Coyote Chronicles
In April we shift our full attention to the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA). Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 will be taking the MCA in reading and mathematics, with fifth-grade students also participating in the MCA science test. These assessments provide a snapshot of students' learning based on grade-level academic standards.
We’d like to recognize the hard work and dedication our staff and Coyotes have shown throughout the year. Now it’s time for students to demonstrate all they’ve learned. If your student will be taking the test, please help them prepare by ensuring they get a good night’s sleep, eat a nutritious breakfast, and receive plenty of encouragement so they can do their best and feel proud of their accomplishments.
Students will need headphones for this assessment, so please check with your student to confirm they have a pair available at school.
April 14, 15, 16
Grade 3 : Reading or Math
Grades 4 & 5 : Reading
April 21, 22, 23
Grade 3 : Reading or Math
Grades 4 & 5 : Math
May 4, 5
Grade 5 : Science
Last names beginning with A-K
Pre-Program Activities 4:15 - 4:45 PM
Program 4:45 - 5:15 PM
Last names beginning with L-Z
Pre-Program Activities 5:30 - 6:00 PM
Program 6:00 - 6:30 PM
Kindergarten Welcome Night begins with pre-program activities in the South Cafeteria. Please enter through Door 9 on the south side of the building. Parents can drop off necessary paperwork such as: a copy of your child's birth certificate, immunization records, and two forms of address verification. Parents will also collect a Welcome to Kindergarten folder, and explore various informative stations. Incoming kindergartners can take a "Class of 2039" photo and meet the principals.
Students will then enjoy activities in kindergarten classrooms while parents attend an informational program in the South Gym.
Following the informational meeting, parents can pick up their child at the classroom and exit through Door 10, where students will have the opportunity to experience a short bus ride.
Early Childhood Screening is required prior to Kindergarten. Schedule your child's screening online at ahschools.us/earlychildhoodscreening or call 763-433-4910 for assistance.
Andover teachers and administrators take a great amount of time and effort in forming classes that benefit all students.The following are some of the areas considered in order to create the best learning situation:
- Self Motivation
- Level of Achievement
- Student Interests & Abilities
- Learning Styles
- Student Maturity
- Special Education Support
- ML Support
If your child has unique educational needs and you wish to provide input into the placement decision, please call the office at 763-506-1700 or email Tammy.Smith@ahschools.us to receive a "Student Placement Form." Specific teacher requests will not be considered due to the factors listed above and the uncertainty of teacher assignments.
Forms are due by Thursday, April 30th.
We hope all of our Coyotes and families had a restful and relaxing spring break!!
We wanted to send a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who participated in this year's coins vs. bills, carnival, and silent auction!! The time, money, and energy you bring to these fundraising events is truly something special. It is what helps make our school so wonderful. We want to extend an extra shout out to the community members that donated items for our very first silent auction! We could not have done this without you.
We are looking for a few people to join our 2026-2027 Budget Committee. Our budget meeting date is Sunday, April 12th in the evening. This role would include helping to estimate fundraising goals for next school year, fostering discussion on how to allocate APTCO's financial resources, and balancing the budget for approval at the May APTCO meeting. If you are interested, please send us an email at andoverpto@gmail.com, and we will get you more details.
Staff Appreciation Week is a month away! We are looking forward to treating our staff with several days of fun. Please stay tuned for more information on volunteering opportunities during this celebration.
There will be no APTCO meeting for April. Our next meeting is May 7th, at 6:30 pm in the South Media Center. We will be voting on proposed 2026-2027 budget and board positions for next year. All are welcome!
Thanks!
Jess, Tia, Melissa, and Olivia
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Andover Parent Teacher Community Organization
Andover Elementary School
2025-2026 APTCO Board:
Tia Borich & Jessica Van Wyhe ~ Co Chairs
Melissa Hayek ~ Vice Chair
Olivia Pizinger ~ Treasurer
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Thank you to the many who volunteered for our Coyote Carnival last week! We couldn't have done it without you. The carnival is a favorite school tradition and the night was a huge success. Thank you for being generous with your time.
As we look ahead to the last part of our school year, we have a lot going on and plenty of opportunities for volunteering.
Here's a look at what's coming up:
MCA Hall Monitors: Dates Vary (4/14-4/16, 4/21- 4/23, 5/4 - 5/5) - This is an important volunteer role and each spot must be filled. Hall monitors are a visible reminder to our Coyotes that there are classrooms taking tests nearby and that they need to be quiet and respectful in the hallways. Sign up HERE
Field Trips - Grade K and Grade 4 will have field trips in the month of May that need chaperones. More details will come home with students as the field trips approach. To get ahead start, if you think you may be interested in chaperoning, please take a few minutes to complete a volunteer application and criminal record history release found HERE.
Please note: there is an additional form to complete that is included with the permission slip.
Track and Field Day: May 14th - MANY volunteers will be needed to help ensure the events run safely and on time. If you are interested and need to request time off of work, now's the time to start planning. Various shifts will be available between 7:30AM - 12:40PM. Keep an eye out for that sign up later in April!
Kelli Anderson
Volunteer Services Coordinator
Andover Elementary
763-506-1723
Hours: M-TH 8:00-1:30PM
Please click on the links, below, for a map and schedule of events.
1. Listen to the weather forecast and have your child dress for those conditions. Dress your child in layers that they can put on or take off as needed. Students are encouraged to wear their T&F day t-shirt, or a shirt in the color designated for their grade level. (Kindergarten -Purple, 1st-Lime Green, 2nd-Orange, 3rd-Yellow, 4th-Kelly Green, 5th-Gray)
2. For safety reasons, all students must wear tennis shoes that stay securely on their feet. Check the condition of their laces to make sure they are tied tightly. No sandals, cleats, boots, crocs or flip-flops.
3. 1st-5th grade events will start at 9:35AM and rotate about every 20 minutes in the morning. Click here for the event schedule. Each grade level has a scheduled time for the team events. You are welcome to come and watch the outside activities. We ask that parents and guests stay outside and not visit the classroom during the day. Please refer to the schedule and meet your student(s) outside. Click here for the map.
4. Kindergarten track and field starts at 12:40PM and finishes at 2:30PM - Kindergarten students stay with their teacher and rotate to different stations - Click here for the schedule, and map.
5. Protect your child with sunscreen before they come to school. Students may bring a water bottle labeled with their name.
6. Please do not bring pets to this event.
7. Finally, please remember that this day is for the students of Andover. Encourage your child to try their best, show good sportsmanship, and have fun.
It’s going to be a great day!
Sincerely,
The Andover Physical Education Teachers
Below is our lunchroom schedule for May 14th, all students will be eating in their regular lunchroom, just at a different time than usual:
Grade K:
10:48-11:13 KJS
10:48-11:13 KDW
10:50-11:15 KLQ
10:50-11:15 KNH
10:52-11:17 KSP
10:52-11:17 KMN
10:54-11:19 KSM
10:54-11:19 KMW
10:56-11:21 KAN
Grade 1 - 11:40-12:05
Grade 2 - 12:05-12:30
Grade 3 - 12:30-12:55
Grade 4 - 12:55 - 1:20
Grade 5 - 1:20 - 1:45
Track and field shirts will be available for purchase online through Thursday, April 23rd. Please note, we will not have extra shirts for purchase after this date.
Please be sure to put your students name in the notes section during checkout.
Apparel orders, including track and field shirts will be distributed to students as they are received.
5th Grade Class of 2033 shirts are also on sale! Visit Class of 2033 shirt order
Check out Community Education's upcoming lineup of Spring classes! Join us for:
Art GOATS starting 4/13
Robotics: Rescue 'Bots starting 4/13
Flag Football Camp starting 4/14
Mini Bee & Butterfly Bath Craft on 4/15
RC Car Racing on 4/20
Track & Field Camp starting 4/20
How to Draw Cartoons starting 4/21
Epic Chalk Art on 5/20
Visit the Coyote Spirit Shop
- Easy online ordering
- Two shipping options: ship to school* (no cost) or ship to home (fee applicable)
- New items and designs will be added periodically
- No due dates - order anytime!
Please note, if the ship to school option is chosen, items will be delivered to Andover Elementary on the second Friday after your order is placed (regardless of "shipping notification email"). For example, an order placed on Monday, October 14th will be delivered to Andover Elementary on Friday, October 25th. Items may not go home until the following Monday, depending on how many orders are received and volunteer availability to deliver items, etc.
Items are printed and fulfilled by The Branding Wearhouse.
Contact Kelli Anderson, Volunteer Services Coordinator, with questions.
email: kelli.anderson@ahschools.us
phone: 763-506-1723
Pre-K to Grade 3 Parenting Education: Did you know?
Being outside and playing games can have a positive impact on your child! This month, as the weather gets nicer, focus on spending extra time outside to give your children the chance to move their body and use their imagination!
A 2017 study found that playing outside can support mental health and brain health (McCormick, R., 2017)
A study in Norway found that more time outside could lower the chance of showing ADHD symptoms (Ulset, C., Vitaro, F., Brendgen, M., Bekkhus, M., Borge, A,, 2017).
Time spent outside helps build resilience, creativity and social skills through risk-taking and problem-solving (Unicef, 2025).
Get information about Pre-K to Grade 3 Parenting Education online or contact a parent educator at prektograde3@ahschools.us.
Virtual flyer gallery - Opportunities for families from community groups
The Anoka-Hennepin School District allows qualifying flyers from nonprofit groups to be distributed at school and sent home with students. These flyers have gone through the district approval process. A virtual gallery of flyers is also available. These events, classes and activities are not sponsored or endorsed by Anoka-Hennepin Schools.
04/01 - 04/03 - Spring Break
04/06 - School Resumes
04/06 - Student Placement Forms Available
04/07 - Kindergarten Welcome Night
04/16 - APTCO Meeting - S. Media Center - 6:30 PM
04/30 - Student Placement Forms Due
05/01 - No School for Students - Staff Development
05/05 - Grade 3 Concert
05/07 - APTCO Meeting - S. Library - 6:30 PM
05/14 - Track & Field Day
05/25 - School Closed - Memorial Day
06/05 - Last Day of School for Elementary Students