AVHS Update
Sunday, February 28
Message from the Principal
Dear AVHS Parents and Guardians,
The past week has been one of the most challenging and fulfilling weeks of my career. As I stood outside to greet the students on Monday and Tuesday, I found myself filled with a range of emotions as students emerged from the doors of their busses or cars. Our students returned with the heartbreak of losing a classmate, the excitement in seeing a teacher who is your go-to human, and the energy that coincides with any first day of school (for the 3rd time…) all rolled into one week as they returned to AVHS and I got to see it all from the front doors.
Standing in the cold required me to lean in and make sure I could adequately match names to eyes as the students made their way towards the school. With masks properly affixed and many with winter hats pulled down low we greeted one another and my heart filled with joy. After months of “visiting” their virtual classrooms and seeing many with little more than a black screen and a name, maybe a forehead, and ceiling, or others framed from the shoulders above- here they were in returning to the nest. They were back and it was wonderful.
Teachers and students spent much of the week figuring it out. Relationships and routines were re-established. After so many transitions and changes, I wasn't sure what to expect. I spent each afternoon stopping in classrooms to check-in and see them in action. I can say that smiles were evident behind the masks, classroom connections are back in business, and it’s hard to imagine being more thankful to be able to work with your kids in-person again. We get to earn a living caring for your kids and our AVHS staff can't imagine a greater privilege than that. Thanks for sharing your most important people with us as we look forward to a great second week and a strong finish to a challenging trimester. Take care. Be well. Go Eagles!
Drew Mons
Principal
(952) 431-8788
How to Help a Teen Out of a Homework Hole
Empathy will get you further than anger. What students who have fallen behind need most are problem-solving partners.
Work together to diagnose the problem/prioritize courses with a to-do list. This isn't about you being in trouble or getting off the hook," you might say. "It's simply about figuring out what's going wrong so we can solve the right problem."
Create a routine with one or more distraction-free “power hours” each day.
Use available resources like 1-on-1 help with teachers on Zoom from 1:45 to 2:45 pm each day or in-person with a teacher request on Wednesdays.
Step back to see the big picture. As the NYT author writes, “This year, more than most, might be one where students gain a deeper understanding of how they respond when feeling overwhelmed and how to ask for help or rebound from setbacks- lessons that they will draw on long after the pandemic is gone.”
In-Person Additional Support on Wednesday, March 3
Using criteria based on grade data, AVHS invited in students for in-person intervention last week on Wednesday, February 24. Many students experienced success working with teachers to turn in assignments, complete assessments, and further their learning. We asked families to RSVP for both February 24 and March 3 in the initial invitation; students who attended last week's intervention are welcome to attend again on March 3.
AVHS Faculty and Staff are available for support for *all* students via Schoology, E-mail, and Zoom on Wednesdays from 9:30 - 1:40.
We will evaluate grade data again this week and extend a new round of invitations to students and families for in-person intervention for Wednesday, March 10. Please watch your e-mail for an invitation. Students can also work directly with teachers or counselors to request an invitation.
Spring Sports Registration Now Open
Apple Valley High School is excited to announce that spring sports registration is now open!
Most Athletic practices and tryouts are set to begin on March 29, 2021. All spring athletes should make sure that they have had a physical within the last three years before they attempt to register. Registration is required to participate in high school athletics through https://www.mypaymentsplus.com/welcome.
We will adhere to the recommendations made by the Minnesota Department of Health and ISD 196 regarding required and recommended protocols necessary to create a safe, Covid-19 sensitive, education based athletic environment.
Each Head Coach for your sport is in the process of creating their tryout and/or practice schedule. Check the “Athletics” page on the AVHS Website for more information about locations and times.
Click here for athletic registration and payment information: https://avhs.district196.org/athletics/athletic-registration
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
USDA Approves Additional Nutrition Benefits
Families in our district who qualify for free or reduced-price meals are now eligible for additional emergency nutritional benefits offered from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.
If you have already qualified for free or reduced-price meals earlier this school year, you don’t need to do anything because your family will automatically receive these new benefits.
Senior Party Information
The Senior Party Planning Committee is now accepting registrations for the all-night party planned for June 5 - 6. For more information about the senior party, please visit the Senior Information Page of the AVHS website. (Found under "Families").
Parking Permits Now On Sale for Trimester 3
There are no parking passes required for the last few weeks of Trimester 2 (February 22 - March 15.)
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.
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.
Text Message Updates
Texts are delivered via SchoolMessenger, the mass notification service the district uses for phone calls and email messages. Parents must opt-in to receive text messages. Standard message and data rates may apply.
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.
*Only SMS numbers listed as Guardians in the Infinite Campus student information system can receive texts.
**If you do not receive a confirmation message of what appears to be an error message, it most likely means that short code texting is not enabled on your wireless plan.
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