Avonworth School District News
February 2020
Avonworth School District Celebrates Black History Month
5th Graders Research Influential African Americans
In fifth grade, students conducted research on famous African Americans. Once completing their projects, the fifth-grade students created a "Celebrating Black History Month Display" in the fifth-grade hallway to share what they learned about each of the individuals they researched.
7th Grade Reading Class Focuses on Black History in the City of Pittsburgh
You can explore this interactive map on your own using the link below.
7th Graders Present Proposals to CMU's Engineers Without Borders
The CMU chapter of Engineers Without Borders visited Avonworth 7th-grade students to give feedback on their engineering proposals, projects, and models that address the United Nations Sustainable Development goals for the continent of Africa.
The students focused on South Sudan, Malawi and Zimbabwe through the reading of one of three books. Through reading and research, they tackled the question, “How can we support communities in modern Africa?”
The 7th-grade had several special guests including a former Peace Corps volunteer from Sudan and a volunteer from Malawi, all providing the groundwork for these proposals.
8th Graders Learn about Overcoming Adversity as they Prepare for A Night at the Museum
In the coming weeks, students will seek to better understand these topics, as well as additional examples of overcoming adversity as they prepare to present their research and artistic work on Friday, March 13 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Heinz History Center where they will serve as expert docents for Avonworth's Night at the Museum. Admission is complimentary for all Avonworth community members.
A Look at A Few More things Happening in our Classrooms this Month
2nd Graders Work on an Artist Inspired Self-Portrait Project
The Children's Institute - Kids on the Block Puppet Show Visits APC
Avonworth 7th Graders Experiment with Probability by Creating a Carnival
A.W. Beattie Career Center Visits Avonworth 8th Grade Students
A.W. Beattie can provide students with an excellent path to both career and/or college. There is a lot of conversation occurring nationally about the lack of individuals available to fill high-paying trade jobs that are currently available and those that will be available in the future. These jobs often provide great pay, while also providing a different path to continuing education if desired. This article provides information on the trades versus college or university.
If you would like to learn more about A.W. Beattie Career Center, please visit their website here: A.W. Beattie Career Center Website
Also, A.W. Beattie will be hosting their spring Open House on March 5 from 5:15 to 8:15 PM. Feel free to stop in to learn more about A.W. Beattie's programs and to tour their facility.
Staff and Student Recognition
Dr. Ralston Recognized as the PMEA Outstanding Superintendent
JAM Featured on Kidsburgh on KDKA
With all of their success and positive influence across our region, it comes as no surprise that KDKA reached out to feature JAM on Kidsburgh on KDKA. If you missed the story, click on the link below to watch the feature on Kidsburgh on KDKA. Way to go JAM!
Senior Toni Keller's Essay Earns Recognition from CMU Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion
Avonworth Students Compete in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Competition
First Row (L to R): Jacqueline Nicolaus, Rachel Little, Maya Klatte-McAfee
Second Row (L to R): Meghan Osekowski, Hadley Holcomb, Mara Bett, Danica Raich, Roman Simkins
Not Pictured: Mya Hennigan
Avonworth Students Nominated for the 2020 National Technical Honor Society
Pictured (L to R):
Elijah Kauer - Emergency Response Technician
Sean Boaks - Emergency Response Technician
Gillian Tokar - Cosmetology
Adelina Otstot - Cosmetology
Not Pictured:
Nancy Rattay - Dental
Middle School Teacher Megan Campedel Named the NHL Future Goals Most Valuable Teacher
The Future Goals Program partners with Everfi, a critical skills education program, to teach skills with a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) sports curriculum to help prepare students for success in life. Mrs. Campedel has successfully integrated this program to reinforce physics and chemistry content in her curriculum.
Congratulations Mrs. Campedel!
Baillie Holmberg Recognized at the February School Board Meeting
Avonworth is Home to Two of the Top Ninja Athletes in the World
Avonworth's Aria Burgoyne (8) was one of 113 girls worldwide in the kids' division that qualified for and attended the World Finals in Greensboro, NC February 21-23. She went through an extensive 3-course elimination competition over 3 days and came out as 1st place World Champion!
Aria's sister, Adalyn Burgoyne (10) was one of 149 girls in the mature kids' division that managed to qualify and attend the World Finals. She won the 2nd place title of World's Strongest Ninja. This is a new award given in addition to World Champion. It includes the scores of all 3 top-level ninja courses and 4 skills events.
Aria and Adalyn train at Steel City Ninga and are the first 2 Pittsburghers to bring home a podium finish in any national or world ninja competition! Congratulations Aria and Adalyn!
Congratulations to our Athletes Competing in Winter Sports
Varsity Girls' Basketball Team is Heading to States
The next stop for the Lady Lopes will be the PIAA Playoffs which will begin on Friday, March 6 when the girls will take on Tyrone High School at Altoona High School at 6:00 PM.
Congratulations to the team and best of luck in the state playoffs!
Photo credit: EFB Photography
Avonworth/Northgate Swimmers Compete at the WPIAL Championship
- Angie, Taryn, Katrina, Anna: Set a record taking 3rd in the 200 Medley Relay
- Cooper, Clark, Luke, Matthew: 2nd in the 400 Free Relay & Medley Relay
- Graham, Luke, Luke, Clark: 2nd in the 200 Free Relay
- Angie, Taryn, Kaylee, Anna: 6th in the 200 Free Relay
- Luke: 3rd in the 200 IM
- Matt: 5th in the 200 IM
- Cooper: 2nd in the 100 Fly
- Grahm: 7th in the 100 Fly
- Anna: 4th in the 50 Free and 5th in the 100 Free
- Matt: 2nd in the 100 Breast
- Cooper: 3rd in the 100 Free
Congratulations to all of the Northgate/Avonworth swimmers on a great season and awesome performance at the WPIAL Championships!
Photo credit: Mrs. Jen Neiss
Avonworth Bowling is Rolling their Way to a Successful Season
This year's team consists of 4 seniors: Romeo Werner, Park Penrod, Sarah McAdams, and Meghan Katenwein.
Congrats to Max Fisher (Junior) Warren T. Lillie III ( Freshman) and Tyler Homol (Freshman) for all getting into the top 10 for varsity. Sarah McAdams is in the 10th position for girls with Meghan Katenwein right behind.
Congratulations to all Avonworth Bowlers!
Boys' Basketball Finishes Season at 11-12
Photo credit: EFB Photography
Avonworth's School Design Action Team Works on Facility Planning with IKM Architecture
As part of this process, there will be two community forums. All members of the Avonworth School Community are welcome to attend the community forums. During the forums, an update will be provided regarding the work conducted by the School Design Action Team and those in attendance will have an opportunity to ask questions and contribute their thoughts.
The first community forum will be held on March 19, 2020, at 6:30 PM at Avonworth High School.
A page on the District website has also been created to provide the Avonworth School Community with information and updates regarding the entire facility planning process. This website can be accessed HERE.
Announcements
Parents' Corner - Tech Information for Parents
Announcements
Information on the 2020 Census
Did you know the next census will take place in 2020? Responding to the Census is our civic duty and affects the allocation of funding for Allegheny County’s public resources, how we plan for the future and our voice in government.
What matters to you? Schools? Transportation? Hospitals? Data from the Census will help inform planning efforts for Pittsburgh and the region. To learn how census data impacts you and your community, visit becounted2020.org #BeCountedPGH
For additional information on the 2020 Census, please use the link below to access a frequently asked questions document regarding the census.
Spring Musical Young Frankenstein to Begin March 27
Chase The Antelopes 5 K is Coming April 25, 2020
Summer Camps at A.W. Beattie Career Center
Cultivating Acceptance & Hope Event to be held April 23, 2020
Upcoming Dates
- March 2: Read Across America Day
- March 2: First Practice Day for Spring Sports
- March 2: Athletic Committee Meeting, 6:30 PM
- March 2: School Board Work Session, 7:30 PM
- March 4-5: High School Parent/Teacher Conferences, 3:30 - 6:30 PM
- March 5: Kindergarten Round-Up at APC, 6:30 PM
- March 6: Schools Closed for Students, Parent/Teacher Conferences
- March 8: Daylight Savings Time Begins, 2:00 AM
- March 9: School Board Regular Meeting, 7:30 PM
- March 10: PTA Meeting at AES, 7:00 PM
- March 11: 2-Hour Delay for Students
- March 11: Parent Network Meeting, 7:00 PM in the Collaboration Center
- March 12-13: PMEA Region Chorus
- March 18: End of Third Marking Period for Grades 3-12
- March 18-25: Spring Musical Tech Week
- March 19: Music In Our Schools
- March 19: Family Literacy Night at APC
- March 23: School Is In Session for Snow Make-Up Day
- March 26-27: PMEA Region Band
- March 26: Spring Musical Dress Rehearsal, 4:30 PM
- March 27: Spring Musical, 7:30 PM
- March 28: Spring Musical, 7:30 PM