Aitkin High School Newsletter

Conferences will be a little different on November 5th

Fall parent-teacher conferences are an important opportunity to connect with your student's teachers, celebrate successes, discuss progress, and identify ways we can continue to support student learning.

This year, conferences will be held on Thursday, November 5th virtually during the school day from 7:40 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. To sign up for a virtual conference, you can find the links on the high school website

We will also have evening conferences in person with teachers who will remain at school. These conferences will take place in each teacher's individual classroom from 4:00-7:00.

Due to the section playoff finals football game, several staff members will be leaving at 3:30 p.m. to support our Gobblers. These teachers will not be available for in-person evening conferences.

If you would like to meet with a teacher who will be leaving early, please sign up for a virtual conference during the school day or email the teacher directly to arrange another time to connect.

We appreciate the time families take to stay connected and involved in their student's education. Strong communication between home and school makes a difference, and we look forward to connecting with you this fall. Go Gobblers!

The following staff will be gone during part of conferences:

Mrs. DeMars

Mr. Henrickson

Mr. Henke

Mr. Miller

Ms. Grater

Mrs. Monson

Mrs. Cline

Mr. Oestreich

Mr. May

Mrs. Steffens

Mr. Hopperstad

Mr. Sanford

Mr. Smith

Mr. Michaletz

If you have any questions, at any time please call the school to set up a time to meet or email me @ ldemars@isd1.org

Thank you,

Mrs. DeMars

High School Principal

Congratulations Mrs. Croatt!

Mrs. Croatt is our October staff member of the month. The 11th and 12th grade homeroom representatives want to make a difference by recognizing the incredible staff who make Aitkin High School such a supportive and inspiring place. Together, they launched the Staff of the Month program to spotlight staff who make an impact for our students and school community.

Each month, students have the chance to nominate a staff member by completing a short Google Form and sharing why that person deserves to be recognized. The 11th and 12th grade homeroom reps review all nominations and select one staff member to honor.

Mrs. Croatt was nominated for being there when we have bad days. Students say she is amazing, shows she cares about us and is enjoyable to talk to.

Thank you Mrs. Croatt for making a meaningful impact at AHS!

Financial Aid Night at AHS

When: Monday, November 9th

Where: AHS Fab Lab

Time: 6:00 PM

If you are planning to attend college for the Fall of 2027 and have not yet submitted your FAFSA, It is highly recommended that seniors and parent/guardian attend next Monday. Bring your laptop, and you can get the FAFSA submitted.

It is of utmost importance that you and at least one parent already have an account created with FAFSA. If you want help setting up your account prior to Monday, please come see Mrs. Sander in the school counseling office.

Remember to follow the cell phone policy

Our cell phone policy can be found in the student handbook on the district website. https://home.isd1.org/for-parents.html

Respect, Responsibility, Character and Gobbler Pride

At Aitkin High School, we believe that creating a positive school environment starts with building strong relationships, setting clear expectations, and recognizing students for making positive choices. One way we do this is through PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports).

PBIS is a schoolwide approach that focuses on teaching, encouraging, and recognizing positive behaviors. We recognize students through student of the month and by celebrating when we reach our goal of 9% or less of behaviors each quarter. PBIS emphasizes helping students understand what positive behavior looks like and providing support so every student can be successful.

At AHS, we focus on four core expectations:

Respect: Treating others with kindness, valuing differences, and taking care of our school.
Responsibility: Making good choices, being prepared, and taking ownership of our actions.
Character: Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
Pride: Taking pride in ourselves, our school, and our Gobbler community.

Math Tutoring is on Tuesdays and Wednesdays right after school

Please sign up in the counseling office if you are planning to attend.

Student Support Resources

Our school offers several resources to support students’ basic needs. The School Counseling Office hosts a Food Pantry and Clothing Closet open to all students. In addition, the Nurse’s Office provides a Hygiene Wall stocked with personal care items. Students are encouraged to visit anytime they need a little extra support — no questions asked.

Questions? Contact Mrs. Croatt and Mrs. Sander in the school counseling office.

High School Parking Lot and Pick up after School

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.

Students in the building after school

If students are in the building at 3:45, they must be in the commons area unless they are under adult supervision.

Veterans Day Program

The High school Veteran's Day program will be on Wednesday, November 11th at 9:30 in the Auditorium. All are welcome to attend

Important Dates

November 3rd - Picture Retakes

November 5th - conferences from 7:40 a.m. to 7:00 pm

November 6th - No School for Students

November 18th - Fall Band Concert @ 7:30

November 18th - Blood Drive

November 26th & 27th - No School Thanksgiving Break

December 14th - 7-8 Holiday Choir Concert @ 7:30pm

December 16th - 9-12 Holiday Choir Concert @ 7:30pm

December 23 - January 4th - No School Winter Break (students return on Tuesday, January 5th)

Contact Aitkin High School with Any Questions

Tharcia Foss - High School Secretary - 218-927-2115

Carol Brick, High School Nurse - 218-927-2115

Jim Henrickson - Dean of Students/Activities Director- 218-927-7125

Lisa DeMars - Principal - - 218-927-7113

Alan Hills - Assistant to Athletics/Activities Director - 218-927-7122

Michelle Alcox - Transportation Director - 218-429-0241

Sammy Croatt - Grades 7-9 Counselor - 218-927-7124

Meredith Sander - Grades 10-12 Counselor - 218-927-7108

High School Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns, please call the high school office. 218-927-2115

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

Aitkin High School Newsletter