Aquila Communicator

February 9, 2023

Greetings Families,

We would like to thank the St. Louis Park and Aquila Community for their continued care and outpouring of support. We know that we are not alone during these difficult days. Our students and staff have experienced a range of emotions during the last week. Blue hearts have been made and placed around Aquila School to recognize that our community is together in love and support to remember Tharchin and his family.

Joy has been brought to Aquila this week as we have seen the creativity and excitement that only a child can bring while participating in an activity that brings them so much happiness like a musical. Thank you to the staff who have made the musical a possibility. We can't wait to see the dress rehearsals today. We look forward to seeing you at the weekend performances.

Paz,

María & Olivia

María Graver, Aquila Principal

952-928-6502 ~ graver.maria@slpschools.org

Olivia Tolzin, Aquila Assistant Principal

952-928-6508 ~ tolzin.olivia@slpschools.org

The Willow Park Neighborhood has started a fundraiser for the family of Lobsang Tharchin.

His loss is being felt in all parts of the community, from the Willow Park Neighborhood where he lived to the schools that he attended. He was a student of the Early Learning program in St Louis Park and most recently Aquila Elementary School where he was in Mrs. Rachel Haen's kindergarten class.

The neighborhood hopes that this fundraiser will help to support the parents during this challenging time including any medical bills or funeral expenses. If you prefer to donate directly you can reach out to Emily Del Bel, emilydelbel@gmail.com or Chelsea Bohn Bergaus, bohnbergaus04@gmail.com who are Aquila Elementary School parents and live in the Willow Park Neighborhood.

GoFundMe Link

National African American Parent Involvement Day

Join Aquila as we celebrate

National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID)

THIS coming Monday, February 13, 2023

Join us for any or all of the following:

Enjoy breakfast 7:40-8:00 AM and or lunch (times vary by grade) with your student.
Please attend the morning meeting at 8:00 AM in your child’s classroom. Third Grade families can attend specialist classes with their students at this time.
Gather for coffee, treats, and community at 9:00 AM in the Aquila Foyer.

We hope to see you then!

Key Dates

Friday, February 10 ~ Honk! Jr. Musical at the Middle School, 7:00 PM

Saturday, February 11 ~ Honk! Jr. Musical at the Middle School, 12:00 PM

Monday February 13 ~ National African American Parent Involvement Day

Thursday, February 16 ~ 3:00-7:00 PM Conferences

Thursday, February 16 ~ Scholastic Book Fair

Friday, February 17 ~ No School

Friday, February 17 ~ 7:20 AM - 3:20 PM Conferences

Friday, February 17 ~ Scholastic Book Fair

Monday, February 20 ~ No School

Monday, February 27 ~ Authors Night, 6:30-7:30 PM

Wednesday, March 8 ~ Career-A-Plooza

Thursday, March 9 ~ SLP District Band Concert, 7:00 PM

Friday, March 10 ~ AQ PTO BINGO Night, 6:00 PM

Wednesday, March 15 ~ AQ PTO Free Family Tech Talk, Online Event

Monday, March 20 ~ AQ PTO Meeting, 6:30 PM

Friday, March 31 --- Friday, April 7 - No School

Monday, April 10 ~ School Resumes

Aquila Theatre Arts Presents Honk! Jr.

Performance Dates:

Families, students, community members are welcome to attend the musical on:

*Friday, February 10 at 7:00 PM

*Saturday, February 11 at 12:00 PM

Tickets for those shows can be

purchased by clicking here.

Stargrams & Alum Pins

If you attend the musical on Friday or Saturday, bring $1.00 to buy a Stargram for an actor in the performance.

Aquila Theatre Arts Alum ~ Stop by the box office to pick up a free Alum pin before the shows. Show your AQ Theatre Arts pride!

Donations & Volunteer Opportunities

Honk Musical participants are getting ready for their performances. Please click on this link to donate any needed materials for the Honk Musical practices as well as volunteer opportunities. Thank you!

Student Spotlight ~ Devin

Aquila Second Grader Devin was highlighted on KSTP this week for being the recipient of a surprise trip to the Super Bowl made possible by The Thielen Foundation.

Devin receives support through the M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Pediatric Mental Health Unit. Last month the foundation thought Devin and his Great, Great Uncle Mark (aka Papa) were working hard at their goals and received a special trip to the Super Bowl.

Congratulations Devin!

Click here to see the newscast.

Photo from The Thielen Foundation.

I LOVE TO READ MONTH ~ February 2023

Book Fair

The Scholastic Book Fair

will be held on

Thursday, February 16

and Friday, February 17

during conferences in the Aquila Gymnasium.

Click here to volunteer

at the book fair.

Click here for more information about ordering books online and

setting up an eWallet!

Tuesday, February 14

DRESS LIKE A BOOK CHARACTER DAY

BINGO Fun

Here is Aquila student Shane reading under a table to complete a square on his

I Love To Read BINGO Sheet.

Have fun reading at home!

Books & Cocoa

Tuesday, February 28

Students are encouraged to bring up to 3 gently-used books to their classroom, beginning now and through Monday, February 27, for the opportunity to swap books (up to 3 books) with other gently-used books.

If you are able to bring more than 3 books, those will be used for donations at the event.

All students will get to pick a book and enjoy cocoa that day even if they are unable to bring a book to swap.

Hot cocoa will be provided by the AQ PTO.

Read My Shirt Day!

Physical Education Update

Kindergarten Update - Mr. Boyle

One game Kindergarteners have been enjoying during PE is called Hungry, Hungry Hippo to focus on the following standards:

-Travel in different pathways differentiating between movement in personal space (self-space) and general space. For example: straight, curvy, zig zag.

-Travel using slow and fast speeds.

-Click here to see a clip of this game in action.

Grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 - Mr. Roberts

Students continue to work on motor skill development while participating in low organized activities. They are also developing cardiovascular endurance while participating in fitness activities. They are also working on cooperation, teamwork, and empathy during cooperative activities. Ask your students about some of these activities:

-Fitness Card Game

-Partner Pacer Test

-Mario Kart

Please reach out to Freddie Boyle (boyle.frederick@slpschools.org) or

Tom Roberts (roberts.thomas@slpschools.org) with any questions about PE at Aquila.

Talent Development Update ~ Art Showcase ~ Grades 3, 4, 5

During Family Connect/Conference times on Thursday, February 16 or Friday, February 17 please feel free to drop by the Talent Development Room with your student for an Art Showcase.

Make time before or after your conference to come to Room 151. No sign-up necessary, just drop by the room. Come share in the brilliance of your student as they explain the different forms of art, information about artists from around the world, and meaning of their own pieces they created during Talent Development.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Lisa Bottolene

bottolene.elizabeth@slpschools.org

952-928-6485

Aquila's Tool Of The Week ~ Conductor Breath

Each week, students and staff will focus on a tool that helps them with their social emotional well-being. This week's tool is called Conductor Breath.

With your arms at your sides like a music conductor, breathe in and sweep your arms up overhead.
Breathe out and bring your arms back down and out to the sides.
Breathe in again and sweep your arms up overhead.
This time you breathe out, bring your arms down as your fold forward with a deep ‘HUH’ sound.
Do this 3-5 times and end in Forward Fold for several breaths.

Aquila Yearbook ~ Order Online

Click here to order your Aquila Yearbook online.

Yearbook code: 1524823

Must be purchased online.

Last date to order yearbooks is April 17, 2023.

Cost of yearbook is $14.00

Aquila Gives Spotlight

Last month, the entire third grade visited the Science Museum of Minnesota. Students explored the many exhibits including The Bias Inside Us and Light Gallery, and enjoyed the OmniTheatre experience, as well. All students were able to attend this field trip free of charge thanks to donations made earlier this year to Aquila PTO fundraiser Aquila Gives.

Amelia from Ms. Bishop's class balances carefully on a

wobbly surface!

Aria, Elise, Eva, Georgia, and Sh'Niye practice their broadcasting skills!

Deuce, Jermaine, and Tania from Mrs. Osmundson's class give a big hug to a big-toothed statue!

Aquila PTO ~ Parent, Teacher Organization

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 INFORMATION ~ LINKS:

*Website

*Facebook

*Send an email

GET INVOLVED ~ LINKS:

*Volunteer Interest Form

*Cafeteria Lunchroom Help Link

Aquila Lost & Found

During Family Connect Time or before, please stop by the Aquila Lost & Found (near the Cafeteria) and look for items. Remind your student to take a look. All unclaimed items will be donated to charity after Friday, February 17.