Coyote Chronicles
October 3, 2023
A message from the principal
The start of a school year is a time of great excitement and promise. At Andover, we are motivated to address the downward trend in reading scores that are also seen throughout the country. We believe that reading is not only a fundamental skill but also a gateway to understanding, exploration, and personal growth. We are dedicated to providing our Coyotes with the tools, strategies, and support they need to become proficient readers and critical thinkers. Our skilled teachers are also passionate in igniting the love for reading within every student.
As we begin this year’s educational journey, I would like to emphasize the important role that parental involvement plays in a child's reading development. We know the simple act of reading is one of the most powerful tools for a child to grow. This is the reason we ask you to support your child's reading progress by establishing a nightly reading routine at home. Whether it's reading a bedtime story, tackling a chapter book together, or encouraging independent reading time, the benefits of this habit cannot be overstated. This is a time for your child to build on their existing knowledge and practice skills they learned at school that will serve as the foundation for their future success.
Let's work together to make this school year a resounding success, filled with the joy of reading and the promise of a bright future for our Coyotes.
News from the APTCO
Sending a huge thank you to our AMAZING Coyote families and to all who participated in collecting donations for Walk-a-Thon! Because of your generosity, we currently raised almost $30,000! Some late donations are still coming in so the grand total will be announced at our upcoming APTCO meeting.
We would also like to thank all our wonderful volunteers who helped students run the obstacle course during the day and those who helped at our Family Fun Night event that evening. A special thank you to the Minnesota Blue Ox Hockey Team for coming out to cheer on our Coyotes as they walked the track. It was a perfect night to celebrate the success of our fundraiser. And thank you to the food trucks: White Rabbit, Eckbom Concessions, Mama’s Taco Truck, Sweet Toppings, and Maui Wowi Hawaiian Smoothies, for feeding all our hungry Coyotes and their families!
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, October 12th at 6:30pm in the South Media Center (please enter through door #1). We will be announcing the grand total of donations raised and recap our Walk-a-Thon fundraiser, discussing upcoming events, and as always, we will hear from Mr. Van Voorhis. We hope to see you there!
Remember to follow us on Facebook to get updates and reminders of upcoming events!
Check out our website: Click here
Child nutrition update
The state’s Free School Meals program to begin in 2023, families will still need to apply to qualify for more educational benefits
Starting Sept. 5, 2023, every student may receive one breakfast and one lunch at no cost during the school year. The state’s Free School Meals program will cover the cost of one breakfast meal and one lunch meal for every student daily, however the cost of a la carte items, such as milk, other drinks, or extra meal items will not be covered. Students will need to have funds in their meal accounts to purchase any additional food items.
If your family needs access to any other educational benefits available to your student, please visit ahschools.us/freereduced to complete an application.
The enrollment window for the 2023 Applications for Educational Benefits begins Aug. 1, 2023.
Anoka-Hennepin asks that all families complete an online application to provide additional school funding to support all students in the district. By filling out this application, your school can earn funding and you can save money.
Educational benefits include:
Athletics fees: Eligible students may qualify for fees to be waived or reduced.
SAT, ACT, AP Fees: Students may be eligible for discounted fees for academic tests and some lab fees.
Other high school activities: Students may qualify for discounts on speech, debate, theater, band and others.
Additional benefits and cost savings: Chromebook device protection, Comcast Internet Essentials discount, Amazon Prime membership discounts, discounted bus fares with Metro Transit, Xcel Energy account assistance, discounts at museums and theaters.
Volunteer news
Thank you to all who generously gave their time by volunteering in the month of September! A HUGE thank you to all who have volunteered in the lunchroom to help our kindergarten students learn the lunch routine. Also, thank you so much to those who volunteered for picture day and Walk-a-thon last week. Volunteers play a vital role at Andover Elementary and you make a tremendous impact!
Upcoming opportunities include:
General Volunteering in our workroom
Kindergarten and 3rd Field Trips (all chaperones must complete a volunteer application to be considered to chaperone)
Veterans Wall of Honor - Brick Wall Assembly
Santa's Brunch Planning Committee
Enrichment Programs - K Skills Builder, Math Plus and Challenge Reading
To learn more or to sign up, visit: Andover Elementary Volunteer Headquarters
Oct. 03 - Conferences 4:15 - 7:10 PM
Oct. 05 - Conferences 7:50 - 8:30 AM & 4:15 - 7:10 PM
Oct. 12 - APTCO Mtg - 6:30 - 7:30 PM - S. Media Ctr.
Oct. 18 - No School - Staff Development
Oct. 19-20 - No School - MEA
Nov. 01 - Picture Retake Day
Nov. 09 - APTCO Mtg - 6:30 - 7:30 PM - S. Media Ctr.
Nov. 10 - Veterans Day Program
Nov. 16 - Turkey Bingo
Nov. 22 - No School - Conference Conversion Day
Nov. 23-24 - Thanksgiving Break
Nov. 30 - End of Trimester 1
This e-newsletter is published by Andover Elementary School. Questions, comments or concerns about the school e-newsletter? Contact us.