Coyote Chronicles
November 1, 2022
Principal's Report
We are seeing a national downward trend when it comes to reading test scores. What matters most to me is what is happening here at Andover Elementary. Unfortunately, we are also seeing the same trend. No matter if it is pandemic related or simply kids preferring to use tech devices, we have seen early literacy skills such as letter identification, letter sounds and other reading scores fall lower than we have seen before. At this week’s principal’s meeting, we spent time discussing this topic and ways we could reverse it. Knowing our supportive families, I want to stress the important impact you can have on your child becoming a proficient reader.
With daylight savings ending this Sunday, there is no time better than right now to establish a set reading time in your nightly schedule. I recall the elementary years with Noah and Noelle where my wife Tamara and I used these months to increase our designated nightly reading time. We ended each day with a 45-minute family reading time. When they were younger, they would join Tamara and me in our bed for a read aloud, but as they became more independent, they preferred to read in their own beds. To them it was an extension of their bedtime, but really it just meant heading upstairs a little earlier during those dark winter nights.
I remember feeling like a genius when my kids would beg for more time to read after I announced “lights off in five minutes.” Instead of pitting reading against technology or play, it pitted it against sleeping. Shockingly, reading became a desired activity. Not only did it get my kids to read more and build a love for reading, but it also decreased the number of times we had to say, “now get back in your bed” each night.
I greatly encourage all of our Coyote families to establish this simple routine in your evening. Our staff spends the day teaching our Coyotes how to read, now they need time to practice and fall in love with it. Your support in establishing this nightly practice time would go a long way in helping us reverse the trend and make the cold winter months a bit more tolerable.
Happy Reading!
APTCO News
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Walk-a-thon Family Fun Night activities. It was great to see so many family members, community members, students, and staff all out celebrating Andover Elementary and having fun! Our donations totaled over $33,000! Thank you everyone for your continued generosity and support.
Thank you to everyone who attended our October APTCO meeting. Core/Media Specialist, Missy Wisniak, and Kindergarten teacher, Stacy Madsen, joined us to share information about what is going on in their classrooms and with our Coyotes.
Our next meeting is November 10th. We will have special guests, Alison Koshiol (LIT Specialist) and Carlee Carney (Math Specialist), join us for a Q&A, discuss upcoming events, and we will hear from Mr. Van Voorhis. We hope to see you all there.
Lastly, we have a Dine to Donate event coming up on November 7th at Raising Cane’s in Coon Rapids. Turkey Bingo is also coming up on November 17th. Keep an eye out for a flyer, in your student’s take home folder, with more information regarding these events.
From The Health Office
Do you have used clothing you would be willing to donate to our health office? We need a range of sizes for boys and girls. We are looking to receive pants, shirts, sweatshirts, socks and underwear (underwear must be new).
Has your child borrowed clothing from the health office? If so, please wash the items and send them back to school. Undergarments may be kept at home.
Volunteer Information
Thank you to all who generously gave their time by volunteering in the month of October. It was a very busy month around Andover Elementary!
Here's what's happening around school by the numbers:
376 volunteers have completed their volunteer application
817 hours have been volunteered to the school as follows:
252 hours in classroom help, general workroom help, bookfair, lunchroom help, etc.
48 hours helping with classroom parties
517 hours helping with field trips
That's a HUGE impact for our school!
Here's what's going on and where you can help:
11/11/22 - Volunteers are needed to help set up, greet and check in guests, and assist students into the gym.
Duties may include copying, laminating, sorting, cutting, etc. See sign up for dates.
K-Skill Builders, Challenge Reading, and Math Plus Enrichment Programs
K-Skill Builders is a support and intervention program that helps those K-2 students who need additional practice experiences. Challenge Reading and Math Plus are enrichment programs that benefit students who would like extra literacy and math experiences.
Santa's Brunch Planning + Prep
Volunteers are needed to help plan and prepare for Santa's Brunch and Secret Shop on Saturday, December 10th. The role of these volunteers would be to oversee or help tick off tasks in the following areas: Make and take craft area, food and beverage area, Santa's Secret Shop.
Still need to complete your volunteer application? Visit: Andover Elementary Volunteer Application
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