THE FALCON

January 28, 2024

PRINCIPAL'S PARAGRAPH

Dear AHS Families:

Avon High School is always buzzing with activity. Whether students are interested in sports, arts, music, or community service, there's a club or activity to match their passion. Our extracurricular programs are designed to help students develop leadership skills, teamwork, and a sense of community. For the sports enthusiasts, AHS boasts a robust athletics program. From varsity teams to intramural sports, we encourage students to stay active, healthy, and engaged. Our top of the line facilities provide the perfect setting for both seasoned athletes and those looking to try something new. We also offer a variety of artistic outlets, including visual arts, theater, and music. Students can explore their creativity and express themselves in an inclusive and supportive environment. Preparing students for the future is a priority at Avon High School and so we are proud of our elective offerings which help students explore potential career options, gain real-world experience, and make informed decisions about their future education and careers.

This week, we hosted our "8th grade Elective Showcase" and our "College Experience Night" to provide incoming families with an opportunity to explore the diverse array of elective courses, and college level courses we offer at AHS. High school is a time of exploration and self-discovery, and electives provide the perfect platform for students to delve into subjects beyond the core curriculum. Our electives are designed to cater to a wide range of interests. They not only enrich the academic experience but also contribute to personal growth. In avon we believe that every Avon Public School student should leave us feeling empowered to Communicate effectively, work collaboratively, Think critically and creatively to solve challenging problems and be self-directed, self-regulated, and resilient as they live, learn, earn, and navigate their own pathway to success. I know that’s a lot to accomplish but I assure you that our elective courses and College Experience courses are where our students will have multiple opportunities to develop those skills and dispositions.

During this week, teachers will confer with students in grades 9-11 about the courses available to them next school year. Teachers will recommend the level they believe is appropriate for students, however students and families may decide to override that recommendation and enroll in a course they believe to be more suitable. School counselors will be providing more information on this process in the upcoming weeks. In the meantime, families are encouraged to peruse the 24-25 Course of Studies to familiarize themselves with course offerings. We understand that each student is unique, and our goal here is to ensure that every student has the ability to develop their own genius. Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. We look forward to a fantastic second semester filled with growth, learning, and memorable experiences.

Warm regards,

Dr. Lockhart

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Students who do not have a parking pass issued to them by the Main Office may NOT park on campus or you will get a ticket, lose your parking privileges and pay a fine. Passes cannot be shared among students. If you no longer need your pass, please let the office know. We anticipate more spots will open in the Spring so if you would like to be put on a waiting list, please see Mrs. Neamtz in the main office.
If you would like to have lunch with Mrs. Martin in W109, please get a lunch pass from her prior to lunch in order to attend.
There are Scholarship opportunities listed in Naviance. Seniors are encouraged to sign into Naviance and search for scholarships they qualify for by going to the College Tab and clicking on Scholarship Search under the Scholarship Money header. Please continue to check as more become available.
The American Red Cross Club will be hosting a blood drive on Thursday, February 1st in the small gym. The drive will run from 8am to 1pm, and teachers and students 16 or older are eligible to donate. Walk-ins will be welcome day-of as well. Just one donation can save up to three lives, so everyone who is able is encouraged to donate! You may sign up using this link. If you are under 16 you will need to have this parental permission form

completed as well.

The library is holding an art contest for the logo design of this year's AvonCon (a one day mini comic con at the library) One winner will be chosen with the grand prize of a $100 gift card. Three runner up winners (kid, teen and adult) will receive a $25 gift card. Submissions are due via email (ssmith.afpl@avonctlibrary.info) by Friday, February 2, 2024.See attached pdf of the flyer to this email.
Falcon of the Week Nomination Form. This week's Winners: Kyle Denis (student) and Madame Genevieve Brand (teacher)
Avon Voices for Equity will be holding its annual Diversity Week in February! This week-long collection of student-lead seminars discusses a variety of equity- and diversity-related topics. If you have a topic you’re passionate about, you can lead a presentation! Flyers are posted around the school and are in the morning announcements email with a QR code to sign up.
Spring Sport Registration is now open. Please see the athletic office for questions or more information.
College Sports Information night will be held on Feb 1st at 7:00pm in the Auditorium
Attention students: Did you know that AHS offers a variety of enrichment opportunities for grades 9-12? Click here to see details for In School Field Trips, Job Shadow and other Career Development programs. There is something for everyone, including opportunities for Judicial Branch Job Shadowing, Gaming and Design, various summer internship applications, UConn Health Medical opportunities, Girls Who Code, Science and Humanities Symposium and more! Seniors, there are also various scholarship applications listed. To register for any of the programs, or to inquire about the AHS Internship program, please email Mrs. Mascoli.

PICTURES

Congratulations to Hope Chokshi on being awarded UConn’s Nutmeg Scholarship. "UConn awards about 15 Nutmeg Scholarships each year to outstanding students from Connecticut who demonstrate the academic prowess, commitment to public service, and character to become a leader in his or her chosen field." The scholarship honors the extraordinary accomplishments of Connecticut secondary school seniors who demonstrate exceptional academic ability, have performed notable service to school and community, and possess the qualities of a good citizen and leader. Hope’s hard work, dedication to her community, excellent academic accomplishments, and overall character have earned her one of the Nutmeg Awards for UConn’s class of 2028.

On Thursday we hosted our College Experience Night and our 8th grade elective showcase. 8th grade students and their families were able to learn about the electives offered at AHS while current and incoming AHS students were able to hear more about earning college credits while in high school.