AVHS Staff Newsletter: February
February 6, 2023
Important Upcoming Dates at AVHS
February 28 - Eagle Excellence Breakfast/BILT Meeting
March 1 - First Day of Women's History Month
March 2 - State Wrestling Tournament
March 8 & 9 - Final Exams
March 10 - Staff Development/Grading Day at ALC. Monthly Staff Meeting
Information Included In This Update:
REMINDER! 109 Staff Have Completed MCA Training - Due March 3
Digital Resource Teacher (DRT): Are You Interested in Serving Next Year?
Grit to Great Leadership Event-Please Nominate a Junior or Senior Girl to Attend
You're Invited to Broadway 2023: Heroes and Villains
Fan Buses and Tickets for State Wrestling Tournament
REMINDER! T2 Grading Memo
Coffee & Conversation
- Advisory Slides
- Upcoming Field Trips
109 AVHS Staff Members Started Their MCA Training, You Won't Believe What Happened Next
What happened next was: those staff members could safely delete my e-mails about this topic, guilt-free.
109 people have at least started the training. Remember: clerical/paraprofessional – do “Test Security Training.” Licensed teachers – do “MCA Test Monitor (Online only.)” Center-based teachers do MTAS instead of MCA. Train here.
Bill Blatzheim
Digital Resource Teacher (DRT): Are You Interested in Serving Next Year?
The DRT typically has the equivalent of one teaching period removed from their schedule to allow them to serve as a Digital Resource Teacher. Interested teachers should look at DRT Qualifications and Responsibilities and reach out to me directly if they would like to learn more.
Grit to Great Leadership Event-Please Nominate a Junior or Senior Girl to Attend
Please consider nominating ONE AVHS junior or senior girl who demonstrates guts, resilience, initiative, and tenacity (G.R.I.T.). Nomination Form (Please submit by Wednesday, March 1 @ 3:00 p.m.)
Some considerations (but not deal-breakers):
- Is this a student who would work well in a small group setting?
- Is this a student who would demonstrate leadership at our school?
- Is this a student who is a good role model for middle school girls?
We will connect with the nominees to invite them (noting who nominated them). Questions? Contact Theresa Kuhn at theresa.kuhn@district196.org
You're Invited to Broadway 2023: Heroes and Villains
Like our fall musical, there are a limited number of complimentary tickets available for staff (4 per staff member.) You can book these tickets yourself at: https://www.vancoevents.com/BRNN. When selecting your tickets, put up to 4 “staff” tickets in your cart. You can also choose additional adult, senior, or student tickets if you need to book more than four seats. Before checking out, enter the code “avstaff23” to zero out the price of your staff tickets.
Please use discretion when booking complimentary tickets. We are proud to be able to offer this to you; thanks for using it wisely!
Fan Buses and Tickets for State Wrestling Tournament
Our Apple Valley Wrestling Team returns to State! Apple Valley High School students can watch our Apple Valley Wrestling team compete in the Minnesota State Tournament. If students wish to ride a fan bus for the State Wrestling Match on Thursday, March 2nd, they need to purchase a fan bus ticket for $5 on MyPaymentsPlus, by Tuesday, February 28th at 2:30 pm.
Buses will depart on Thursday from the AVHS bus loop at 7:45 AM. Buses will depart from Xcel Energy Center at 12:45 PM. Students must purchase a ticket to the match prior to boarding the bus.
For anyone that wishes to purchase tickets, please click here. The cost for adults is $17.00 and for students is $11.00 after fees. All tickets must be purchased electronically and no tickets will be sold at the door.
REMINDER! T2 Grading Memo
Here is a link to the T2 Grading Memo: CLICK HERE
It is also attached to Pete's email from Monday morning.
Important Notes from the Memo:
1. Finals are on March 8 (Study Period in Advisory, P2, P4, Lunch w/Advisory, P6) and March 9 (P1, P3, P5, Lunch w/Advisory, P7).
2. The window to begin entering grades will open on March 3rd. Final grades must be entered into Campus by 11:59 pm on Thursday, March 16th.
3. If entering comments, please only use the Campus canned comments. DO NOT enter your own.
Questions? Contact Pete Buesgens
Coffee and Conversation: Cancelled Feb 28 at 7:05 am due to Eagle Excellence
When - TUESDAYS! 7:05 am
Where - Mentor Classroom (next to STEM room)
What - Come for the coffee - stay for the conversation
Advisory Slides Advisory Feb 21-24
Below you will find an overview of what to expect next week in Advisory, as well as a link to the slides. We are continuing with our “Fill Your Bucket” challenge so if you have an idea of how we can spread kindness through our school, please reach out to an Advisory Team member with your ideas!
Monday: Fill Your Bucket LUNCHROOM Challenge; Kindness Video/Discussion; announcements
Tuesday: Grade Checks (Especially important since it’s the end of the trimester!)
Wednesday: More Grade Checks
Thursday: EaglEye Episode
Friday: Telestrations Game
CLICK HERE for the Slides Link
Have a great weekend and get out there and enjoy the snow, if you haven’t already!
Your Advisory Team:
Brenda, Kristin, Lisa, Michelle, Nichole, and Zac
Heard and Seen in the Halls!
DP & Anti-Vaping Lessons
DP & Anti-Vaping Lessons
DP & Anti-Vaping Lessons
Employee Obligations on School Closing/Delayed Start Days
As we enter the time of year when inclement weather may occur, please CLICK HERE to review the Employee Obligations on School Closing/Delayed Start Days for 2022-23.
If you have any questions please contact Tiffany Weiler, HR Coordinator, at 651-423-7737.
REMINDER- E-Learning Days at AVHS
School will be canceled for the first two inclement weather days for District 196. For the third through seventh inclement weather days during a school year, all students scheduled to have school those days will participate in an E-Learning Day from home (CLICK HERE for District 196 Weather-Related Schedule Changes).
On the morning of an E-Learning Day at AVHS, teachers should...
- Post new materials on Schoology by 9:30 AM each day and include directions for how to complete the assignments.
- Plan lessons, activities, and/or assignments to be completed within approximately 25 minutes (with no new additional homework).
- Be available during regular school hours to respond to student/family questions sent by email and phone call messages left on their voicemail. There will be no synchronous (Zoom) instruction or office-hour sessions.
Information Included in Previous Updates
- Feb 10 Professional Development Exit Ticket
- ACTION REQUIRED! Complete by MCA Test Administration Training 3/3
- LAST CALL! Outstanding Service Award nominations accepted January 27-February 17
- Yearbook Club & Activity Photos on Feb 15
- Feb 10 PD Exit Ticket
- ACTION REQUIRED! Eagle Day Requests & Review in Advisory for February 8
- Outstanding Service Award nominations accepted January 27-February 17
- AVHS Choir Featured on WCCO
- Schedule for February 10 Staff Development Day
Conferences!
CHANGE OF DATE! Coffee & Conversation has moved to TUESDAYS
Resources for Data Day
- Staffing and Sectioning
- Capital Expenditure Requests
- E-Learning Days at AVHS
- ACTION REQUIRED! Managing Conferences Times & Phone Call Invites for Winter Conferences
- Schedule for January 13 Data Day
- ACTION REQUIRED! Eagle Day
- Academic Awards
Credit Recovery Winter Session: January 24- February 23
Employee Obligations on School Closing/Delayed Start Days
REMINDER! Summative & Formative Assessments
- Q Comp Additional Support Funds are now available
- Fair, Firm, and Friendly - Reminder for School-Wide Consistency
- Hallsweep Changes & Dates
- AVHS Site Goal
ACTION REQUIRED! Eagle Day Requests & Review with Advisory
Heard in the Halls: Shout Outs!
Section 2AAA Champs! Boys Wrestling headed to State!
AVHS R&B rocked it at the Minnesota Music Educators' Conference!
iPad Swap for Current Devices
I have the brand new staff iPads ready in room B109 to exchange your current device with to upgrade. Please (please…) before you come down to exchange your iPad, read and commit to understanding this document top to bottom. It will save us both time and potential frustration with this process.
Also know that I am shared with Echo Park and am typically at that building from 10-12 every school day and here outside of that window .
**How do I know if I have a levy purchased iPad and am eligible for this iPad swap? You are eligible if you are a teacher (and certain staff groups) that works with grades 6-12 and the ISD 196 iPad you currently use has an asset tag on the back that is the color green.
I am starting this process using a loose “come down when you can”. If you wait too long we will not have as much time to insure a smooth transition when I come knocking at your door. Let’s get this done by the end of next week.
Thanks,
Isaac
Action Required by 3/3/2023: MCA Test Administration Training
Please reach out or stop by if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Bill Blatzheim
Arts & Activities Director | Testing Coordinator
E LEARNING DAYS FEBRUARY 22 & 23: MESSAGE TO FAMILIES
Instruction Changed to E-Learning Feb 22 & 23
District 196 is announcing E-Learning Days for Wednesday February 22nd and Thursday February 23rd due to dangerous weather conditions. There will be no School-Age Care and all in-person programs are canceled.
After-school and evening activities will be held as scheduled Tuesday, February 21st. Evening activities are canceled for Wednesday, February 22nd. A decision about evening activities on Thursday will be communicated on the district website by 1 p.m. that day.
AVHS February SWEL Newsletter
Can you answer yes to the following questions? Then there’s a possibility we can collaborate or just chat! Whatever works for you.
- Is there a ELL who doesn’t engage much in class or is struggling, but you’re not 100% sure if it’s due to language or other factors?
- Do you have a significant number of ELLs in your class without an ELD co-teacher?
- Do you need an ELL clock hour and want to complete something on your own time?
If you’re curious, my menu of SWEL Coaching opportunities is yet again attached to this email. Have a wonderful day!
Erica Solorio
ELD Teacher & SWEL Coach
ACCESS Testing
Short version: Please check your mailboxes Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for passes and discretely remind students the following day to go to ACCESS testing.
WHAT: We are starting ACCESS testing (Readings, Writing, Listening, and Speaking).
WHO: We have over 200 ELD students at AVHS so we will be splitting them up into 9 cohorts.
WHEN: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays over the course of 4-5 weeks.
WHERE: Community Room
WHY: Reminder to check mailboxes for student passes when they will be taking the test**
Feb 10 Professional Development Exit Ticket/Feedback
Thanks for your participation and feedback!
Yearbook Club & Activity Photos on Feb 15
Yearbook Club/Activity pictures will be taken this week on Thursday during hours 1, 2, and 3. If you are an advisor of a group, you MUST tell your group members what time their picture is.
Teachers, thanks for your flexibility in letting students leave to attend their picture! I will not issue passes to/from the pictures unless you request the student to ask me for a pass back to you. The schedule is linked below for all to see if you need to confirm a time for a student.
- All pictures will be taken in the Greek Theater.
- The senior class picture will happen during advisory on Thursday in the main gym. Please send seniors down right away at the start or class or remind them the day before to go straight to the gym.
- Advisors are welcome to be in the picture if you can make it!
Thank you!
Kristin Blatzheim
February 15 AVHS Let's Connect Career Fair
On February 15th right after school from 2:45- 4:00 pm, AVHS will be hosting our 2nd annual Lets Connect Career Fair. The career fair is in partnership with That’s Their Dream and Vibe Set x Thuy. Two companies each founded by BIPOC Women AVHS alumni.
We invite your student to the fair to explore future possibilities. From engineering to teaching, to entrepreneurship, and/or real estate, there’s plenty for your students to see. Please talk to your students about attending.
Things to know:
● There will be activity buses provided to take them home after the fair.
● We have various businesses and industries that will be there representing.
● There will be light refreshments served.
AVHS Choir Featured on WCCO
Why do some people have great voices, and others don't? That was the driving question for WCCO's Heather Brown who stopped by to ask the experts in AVHS Choir. CLICK HERE to see the story!
LAST CALL! Outstanding Service Award nominations accepted January 27-February 17
Recognize a deserving co-worker by
nominating them for a District 196 Outstanding Service Award.
This is a special award for those who go above and beyond each day. Selected recipients will be recognized at the Partners in Education banquet May 18.
Nominations are due by 4 p.m. February 17.
ACTION REQUIRED! Eagle Day: February 8
We saw a 1.5% reduction in the percentage of failing grades after our last Eagle Day. A fun fact from our previous data point is that if every teacher invited in the students who were between 45%-59%, we could cut our total Fs by 42%.
Here is the form to request students.
Here is the form to view requested students and take attendance.
***A note based on some faculty feedback from January 25 Eagle Day: Please do not send students to a teacher if the teacher did not request them!
Here are a few essential timing pieces to remember when requesting students. Please note that while the form to invite students will remain open until Wednesday morning, it is a good idea to inform students and families directly of your request, especially if you submit a request after advisory time on Tuesday.
Tuesday at 9:20 am - advisory teachers will review the list of requests with their students. This time is the best chance for a student to learn of a request from a teacher.
Tuesday at 3:00 pm – an e-mail will go home to the parents/guardians of all students requested for Eagle Day. This e-mail does not contain specifics (i.e., it does not tell parents which teacher asked for their student.)
Wednesday at 8:00 am – students will go to advisory for one final check of the request list before the Eagle Day intervention session begins.
Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!
Bill Blatzheim
Bell Schedule for Feb 8 Eagle Day
Schedule for February 10 Staff Development Day
7:15-8:00 Next Steps Groups (locations vary by group)
8:15-9:00 Reading Clock Hour with Dr. Voss (location TBD)
9:00-10:30 Learning Team/Department Time
11-12 Lunch
12:30 OPTIONAL Suicide Prevention Clock Hour with Dorothee Tshiela, MA, LPCC
Therapist (Community Rooms)
12-3 Teacher/Team Directed Time
Parking in Back Lot
Previous Email from Cory from Jan. 18:
Magellan Pipeline Company will be on-site for approximately three weeks. Parking in the north lot will be limited. The area circled on the map will be off-limits for parking – additional parking may not be available as well in the north lot.
Questions? See Mark O'Brien and/or Cory Hanson
Tri 1 Academic Awards
REMINDER! Summative & Formative Assessments
More information is available on page 9 in the STAFF HANDBOOK
Q Comp Additional Support Funds are now available
If you would like to apply for funds for professional development, please fill out the Qualtrics application linked below. We will be accepting applications now through late April. Before you apply, please keep in mind the acceptable and unacceptable use of funds listed below.
Link to apply for additional support funds through Qualtrics:
https://district196.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jOx6So2qcNjcLI
Questions? Feel free to reach out to Carla Christiansen, Lisa Schmidt, or Mike Otto
AVHS Site Goal: ACT Reading Benchmark
The percentage of all students in grades 11 and grade 12 at Apple Valley High School who meet or exceed the College Readiness Reading Benchmark composite score (22) as measured by ACT will increase from 32.0% in 2022 to 40.0% in 2023. (19 students= 41%; 42 students= 47%)
Who Do I Go To For Help?
Technology. Click here for AVHS Tech Help. The AVHS Tech Help page is for parents and students and is for issues with Schoology, Campus, iPads, internet support, and more.
Contacting counselors. Click here to find your student’s counselor. Counselors are available to assist with concerns about scheduling, academic progress, and mental health.
Contacting administrators. Click here to contact an AVHS Assistant Administrator. Assistant Administrators assist with questions about attendance, behaviors, credit recovery, and school climate/safety concerns. Ms. Moren works with students with the last names A - K and Mr. Tinder supports students with the last names L - Z.
Apple Valley High School
Website: avhs.district196.org
Location: 14450 Hayes Road, Apple Valley, MN, USA
Phone: 952-431-8200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avhsscholar
Twitter: @avhsacademics