Principals' Newsletter
From Christie DeWald, Jenn Miller, and Ryan Wagner
January 8, 2024
ACS Strategic Planning Goals
The district will exemplify a culture of innovative thinking.
All students will have personalized learning pathways that foster independence and career exploration.
All students will demonstrate social emotional skills and cultural awareness.
UPK-12 Information and Updates
Important Dates:
- January 9th: Special Education, Engagement and Development (SPEED) meeting - Focus will be on Related Services - More information about SPEED can be found at https://www.smore.com/5r9gf
- January 12th: Voting day for the new Avon name change! Students and staff will be voting for one of the following three choices: The Novas, The Archers, or The River Hawks
- January 15th: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebrated - No school
- January 20th: Avon will host a Livingston County Special Needs Resource Fair at Avon MS from 1:00-4:00 (details shared below in family engagement section)
- January 26th: Professional Learning Day - No school for students
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions. Please feel free to call or email us:
Ryan Wagner 9-12 rwagner@avoncsd.org (585) 226-2455 extension 1719
Jennifer Miller 5-8 jmiller@avoncsd.org (585) 226-2455 extension 1430
Christie DeWald cdewald@avoncsd.org (585) 226-2455 extension 1108
Avon Solar Eclipse Viewing Event
On April 8, 2024, ACS is partnering with the community to host a solar eclipse viewing event. Please use the link below for information and to register for the event.
UPK-4 Information
Winter Playground: Our students will continue to have the opportunity to go out to the playground after lunch each day. During the next few months, as the temperatures continue to get colder, please be mindful of appropriate cold weather gear as students head out each morning to go to school. The playground time for students can vary each day depending on the temperatures, but they are typically outside for at least 15-20 minutes. If you have any questions regarding this, or need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact the school.
School Day: The Elementary School school day begins at 8:50 a.m. Please make every effort to get students to school on time. Being in school, on-time and ready to learn sets the stage for a successful day. With your assistance and cooperation, please have students dropped off and in the building at 8:50 a.m. That valuable time in the morning allows teachers to begin morning meetings, circles, morning work and valuable instruction.
Sing-Along: We enjoyed a wonderful winter celebration with our annual sing-along. Our 4th grade chorus performed 2 songs, followed by a family sing-along. Thank you to our staff for organizing the event and our families for their participation.
January 16-31: During one day of this two week window, students will be taking the iReady Winter Diagnostic. Students will spend approximately 45 minutes per subject, reading and mathematics, to complete these assessments. The results will be analyzed and then used to guide instruction and interventions for students.
January 29: Roller Skating Party - Students in grades 1&2 will have the opportunity to enjoy our school based roller skating party from 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Students will be supervised by elementary staff, parent pick up at 4:45 p.m.
Level I Pageturners Team (Grades 3-5) Competition
On December 11th, the Level I Pageturners Team had their fall competition at Cal-Mum Elementary School. This included 25 students in grades 3-5, who competed in the competition. Due to the large size of the team, there were two teams representing Avon at the competition so that more students could compete.
In preparation for the competition, students needed to read 10 books on the fall list and multiple students on the team read either 9 or all 10 of the books. This demonstrated an amazing commitment to an activity that is in addition to the students’ regular school work. Our students at the competition also demonstrated great sportsmanship and pride in representing Avon.
The results were as follows:
- Round 1: Avon 1-14 pts, Cal-Mum 2- 11 pts, St. Agnes- 13 pts, Avon 2- 12 pts., Cal-Mum 1- 7 pts.
- Round 2: Avon 1-10 pts, Cal-Mum 2- 12 pts, St. Agnes- 14 pts, Avon 2- 12 pts, Cal-Mum1- 12 pts.
- Final: Avon 1- 24 pts, Cal-Mum 2- 23 pts, St. Agnes- 27 pts, Avon 2- 20 pts, Cal-Mum1- 19 pts
Although one of our Avon teams won the first round, the overall winner for the day was St. Agnes School. The Avon Level I Pageturners Team and their advisor, Ms. Mucci, look forward to hosting the next competition in March.
Grades 5-8 Information
Computer Based Test (CBT) Simulation: On January 23rd, fifth grade students will participate in a Computer Based Testing (CBT) Simulation. This simulation offers the opportunity for school staff to evaluate the readiness of their school’s internal systems, hardware, and school testing procedures prior to the spring administration of the NYS Grades 3-8 ELA/Math Computer Based Tests. In addition, participation in the simulation prior to testing affords teachers and students the opportunity to practice and strengthen their familiarity with Questar’s testing platform which mimics the actual testing environment. Teachers and administrators can also use the opportunity to identify any adjustments to computer-based testing procedures that will help to streamline the testing this spring. The simulations provide an excellent opportunity for schools to test how the Questar Secure Browser functions within their school networks.
i-Ready 2nd Benchmark Diagnostic Assessment: The second i-Ready Diagnostic Reading and Mathematics Assessments will be administered to the middle school students during the last two weeks in the month of January. Teachers use the information from these diagnostic assessments to guide instruction and design interventions for students. If you have any questions or concerns about the i-Ready diagnostic testing, please contact your child’s ELA or math teacher. The administration schedule is as follows:
- Grade 5 Reading Diagnostic Assessment: January 29th
- Grade 5 Mathematics Diagnostic Assessment: January 30th
- Grade 6 Mathematics Diagnostic Assessment: January 24th
Grade 6 Reading Diagnostic Assessment: January 25th
- Grades 7 and 8 Reading Diagnostic Assessment: January 24th
- Grades 7 and 8 Reading Diagnostic Assessment: January 25th
Student Arrival Time to School: The school day begins for students in grades 5-8 at 7:50 am. At 7:40 am, the doors to the middle school building will be open for students to enter the building. This is also the time staff are in the building to supervise students. Please adjust your child’s drop off time to school, so that your child is not waiting outside the building until the doors open at 7:40 am. In addition, since the Middle School Transportation Loop has been designated the drop off/pick up area for parents/guardians transporting their children to and from school, please use extreme caution, especially when there is snow and ice, when you use this loop to drop off your child(ren) at school. Thank you for your assistance.
Avon Middle School Yearbooks Are Now On Sale!
Grades 9-12
Marking Period 2 End Date: Marking period 2 ends on January 26th. Please encourage students to track their grades, stay after during advisement for extra support from 2:30-3:00, and take advantage of the after hours tutoring center. In addition, please feel free to login to the SchoolTool Parent Portal to check your student's grades. A parent portal access guide is attached below.
Regents Week January 22nd-25th: Students are expected to report for their regular schedule. Students will only take a Regents examination if they have to retake an exam from the previous year. School counselors will notify students and parents if a student needs to retake an examination.
Attendance: We have seen a slight increase in students coming late or missing school. Please note that students need to be in class by 7:50 AM. Please contact your child's counselor for support if they are struggling to get to school on time. In addition, please note that doors open at 7:40 AM as this is the staff start time. Please do not drop off your children before 7:40. Thank you!
Making Connections: The high school has made it a priority to create opportunities for our students to go down to the elementary school to teach, connect. and interact with our elementary students. Take a look at the images below highlighting our Avon Athlete Read Program and the Art Club leading craft activities.
Grades 7-12 Band Program
Mr. Luke Selby will be taking over as our grades 7-12 band teacher for the remainder of the school year. Mr. Selby just completed a long-term substitute position at Avon for Mrs. Stambaugh this fall. He has a strong musical background and knows our students. We are excited to have him!
Student Resources
Avon Middle and High School Tutoring
Avon is offering after school tutoring again. Please see the information below...
Tutors: Avon Middle and High School Teachers
Location: Avon HS Library
Time: 3:05 - 4:05 PM
Days of the Week: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Transportation: Parent pick up at the High School Main Entrance
Note: Students must sign in and out with Mrs. Newton daily
Thank you for your interest in supporting your child's learning. If you have further questions please contact me at 226-2455 ext. 1701 or lnewton@avoncsd.org.
Laurie Newton
MHS Coordinator
Parent Resources
Family Engagement
Family Engagement: the next Family Engagement event is scheduled for February 7, 2023 at the Avon MS Library. Livingston County Sheriff and Livonia School Resource Officer will be presenting on “What Parents Need to Know” regarding online safety and phone use. Please see the attachment below.
Livingston County Special Needs Resource Fair: On January 20th, from 1:00-4:00, Avon will host a Livingston County Special Needs Resource Fair at Avon MS. This is an opportunity for our families to gather information about the various organizations in our area to support children with physical, cognitive, social, emotional, learning, developmental, or behavioral disabilities. We will have staff here to answer any questions you may have. Some of the participants include: David’s Refuge, Avon Library, Arc GLOW, AutismUp, Person Centered Services. We hope you can come and gather information on all there is to offer children!
SchoolTool Parent Portal
Avon Central Schools
DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT
Develop life long learners and responsible citizens equipped to prosper in the global society.
VISION STATEMENT
Avon Central School District will foster an environment where all students will compete globally through the collaborative efforts of the Board of Education, school personnel, parents, community members and students.
Website: https://www.avoncsd.org/
Location: 245 Clinton Street, Avon, NY 14414, USA
Phone: 585-226-2455
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avonnycsd#