Avalon Eagles Newsletter
May 2023
Avalon Eagles S.O.A.R.
Optimistic environment, ensuring a focus on
Achievement, and building strong
Relationships with you and your children
Avalon Eagles Practice the 3 Be's
Be Safe
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Avalon Eagles' Vision & Mission
Vision - Every student will exit each grade level prepared for the next academic level.
Mission - Avalon students will become confident learners who are responsible citizens equipped to contribute to the community.
Spring is here!
Month Of May Calendar:
Please note; all of the May dates below can be found on the updated calendar posted on Avalon's homepage here: https://www.ccsoh.us/avalones
May 3 - May 4: Spring Math OST Testing
May 8 - May 12: Avalon Staff Appreciation Week
Thursday, May 11: Second Grade 3GRG Meeting (See details below in newsletter)
Wednesday, May 19: Multi-Cultural Day at Avalon (details coming soon!)
Wednesday, May 24: Field Day at Avalon (details coming soon!)
Monday, May 29: Memorial Day, NO SCHOOL
Upcoming Dates:
Thursday, June 1: Last Day of School for students!
Thursday, June 1: Fourth Quarter Grades are available on Parent Portal
**Remember, registration is still open until May 19 to enroll your child in the district's Summer Experience program. Registration must be done through Parent Portal.
There are also lots of summer camp options available. Find out more by visiting this link: https://www.smore.com/v7g85
STAY IN THE GAME!
Attendance matters for academic success! Continue to come to school and on-time for maximum academic benefit. Every minute in class matters!
Click https://www.ccsoh.us/stayinthegame for information about attendance and engagement for academic success.
Above: An encouraging reminder posted to our students in the hallway.
Slow & Safe Driving in Avalon Parking Lots!
May Eagle Zoom Room (Virtual Office Hours)
Parents/Caregivers: Come ask questions and get answers on a variety of topics in a Virtual Session with Avalon's Family Ambassadors. Whether you need help with Parent Portal, or have any other questions or concerns, join in! We can also show you how to get connected with district and community resources. Feel free to stop in to the Zoom Room and we'll do our best to find answers to your questions.
To join at noon, click the link: https://ccsoh-us.zoom.us/j/81267752471
Tuesday, May 9:
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
See you there!
Panorama Survey! Open Until May 5th!
We wanted to take a moment to ask you all for your feedback regarding your thoughts and feelings surrounding Avalon Elementary.
You can do this by taking the Spring 2023 Panorama survey. You can do so by clicking the button link below, or by scanning the QR code to the left.
The survey is anonymous; your name/student's name is not attached to this survey!
Once you have completed this survey, if you screenshot the last page, and send it to: mmeffley@columbus.k12.oh.us, you will be entered into a drawing to win a pizza dinner for a family of four.
Thank you for taking the time to contribute to the Avalon community!
Upcoming Test for 3rd Graders.... Spring Math OST Test
It is imperative that students attend school during their testing days and bring their District Issued Chromebooks and personal earbuds and/or headphones for testing.
The results of state test scores are extremely important to the students, Avalon Elementary and Columbus City Schools. In order to do their best, students need to be rested and ready.
Parents can help by doing the following:
- Make sure your child is in school and on time during testing days
- Set an early bedtime!
- Make sure that your child's District Issued Chromebook is fully charged the night before!
- Remind your child to do their very best and bring their District Issued Chromebooks!
- Positive talk about the importance of listening, staying focused, following directions and effort will motivate your child, and create an ideal testing environment. It will also decrease testing anxiety.
- Provide a healthy breakfast the morning of the test. Remember, we do serve free breakfast here at school!
Second Grade Parent Meeting
*Note; This meeting is for parents of current 2nd graders*
The third grade teachers will be hosting a parent meeting about the 3GRG State Test on Thursday, May 11 from 4:30 - 5:30pm.
The OST (Ohio State Test) in English/Language Arts is a test that is administered to 3rd graders each year.
This test is an important part of the Third Grade Reading Guarantee (3GRG), which students must pass in order to be promoted to the 4th grade. If students do not pass this third grade state test, they will be retained in the 3rd grade.
The meeting will be hosted both in-person and virtually for those who can not attend in-person.
Both meetings will take place from 4:30 - 5:30.
Join us to find out how you can prepare your 2nd grader for this test that they will take next year!
In-Person Meeting:
Location: Avalon Elementary School, Mr. Bell's Classroom (Room 11)
OR
Virtual Zoom Meeting:
Zoom Link: https://ccsoh-us.zoom.us/j/89724103335
Meeting ID: 897 2410 3335
See you there!
Northgate Intermediate School... This is The Next Step after 3rd Grade!
Northgate Intermediate School is located only 8 minutes away from Avalon Elementary School. The address to Northgate is: 6655 Sharon Woods Blvd, Columbus, OH 43229.
Check out Northgate Intermediate School's home page here to learn more: https://www.ccsoh.us/NorthgateIS
You can also check out a video profile of the school by clicking the button link below!
I-Ready Progress Update
Good news!
There has been significant progress in the amount of time students are spending on I-Ready Reading and Math each week!
The weekly goal for all students is to spend 45 minutes on Math and 45 minutes on Reading each and every week. One way to achieve this goal, is to have your child work on I-Ready Math for 9 minutes and I-Ready Reading for 9 minutes each evening after school.
I-Ready Reading:
At the end of last year, 30% of students were doing at least 50 minutes per week. This number has increased to 55%!!
Way to go students!!
I-Ready Math:
There were 33% of students doing at least 50 minutes weekly, at the end of last year. This number has now increased to 64%!!
Avalon students have worked hard to achieve these results - TERRIFIC JOB!!
Parents, caregivers, and families let us continue to work together to support our students to ensure they are meeting the weekly goal of 45 minutes of Reading and 45 minutes of Math.
Let's finish out the remainder of the school year STRONG!
Above, shows the I-Ready Report for Reading - comparing the end of Dec 2022 to end of March 2023.
Above, shows the I-Ready Report for Math - comparing the end of Dec 2022 to end of March 2023.
Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week! May 8-12
We are doing this to honor and appreciate the teachers and staff who play such an important role in the children's learning, growth, and development each day.
Families can feel free to send a message through Class Dojo, a card or handwritten note, a small gift item, snack.... anything you do would be more than appreciated!
Thank you Avalon families for your continued support and contributions to the Avalon community!
Meet our 3rd Grade Teaching Team!
Above (left to right): Ms. Straughter, Mr. Bell, Ms. Beck, Mr. Whyte
3rd Grade News & Student Spotlights
3rd Grade, Ms. Beck
In the photos below, see a few examples of the student's models of their inventor.
3rd Grade, Mr. Bell
This last quarter in my class of reading and writing we have been doing some very exciting things in Room 11!
In reading, we are reading stories about famous inventors and their contributions to our country. In writing, we are working on informational/explanatory writing passages.
So far, we have written about superheroes and states of our country.
Now, we are working on letters to our parents of why certain animals would be great pets. Next, we are starting a writing piece about how we would run the country if we were the President of the United States.
3rd Grade, Ms. Straughter
Here's what Room 14 and 16 students are learning about in math and science.
Math:
In both math classes, the Scholars worked on two-step word problems using four operations. They had to represent the problems using equations with a symbol or letter that stood for the unknown quantity. The Scholars often solved equations with parentheses, too.
When solving the equation, they had to read the question, analyze it, use I.C.E, and think of various strategies to use when solving the problem. They solved the problems individually, with partners, and as a group. There's a process when solving two-step word problems and the Scholars rose to the occasion and worked diligently to obtain the answer.
Science:
What is MATTER? The Scholars have been exploring matter and will begin learning about energy throughout this quarter. They have learned what matter is and ways to measure it. The Scholars made oobleck. It was messy, but a lot of fun!
Ask them if oobleck is a solid or liquid. You'll be surprised with their responses. As we continue with the unit, they will learn about the way energy interacts with matter as well as explore the types of energy.
3rd Grade, Mr. Whyte
In the photo below, is a slideshow from Melanie.
Spring Clean Up! (April 2023)
Spring Break was the perfect time to give the Avalon flowerbed a makeover as winter passed by.
Avalon PAC Members, Family Ambassadors, and local Girl Scout Troop #6845 worked together to dig, pull weeds and plant new flowers!
Check out photos below!
Above Photo: Before photo
Above: Working hard together!
Above: Digging, pulling weeds, and transplanting new flowers!
Above: Digging and getting ready to put in new blossoms!
Above: Finished results!
Counselor's Corner
May 2023, is a jam-packed month for Avalon’s School Counselor and Social Worker! Our School Counselor and Social Worker duo wrapped up the third grade Zones of Regulation 8- week group in late March, while simultaneously starting the Girls on the Run Spring 2023 season. Mrs. Mellott is part of the awesome Girls on the Run coaching team again this year, which focuses on self-esteem, making friends, being a good friend, mind and body connection and confidence through accomplishment. Practices are held two days a week for a total of 3 hours/week. This year’s Girls on the Run team, will complete their season with a 5k race on Sunday, May 21st. This race will take place at the John Wolfe Columbus Commons; 160 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215. Festivities begin at 8:00 a.m. Please come support your fellow Girls on the Run if able to. Lastly, our mental health duo will be completing another round of Zones Groups (emotional regulation) for selected first grade girls. Avalon is very excited to raise awareness for social-emotional intelligence and development of emotional regulation skills!
Respectfully,
Ms. Stacy Callahan, M.A., LPSC
Licensed Professional School Counselor
Avalon Elementary School
Above: Ms. Callahan (School Counselor), and Ms. Meffley (School Social Worker).
Above: Zones of Regulation posted in our hallway to help students identify, regulate, and manage their emotions.
P.B.I.S.
Positive Behaviors Interventions & Supports
Avalon teachers, staff, and members of the PBIS Team seek to support the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral competence of all students with supports and opportunities within Tiers 1, 2, & 3.
See below for more details given in the PBIS Parent Handbook.
Also, see below for a request form to fill out if you would like to receive this service for your child.
Meet our Student & Family Supports Staff!
Ms. Callahan is excited to be the school counselor at Avalon Elementary School. She is passionate about removing barriers to learning and equipping all students with the skills to be successful in school and life. She provides a comprehensive school counseling program, that addresses your child’s social emotional learning, academic, and career development needs. This is delivered through Tier 1 (classroom lessons), Tier 2 (targeted SEL small groups), and Tier 3 (individual brief-solution focused counseling).
Ms. Callahan is in her 14th year as a school counselor; she previously served diverse populations in several states in the Southwest region of the United States, before joining Columbus City Schools three years ago. Ms. Callahan earned her bachelor's degree from Ohio University and her master’s degree in School Counseling from West Virginia University. She is an avid supporter of the visual and performing arts and enjoys traveling.
Michelle Meffley is the school social worker at Avalon Elementary School. She has been a social worker for 12 years now. Ms. Meffley's experience includes having been a school-based counselor with North Community Counseling Centers working in Columbus City Schools and Worthington City Schools as well as running their school-based program for four years. She truly enjoys working with children and families. Her goal is to positively impact others as much as she can.
Ms. Meffley's favorite forms of self-care are spending time with her family, rooting on her Buckeyes, and running! She is very excited to be a part of the Avalon family!
Liesel Parsons, School Psychologist
Mrs. Parsons is in her fifteenth year with Columbus City Schools and ninth year at Avalon. She also serves students at Northgate Intermediate and in the Columbus Hearing Impaired Program (CHIP). She is originally from Cleveland and went to Ohio State for her Master’s degree. Mrs. Parsons lives in Westerville with her husband, son (15), and daughter (12) and has two dogs and a cat. Her hobbies include reading, traveling, and watching her kids play sports, and yoga.
Ashley Callicott "Miss Ashley" is the school physical therapist and loves working at Avalon! She is from Westerville and is a proud Ohio University Bobcat; she came back to Columbus for graduate school to become an official Ohio State Buckeye. She has been a physical therapist for 15 years; this is her sixth school year with CCS and fourth at Avalon! Ashley lives with her husband, two daughters (3.5 and 1.5 years old), and doggie Gus. She enjoys playing the piano, spending time with family and friends (bonus if it's outside!), dancing, and live music. School-based physical therapy is a related service provided to any special education student whose gross motor skills impact their ability to access their school and learning environment. School-based physical therapy works on fun, play based activities and exercises that challenge balance, strength, and coordination so that students can navigate their school environment and participate in gross motor play with their peers and friends (for example at recess and in physical education class).
My name is Katherine Butler and I am the Speech-language Pathologist who serves students at Avalon Elementary School. I also serve students at Northgate Intermediate, Global Academy, International North and the students who are on home instruction due to medical needs. I received my B.S. in Communication Disorders and my M.A. in Speech-language Pathology, both from the University of Cincinnati. I have been with Columbus City Schools for 28 years and at Avalon for 8 years.
SLPs provide appropriate speech-language services in Pre-K, elementary, middle, junior high, and high . SLPs work with students exhibiting the full range of communication disorders, including those involving language, articulation (speech sound disorders), fluency, voice/resonance, and swallowing. The litmus test for roles assumed by SLPs with students with disabilities is whether the disorder has an impact on the education of students.
It gives me great joy and satisfaction to work with the students of Avalon and the wonderful staff.
This is Mrs. George's 20th year at Columbus City Schools as an occupational therapist. She has also worked for Marion City Schools, Delaware County Board of DD, and Grady Memorial Hospital. She graduated from Ohio State and is married with two kids (a 15-year-old daughter and 18-year-old son) and three stepchildren (all boys - ages 16, 18, and 21). Mrs. George enjoys almost any outdoor activity, such as walks, hiking, and kayaking with her family and dogs. She also enjoys hanging out with her friends, Bible studies, and vacations at the beach and lakes. She is currently working on her doctorate degree and plans to complete that in Spring 2024!
Mary Hart, Latchkey Teacher
Ms. Hart has been at Avalon Elementary since 2019, moving here when the latchkey program combined with Northtowne Elementary. She has been with CCS for 10 years. In addition to working as a latchkey teacher, Ms. Hart works part time at The Ohio State University as a Redcoat at home football games and mens' and womens' gymnastics meets. She attended The Ohio State University and graduated with a degree in Health Education. In the past, she and her three children, now ages 24, 22, and 21, raised two hedgehogs as pets. Currently, her youngest daughter has a pet axolotl named Richard that lives in a freshwater tank at OSU.
Homework Tips - Let's Finish STRONG!
PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
If so, Avalon's Parent Advisory Council (or "PAC"), may be for you!
PAC holds one hour-long meeting per month on Zoom.
Additional time commitments would be in helping to volunteer with school events that PAC plans throughout the school year.
Our next PAC meeting will be held on Friday, May 12. If you are interested in checking it out, please contact Family Ambassador, Candace Walker at: cwalker9@columbus.k12.oh.us.
For more information about PAC, click this link, https://www.ccsoh.us/domain/4436.
CHECK AND CONNECT CALLS
Columbus Metropolitan Library
Your local library is more than just a space for books. It's also a space for you and your family to get the help you need to be and feel successful this school year.
- School Help Centers (offering K-12 students after-school help)
- Brainfuse, Live Online Tutoring Resource (click here)
- Reading Buddies (virtual and in-person)
- After School Snacks
- Culture Passes
- Dial-A-Story (click here)
- ESL Classes
- SO much more! See this link for more details: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/school-help/
Branches closest to Avalon:
Northern Lights
4093 Cleveland Ave.
Columbus, OH 43224
(614) 479-3824
Cindy and Jenn - Children's Librarians
School Help Center
Monday - Thursday, 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Friday, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Reading Buddies
Tuesday & Thursday, 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
After School Snacks
Monday - Saturday, 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Karl Road
5590 Karl Road
Columbus, OH 43229
(614) 479-3825
David and Nicole - Children's Librarians
School Help Center
Monday - Thursday, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday, 3:00 - 6:00 pm
Reading Buddies
Tuesday & Thursday, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
After School Snacks
Monday - Friday, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Saturdays, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS!
Otterbein University (America Reads & Sports Pals)
Avalon Parent & Family Resource Site contains the following sections:
Avalon Elementary General Info
Students are in-person at school from:
9:00 am - 3:10 pm
Students may be dropped off no earlier than 8:30 am.
Early dismissals must occur before 3 pm.
To change dismissal plans, we require a written note or email from parent or guardian. No phone calls.
Latchkey is available for a fee:
7:00 am - 8:30 am
3:10 pm - 6:00 pm
For more information about latchkey fees and registration, click here: https://www.ccsoh.us/Page/2214
Email: amoorman@columbus.k12.oh.us
Website: https://www.ccsoh.us/AvalonES
Location: 5220 Avalon Avenue, Columbus, OH 43229
Phone: 614-365-5361
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/134270649947642
Connect with us on Social Media!
AVALON K-3 YOUTUBE CHANNEL!
AVALON K-3 IS NOW ON INSTAGRAM!
To follow, click this link:
AVALON K-3 ALSO HAS A FACEBOOK PAGE!
To request to join, click this link: