Avonworth School District News
December 2021
Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season!
Hi Neighbor!
When the pandemic shuttered schools around the world in early 2020, educators and families had a choice: Find a way to connect and communicate or allow education to screech to a halt, with weeks or months -- perhaps even a full year -- of learning lost. In overwhelming numbers, they chose to connect.
The “Parents as Allies” initiative is built on the very premise of creating the strongest support system for students. Avonworth School District is working with Kidsburgh, along with national and international organizations including, The Brookings Institution, HundrED and IDEO. The project began with a human-centered design process for a parent-led team. A foundation of understanding and empathy was built through this process and Avonworth created this summary board of “hacks” to increase family-school engagement in the district.
Through this process, Avonworth is launching a “Hi Neighbor!” series for families to learn about the different cultures celebrated in the homes of our school district. The first of this series was hosted on Wednesday, December 8. At this event, families had the opportunity to engage and learn about about Ramadan, Day of the Dead and Lunar New Year.
Thank you to everyone who attended our first "Hi Neighbor!" event. We look forward to connecting more soon!
Senior Student Journalist Wins Major Scholarship
Niomi Ellis, senior student journalist and Avonews editor-in-chief, receives a full four-year Match Scholarship to attend Denison University in the fall. She is among the over 1600 finalists from 49 states to receive the 2021 QuestBridge National College Match, a national program that connects high-achieving high school seniors from low-income backgrounds with full four-year scholarships to top colleges.
Avonworth Students Nominated for High School Drama Awards
Several Avonworth students were nominated for the Prime Stage High School Drama Awards! The awards will be given this spring. Congratulations to all of our nominees. Great job!
Science Brought to Life in the Classroom
Have you ever eaten a crunchy marshmallow? Second graders at Avonworth Primary have thanks to a special guest who brought science to life right before their eyes. Mr. Eastwood's class welcomed scientist and Avonworth School Board Member, Mr. John Brandt, to help with their lesson on changes in matter.
A.W. Beattie Students of the Month
Two Avonworth Students were recognized as A.W. Beattie Students of the Month in their respective programs. Congratulations to Michael Cancilla and Lilliana McGregor!
Automotive Collision Technology
Michael Cancilla – Avonworth
Health and Nursing Sciences
Lilliana McGregor -- Avonworth
Students Volunteer Time to Bring Holiday Cheer
The Future Is Bright
Three sophomores are already preparing hands-on for a potential career in aviation. Dustin Mundorf, Hunter Fritts, and Sophia Galati enjoyed a virtual information session with the Aviation Academy at the Community College of Beaver County. CCBC's Assistant Dean of High School Academies & Dual Enrollment Lauren Susan talked to the students about their plans to attend The Academy starting next year.
Through the Academy, high school students in grades 11 and 12 at participating school districts have the opportunity to spend a portion of their school day at the CCBC Campus preparing for a career as a professional pilot, air traffic controller, and aerospace management.
Fragments Literacy Magazine
Big news! After a brief hiatus, Fragments Literary Magazine is up and running again! The magazine publication will be available this spring, but for now you can check out their new website.
Juniors Laurel Purcell and Zoey Trexal are the Editors in Chief.
Dream Big!
First grade students have been hard at work learning about Jane Goodall. The class recently read the story, "Me...Jane," which talked about Jane dreaming of a life helping animals in Africa.
The students were able to draw many connections with the story because Jane was only ten years old when she first dreamed about helping and studying animals in Africa.
The students saw how determination and perseverance can help you achieve your goal -- just like Jane!
Work of Art
Third-grade artist William Dower was invited to share his drawing, "Ivory-Billed Woodpecker" in the Fall 2021 publication of Celebrating Art. A reproduction of his work is on display at the Elementary School office.
Congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment, Will!
Cookie Camp
Sounds of the Season
Holiday music filled the air at Avonworth Primary Center thanks to the talented student musicians from the Elementary School. The younger children were so inspired by Mr. Ziccardi and his students from 3rd-6th grade! Many thanks to these fantastic musicians for visiting the Primary Center!
Winter Wonderland
Even though there's no snow, you can walk through a winter wonderland at the main entrance and courtyard windows.
Real World Topics
During the month of December, 8th grade ELA Civics students have been studying the Bill of Rights.
In their classes, students debated topics such as student privacy and gun control. As part of this unit, Officer Chris Simcoviak of the Ohio Township Police Department joined the class as a guest speaker. Prior to his visit, students submitted questions to Officer Chris about various topics that they'd like to discuss during his visit.
For nearly an hour, Officer Chris responded to live questions from students on all topics including political protests, police training, the 2nd Amendment, student privacy, and many others.
The students greatly appreciated the open and honest dialogue with Officer Chris.
Unique Partnership
Next month, 8th grade ELA civics students will begin working on a project in collaboration with the Heinz History Center in downtown Pittsburgh.
Working in small groups, students will take an in-depth look at the influential historical figures and events in American history and explore issues surrounding inequality in America. Student projects will focus on individuals and groups, in the past and present, that have faced challenges to gain acceptance and equality as part of our national identity.
On Friday, February 11 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m., students will interact with museum guests about an existing exhibitor about a group, individual, or topic that could be included in future displays.
Through our unique partnership with the Heinz History Center, the museum has offered free admission to all Avonworth Community members and guests on the night of the school’s event.
Look for additional details to come closer to the event!
Behind the Scenes
Have you ever wanted to experience creating a story the Pixar way? Katie Bippus, 11th grade, took on this unique opportunity.
Katie participated in Story Xperiential, an eight-week online experience that took her behind the scenes at Pixar and introduced her to world-class storytellers. Students heard presentations by Pixar artists, completed assignments to design a story reel, and provided feedback to one another.
As part of the final exhibition, Katie was awarded a Story Xperiential People's Choice Award for Art Design for her story reel "Saucy Young Englishman." The prize for receiving this award is a chance to receive a reaction video from an industry expert.
Campus Connections
Fifth grade students at Avonworth Elementary School have been playing math games with the second grade students at Avonworth Primary Center!
This tradition started when the Primary Center was built as a way to help connect the two buildings around the winter holiday. The fifth graders learn the games and then they teach them to the second graders. Each game focuses on a math skill specific to the second grade curriculum. It's a great celebration of Avonworth elementary education!
Avonworth Girls Soccer Team Recognition
The Avonworth High School girls soccer team was honored by State Senator Devlin Robinson, 37th District, and State Representatives Anita Kulik and Valerie Gaydos!
They commended the team and each presented a citation to recognize their success winning the WPIAL title and finishing the 2021 season with a silver medal as PIAA Runner-Ups.
Congratulations to the girls soccer team!
Avonworth Baseball Gives Back
Wrestler Finishes Third at Invitational
Congratulations to Joey Boughton on his 3rd place finish at the Chartiers-Houston Invitational. Fantastic job!
Two Volleyball Players Make All-Star Team
Congratulations to Avonworth volleyball players Maggie Colenbrander and Abbi Holjes. Maggie and Abbi both made the WPIAL Class 2A First All-Star Team.
Soccer Player Recognized as Trib HSSN All-Star
Congratulations to Ava Wert. Ava was recognized as a Trib HSSN WPIAL Girls Soccer All-Star.
Northwestern Football All-Conference Picks
Congratulations to our All-Conference Football selections!
First Team Offense
Neo Miller
Kevin Felter
Brandon Biagiarelli
First Team Defense
Erik Studebaker
Kevin Felter
Brandon Biagiarelli
Nate Harper
Coach of the Year
Duke Johncour was voted the conference's top coach.
Upcoming Dates to Remember!
12/23: Winter Break Begins
1/3: Return to School
1/10: School Board Meeting
1/12-1/14: PMEA District Orchestra
1/12-1/13: End of First Semester Grades
1/12: AMS Parent Network Meeting
1/17: Act 80 Day/ No School for Students
1/18: School Board Meeting
1/26-1/28: PMEA District Band