AVHS Update Newsletter
Sunday, December 19th
Important Upcoming Dates at AVHS
Dec. 23 - 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: Winter Break
Dear AVHS Families,
Thursday, Dec. 23 will be a day of no school for all District 196 students and a non-duty day for all district employees. Please note that AVHS will be CLOSED for the entire duration of winter break (Dec. 23-Jan 2.) with the exception of scheduled practices and events.
I want to wish you all a very rest-filled winter break. With winter break starting on Thursday of this week, I also want to thank you for all you have done to support your students and our staff during what has been a challenging, but also successful transition back to in-person learning at AVHS. We have resumed some of the wonderful events and activities that bring life to our AVHS community and remind us of all that school can be.
Please model and encourage taking time to catch up on your sleep debt. Enjoy time with friends and family without chirping notifications and alerts from electronics. Think about reading a book that has nothing to do with a grade or anything. Have fun, cook a meal, tackle a household project together, watch movies, play outside, etc... just make sure that you are taking care of yourselves and one another!
I am very hopeful that we can continue this momentum into the second half of the school year. We look forward to seeing our students and staff return on Monday, January 3rd. Until we meet again, thank you very much, and, have a wonderful, well-deserved winter break!
Drew Mons
Principal
(952) 431-8788
COVID-19 Test Kits Available to Students
District 196 families received an email from the district’s COVID-19 Team about receiving a free COVID-19 rapid test kit in your student’s backpack, provided by the Minnesota Department of Health. This message is to inform you that the test will be available on December 21.
Please note: This test provided by the Minnesota Department of Health requires an electronic device with internet access, and the directions are only provided in English. If you do not have a device with internet access or you need a test with instructions in Spanish or Somali, please contact the school for an alternative brand of test. If you do not want the test, you can consider giving it to another family member or friend or sending it back to us.
How do I check on the use of my student’s iPad?
There are many checks in place to safeguard the use of your student’s iPad put in by the district that cannot be removed. If you would like to place your own level of security on the device then we recommend creating your own Screen Time settings on the device. This can be done in a Passive way that requires a check on the device when requested, or an Active way where the device can be inventoried at any time on a personal Apple device.
First, it is a good time to update the device. Go to Settings, select General from the left side and then Software Update. At the time of writing this, the most recent update is iPadOS 15.2. AVHS does not enable screen time on devices - if it is currently on it was enabled by someone and can be requested to be removed through the website avhstech.help.
General Information on Screen Time: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208982
Parental Controls in Screen Time: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201304
Passive Option 1 (No Apple ID required, less secure):
Go to Settings > Screen Time.
Tap Turn On Screen Time.
Tap Continue.
Select “This is My iPad”.
Tap Use Screen Time Passcode, then enter a passcode when prompted. Re-enter the passcode to confirm.
After you turn on Screen Time, you'll see a report showing how you use your device, apps, and websites. Request to see your students device and log into Screen Time by entering your passcode to see the results.
Passive Option 2 (Apple ID required, no Apple product required)
Go to Settings and tap Screen Time.
Tap Continue, then choose "This is My Child's iPad."
Follow the prompts until you get to Parent Passcode and enter a passcode. Re-enter the passcode to confirm. In iOS 13.4 and later, after you confirm your passcode you'll be asked to enter your Apple ID and password.
After you turn on Screen Time, you'll see a report showing how you use your device, apps, and websites. Request to see your students device and log into Screen Time by entering your passcode to see the results. Passcode can be reset using a web browser and your Apple ID.
Active (Requires an Apple ID, & Apple product):
Go to Settings and tap Screen Time.
Tap Continue, then choose "This is My Child's iPad."
Follow the prompts until you get to Parent Passcode and enter a passcode. Re-enter the passcode to confirm. In iOS 13.4 and later, after you confirm your passcode you'll be asked to enter your Apple ID and password.
On an Apple product using the same Apple ID entered above:
You can now monitor your student’s device through Screen Time on your device.
Make sure to choose a passcode that's different from the passcode that you use to unlock your personal device. To change or turn off the passcode on your child's device, tap Settings > Screen Time > [your child's name]. Then tap Change Screen Time Passcode or Turn Off Screen Time Passcode, and authenticate the change with Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode.
Have any questions? Contact us through avhstech.help.
Registration for 2022-23 Courses Begins in January
Our Registration Guides and Registration Sheets are now updated and linked at https://tinyurl.com/Reg2022-23. As we update our videos, they will be linked here as well.
- Wed, January 12 - 8th grade Parent/Guardian Night, self-guided tours (6pm-7pm) and parent meeting (7pm in the theatre)
- Wed, January 19 - 9:30 AM - VMSS, FRMS, SHMS student presentations at AVHS
- Thurs, January 20 - All Day - AVHS counselors visit VMSS and FRMS for registration
- Registration Website: https://avhs.district196.org/families/avhs-counselors
Please visit the AVHS Student Services Newsletter for more details as registration for the 2022-23 school takes place through the month of January.
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):
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
A Note from the Senior Party Planning Committee
The Senior Party Planning Committee for 2022 is thrilled to announce:
COUNTDOWN TO THE BIG PARTY – "DECADES" - HAS BEGUN! SAVE THE DATE for Saturday, June 4th, 2022. The fun will start at 8:30 pm, and end on Sunday, June 5th, at 5 am.
This event is not to be missed. So many great things are in the works! Stay connected with us via the established school Twitter and Instagram Sites. A Facebook group for the Senior Party will be set up soon.
Please check back at this AVHS website for all things Graduation 2022: https://avhs.district196.org/families/senior-information.
We are excited to share more details with our Eagle families as this fun day approaches!
COMING SOON: We will have options to purchase your senior's ticket for the night.
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 during school hours.
Masks are REQUIRED to be worn by all staff and students riding in District 196 school buses and other vehicles as part of instructional programming (e.g. to and from school, field trips, educational outings), and co-curricular activities (e.g. after-school sports and other activities, high school athletics, etc) per the CDC’s federal order.
Masks are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for participants and spectators at South Suburban Conference- and Minnesota State High School League-sponsored events at District 196 facilities, regardless of vaccination status
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.
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.
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.
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