Coyote Chronicles
May 1, 2023
A message from the principal
It seems as if winter’s embrace is finally going to lift later this week. With the days growing longer and finally getting warmer, we will find ourselves outside for extended periods of time connecting with the neighbors, attending baseball/softball games, and starting our seasonal outdoor projects. This usually equates to students’ bedtimes being pushed back. With lack of sleep, we often see a decrease in focus and an increase in poor behavior choices in our Coyotes. You may even see these behaviors at home. It is with this understanding that I hope to the best of your ability, you will continue with your regular school night routines. This will ensure our Coyotes get their needed sleep and stay focused for the remaining 26 days we have together. I always stress that the school year is a marathon and it’s important for us to remember to stay in our routine in order to get all students across the finish line. Please consider this as you juggle your busy spring schedules. Thank you for your continued efforts and support throughout this school year.
I also have a couple of updates I want to share with all of you. First, the removal of our old playground and assembly of our new playground will begin this Wednesday, May 3. Our Coyotes will be so excited! Secondly, this summer our service roads and bus lanes will be resurfaced to address the major potholes. They have tried filling the potholes in the past but it is finally to a point where they will be resurfaced completely. Lastly, if you are picking up your child at the end of the day at Sunshine Park, please walk to and wait on the grass, on the east side of the parking lot. We do not want any Coyotes out in the parking lot, walking unattended, as cars are backing up and leaving the parking lot. Thank you for your help in keeping our students safe.
APTCO News
Did you know this week at Andover Elementary we are celebrating National Teacher Appreciation week? The APTCO has a great line up planned for spoiling the AMAZING Andover staff! Follow us on Facebook for an inside look at the events and treats we have planned, and to see how you and your students can show your support.
Our last APTCO meeting of the school year will be held on Thursday, May 11th. Join us to get an update on all end of the year activities, review the proposed budget for next year, and we will hear from Mr. Van Voorhis.
We hope to see you all there!
Volunteer News
Welcome to May! This is the busiest month of the school year. We have a lot of volunteer opportunities coming up, but before I get to that, let me say... THANK YOU!
Volunteers have given 3,160+ hours to Andover Elementary so far this school year. THAT IS AMAZING! The impact volunteers make at our school is fantastic, huge, incredible, insert all the words!
Every minute a volunteer can give is immeasurable. Volunteers allow a staff member to: Be in the classroom, get home to their families at a decent hour, and reduce their stress of prepping for class work. On behalf of the entire Andover Elementary Staff, THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts.
Here is how you can help in May:
- Track and Field - 100+ volunteers needed - 5/18
- Book Fair - 5/22 - 5/26
- 1st Grade Picnic - 6/6 - currently forming a planning committee
- 5th Grade Party - 6/2 - currently forming a planning committee
- General workroom help
- Various unique opportunities
Learn more about each of these opportunities and sign up at the link below:
Andover Elementary Volunteer Opportunities
Kelli Anderson
Volunteer Services Coordinator
email: kelli.anderson@ahschools.us
phone: 763-506-1723
Track & Field Day is May 18th for Students in Grades K-5
More info will be shared with families just before
Track and Field Day. Until then, here are some
links with some helpful information:
Volunteers Needed for Track & Field Day
Track and Field day at Andover Elementary will be held on Thursday, May 18th. It's a favorite day of our Coyotes! To make sure it's a fun and safe day, we need over 100 volunteers to help run the event and record results at over 17 events.
The day is structured so that students participate in individual events in the morning and team events in the afternoon. We offer split shifts so that volunteers have the opportunity to serve our students by helping at events as well as enjoy time cheering on their student.
For more details and to sign up, please visit the Andover Elementary Track and Field Day Volunteer Sign Up
Coming Soon! Our New Playground!
Calendar Change - New Last Day for Elementary School Students
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A change has been made to the elementary school calendar.
The new last day for the 2022-23 school year, for elementary school students, will be June 7, 2023
Universal School Meals program to begin in the fall of 2023
On March 17, the Minnesota Legislature approved and the Governor signed a bill providing “Universal School Meals,” which means every student may receive free breakfast and lunch beginning in the fall of 2023. The program will cover one breakfast and one lunch for every student, however ala carte and other meal choices will not be covered.
Families will need to continue purchasing meals for their students for the remainder of this school year, as the new bill will not forgive or pay for any meal debt accrued before Sept. 2023.
If your family needs immediate assistance with free or reduced-priced meals, or access to other educational benefits (such as high school athletics and activity fees; ACT, SAT and AP fees; Comcast internet and SNAP membership discounts; Xcel Energy account assistance and more), please visit ahschools.us/childnutrition to complete an application.
The district’s child nutrition program is working to provide details for all families in preparation for the 2023-24 school year. Stay tuned to your back to school communications for specific details about this benefit for your family in the summer of 2023.
SBMH (School Based Mental Health) People Incorporated Mental Health Services
People Incorporated is the largest nonprofit mental health provider in Minnesota. For over 50 years they have been a leading community partner, supporting mental health and wellness through collaboration and integration of care.
Click on the link, below, to read their May 2023 newsletter.
Important Dates
May 03 - Playground Construction Start Date
May 11 - APTCO Meeting - 6:30 PM - N. Media Center
May 18 - Gr. K - 5 Track & Field Day
May 29 - District Closed - Memorial Day Holiday
June 07 - New! Last Day For Elementary School Students
This e-newsletter is published by Andover Elementary School. Questions, comments or concerns about the school e-newsletter? Contact us.