AVHS Update
Sunday, January 31
Message from the Principal- Black History Month
Dear AVHS Families,
What we know as Black History Month was conceptualized by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the 2nd African American to earn a Ph. D. from Harvard University. Originally founded as a week--occurring the 2nd week of February from 1926 to 1976 when it became a month-long celebration--Dr. Woodson recognized how to broaden our understanding of how the past connects to our lives today and how the central thread of Black History can inspire us to think beyond the month of February in embracing stories of empowerment, liberation, engagement, and identity.
Perhaps we wouldn’t need a designated month of cultural heritage such as National Hispanic Heritage (September), American Indian Heritage (November), Women’s History (March), or Asian American and Jewish American Heritage (May) if these stories were more present year-round. We strive to get there. At AVHS, we believe that in their short four years of high school, students deserve opportunities to examine art, history, literature, science, and cultures that have helped to shape our story both locally and globally.
During this month, AVHS plans to celebrate individuals that paved the foundation for us to build on. We will invite alumni to meet with students during advisory to share their career paths, family history, and provide breakouts for students. We will host conversations to share the joys and frustrations of our school with Black parents, teachers, and students. We will create spaces to inspire students to explore and share about Black History, culture, and current events using art as the vehicle for expression. We know it won’t be perfect, but we embrace a sense of urgency to tell a more complete and compelling view of our collective story.
As educators and parents, we play an important role in ensuring that all students learn the full story of the American experience. The richness of a more complete story not only provides a more accurate and thorough understanding of present-day challenges, but also prompts us to celebrate, empower, and better ourselves and our communities. We will share opportunities for participation and look forward to co-authoring the story together. Please reach out to me by email or phone and share your ideas on how to celebrate and recognize this important month. Take care. Be well. Go Eagles!
Drew Mons
Principal
(952) 431-8788
Secondary Learning Model Update- Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 5 pm
However, the goal of the District 196 plan is to return secondary students to some form of hybrid learning by March 8th. Distance learning will continue to be an option for families who do not want their children to attend school in-person. As always, our plan is contingent upon local COVID-19 data.
The meeting will be conducted electronically starting at 5 p.m. It can be viewed live on our YouTube channel. For more information about how to view the meeting, visit the School Board page on their website.
Arts and Activities Updates
National Letter of Intent Signing February 3
February 3, 2021 is the second of three signing time periods for prospective senior student-athletes, who have played at Apple Valley, to sign their National Letter of Intent. We will host this event at 2:00 pm in the AVHS Theatre. Limited family will be allowed to attend.
There is one more scheduled signing day in April. If you have a senior student who is planning to sign a letter of intent for D-I or D-II athletics, please contact Athletic Director Virgil Jones.
Stream Sports Online
Many Apple Valley Athletics events are available to stream online. 10th - 12th grade level events in the gymnasium or arena are available through the NFHS Network. There is a fee for this service.
9th grade boys basketball and boys swim and dive is available via the AVHS EagleMedia YouTube page.
Athletics Schedules
Student-Authored One-Act Play to Premiere this Week
Performances will be streamed, free of charge, on the AVEagleMedia YouTube page. Performances are:
Friday, February 5, 7:00 pm
Saturday, February 6, 7:00 pm
Sunday, February 7, 6:00 pm
Broadway 2021 is Under Production
Extra! Extra! AVHS to produce Disney's "Newsies"
Graduation and Senior Party
Apple Valley High School is planning for an in-person graduation ceremony at Mariucci Arena on the University of Minnesota campus at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 5. Our ability to hold this ceremony as planned will depend on public health guidelines, and we will release more details as the date gets closer.
There is a group of parents in the Class of 2021 who are planning a Senior All-Night Party on that night. Stay tuned to your e-mail and this weekly newsletter for more information to come very soon.
As with all events in the past year, the details of both graduation and the all-night party will depend on public health guidance and the safety associated with holding large, in-person events. Stay tuned for more details to come as June gets closer!
7 Day Meal Kits Available at AVHS
7 Day Meal Kits are available for pick up near the AVHS entrance doors at the following times:
Monday 4:00pm- 5:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am- 9:00am
Wednesday 10:00am- 11:00am (Digital Academy Meals will continue)
Thursday 7:30am- 9:00am
Friday 7:30am- 9:00am
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.
COVID Notifications in Distance Learning
Please continue to call or email us if you or your child is ill or are experiencing symptoms, if you or your child is identified as a close contact to someone who is COVID-19 positive, and if there are any positive test results in your household. We are obligated to continue tracking this data for the district, county, and state, and will be assisting with contact tracing. This is also one of the data points that will be used in determining the learning model and our opportunities for in-person experiences.
It is important you and anyone in your household stay home and discontinue any activities outside of your household if you are feeling sick, regardless of whether symptoms are related to COVID-19. Less common symptoms of COVID-19 include sore throat; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; muscle pain; fatigue; headache; nasal congestion; runny nose, and chills. More common symptoms include fever over 100.4; new or worsening cough; difficulty breathing, and a new loss of taste or smell.
The state of Minnesota is providing barrier-free testing to every resident. You can order a test online and have it shipped to your home at no cost. Included in the test are instructions for taking the test and consulting with a health professional. Order your free at-home saliva test at https://learn.vaulthealth.com/state-of-minnesota/.
Our Licensed School Nurse at School is Lori Henke. Contact information is lori.henke@district196.org or 952.431.8220. School nurse office hours are 7:30 to 3:30. The school’s main number is 952.431.8200 and school hours are 7:30 to 3:30.
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.
Distance Learning Schedule at AVHS
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