AVHS Update
Sunday, May 2
Message from the Principal- AVHS Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week
Dear AVHS Parents and Guardians,
This week marks the celebration of National Teacher Appreciation Week. Keeping with tradition, we will commemorate this as Apple Valley High School Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week, as we know that it takes EVERYONE to make a school work! I know I keep saying it, but now that we are 13 months into the most challenging era of teaching and learning, I am blown away by what our teachers and other staff members have done. It’s incredible. They have completely shifted and reimagined their roles as educators by continuing to serve their students in virtual spaces, hybrid, distance, over 70-minute block period schedules, through 38-minute lessons, with voice amplifiers, masks, shields, and now by the seemingly impossible task of in-person and Zooming in at the same time.
It’s important to note that our teachers, paras, kitchen staff, secretaries, and custodians have done this while also taking care of their own kids, family members, and extended family members/parents due to COVID-related concerns and the challenges that are part of everyday life. Our teachers and staff at Apple Valley High School are the most dedicated and committed educators I’ve ever worked with. They embrace challenges and love our students fiercely. For over a year, they have navigated a balancing act that no one should have to tackle, and they have done it with grace and resilience out of their love for our school community. They deserve our respect and deep gratitude.
We will be celebrating our teachers and other staff members this week with a variety of treats, snacks, and donated goodies from parent groups and our administrative team. More than anything, I would encourage you as a student, parent/guardian to block out some time and consider sending a thank you note, recording a video, making a call, or crafting a quick email to share your gratitude for their work over the course of this pandemic. Lastly, If you want to consider making a donation or have other ideas you’d like to offer, please email or call me directly as we would like to continue to celebrate our AVHS teachers and staff members beyond this designated week. Take care. Be well. Go Eagles!
Drew Mons
Principal
(952) 431-8788
Live Theatre Returns to AVHS
Apple Valley High School’s Performing Arts Department will present “Disney’s Newsies: A Broadway Musical” on the AVHS campus on May 6, 7, 8, and 9. The event will be held on an outdoor stage. The audience is invited to sit in the school’s parking lot (BYOC - Bring Your Own Chair, please!) in a physically distanced atmosphere to enjoy singing, dancing, and a fun, family-friendly story.
Under the direction of Twin Cities-area theatre professional Erin Schwab, the cast and crew of Newsies are excited to present live theatre once again to the people of Apple Valley and the surrounding communities. Tickets to this production will be limited to comply with appropriate public health guidelines, and tickets must be purchased in advance (there are no tickets available at the “door.”)
In Disney’s “Newsies,” Jack Kelly and his ragtag team of newsboys make a meager living selling newspapers on the city streets of New York City. But when the prices of “papes” are hiked, and the newsies are hung out to dry, there is nothing left to do but “open the gates and seize the day!” Led by charismatic Jack and independent, young newspaper reporter Katherine Plumber, the newsies form a union and organize a strike against the greedy publisher of the New York World. Can a group of idealistic newsboys win against a foe as powerful as acclaimed publisher Joseph Pulitzer?
AVHS hopes to see many faces at this wonderful event! Tickets are on sale now at: www.seatyourself.biz/avhs
Showtimes:
May 6, 7, and 8 at 7:00 pm
May 9 at 2:00 pm
Graduation 2021
Graduation 2021
The high schools in District 196 continue to meet, review public health guidance, and plan for Graduation 2021. We expect the District to make an announcement this week with details, including times and locations, for 2021 Graduation Ceremonies. Apple Valley High School continues to plan for a graduation ceremony on the afternoon of Saturday, June 5. Please watch your e-mail and the school and district websites for more information to come this week.
Graduation cap, gown and tassel:
- Click HERE to verify whether you ordered a cap and gown.
- The order form is now closed. If you did not order your cap and gown, please contact Ms. Yermishkin at susan.yermishkin@district196.org
- Email confirmations were sent after form is submitted
- Information is private and will not be shared
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").
Prom 2021
Prom Event Update
Voting for the Senior Prom Event Movie closes Sunday, May 2! Vote using the link below. Registration/tickets will be available later this week.
Prom Event Original Message
The following message was posted to the Senior Class Schoology page on the afternoon of Friday, April 16:
"Mark the date in your calendars for a celebratory Prom event on Saturday, May 15, 2021!
We all know that Prom 2021 will need to look different than traditional Prom. The current health guidelines around distancing do not allow for either a traditional dinner or a traditional dance. No high schools in District 196 are hosting dinners or dances. With that in mind, we set out to create an opportunity that would allow for the Class of 2021 to celebrate and be together, and to bring some positivity to a year in which we know it's been lacking.
We value the input that we've received from many seniors as we've discussed the pros and cons of various Prom events. "Prom" 2021 will be "A Night At the Movies!" The senior class is invited to AVHS on Saturday, May 15 at 7 pm to socialize together and watch a movie in an appropriately distanced, big-screen setting. This event will allow for the entire class to be together and does not require you to buy formalwear. We will decorate for the celebration and look to create a "red-carpet" atmosphere with opportunities for pictures and other ways to commemorate the event.
To comply with public health guidelines, members of the Class of 2021 will register for the event in pods of two to six students. Each pod of students will have their own space, and in order to minimize the possibility of viral transmission, students will need to stay with their pod throughout the night. Additionally, to keep the event manageable, only members of the AVHS Class of 2021 will be allowed to attend. The cost of the event will be $5 per student.
Keep your attention on this Schoology Class page in the next weeks for information on how to register for the event as well as a poll to determine the movie we will show.
We are excited to see all of you at "A Night At the Movies" on May 15!"
In-Person Additional Support on Wednesdays
We will evaluate grade data this week and extend invitations to students and families for in-person intervention for Wednesday, May 12th and 19th. Please watch your e-mail for an invitation later this week.
In the meantime, AVHS Faculty and Staff continue to be available for support for *all* students via Schoology, E-mail, and Zoom on Wednesdays from 9:30 am - 1:40 pm. Students can ride their regular bus (2 hours delayed at the same location), receive breakfast, lunch, and access additional academic support. Students can also work directly with their teachers or counselors if they have received an invitation for in-person support this week. Please contact your student's teacher to make this request if you would like to inquire about this opportunity.
District 196 Yard Signs Available
Reserve Your Free ISD 196 Yard Sign!
If you have been looking for a way to show support to our hard-working teachers and staff, now is your chance! Please join The District 196 Foundation in spreading gratitude throughout the district by displaying a (free!) yard sign.
Complete this form to reserve your sign. You will receive a follow-up email with information on where and when to pick up your sign. Sign quantity is limited; signs will be distributed according to order of response.
Thank you for helping us recognize teachers and staff this spring!
COVID-19 Notification and Updated Quarantine Guidance
District 196 has updated its quarantine guidance for people identified as being in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Beginning last week, the quarantine length for close contacts is now 10 days from possible exposure (reduced from 14) for people who, during their quarantine, show no symptoms of illness. District 196 personnel contacting families regarding quarantines will use this 10-day guidance in identifying a return-to-school date for students and staff.
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
Resource: Vaccines for 16- and 17-year olds
The Minnesota Department of Health has created a resource with information about COVID-19 vaccines for 16- and 17-year-olds.
At this time, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is the only COVID-19 vaccine that has been studied and authorized for use by 16 and 17 year olds. Data from Pfizer vaccine studies show the vaccine is safe and effective for this age group. Other vaccine manufacturers are also studying their vaccines in younger age groups but have not yet received authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Community Ed Updates
Like kids? Teach swimming, be a lifeguard and work in our pools!Financial assistance for training available. Apply today online!
Develop Your Sports Skills with our High School Coaches!
We’re collaborating with high school coaches to host a variety of quality, exciting sports camp opportunities for athletes in kindergarten to grade 12. Head coaches and assistants have planned and prepared camp activities that will promote skill improvement and good sportsmanship, all while having fun! Participants should register for camps based on their grade for the 2021-22 school year. Hurry, register now! Sports camps are filling fast!
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