THE FALCON

December 10, 2023

PRINCIPAL'S PARAGRAPH

Dear AHS Students and Families:

I am always so proud to share with you the tremendous academic accomplishments of our exceptional students at Avon High School. In the recently concluded academic quarter, our students demonstrated remarkable academic excellence across various disciplines. The results of standardized tests, projects, and assessments consistently showcased their commitment to learning and their pursuit of knowledge.

Our high school has always been a beacon of educational excellence. The collective efforts of our students, educators, and supportive parents have truly created an environment where academic success flourishes. Here are some highlights of our students' achievements:

On the Fall administration of the PSATs, our 9th graders' average total score was almost 200 points higher than the state average, and they scored about 100 points higher than the state average in Reading and Writing, and 80 points higher in Math. Our 10th graders also did very well, with just under 80% of students meeting the benchmark in Reading and Writing, and just about 70% of them meeting the benchmark in Math which far exceeded the state average. Finally, our Juniors' average score of 1073 was almost 150 points higher than the average state score. 78% of them met the benchmark in Reading and Writing, and almost 70% of them were exceptionally close to or exceeding the benchmark. As you can see, our students are quite academically focused and are poised to do amazing things.
Additionally, many of our Fall Athletes qualified for the CCC All Academic Teams. Here is a list of the students, students. To qualify, students must obtain all Academic Honors, must earn a varsity letter during the Fall Season, and be named to their respective schools academic honor roll. Speaking of which, here is a list of our tremendous honor roll recipients.
I should also highlight that many of our students have actively participated in various academic competitions and programs such as Math Competitions, Model UN, and very soon, Mock Trial. We continue to create multiple student learning pathways to challenge students to think critically and creatively, persist in solving challenging problems, work collaboratively, and communicate effectively. Their success in these competitions is a testament to their dedication and the quality of education they receive here.

As we celebrate these accomplishments, let us continue to foster an environment that encourages collaboration, curiosity, critical and creative thinking, and a love for learning. Together, we can continue to inspire and empower our students to reach even greater heights. Thank you for your ongoing support in making AHS a place where academic excellence thrives.

With Pride,

Dr. Lockhart

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Literary Arts Club is hosting an Open Mic night on January 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.
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.
Sierra Club in collaboration with Fashion Club are collecting unwanted clothing to sell and donate funds to Charity. Please bring in your new or gently used clothing to the bin located outside the main office.
Intramural Basketball (IBA) will begin after Winter Vacation. Any student who is not on the boys or girls basketball team is eligible to play. IBA games are played in the new gym from 2:15-2:45. All team rosters must be handed in no later than Friday December 16th to Ms. Fisher or Ms. Edwards. Roster Agreements are in the office or see Ms. Fisher or Ms. Edwards. Schedules will be posted outside the old gym.
Unified Basketball starts Thursday January 4th - Practices are every Monday and Thursday from 2:15 -3:00 in the old gym. Updated physical and permission slips are due before the first practice. Game schedule will be sent out closer to the season. Please see Ms. Fisher or Mrs. Edwards for permission slips
INTERNSHIP OFFICE & OTHER STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES-
1. The Hartford Power Skills Development Series (grades 9-12)
If you would like to learn more about core professional development skills that apply to all walks of life, such as professional branding, real time management, networking, resume workshops, and more join The Hartford’s (free/virtual) Power Skills Development Series. These professionally delivered virtual, interactive and engaging webinars kick off @ 4:00 PM and run for 45 minutes. Learn directly from experienced professionals working in the field with a combined 22+years of corporate experience. For more info. Email Mrs. Mascoli to register.
Professional Communication Thurs. December 14, 2023
Time Management & Prioritization Thurs. January 18, 2024
How To Be Successful in an Internship Thurs. February 15, 2024 (grades 10-11)

2. Junior Achievement Careers in Finance Dec. 18th 9:15-10:00 AM (Click here for info. & to register) In school Field trip (must also register with Mrs. Mascoli)

3. UCONN High School Mini Medical/Dental School Virtual Program. This is a program for students who are interested in medicine, dental medicine, and allied health field inclusive of Nursing, Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences. The program is an 8-week virtual program from February 8, 2024, through March 28, 2024, meeting once a week on Thursdays from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. There is no cost. Email Mrs. Mascoli to sign up.

4. Interested in the Judicial Branch? The CT. Judicial Branch Experiential Learning Program will be offering a virtual Job Shadow presentation, via Zoom, on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. This in school field trip will provide students, grades 10-12, with an overview of careers in the Judicial Branch. In addition, Supreme Court Justice, Mullins, will lead a panel discussion followed by breakout rooms for discussions. Please email Mrs. Mascoli to sign up.

5. 61st CT Junior Science and Humanities Symposium - Saturday, February 24, 2024. CT JSHS is designed to challenge and engage students (grades 9-12) in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM). To register as a presenter or observer, you must first notify Mrs. Mascoli.
JA Scholarship Information:

Junior Achievement of Southwest New England, Inc. Scholarship -annually grants scholarships to students who have participated in one or more JA programs during high school and/or have served as JA volunteers; have demonstrated leadership potential through school activities; and are actively involved in their community. Application Due Date: March 29, 2024. For more information, email Mrs. Mascoli.

The KPMG Future Leaders Program Scholarship - a charitable initiative designed to increase the diversity pipeline of women in business and STEM fields. Students must demonstrates academic excellence (minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA) and leadership potential, demonstrates interest in a business or STEM academic track, and possess a letter of recommendation from a nonprofit/community organization.

JA USA and Babson College Scholarship: a yearly $20,000 scholarship for a JA student that attends Babson College. Application Due Date: February 1, 2024. Apply for admission to Babson College and submit (through the applicant status page) a resume detailing your JA accomplishments and experiences.

Taco Bell Foundation Live Mas Scholarship: Taco Bell (TB) Foundation will award $10 million in scholarships to enable students ages 16 – 26 to pursue their educational goals and career aspirations. Info can be found here: Live Mas Scholarship. Application Due Date: January 3, 2024. Application Here.

PICTURES

The South Asian American Society recently held a Diwali celebration in the AHS Cafeteria. Diwali is India's biggest celebration and is often called the Festival of Lights, and is typically associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity.

Mr. Dunford's class making Ice cream!

Students participated in Junior Achievement's "A Day at the Ballpark" and learned first hand about careers in sports management, marketing, hospitality and more.

On Friday, AHS celebrated our 7th annual PJ Day. This is the 12th annual PJ Day and this was the first year that 100% of the towns in CT had at least one school participate! The mission of PJ Day Mission is to "Raise awareness and honor the brave kids fighting cancer." Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s PJ Day a success. We raised $1,170. Our goal was $2,500 for 2023. 100% of the money raised directly impacts pediatric oncology patients and their families. There is still time to donate and support CT Children’s Medical Center. Click here to make your donation.

Thank you from Ethan Blume ‘25, Hannah Blume ‘ 22, & Ms Toyen!