Coyote Chronicles
November 1, 2023
A message from the principal
Last month, I discussed the importance of establishing a nightly reading routine for your children. This month, my focus shifts to mathematics and how you can facilitate your children's growth in this area.
My inspiration for this topic comes from my amazing Grandpa Abe, who had a profound influence on my mathematical understanding. He had a unique approach to integrating math into my greatest passion: sports. He taught me how to calculate the batting averages of baseball legends like Robin Yount and Paul Molitor. Through his guidance, I learned how a 3 for 4 night at the plate could impact the overall batting average, especially at the beginning of the season versus later when they had more at-bats. Suddenly, mathematical concepts came to life and became clear.
Another avenue through which he nurtured my mathematical skills was the game of cribbage. Every Thanksgiving during my elementary school years, our family tradition involved visiting my grandparents' house. Grandma Vicky worked her culinary magic in the kitchen, while Grandpa Abe took charge of entertainment. This meant setting up the card table for a game of cribbage, all the while keeping an eye on the football game. Cribbage taught us how to add numbers up to 31, recognize card combinations that equal 15, and strategize on which cards to place in the crib. To make the game even more exciting, he introduced a variation known as "kick cribbage," where the number of pegs won by the victor translated into a playful number of kicks to their opponent's backside. Grandpa Abe had a knack for making math a captivating and meaningful experience that would last a lifetime.
As we approach the Holiday Season, I wish everyone a wonderful time filled with memories that will endure for generations, with a dash of mathematical fun along the way.
Elementary Report Cards - Online
Elementary school report cards will be available to view online beginning Trimester 1
New for the 2023-24 school year, elementary school report cards will be available online and will no longer be sent through postal mail or student’s backpacks. Families will be able to access report cards by logging into A-HConnect or viewing it on the ParentVUE mobile app.
The switch to online report cards means that information is available to review at the end of each trimester. Schools will notify families when the report cards are available to view. Parents, guardians and any person with educational rights to a student will be able to access the student’s report card online.
To ensure access to the report cards at the end of Trimester 1 (Dec. 1), families are encouraged to make sure they have their login information for ParentVUE, now. Currently, report cards from last school year are available for viewing.
How to view report cards from A-HConnect (view detailed instructions):
Login to A-HConnect.
Click on the ‘My Student Information/Synergy’ icon.
Select a student from the dropdown menu.
Select ‘Documents.’
Select and view the applicable report card from the ‘Documents’ window.
The report card will open in a new tab where the capabilities to download or print will be available.
View from the ParentVUE app (view detailed instructions):
Go to the AppStore or Google Play and search for the ParentVUE app.
Enter your zip code when prompted, and select “Anoka-Hennepin School District” from the menu options.
Confirm ‘yes’ and select ‘Already Activated,’ if prompted.
Use login/password to login.
Select a student from the student list.
Select ‘Documents.’
Select and view the applicable report card.
Click the share button to save or share the PDF.
If you need assistance logging in or forgot your password, call 763-506-HELP (4357) or email 506help@ahschools.us. For questions about the report cards, please contact the main office at your child’s school.
APTCO News
Our Walk-A-Thon was a huge success again this year! Thank you to everyone who participated in the Walk-A-Thon Family Fun Night activities. It was great to see so many family members, community members, students, and staff all out celebrating Andover Elementary and having fun! Our donations totaled over $30,000! Your continued generosity and support is greatly appreciated.
We also want to acknowledge and thank those of you who attended our October APTCO meeting. Core/Media Specialist, Missy Wisniak, joined us to share information about what is going on in our wonderful media center and with our Coyotes.
Our next APTCO meeting will be held on November 9th in the S. Media Center, beginning at 6:30 PM. We will have a few of our amazing Second Grade teachers joining us for a Q&A, we will discuss upcoming events, and we will hear from Principal, Mr. Van Voorhis. We hope you will join us!
2023-2024 APTCO Board:
Jessica Storkan ~ Chair
Tia Borich & Jess VanWyhe ~ Co-Vice Chair
Olivia Pizinger ~ Treasurer
Melissa Hayek ~ Secretary
Connect with us!
Follow us on Facebook
Check out our website: Click here
Volunteer News
Here's a look ahead at November and December volunteer opportunities:
Veterans Day Program - FULL
11/10/22 - Volunteers are needed to help set up, greet and check in guests, and assist students into the gym.
Duties may include copying, laminating, sorting, cutting, etc. See sign up for dates.
K-Skill Builders, Challenge Reading, and Math Plus Enrichment Programs
K-Skill Builders is a support and intervention program for kindergarten students who need additional practice experiences. Challenge Reading and Math Plus are enrichment programs that benefit students who would like extra literacy and math experiences.
Santa's Brunch volunteer opportunities coming for 12/8 and 12/9:
Decoration and Set Up - 12/8: SIGN UP HERE
Event - 12/9: SIGN UP HERE
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS (9TH - 12TH GRADE ONLY): SIGN UP HERE
Still need to complete your volunteer application? Visit: Andover Elementary Volunteer Application
Turkey B I N G O
Join us for a Andover Elementary Family Fun Night!
Turkey BINGO
November 16th
6:00 - 7:30PM
South gym
This is a FREE family event! Play BINGO and win prizes.
Treats available for purchase from Sweet Toppings. New this year: popcorn and bottle water combo just $1 (CASH ONLY)
Hosty by the Andover Elementary teachers and staff. Supported by APTCO.
Yearbook Cover Contest - Submissions Due FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH
All 4th and 5th grade students are invited to participate in the annual yearbook cover contest. Information went home with students on October 25th. Students who need the information/blank sheet can request one at the office. Submissions are due to the office no later than Friday, November 10th.
Health Services News
November Tidbits from the Health Office
Hello, from the health office! The leaves are falling and so are the temperatures. When you are thinking about what your kids may need at school (coat, hat, mittens, snow pants, or boots). Throw in an extra pair of socks too.
We do have extra clothes and clean (new) underwear available but we don’t have extra socks right now. Also if you happen to use some of our spare clothes just wash them and bring them back. You can keep the underwear as we always give a brand new pair when a student needs them. That way we will stay well stocked on extra clothes for our students as they need them.
Water is what we need!
Our bodies need water to stay hydrated, and keep headaches & tummy aches at bay.
We want to use soap and lots of water to keep our hands clean and stop the spread of germs. Good handwashing is one of our best defenses to staying healthy.
-Water keeps our gut healthy and keeps waste moving through our bodies like it should.
-Water makes up approximately 60% of our bodies.
-Water helps regulate our body temperature
-Water helps lubricate and cushion your joints, spinal cord, and tissues.
Grade 5 Students ~ Making a Difference!
These future leaders did a cleanup of Eveland Field!
These future leaders raised $1,142.37 through a coin drive for Heifer International, an organization that fights world poverty, and for the Greyson Project., an organization that collects Christmas decorations to "gift" to families that will spend their holiday season at the Minnesota Children's Hospital.
Community Education News
Hello from Community Education! We have a variety of classes available to involve your students. Check out some of our awesome classes below!
- 11/16 Archery
- 11/18 Ninja Warriors
- 12/4 Schools Out: Favorite Gym Games
- 12/5 Fencing
Register for these classes at https://ahschools.ce.eleyo.com/
See you in class!
Nov. 01 - Picture Retake Day
Nov. 09 - APTCO Mtg - 6:30 - 7:30 PM - S. Media Ctr.
Nov. 10 - Veterans Day Program
Nov. 16 - Turkey Bingo
Nov. 22 - No School - Conference Conversion Day
Nov. 23-24 - Thanksgiving Break
Nov. 30 - End of Trimester 1
Dec. 01 - No School - Staff Planning/Grades
Dec. 04 - No School - PLC/Staff Development
Dec. 09 - Santa's Brunch
Dec. 25-29 - No School - Winter Break
Jan. 01-02 - No School - Winter Break
Jan. 03 - School Resumes
For other district news, please see the articles below.
This e-newsletter is published by Andover Elementary School. Questions, comments or concerns about the school e-newsletter? Contact us.