THE FALCON
November 12, 2023
PRINCIPAL'S PARAGRAPH
Dear AHS families,
As we immerse ourselves in the daily rhythm of classes, meetings, and various responsibilities during this second quarter of the school year, it is crucial to take a moment and reflect on the values that truly define our school community. Today, I want to shine a spotlight on one of these values that holds immense power to transform lives – kindness. Tomorrow is World Kindness Day. The purpose of World Kindness Day is to raise awareness of acts of kindness in the community, emphasising the power of positivity and the compassion that unites us all. As we head towards this holiday season, remember, the impact of kindness extends far beyond a single day. Kindness is more than a virtue; it's a cornerstone of a healthy, thriving community. When we practice kindness, we create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Kindness has the power to break down barriers, strengthen relationships, and uplift the spirits of those around us. As educators and role models, our actions have a profound impact on the students we guide and the colleagues we work alongside. Over the next few weeks, I ask all of us to take a moment to reflect on the role of kindness in our lives and reflect on how we can intentionally weave kindness into our daily practices. I am confident that together, we can make AHS a beacon of kindness, where every student and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued. Thank you for your dedication to our shared mission and for embracing the spirit of kindness. Let's make a positive impact, one kind act at a time.
A simple act of kindness can be showing gratitude. Though the day of observance has passed, I would like to say Happy Veterans Day to all those who have sacrificed for our country. Thank you for your service.
In Community,
Dr. Lockhart
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Parent Teacher Conferences are coming up on Monday November, 20th and Tuesday, November 21st. Be on the lookout for more information.
The AHS Business Club has meetings every Thursday after school in Room W213. Our School Store Committee and WIBN Committee meets every other week so stay tuned in Schoology! Contact chimades25@avon.k12.ct.us or vermanh25@avon.k12.ct.us for more info!
The South Asian American Society is hosting a Diwali Celebration on Nov 13th at 6pm in the cafeteria with music, food, and activities.
Circles Club will be holding a “Period Drive” from November 13th-17th. Mark your calendars! We will be collecting monetary donations and handing out candy during lunch all week, so look out! All proceeds will go to supplying menstrual products for women in need.
CT Youth Forum announces its first event with CT Forum being held on November 18th, at the Bushnell with acclaimed documentary filmmaker, Ken Burns, in conversation with journalist Audie Cornish! The evening will include clips from his award-winning films. If you are not a member of the CT Youth Forum but are interested in attending please reach out to Mrs.Degozzaldi, Manya Trivedi, or Panya Khattar for tickets. We only have 10 tickets available.
Do you want to show new students around the school and teach them all about AHS's clubs and activities and make them feel welcomed here? We are looking for you to help the Student Ambassador Club. Come to the meeting this morning at 7:20am in the Orchestra room. If you have any questions, please see Ms. Toyen in the School Counseling office.
The UNICEF and Amnesty International clubs are hosting a 'Walk Against Hate' on November 12th from 10 am to 12 pm at the AHS track. This is more than just a walk; it's a movement toward a future free from antisemitism, racism, and all forms of hate. Let's stand together to better our community. See you there!
Tutoring in the City is looking for AHS students who are interested in tutoring Hartford Kindergarten and First grade students at West Middle School in Hartford. Sessions begin November 28th and will run Tuesday afternoons from 4:00 - 6:30 pm. The permission slip is attached and needs to be returned to the main office by November 14th. A training session will be provided before the 28th start date. If you have any questions or need details, please see Ms. Crum in Room W119.
Sierra Club is selling plants outside the cafeteria from Nov 13 to Nov 17 during lunch waves.
Thank you to everyone who has participated in Interact Club's Boxes to Boots! Today is the last day to bring in donations. See attached flyer for suggested items. All donations can be dropped off in the big red box outside the main office. Donations go directly to our deployed troops unable to be home for the holidays. For more information, reach out to Sam Mills and Anna Baran, Interact co-presidents.
The Theater Department presents Triangle on November 17th and 18th. Tickets are sold at the door or in advance. There is a QR code on the attached flyer.
The Boys Basketball Team is having a mandatory preseason meeting on : THURSDAY November 16th, 2:15-2:45 pm in the Cafeteria. All Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, & Seniors are expected to attend.
The Boys Basketball tryouts will be Nov 30, Dec 1, and Dec 2nd, Nov 30 & Dec 1 : Freshman tryouts will be 2:30-4pm in the main gym. JV & varsity tryouts will be 4-6 in the main gym, Sat Dec 2nd : JV & Varsity will have tryouts/practice at 7am - 9am.
The 3rd Annual SOUPer Bowl between Avon High School and Lewis Mills continues through November 20th. The school with the most food and money donations will be announced at the football game during halftime on Nov 21.
Winter Sports Registration is now open. https://students.arbitersports.com/avon-high-school-athletics/avon-high-school-winter-athletic-registration-23-24
NEWS FROM NUTRITION SERVICES
Nutrition Services has transitioned back to a Free or Paid system this school year. Breakfast remains free for all students this school year. Students who qualify for free or reduced meals will receive one free lunch per day. Students whose accounts are in good standing with a zero or positive balance can purchase a la carte snacks if authorized by their parent/guardian on the account. Avon Public Schools will never refuse a student a meal or allow a student to go hungry. Any negative balance accrued by paid students charging a meal will be the responsibility of the parents or guardian of the student.
If your family is in need of financial assistance you may need to apply for free or reduced meals. Students may be directly certified for free or reduced meals through SNAP or the Husky program (please note, not all students receiving Husky qualify for free or reduced meals). If you do not participate in either of these programs or are unsure of your status, fill out an application. This is required annually. The application and other information regarding Free/Reduced Meals can be accessed by clicking on this link; Free and Reduced Meals information. Please contact Nutrition Services at 860 404-4734 with any additional questions or concerns.
PICTURES
On 10/27, the Camerata Singers were invited to sing the opening ceremonies of the EMS Pro conference at Foxwoods. The conference offers first responders a wide range of emergency medical service conference presenters, exhibits, training, and classes to accommodate different skill levels and experience. As a thank you to our singers, the conference treated the group to a wonderful breakfast. The students and chaperones were very appreciative! Special thanks to Avon's own, Jim Connelly, for arranging this special opportunity for our singers! Here is a youtube link to the performance.
Last week our Best Buddies went to the Unified Leadership Summit. There was an excellent motivational speaker, collaboration with 45 other schools, and a presentation from Collette Diviito, an individual with Downs Syndrome who started her own cookie company. She now employs 15 people, has made over 400,000 cookies and travels the country spreading her amazing story.
At the Interact Club's latest meeting, they dedicated their time to creating decorations for the veterans who visited the school for our Veteran's Day Assembly.
On Tuesday, October 31st, the Kindergartners from RBS and PGS arrived at AHS to parade their very adorable Halloween costumes. Our seniors students were thier tour guides. Some of our AHS faculty dressed up as well.
Just another day of smiles from our Sophomores.
Advanced Orchestra students playing their hearts out!
Seniors in our Health and Safety class working on their CPR certification.
Our Junior physicists testing their Fettucini towers.
On Friday November 10th, we held our Veterans Day assembly where we honored service men affiliated with the Avon VFW Post 3272. Senior Katie Pavlakis was our MC and former graduate Toby Klafter joined us with some of his fellow Marines.
Our future Grandmasters hosting friendly competitions at Chess Club on Friday.
On Friday 10/27, the Music Service Society (MSS) put on a great Acoustic Night this past Friday night in the gallery. Their efforts raised $645 for the Immacare Homeless Shelter in Hartford. The club's mission is to "serve the community and unify students through music" and they really live out their mission. Special thanks to John Salerni for his help with sound and lighting.