THE FALCON
February 12, 2024
PRINCIPAL'S PARAGRAPH
Dear Families,
You have heard me state several times that At AHS, we believe in nurturing the whole student, not just academically but also personally and creatively. That is why we offer a wide range of non-academic opportunities for students to explore and pursue their passions, such as clubs and organizations focused on various interests like music, art, theater, and environmental activism and volunteer programs that allow students to give back to their community. For example, students in the Video Productions class are able to enter personally created news reports to be featured on the the Fox 61 student news report segment. The FOX 61 Student News program empowers Connecticut middle and high school students to explore the world of multi-media journalism by giving them the opportunity to capture, edit and publish original content under the guidance of industry professionals. Each student produced and hosted segment showcase a local story or event, highlighting all that is great about our state. Segments are featured on-air on Fridays at 7:45 a.m., 5:45 p.m., and 10:45 p.m. and again on Saturday at 7 a.m. The stories are also featured on FOX61.com! To date two of our students, Ruby Worth and Brie Beard, have submitted entries that were selected to be aired. Ruby's story was the very first story submitted to the Fox 61 Student News Report segment from AHS. It was chosen and aired in December. Brie's story "A stage for All" was submitted in January and selected to be aired this month.
Additionally, the Equity Committee has announced the dates for the second annual Diversity Week which will be running the week of March 4th-8th. There is a passionate group of student leaders who have worked hard in creating workshops that raise awareness on important issues, increase a sense of belonging within our school, and make AHS a stronger community. Attached is a list of the student presenters and a blurb for each workshop. Workshops will be held during the school day and students who sign-up will be excused from class to attend. Another example of our students taking advantage of the opportunities available is the the Animal Welfare Club which raised approximately $250 in their most recent fundraising efforts, and were able to purchase and donate products including dog food and dog treats for Dog Star Rescue, a local nonprofit organization located in Bloomfield, CT.
We believe that the experiences that our students receive help them flourish academically. This is evidenced by the number of students that made the Quarter 2 Honor Roll list. Kudos to all these hard working individuals. Another example of our students thriving can be seen in Hope Chokshi who was awarded UConn’s Nutmeg Scholarship. UConn awards about 15 Nutmeg Scholarships each year to outstanding students from Connecticut who demonstrate the academic prowess, commitment to public service, and character to become a leader in his or her chosen field. Hope’s hard work, dedication to her community, excellent academic accomplishments, and overall character have earned her one of the Nutmeg Awards for UConn’s class of 2028. This is why our AHS staff work so hard every single day, to ensure that our students are positioned for greatness.
Proudly,
Dr. Lockhart
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Congratulations to the Girls’ Indoor Track & Field team, who placed third in the 37-team Class M State Championships on Saturday. The Sprint Medley Relay team of Natalie Ith, Lauren Edge, Kathryn Martin, and Ying Cheng led the way for Avon, winning a State Championship in that event and earning All-State Honors. They will be joined by teammates Julia Freeman, Abby Van Hoof, Laura Funderburk, and Ava Keleher in the State Open meet this coming Saturday.
Avon HOSA’s first meeting will be this Tuesday, February 13, before school in Ms. Edwards’ room from 7:15 - 7:40. If you are looking to advance and show off your medical knowledge, participate in competitions, and gain volunteering hours, please stop by Room E104 on Tuesday. Please email suresht25@avon.k12.ct.us, mukkuv27@avon.k12.ct.us, or cedwards@avon.k12.ct.us for more info!
East Asian Club is hosting Avon High School's First Lunar New Year Festival which will be held, Feb 15th, in the cafeteria from 6-8.
There is a meet and greet for students in the Open Choice program during Period 3 on Friday, February 16th. Students are to get their lunch and then meet in Room W109 only during their assignment Lunch waves.
The Mending Mindsets club, which focuses upon helping students with their mindful practice, is sponsoring a series of Yin Yoga beginners' classes on Friday afternoons in room w113 from 2:30-3:30 for all students and faculty beginning on Friday, February 16th. Yin Yoga helps to increase flexibility, enhance range of motion for joints and ligaments, while reducing symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety. So if you are interested in improving your overall well-being and want to learn more about the yogic lifestyle, sign up with the Schoology code: K73F-KP5N-8VMFX for details.
For students interested in overriding a teacher recommendation, you must see your school counselor to begin the process. All completed override forms are due by March 4th.
Avon Voices for Equity will be holding its annual Diversity Week in March! 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.
If you're looking to enhance your public speaking, critical thinking, and social skills while engaging with important individuals, the Connecticut Youth Forum club is an ideal opportunity. Attend meetings at the Bushnell to connect with influential figures and broaden your perspective. Use the provided Schoology group code : JT8T-S993-P955Q to join our club and stay updated on our meetings.
Book Club is starting a lending library in the English classrooms N207 and N212 - Take a Book, Leave a Book!
Please use this form to nominate a student or staff member for Falcon of the Week.
In honor of National Mentoring Month, the AHS Internship Program is looking for new internship mentors. Families, if you have friends, or family who might be interested in mentoring highly motivated AHS rising juniors and seniors please email mmascoli@Avon.k12.ct.us (All job industries welcome!)
Here is a list of amazing internship opportunities available for AHS Juniors and Seniors (the list is updated almost daily).
Attention students: Did you know that AHS offers a variety of enrichment opportunities for grades 9-12? There are In School Field Trips, Job Shadows and other Career Development programs. For questions or registration, please email Mrs. Mascoli.
Spring Sport Registration is now open. Please see the athletic office for questions or more information.
Students who do not have a parking pass issued to them by the Main Office may NOT park on campus or you will get a ticket, lose your parking privileges and pay a fine. Passes cannot be shared among students. If you no longer need your pass, please let the office know. We anticipate more spots will open in the Spring so if you would like to be put on a waiting list, please see Mrs. Neamtz in the main office.
SENIORS- There are Scholarship opportunities listed in Naviance. Sign into Naviance and search for scholarships by going to the College Tab and clicking on Scholarship Search under the Scholarship Money header.
PICTURES
Last week, the AHS Staff participated in the Stop the Bleed training where we learned three quick techniques to help save a life before someone bleeds out. The purpose of the training was to empower us to assist in an emergency and potentially save a life.
National Honor Society Spring Inductees.
Maya Bosanac building a circuit board in her Principles of Engineering class.
Jacob Anderson. Damon Bulow and Jorville Lynch in their Envrionmental Science Course.
The Falcon made an appearance at the Boys Basketball game vs. Northwest Catholic.
This year was the 10th year of For the Love of The Game which is a basketball showcase of Avon mixed abilities athlete playing against the AHS Girls and Boys Varsity Basketball Teams!
On February 1st, the Red Cross club hosted a blood drive which was a great success. They collected 32 pints of blood, which surpassed the 22 pints collected last year.
Liya Tang, grade 10. She is a member of the Science Olympiad team and is fabricating her design for the Scrambler event. The team competes at the Yale Science Olympiad invitational yesterday.
The Circles Club raised approximately $500 to purchase period products to be donated to the Prudence Crandall Center.
Leah Cuyler was one of the speakers at The Holocaust Remembrance Day last Sunday sponsored by CT Voices of Hope. This is her speaking and her with her teacher Mr. Abrams and US Senator Blumenthal.
Mrs. Williete's 9th grade class portraying a Pantheon of Greek gods & goddesses. From left to right, Athena (note the homemade helmets/armor!), Apollo (god of the sun in vibrant yellow!), and Zeus (venerable beards!). This begins their exploration of Greek Mythology as we schloop into reading The Odyssey.
Students in Mr. Dunford’s IPC lab combining chemicals and observing reactions.