AVHS Update Newsletter
Sunday, December 5th
Important Upcoming Dates at AVHS
Dec. 6 First Day of Trimester Two
Dec. 24 - Jan. 1 NO SCHOOL/Winter Break
Jan. 14 NO SCHOOL/Staff Development Day
Jan. 17 NO SCHOOL/Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Jan. 20 AVHS Evening Conferences
Jan. 21 NO SCHOOL/AVHS Morning Conferences
Feb. 11 NO SCHOOL/Staff Development Day
Feb. 21 NO SCHOOL/President's Day
Mar. 9&10 Tri 2 Finals Schedules/End of Trimester
Mar. 11 NO SCHOOL/Staff Development Grading Day
Principal's Message: Digital Citizenship at AVHS
During the first few weeks of a new term, teachers often focus on creating routines for the classroom and this is an important time to revisit the Valley Vision for Respect, Responsibility, Student Scholarship, and Being Ready for Learning. The hallways and other common areas have received a lot of attention last trimester. As we begin trimester two, I want to specifically discuss our expectations for digital citizenship and personal mobile devices at AVHS.
Cell phones can quickly become distractions in the classroom by diverting attention away from learning. They can also harm others through the influence of social media posts that encourage vandalism, fights, or taking photos or videos without consent. Our need for in-person socialization plays a large part in why we attend school. Students and teachers learn from each other in our connected environment. We learn to collaborate, take turns, listen well, speak up, and ask public questions. At school, we want to practice these skills face-to-face.
The desire to constantly be in contact with your phone is not just a phenomenon among students. We are all attracted to our phones, whether we're parents, teachers, or staff. We will use the new guidelines for our own use. Furthermore, I invite you to talk with your students about their cell phone use (and share your own experiences). Before assuming you understand why, how, and when students interact with cell phones, find out from them. Ask your students questions such as:
What do you like to do on your cell phone and why?
What are the most popular apps and websites you use? What do you like about them and what are some of the features that can cause problems?
What do you think are inappropriate ways that phones have been used at school?
What is poor cell phone etiquette? Why?
How do you feel about your cell phone and the activities you do on your phone?
What should we know about your phone use that you worry we do not understand?
Thank you for your continued support in ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment for our students. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. As always, Go Eagles!
Drew Mons
Principal
(952) 431-8788
A School-Wide Approach to Cell Phones
Our AVHS school-wide approach allows students the flexibility to use cell phones to stay connected to their family and friends during passing time, lunch, and before/after school, but also to keep them from becoming a diversion from the learning in the classroom. This is how it works:
Expectations: What We Do During the School Day
During all class periods, cell phones and personal devices are turned off or on airplane mode and stored out of sight.
Students may use personal cell phones and mobile devices before and after class, during their lunch periods, and between classes.
To prevent usage in hallways and restrooms, students will exchange their cell phones for a pass to leave the classroom during instructional periods. If a student does not have a cell phone, they may exchange their student ID.
Non-Negotiables: What We Don’t Do
It is never acceptable to send threatening or harassing messages or phone calls.
It is never acceptable to take photos or videos of others without their permission.
It is never acceptable to take pictures or videos of fights or dangerous situations.
It is never acceptable to use your cell phone or electronic communication devices with messaging or picture-taking options to be visible in locker rooms or restrooms.
Students who violate this policy regarding cell phones and electronic devices are subject to appropriate disciplinary consequences.
Formal warning. Teacher notifies parent/guardian of the violation (email or call).
The teacher notifies the parent/guardian of the violation with a phone call. Referral to document call in Infinite Campus.
Referral to Student Support Office. The administrator will meet with the student and contact the parent/guardian to establish appropriate consequences.
NOTE: If a student refuses to surrender an electronic device to an administrator they are subject to additional consequences.
EXCEPTION: Students who use a personal mobile device to monitor a medical condition (i.e. diabetes, epilepsy) may carry devices with them at all times.
District 196 Desired Daily Experience Initiative
Students, parents/guardians, and employees are being asked to complete a survey to share their desired daily experience, and schools will be conducting focus groups to help ensure all perspectives are represented.
The survey is open now through December 17. All answers are collected anonymously and this is completely voluntary. The survey is appropriate for students in grades 6 and above.
CLICK HERE for the STUDENT SURVEY
CLICK HERE for the PARENT/GUARDIAN SURVEY
AVHS Focus Groups on Desired Daily Experience
Trimester Two and Three Schedules Available Online
Trimester 2 and 3 schedules are available for viewing. Although adjustments will still be made as we balance sections, students can once again review their selections. If changes need to be made, students can review the guidelines for making changes. The guidelines are found here: https://avhs.district196.org/academics/avhs-departments/schedule-change-request.
The window to make requests for changes closed on October 29th. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to have your student connect with their counselor.
Registration for 2022-23 Courses Begins in January
Trimester 2 Parking Passes Available Now
Parking passes can be purchased in MyPaymentsPlus beginning on November 25th. Once purchased, bring your receipt to the Main Office and pick it up beginning November 29th.
Parking Lot Safety for Students & Families
These safety tips can help with a safe arrival and dismissal:
- Avoid cutting across lanes.
- ENTER from the SOUTH Entrance from Hayes.
- EXIT from the NORTH Exit of the lot onto Hayes Ave.
- Do not park in the north lane, handicap spots, or on Hayes Ave near the North Exit
- Do not speed in the parking lot - especially along the north lane that leads to Hayes Ave.
- Watch for other students walking, bicycling, or any distracted pedestrians.
- Always check both ways whether you’re in a crosswalk or not.
- Follow the direction of school staff and/or police directing traffic.
Credit Recovery Returns
What? Credit Recovery is designed for students who have not yet completed essential learning outcomes for required courses. Once students have shown proficiency within their core course, students will earn a “P” on their transcript.
When? Credit Recovery will begin on January 11th and run Tuesdays and Thursdays until February 3rd. It will be from 2:30-3:30 pm.
Where? All credit recovery students should plan to meet in the media center on January 11th at 2:30 pm to connect with their credit recovery teacher(s):
- Math- Ms. Lundquist
- Social Studies- Mr. Haisting
- Science- Mr. Murray
- English- Ms. Kuhn
- Art- Ms. Porter/Mr. Gorton
- Wellness 1- Ms. Sheehan
How? Students DO NOT need to start from step one in credit recovery. If your student has met one or more essential learning outcomes, they can skip that and focus on the concepts they missed. CLICK THIS LINK to register and stay on track for graduation.
Questions? Please contact Ms. Moren at Jennifer.moren@district196.org or call 952-431-8213
COVID-19 Notification
If you or a household member develops COVID-19 symptoms, stay at home, contact your physician and call our school nurse, Lori Henke, at 952-431-8220. Contact our School Nurse, Lori Henke, at 952-431-8220 or by email at lori.henke@district196.org
What If My Student Tests Postive for COVID?
Anyone experiencing illness should follow the Minnesota Department of Health Recommended COVID-19 Decision Tree, stay home, and are strongly recommended to get tested. If a person tests positive for COVID-19 and has symptoms, they should stay home and isolate for at least 10 days from the time the symptoms begin until symptoms have improved AND they have been fever-free for 24 hours without use of fever-reducing medication. All families are required to report their student(s) positive test results to our school nurse, Lori Henke, by calling 952-431-8220
Common to other illnesses, once our nurse is notified of an extended absence, she contacts our Assistant Principal, Pete Buesgens, who in turn reaches out to teachers to let them know that the student will be working on school from home and to ensure that all assignments are available in Schoology, or to make arrangements if assignments need to be sent home or picked-up as needed. We do not share private data about the health condition unless it is pertinent to the class activities.
Mask Reminder
A reminder that all students, staff, and visitors are required to wear a face mask indoors when inside District 196 buildings. This includes if you are coming into the building during school hours or attending a volleyball game, conferences or any indoor event in the evening.
Face masks are optional for outdoor events.
Apple Valley High School and District 196 Text Messages
GETTING STARTED
- Text Y to 67587, you will receive a confirmation message stating you are registered to receive SchoolMessenger notifications via text.
For help information, text HELP to 67587.
To opt-out at any time, text STOP to 67587.
Here to Help!
Our Assistant Administrators, Attendance TOSA, and Student Support Specialist are part of a larger Student Assistance Team that includes School Counselors, Psychologists, and our Family Support Worker. We will feature members of our Student Services Office and how they can help to support your student next week. CLICK HERE for links to our various teams and a full directory of staff phone numbers & email addresses.
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 a student's counselor is a good first step if there are concerns about multiple classes and can help coordinate and streamline communication.
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.
Student Schedule. Click here to log in to Campus Portal and see Student Schedules.
Grades. Click here to log in to Schoology and see in-progress grades.
Contacting teachers. Click here for a list of teacher e-mail addresses.
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
IMPORTANT! Have you completed the Educational Benefits Application?
All Apple Valley High School families are encouraged to apply for the Educational Benefits Program (formerly known as the Free and Reduced-Price Meals Program) for the upcoming school year. These funds directly affect our ability to hire additional teachers, family support workers, tutors, and other classroom resources for our students. Families who qualify also benefit by receiving discounts or waived fees for...
- participating on AVHS athletic teams, arts and activities
- applying to colleges
- costs associated with participating in graduation
- academic tests (ACT, SAT, and Advanced Placement/AP)
- Community Education classes and programs
Educational Benefits
Support Apple Valley High School (AVHS) by completing this application today