Welcome Back to School 2024-25

• Important Upcoming Dates
• 🚨 ACTION REQUESTED: Review Cell Phone Policy and Absence Protocol
  
• 📅 School Starts at AVHS on Wednesday, August 28th
  

• 🚌 Bus Transportation Times on Wednesday, August 28th

• 🔎 REVIEW District 196 Football Event Policy

September 5 - Picture day- flyers distributed in Advisory

September 23 thru 28 - Homecoming Week

September 28 - Homecoming Football Game 12pm; Homecoming Dance 7 pm

Please review the following expectations with your student(s):

Cell Phone Policy https://secure.smore.com/n/wba49

Absence Protocols https://secure.smore.com/n/n0bkv1

High School Students:

- Must purchase a ticket and show their high school ID.

- Home team students must sit on the home side of the stadium.

- Visiting team students or students from other high schools must sit on the visitors' side.

Elementary and Middle School Students:

- Must purchase a ticket and be accompanied by an adult (parent/guardian/caretaker) at all times.

- It is recommended that these students sit with their supervising adult.

- Inappropriate behavior will result in the child sitting with the supervising adult and may lead to a ban from future games.

Additional Rules:

- No entry after halftime, and no re-entry if you leave the stadium.

- No external food, drinks, or bags/sports balls

- Must watch game from bleachers. Loiterers exit without refund.

CLICK HERE for more details.

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.

• 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.

Website: avhs.district196.org
Location: 14450 Hayes Road, Apple Valley, MN, USA
Phone: 952-431-8200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avhsscholar
Twitter: @avhsacademics

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.

Dear Apple Valley High School Families,

Missing school can impact your child's success. Students who miss more than 10% of school days are more likely to fall behind academically, struggle with social skills, and drop out of school.

Last year, one of every seven District 196 students missed over 10% of school days, which is just two days per month. To address this, we created new systems to support attendance.

It is important to understand the consequences that occur and processes we will follow when students are absent from school. Our goal is, as always, is to ensure that your child has the best opportunity to thrive.

IMPORTANT: Please make sure you and your student review our Apple Valley High School Absence Protocols for the 2024-25 school year.

Sincerely,

Drew Mons

Principal

Dear Apple Valley High School Families,

I hope you're enjoying a wonderful summer and are ready for the new school year ahead. AVHS students return on Wednesday, August 28, with a special schedule and accommodated bus transportation for the first day. 9th Grade Orientation will begin at 7:40 am, while students in grades 10-12 will report at 11 am. Thursday, August 29, will be a regular school day for all grades.

At AVHS, we are committed to our mission as a STEM school guided by the Triple A Philosophy. We aim to positively impact every student's trajectory, recognizing that you, as their families, are their first teachers. Your partnership is crucial in helping us achieve this goal.

Our Promise Continues

This year, we remain focused on delivering high-quality, relevant, and engaging experiences for all students. By identifying and nurturing their strengths and interests, we inspire a love for learning and maintain high expectations, achievement, and continue to build on our legacy of Eagle Excellence.

Preparedness for Life After High School

We want to ensure that students leave AVHS with multiple options that they are excited about. To achieve this, we will engage students and families to share their insights and input, helping us better define what it means to be a graduate of our school and the action steps necessary to create the experiences we want to see for all members of our AVHS learning community.

Collaboration, Relationships, and Engagement

Strong collaboration and relationships between school and home are key to student success. By working closely with you, we can create the conditions to help our students succeed. Our Valley Vision emphasizes Respect, Responsibility, Ready-to-Learn, and Student Scholarship. We need your help to reestablish routines and expectations that encourage regular attendance, reduce digital distractions, and ensure students are ready to learn each day.

Your role in your student's education is invaluable, and we deeply appreciate your support and involvement. Together, we can make this school year a successful and rewarding experience for all our students. If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and we look forward to seeing you and your students at Back-to-School Night from 6 - 8 pm on Thursday, August 22nd.

Go Eagles!

Drew Mons

Principal

Dear Parents/Guardians,

While cell phones are a common part of life, they can be a distraction in the classroom. Students are encouraged to leave cell phones, smartwatches, and earbuds/air pods at home. If brought to school, students are responsible for any damage, theft, or loss of their devices.

Starting on the first day of school, cell phones will not be allowed during instructional time and must be stored in the classroom’s phone caddy. This policy aims to create a more focused learning environment. Students may use their devices before school, during passing time, study halls, lunch, and after school.

Phones are prohibited in locker rooms, bathrooms, and during lockdown or fire drills. Recording or taking photos of others without permission, using social media to bully or disrupt, or sharing inappropriate content is not allowed. Cell phone rules for off-campus activities will be communicated prior to trips.

We believe this policy helps students stay focused in class and reduces distractions, which benefits their learning and mental health. While we understand the importance of cell phones for safety and communication, if you need to reach your child during school hours, please call the main office at 952-431-8200. Requests for essential phone use due to medical necessity (e.g., diabetes, epilepsy) or extenuating circumstances, parents or guardians should contact their student's Assistant Administrator (Ms. Bile for last names A-K; Mr. Tinder for last names L-Z).

If a student uses their phone during class, the first time, the teacher will instruct them to place it in the caddy. If they refuse, an administrator will be called to meet with them. For a second offense, the administrator will have a conversation with your student, contact you, and document the incident as a behavior referral. Your student will need to turn in their phone for the remainder of the day. On a third offense, they’ll need to turn in their phone for the rest of the day and again the following day, with another discussion involving the administrator and you. If there are continued violations, a plan will be made with the family to store the phone in the office daily or leave it at home.

Thank you for your support in helping us maintain a safe and productive learning environment. If you have any questions, feel free to contact your student’s Assistant Administrator or me directly.

Sincerely,

Drew Mons

Principal

• 9th-grade Orientation will begin at 7:40 am. 9th-grade students will start in their advisories, tour the building, get to know students and staff, and have lunch.
• Students in grades 10-12 will report to school at 11 am. Bus transportation will be provided for students in grades 10-12 to arrive for an 11 am start.
• Lunch will be provided for 9th-grade students between 10:30 and 11 am.
• NOTE- Students in grades 10-12 should eat before classes begin at 11:05.

• 9th-grade students who ride the bus on August 28 have regularly scheduled morning pickup times available on Campus.
• 10-12 grade students who ride the bus on August 28 will have a later pick-up time (3.5 hours later) at their regular bus stop location. **EXAMPLE- IF the regular pick-up time is 6:39 am, the adjusted time will be 10:09 am.

• Bus routes will run their regular schedule at the end of the day for all students.

On Thursday, August 29 will be a regular school day (7:40 am to 2:30 pm) grades 9-12.

• NO SCHOOL on Friday, August 30 or Monday, September 2.

• Career development students will report to the commons on Wednesday, August 28th. Career development bussing will start on Thursday, August 29th. SES Students stay at SES on Day One.

• Fall Sports begin on Monday, August 12
• Each student-athlete must have a current physical on file in order to be able to register.
• Register with the EduTrak Connect link on the AVHS Athletics website or AVHS Activities website where you can also find information about specific sports and activities, coach contact information, and schedules.

The 2024 AVHS Yearbook, “For the Record,” is ready for pickup. If you missed the summer pick up sessions, there are more opportunities:

• Back To School Night 6-8 PM
• During lunch period the first week of school
• Location: School store

Please review the handbook with your students. While staff will go over it with students, your support in reinforcing these expectations is vital. This year’s handbook includes key updates:

• Revised disciplinary practices to align with state law.
• Reorganized behavior categories
• Increased consequences for fighting at middle and high schools.
• New notification on lead testing in school drinking water.
• Information on the Educational Benefits Program

AVHS does not have a “general” supply list. The standards of notebooks, pencils, pens, folders will be helpful for all classes.Teachers will inform of any specific supply requirements for their class.

A scientific calculator is required for Intermediate Algebra, Geometry, and Honors Geometry.

A graphing calculator is required for Algebra 2, Honors Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, all AP math classes, CLA/DE, and Multivariable Calculus.

Students in Intermediate Algebra and Geometry may choose to purchase and use a graphing calculator immediately, which can be used in all subsequent math courses.

Please review these items to ensure a great start for your Fall athletes.

✅ Complete the Educational Benefits Application (annually) for reduced/waived participation fees

✅ Make sure your student has an updated physical that will not expire during the sport season

✅ Register online on EDUTRAK

✅ Check the Time and Location for Monday's Scheduled Tryouts/Practices

🦅 Enjoy cheering on your athlete! Go Eagles!

More information can be found under “Registration/Scheduling” on the counseling page: https://avhs.district196.org/academics/avhs-counselors *Please note that families who are new to the district will not be able to view schedules on Campus until Wednesday, 8/28.

District 196 offers an optional protection plan for $20 per student to cover the cost of accidental damage and potential theft. The plan is free for students eligible for the Educational Benefits Program, but you still need to sign up to be on the plan.

To sign up, go to theEduTrack Connect landing page by 4:00 pm, Monday, September 23, 2024.

⏰ After Sept. 23, 2024, families without the protection plan are responsible for costs associated with loss of or damage to a district-issued iPad. 🔎 at District 196 Back-to-School Resources.

District 196 is excited to partner with EduTrak to create the District 196 EduTrak Portal. District 196 will process transactions for:

• Athletics/Activities/Fine Arts: Registration/payment for athletics, activities and fine arts, and other school registrations
• Online School Store: Public access to spirit wear, services, and fundraisers
• Fees: Registration/payment for fees such as field trips, library fines, iPad repairs, etc.

The 2024 AVHS Yearbook, “For the Record,” is ready for pickup if you have purchased a yearbook!

Pickup Details:

• Dates & Times:
• Tuesday, July 30, 2 pm - 4 pm
• Tuesday, August 6, 9 am - 11:30 am
• Thursday, August 8, 1 pm - 3 pm
• Tuesday, August 13, 9 am - 11:30 am
• Location: School store

How it Works:

· ALWAYS enter from the entrance on the south end of the parking lot.

· Signage designates the RIGHT Lane as pickup/drop-off along the curb.

· The LEFT Lane is designated as a THRU LANE ONLY.

· School starts at 7:40 am. Please note that if your student is not IN THE PARKING LOT by 7:30 am, it is unlikely they will be on time to 1st period.

All 9th graders are assigned an academic locker at AVHS. The locker number and combination is found on your Campus Schedule and portal. Students in grades 10-12 can request a locker by filling out the 2024-25 Locker Request Form and one will be assigned to you (and will show up in your Campus portal).

All students will have their photo taken for the AVHS yearbook and their student ID on September 5th. If you would like to purchase photos, please refer to the Lifetouch website and reference the picture day ID for Apple Valley HIgh School.

https://my.lifetouch.com/mylifetouch/#/

Picture Day ID: EVTR8F6KH

• Pay a $60 fee on EduTrak for each trimester.
• Outstanding fees/fines must be paid before picking up your parking permit.
• Permits can be picked up in the Main Office.

Students will receive a parking agreement and a map of the parking lot.

Need accessible parking? Contact Assistant Administrator Paul Tinder at Paul.Tinder@district196.org or call 952-431-8341.

All other questions can be directed to Jackie Preble at 952-431-8224.

AVHS School Store -- If you're looking for some new gear to start the school year off, look no further! Our online store is now open. Link Below:

Homecoming Week – September 23-28. If you would like to purchase a 2024 Homecoming t-shirt, please CLICK THIS LINK and select the appropriate color (by grade) and size. Shirts will be picked up at AVHS during lunch around September 24th.

WHY IT MATTERS: Financial assistance is available for families who qualify. More families qualify than they think. The benefits are much more than free meals. 🚌🎓📝🎾📱❗

HOW IT WORKS:

• The application must be completed every year.
  
• The form only takes three to four minutes to complete
• Complete THE APPLICATION HERE

Who Should Attend: EVERYBODY! Students and families of ALL grade levels.

Why It Matters:

This is an important opportunity to make sure your student and family are ready for the school year…

• Meet the teachers
• Walk your student’s schedule
• purchase parking permits, and school apparel
• Access grades and attendance information
• Double-check lunch pin numbers
• Information on getting involved at AVHS
• Back to School Forms and Accounts Help Stations (Campus Parent Portal, Schoology, EduTrak, Educational Benefits Application)
  

What to Expect:

• 6:00 PM 9th Grade Student & Family Orientation (Gymnasium)
• Come and go as you wish.
  
• Teachers will introduce themselves and learn about your student
  
• Available staff to answer questions and share resources at AVHS.
• New-to-district student schedules available in the commons.

Apple Valley High School will host a vaccine clinic from 4:30 to 7:30 pm during Back-to-School Night on Thursday, August 22nd.

Vaccine clinics are scheduled August 22-29 at various schools throughout the district. These free clinics are designed to assist parents and guardians in ensuring their students meet the state immunization law requirements to attend school.

🔎CLICK HERE for more information.

WHY IT MATTERS: Financial assistance is available for families who qualify. More families qualify than they think. The benefits are much more than free meals.

HOW IT WORKS:

• The application must be completed every year.
  
• The form only takes three to four minutes to complete
• Complete THE APPLICATION HERE

THE BIG PICTURE: These funds directly enable AVHS to hire additional teachers, counselors, social workers, and tutors. Families who qualify also benefit by receiving...

• Discounted participation fees for AVHS athletic teams, and arts/activities programs
  
• Discounted academic test fees (ACT, AP, PSAT, SAT)
• Discounted college application fees
• Discounted transportation fee-for-service fees
• Discounted iPad protection Plan fees
• Free complete first breakfast and first lunch meals for students with Minnesota Free School Meals for Kids Program

BY THE NUMBERS:

• 53.5% of families qualified for financial assistance
• 22% increase in the number of families that qualified between 2018 and 2022
• 15 faculty and staff members positions are funded through educational benefits

*Please know that if you were not approved for free or reduced ALL students are eligible to receive one breakfast and one lunch meal at no charge each day at school since we have joined the Minnesota Free School Meals Program. This does not include any ala carte items, milk only or additional milks.

🚌🎓📝🎾📱❗WHY IT MATTERS: Financial assistance is available for families who qualify. More families qualify than they think. The benefits are much more than free meals.

💻 HOW IT WORKS:

• The application must be completed every year.
  
• The form only takes three to four minutes to complete
• Complete THE APPLICATION HERE

THE BIG PICTURE: Families who qualify also benefit by receiving free or discounted...

• 🎾 participation fees for AVHS athletic teams, and arts/activities programs
  
• 📝 academic test fees (ACT, AP, PSAT, SAT)
• 🎓 college application fees
• 🚌 transportation fee-for-service fees
• 📱 iPad protection Plan fees

BY THE NUMBERS:

• 53.5% of families qualified for financial assistance
• 22% increase in the number of families that qualified between 2018 and 2022
• 15 faculty and staff members positions are funded through educational benefits

Please know that if you were not approved for free or reduced ALL students are eligible to receive one breakfast and one lunch meal at no charge each day at school since we have joined the Minnesota Free School Meals Program. This does not include any ala carte items, milk only or additional milks.