
AVHS Family Newsletter: April
April 24, 2025
Important Upcoming Dates at Apple Valley High School
April 24, 25 Spring Play
April 25 NO SCHOOL Staff Development Day
April 28 - Red Cross Blood Drive
April 30 - Schoolwide Late Work Deadline Day
May 1 Prom Ticket Sales End
May 10 Prom
May 14 - Schoolwide Late Work Deadline Day
May 28 - Deadline for SENIOR Assignments for eligibility to participate in graduation services
May 31 Graduation Ceremony
What You Need to Know for This Week:
Activity Center Construction Begins Monday, April 28: North Lot CLOSED
Beginning April 28, 2025, we’ll turn over the North Lot to our general contractor for the Activity Center construction to begin.
North Lot Closure & Site Fence
Entire North Lot will be closed beginning April 28.
All existing stalls in that lot will be unavailable through the end of the project.
DESIGNATED DROP OFF LOCATION FOR STUDENTS NEEDING ASSISTANCE:
We will mark designated pickup locations for students that need additional support and safety upon arrival and departure from the building off of the south sidewalk leading to the speedbump and crosswalk – thank you in advance for your understanding, patience and support of our students who need safe entry and exit points during construction.
Spring Conferences
Red Cross Blood Drive 4/28/25
AVHS will be hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive on Monday, April 28th from 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Apple Valley High School Arena. Students who are 16 years of age or older (and any willing adults who want to stop by and donate!) are encouraged to donate. Adults / AVHS staff will be able to get a “fast pass” to the front of the line. Our school goal is 51 pints of blood. Link to information and appointment sign up is found here.
- If a student is 16 years of age, they need a parent / guardian to fill out this consent form.
- If you are a first time donor, please read over “What to Expect” along with weight requirements.
Please email Don Perkins with any questions: don.perkins@district196.org
PROM: A Starry, Starry Night, May 10
Prom Tickets and Parking Tickets On Sale Now
- Log into EduTrak at https://lobby.edutrak.com/
- Choose Athletics/Activities/Fine Arts Registration (red soccer ball)
- Click Register next to student’s name
- Scroll to 24-25 Apple Valley High School Prom
- Prom tickets sales end May 1, 2025
Prom Guest Forms:
- Available in the main office
- Guest ticket can be purchased from Ms. Stehly in the main office during lunch and after school if:
- We have received the approved form from the other school
- AVHS student has purchased their own ticket
- Prom guest form due my May 1, 2025. Late entries will NOT be accepted.
Sign Up for SUN Bucks
SUN Bucks is a new federal program (formerly known as Summer EBT) that provides $120 in child food benefits to bridge the summer meal gap. SUN Bucks is a joint effort with District 196 and MN Department of Children, Youth, and Families. The SUN Bucks card is mailed from MN Department of Children, Youth, and Families to the primary address District 196 has on file.
School-aged children between the ages of 7-17 whose households participate in specific public assistance programs or qualify to receive educational benefits can receive this summer benefit. Families not yet enrolled should apply for educational benefits through our school district. Access the state’s SUN Bucks webpage to learn more or visit the MNbenefits webpage for other support programs.
Gratitude from the Valley 🦅 💛
At AVHS, we believe in celebrating the people who make a difference every day.
If a teacher, coach, counselor, or staff member has impacted your student in a positive way, we invite you to share a short note of appreciation. Your message will be shared directly with the staff member as part of our “Gratitude from the Valley” initiative.
👉 Click here to share your note – it only takes a minute!
Thanks for helping us build a culture of kindness and recognition.
– Principal Mons
Class Of 2025 Graduation: May 31, 2025
Apple Valley High School - Class of 2025
Commencement Exercises
Saturday, May 31st 2025 - 3:30 PM
Senior Party May 31,2025
Registration for Senior Party Sat May 31st (8:30 pm - 4 am): ($90)
Graduates will arrive at AVHS early evening and will be bussed to Bowlero for games, food, bowling and prizes! They will be bussed back to AVHS for grand prizes and hypnotist show. Contact applevalleyseniorparty2025@gmail.com with any questions, special needs or concerns.
There are NO REFUNDS (duplicate purchases will be used as student scholarships)
AVHS Student ID required for admission
Registration & waiver will need to be completed online
Senior Yard Signs ($25)
If you purchase any yard signs we will contact you with information on where/when you can pick up your sign(s). Pick up your signs:
Contact Jolene White to pick up at her home (Burnsville): 651-775-8027 or pinkhugs@gmail.com
We will contact you with other times we will be at the high school for pick up!
Help us plan this event!
We have a great team who has started the planning process and we are looking for additional volunteers. This is a fun way to be involved in your Senior's final high school celebration. If you are curious, contact Jamie McIntosh at: applevalleyseniorparty2025@gmail.com.
Athletics and Activities Team of the Week
Infinite Campus
CLICK HERE FOR HELP
Schoology
CLICK HERE FOR HELP
EduTrak Connect
District 196 will process transactions for athletics/activities registrations, various school fees and fines, and school store purchases through the EduTrak Connect portal.
CLICK HERE FOR HELP
Who to 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.
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
Stay Connected and Updated with AVHS
Families can expect to receive updates from us on Fridays through Schoolmessenger. You can also stay connected by accessing our school website and by following us on social media.
Preparing For Weather-Related Schedule Changes
As winter approaches, we may need to adjust school schedules due to weather. Weather-Related Schedule Changes and E-Learning Plan
🚨Please check your Parent Portal to ensure we have your current contact information in the event of a school closing or schedule change due to weather.
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.
Follow the Eagles on Social Media
Commonly Needed Links
District 196 Community Ed Learning & Fun Opportunities
Four Strategies for a Smarter College Search
Mon | Feb 10 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | $15 | Live Online
Karate and Mixed Martial Arts-Kick Boxing (ages 6-adult)
Tue & Thu | Feb 18-Mar 20 | 7:00-8:00 p.m. | 9 sessions | $105 | WV
Additional class dates available!
Allegro Choral Academy (grades 6-9 – Bel Canto)
Thu | Feb 20-May 8 | 6:20-8:00 p.m. | 12 sessions | $155 | EVHS
Eagan Wildcat Football Quarterback Clinic (grades 6-9)
Sun | Feb 23-Mar 16 | 6:00-8:00 p.m. | 4 sessions | FREE | DHMS
Archery Adventure Camp (ages 9-17)
Mon | Feb 24-Mar 17 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | 4 sessions | $85 | PW
Advantage ACT Prep Course (grades 10-12)
Sat | Mar 1-Apr 12 | 9:00 a.m.-noon | 4 sessions | $180 | FRMS
Sun | Mar 2-Apr 13 | 1:00-4:00 p.m. | 4 sessions | $180 | BHMS
Tue | Mar 11-Apr 8 | 6:00-9:00 p.m. | 4 sessions | $180 | RMS
Thu | Mar 13-Apr 10 | 6:00-9:00 p.m. | 4 sessions | $180 | DHMS
Online options available as well…visit ce.district196.org for more information.
Old News/Archive
🎥 Conferencias de Padres y Maestros (Spanish)
🎥 Shirarka Waalidka iyo Macallinka ee (Somali)
April 15: Grades 9 and 12 E-Learning Day
AVHS Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week April 21 - 25
Apple Valley High School would like to celebrate our staff with staff appreciation week April 21-25 . We have such an amazing team of teachers, paraprofessionals, kitchen staff, custodial staff and office staff that love, support, motivate, encourage and educate our students we would like to recognize them with small treats and notes of gratitude.
If you have a story to share of how a teacher has inspired your child or would like to send a note of thanks to our teachers, please send an email to me at Drew.Mons@district196.org
If you would like to make a donation for staff appreciation week or the staff dinner before conferences April 24th, please contact Teresa.Willerscheidt@district196.org or 952-431-8201
April 15th: Grades 10 and 11 (In School) ACT Testing Day
- Grade 10: PreACT at AVHS
- Grade 11: The ACT at AVHS
- Schools in District 196 will offer the ACT test in school buildings on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, to students in grade 11. This test is free and there is no need to register. Students in grades 9 and 12 will participate in at-home learning on this day, while students in Grade 10 will take the PreACT in the building Tuesday, April 15. District 196 schools will offer the ACT with NO writing exam.
- Testing will happen on the student’s district-issued iPad. Please help your student to have the device ready and fully charged as they go to school on the 15th
- Busses will run on their normal routes this day. Students who do not ride the bus should plan to be at school no later than 7:40 am.
- Questions? Please contact AVHS Testing Coordinator Bill Blatzheim at (952) 431-8202 or william.blatzheim@district196.org.
Raising The "BARR" At AVHS
A new program at Apple Valley High School is raising the “BARR” on student achievement. Last year, the school implemented the Building Assets, Reducing Risks (BARR) framework that creates ninth-grade cohorts, builds in additional academic support, data analytics, and more in an effort to lift everyone up. Since that time class failure rates have been lowered among ninth-grade students who participated in the program when compared to their peers at AVHS and across the district, school officials reported at the Feb. 10 School Board meeting.
Due to the success of the program, BARR will be implemented at all four of District 196’s comprehensive high schools in fall 2025.
The program is built on the foundation of data and relationships between staff and students and within both of those two groups, according to AVHS Principal Drew Mons.
Career Development @AVHS: AI Meets Music Makers
Career Development classes come together for the “AI Meets Humans” project, where students from all five district high schools—Cyber Security and Music Production classes—collaborate to create AI-generated lyrics, musical notes, and beats, blending tech and creativity in a unique learning experience. WATCH THE STORY
AVHS Mock Trial Prepares For Nationals
Our Mock Trial Team rises to the top heading to the National High School Mock Trial Championship in Phoenix, Arizona. Read the featured story in the SUNThisweek
DECA Top Honors
AVHS student Lucy LaLiberte earned top honors at the 2025 Minnesota DECA State Conference, held March 2-4 with her presentation on The Principles Of Finance. Lucy advances to the DECA International Conference later this spring. Congratulations Lucy!
Trimester Two Academic Award Certificates
Students with a trimester two GPA of 3.667 or higher have earned an Academic Letter Award Certificate. The certificates will be distributed in advisory. Students may also purchase a chenille letter for $5.00 available in the main office.
Senior Party Fundraising night April 7th Raising Cane's from 4-8pm.
Bring your family and friends and enjoy a night out at Raising Cane's (7501 150th Street West, Apple Valley, MN) from 4-8pm on April 7th! A portion of the sales from the night will go to the AV Senior Party. *NOTE: You must mention the fundraiser when ordering from dine in, online and drive thru.
For more information about the party and information on how to purchase tickets, go to: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/apple-valley-class-of-2025-copy/items?cart
Class Of 2025: CAP AND GOWN ORDERS DUE 3/1/25
Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremony
May 31, 2025 3:30 PM
Mariucci Arena on the U of M Campus
- Cap and Gowns orders have started, they are no charge but must be ordered by 3/1. Order Cap & Gown Here
- Students who participate in a graduation ceremony will be charged $50 to defray the costs of security, additional staff support, site preparation, equipment rental, printing and postage. Pay the Graduation Fee :ON EDUTRAK
- Parent Volunteers are organizing a Senior Party on the evening of graduation, May 31st Sign Up for the Senior Party
Last Chance To Guarantee Your Student A Yearbook Is April 25th!
If you are interested, please visit Jostens Yearbooks before April 25th.
***To see if you already purchased a yearbook use this link: Yearbook Order Tracking
Yearbook Recognition Ads are the perfect way to commemorate your student’s achievements and celebrate milestones. The final date to purchase an ad is May 8th. To purchase your ad, follow the link to Jostens listed here: Yearbook Grad Ads
Student Health and Safety: Vape Detectors Installed in All Middle and High Schools
School leaders are often asked, “What can be done to decrease student vaping?”
Vaping is prohibited in schools, and to promote safety and well-being, District 196 is installing vape detectors in restrooms, effective Monday, April 21. We are strategically starting with areas where we have seen a consistent need for increased supervision.
Our goals are:
Start conversations with students before consequences are necessary
To prevent more serious behavior issues often associated with vaping (e.g., bullying, agitation, addiction).
To use time and location data to interrupt behaviors or adjust supervision in specific areas.
To encourage families to talk with students about vaping and healthy choices.
To work together with families to foster safe, healthy, and supportive schools for all learners.
By increasing supervision and early intervention, we can support students in making informed, positive decisions about their health and maintain a positive school environment.
Vape detectors have been in place for the past few years at Rosemount and Eagan High Schools, where they have proven helpful for maintaining a safe school. The additional vape detectors are funded by the 2023 Bond Referendum to improve safety, security, and supervision.
If you have questions or want more information, please contact Drew.Mons@district196.org