THE FALCON
January 14, 2024
PRINCIPAL'S PARAGRAPH
Dear AHS Families:
As we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the significance of this day and the enduring legacy of a man whose teachings and actions have left an indelible mark on our nation. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not just a day off from work or school; it is a day to honor and celebrate the life of a remarkable leader who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, equality, and civil rights. Dr. King's dream of a society where individuals are judged by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin continues to inspire us all. This year, I urge you all to consider taking part in community events, discussions, or service projects that honor Dr. King's vision. Whether it's volunteering at a local organization, attending a commemorative event, or simply spending time together as a family reflecting on the principles of equality, each action contributes to fostering a more inclusive and compassionate community.
To commemorate the day tomorrow, one of our Social Studies teachers, Mr. Stu Abrams, who is also the advisor for the Unicef and Amnesty International clubs, will be taking a group of students on an Abrahamic Busride where they will travel to various houses of worship. The ride will be from 8 am to 12:30 pm. The goal is to explore what religious tolerance can teach us in a world of intolerance and work towards unifying different faiths. This trip aligns to our Portrait of a Graduate disposition of Cultural Competence which we take to mean being able to understand and appreciate the differences of other cultures, and possess the ability to learn and build on this awareness and understanding, embarking on a lifelong journey of learning, appreciation, and respect for all people. As you know, we are also working on the PoG skill of collaboration. We believe, a collaborative individual is one who a) is individually accountable while contributing to the group task , b) demonstrates the ability to be flexible and compromise, c) demonstrates the ability to track progress and utilize constructive feedback, d) expresses ideas, while listening to, and accepting others’ viewpoints, e) understands their role and responsibility within the group, and f) demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively. This school year, our students have been exposed to various opportunities in class to work cooperatively with other students, to solve problems together, and be open to various perspectives. We believe that students who are culturally competent and who can collaborate well, will ultimately be ready and willing to help bring both Dr. King's and Avon Public School's belief of treating all people with dignity and respect.
So let us continue to honor Dr. King's memory by actively working towards creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background. Martin Luther King Jr. Day serves as a reminder that positive change is possible when individuals come together with a shared commitment to justice and equality. Wishing you and your family a meaningful and reflective Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
In Community,
Dr. Lockhart
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Junior Owen Vale has been named a finalist for the GameTimeCT Athlete of the Week! Thank you to all those who voted for him.
TOMORROW- Join AHS Unicef and Amnesty Clubs on the Abrahamic Bus Ride, where we will travel to various houses of worship on MLK Day, this Monday, January 15th, from 8 am to 12:30 pm. The goal is to explore what religious tolerance can teach us in a world of intolerance and work towards unifying different faiths. To participate, scan the QR code on the flyers posted around the school and in the daily bulletin.
Midterm Exams begin on Tuesday January 16th, 2024. Here is the schedule:
Tuesday, January 16, 2024-
7:40 am- 9:40 am- Period 5 exam
9:40 am- 10:00 am- Grab and Go Lunch
10:00 am- 12:00 pm- Period 6 exam
Wednesday, January 17, 2024-
7:40 am- 9:40 am- Period 1 exam
9:40 am- 10:00 am- Grab and Go Lunch
10:00 am- 12:00 pm- Period 2 exam
Thursday, January 18, 2024
7:40 am- 9:40 am- Period 3 exam
9:40 am- 10:00 am- Grab and Go Lunch
10:00 am- 12:00 pm- Period 4 exam
Friday, January 19, 2024
7:40 am- 9:40 am- Period 7 exam
9:40 am- 10:00 am- Grab and Go Lunch
10:00 am- 12:00 pm- Period 8 exam
In case of a 2 hour delay, the first exam will run from 9:40 am to 11:40 am. Lunch will be from 11:40 am to 12:00 pm. The second exam will run from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. If we have a snow day prior to exams we will move the exams forward one day.
If a student has an excused absence, they can make up the exam during the makeup period from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm during the midterm week. It is the responsibility of the student to make the arrangements with their teacher.
Semester 2 will begin on Monday, January 22, 2024. We will also begin the pilot for the new rotating A/ B schedule. Monday the 22nd will be an A day, Tuesday the 23rd will be a B day, and the schedule will rotate every day. There will never be back to back A days or B days.
The Class of 2026 is holding a virtual Valentine's Day Candy Fundraiser. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help to plan future class events, including prom. Use the link to shop for a friend, family member, or special someone and support the sophomore class now through January 26.
Literary Arts Club is hosting an Open Mic night on Jan 26 from 6-8pm with special guest Poet, Antoinette Brim-Bell. If you are interested in performing please see the attached flyer or use the google form.
The Avon Publc 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. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns!
The Class of 2026 is holding a virtual Valentine's Day Candy Fundraiser. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help to plan future class events, including prom. Use the link to shop for a friend, family member, or special someone and support the sophomore class now through January 26.
Do you know any AHS student or staff member who somehow makes our school community a better place? Nominate them for Falcon of the Week. The weekly winner will be announced each Friday on FalconTV, starting with the first Friday in January. Fill out the form Falcon of the Week Nomination Form
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.
INTERNSHIP OFFICE & OTHER STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
Click here for Enrichment and Scholarship Opportunities.
PICTURES
Boys basketball in the first home game of the season vs. Simsbury High.
Girls Basketball vs. NorthWest in the annual Pink Out game.
AHS Varsity Cheerleaders during the first Basketball home game of the season.
Passing time is also social time at AHS!
Students unwinding before Midtems.
The Honors Wind Ensemble doing what they do best!
Group stretch in Wellness class!
Students in Mr. Marella’s ECE Environmental Science class competed to keep a beaker of warm water from losing its heat by insulating a mini model house. Arwin Mathew, Julia Maia-Zuckerman and Petra Schliewen were the winners of the competition.