The following is an update to information that I previously shared about our plans to install weapons detection gates at each of our schools’ main entrances, within the vestibules before entering into the offices.

OPENGATE Weapons Detection Overview

• Provides an additional layer of security.
• Used by other school districts in Oakland County who report that the gates are minimally intrusive and cause few delays at the start of the school day when the entrances experience the most traffic.
• Also used at Ford Field, Little Caesar’s Arena, and concert venues (capable of quickly checking large crowds).
• The units do not use x-ray or technology that would provide harmful exposure to any form of rays.
• The units are portable so they can be used at other entry points both inside and outside as needed.
• Signs near the gates will provide instructions for passing through the gates.
• It will not be necessary to remove coats, backpacks, purses etc. except if the gate signals that it has detected something that should be examined more closely. In that case, the person will be led to a separate area so that their belongings can be examined.
• ALL visitors to ALL Avondale schools will be required to pass through the gates before allowance into any school office.
• We are expecting to complete the installation of the weapons detection gates in the main entryways of all of our schools by the time our staff and students return from Spring Break on Monday, April 3rd.
  
  

The decision to install the gates was not an easy one as we were concerned (as you may be) about the impact the presence of the gates will have upon our students and staff and the overall environment of teaching and learning in our buildings, attempting to balance comfortability and security. It is a painful reality that we are in a time that necessitates that schools – places that should be considered safe havens – are compelled to add layers of security in order to keep students and staff who walk through their doors free from harm.

Let us know if you have any questions and please see your building administrator’s protocols specific to your child’s school below.

Sincerely,
Dr. James Schwarz

AMS Principal, Dr. Gomez had this to say about Ms. Mulka, "Amanda is the perfect example of everything Avondale. I have had the privilege of knowing her for many years. She has spent her whole life as part of the Avondale community. Amanda has always been a leader amongst her peers. I first got to know her as a student on my Student Advisory Council and an athlete on my cheerleading team. Flash forward 20 years and I have gotten to know Amanda as a teaching and coaching partner.

Amanda came back to start her teaching career in Avondale and it was evident from the start that this is where she belongs and she will always be willing to go above and beyond to help kids. She started coaching cheerleading at the high school level as an assistant coach and now coaches competitive cheerleading at the middle school. She has put in countless hours to make sure that these girls become the best they can be, not only as athletes but as responsible human beings. She pushes them beyond their comfort zone and teaches them how to be leaders.

Amanda is a role model for other teachers as she continues to put in many hours to improve her craft, training in Project Based Learning and attending the Galileo Teacher Leadership Academy. She encourages collaboration amongst her peers and continues to lead by example. Amanda shares new, creative and innovative ideas for learning with her teaching partners and strives to find the best strategies to help our students at all levels."

Congratulations again Ms. Mulka on this well-deserved honor!

Ms. Mulka will go on to represent Avondale at the County Level Middle School Educator of the Year.

HUGE SHOUT OUT TO OUR AVONDALE MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSTANG WRESTLERS!

The team traveled to a middle school tournament at Waterford High School on February 25th and had some fantastic results!

- Landon Goodman earned a medal with 5 wins (3 wins by pin and 2 voids);

- Wyatt Bovensiep had 2 wins (1 void and 1 major decision with a score of 10-2);

- Rowen Baumann had 2 wins (1 void and 1 win by pin);

- Lavaren Gaddis had 1 win by pin;

- Dion Hirsch had 2 wins (1 void and 1 win by pin);

- Luis Ortiz earned a medal with 4 wins (3 wins by pin and 1 void);

- Jayden Hammis earned a medal with 4 wins (3 wins by pin and 1 major decision with a score of 13-0);

- Kornell Wiggins had 1 win by void;

- Isaiah Jones had 2 wins (1 win by pin and 1 by forfeit);

- Landon Hart earned a medal with 4 wins (4 wins by pin);

- Brendan McMeekin had 1 win by pin;

- Ian Black had 2 wins (1 by forfeit and 1 void);

- Vance Flores earned a medal with 4 wins (1 by points, 2 by pins, and 1 void);

- Mason May had 2 wins (1 win by pin and 1 void);

- Charles Stickney 1 win by pin

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE WRESTLERS!!

Sports pictures will be taken soon at Avondale Middle School by Moments Photography.

Here are the packages and a-la-carte items available for purchase. Please click on the link

to order and pay. Order/payments are due one day before your picture day.

We ONLY take pictures of students who have paid online.

To Order and Pay: https://www.momentsphotography.org/sports-team-order