Andover High School News & Events
November 15, 2023
End of Trimester 1 Reminders
We have approximately 2.5 weeks to go until the end of Trimester 1 which falls on Thursday, November 30th. Please continue to encourage your student to keep up the great work. If they are feeling in a crunch, please ask them to connect with their teacher(s) now before it gets too close to the end of the Trimester.
Remember the next 2 Mondays (Monday, November 20th and Monday, November 27th) we have no late start. 1st hour classes are scheduled to begin at 7:40 AM.
Important Calendar Dates
- November 15: Tri 2 Parking Permits Opens for Sophomores 7:00 AM
- November 17-19: Fall Play
- November 20: No Late Start; Classes begin at 7:40 AM
- November 22: No School
- November 23-24: No School; District Closed
- November 27: No Late Start; Classes begin at 7:40 AM
- November 28-29: Parking Permit Distribution
- November 30: End of Tri 1
- November 30: Cafe Onstage Performance 7:30 PM (AUD)
- December 1: No School; Staff Planning
- December 4: No School; Staff Development
- December 5: Trimester 2 Begins
- December 6: Report Cards Available on AH-Connect
- December 15: Holiday Concerts (AUD) 7:00 PM
- December 16: Holiday Concerts (AUD) 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Trimester 1 and Trimester 2 Late Start Dates are listed here.
You can also view a District Calendar here.
Husky House Tutoring Center Dates and hours are listed here.
An Attendance Matters Update from Assistant Principal Tina Tamura
A Move in the Right Direction: Boosting Andover High School Attendance Positively Impacts Performance
We are excited to share that we have seen positive outcomes with our improved attendance here at Andover High School. Research frequently shows that consistent attendance correlates with academic success, and we feel that the partnership between school and home is having a positive impact on grades as we near the ending of Trimester 1. We appreciate your continued efforts in encouraging your child(ren) to be present and engaged.
Read more about ways to help reinforce the importance of regular attendance.
Football at US Bank Stadium for State Semifinals!
Congratulations and good luck to the football team as they are headed to US Bank Stadium for the State Semifinals! They play this Saturday, November 18th at 7:00 PM vs. Chanhassen. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time on the MSHSL website. Go Huskies!
Girls' Swim and Dive at State!
Good luck to these members of the Girls' Swim and Dive team that qualified for the State meet this coming weekend!
- 200 Freestyle Relay - Ali Oswell, Bella Kirschman, LeeAnna Seward and Eva King
- 200 Freestyle - LeeAnna Seward
- 50 Freestyle - Ali Oswell
Congratulations to the Andover HS Chess Team!
Congratulations to the Andover Chess Team who took first place at the SCA Fall Grade Level chess tournament this past Friday in New Brighton. Senior Carlo Leisdon finished first place overall for high school players. Congratulations on a great first team tournament for the 2023-2024 season!
School Play Information
Electronic tickets only. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time for any of the showings on the Andover High School Theatre Website.
Cafe Onstage Variety Show
Tri 2 Parking Permits
Counseling Office Information
Andover HS has a new staff member- Oakley the Therapy Dog!
Mrs. Hufnagel and her certified therapy dog partner, Oakley, are excited to provide support to the Andover High School family. Therapy animals help mitigate stress, help with motivation, enhance overall well-being, and simply make us smile.
Oakley will be hanging out in the halls, doing some classroom visits, and helping in the Counseling Office. He is open to friendly pets and loves working with students.
Credit Recovery
Career Center News
Upcoming Events
FAFSA December 2023 - Financial Aid
The 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is set to open in December 2023. The US Department of Education has informed the public that there are significant changes coming to the form, in hopes to simplify it for students and families. We will continue to update you as we know more. Please reference this financial aid site for additional resources regarding financial aid events, the FAFSA, MN Dream Act, and more.
MN Office of Higher Ed. - October 2023 - January 2024
OHE to Host Free Virtual Financial Aid Events
Kicking off the new school year, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, Minnesota Department of Education, ECMC's The College Place Minnesota, and Minnesota Goes to College are hosting a series of financial aid webinars for Minnesota students and families as they prepare for the college-going process. All sessions will have simultaneous interpretation in Spanish, Somali, Hmong. Karen. Attendees will be entered to win a $500 scholarship.
ASVAB - Saturday, December 9, 2023
If you're serious about joining the military, then get serious about the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). The ASVAB is a timed multi-aptitude test, which is given at over 14,000 schools and Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) nationwide and is developed and maintained by the Department of Defense. ASVAB Flier
On-the-Spot Admission Event - December 9, 2023 from 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Students will have the opportunity to apply and receive an admissions decision that day!
The following colleges will be at this event:
Anoka-Ramsey Community College
Anoka Technical College
Bemidji State University
Grand Canyon University
University of Wisconsin- Stout
Be a Teacher, Change the World Event - December 18, 2023
Dougherty Family College - December 20, 2023
News from the Youth Services Coordinator
A heartfelt “Thank You” to our Veterans
In honor of Veterans Day, the Andover Leos created cards of gratitude to distribute to Veterans attending the Veterans Day Assembly. At the assembly, the Andover Leos held a freewill donation to benefit Haven for Heroes, and raised $302. Haven for Heroes, located in Anoka, provides a place of safety and refuge for Veterans and/or their family members who, for whatever reason, need assistance. A huge “thank you” to all who donated to this amazing organization.
The Andover Leos
Is your student looking for a way to get involved at Andover High School? The Andover Leo Club is a student led volunteer group who works to respond to needs within the community by volunteering their time. The group meets every other Thursday after school at 2:30, and welcomes new members anytime! For more information, please join the Leos’ Google Classroom. For meeting dates, and additional information please click here. This year, they will be focusing on reducing isolation and loneliness for our community’s seniors; their theme is “Caring for our Community.”
Is your student looking for volunteer hours?
Join the Youth Service Google Classroom to see a list of upcoming volunteer opportunities in our community. Questions? Feel free to contact me at tammy.peterson@ahschools.us
Upcoming Leo Club Projects
As part of the Leo Club’s work to address isolation and loneliness with senior citizens, they will be volunteering at Arbor Oaks Senior Living two times per month. They will be carrying out activities such as: teaching technology, spa day, dance classes, art classes, and game night! They will also be adopting three seniors over the holiday season through the local non-profit Granny’s Closet.
Drop in for Service!
In an effort to bring the spirit of service to Andover High School, Youth Service will be hosting a variety of fun and meaningful service projects during select late start Mondays. Service projects will take place right here at school; participating students will receive 1 service hour per session.
At last week's Drop in for Service, participants made Thanksgiving themed centerpieces to be given to Arbor Oaks Senior Living.
At this week’s Drop in for Service participating students hosted a morning of fun games and activities with the Special Education department. They danced, colored, played charades, and did a “candy walk!”
Jefferson Award winner for November - Grace Swanson
The Students in Action Multiplying Good Award for Public Service is a prestigious national recognition system honoring community and public volunteerism. Each month we recognize one student who has taken effective action, and created a meaningful impact while improving our community and making the world a better place. For the month of November, we want to recognize and celebrate Grace Swanson. Since her freshman year, Grace has accumulated over 160 volunteer hours! She is compassionate, and dedicated to helping others. The efforts of Grace as a student volunteer have made Andover High School, and our community a better place.
President’s Volunteer Service Award
The President’s award is given for hours completed in the calendar year. Any service from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 is considered for the award. Just return your Verification of Hours form to document the hours you’ve spent volunteering.
News from the Volunteer Services Coordinator
On February 10, 2024, the Anoka-Hennepin School District will be holding its Annual STEM Fair at Anoka High School in Anoka, Minnesota. With well over 2,000 students involved, this Fair is the largest of its kind in the entire State. In order for this Fair to work, we need community members to be volunteers and/or judges at the Fair. Teachers can earn up to 5 CEU’s!
Prospective judges do not need science or math backgrounds. We provide training for all of the judges. We are looking for responsible adults who are willing to give something back to the community. Please consider being a judge/volunteer.
For more information, please visit the STEM Fair website at: http://www.ahschools.us/stemfair
Order Your Cap and Gown
Order your cap and gown free of charge to all graduates from Jostens
Seniors must go to this link to submit their cap and gown measurements electronically. The deadline for submission for the cap and gown will be December 15, 2023. Graduation announcements can also be ordered via the link below. The deadline will be December 15, 2023 for announcement orders.
How to order the free cap and gown:
- Click on the link above
- Fill in the required information and submit
Please go to this link to order announcements or other graduation items (if you prefer to order through Jostens). Please note: All seniors will receive a black/gold tassel with their cap and gown. You have an option to purchase an additional “Keepsake” tassel if you choose.
Should you have any questions, please email Courtney Piekarski.
Family Resource: Screen Time and Sleep Deprivation in Teens
It is important for both parents/guardians and students to regularly check in with their use of mobile devices, especially in the evenings and at bedtime. In a blog post from icanhelp.net titled, “Screen Time Linked to Teen Sleep Deprivation,” parents are provided with seven tips to help teenagers avoid sleep deprivation.
Set Screen Time Boundaries.
Establish a Bedtime Routine.
Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment.
Designate a Screen-Free Zone.
Watch Out for Evening Stimulants.
Get Those Extra 30 Minutes.
Remove Electronic Devices.
Read the full blog post, which provides more detail on each of the seven tips.
Parent Education Series: District to Host Three Parent Engage 360 Events
Join parents and guardians from the Anoka-Hennepin Schools community for information and resources to support the needs of students today.
The big picture: Anoka-Hennepin is hosting three Parent Engage 360 community and parent education events during the 2023-24 school year. These events aim to provide resources for parents and guardians to support their students and others in the community. Topics range from mental health, chemical health, internet safety, and more. Parent Engage 360 forum events are offered both in-person and in virtual formats and are free and open to the public.
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