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PRINCIPAL'S PARAGRAPH
PRINCIPAL'S PARAGRAPH
Dear AHS Families,
As we close out the first quarter, this feels like the perfect moment to pause and celebrate. Each day, we have been intentional about living our mission to inspire joy in learning, and it shows: students are thinking deeply, collaborating, and engaging in meaningful, hands-on learning across classrooms. We also opened the year with an exceptional NEASC visit, where the committee affirmed what we already know: AHS is a place where students and teachers thrive. They recognized both the strength of our academic programs and the care, connection, and community that make our school special.
Every day, students are thriving with innovative teaching practices. Many classes now begin with thinking tasks to engage students right away, while randomly assigned groups and vertical surfaces promote collaboration, discussion, and problem-solving. These strategies are helping students build confidence as thinkers and create a community where they feel safe asking questions, sharing ideas, and learning from one another. We have also transitioned to Second Step for High School during Advisory to support stronger connections, healthy relationships, and personal resilience. In addition, we launched Securly Hall Pass, a digital pass system that provides real-time visibility of student movement. Together, these efforts support one of our key goals: maximizing learning time by making classrooms even more engaging while ensuring that students who may need extra support outside of class receive it.
As always, our students continue to excel academically and artistically. In October, our 10th and 11th graders took the PSAT, gaining valuable practice and insight to guide future growth. From this year’s senior class, we are incredibly proud to celebrate the largest number of PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) Commended Students and Semifinalists in recent history. (Suhayl Ahmed* Omair Athar* Aradhana S Chetnani* Hannah Chiu* Kevin Vishwaas Chokshi* Cassidy Hazel* Nishant Jyothi* Keshav Kamathia* Lidia Kapylova* Eric Kim* Matthew Lupis* Loisa Mathia* Abdullah Mohammed* Kavitha Paramatmuni* Mridhulaa Rajagopal* Charles Schaff* Liya Tang* Saanika Tipnis* Jyotsna Venkat* William Zheng, and Jake Bender, who qualified to compete in the NMSCQT Special Competition). The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes the highest-achieving PSAT scorers nationwide; Commended Students for outstanding performance and Semifinalists for scores in the top tier who advance to compete for Finalist status and scholarship awards. We are also thrilled to share that senior Ben Silverstein has been named a Coca-Cola Scholar, an extraordinary national honor. There were more than 107,000 applicants, and he was selected based on exceptional leadership, academic achievement, and service to his communities.
In the Arts, several students were nominated and recommended to participate in the Connecticut chapter of the American School Band Directors Association Honor Band Festival on November 12th at Maloney High School (Imaya Prabhu - Symphonic Band, Varun Srinvasan - Symphonic Band, Jai Verman - Wind Ensemble, Sarah Chung - Wind Ensemble, Eli Spiro - Symphonic Band). Selection was based on their musical achievement, dedication, and leadership. The ASBDA selection committee carefully reviewed nominations from schools across the state and chose these outstanding students to represent Avon in this prestigious event. We are also proud to celebrate our Honor Roll students from the first quarter. These students have demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and strong academic performance across all their courses.
School spirit is thriving across AHS! Clubs, arts programs, and athletics are buzzing with activity, and students are stepping into leadership roles that foster connection and inclusion. Several new clubs have launched this year, each with strong membership. Our Veterans Day assembly was a wonderful celebration of community, with senior Lauren Edge serving as MC; Lauren will be attending West Point Academy this fall. We were also honored to recognize several parents who are veterans. Additionally, our Science Club launched its very own newspaper showcasing student research, experiments, and scientific discoveries, another example of the creativity and initiative happening across the school. Finally, Read more on Avon field hockey captain Kaylie Murphy inspires team through autism advocacy at https://www.wfsb.com/2025/10/30/avon-field-hockey-captain-kaylie-murphy-inspires-team-through-autism-advocacy/
Thank you to our families for your continued support. Quarter one has been a fantastic start, and we can’t wait to see the growth, learning, and joy that quarter two will bring. I hope everyone had a restful and joyous Thanksgiving, and I wish you all Happy Holidays!
With pride,
Dr. Lockhart
COUNSELING CORNER
COUNSELING CORNER
It has been an exciting fall at AHS with many of our seniors applying early. To date, seniors in the Class of 2026 have submitted 1567 college applications. They have done so utilizing our new college management software, SchooLinks. The range of schools that our students have applied to is expansive. From some of the most rigorous schools in the nation and abroad to institutions that focus on developing career related skills, our seniors have shown great efforts in matching their interests with their post secondary choices. We are excited for the purposeful and planned approach that our seniors have taken this year. It is a culmination of their hard work and partnership with dedicated teachers and staff. With the next major deadlines of January 1, we are sure to see the trend continue and we are so excited to support our students in their next steps. Remember, your School Counselors are here to guide you all the way to graduation in June!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PJ Day Mission: Raise awareness and honor the brave kids fighting cancer
Hundreds of children wear their PJs all day long while in the hospital Avon students and staff will wear PJs to school on: Friday, December 12
Show your support, offer encouragement, and raise awareness for childhood cancer Suggested donation to wear your PJ’s is $5. You can donate here. Checks can be made out to: Connecticut Children’s Foundation- PJ Day.
GENERAL
The AHS Graduation Date for the class of 2025 has been approved: Thursday, June 11th, 2025 at The Bushnell. More information to come.
COUNSELING
The School Counseling Department is launching a new initiative designed to increase Counselor contact time with students. The first Seminar Sessions will be happening after Thanksgiving break. Counselors will be meeting with students in Grade 9. The sessions will occur during study halls and are designed to provide Grade 9 students with foundational skills in time management, organization, and overall balance. To make it extra impactful, we will feature a panel of current Senior students sharing real-world advice and actionable tips.
CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
FREEDOM TOUR - There is still space available for the trip to Europe from April 7-18, 2026! You need to see Mr. Abrams or Mrs. CW immediately to pick up information, join the Schoology Group, and complete the out of country travel forms/packet. For students who have already done the above steps, please return your completed travel forms/packets ASAP! Also, on an exciting note, we have the newly published full FREEDOM TOUR brochures with the complete itinerary and booking information, so swing by the LMC or Mr. Abrams's room for your copies!
Avon students and staff will wear PJs to school on: Friday, December 12. Join the hundreds of children who wear their PJs all day long while in the hospital and show your support, offer encouragement, raise awareness for childhood cancer and honor the brave kids fighting cancer. Suggested donation to wear your PJ’s is $5
This year's fall play is 'A Christmas Carol'. Use the QR code on the flyer to buy your tickets for Dec 5th, 6th, or 7th.
ATHLETICS
Girls Basketball Tryouts will be December 1st and 2nd, all levels in the large gym, 4:00 - 6:00 pm. Please make sure that your registration has been generated. If it has not, you will not be able to try out.
Boys Basketball Tryouts will be December 4th and 5th and 6th, all levels in the large gym but see your specific time below. Please make sure that your registration has been generated.
Thursday Dec 4th- Freshman are 2:30-4pm, Sophomore, Juniors, Seniors are 4-6pm
Friday Dec 5th- Freshman 2:30-4pm, Sophomore, Juniors, Seniors are 4-6pm
Saturday Dec 6th - Freshman 7:30-9am, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors 8:30-10:45am
Winter Sports registration is now open:
CAREER RELATED OPPORTUNITIES and ACHIEVE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Junior Achievement winter/spring Entrepreneurial Academies is now open! This season, we will be running two academies: The Hartford Academy – Meets Tuesdays, 4:00–6:00 PM at the JA Office in Hartford Dates: Tuesdays beginning 1/6/26 through 4/28/26 (No program the week of 4/14) and Stanley Black & Decker Academy – Meets Thursdays, 4:00–6:00 PM at Stanley Black & Decker Headquarters in New Britain Dates: Thursdays beginning 1/8/26 through 4/30/26 (No program the week of 4/14). Students work with corporate mentors to start, run, and ultimately liquidate their own business. This is a fantastic experience for students considering a future in business or entrepreneurship—or simply looking for a unique opportunity to meet peers from different schools and grow as leaders. Apply directly through the link below, but email Mrs. Mascoli to notify her of your application. Application Deadline: Friday, November 21, 2025
Orientation: First week of January 2026 (1/6 or 1/8)
Program Duration: Weekly sessions through the last week of April
Cost: Free of charge to all participants
Eligibility: All grade levels are welcome to apply
Link to Apply: JA Entrepreneurial Academy Application 2026
UCONN Pre-Summer College Info Session This program is for students ages 14-17 looking to get experience on the UConn campus in Storrs. Students will live on campus and participate in various extracurricular activities. With access to UConn's state-of-the-art facilities, including libraries, residence halls, dining halls, and more, students live the life of a college student within a 1-week on-campus experience. To learn more, attend the info session on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025 Community Room 10-11 AM. RSVP to Mrs. Mascoli for permission slip in order to attend.
Students in grades 9-11: if you are interested in UCONN'S Pre-College Summer Experience, contact Mrs. Mascoli to sign up for the Dec. 3rd info session.
- CT Youth Forum has an exciting and unique opportunity for AHS students! Throughout the year, AHS students are invited to attend CT Youth Forum Events. The next forum will be Democracy and the Future of the Parties, featuring Pete Buttigieg and Jonah Goldberg, on Thursday, November 20 at 7:30 PM. Due to overwhelming demand and limited main theater seating, the tickets will be in the Belding Theater for the live Simulcast. This is a special opportunity to experience the event streamed live. We have limited tickets available, and spots will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. If you're interested, email Miss Pflomm at mpflomm@avon.k12.ct.us or stop by room W209 before or after school!
AHS ACHIEVE INTERNSHIPS
Juniors and Seniors! -Have you considered enrolling in the AHS Achieve Internship program? Please contact Mrs. Mascoli if you are interested in gaining hands-on experience, developing skills, and exploring career fields through the Achieve Internship Program.
PICTURES
First Day of School/ Falcon First
AHS Students at the Avon Fire Department's 9/11 Memorial
Spirit Week, Pep Rally, Halloween/ Veterans Day Assembly
Club America gathering
Amnesty International & UNICEF Club's Culture Night Last Week
Interact Club volunteering at Boxes to Boots
AHS students in a laser lab where ultra low temperatures are achieved using pulses of high energy light.
AHS Students attending a lecture by Vladan Vuletic of MIT on using quantum physics properties to measure time.
Students watching the paramagnetic properties of a semiconductor chilled with liquid nitrogen.
AHS students standing "within feet of one of the coldest things in the universe". The BlueFors apparatus is used for quantum research and achieves temperatures close to absolute zero:
15 students participated in Jr. Achievement's 3rd annual Stock Market Challenge. After learning about stocks, investment strategies and trading, the teams put their knowledge to the test in a simulation, managing mock portfolios and competing to grow their investments.
Our "Financial Falcons" came in second place and will be invited to a national competition in Boston this June! Our "Rasas Capital" placed 5th and "Wolves of Wall Street" placed 6th.
Parents hearing about transition planning and services from AHS presenters, State Agencies such as SERC, DDS, and BRS.
CLEO Club volunteering at Brookside Assisted Living
Students from Mr. Marella’s Astronomy class with the “Star Lab” portable planetarium. The planetarium is loaned out by Wesleyan University’s astronomy department and allows students to apply what they learned in class to better understand the night sky.
Rigorous and Engaging Classwork!
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