Aitkin High School Newsletter

Course Registration for 2025-26

The course registration process for the 2025-26 school year will take place during the first two weeks of April. Students will receive information about available courses, graduation requirements, and elective options through advisory sessions and counselor meetings. We encourage parents and guardians to discuss course selections with their students to ensure they are aligned with their academic and career goals. If you have any questions, please reach out to our counseling office.

Budget Reductions and Staffing Updates
At the March 24, 2025, school board meeting, the board approved $482,030 in budget reductions due mainly to declining enrollment. These reductions will bring transitions within our school, including adjustments in staffing and course offerings. We are deeply saddened by the loss of some of our valued team members and appreciate their contributions to our school community.

We understand these changes will impact students, staff, and families. Almost 85% of school districts in MN are facing similar financial challenges this year. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions regarding the budget or other areas, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at ldemars@isd1.org or 218-927-7113.

Thank you for your support and understanding during this difficult time.

• Quarter 4 Began on March 26th

• No School on April 18 - 21
• No School May 26th (Memorial Day)
• Last day of school is May 29th
• Graduation is May 30th at 7:00 pm at Veteran's Field

• Link to our district calendar for all events - https://home.isd1.org/

• Link to athletics and events calendar - https://isd1.rschoolteams.com/

https://forms.gle/Q1L4WoQkCvM6P6dY9

Walk to HOPE is a charity walk we do to bring awareness about domestic violence. The money raised by participants will go to benefit Healing Opportunity Provided Equally (HOPE),which is a local non-profit organization that helps people and families escape domestic violence and get back on their feet after a difficult period.

Footloose tickets can be purchased on-line by clicking: HERE

Ticket price online is $11.00
($10.00 + $1.00 processing fee per ticket)

Tickets can also be purchased at the high school NW entrance during school hours for $10.00 cash/check.

​Tickets can be purchased at the door prior to each performance. ​Please allow 15 minutes prior to show. This will allow you to locate your seat before the start of the show.

988 Minnesota Lifeline connects help seekers to local resources

Connecting with 988 is an easy way to get connected with mental health resources local to you. 988 Lifeline centers have access to the 211 database with referral options for those experiencing food or housing insecurity, substance misuse, as well as resources for caregivers. 988 Lifeline Specialists are able to refer help-seekers to local Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics and Mobile Crisis teams as well.

If you need immediate emotional or mental health support, or are worried about someone else, please call or text 988 or visit the 988 Lifeline chat to connect online with a trained specialist.

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/

Aitkin Public Schools may use e-Learning on days where weather or other circumstances do not permit us to have school in person. On E-Learning days, our students will engage in learning activities online through the use of Infinite Campus, Canvas, Email, and Phone Calls. Teachers will present instruction, share assignments and students will be able to participate in discussions and complete work using Canvas. During our e-Learning days our teachers will actively engage with our students, directing and overseeing their work. E-Learning days will be held in the event of unplanned school closures due to emergency situations such as severe weather, power outages, or public health issues. If there is to be an e-Learning Day a message will be sent out to all families. It is important to ensure that all of your contact information is up to date in our system to ensure you receive all district and school messages.

How an e-Learning Day works:

• Parents/Guardians will receive an automated phone call, text or email via the School Messenger service, announcements will be made on local television and radio stations. The school district web page, www.isd1.org will be updated to describe the school closure event.

• Assignments and activities will be posted in Canvas throughout our e-Learning day(s).

• Teachers will hold office hours from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm district-wide on the e-learning day.

• Students will not report to school but will engage in E-learning activities from home as assigned.

• Teachers will be available during the school day to answer questions and provide guidance through email or on Canvas.

• The due dates for E-learning day assignments will be flexible. Students with special needs or circumstances may face unique challenges while performing the academic tasks. Provisions and accommodations will be made for their individual needs.

• Please contact your child’s teacher(s) for more specific information as needed.

How will attendance be verified?

• Attendance must be taken by the teacher and records of attendance will be kept. Some ways attendance can be verified include:

• Logging in to the class page(s) on the district’s/school Canvas Learning Management System

• Students can complete daily assignments to verify attendance during regular school hours.

• Email exchange/phone call with the teacher.

• A parent may verify attendance due to a lack of internet/wifi connectivity by contacting your child's school at 218-927-2115

To avoid congestion in the staff parking lot by the NW Entry, we are asking that parents who are picking their student(s) up after school to wait until the buses have gone at 3:30 and then park on the north side of the school to pick your student(s) up. If you are picking your student up during the day, there are visitor parking spots in the NW lot, or you can park along the north side of the school. Students are reminded that the NW parking lot is for staff and visitor parking only.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call the high school office.

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