Avonworth School District News
January 2024
A Hands On Study of World History
Students in Ms. Applegate's 7th-grade World Cultures class recently had the unique opportunity to delve into two traditional art forms to enhance their studies of ancient world history.
They learned the traditional art of batik with visiting artists Katy Dement and Saihou Njie from the Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media. This hands-on experience was part of our broader exploration in the "Celebrating the Cultural Heritage of Africa" unit, providing students with a project that highlighted the dynamic intersection of art and history. The artists guided our young learners through the intricate process of dying cloth with the wax resist process of batik, allowing them to create vibrant pieces that reflected their new knowledge.
As part of the unit, students delved into the geography and cultures of ancient kingdoms such as Kush, Ghana, Mali, Songhai, and the Great Zimbabwe. This multidisciplinary approach not only broadened their understanding of African history but also provided a tangible connection between historical civilizations and contemporary artistic expression. The classroom became a lively hub of creativity as students integrated their learnings into their batik creations, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultures that have shaped our world.
During their unit on Samurai in Feudal Japan, students also had the pleasure of special guests from the Japan-America Society of Pittsburgh come in to share their knowledge and expertise of the Japanese language, specifically Kanji. Students practiced calligraphy using traditional tools and took home pieces of their art to showcase their skills!
These immersive experiences not only expanded their artistic skills but also aimed to ignite a curiosity about the global tapestry of cultures that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on their educational journey.
School Directors Celebrated with New Books
In celebration of our school directors, Avonworth students donated books to the district’s school libraries at the January board meeting.
January is designated School Director Recognition Month to honor school board directors’ and their dedication to public education excellence.
On behalf of the Avonworth School District, we would like to thank all of our school board members – Yu-Ling Cheng (President), John Brandt (Vice President), Danielle White (Treasurer), Vicki Carlson, Amy Tokar, Patrick Stewart, Beau Blaser, Nora Silvey, and Jenna Paulat – for their service to and support of our students, staff and school.
Avonworth Highlight: AES Bridges Program
Thank you to Avonworth juniors Marshall McCall and Jase Klatzkin for filming and producing this video about Avonworth Elementary School's Bridges program. Click here to watch the video.
Save the Date!
On Friday, March 1, 8th grade Civics students will hold their annual "Night at the Museum" at the Heinz History Center from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.
This winter, students in 8th grade ELA/Civics have been collaborating with the Heinz History Center to create projects that focus on the thematic idea of Overcoming Adversity. Their projects connect with multiple exhibits at the museum: From Slavery to Freedom, Western Pennsylvania Sports, Innovators, and Special Collections. Students considered historical struggles for Civil Rights and historical instances of prejudice and discrimination and then linked those to contemporary people, events, and organizations.
In January, students visited the museum to see the exhibits and choose topics that they were interested in researching for this project. Students also learned from two guest speakers and viewed short films about personal experiences with overcoming adversity.
In February, several docents from the museum will be working with the students to help them learn the communication skills needed in order to be effective museum docents.
After all of this preparation, students will be ready for their public exhibition at the Heinz History Center on Friday, March 1, 2024. That night, the museum will open its doors for an exclusive Avonworth community event from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. During that time, our students will serve as expert docents for their project topics and artwork.
Welcome, Mr. Sol!
We are excited to share that Mr. Solomon Bey -- aka Mr. Sol -- is our new evening security guard at our secondary campus!
Please join us in welcoming Mr. Sol to Avonworth!
Socks for Service Success
Avonworth Primary Center students collected 1,000 pairs of socks for a service project in recognition of Martin Luther King Day. JAM #bethekindkid doubled that amount with 1,000 additional pairs. APC was able to donate 2,000 pairs of socks to local homeless shelters!
Way to go, APC!
Allegheny County Community Survey
Please take a look at this survey from Allegheny County Executive Elect Sara Innamorato. All In Allegheny is being used to understand what people from every community want from county government.
Reflections and Goals - Care Solace
Happy 2024 to everyone at Avonworth School District! We look forward to a successful year. This year, we encourage you to show self-compassion as you think of your New Year’s Resolutions. When we show compassion for ourselves, we allow space for changes, mistakes, or missteps and we open ourselves up to future possibilities. Showing self-compassion is a healthy way to start a successful and happy 2024.
We also encourage you to reflect on this past year. How have you changed from the beginning of 2023 to now? What did you enjoy about 2023? Click here for some great questions to ask yourself as you reflect.
Often, we need to lean on others to help us with our goals and aspirations. Below are community resources and opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together.
(Include upcoming events and additional resource information.)
If you need mental health or substance use support, Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service that can help you quickly find treatment options matched to your needs, regardless of circumstance.
Avonworth School District partnered with Care Solace to support the well-being of students and their family members.
If you or a family member are looking for help and would like to use Care Solace to find a provider:
- Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365.
- Visit caresolace.com/avonworth and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
Winter Weather Plan
With winter approaching, we enter that time of the year when the weather could impact our school schedule. As we prepare for the possibility of weather-related delays and closings, we want to make sure families are as prepared as possible.
We will shift to remote instruction if we need to close our schools due to inclement weather. All students in grades K-12 will attend classes remotely. A remote learning day will run on a two-hour delay schedule for all students K-12. Remote instruction will begin for middle and high school students at 10:00 AM and primary and elementary students at 11:00 AM. The extra time in the morning will help teachers prepare for the remote learning day and give students any additional time they might need to complete work – or play in the snow!
All Avonworth schools will operate on a two-hour delay schedule if we call for a delay. If your child takes the bus, their pick-up time will be two hours later than normal.
If we have to delay school or move to remote instruction due to inclement weather, the information will be shared in the following ways:
- The Avonworth School District website (www.avonworth.k12.pa.us)
- School Messenger (call and email)
- Facebook (www.facebook.com/AvonworthSD)
- Twitter (https://twitter.com/avonworthschool)
- Instagram (www.instagram.com/avonworthsd)
- Local news stations (WPXI, WTAE, KDKA)
To assist with answering additional questions you may have concerning school delays and closures, please review this Closing/Delay Frequently Asked Questions.
Please use our website (www.avonworth.k12.pa.us) as your official source for information.
Strong Start
The Northgate/ Avonworth swimming and diving teams are off to strong start with multiple WPIAL qualifiers.
The girls’ and boys’ swimming and diving teams continue to build their presence at the WPIAL Championship meet with multiple qualifiers this season. Congratulations to our WPIAL qualifiers!
Winter Sports Passes Available
The Avonworth Athletic Department is pleased to once again offer our 'Lopes supporters the option to purchase individual sport passes and season passes for home varsity girls' and boys' basketball contests. Both individual and family passes are available. With a family pass, four members of your family may access each contest.
Click here to purchase your passes online. No hard tickets or passes will be issued. All passes are digital and will be scanned at the front gate by our ticket takers.
If you have any questions or challenges using the system, please contact Andrea Patton at apatton@avonworth.k12.pa.us.
We are excited to offer this option for the winter and can't wait to see you out supporting all of our winter sports this season.
'Lopes Up!
Construction Update
Dear Avonworth School Community,
To close out the 2023 calendar year, I sent a message to update you on the construction and renovation project taking place on the secondary campus. Now that we are into the new year, we are enjoying the new administrative addition at the middle/high school which includes a new main entrance and office for the middle and high school, the athletic director's office, the nurse's suite, and the counseling suite. Furniture arrived the week of January 22nd and we all spaces in the new addition are fully operational.
Classroom renovations continue to occur at the high school and the steel being erected for the middle school addition is almost complete.
If you'd like to view the progress of the new addition and other aspects of the project, please use the links below to see the November and December updates from our Construction Manager.
View the November 30th Update.
View the December 20th Update.
Happy New Year!
Jeffrey M. Hadley, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Avonworth School District
Kindergarten Registration Now Open
Kindergarten registration is now open for the 2024-2025 school year!
Click the here for the registration packet and much more.
Night at the Museum
You are cordially invited to the Heinz History Center to take part in this unique student-led event on Friday, March 1, 2024, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. On that evening, admission to the History Center is complimentary for all Avonworth community guests.
The Heinz History Center is located at 1212 Smallman Street in the Strip District. While admission to the museum this evening is complimentary, regular downtown parking fees will apply.
We hope that you can join us for Avonworth’s “Night at the Museum” on Friday, March 1, 2024.