As your principal I have enjoyed the beginning of the year and can not believe we are well into November; fourteen (14) weeks into the school year and moving forward in a positive direction. Our students are being engaged everyday with their hard working teachers that continue to find creative ways to engage students - holding them accountable for their learning. With that being said, we know that all learning can not take place in the classroom. We have been fortunate enough to have an amazing after school program - 21st Century After-School Learning AVMS coordinated by Dustie Gunn-Ader.

The middle school is in the third year of the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant and it has been a great year so far. We were able to return to on-site learning after spending all last school year online. This has brought a level of excitement back into the program for both students and teachers. The program runs from 2:30-5:00pm Mondays-Thursdays.

Many classes are being offered this year, Lego Robotics, Art, Yearbook, Math Club, Tutoring, Homework Help, Sports, and Drama Club. Sports are in session from 2:30-5:00 pm, Math Club, Tutoring, and Homework Help are 2:30-4:00 pm. While the other clubs are 4:00-5:00 pm.

The Lego Robotics team is preparing for a competition this winter, with an expert speaker from the National Parks Program coming to support them in real world connections for their theme. Our Art class has been painting and making crafts. Last, but not least, the Drama Club is working on their winter production, which will be The Nightmare Before Christmas. The Yearbook Club will continue working hard all year to create the school yearbook, which is on sale now. This quarter sports will be boys soccer and girls basketball. Students can still sign-up to attend after-school clubs and tutoring.