Yellow Jacket Nation Notes
4/12/24
Hello Yellow Jacket Nation!
Spring SAT/PSAT Testing -APRIL
This year, the SAT and PSAT tests are all online and are over a window of time. The ACT WorkKeys test for 11th graders is still a paper test. Below are the dates, times, and grade levels that will be testing. We will be following up later with specific details regarding managing and preparing the technology for testing.
Wednesday, April 17th
Tests: PSAT 9 (online test) and SAT (online test)
Grades Attending: 9th and 11th graders
No School: 10th and 12th graders
Times: Students need to be at school on time (7:22) as we need to have all students checked in and ready to go by 8:00 am to begin the test. Students that arrive after the test begins will not be allowed to test and will be sent home.
Students will not be able to remain in the building once their testing sessions are completed. Please make sure that appropriate accommodations are made prior to the date.
Release Times:
- 9th graders will be released at 11:55 (busses will be running normal routes)
- 11th graders will be released at 11:55 (busses will be running normal routes)
- Extended Time Testers will be released at 2:22 (busses will be running normal routes)
Freshmen graders will need to bring in their computers on Tuesday, April 16th. They will be turning them in at the HUB throughout the day so they are ready for testing.
Juniors will need to charge their school issued ChromeBooks on Tuesday night at home and bring them to school fully charged for testing on Wednesday, April 17th.
AHS Athletics
Please see the link for AHS Athletic Updates
AHS Prom - May 3rd
Prom will be held at Shelby Gardens Banquet and Events on May 3rd from 6:30-11:00. Ticket sales will occur through April 12th. No additional passes will be sold after April 12th.
Entry Policy: Doors will open at 6:30pm and close at 7:30pm. Any guest who arrives after 7:30pm will not be permitted to attend the event. No refunds will be given for this reason.
(Please note this venue is about 30- 40 minutes from the high school, so plan your arrival/drop off time accordingly)
The prom agreement form below needs to be signed and turned in when tickets are purchased.
Note: Guest Passes were due by April 4th. No late guest passes will be processed
Avondale Theater Company
Legally Blonde !! The ticket prices are $15 for general admission and $10 for students. It is free for Avondale Staff. The show is on April 18-20th at 7:05 P.M. and April 21 at 2:05 P.M. Attached below is the link to purchase tickets.
NHS Tutoring
This is a reminder that the National Honor Society is hosting tutoring every Tuesday after school in the HUB from 2:30-3:30. Please suggest to your student that they attend if they are in need of some extra help. If we get enough interest we will move it to 2 days a week.
Avondale School District Bond!!
Avondale School District
No Tax Rate Increase Bond Proposal
on the August 6, 2024 Ballot
Plan to attend a TOWN HALL on MAY 2, 2024 from 6:30-8:00pm at Avondale High School or on ZOOM to learn about this important election. Get the facts about the benefits and financial impacts and learn about the projects that a successful bond will fund. All schools, athletics, and Arts programs will benefit from the bond passage and there will be no tax rate increase to the community.
Come in person or join on ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7832497459?omn=86264229227.
National Teacher Appreciation Week is Coming!
National Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6-10, 2024. The Michigan Department of Education’s (MDE) Office of Educator Excellence (OEE) wishes to celebrate teachers across Michigan for the entire month of May.
MDE invites parents to submit 15-30 second videos of their students recognizing and thanking a specific teacher for their impact. Nothing fancy is required—cell phones can capture the videos. Please follow the directions on the flyer. Videos and parental consent may be submitted via the Teacher Appreciation Video Project Google Form. Videos are currently being accepted until Friday, April 19, 2024.
Submitted videos may be posted on the Teacher Appreciation Month webpage and the MDE’s YouTube channel. The Office of Educator Excellence Facebook (@MIeducator) and X (formerly Twitter) social media pages will be promoting the videos throughout the month of May.
If you have a child with great things to say about a teacher, don’t hesitate—use the instructions found on our website to submit a video today!
Instructions to submit video (Arabic) - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FGOsFm2UqssthvOfR_map5ghBr8AeqCh/view?usp=sharing
Instructions to submit video (English) - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UOLzeH7wTWukRhwy2IZKdNmCmUYUGp8M/view?usp=sharing
Instructions to submit video (Spanish) - https://drive.google.com/file/d/17_uXaEop73z_bhaVJKAUZtB094MGFtLl/view?usp=sharing
Avondale School District would also like to share your video with our community. Please send your video to Annette McAvoy at 248-217-1759.
Attention Seniors - Convocation Night
Avondale High School is pleased to invite ALL of our Seniors with a 3.250 or higher unweighted GPA at the end of 1st semester and our Seniors who received outside SCHOLARSHIPS to our Convocation Night that will take place on:
May 22nd, 2024 at 7p.m. at the AHS Auditorium
Our annual Convocation Night recognizes ALL of our seniors for their academic awards, department awards, community awards, and/or received outside scholarships from their postsecondary plans (College/University OR Trade/Tech School).
All seniors who want to be recognized for their academic awards MUST fill out the scholarship form below by no later than May 2nd at 2:30p.m.
Any submissions after 2:30p.m. on May 2nd WILL NOT be included on Convocation Night.
Avondale Blessings in a Backpack Charity Golf Outing
Avondale Blessings in a Backpack is teaming with SFL Companies to host a Golf Scramble Fundraiser on May 6, 2024. Please consider participating in this great (and fun) event that supports our Avondale students!
$800 / foursome
$200 / single golfer (will be paired with other singles or to complete a team)
Includes: 18 holes of golf, cart, practice facility, lunch, dinner, and non-alcoholic beverages
Learn about sponsorship opportunities here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OdMEpclvzpYkOmJ9sguk91VJYDZi3c3c/view?usp=sharing
You can register for the outing at this link: https://blessingsinabackpackmi.org/events/.
Avondale Spain/Italy Trip
Dear families,
We’re going to Italy and Spain in Summer 2025, and you’re invited (open to any AHS student)!
We’re excited to tell you more about the trip we’re planning with EF Tours, our educational travel
partner. Please be sure to register for this info session to be considered for this opportunity:
https://bit.ly/43sj3Z6
When students travel, they expand their knowledge of the world around them, discover more about
themselves, and grow more confident. These skills are critical for creating the global citizens of
tomorrow, and we would love to have your student join us on this adventure.
In this info session, we’ll talk about:
How this opportunity will benefit your student
What we’ll see and do on our trip
Everything that’s included in this experience
How we’re keeping this safe and affordable
How to enroll on this trip (before it fills up!) during EF’s risk-free enrollment period
There are limited spots on this trip, so we would love to have you attend this meeting to learn more
about this exciting opportunity!
Ms. Hannah Syme
Middle School Spanish & ELA Teacher
Avondale GATE Magnet School
Avondale Band Updates
Mr. Hejka wanted to give a big shoutout to everyone for their hard work, collaboration, and musicianship these past few weeks. District Solo & Ensemble went very well. Since 2018, this has been the absolute strongest representation from Avondale our district has seen! Count 'em - 19 events qualifying for States! And even more importantly, each group is growing as musicians, teammates, and leaders. #soproud #musicmatters #yayband
- SAVE THE DATES
- Spring Concert - Wednesday, May 8
- Parade Rehearsal - Monday, May 20. 6-8pm
- Memorial Day Parade - Monday, May 27
- Commencement - Thursday, May 30
- July 29 - August 1 - HS Band Pre-Camp ← Save the Dates
- August 5-10 - HS Band Camp ← Save the Dates
Mr. Hejka truly hopes everyone has been well and are as proud of these students as I am! Looking forward to the next month and all that we'll accomplish!
Hey Avondale - Let's Eat Some Pizza - Raise Some Dough! Let Blaze Pizza cook dinner for your family on Friday, April 19th - 25% of each order will be donated to support our Avondale band. It's a win-win for everyone!
Scheduling for 24-25 School Year
Scheduling for the 24/25 School Year:
We are no longer accepting scheduling requests for next year as the deadline was February 15th by 12:30pm. If students did not submit the schedule request form and parent/guardian approval form online by the deadline, a schedule will be created for them.
Students and parents/guardians have until June 1st by 2:30PM to make any schedule changes if both request forms were submitted. Please contact your student's counselor to make changes.
AHS Opportunities for 23-24 School Year
Reminders from the Front Office
Picking Up/Calling Out Your Student Early - In order to facilitate and process your students ability to leave early and avoid issues, the following steps will need to be followed. If these steps are not followed, your student will not be able to be released until the end of the day.
1. Calls need to be made at least an hour prior to the pick-up/release time (we are unable to receive calls and process them instantaneously). Please understand that it is not realistic to expect our staff to process calls when you are not giving us ample time to prepare. Calls that request a pick-up in less than an hour will be processed and completed in a timely manner, but will result in a delay of releasing your student.
2. Calls need to be made prior to 1:30. Calls after 1:30 will not be processed and students will be released at the end of school, except for rare emergencies.
3. Students need to know that you are calling them out and will be issued a smartpass from the front office that they need to show their teacher in order to be released.
Senior All Night Party
MOD Pizza Fundraiser
April 15th ALL DAY - 3058 S. Rochester Rd (SW corner at Auburn Rd)
https://modpizza.force4good.com/event/d723b95f-31f1-4beb-ac4f-ea3f890a8d65
Online Orders Use Promo Code: MODGIVES20
GRADUATE LAWN SIGNS
Order Deadline: April 29th / 3 styles to choose from ($25-35 ea.)
Questions: Avondale2024SANP@gmail.com
Orders placed by April 1st - Pick up from 6-8pm at the MOD Pizza Fundraiser on April 15th
Orders placed after April 1st - Pick up at the Admin Bldg. starting May 14th.
https://playerprints.com/product-category/schools/avondale-seniors/
Dodge Ball Tournament - Details Coming Soon
Students, Staff, Parents - All are welcome to play!
Be a 2024 SANP Sponsor!
Make a donation to the Class of 2024 SANP using the QR code or this link: SANP Sponsorship
• Diamond Sponsor* ($1,000+): Event recognition with name & logo on large banner displayed at AHSGraduation Ceremony & SANP + Yellow Jacket Level benefits
• Yellow Jacket Sponsor* ($500-$999): Name or business hyperlink & logo on Avondale 2024 SANP Facebook Group + Gold Level benefits
• Gold Sponsor ($100-$499): Social media promotion on Avondale 2024 SANP Facebook Group + Purple Level benefits
• Purple Sponsor ($20-$99): Name on Avondale 2024 SANP Facebook Group & SANP event poster
• In-Kind Donor (Food, Drink, Door Prizes & Services): Purple Level
Standards Based Assessing Information for Second Semester
Please see the attached Smore below that contains the rubrics and logic rules for the classes at AHS. Please note that it is a lot of information and we are working to consolidate the rubrics and logic scores.
Important Dates
Upcoming Important Dates:
April 8th - Solar Eclipse (Be careful and Enjoy!)
April 11th - Testing
April 17th - Testing
May 3rd - No School and Prom
Counseling
A - Go - Jackie Chavez - jacqueline.chavez@avondaleschools.org
Gp-0 - Melinda Reyes - melinda.reyes@avondaleschools.org
P-Z - Shelby Dallaire - shelby.dallaire@avondaleschools.org
Accelerated Pathways Program/Retention Specialist - Kim Olszak - Kimberly.olszak@avondaleschools.org
SAT Testing is coming up soon! There is an opportunity for you to get FREE SAT Tutoring!
We are offering SAT Tutoring starting January 22nd-March 20th after school for you! Avondale staff will mentor students on the APEX SAT Tutorials. Students will receive support and guidance as the program uses pre and post tests to design and adapt instruction for each learner.
If you have not registered already and are interest click HERE to register. Slots are limited to the first 100 students.
Mid-year Transcripts
Students do not need to send a mid-year transcript (7th semester grades) unless a college requests one.
If you applied via the Common App, counselors would upload required mid-year transcripts automatically in late January (after grades are posted).
If you need to send a mid-year transcript through www.parchment.com , select the college requesting senior year 1st semester grades. Then be sure to click “hold for grades” now and your transcript will be sent when they become available by late January. Note: If you do not click “hold for grades” your junior year transcript will be sent now instead. Please follow the proper procedure. See Mrs. Benson in the counseling office for details or email her.
Senior Information
As you start thinking about what you would like to do after high school, we encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities you have here at Avondale to learn more about your options!
SENIOR DATES!-Please review the attached form to know important Senior Dates you have this school year.
Utilize the High School Counseling's Website!
Scholarships-This link is updated every time we receive new scholarships.
College/Career Rep Visits-You will need to sign up and choose the school, trade program, or military you would like more information on. This form is updated every time a college/career rep signs up to visit our campus.
Google Calendar- Events with the Counseling Department.
Application Overview- Attached is the document to reference for any application process. There is also a CommonApp Guide.
MCAN- Attached is a list of colleges/universities with schools that have their fees Waived in October.
Parchment- You are responsible for sending your transcripts to colleges and trade schools through PARCHMENT. You need to use your PERSONAL email and LEGAL name to set up an account. When you are applying for colleges/trade schools now please DO NOT put "Hold for Grades". It will not be until April or May that you will request "Hold for Grade" to the school you are going to.
FAFSA- Application does not open until December 2023. Colleges/Trades will need this for your financial aid package. Attached are some Financial Aid Resources.In the meantime, attend the workshops to learn more about financial aid!
- January 31st: “FAFSA Workshop” presented by Oakland University @ 6:30 P.M. via Zoom. Must Register Here: Link
DACA Students/Undocumented Students, I have attached some resources for you to still receive funding for school.
Recommendations- If you are in need of a Letter of Recommendation, you need to ask the recommender (teacher, admin, counselor, etc.) not demand. If they say yes, please utilize the LOR Profile Sheet that is attached, so it can help the recommender to write a letter for you. You will need to let them know where you need it sent to and the deadline Note: The turnaround is 2 weeks for requests like this and similar requests.
Below Are Other Opportunities and Resources for You!
The offices of Senator Gary Peters and Congresswoman Haley Stevens have a Military Academy Nomination application. In order to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, students need a nomination from their Congressional offices. More information on our service academy nomination process can be found here: https://stevens.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations
Fostering Success Michigan has some college information for youth who have experience in foster care.
Home Athletic Event Protocols
AHS Band Information
Band Boosters Meetings
We wanted to make sure you the information on upcoming Band Booster Meetings form this season.. Meetings will be held the following days on Mr. Hejka's Zoom at 7pm.. Login information is listed below.
March 4th, April 1st, May 6th and June 3rd
Zoom - Meeting ID: 225 153 9371 - Password: 494103
Parking Passes
We appreciate the students that have purchased parking passes. Students who have yet to purchase a parking pass that are parking in the student lot were issued a warning that tickets will be placed on the vehicles starting this week.
Blessings In a Backpack
If you are interested in Blessings in a Backpack, please see the document below.
Avondale Swag: Everyone looks good in Purple and Gold!
Additional Information
Informational Documents
Here you will find new informational documents from the district, building, and community.
Honors College for a Day
This is an opportunity for high school students in 9th, 10th, and 11th grade to come to Oakland and experience what it is like at the Honors College, be paired with a mentor, meet the Dean, have a picnic with other prospective students, and ask all their questions!
The event is March 28th from 10:30-2:30pm at the Honors College
Applications are Due: March 7th
Link to apply: https://forms.gle/seRK88TaCfrEPPB7A
Informational Documents - Old
Here you will find the documents that have been shared before as a resource.
Please see the following reminders and updates.
- Any student that is using the school parking lot during school hours must have a parking pass and be parked in their assigned spot. Auburn Hills PD will be issuing parking tickets to any vehicle that does not have a parking pass. Please see the front office before school or during lunch to purchase your tag by October 16th. Mr. Danta will begin towing any vehicle that does not have a parking pass after October 16th.
- Starting on Monday October 9th, no commercial outside food or beverages will be allowed into the building after 7:20am. Any commercial outside food or beverage will need to be thrown away at the door. This policy change is due to the large number of students that are coming in late (a lot of them with commercial food/drink).
- Remember in order to engage and experience your learning, all students must be to class on time every hour. Teachers will not be providing any hall passes the first 5 minutes and the last 5 minutes of class. Attendance and tardies are being tracked and consequences will be enforced.
Safety and Security
We are currently in the transition period for our security team at the high school (per the district communication a couple of weeks ago). There will be some new faces in the building as we move into the full transition. Our Safety and Security Director, Dan Chynoweth, has been working with DM Burr to vet out the candidates that will be in our buildings. It is a focus and goal for our safety staff to be approachable and a part of the Yellow Jacket Nation. We will be transitioning through the middle of November. Lisa and Lucy (our explosives dog and handler) will be staying with us and continue to serve our students. Once we have a complete team, we will be introducing them to the students and sending information home.