Andover High School News & Events
March 31, 2023
March 2023 - Student of the Month
Art - Jonah Brickman
Business - Charla Tinh
English - Lauren Wright
FACS - Corryn Larsen
Health - Richstine Dayway
Math - Zyon Theuri
Music - Gage Law
Phy Ed - Samuel Audette
Reading - Braelyn Larson
Science - Alex Rutz
Social Studies - Lauren Loney
Support Services - Morgan Kostecka
Tech Ed - Christopher Bultman
Vocational - Jack Jablonecki
World Language - John Downs
Jefferson Award - Chloe Smith & Claire Van Gheem
Important Dates
- April 4: ACT with Writing Test (Juniors Only); Blended Learning Day for Grades 9, 10 & 12
- April 7: No School; Staff Development
- April 10: NHS Induction Ceremony 7:00 PM (AUD)
- April 17: String Fling 7:00 PM (GYM)
- April 18: Band-O-Rama 7:00 PM (GYM)
- April 20: Tri 3 Conferences 2:50 - 6:30 PM
- April 22: Prom 8:00 PM (Walker Art Center)
- April 24: MCA Test for Grades 10 & 11; Blended Learning Day for Grades 9 & 12
- April 28-30: Spring Musical Opens (See Details Below)
- May 1-5: Staff Appreciation Week
- May 5-7: Spring Musical (AUD)
Trimester 3 Late Start Dates are listed here.
You can also view a District Calendar here.
Student Expectations for ACT Testing Day, Tuesday, April 4th
The ACT with writing will be provided to Grade 11 students on Tuesday, April 4. Please review the expectations for students on this day.
All Grade 11 students will be taking the ACT
Report to school by 7:40
Students may leave school once completed.
Grade 11 students who are eligible for transportation home will remain at school in a supervised area until 2:20 pm if they do not have a ride once the test is completed.
Lunch will be available to Grade 11 students who remain at school following the test
Students in Grades 9, 10 and 12
Students in Grades 9, 10 and 12 will be provided assignments through Google Classroom to complete remotely at home
We will provide a learning location at school for students who choose to come to school.
Students that choose to come to school to work independently and complete google classroom coursework will be supervised in the cafeteria or auditorium in a quiet learning environment.
Transportation
Morning and afternoon buses will run at their normal times.
Schedule Update for Seniors Last Day
Attention Senior Families:
Due to the amount of school days missed because of weather emergencies, the final day for Seniors will be Friday, June 2nd. This is a change from the senior postcard you received earlier this year. The schedule for the day will look as follows:
1st hour: Chromebook/Material collection
2nd hour: Cap and Gown Distribution
Senior Breakfast to follow
Seniors who have not finished all of their requirements for graduation will continue to work with teachers throughout the day to complete coursework in order to receive their cap and gowns.
Our Commencement Ceremony will take place on Sunday, June 4th at 7:00 PM at the Maturi Pavilion on the University of Minnesota Campus.
American Indian Education Powwow - Saturday, April 1st
All Are Welcome!
Please join us at the American Indian Education Powwow on Saturday, April 1st at Champlin Park High School. We have so many exciting educational opportunities and invite all families to attend! Follow our Facebook event page to get real-time updates about the event. Below is a quick snapshot of special opportunities throughout the day:
- 11:00 AM - Doors Open!
- 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM - Hoop Dance Class with Lumhe Sampson. Try your hand at hoop dancing in this class full movement and storytelling!
- 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM - Indigenous Food Tasting with Derek Nicolas. Taste foods foraged, hunted, and prepared by a young man supporting our traditional subsistence practices.
- 1:00 PM - GRAND ENTRY
- 2:00 - 2:45 PM - Drum Teachings with Chris Batiste (Former Anoka-Hennepin Drum Keeper). Join this hands-on session where Chris will share Anishinaabe drum teachings and protocols passed to him.
- 3:30 - 4:15 PM - Drum Teachings with Chris Batiste (Former Anoka-Hennepin Drum Keeper). Join this hands on session where Chris will share Anishinaabe drum teachings and protocols passed to him.
- 5:00 PM - FEAST. The gathering doesn’t stop after we clear the arena. Join us for a community meal of Bison, Walleye, Wild Rice, and more! Catered by Gatherings Cafe.
Orchestra String Fling and Band-O-Rama
Middle school and high school instrumental music join forces to create a performance experience unlike any other. Join us at 7:00 PM in the Andover Gym for String Fling on Monday, April 17th and Band-o-Rama on Tuesday, April 18th, an Andover instrumental music spectacular. This event is open to the public and will showcase the talents of students 6th-12th grade for the String Fling and students in 7th-12th grade for Band. Hear the transformations between grades and celebrate with us in this musical rite of passage. You will be glad you came!
Chess Team at State!
The Andover Chess Team competed in the 2023 MN State Scholastic Chess Tournament and finished 6th place overall. The following students, in alphabetical order, represented Andover HS at the tournament:
Isaac Allen (Senior, not pictured), Matthew Anderson (Sophomore), Christian Doane (Sophomore), William Henning (Freshman), Caden Lee (Sophomore), Carlo Leisdon (Junior), Wilson Lindberg (Sophomore, not pictured), Joseph Schendel (Junior), Saivya Shrivastav (Freshman), Connor Sweet (Junior), and Ryan Vu (Junior).
Spring Musical: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Synopsis: The story of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a tale that follows the journey of a dreamer. Joseph is the son of Jacob and one of twelve brothers. He is given a coat of many colors by his father, which is symbolic of his favor and an object of his brothers’ jealousy. The brothers decide to sell Joseph into slavery after initially plotting to have him killed. Convincing their father that his favorite son has died, they reveal his tattered coat and believe that they are rid of him once and for all. From his homeland of Canaan, Joseph is taken to Egypt where he becomes the slave of Egyptian millionaire Potiphar and earns his trust. Managing his household, he soon has to ward off the affections of Potiphar’s wife. Enraged and unwilling to assess the situation, Potiphar has Joseph thrown into jail where he interprets the dreams of his cellmates. The prisoners are awed by his hidden talents of interpretation and encourage Joseph to pursue dreams of his own.
Joseph’s fortunes take a turn for the better as the Pharaoh hears rumors of his talent. Having strange recurring dreams about cows and ears of corn, the Pharaoh asks Joseph what his mysterious dreams could mean. Joseph determines that they are omens of a famine that will swipe the land in seven years. This foresight allows actions to be made to prevent devastation and grants Joseph a position as the second most powerful man in Egypt. Back in Canaan, Joseph’s brothers are afflicted by starvation and regret their treatment of Joseph. Hearing of the prosperity of Egypt, they unknowingly ask for Joseph’s help. He devises a test to see if his brothers have changed their ways, and finally reveals himself donning his Technicolor dreamcoat once again.
Performances: Friday, April 28th - Sunday, May 7th
Fridays & Saturdays at 7:00 PM, Sundays at 2:00 PM
For more information and to purchase tickets, please follow the Andover Theatre website.
Summer 2023 Drivers Ed Registration
Andover High School will offer two sessions of Classroom Driver Education this summer from June 12 - 28. Registration will open in SchoolPay from May 8 - 26 and accept students on a first come first served basis. The cost to register is $70. A $250 behind the wheel fee will be due during the first week of class. More information can be found HERE.
This class is for any student who has not taken or has not passed Driver Education class. If you already have a permit, or are currently taking this course, you do not need this class.
Prom 2023: Masquerade At The Museum
Prom this year is being held on Saturday, April 22nd at the Walker Art Center from 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM. Doors will open starting at 7:30 PM. Tickets went on sale starting Monday March 27th and will conclude on April 6th. Tickets will be sold during school lunches at Andover HS (primarily) & via online for students not in the building.The cost per ticket is $55 per person. More information can be found via the Prom Instagram page: AndoverHSProm
Class of 2023 - Senior Party
The 2023 Senior Class Party is scheduled for Monday, June 5th, 2023 from 5 - 9 PM at Eveland Family Farm. This year's theme is "Cinco de Junio" a fiesta party. We will include games, prizes, entertainment, food trucks, photo ops and much more! You can view more information and details at the Senior Class Party website.
The planning committee is looking forward to this event to celebrate the Andover High School Class of 2023!
*The senior party is organized solely by volunteer parents and IS NOT sponsored by Andover High School or Anoka-Hennepin ISD#11.
Staff Appreciation May 1st - 5th
"Lucky Duck" Staff Appreciation Week is almost here!
Lets celebrate all of our staff, teachers, paraprofessionals, cooks, clerical, custodian and student support members! Each will receive a "Lucky Duck" rubber duck with a number on it. Throughout the first week of May we will draw numbers over the morning announcements to show appreciation to our staff by awarding them with prizes!
Prize Donations: We need your help! If you are interested in adding to this appreciation event, you are welcome to send in a small gift for our drawing that can go to any staff member. (examples: $5-$10 gift cards to local coffee businesses, eating establishments, etc.) We will be gathering items from now until the end of April. Just leave at the Main Office with a note that says "LUCKY DUCK"
Ways to show appreciation outside of these drawings:
- Email staff your appreciation
- Have your student write a note! Our Bring Change to Mind group will be in the Ticket Booth during lunches the week of April 17-21 so please encourage your student to stop by to fill out a note of gratitude!
- I am a lucky duck to have you as my teacher because...
These are often the most important and meaningful gifts for staff. Thank you to you all for your continued support for Andover High School!
Counseling Office Information
Summer School Registration - Make Up Credit Only
Who: Grade 9-11(Grad Years 2024, 2025, 2026)
Where: Regional HS- Coon Rapids
When: Session I - June 20th - June 30th (Juneteenth will be honored June 19th)
Schedule:
Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM depending on how many classes you need to take
(3 class periods) 8:00 - 9:40, 9:40 - 11:20 and from 11:20 - 1:00
- Study hall is provided for those that need bussing and don't need three classes. The school bus transportation drops students off at 8:00 AM and picks up at 1:00 PM.
- Study Hall is not required if students provide their own transportation. Students can come for the class/period they are scheduled.
- Brunch is served daily.
Deadlines:
Deadline to submit referrals for guaranteed transportation will be Monday, May 1st.
Grade 12 (Grad Years 2023, 2022, 2021) and Multilingual Program-Technical HS
*Students can attend the entire four weeks*
June 20th - June 30th, July 10th - July 21st
***Talk with your counselor to register***
Online Classes
Considering online for the 2023/2024 school year? The application to take online classes through Anoka-Hennepin is open! Please click the link to find out more and register.
2023-24 Anoka-Hennepin Online Classes Application (grades 9-12)
Career Center News
Spring Spectacular
The Anoka-Hennepin Career and College Specialists are excited to be hosting our first annual Spring Spectacular on Saturday, April 22 from 8:30-11:00 AM. This event will highlight a variety of career and college planning options for students and families. The format will include a mix of scheduled sessions and open fair times. Click here for information on the schedule and session descriptions.
Anoka-Hennepin FAFSA and MN Dream Act Help Session
Now that you’ve submitted college applications, your next step is to apply for financial aid. You may be eligible to complete the FAFSA or the MN Dream Act. These applications can be completed online using your 2021 income taxes.
Attend our Financial Aid help event to get free, on-site professional assistance completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the MN Dream Act. Families will hear a brief presentation outlining eligibility, steps, and tips to complete their financial aid before having time to work and ask questions from expert volunteers. Registration is not required for this event.
Saturday April 22, 2023 at Blaine High School from 8:30 - 10:00 AM
12555 University Ave NE, Blaine MN 55434
- 8:30-8:45 AM: Financial Aid overview
- 8:45-10:00 AM: FAFSA/MN Dream Act work time
Click here for:
* For FAFSA: Apply for your FSA ID number at least 3 days prior to attending at https://fsaid.ed.gov
HVAC Career Tour
Interested in a Career in HVAC? If so, join us on April 6 for this great opportunity.
News from the Youth Services Coordinator
Service Opportunities
Is your student looking for volunteer opportunities? If so, have them join the Youth Service google classroom (using join code je2x6nu). Here, they will find a variety of service opportunities in the community.
Students can also attend Drop in for Service. Drop in for Service provides an opportunity for Andover students to obtain service hours during late start, right here at school! Volunteers will complete in-school service projects to benefit various non-profits in our community. For dates and times, please click here.
Leo Club - Sustainability Projects
Thrift Shop - In an effort to address the environmental ramifications of “fast fashion” the Leos are going to host a thrift shop at school during lunch, and after school on April 13th. If your student has very gently used clothing that could use a good home, consider donating! Items will be collected April 3rd - April 6th. All proceeds from the thrift shop will be donated to Climate Generation, a local non-profit that builds climate literacy, amplifies personal connections to climate change, and develops powerful advocates amongst educators, youth, and communities through a model of collaboration and partnership.
Tree Planting - The Andover Leos have partnered with the non-profit, Treeplenish, and will be planting enough trees throughout the city of Andover to offset our school’s carbon emissions from last year. With generous donations from the Andover Lions, Andover Huskies Youth Hockey, and the Andover Football Association, the Leos are giving away 250 free trees! The tree planting event will be held on April 29th.
Jefferson Award winners for March - Chloe Smith and Claire Van Gheem
The Students in Action Multiplying Good Award for Public Service is a prestigious national recognition system honoring community and public volunteerism. Each month we recognize students who have taken effective action, and created a meaningful impact while improving our community and making the world a better place.
Chloe Smith and Claire Van Gheem were recently named the Jefferson Award winners for the month of March. They are integral members of the Leo Club, and the Treeplenish team. As Treeplenish team leaders, they have been working hard to help offset Andover High School's 2021-2022 carbon footprint. To do this, they are working hard to help get 250 trees planted in our community!
We are proud to commend students such as Chloe and Claire for their accomplishments, leadership and volunteerism at our school. The efforts of Chloe and Claire as student volunteers have made Andover High School, and our community a better place.
2022 President’s Volunteer Service Award Winners!
Part of my role as the YSC is to recognize outstanding student volunteers. I am honored to recognize some of the most amazing, giving, and selfless students in the entire school. With Presidential recognition, Andover High School will be awarding 17 students with the President’s Volunteer Service Award (an honor achieved by less than 1% of the entire student body). Not one of these students sought recognition for their service; they volunteer to give back, exemplify kindness, and to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Congratulations!
- Saivya Shrivastav - 51 hours
- Ali Oswell - 62 hours
- Evelyn Ameli - 62 hours
- Addison Naughton - 80 hours
- Jameson Welle - 102
- Tess Herman - 104 hours
- Samuel Audette - 105 hours
- Anna Slavik - 106 hours
- Thomas Abbott - 114 hours
- Zoe Whitney - 118 hours
- Molly Mayer - 123 hours
- Holden Beberg - 124 hours
- Piper Engelby - 139 hours
- Grace Beuning - 280 hours
- Xander Noraker - 288 hours
- Kyah Hoyt - 327 hours
- Anastacia Campbell - 390 hours
News from the Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteer Opportunities!
- Parent Teacher Conference Thursday, April 20th Snack Sign up: Sign up here!
- Leo Club Tree Planting Event Saturday, April 29th: Leo Club Sign up
- Staff Appreciation Week May 1st - 5th: Staff Appreciation Week Sign up!
Booster Club, Nonprofit and PTO Resources
It’s not too late (or too early) to register for our last free workshop of the season. We will focus on volunteer recruitment, board transition and retention as well as best practices for closing out the year. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn something new, refresh your knowledge and connect with other non-profit folk!
The workshop will be held in person at the Educational Service Center (ESC) in Anoka as well as virtually. Check out https://www.ahschools.us/ptoboosterworkshops for more information and registration.
Volunteers are an incredible asset to the students here at Andover High School. Let’s make sure your impact is recorded and recognized. By filling out your volunteer application you are doing your part to keep our students safe while enriching their lives through extracurricular activities.
Click HERE to start your application!
Universal School Meals Program to Begin in the Fall of 2023
Last week, the Minnesota Legislature approved and the Governor signed a bill providing “Universal School Meals,” which means every student may receive free breakfast and lunch beginning in the fall of 2023. The program will cover one breakfast and one lunch for every student, however ala carte and other meal choices will not be covered.
Families will need to continue purchasing meals for their students for the remainder of this school year, as the new bill will not forgive or pay for any meal debt accrued before Sept. 2023.
If your family needs immediate assistance with free or reduced-priced meals, or access to other educational benefits (such as high school athletics and activity fees; ACT, SAT and AP fees; Comcast internet and SNAP membership discounts; Xcel Energy account assistance and more), please visit ahschools.us/childnutrition to complete an application.
The district’s child nutrition program is working to provide details for all families in preparation for the 2023-24 school year. Stay tuned to your back to school communications for specific details about this benefit for your family in the summer of 2023.
Parent Engage 360 Podcast Episode 31: Body Image and Eating Disorders
There are many factors that may impact the way we feel about ourselves and the way we show up each day, and one of these factors that impact many, including students is body image.
Adults and teens alike are presented with body image media on a daily basis through various forms of traditional and social media which can have a mental and physical impact on an individual. In this episode of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast, Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin's parent involvement coordinator, hopes to connect parents and guardians with resources if they suspect their child may be experiencing body dysmorphia or even eating disorders.
The most common types parents might hear or think about are anorexia or bulimia. But there is so much more that can affect a person's life when it comes to eating disorders, and that can often be referred to as disordered eating, which may include restrictive eating, compulsive eating or irregular or inflexible eating patterns.
Burgard was joined by Dr. Heather Gallivan, clinical director at Melrose Center and Anoka-Hennepin licensed school nurse Jessica Patterson, to learn more about how parents can support their children if they are experiencing body dysmorphia and/or eating disorders and how schools can help connect families with support.
Tune in to the Parent Engage 360 Podcast on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, or at ahschools.us/parentengage360.
Melrose Center provides care for all types of eating disorders and has helped guide thousands of people toward recovery using evidence-based treatment. As a resource for anyone experiencing eating disorders or those that might be caring for an individual experiencing eating disorders, Melrose Center hosts a podcast titled Melrose Heals a resource. Listen to the Melrose Heals podcast on Spotify.
The Parent Engage 360 Podcast aims to provide parents and guardians with knowledge from experts in chemical health, mental health, internet safety and more, as well as the tools needed to support their children. Anoka-Hennepin hopes that providing timely and helpful information through the Parent Engage 360 podcast series will strengthen the bond between school and home with resources parents and guardians can use and share with others.
This e-newsletter is published by Andover High School. Questions, comment or concerns about the school e-newsletter? Contact us.