AVHS Family Newsletter: May

May 21 - Cap and Gown Distribution For Seniors

May 26- Memorial Day NO SCHOOL

May 28 - Deadline for SENIOR Assignments for eligibility to participate in graduation services

May 29 - Last school day for Seniors

May 30 - Graduation Rehearsal for Seniors

May 31 Graduation Ceremony

June 5 - Last Day Of School Grades 9-11

As we head into the exiting time of building our activity center, we will have a year or more to adjust to limited access to the north part of campus. See the pathway in teal that is in the works and provides a safe access to our fields.

• Pink notices will be distributed to seniors which will include all materials checked out from the library, classroom, fines and overdue notices.

• Students should keep any items they’re using for an active course & return when no longer needed
• Items on list that are not currently in use, please locate and return these items ASAP
• All materials must be returned or paid for prior to graduation.
• Please return these items to the AVHS Library Media Center (LMC) or pay for them in person
• Talk to Mr. McCluskey or MS. Ali in the AVHS LMC with questions

Class of 2025 Important Details

• May 21: Cap and Gown Distribution during lunches & after school
• May 30: Rehearsal at AVHS 9:00 AM
• May 31 1:45 PM Students arrive at school for bus departure to Mariucci (ALL GRADUATES MUST RIDE THE BUS)
• May 31 Commencement Exercises
• Saturday, May 31st 2025 - 3:30 PM
• 3M Arena at Mariucci
• After the ceremony, students may ride home with family.

For a full list of what to expect up to and into the Graduation Ceremony, refer to our AVHS Graduation Website.

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! Contact applevalleyseniorparty2025@gmail.com with any questions, special needs or concerns.

Help us plan this event! Contact Jamie McIntosh at: applevalleyseniorparty2025@gmail.com.

Senior Yard Signs ($25)

• Contact Jolene White to pick up at her home (Burnsville): 651-775-8027 or pinkhugs@gmail.com

• After the party’s over, give your graduation yard sign a second life!

• 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.

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.

• AVHS Absence Protocol
• AVHS Cell Phone Policy
• AVHS Daily Bell Schedule
• AVHS Student Services Newsletter
• AVHS & South Suburban Conference Calendar
• Archive/Past Newsletters
• District 196 Educational Benefits Program Information
  

There are less than 3 weeks left before finals (grades 9–11) and the seniors' graduation eligibility cutoff: Thursday, May 29 at 11:59 PM. Please note: Wednesday, May 14 is a school-wide deadline.

Take a moment to log in to Campus now to review grades and attendance ahead of next Monday.

The annual ‘Social Studies Student Experience Survey’ provides a way for students to share information anonymously with Social Studies teachers about their overall classroom experiences. The data helps our Social Studies teachers reflect on practice and gives us insight into what we’re doing well and things we can be curious about with our students. Teachers are expected to set aside time in-class for students to complete the survey anytime between April 28th and May 30th. The survey takes about 5 minutes for students to complete.

Parents can preview the survey using the following link: HS Social Studies Student Survey questions.

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.

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.

READ MORE

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

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.

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!

• After the party’s over, give your graduation yard sign a second life! They do not belong in your home recycling cart. Instead, bring yard signs to a free drop-off recycling event from June 1-Aug. 15 at the Dakota County Western Service Center. More information: https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/Environment/RecyclingDisposalGuide/Pages/default.aspx#!rc-page=253300

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.