What a Difference a Year Can Make |
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On March 9, 2020, Superintendent Dr. Maggie Hoernemann, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jennifer McCormick, Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box, and Hendricks County Health Commissioner Dr. David Stopperich shared a podium at a joint press conference to announce Avon Schools would be moving to e-learning. Two students were presumed positive for COVID-19. In an environment of uncertainty, district leaders and health officials acted in the best interest of the health and safety of students and employees. Not many days later, COVID-19 had closed the doors of most schools across the state and the nation. (If you subscribe to the Indy Star, you can read their retrospective for a reminder of the magnitude of that day's events.)
On March 9, 2021, Superintendent Dr. Scott Wyndham and several ACSC employees took their turn in front of WTHR's camera at the Avon Meijer to celebrate the day all ACSC employees became eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
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The AEF is an incredible supporter of Avon educators all year long. This week, they are doubling down on encouragement through a series of surprises, recognitions, and (of course) food. Check out the heartwarming postcard they distributed early this week.
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Special Update: Support Public Schools |
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The ACSC Board of School Trustees and the Avon Federation of Teachers (AFT) signed a joint resolution opposing and condemning the establishment of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and voucher expansion.
ACSC and the AFT join a rising chorus of school corporations opposing legislation being considered that diverts tax dollars away from public schools to expand Indiana's choice/voucher program.
The resolution asks the Indiana General Assembly to "continue to promote and fully invest in Indiana's public schools."
What can you do?
First, read the ACSC/AFT joint resolution. This document will help you become more familiar with the issue and what's at stake.
Second, contact your representatives. Personal phone calls, emails, and voicemails do make a difference. When you contact Senator John Crane or Representative Greg Steuerwald, let them know you're an Avon parent/student/educator/community member and share your opinion on this important topic.
Finally, be an advocate. Become involved and informed by joining the Oriole Advocates, Avon's own advocacy group. Or, roll up your sleeves and leverage your own network. The Indiana School Board Association has assembled a comprehensive campaign tookit you can use to get started.
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Maple Elementary Construction
In our most popular podcast episode yet, Dr. Wyndham, Principal Nikki Harrison, and four Maple Elementary students discuss the large-scale renovation and expansion project that will enable students to have a more equitable experience at Maple. Grand Opening is scheduled for July.
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English Language Learners
Did you know that there are nearly 900 English language learners in Avon Schools? How do we support students so they can grow academically while learning English? Angela Rasor, Rosa Liz and 8th-grade student Kylian talk with Dr. Wyndham about multi-language learning in Avon.
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Referendum Rates Fall Again |
Our referendum tax rate has decreased to $0.27, which is nearly 24% lower than the voter-approved rate of $0.35. We're proud to be able to lower our community's tax burden while retaining our commitment to lower class sizes, competitive teacher pay, and increased student supports.
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March is Music In Our Schools Month |
During the month of March, join us in celebrating the amazing impact of our music programs in our students' lives and our community's culture. Share pics and posts on social media using #MusicTheSoundOfMyHeart and #MIOSMAvon.
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Officer Tyler Jean Saves Lives |
The Board recognized ACSC Police Department Officer Tyler Jean who was driving between schools when she heard radio chatter about an unconscious person in the Avon Kroger parking lot. She responded and treated two overdose victims who were in serious trouble. Her bravery and quick thinking saved lives.
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AHS National Merit Finalists |
The Board honored AHS seniors Sriya Koganti, Adam Schenk, Jason Le, and Alicja Stoppel for being selected as National Merit Finalists. Congratulations to these students for the character, hard work, and dedication that earned this honor.
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AHS Speech Team District Results |
Hoosier Crossroads district competition results are in: Sriya Koganti (nat'l qualifier in 2 events), Anjani Dent (4th place), Zainab Syed (6th), Savannah Lee (1st runner up), Abby Sandala (6th), Connor Brownfield (6th), Katherine Langford (1st runner up, 6th). Congratulations!
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Competitor/Coach Achieve Honors |
Sriya Koganti is the first AHS Speech Team competitor to qualify for nationals in two events. She competes in Washington DC in June. And, Coach Linda Langford won Hoosier Crossroads Conference New Coach of the Year. She grew the team from 9 to 65 students in one year and they placed in the top 6 in all 10 of their meets. |
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AHS Quiz Bowl Competes at State |
AHS Quiz Bowl competitors progressed three rounds deep into this year's state tournament. This was their first season in the IASP-sponsored league. Congrats to coach Kyle Nelson and (L-R): Gunnar Smyth, Dalton Aaker, David Enz, Ryan Spees, Rafee Adnan, and Jayne Harlan. |
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Dance Teams Headed to State Finals |
We are proud of Coach Jennifer Hinshaw and our AHS Varsity and Middle School Dance Teams. The dancers will compete at the Indiana High School Dance Team Association State Finals at Lafayette Jefferson High School this weekend.
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Help Us Get Off the Struggle Bus |
Our longstanding bus driver shortage is reaching a critical level. We continue to struggle to find the number of drivers needed to complete daily routes. Are you interested in being a bus driver or aide? Competitive pay, benefits, and free training are available for qualified applicants.
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Special Education Interview Days |
On March 22 and 24, we are hosting interview days for Special Education Instructional Assistants. Opportunities are available in several classrooms across our corporation. If you are interested, you can schedule a 20-minute interview today.
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White Oak Early Learning Center |
Openings remain in all half-day preschool and pre-kindergarten classes at the White Oak Early Learning Center for the 2021-22 school year. If you'd like to register your child, visit our website for more program details, costs, times, and a registration link.
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Kindergarten enrollment is underway for the 2021-22 school year and well over 100 students are already enrolled in the AHS class of 2034! We're excited to welcome these excited young learners to Avon Schools. You can enroll your child online.
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Non-Resident Enrollment is Open |
If you live outside Avon's boundaries and have a child entering kindergarten through 4th grade and would like to enroll in Avon Schools, non-resident enrollment is open. Spots are limited and the application window closes on May 27, so apply soon.
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- If you are making plans for international travel during spring break, please be aware that the Hendricks County Health Department has asked us to adhere to the CDC's guidelines for returning traveler quarantines. >> Learn More
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Daylight Savings Time begins this weekend, so remember to move your clocks one hour ahead when you go to bed on Saturday night.
- You may qualify for the Federal Communication Commission's new Broadband Benefit Program, a $3.2 billion initiative to help lower the cost of high-speed internet for qualifying households. >> Learn More and Apply
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If you enjoy the Oriole Blast, don't keep it to yourself. Share this issue on social media or forward it to a friend. Thank you for your support of Avon Community School Corporation. GO ORIOLES! |
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