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Aquila Capacity Update
We want to share an important update about our school's capacity and how we're working to make sure our students have the best learning experience possible. We know that overcrowding is a concern for our community, and we're here to keep you informed on what we’re doing to address it.
What's Going on at Aquila
Right now, Aquila is running at about 116% full. Aquila’s enrollment coupled with increased space needs for programs (enrichment/talent development, multilingual learners, special education, adaptive PE, etc.) has created challenges for our community to equitably access curricular programming. We're working hard to find ways to make things better. Here are some of the things we've tried:
- We offered families in our area the chance to move to Peter Hobart Elementary or Susan Lindgren Elementary, and very few families chose to do that.
- We stopped accepting new open enrolled students (students who live outside the school district), including siblings and children of staff members.
- Students who live in the Rise on 7 apartments now go to Susan Lindgren Elementary instead of Aquila.
Changes at Other Elementary Schools
We're not the only school dealing with capacity issues. Other elementary schools have had some changes too:
- Peter Hobart Elementary has more students than expected, so they added two new class sections to make room for everyone and maintain class size targets.
- Susan Lindgren Elementary has slightly fewer students than expected, so they removed one class section in Kindergarten while maintaining class size targets.
- Rise on 7 apartments opened in November. We have enrolled about 10 students so far, across grade levels at the high school, middle school, Susan Lindgren, and early childhood. These additional students have not yet required additional sections at Susan Lindgren.
- Aquila’s enrollment is 15 students below projections due to closed open enrollment. Because we did not reduce the number of class sections, the result is lower class sizes, for example 3rd grade sections average 19 students each.
It's important for families to understand that schools are changing how they operate to better meet the needs of students. For example, the Talent Development program uses two full classrooms in each school. Likewise, students need dedicated spaces to access special education and/or Multilingual Learning. Susan Lindgren and Peter Hobart schools have more of these smaller group classrooms available, while Aquila was not designed with as many of these types of spaces. This is an issue that older facilities across the country are facing; student needs and what we know about how to address those needs if different now than it was decades ago.
What's Next to Address the Crowding Problem
With Peter Hobart growing and more apartments expected in the Susan Lindgren area, our schools are running out of space to fit all the elementary students. So, here's what we plan to do:
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Families who live in the Aquila area can choose to send their students to Susan Lindgren or Peter Hobart for the 2024-2025 school year. If you wish to transfer your student’s enrollment to Susan Lindgren or Peter Hobart, complete this form.
- We're researching the idea of building approximately five new classrooms at Aquila to make more space.
Our construction team has been working with our school leaders to research the possibility of adding additional classrooms at Aquila to better accommodate our students. If we add classrooms, because of new federal building codes since Aquila was built, we're also required to add a storm shelter for safety, which can be expensive. The estimate for the full project is about $23 million, which is more than we anticipated (between $15 - $20 million). We’re currently looking for ways to lower the costs of the project.
We'll keep you updated on our progress. We plan to share our recommendations and next steps with the school board this spring. While this is still in the very early stages of development, if everything goes as planned, our goal would be to have more room for our students by the fall of 2025.
We appreciate your support and understanding as we work together to give our students the best education possible.
María Graver, Aquila Principal
952-928-6502 ~ graver.maria@slpschools.org
Olivia Tolzin, Aquila Assistant Principal
952-928-6508 ~ tolzin.olivia@slpschools.org
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Monday, February 12 ~ NAAPID Breakfast, 7:45 AM
Monday, February 12 ~ Virtual ASD Family Meetup, 6:00-7:30 PM
Wednesday, February 14 ~ Dine Out For Aquila - Parkway Pizza
Thursday, February 15 ~ Family Connect Times, 2:30-6:30 PM
Thursday, February 15 ~ Scholastic Book Fair
Friday, February 16 ~ No School, Family Connect Times, 7:30 AM-3:30 PM
Friday, February 16 ~ Scholastic Book Fair
Friday, February 16 ~ AQ PTO Movie Night at the Middle School, 6:00 PM
Monday, February 19 ~ No School
Monday, February 26 ~ Author's Night With Sideena Grace, 6:30 PM
Wednesday, February 28 ~ Black History Month Assembly
Wednesday, February 28 ~ Dine Out For Aquila - México City Café
Thursday, March 7 ~ District Showcase Band Concert (includes Fifth Graders), 7:00 PM at the High School
Tuesday, March 19 ~ Talent Development Night, First Grade
Friday, March 29 - Friday, April 5 ~ No School, Spring Break
Monday, April 8 ~ School Resumes
Wednesday, April 10 ~ No School
Thursday, April 24 ~ District Showcase Orchestra Concert (includes Fourth & Fifth Graders), 7:00 PM at the High School
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Five Fabulous Aquila Fifth Graders | |
Aquila Theatre Arts ~ Finding Nemo Jr. | |
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Performance Dates:
Families, students, community members are welcome to attend the musical on:
*Friday, February 9 at 7:00 PM (Tomorrow)
*Saturday, February 10 at 12:00 PM
Location: St. Louis Park Middle School Performing Arts Center - 2025 Texas Ave S. St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Tickets for those shows can be
purchased by clicking here.
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I Love To Read Month Fun! | |
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Students will bring home a Reading
Challenge sheet.
Read 100 minutes or more from February 9-15 at home. Fill out the form and return to school. Students will receive a bookmark and be entered in a drawing for a Target gift card.
This is an optional activity. Reading can be independent or with a family member. Any form of reading or enjoying books counts!
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Author's Night ~ Sideena Grace | |
ASD Parent/Guardian Connect Opportunity | |
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If you are interested in joining Aquila's parent/family group, that connects monthly to share the joys and challenges of raising children on the autism spectrum, please reach out to María Graver, graver.maria@slpschools.org. Join us for our virtual meeting on Monday, February 12 at 6:00 PM. Click here for the meeting link.
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AQ Movie Night ~ Friday, February 16 | |
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Save The Date ~ AQ Movie Night
Friday, February 16 - 6:00 PM
At the SLP Middle School
Texas Ave South, St. Louis Park
FREE FOR ALL AQUILA FAMILIES!
BILAASH AH DHAMMAAN QOYSASKA AQUILA
Jimcaha, Febraayo 16 saacada 6:00 galabnimo
GRATIS PARA TODAS LAS FAMILIAS DE AQUILA
Viernes 16 de febrero a las 6:00 PM
Escuela Intermedia SLP
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Aquila’s Third Graders are learning about How the World Works. The Central Idea for this Unit of Inquiry is: Patterns help us understand the world.
On a recent field trip to the Como Planetarium, students were able to see patterns in the sky, discover the brightest constellations, and dive into stunning galactic wonders.
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Aquila Fifth Graders are learning about How the World Works. They are currently inquiring into the Central Idea: Investigation and inquiry can lead to advances.
As part of this unit of inquiry, students are using a StarBase MN STEM Kit called Destination Mars. Pictured here are students in Ms. Slingluff’s class conducting an experiment with chromatography (the process of separating components of a mixture).
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Aquila Book Fair!
Thursday, February 15 (3:00 PM-7:30 PM)
Friday, February 16 (7:30 AM-3:30 PM)
Click here to visit the Aquila Fair Homepage to set-up an eWallet for your child to shop cash free at the fair. Once set-up, the eWallet link can be shared with family and friends to contribute. eWallets empower students to choose their own books and check out with their very own digital payment account. The accounts can be used at the fair or online and any leftover funds can be saved for future fairs.
Click here to preview books that will be at the fair!
****Volunteers needed for the Book Fair - Click here!****
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The mission of the Aquila Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
is to enhance the educational experience of all Aquila students and support all Aquila community and staff through fundraising
and community events.
AQ PTO Website - Click here
AQ PTO Facebook page - Click here
AQ PTO Calendar - Click here
AQ PTO Email Signup & Volunteer Interest Form - Click here
AQ Dine Out Nights For Aquila - Click here
Volunteer Opportunity~Lunchroom Support - Click here
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District News ~
National African American Parent Involvement Day
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National African American Parent Involvement Day is on this Monday, February 12. We honor the invaluable contributions of African American parents, families, and communities in supporting education and empowering our youth. National African American Parent Involvement Day is an annual celebration that promotes and provides strategies for all parents and students to take full advantage of the educational process at all levels of the educational system. Aquila will be hosting a breakfast for families. Please click here to register.
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District News ~ National School Counselor Week | |
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National School Counselor Week is February 5-9. Thank you school counselors! School counselors help to foster the academic, social, and emotional well-being of students. Through their unwavering dedication and expert guidance, they contribute significantly to shaping the trajectory of our schools and communities. Their efforts make a profound impact, empowering students to thrive and ensuring a brighter future for all.
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District News ~
Free Walk-in Clinic For All St. Louis Park Public Schools Students
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The Central Community Clinic is a free, walk-in clinic for children from birth to high school who live or go to public or private schools in St. Louis Park.
Central Clinic's mission is to reduce barriers to healthcare for the children and youth of our community. Services are no-cost and include:
- sports and camp physicals
- treatment for acute illness and injuries
- well-child/baby check-ups
- immunizations and vaccines (for uninsured/Medical Assistance/MNCARE)
- sexual health care
Interpreters can be arranged by calling ahead of time.
At this time, Central Clinic is not able to administer Covid vaccines.
Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays from 1:00-4:30 PM
Location: Central Community Center - 6300 Walker Street - Door 7
Contact: Call 952-933-1100 or email centralclinic@parknicollet.com
Dental Care
Low cost dental care is also available at this location the first Friday of every month.
Call Children's Dental Services to make an appointment at 612-746-1530.
The Central Clinic was founded in 1996 as a response to the Children First initiative. The clinic is funded by a grant from the Park Nicollet Foundation, staffed by doctors from Park Nicollet Creekside Clinic, and governed by an advisory council.
View the flyer: English | Somali | Spanish
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District News ~ Important Dates In February | |
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We realized that some of the February dates we shared in the district e-newsletter, the SLP Communicator, were incorrect. Please see the updated dates:
In February we celebrate Black History Month, Minnesota School Board Recognition Month, and Career and Technical Education Month.
- 1 - World Hijab Day
- 2 - No School E-12 (Professional Development)
- 5-9 - National School Counseling Week
- 7 - Special School Board Meeting, 7pm
- 10 - Lunar New Year
- 12 - National African American Family Involvement Day
- 13 - School Board Meeting, 6:30pm (Open Forum moved to 2/13 instead of 2/28)
- 14 - Beginning of Lent (Christian)
- 15 - International Digital Learning Day
- 16 - No School K-5 (Conferences); 6-12 in session
- 17 - Random Acts of Kindness Day
- 19 - No School E-12 (President’s Day)
- 21 - Special School Board Meeting 6pm; School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
- 26-3/1 - MASA Public Schools Week
- 28 - School Board Meeting 5pm (Special Meeting at 5:15pm)
February School Board Open Forum - Tuesday, February 13 at 6:30 PM.
School Board open forum (where community members provide public comment to the school board) typically occurs on the 2nd board meeting of the month. Since the February 28 regular school board meeting is very short (about 15 minutes) to accommodate the school board’s special meeting focused on the superintendent search, we’ve moved the date of open forum to the Tuesday, February 13, 2024 meeting at 6:30 PM. Sign up for open forum.
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District News ~
Be SMART: A Message About Proper Gun Storage & Safety
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St. Louis Park Public Schools is teaming up with Be SMART to share an important message about proper gun storage and safety.
Last year, more than 350 children in the U.S. gained access to a firearm and unintentionally shot themselves or someone else. In 2021, 22 Minnesotans under the age of 18 were killed by guns, and more than 1,700 guns were stolen across our state that year. When guns are not properly stored, tragedy can strike.
We ask that you consider following the Be SMART message in your home. It emphasizes the importance of secure gun storage. Consider secure gun storage as an important step you can take to help protect your family, school and community.
Here’s what Be SMART stands for:
Secure all guns in your homes and vehicles.
Model responsible behavior around guns.
Ask about unsecured guns in other homes.
Recognize the role of guns in suicide.
Tell your peers to Be SMART.
Research shows that secure storage plays a vital role in reducing the risk of gun violence. Preventing children from accessing unsecured firearms is required by Minnesota law.
In addition to following the Be SMART message, you can take action by:
Thank you for reading this important safety message and for being a partner with us in helping to keep our kids, schools and communities safe.
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