8 April 2021
Coming Up
COVID-19 Update
Visit the COVID-19 update section of our website for all COVID-19 information.
Family Corner
Parent Support Group April 9
April 9, 9:00 - 10:00 am. Please RSVP by contacting Sunni.Myers@aowl.org.
PTO Meeting April 15
The next PTO Meeting date is Thursday, April 15 from 4:30 - 5:30 pm.

Check out the Parent Calendar for the link to join. A text will also be sent the day of the meeting with the meeting link. All AOWL parents and caregivers are welcome!
Virtual Family Art Night April 15
You are invited to AOWL's Virtual Family Art Night Event!

  • Who? AOWL Families, Alumni, and Students
  • What? Art Trivia, a "Create with Me"/Bob Ross-inspired drawing activity, online Pictionary, an upcycle project, and a virtual art gallery featuring AOWL's artists!
  • When? Thursday, April 15 at 6:00 PM
  • Where? Online -- Registration required.

Would you like to be featured in the virtual art gallery? Email a photo of your art to colleen.farley@aowl.org
Yearbook Orders due April 16
Yearbooks on sale now!
 
Capture your child's best memories of the year. Created by students, for students! 
  • You can order online by visiting here, enter the city and state and you will be able to locate our store.
  • You can pay by cash or a check to the school.  
  • Cost: $28
  • All sales are due by April 16.
  • Yearbooks will be shipped to the school.

If you have any questions please contact Ms. Georgette
Virtual Minds of All Kinds Fundraiser May 6
Important Update:

Once you RSVP to attend our virtual event on Thursday, May 6th from 7-8 pm, you are able to receive an Event Box!

What is an Event Box?
An Event Box is a little thank you from our organization to people who are supporting our event. It has treats associated with the speakers and our mission and AOWL branded swag. We have 200 Event Boxes that will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.

Who can get an Event Box?
Any AOWL family who has RSVP'd for the event. You may take one for your household and you may also pick up boxes to share with any friends/family that have RSVP’d for the event. Please just give our volunteers their names at pick up so we can make sure they are included! You will be responsible for getting the event boxes to your guests.

When/Where can I pick up the box?
We will be handing out Event Boxes at drop off (from 8-8:45 am) AND pickup (from 3-4:15 pm to accommodate clubs) on Friday, April 30th and Monday, May 3rd (note- there are no clubs on Monday). Look for us near the High School entrance! We will have signs and tables set up...you can't miss us!

Any questions? Please reach out to Aki Yoshino, Parent Co-Chair at akijyoshino@gmail.com. Still haven’t RSVP’d? You can by clicking here!
K-12 Education Subtraction and Credit
Minnesota has programs to help families pay for education expenses: 
The K-12 Education Subtraction and the K-12 Education Credit can lower the tax families pay or increase their refund when filing their Minnesota income tax return. Families may qualify for the subtraction, credit, or both - if they save their receipts. 
Resources
Visit the Resources Page on the AOWL website (scroll down and click the "Resources" button) to view information about events happening outside of school that may be of interest to you and your family! 
Beyond the Bell
Bridge the Gap Summer Camp
Registration for Bridge the Gap Summer Camp 2021 is open!
View program offerings here.
Wyayn's Words
Second in my exposés of AOWL leadership is Carly Kortuem. Carly has worked at Academy of Whole Learning since 2014. She started as Business Manager recognizing our need for financial systems. She managed the operations and financials for AOWL by directing all financial accounting and reporting functions, including cash flow, budgets and quarterly financial projections. Additionally she managed the HR benefits and additional administrative activities of the organization.

In 2018 our board of trustees recognized the need for a strategic advancement department; Carly moved into the role of Director of Strategic Advancement once a full-time Director of Finance had been hired to take over her financial responsibilities. As the Director of Strategic Advancement, she is responsible for fundraising, marketing, alumni, strategic planning, and new this year, she leads our Capital Campaign. Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Board of Trustees, Carly leads the advancement team to design and implement a comprehensive, results-oriented fundraising plan that includes annual fundraising, major and planned giving, campaigns and special events. She is responsible for effectively maintaining, building, and strengthening AOWL's philanthropic partners through identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Carly, as our Director of Strategic Advancement, serves on several relevant Board of Trustee committees, and the Division Heads leadership team.

Carly is a team-oriented, highly motivated person who thrives in a fast-paced, challenging environment. Prior to AOWL, Carly was the founder and president of a 501c3 nonprofit, Peerly Social; An Autism Network, which matched neurotypical university students with young adults with neurodiversities to participate in social activities. Carly says, “Peerly Social equipped me with a variety of unique perspectives to help direct and lead AOWL’s strategic initiatives.”

We are thankful to have you on our team, Carly!

View from the Nest
Spirit Week Highlights!
Left: Minnehaha's Wacky Wednesday!
Right: Gooseberry's Animal Day!
Contacts
2020-21 Board-Parent Liaison

PTO Co-chairs

Head of School