Dear AHS Families.

It is with immense pleasure that I write to you today, reflecting on the fantastic start we had during this first week of school. This year we decided we would roll out our Portrait of a Graduate Skills and Dispositions.  Each school district has their own Portrait of a Graduate which outlines the 21st century skills that a district believes their students should embody and exemplify by graduation. Over the last few years members of our school community selected the following skills (1) Communication & Expression, (2) Collaboration, and (3) Critical & Creative Thinking); as well as our dispositions (1) Independent & Adaptable and (2) Culturally Competent. The first part of our roll out is beginning with the skill of collaboration. We have adapted the Cambridge definition of collaboration as “the situation of two or more people working together to create or achieve the same thing.”

Collaboration is something our students and staff are very comfortable with. This was evident on day one. It was heartwarming to see students, teachers, and staff members working together seamlessly to ensure that the first week went off without a hitch. In the classroom, students eagerly engaged in group activities, helped one another with class materials, and showed genuine enthusiasm for learning. We believe that by fostering a collaborative spirit among our students, we are preparing them not only for academic success but also for life beyond the classroom. Our dedicated teaching staff also played a pivotal role in making the first week of school a resounding success. They spent countless hours planning and coordinating their lessons, sharing best practices, and supporting one another. Their teamwork and commitment to providing quality education were truly inspiring. Behind the scenes, our administrative and support staff worked tirelessly to ensure that everything ran smoothly. Their dedication and teamwork allowed us to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our students. 

As we move forward in this academic year, I encourage everyone to continue embracing the spirit of collaboration. Together, we can achieve great things for our students. Whether it's through volunteering, participating in school events, or simply engaging in open communication with teachers and staff, your involvement makes a significant difference. In keeping with the spirit of collaboration, please note that I will be sending out the Avon Public Schools Handbook which outlines the expectations for our entire district. There are appendices which outline specific policies for each school. 

I am confident that by nurturing a culture of collaboration, we will not only have a successful school year but also create lasting memories as a school community. Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to a year filled with growth, learning, and collaboration. Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

In Partnership,

Dr. Lockhart

P.S. for live updates of what's happening at AHS follow me on Instagram- principallockhart and on X (formally Twitter)- lockhart_mz