Yellow Jacket Nation Notes
3/8/24
Hello Yellow Jacket Nation!
We had a great winter season of sports and took home a lot of hardware! Congrats to our athletes! Bowling Team were regional champs! Boy's Basketball, Boy's Swimming, and Wrestling were all league champs!! Go Jackets!!
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.
Thursday, April 11th
Tests: PSAT 10 (online test) and ACT WorkKeys (this is still a paper/pencil test)
Grades Attending: 10th and 11th graders
No School: 9th 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:
- 10th graders will be released at 10:40 (busses will be running normal routes)
- 11th graders will be released at 12:35 (busses will be running normal routes)
- Extended Time Testers will be released at 2:22 (busses will be running normal routes)
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)
AHS Spring Athletics
Please see the attachment for Spring sports information and contacts.
Avondale Art Show Virtual Gallery
Avondale Choir - Congratulations!!
The middle school and high school choir departments participated in the Michigan School Vocal Music Association District “16” Choir Festival Monday, March 4th through Wednesday, March 6th. Mr. Cornwell took 6 choirs to District Choir Festival.
On Monday, we had 2 choirs perform at Dakota High School and Tuesday, March 5th, we had 3 choirs perform at Stoney Creek High School and Wednesday, March 6th, we had 1 choir perform at Stoney Creek. Our choir department from both schools continued the “Tradition of Excellence!”
All 6 choirs received a 1st Division and are STATE BOUND!!!!
Here are our results from this past week:
Monday, March 4th
Women’s Chorus – 1st Division – Received a perfect score from all 3 performance judges! (119 out of 120) They received 29 put of 30 from their sight-reading judge. They missed a perfect score by 1 point!
Mixed Chorus – 1st Division – 1st Division - Received 112 out of 120.
Tuesday, March 5th
Concert Choir – 1st Division - Received a perfect score from all 3 performance judges and from their sight-reading judge! (120 out of 120)
Men of Avondale – 1st Division – Received a perfect score from all 3 performance judges! (119 out of 120) They received 29 put of 30 from their sight-reading judge. They missed a perfect score by 1 point!
Women of Concert Choir – 1st Division – Received 116 out of 120. They received a perfect score in sight-reading.
Wednesday, March 6th
7th & 8th Grade Choir – 1st Division – Received a 117 out of 120. They received a perfect score in sight reading. All 3 performance judges gave our middle school choir 29 out of 30. They missed a perfect score by 3 points!
Congratulations to all of our middle school and high school choir students that participated this past Monday through Wednesday. The judges mentioned that our choirs were some of the best that they have heard this week! A special thanks to our students that have continued the rich tradition at Avondale of being the best!
From the Counseling Office
ATTENTION SENIORS!
The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) has planned another event during which some colleges will waive their application fees again!
From March 18th-22nd, Calvin University, Central Michigan University, Lawrence Technological University, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University are waiving their application fees!
Please see below the list of schools that have no application fees!
As a reminder I have attached the Senior Class Presentation and MCAN's list of Certificate Programs in Michigan that is attached for those interested in trade schools.
Early Middle College Program at AHS
ATTENTION 9th & 10th Graders! Interested in earning an associates degree while you're in high school?
See below for more information on how to make that work!
AVONDALE SCHOOLS EARLY COLLEGE APPLICATIONS OPEN FEBRUARY 22- MARCH 22, 2024
Welcome to the first steps in ensuring your career success beyond our days at Avondale High School. Thank you for considering Avondale Schools Early College Program. Avondale Schools and Rochester University are in partnership to provide you with relevant, dynamic and enriching learning experiences that will lead you into a rewarding and fulfilling career. The partnership with OCC and Auburn Hills Fire Department will provide the ability to work with a real fire department and attend the Firefighter Academy.
This journey will require your focus, dedication, effort and commitment to growing and learning. YOU are the MAIN ingredient to your success. Please know you will be surrounded by individuals who are invested in your success as an ASEC student.
Before completing the application, we request that you give careful consideration to the information below to determine if this program is the most suitable educational experience for you. In completing the application, please make special note of the expectations you and your child will be agreeing to if he or she is selected to attend the Avondale Schools Early College (ASEC) Program.
Complete BOTH Part 1 & Part 2 if interested!
Part 1
Please fill out the preliminary information form below:
https://forms.gle/K9R4CxTGRkUwyL9E9
Part 2
Please choose a link below to apply for the program you are interested in.
APPLICANT RESPONSIBILITY
- It is the applicant's responsibility to complete the required responses and work with your current school to complete and send any required documents.
- All forms, responses and documents must be COMPLETED and SUBMITTED by 11:59 PM on March 22nd, 2024.
- Incomplete applications cannot be considered.
11th Graders! Are you interested in becoming a FireFighter?
Hello 11th Graders!
Below is the information to apply for the OCC Firefighter Certification Program.
AVONDALE SCHOOLS FIREFIGHTER CERTIFICATION APPLICATIONS OPEN FEBRUARY 22- MARCH 22, 2024
Welcome to the first steps in ensuring your career success beyond our days at Avondale High School. Thank you for considering Avondale Schools Early College Program. Avondale Schools and OCC are in partnership to provide you with relevant, dynamic and enriching learning experiences that will lead you into a rewarding and fulfilling career. The partnership with OCC and Auburn Hills Fire Department will provide the ability to work with a real fire department and attend the Firefighter Academy.
This journey will require your focus, dedication, effort and commitment to growing and learning. YOU are the MAIN ingredient to your success. Please know you will be surrounded by individuals who are invested in your success as an ASEC student.
Before completing the application, we request that you give careful consideration to the information below to determine if this program is the most suitable educational experience for you. In completing the application, please make special note of the expectations you and your child will be agreeing to if he or she is selected to attend the Avondale Schools Early College (ASEC) Program.
Complete BOTH Part 1 & Part 2 if interested!
Part 1
Please fill out the preliminary information form below:
https://forms.gle/K9R4CxTGRkUwyL9E9
Indicate "Dual Enrollment FireFighter Certification (12)"
Part 2
Please click on the link below to apply for FireFighter Certification if you are interested.
APPLICANT RESPONSIBILITY
- It is the applicant's responsibility to complete the required responses and work with your current school to complete and send any required documents.
- All forms, responses and documents must be COMPLETED and SUBMITTED by 11:59 PM on March 22nd, 2024.
- Incomplete applications cannot be considered.
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.
Cannabis Webinar
Biomed Opportunity for AHS Students
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
- Pasta Sale - Our annual pasta sale has kicked off! We all gotta eat, right? And this sale is a great way to feel the family and raise some funds! The monies go to enhance the opportunities and experiences of our 5-12th grade band members. The PASTA & SAUCES ARE AVAILABLE HERE.
- State Solo & Ensemble - If you qualified for States, please let me know no later than Wednesday, February 14th if you'd (and your group) would like to participate. It's on 3/16 @ Rochester HS.
- Soph-Sen Solo - $21
- 9th Grade Solo - $15
- Duet - $16 - ($8/per)
- Trio - $18 ($6/per)
- Quartet $20 - ($5/per)
- Quintet - $22 - ($4.40/per)
- SAVE THE DATES
- State S&E - March 16
- 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!
It’s pizza time! Starting today through April 2nd, Avondale Band Boosters is selling Little Caesars Pizza Kits and In-Store Meal Deals to raise money for your Avondale Band. To reach our goal, we need everyone’s help. It’s easy to join the fun!
To get started, follow this link or scan the QR code below with your phone to create an account and set up your very own Seller page. You’ll get your unique link to send to your friends & family so they can buy delicious Pizza Kits and In-Store Meal Deals and support our fundraiser. (Please do not forward or post the link or QR code in this email. It is NOT for buying Kits.) Pizza Kits will be delivered directly to your buyers via FedEx, so send your link to family & friends across the country, too. Hot News! Little Caesars Fundraising now offers In-Store Meal Deals. Buyers can purchase promo codes that can be redeemed for hot pizza at their local Little Caesars. Post your unique link on your social media pages to reach even more people. Every item we sell earns $6 profit and makes an impact. Don’t forget to buy your own!
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 School Program Flyers for 24-25 School Year
Michigan Student Aid Scholarships and Financial Aid
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/
CK Diggs Fundraiser - Thursday, March 21st from 11am-11pm
You MUST bring the flyer to benefit the Senior All Night Party. Flyer will be posted in the next newsletter.
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:
March 22nd - 1/2 day (all hours meet) - 10:33 release
March 25th - 29th - No School - Spring Break
April 1st - No School - Teacher Professional Learning Day
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.
Prom
Prom will be Friday, May 3rd, at Buhl Estate in Addison Oaks, Leonard, MI. We do not have school on the 3rd, but students will need to be in attendance at least four full hours on May 2nd to attend the event.
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.