Dear AHS Families,

I hope this message finds you well.

As we continue our commitment to providing high-quality education for all students, I want to take a moment to share important information regarding enrollment trends in Minnesota and the financial adjustments our district is facing as a result.

Across the state, many school districts, including ours, have experienced a decline in student enrollment. To learn more, read the article from MREA on how enrollment impacts school funding. Various factors contribute to this trend including lower birth rates and families opting for alternative educational choices. Unfortunately, enrollment declines directly impact school funding, as public schools in Minnesota receive state funding based on the number of students enrolled.

With fewer students, school districts are facing significant budgetary challenges. In response, our district is carefully reviewing our financial outlook and considering necessary adjustments to ensure we continue providing the best possible educational experience for our students. These adjustments may include evaluating staffing levels, consolidating programs, and finding efficiencies in operational costs. While these decisions are never easy, our priority remains maintaining a strong academic environment while being fiscally responsible.

We understand that budget changes can raise questions and concerns, and we are committed to keeping you informed throughout this process.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child’s education. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to my office.

Sincerely,

Lisa DeMars

High School Principal

ldemars@isd1.org

Everyday I am proud to say I have amazing students and staff and I am an AITKIN GOBBLER!

Aitkin Public Schools is committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for success. To support this mission, the district is developing a long-term facilities plan to ensure our buildings meet the needs of students now and in the future.

Through community input, research, and facility assessments, we have identified key priorities, including increasing space, enhancing security, and updating our buildings. This plan also focuses on right-sizing our schools to align with projected enrollment, creating enhanced educational spaces, and ensuring safe, healthy learning environments. We are now exploring the best ways to address these needs with a cost-effective plan that benefits students, staff, and the community for years to come.

In the months ahead, we will continue gathering community feedback as the school board considers options to improve our district’s facilities. Our goal is to present a plan to voters by the end of 2025.

For more information, please visit our We Are Aitkin website: https://www.weareaitkin.org/

Middle School Dance Policy/Need to Knows:

- This is a 7th and 8th grade ONLY dance.

- Please refrain from dropping off your child more than 10 minutes early as students will not be allowed into the dance until 6:30pm and supervision outside the dance area is limited.

- Use the Northwest (secure) entry doors for drop off/pick up.

- Students will NOT be allowed to go to their lockers. Access to anywhere in the building other than the cafeteria will be restricted.

- NO re-entry. If a student leaves the dance they will not be allowed to return.

- For any student leaving the dance before 9:00pm, a parent must come inside to pick them up and notify one of the chaperones.

- Students can/will be forced to contact a parent to leave the dance if they engage in misconduct or excessive misbehavior during the dance (swearing, fighting, etc).

- Any non-AHS dance guest will NOT be allowed into the dance without prior approval and completion of a dance visitor form (available in the high school office).

We are excited to host a fun-filled night of music and dancing. We hope your middle schooler can attend!

- Middle School Student Council

(Advisor: Sammy Croatt, scroatt@isd1.org)

The Aitkin Choir will perform the musical Footloose this Spring. More information will be coming out soon.

Aitkin Quarterback Club

St. Cloud Technical & Community College

Aitkin Fire Department

NASA

Crooked Lake Fire Department

Graphic Packaging

Email: ldemars@isd1.org
Website: https://home.isd1.org/
Location: 306 2nd Street Northwest, Aitkin, MN, USA
Phone: 218-927-2115
Facebook: facebook.com/AitkinPublicSchools