturday, November 8 - CAF's Purse Bingo Fundraiser
Monday, November 10 - AHS Band Concert
Thursday, November 13 - AES Fall Conferences
Thursday, Nov. 27 & Friday, Nov. 28 - No School: Thanksgiving Break
Monday, December 1 - AMS Parent Teacher Conferences

CardinalExcellence.org

Financial Challenges Make Budgeting Tricky

Last year, we had to make $1.2 million in cuts, resulting in fewer teachers, larger class sizes, and reduced student services.

If the referendum does not pass, the district will be forced to make more budget cuts that threaten quality education. If the referendum is approved, the operating levy would directly support education by helping stabilize the budget, keep talented teachers and staff, maintain strong classes and programs, and keep the district competitive.

Don’t Ghost the Ballot – There’s Still Time to Vote!

There is still time to make your voice heard on the operating levy referendum. You can:

Vote early - today, Oct. 31 from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Vote early- Saturday, Nov. 1 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Vote early - Monday, Nov. 3 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Vote at your polling place on Tuesday, Nov. 4 (Election Day) from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Find your polling location and other details at CardinalExcellence.org/vote. Thank you for participating in this important decision!

Upcoming Through Community Education

Discover something for everyone with Annandale Community Education! From early childhood programs to lifelong learning opportunities for seniors, we offer classes, events, and activities for all ages and interests. Explore new skills, connect with others, and make the most of what our vibrant community has to offer.

View ECFE Options

View Youth Programs

Annandale Preschool

Halloween Fun with The Color Monster!

Ms. Heather, Ms. Lindsay, and Ms. Kylie brought The Color Monster to life!

After reading the story and learning all about our emotions, they celebrated Halloween by dressing up as the colorful monsters themselves. It was a fun and creative way to explore feelings — and to show that even our emotions can join in on the Halloween fun!

Annandale Elementary (AES)

As we near the end of the first quarter, it’s time for our upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences at Annandale Elementary School. Conferences provide a valuable opportunity for families and teachers to connect, discuss student progress, and work together to support each child’s growth and success.

Conference Dates and Times:

Wednesday, November 5: 3:30–5:30 PM
Thursday, November 6: 3:30–7:30 PM
Thursday, November 13: 3:30–7:30 PM

Check out our conference webpage to sign up for a conference time.

We look forward to meeting with you and continuing our partnership in helping every student learn and grow!

Annandale Elementary School will host a Scholastic Book Fair from November 5–13! Discover bestselling series and characters that students love from — and support our school with every purchase.

In-person shopping hours:

Wednesday, Nov. 5 from 3:15–5:30 PM

Thursday, Nov. 6 from 3:15–7:30 PM

Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 3:15–4:15 PM

Thursday, Nov. 13 from 3:15–7:30 PM

You can also shop online anytime at ➡️ bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/annandaleelementaryschool

Monster Mash hosted by AES PTO

This past Friday, October 24, our AES PTO hosted an amazing Monster Mash, and it was a night to remember! We welcomed an estimated 530 kiddos who enjoyed a variety of games, showed off their creative costumes, danced the night away, and treated themselves to some tasty snacks.

A huge thank you to our Annandale High School NHS students, who volunteered their time to help run games and concessions all night long — we couldn’t have done it without you! We’re also incredibly grateful to our generous sponsors, Bronder Construction and Flygare Excavating, for helping make this event possible.

Funds raised from the Monster Mash will go right back to our school community, supporting things like the 4th Grade Sale, our AES Book Vending Machine, and future PTO events. This event was a perfect example of our community coming together for a great cause.

Orange You Glad We Stand Together?

This past Wednesday, October 22, our school was flooded with ORANGE as we came together to celebrate Unity Day - a special day observed across the country to stand up against bullying and show that kindness and inclusion make our school stronger.

Thank you to everyone who wore orange and helped make Annandale Elementary shine so bright! Your support and spirit showed that at AES, we stand together — one team, one school, united for kindness.

Remember, a little kindness can make a BIG difference.

Annandale Middle School (AMS)

Annandale’s 7th graders participated in the Courage Retreat on October 21, focusing on following their hearts, identifying fears that hold them back, and committing to everyday acts of courage. Students strengthened connections, broke down social barriers, and embraced meaningful ways to make AMS a better place for themselves and others. A special thank you to the AHS student volunteers for their leadership!

Picture Retake Day is Wednesday, November 5. Students who would like a retake should bring their original photo packet from the September 25 session.

Upcoming Events:

November 3 - No School: Teacher Professional Development Day
November 4 - Election Day
November 5 - Picture Retake Day
November 27-28 - No School: Thanksgiving Break
December 1 - Parent Teacher Conferences

Annandale High School (AHS)

AHS and AES Collaborate for Día de los Muertos Celebration

This week, Annandale High School Spanish students partnered with the Annandale Elementary School English Learner (EL) Department to share a meaningful cultural learning experience with our 5th grade students.

Together, they celebrated Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) — a holiday observed in many Hispanic countries to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. The holiday can be best compared to Memorial Day in the United States, but it is marked by colorful celebrations of life and remembrance.

During the event, high school students read a story, led a hands-on craft, shared traditional pan de muerto (Day of the Dead bread), and taught about the customs and significance of this Hispanic tradition.

This collaboration provided a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about and appreciate another culture while strengthening connections between our high school and elementary classrooms.

KRDS News

Be sure to check out Annandale High School's KRDS News on YouTube. Click here for the most recent episode that aired on October 30.

Congratulations to our most recent Seniors of the Week

Annandale Activities

Congratulations to Emery Wirth and Sonja Millner for qualifying for the State Cross Country Meet! State is on Saturday, Nov. 1 at the U of M Les Bolstad Golf Course.

Congratulations to the Cardinal football team on earning their third consecutive District Championship with a 5-0 record in district games. The Cardinals play in the Section Championship game vs. Foley on October 31 at 7PM.