Parents

Welcome Parents!

We are truly thankful for your trust in us to prepare your child for success in life. The faculty and staff at AOWL are devoted to delivering individualized attention to all of our students and meeting each of their unique needs. We look forward to partnering with each of you in order to provide the best educational opportunity for your child. Through this partnership, we believe the academic, social and life skills your child will develop during their time at AOWL will truly set them up for future success.

Below you will find information and resources relevant to parents of AOWL students. If you have any general questions, please contact office@aowl.org or call 952-737-6900.

Newsletter
The Bridge Newsletter

The BRIDGE is our bi-weekly school newsletter. The BRIDGE includes important school information, reminders, announcements, accolades and upcoming events. Below are copies of the 2019-2020 school year newsletters.
Sign up for the Bridge Newsletter
2020-21 School Year
2019-20 School Year
2018-19 School Year
School Calendar

Year at a Glance

Click here for the 2021-2022 School Calendar

Monthly Calendar
Who to Contact?
Who to Contact?

Information or questions regarding the following topics should be addressed to the specified contact below.
- Academic curriculum, progress, what are you teaching?
- Homework
- Google classroom
Contact your child's teacher directly
- Behavior, SEL curriculum, progress, what are you teaching?
- Friendships, relationships
Contact your child's classroom behavior therapist, and cc: your child's teacher as well
- Absences, tardies
Contact the Office Manager, Paige Knorek, at office@aowl.org.
- IEPs and Evaluations
Contact our liaison for Hopkins, Kelsey Toetschinger, at kelsey.toetschinger@academyofwholelearning.org
- Transcripts
- Course planning for future
- Post-secondary options
- Career planning
Contact our Guidance Counselor, Dylan Mazza, at dylan.mazza@aowl.org.
- School staff
- School model
- Safety
Contact our Head of School, Brenda Tollas, at brenda.tollas@aowl.org.
- COVID questions/ reporting
Contact our COVID Coordinator, Louis Bakalars, at louis.bakalars@aowl.org.
- Family engagement
- Volunteer opportunities
Contact our PTO volunteers, Kerry Brown and Audra Williams at kamsbry@hotmail.com and williams.audra@gmail.com.
- Mental Health supports
- Group therapy information
Contact our Clinical Services Office Manager, Karla Przybylski, at therapyservices@aowl.org.
- Advancement
- Alumni events
- Community engagement
- Fundraising
Contact our Director of Strategic Advancement, Carly Kortuem, at Carly.Kortuem@aowl.org.
- Clubs
- Service Learning
- Sports
- InVivo Learning
- Summer Programming
Contact our Director of Enrichment Programming, Kaitlin Walsh, at kaitlin.walsh@aowl.org.
- Family referrals
- Admissions
- Enrollment
- Tuition Assistance/Scholarships
- Tours
Contact our Director of Marketing and Admissions, Paul Gloudemans, at paul.gloudemans@aowl.org.
- TADS Financial Aid
- Smart Tuition
- Tuition and billing
Contact our Director of Finance, Mike Onan, at mike.onan@aowl.org.
- If concerns exist after exhausting above resources
Contact our Executive Director, Dr. Wyayn Rasmussen, at wyayn.rasmussen@aowl.org.
Resources
Resources within the Autism Community

Internet Safety Tips for those on the Autism Spectrum

This guide includes helpful information on the risks associated with internet use and ASD, a detailed infographic with internet safety tips, and online security resources for families

Bankrate's guide to traveling with ASD

This guide includes:
- 10 common obstacles and solutions for how to overcome them
- Tips for sensory processing disorder
- A breakdown of the travel process and car/plane travel tips
- Entertainment ideas for during the trip
Autism Research Study Participants Needed.

The Neuroscience Lab at UC San Diego is running a study over Zoom to research how 3- to 12-month-old babies (who have an older sibling diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder) respond to their caregivers in social interactions. Participation in this study would involve playing with your baby over Zoom for about 15-20 minutes and filling out some questionnaires on your own time. You will receive a $10 Amazon gift card for participating.

Click here to participate

Abilities Workshop resources can be found here

2021 Hopkins Challenger Youth Baseball League (Ages 5-18)

See brochure here for details.

Autism and Sleep: Empowering Children with ASD for Better Sleep

See article here

University of MN Webinars and Research Study Opportunities

Infant Brain Imaging Study (IBIS):We’re looking for families who have an infant (0-6 months old) who has at least one older full-sibling diagnosed with autism. Expectant parents are encouraged to contact us.Our goal is to identify the symptoms of autism sooner.You will be asked to visit the UMN Twin Cities campus when your child is 6, 12, and 24 months old. All travel-related expenses for each study visit will be reimbursed.At each study visit, you can receive $170 in Target gift-cards to thank you for your participation.For additional information or to enroll, call the study coordinator at 612-624-4533. You can also email us at ibis@umn.edu. Visit the IBIS Network website for more information: www.ibis-network.org.

Behavior and Sensory Experience Study (BASE): We are looking for children between 1 and 5 years of age diagnosed with any syndrome or disorder associated with developmental delays, such as Down syndrome, Tuberous sclerosis, fragile X syndrome, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, or with global developmental delay. The purpose of the study is to understand how early developmental experiences impact the development of behavior problems in young children with developmental delays by following kids and their families over an important developmental period. Video conference visits will take place twice per year, and take about 30-40 minutes each time. You would receive a $25 gift card for each home video visit that you complete. For more information about the study, please contact Adele Dimian, PhD at dimia006@umn.edu

Behavior-Friendly Home Safety for Children with Autism. Article here

Sensory Friendly Sundays at The Bakken Museum. Held from 10 to 11am on the second Sunday of every month. For more information, visit thebakken.org/accessibility.

Kinuu developed a video game called BrainyAct to create long-lasting neurological changes and improve academic skills, behaviors and social interactions for children with ADHD, Autism and Dyslexia. BrainyAct uses a revolutionary approach that combines proven clinical therapies and leading-edge neuroscience to bring families effective and affordable brain training exercises. See flyer for additional information.

Setting Your Child Up for Success

At Kinuu, we understand how difficult it can be to find a solution when your child struggles with learning, attention, social and behavioral challenges. Take 30 minutes to see how children are succeeding with our BrainyAct brain and body program!

RSVP for the free webinar on Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m.

Setting Your Child Up for Success

At Kinuu, we understand how difficult it can be to find a solution when your child struggles with learning, attention, social and behavioral challenges. Take 30 minutes to see how children are succeeding with our BrainyAct brain and body program!

RSVP for the free webinar on Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m.:

Autism Society of Minnesota website

Minnesota Autism Resource website

Groves Academy Community Education Workshop Series – Click here for more details.

PEERS Social Skills Group – Focusing on making and keeping friends for adolescents (ages 11-18) with ASD.

PEERS Social Skills Group Flyer (University of Minnesota)

ASD Intensive Outpatient Program – This 8-week specialized Intensive Outpatient Program (for teenagers with difficulty regulating their emotions and struggling with social skills) was developed specifically for adolescents with high-functioning autism. It is based on the PEERS curriculum.
website
Parent/Teacher

Parent Teacher Organization

The mission of Academy of Whole Learning’s Parent Teacher Organization is to support and enhance the educational experiences of Academy of Whole Learning’s students and to promote open communication and understanding between Academy of Whole Learning’s teachers, staff and parents. The PTO is a vital part of Academy of Whole Learning. All are welcome to join!
Family Handbook

Please click on the link below to download:
2021-22 Family Handbook
Gradelink

Gradelink

Click to access Gradelink

*You will be redirected to Gradelink's secure website.
Back to School Info

Back to School Presentation

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Show your Owl Spirit!

Our official store is now available online. Gear up for the winter!

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The Bridge Newsletter

The BRIDGE is our bi-weekly school newsletter. The BRIDGE includes important school information, reminders, announcements, accolades and upcoming events.

Get the Newsletter »