AVHS Update Newsletter: October
Updated October 19
IMPORTANT DATES FOR OCTOBER
October 20 & 21: NO SCHOOL State teachers convention
October 28: EAGLE DAY: Connections and Collaboration
Information Included In This Update:
- Connection and Collaboration Day October 28th
- Tissue Box Donations Needed
- AP Testing
- MAMMA MIA! tickets on sale soon
Apple Valley High School to host inaugural Esports College Fair!
- Grief Group at AVHS
- Digital Well-Being
Friday, October 28th is an Eagle Day: What Families Need to Know…
Friday, October 28th will be our second AVHS Connection & Collaboration Eagle Day. Our Eagle days have been designed as blocks of time for academic and social-emotional support to meet the needs of students during the school day. During this time, students will receive academic support, participate in relearning, make up labs or tests and quizzes, study quietly and collaborate with classmates on group projects.
To report an absence for a student, please either use the District 196 Absence Report Form or call 952-431-8299.
Common Questions About Eagle Days
Q1. When is the next Connection & Collaboration Eagle Day?
Our next Eagle Day of the 22-23 school year will take place on Friday, October 28th. The designated block of time for academic and social-emotional support will take place between 7:30 and 9:00 am. Following the Eagle time, we will run an alternative schedule for all seven classes. First hour begins at 9:05 am.
Q2. How do I know where to go and what to do during the Connection & Collaboration Eagle Days?
Students will either be requested by a teacher or self-study in the cafeteria/commons. If you are requested for intervention, your advisory teacher will let you know on Wednesday. Parents can expect to receive an email through Schoolmessenger if their student has been identified as needing additional academic support.
Q3. Are Connection & Collaboration Eagle Days school days?
Yes. Students will attend all seven of their classes on these days beginning at 9:05 am. Attendance will be taken as usual. Families must approve an absence during the intervention block from 7:40 to 9:00 am.
Q4. Why did AVHS add Connection & Collaboration Eagle Days to the schedule?
Based on our experiences over the past few years, we know that regular intervention periods are powerful. We also know that students benefit from the opportunity to connect with their teachers and peers in smaller settings.
Digital Well Being Presentation for Parents: November 12th
Erin Walsh and Digital Well-Being on Saturday, November 12
Erin Walsh of Mind Positive Parenting will speak about kids and screen time on Saturday, November 12, 9:30-11 a.m., at Eastview High School. The program is part of the district’s year-long Digital Well-Being campaign. Attendance is free and encouraged, but registration is required.
Learn more and register now!
Tissue Box Donations Needed
AVHS PRESENTS: MAMMA MIA!
Tickets for our fall musical Mamma Mia! on sale October 26th.
For more information:
Apple Valley High School to host inaugural Esports College Fair!
Ever wondered what could come of the hours your student plays video games every night? Dreamed of playing esports professionally?
Take the next step and meet with College and University programs in our area and learn how esports continues at the collegiate level!
Representatives will showcase their scholarships, facilities, programs, teams and staff from the following schools: Bethany Lutheran College – Concordia St. Paul – Minnesota State University Mankato – North Central University - University of Minnesota – University of Wisconsin River Falls - More information from other programs across the United States will be available to take away as well.
Thursday, November 17th, 2:30 – 4:00 PM
Apple Valley High School - Community Rooms
14450 Hayes Road, Apple Valley MN 55124
Open to all District 196 students and families.
More information can be found on our website: avhs.info/esports
Growing Through Grief Group
Apple Valley High School is partnering with Park Nicollet’s Growing Through Grief Program again this year. Growing Through Grief is a school-based program provided by Park Nicollet Foundation and Park Nicollet Health Services.
Growing Through Grief will continue to offer a peer support group at AVHS for students that have lost a close family member/significant person. The counselors facilitate the sessions in a way that offers the students a way to express their emotions while honoring their loved ones, embracing the healing process, and finding hope. All grief counselors are mental health professionals that provide developmentally appropriate grief curriculum designed and inspired by years of experience and collaboration across the professional grief community.
If you would like to have your student be part of the Growing Through Grief Group, please contact your student’s school counselor.
Last Name A-Co Michelle.Gustafson@district196.org
Last Name Cr-Hi Don.Perkins@district196.org
Last Name Ho-Mn Val.Fogolin@district196.org
Last Name Mo-R Lisa.Schmidt@district196.org
Last Name S-Z Ellen.Perkins@district196.org
Who Do I Go To For Help?
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. Log in to Campus Portal for attendance, grades, and schedules.
Grades. Log in to Schoology and see in-progress grades and missing assignments.
Contacting teachers. Click here for a list of teacher e-mail addresses.
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.
Cut Through the Clutter of Email: Sign Up for Text Messages
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.
Infinite Campus
CLICK HERE FOR HELP
Schoology
CLICK HERE FOR HELP
Protection Plans
District 196 is once again offering an optional iPad Protection Plan for the 2022-23 school year to help protect against unexpected costs for accidental damage to or loss of a district-issued iPad. For more info go to
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
Stay Connected and Updated with AVHS
5 THINGS TO KNOW IN 5 MINUTES Week of October 10th
Q1. When are picture retakes?
Picture retakes are in the morning on Wednesday, October 12. Students will be excused from a specific class based on their last name to take a picture in room F155. To order pictures: mylifetouch.com picture ID EVTQKG762
Q2. My student is registered for the PSAT on Wednesday. Where do they go?
Registration for the PSAT is closed at this time. For students registered for the PSAT, they should report to Gym D by 7:30 am with a calculator and No. 2 pencils.
Q3. When is the bus safety drill for students in grades 9 and 10?
AVHS will conducted the annual and state-required bus safety evacuation drill for students in grades 9 and 10 on Thursday, October 13. Students go outside for this drill and should be sure to dress accordingly!
Q4. How much class time is left in this trimester?
The recent parent-teacher conferences typically mark the midway point of a trimester grading period. This midterm mark is a great opportunity for students and families to check in-progress grades on Schoology and make a plan for end-of-trimester success! Finals for Trimester 1 are November 30 and December 1.
Q5. When is the next Eagle Day?
Our next Eagle Day opportunity for students in need of academic intervention will be Friday, October 28. As we did in September, students will receive invitations from teachers in the week leading up to October 28.
District 196 Foundation: 2nd Annual Celebration October 14, 2022
The District 196 Foundation will host its 2nd annual Celebration event on Friday, October 14, 2022, at the Minnesota Vikings Museum in Eagan. The event is a fundraiser that will support the foundation’s mission to eliminate barriers to learning for students in Independent School District 196. Guests can enjoy live music, a tour of the museum, hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and a short program. The event is open to all. Tickets cost $50 per person ($30 of which is tax deductible). Space is limited, so register now at www.district196foundation.org/events.
To donate, visit https://www.district196foundation.org/donate
WCCO and AVHS Alumnus AJ Hilton Returns Home
Please see the links below highlighting WCCO’s AJ Hilton’s return to AVHS and his feature story on Apple Valley High School’s nationally-renowned speech and debate program. Go Eagles!
How AVHS’s Forensics Program Inspires and Empowers Students https://youtu.be/JGqV4pLXtcM
AJ returns to AVHS https://youtu.be/kWcSVGGN5v0
AVHS touts nationally renowned speech and debate program https://youtu.be/TTBLATEGK60
National Hispanic Heritage Month
Discover documents, exhibits, films, blog posts, and more from the National Archives and Presidential Libraries that highlight Hispanic culture.
Picture Retake Day
- Last names A - D: Period 1
- Last names E - K: Period 2
- Last names L - P: Period 3
- Last names Q - Z: Period 4
We ask that students stick to this schedule as much as possible. If a student needs to come down during a different hour (for instance, because of a test or other classroom activity they should not miss), that is OK. Questions about picture orders should be directed to Lifetouch.
PSAT Registration
Fall Conferences - Thursday, Oct 6th & Friday, Oct 7th
Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday, October 6 (4pm-7pm) and Friday, October 7 (7:30am-10:30am).
Families were sent an email to sign up for a conference time slot via the PTC Fast system that we used in the past. You will have the option to come to AVHS at the time you selected and meet with the teacher in person or access the teacher’s zoom link for a virtual conference during the time for which you registered.
https://www.ptcfast.com/schools/AVHSFallConferences22
Due to high demand, interpreters are available on a limited basis for in-person or conferences conducted via Zoom. Please contact Teresa Stepka at teresa.stepka@district196.org to request an interpreter.
You can purchase your 2023 yearbook on our website at the cheapest price of the year through September 30th.
2023 Yearbooks are now being assembled! You can purchase your 2023 yearbook on our website at the cheapest price of the year through September 30th. Books are on sale for $85 and will go up to $90 beginning October 1st. Go to the AVHS website, Families Yearbook Info for the link to purchase.
Seniors are able to upload a portrait to be used in the yearbook in place of their school picture until December 1st, 2022. Pictures must be high-resolution headshots (just the chest up). No full-body shots, props, or images with filters will be accepted. Yearbook advisors reserve the right to ask for an alternate photo to be submitted if a submission does not meet the picture requirements. To check the status of your student’s senior photo, click the link on the AVHS website.
Senior families can purchase a graduation ad for their seniors to be printed in the yearbook! A graduation ad can honor your graduating senior with well wishes and photos of your choosing. Prices and sizes are determined by Josten’s and the designing of the ad is done through Josten’s website. For more information, check with your senior for a flier coming home the week of September 19-23 from their advisory teacher, or check our website for the link.
Lastly, we still have some 2022 yearbooks for sale in the main office at their end-of-year price of $101.77 (including tax). If you would like to purchase one, come by the main office after school with cash or check (made out to Josten’s). We have a limited quantity so these will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Questions? Please contact the Yearbook Adviser, Kristin Blatzheim, at Kristin.blatzheim@district196.org
5 THINGS TO KNOW IN 5 MINUTES Week of October 3rd
Conferences are on Thursday, October 6 from 4 to 7 pm, and Friday, October 7 from 7:30 am to 10:30 am.
Q2. Are conferences live or on Zoom?
They are both. Families sign up for times to meet with a teacher. The teacher will send an e-mail that will include a room number and a Zoom link. Families can decide to attend in person or use the Zoom link.
Q3. How do we sign up for conferences?
Included in this message and on the front page of the AVHS website is a link to "PTCFast" a conference scheduling system used by many schools in District 196. Families select the teachers they want to meet with, then receive an e-mail link to a calendar to select available times.
Q4. Do students have school on Friday?
No, there is no school for students on Friday.
Q5. Wait, isn't there a home football on Thursday night, along with conferences?
Yes. Because of officiating shortages, the high school league had to move many high school football games away from their traditional Fridays to Thursdays and Saturdays. Please plan accordingly if you are attending conferences or the game! The football game starts at 7 pm and we anticipate the parking lot will fill up as the game approaches.
5 THINGS TO KNOW IN 5 MINUTES: Week of September 26th
Fall Conferences are on October 6th and 7th. More information will be coming to sign up for a specific time to meet with your student's teachers.
Q2. How will I sign up for conferences?
Families will receive an email next week to sign up for a conference time slot via the PTC Fast. You can come to AVHS at the time you selected and meet with the teacher in person or access the teacher’s zoom link for a virtual conference.
Q3. Will interpreters be available?
Due to high demand, interpreters are available on a limited basis for in-person or conferences conducted via Zoom. Please contact Teresa Stepka at teresa.stepka@district196.org to request an interpreter.
Q4. Can I buy a yearbook for my student?
Yes. 2021-22 yearbooks are available to purchase directly from Apple Valley High School by stopping in the main office. You can purchase your 2023 yearbook on our website at the lowest price of the year through September 30th. Books are on sale for $85 and will go up to $90 beginning October 1st. Go to the AVHS website, Families Yearbook Info to purchase.
Q5. Is there school Friday, September 30th?
Friday, September 30th is a Data day for teachers and no school for students.
Expectations for Football Games
Supporting our Eagles at competitions, performances, and events is one of the best parts of the high school experience. We would like to remind students and parents about the expectations for students who attend home football games to ensure a safe, fun, and positive environment for everyone.
Tickets will be sold through the third quarter. Following the third quarter, the gate will be closed. We do not allow re-entry to the game without the purchase of another ticket.
No outside food or drinks are allowed in the stadium
No abusive, inappropriate language or unruly behavior will be allowed
No taunting of individual players or officials
No throwing of objects or any projectile onto the field or in the stands
No use of any prohibited items (artificial noisemakers, unauthorized signs, etc…)
Students are expected to sit/stand in the student section (north end of home bleachers)
- Students are not allowed to bring in bags or backpacks into the stadium
- Students are expected to be in the stands watching the game rather than congregating behind the stands or in the concessions area
- Students should pre-arrange for rides to be on-site prior to the conclusion of the game.
Consequences apply regardless of whether the misbehavior took place in school, on District property, in a district vehicle, at a school or district activity, or at a school bus stop. When fans attending athletic events violate the above expectations, they may be asked to leave the event (by a school official) and may be prevented from attending future events.
We appreciate your help with the implementation of these expectations and rules at AVHS events. Thank you for supporting the AVHS football team as they take the field against their opponents.
Cory A. Hanson
Athletic Director
952-431-8204
⚽️🏈🏊♂️⚾️🤼⛸🤸♂️🏀🎿🥍⛳️🏐🎾
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.
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