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Coyote Chronicles
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April 1, 2024
A message from the principal
April is here, and it's time to welcome our newest group of Coyotes, famously known as "The Class of 2037," to Andover Elementary. As a principal, one of my favorite days of the year is witnessing the excitement on the faces of four and five-year-olds as they step into the school and embark on their first bus ride. This year, we will be hosting our Kindergarten Welcome Night on Wednesday, April 3rd.
I also appreciate this time of year because of the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA). Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 will be taking the MCA in reading and mathematics. Additionally, fifth-grade students will undergo a science test. These assessments provide a snapshot of students' learning based on grade-level standards. We acknowledge the hard work put in by both staff and Coyotes throughout the year, and it's time to showcase what they've learned.
MCA Testing Dates:
April 16, 17, 18
Grade 3 Reading or Math
Grades 4 & 5 Reading
April 23, 24, 25
Grade 3 Reading or Math
Grades 4 & 5 Math
May 6 & 97
Grade 5 Science
Helpful Tips for Testing Days:
Good attendance plays a crucial role in overall student success. Please ensure your child is present at school.
Ensure your child gets plenty of rest and enjoys a good night’s sleep.
Encourage healthy, balanced meals and a nutritious breakfast.
Remind your child not to feel discouraged if they encounter difficult questions.
Encourage your child to give their best effort.
Kindergarten Welcome Night - April 3, 2024
Last names beginning with A-K
Pre-Program Activities 4:25 - 4:45 PM
Program 4:45 - 5:15 PM
Last names beginning with L-Z
Pre-Program Activities 5:25 - 5:45 PM
Program 5:45 - 6:15 PM
Pre-program activities include dropping off necessary paperwork such as: a copy of the child's birth certificate, immunization records, etc., collect a Welcome to Kindergarten folder, and explore various informative stations. Incoming kindergartners can take a "Class of 37" photo and meet the principals. All of these activities will take place by Door 1.
Students will then enjoy activities in kindergarten classrooms while parents attend an informational program in the South Gym.
Following the informational meeting, parents can pick up their child at the classroom and exit through Door 10, where students will have the opportunity to enjoy a brief bus ride.
Volunteer news
Regardless of the weather, we have entered the busy spring season at school. Over the next 2+ months of school, we have a lot going on and plenty of opportunities for volunteering.
As always, thank you to the many volunteers who gave time during the month of March. Together you gave over 330 hours to our school. That's amazing!
Here's a look at what's coming up:
MCA Hall Monitors: Dates Vary (4/16-4/18, 4/22 - 4/24, 5/6 &5/7) - This is an important volunteer role and each spot must be filled. Hall monitors are a visible reminder to our Coyotes that there are classrooms taking tests nearby and that they need to be quiet and respectful in the hallways. Sign up HERE
Field Trips - Grade K (5/28) and Grade 4 (5/3) will have upcoming field trips that need chaperones. More details will come home with students as the field trips approach. To get a head start, if you think you may be interested in chaperoning, please take a few minutes to complete a volunteer application and criminal record history release form linked below.
Track and Field Day: May 16th - MANY volunteers will be needed to help ensure the events run safely and on time. A sign up flyer and email will be sent later in April. If you are interested and need to request time off of work, now's the time to start planning. Various shifts will be available between 7:30AM - 12:40PM.
General workroom volunteering: This role has become critical in our building. The volunteers who come in to make copies, work on projects, and complete various clerical tasks for teachers have made a HUGE impact. Thank you to those who regularly sign up. (If the sign up becomes full, and you would still like to volunteer, please contact me. There is always a need.) Sign up HERE
Current volunteer opportunities: Volunteer Sign Ups
Volunteer application and criminal record history release: Volunteer Application
Kelli Anderson, Volunteer Services Coordinator
email: kelli.anderson@ahschools.us
phone: 763-506-1723
Parent Input Forms - Available for the 2024-25 School Year
Andover teachers and administrators take a great amount of time and effort in forming classes that benefit all students. The following are some of the areas considered in order to create the best learning situation:
- Self Motivation
- Level of Achievement
- Student Interests & Abilities
- Learning Styles
- Student Maturity
- Special Education Support
- ML Support
If your child has unique educational needs and you wish to provide input into the placement decision, please call the office at 763-506-1700 or email Tammy.Smith@ahschools.us to receive a "Student Placement Form." Specific teacher requests will not be considered due to the factors listed above and the uncertainty of teacher assignments.
Forms are due by Tuesday, April 30th.
Introducing...
Please welcome Jordana Scherer, our new School Year Secretary. Jordana's first day was Friday, March 29th.
A special thank you, again, to Julie Sears for all her years of service to the students and families of Andover Elementary School. Enjoy your retirement ~ You will be missed.
04-01 Parent Input Forms Available in the Office
04-03 Kindergarten Welcome Night
04-16 MCA Testing Begins - Gr. 3 - 5 Students Only
04-18 APTCO Meeting - 6:30 PM - S. Media Center
04-30 Parent Input Forms Due
05-09 APTCO Meeting - 6:30 PM - S. Media Center
05-16 Track & Field Day
05-27 School Closed - Memorial Day
06-06 End of Trimester 3
06-06 Last Day of School for Students
06-07 Staff Planning and Grading
This e-newsletter is published by Andover Elementary School. Questions, comments or concerns about the school e-newsletter? Contact us.