THE FALCON
September 16,2023
PRINCIPAL'S PARAGRAPH
Dear AHS Families.
Our school has been buzzing with activity, accomplishments, and exciting events that I am thrilled to share with you. AHS continues to be a hub of creativity, growth, and community spirit, and we are delighted to highlight some of the recent achievements and memorable moments that have made our school shine. One of the goals of Avon Public Schools is to create multiple student learning pathways to challenge students to think critically and creatively, persist in solving challenging problems, work collaboratively, and communicate effectively. We also hope to foster a safe and equitable learning community that empowers all students to be self-directed, self-regulated, and resilient as they strive to advance their own personal and academic goals. Our students definitely have goals, interests and desires and we are proud to be a place where those things get realized.
AHS continues to be a beacon of Academic Excellence. The Niche report ranked us again this year, as the 6th best high school in Connecticut, and the number 1 High School in the Greater Hartford Area. We regularly receive confirmation of this ranking as we see accomplishments like this one: We received notification that six of our seniors were selected as National Merit Scholarship semi finalists. Students were selected based on their scores on last years PSATs. Across the nation less than 1% high school graduating seniors, qualify as Semifinalists. What a tremendous honor for these seniors. We plan to recognize them next month and will share their names and pictures in a later edition. AHS also houses some of the greatest singers around. On Monday our Camerata Singers performed at the 9/11 memorial hosted by the Avon Volunteer Fire Department, at the Avon Town Green. Here is a link to read more about the event. Our students gave a fitting tribute to honor the memory of the lives lost on that fateful day 22 years ago. Additionally, our athletes have been on fire! Last week was opening week for Football, Field Hockey, Soccer, Volleyball, Cross Country, and Crew. While we have already collected many tallies in the wins column, we also believe that it isn't just about competition, as our athletes continue to demonstrate great sportsmanship, teamwork, and dedication on and off the field.
We want to extend our gratitude to our students, staff, and families for their unwavering support and enthusiasm even in the face of confusion. This week we went into both a "Stay in Place" (due to a drainage pipe issue) as well as quick Lockdown (due to some alarm system testing). Our students and staff responded appropriately, and immediately began following our emergency procedures. Both events showed that it's the collective efforts of everyone involved that make our school exceptional. We look forward to the weeks ahead as we continue to celebrate achievements, foster growth, and create lasting memories. Thank you for being an integral part of the Avon High School family. Together, we make great things happen.
To those of you celebrating Rosh Hashanah this weekend, may this New Year bring you good health, happiness, and prosperity.
In Community,
Dr. Lockhart
ACHIEVE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
During the summer months, 41 AHS students participated in the Achieve Internship Program and engaged in many different types of experiential learning opportunities. 11 job clusters were represented, two interns worked in India, one in Boston, and 38 were in various areas in CT. Along with the required 60 hours, the interns also completed program assignments and earned school credit. Several interns have been invited to continue their work through the school year. Some of the internships included: conducting PCR testing, exploring construction management, exploring the field of mycology, working with special needs students, working with a ceramic studio artist, learning about cancer infusions, observing rocket testing and learning about aerospace engineering, gaining skills with micropipettes and ph measurements, learning about finance, accounting, IT, and much more!
AHS is fortunate to be able to offer this unique internship program for juniors and seniors to spark their curiosities, explore career pathways, develop skills and gain hands-on experience. Parents and students are encouraged to attend the upcoming Internship Showcase on September 26, 6-7 PM in the AHS Gallery. For more information, contact Mrs. Mascoli, mmascoli@avon.k12.ct.us.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Picture days for students are next Thursday and Friday (September 21, and 22). Students will take pictures in their Math classes. Students have been given order forms. Extras are in the main office.
School Will be closed on Monday September 25th to recognize Yom Kippur.
The Muslim Student Association is having its first meeting on 9/18 in room N202 from 2:15-2:45. Come join us for an introductory meeting where all are welcome. If you have any questions, please email Amber Kapadwala or Mr. Dridi for more details!
The first meeting of the East Asian Club will be on Monday, September 18th in W210. Come for the preliminary meeting and help choose our agenda for the year! Snacks will be provided.
Interact club will be hosting its first meeting on Monday, September 18th at 6:00pm in the Community room. To find out more, join the group! If you have any questions, ask Sam Mills or Anna Baran.
Attention Class of 2026- Do you like to promote school spirit and organize events and fundraisers? Consider nominating yourself for a class officer position. Check your email for the Google Form and submit your self-nomination by Monday, September 18. See
Mrs. Berliner or Mrs. Kosky with any questions.
Juniors and Seniors: Fall internship opportunities at St. Francis Hospital and The Hospital for Central CT are currently available. Application deadline Sept. 18th. Contact Mrs. Mascoli asap if interested
Circle’s Club is recruiting new members. For those interested, the club meets Tuesdays before school in N200
The AHS Jazz Band is holding open auditions for anyone who plays Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar, Piano, Bass, and Drum set Audition music is located near the Band Room doors, room E106. The audition date is September 19th at 7pm in the Band Room. Feel free to reach out to Mr. Culbertson with any questions.
The American Red Cross Club is having its first meeting on Wednesday, September 20th before school from 7:15 to 7:35 in Mrs.Edwards' room (E104) for those interested in helping the community, earning volunteer hours, and learning about disaster preparation.
The Fashion Club meets Thursdays in Room C104 at 2:15 pm.
There will be a Power Skills Workshop Series on Personal & Professional Branding sponsored by The Hartford on Thursday, September 21,2023 at 4 PM via Microsoft Teams. Students will learn the key behaviors, skills and disciplines required to start curating and building a professional brand. The workshop is free and open to junior and senior students. See Mrs. Mascoli if interested.
Rhapsody auditions will be held on September 21st in the chorus room. For details please see the flyer in the daily announcement email
There will be an activities fair on September 29th in the gym during the lunch waves so students can learn about all clubs and extra curricular activities offered at AHS.
Upcoming Inspiring Women in Engineering and Medicine (IWEM) workshop is Saturday, October 28th, 2023, at the Musculoskeletal Institute (MSI) at UConn Health in Farmington, CT. Applicants can fill out our online application starting September 25th, 2023 through the application deadline on October 12th, 2023
Parents can also get information about the PTO, Booster Club, FAME, Achieve Internship Program, and more.
PICTURES
Class of 2023 Graduate Connor Lavore gettng a visit from his former AHS coaches and teachers!
Boys Soccer waiting their turn to take team pictures.
Varsity Girls Volleyball in their win over Northwest last week.
Camerata Singers inspiring everyone a the 9/11 Memorial.
Girls Soccer in their big win over Louis Mills.
our Senior Chemists.
Students in Mr. Dubois class participating in a Scavenger Hunt
Our students aren't the only ones expected to practice their collaborating skills, our teachers do it well too!
IN MEMORIAM
MARGOT
A native of Long Island Sound, Margot’s antics, fiery personality, and fierce independent streak endeared her to students and staff alike, if not to her tankmates. Known affectionately as the “girlboss of room 121,” she will be missed for her voracious appetite and inability to get along with others. Margot leaves behind numerous tankmates who can now breathe a sigh of relief at her absence. Condolences and memories of Margot can be shared in room 121 or room 123 (where she successfully called home for a while after an unfortunate altercation with a lobster).“Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened.”