Mustang News
May 3, 2024
Avondale Middle School
A Message from Dr. Gomez
Greetings!
It's been a wonderful week at AMS!
Review
Our AMS choir did a great job at State Choir Festival! Please see the announcement below.
This week we hosted our first AMS track meets! Our Mustangs are FAST! More importantly, our Mustangs are good sportspeople. They were cheering for each other as well as encouraging students from the other team. They followed protocols by staying in the infield. They helped set up and put away all of the track equiptment. They cleaned up the field and around the track after the meet. I was so impressed with our student behavior. We have around 200 students who participate in track!
We finished our M-Step testing this week. Students did an outstanding job following their classroom testing social contracts. These agreeements were created with students and teachers to establish a calm and productive testing environment. Students were also able to participate in a celebration at the end of the day for using appropriate testing strategies.
Preview
Next week we have an away track meet. The May 7th home track meet has been rescheduled for May 14th.
We will begin NWEA on Tuesday. Students need to make every effort to be in attendance on time on Tuesday for NWEA ELA testing. Students who are absent for testing will not be able to participate in the celebration on May 14th.
We also have some cool Career/Tech events going on at AMS next week. Seventh grade students will participate in the Schools to Tools Experience on Wednesday May 8th. They will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of hands on activities. Please make sure your student wears closed toed shoes on this day.
On Friday, we have some 8th grade students who will be visiting OTECH. OTECH is AMAZING! They offer many hands-on programs with state of the art equipment. Students apply at the beginning of 10th grade and attend in 11th and 12th (half day). They graduate from Avondale with a high school diploma AND certifications in their field of study (Automotive, IT, Health Science, Robotics, Culinary, Cosmetology and more!) And all of it is FREE!
The Best Thing:
There were so many good things this week. The BEST Thing I saw this week was AMS Mustangs showing our HERD Value of being Helpful! We had students turn in several missing items to the office including over $100 in cash, a real gold chain, and a phone and a set of housekeys. We are so impressed with the growth of our students in their representations of the HERD Values.
Important Updates
Mark Your Calendar
May 3 - No School for Students
May 24-27 - No School - Memorial Day
June 6 - 8th Grade Bridging Ceremony (6-8pm)
Reporting Absences
Reminder
Protocols for Parent Concerns
Middle School is a tumultuous time for students and parents. This may lead to a clasrrom or building concern. We ask that you please follow the protocol outlined in the document below. We want to partner with families to create a postitive learning environment. Please make sure you are respectful in your communications and allow time to investigate and follow-up with you. We hope that having a system in place provides more clarity and allows us to help you resolve any concerns you may have.
If you're unable to connect with your child's teacher directly, we've provided a convenient link below to submit a parent concern form. Our main office will review these forms daily and reach out to you with next steps within 72 hours, initiating an investigation and ensuring resolution.
Thank you!
AMS School Procedures
Team Communications
District Curriculum Newsletter
8th Grade Bridging Ceremony
We are proud to welcome 8th grade friends and families to our Bridging Ceremony on Thursday, June 6th from 6-8pm. This event will be held outdoors at the track. Families may bring camp chairs or blankets for additional seating. 8th grade students will be seated on the infield alpabetically. After the Ceremony, we will have a walkthrough in the building to pick up awards, have food, sign yearbooks, and watch a slideshow of the students from over the years.
PTO is looking for food donations for this event.
State Choir Festival Results
Avondale Middle School Choir Excels at State Choir Festival
Avondale Middle School's choir department showcased their talents at the Michigan School Vocal Music Association State Choir Festival held on Monday, April 29th at Marysville High School. The event also featured performances from two of our high school choirs: Mixed Chorus and Women’s Chorus, all of whom received outstanding feedback and a 1st Division rating.
Judges commended the middle school choir for their remarkably mature sound and impressive stage presence, earning them high scores for their exceptional performance. The 7th and 8th-grade choir students delivered a stellar performance, receiving a 1st Division rating.
Accolades and Achievements
7th & 8th Grade Choir: 1st Division Rating
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our 7th and 8th-grade choir students for upholding the legacy of excellence in our choir department. Avondale Middle School's choir has been a consistent participant in the Michigan School Vocal Music Association District and State Choir Festival for over 25 years, consistently achieving 1st Division ratings year after year.
From the Mustang PTO
We will be celebrating our amazing AMS teachers and support staff during Teacher Appreciation Week from May 6th-10th. We will be creating a yummy snack bar for the staff by stocking our staff lounge with a variety of snacks and drinks for them to enjoy. Individual servings work best for a grab-and-go snack!
We will be accepting donations at school until Friday, May 3rd. All donations can be dropped off in the Main Office. Thank you for supporting our AMAZING AMS teachers and support staff!!
Sign up for items to bring here: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/20F0D4AABAF29A0FA7-49047440-amsstaff
Spring Sports
AMS Spiritwear!
Track Eligibility
In an effort to support students, teachers, and coaches, and promote equitable practices, we will be pulling eligibility next week on Tuesday, May 7th. Any student who is failing 2 classes or more will be ineligible for the next meet. They will have a one meet minimum exclusion. If they are able to raise their grades, they will be eligible for the following meet, after their suspension has been served. Coaches were provided current grades on Thursday, May 2 in an effort to inform and support students who are in danger of being ineligible.
Schools to Tools Experience!
We are excited to announce that the Career Development Department will be hosting the “Schools to Tools” Carpentry/skilled trades semi at Avondale Middle School on Wednesday, May 8. All 7th graders will attend during their social studies classes.
During this immersive experience, students will engage with industry professionals in skilled trades and participate in a variety of hands-on activities including the hammer challenge, the leveling challenge and the framing challenge. Students will also have access to cutting-edge technology, including Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality headsets, enabling them to experience simulated welding, explore virtual job sites, and much more. This dynamic blend of practical challenges and innovative technology promises to ignite their curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world of skilled trades. To learn more about this amazing experience watch the video at https://bit.ly/schoolstotoolspromo
IMPORTANT: Due to the nature of the activities the following dress code applies for this experience:
-must wear close toed shoes (no flip flops, slides, or sandals)
All other necessary safety gear will be provided.
Field Trip Information
6th Grade Bowling Field Trip
D.C. Trip Meeting and Registration for Current 7th Graders!
Parent Meeting Info
We will be leading a group of interested eighth grade students to our nation’s capital, Washington, DC, departing at 12am on Wednesday, Nov. 6 and returning home early Saturday morning, Nov. 9, 2024.
Registration is open and information is available at this link (or by scanning the QR code above): Registration and Info
View the slideshow from the parent meeting on 1/29 here: Slideshow
If you have questions after viewing the slideshow and the links above, email Sarah Gilbert at sarah.gilbert@avondaleschools.org
Any parents who are interested in chaperoning on the trip, please reach out to Dr. Gomez at kathryn.gomez@avondaleschools.org
Band Booster Meeting May 6th
The Avondale Band Boosters will be meeting on Monday, May 6 at 7 pm on Mr. Hejka's Zoom (meeting ID 225 153 9371, passcode 494103). Here’s the web address for your convenience: https://zoom.us/j/2251539371?pwd=M1NXTTFFbkkyaGdQajJadE5tY2M3UT09#success. We hope to see you there!
Birthdays This Week!
5/5- Lyla, Landon, Addison
5/7- Yuliia, Casper, Jovonye
AMS is hiring paraprofessionals!
Come join the team at AMS! See job postings on the Avondale Schools Website or email Mrs. Schneider @ arryn.schneider@avondaleschools.org if you have questions!
Click the image for more details.
Important Lunch Information
All Avondale School District families should still complete the CEP Education Benefits application https://avondale.familyportal.cloud which helps ensure ongoing state funding and can qualify your child’s school or community for other special programs.
Bond Proposal Town Hall Announcement
On August 6th, our community will vote on a no-tax-rate increase bond proposal.
If approved by voters, the proposal will update all Avondale school facilities, including improvements to safety and security, infrastructure, learning environments, arts, athletics, playgrounds, technology, and furniture, as well as construct a new Early Childhood Center.
A frequently asked questions document can be found here and is currently available on the district's website. This document also outlines all the planned projects for each school and facility within the district.
Residents of Avondale School District are encouraged to share their thoughts about the bond proposal. Vist www.research.net/r/ASDbondproposal to take a brief survey.
Please remember to vote on August 6 or by absentee ballot after June 27 through Election Day! For more information visit www.avondaleschools.org/2024-bond.
District and Community News
Golf Fundraiser for Blessings in a Backpack
Avondale Blessings in a Backpack is teaming with SFL Companies to host a Golf Scramble Fundraiser on May 6, 2024. Please consider participating in this great (and fun) event that supports our Avondale students!
$800 / foursome
$200 / single golfer (will be paired with other singles or to complete a team)
Includes: 18 holes of golf, cart, practice facility, lunch, dinner, and non-alcoholic beverages
Learn about sponsorship opportunities here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OdMEpclvzpYkOmJ9sguk91VJYDZi3c3c/view?usp=sharing
You can register for the outing at this link: https://blessingsinabackpackmi.org/events/.
Summer Programs and Camps
Pistons Academy Basketball Camp at AHS
Avondale Summer Publishing and Design Program
The Avondale School District is offering a 4 week in-person summer publishing and design program beginning in mid-June for students in 6th -8th grade. Students can register for the program by completing this form by May 1, 2024 at 8pm.
The program is limited to 25 spots and is first come, first serve.
Summer Camp Dates:
June 17th-July 18th
(No Camp Juneteenth and 4th of July Recess July 1- July 5)
Student Learning Program Hours & Location :
10 AM to 1 PM Mon-Thurs at Avondale High School
Publishing & Design Summer Camp:
Students will explore their creativity in design thinking and storytelling skills in a safe and interactive environment. Students will work collaboratively to write personal narratives which will result in a published piece they can keep as their own. Additionally, during the 4th week of the program, students will take part in the Design Thinking Challenge where they will work collaboratively to share their problem-solving ideas with an authentic audience.
For more information and to register, visit the registration link here:
OSTC Summer Camp
Is your child interested in careers in automotive technology, construction, health science, culinary, machining or collision repair?
Give them the opportunity to explore at Oakland Schools Technical Campus summer camp! Find out more info here. A flyer is also posted in students’ Grad Class Google Classroom and on the school website under Career Development.
Early Learning Center Summer Camp Now Enrolling
Enrollment for Summer Camp and the 2024-2025 school year is open! Click on one of the following links to start the enrollment process for your student:
- If you want to enroll your student in the ELC Summer Camp, please fill out this form.
- If you want to enroll your student in a 3 Year Old classroom, please fill out this form.
- If you want to enroll your student in a 4 Year Old classroom, please fill out this form.
All current ELC students are only eligible to attend the ELC Summer Camp, not the Busy Bee Summer Camp. Busy Bee Summer Camp is for students who have completed a year of TK/Kindergarten.
Summer Drama Camp
Open to students who will complete grades K-8 in June, 2024.
Singing, Costuming, Acting, Dancing, Painting, Storytelling, Construction, and Lighting - lots to learn and lots of FUN!
Learn more and register HERE.
Resources for Students and Families
Honor Community Health is Available for our Students and Families
- We are located in Avondale High School on the back side of the building at 2800 Waukegan Street, Auburn Hills, MI 48309. Please call 248-537-6235 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome!
- The Teen Health Center accepts Oakland County residents ages 5-21 years old, regardless of insurance, and ability to pay. Payment is determined by a sliding scale (dependent on student income).
Free COVID Tests Available
Blessings in a Backpack
“Blessings in a Backpack” is a program designed to provide students on the free and reduced lunch program with enough food for three meals a day during the weekends.
Sign your child(ren) up to receive Blessings in a Backpack online at: https://forms.gle/LxVwGscBmHBsQZ7SA
More Information:
**If you would like to contribute food or snacks to help with Blessings in a Backpack, there is an Amazon Wish List set up to purchase from. Thank you so much for your help and please feel free to share this list with others who may wish to donate!
Gleaner's Mobile Food Pantry
Gleaners Mobile Food Pantry delivery pickup is at The River Church, 255 S. Squirrel Road, Auburn Hills. If you are in need and would like food, please come anytime between 1:30-2:30 p.m. See the full food distribution schedule below.
Free Workshops - Community Substance Use Disorder
Oakland County Health Division Encourages Parents to Ready Their Kindergarteners for the Upcoming School Year
Pontiac, Mich. May 1, 2024 – Parents and guardians whose children will enroll in kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year should take steps now to ensure their kids meet Michigan’s requirements to enter the classroom. These requirements include dental, hearing, and vision screenings and specific vaccinations.
Screenings and immunizations are available at Oakland County Health Division if a child does not have a healthcare provider.
- Kindergarten Dental Screenings: Senate Bill 280 (Public Act 316 of 2023) requires children going into kindergarten to have a dental screening. Children who have dental problems may have trouble sleeping and eating which affects their ability to learn.
- Hearing and Vision Screenings: The Michigan Public Health Code (Act 368 of 1978) mandates children to complete hearing and vision screenings before entering kindergarten. These screenings help children develop and learn by identifying a hearing or vision problem early.
- Immunizations: State law requires kindergarteners to have specific vaccines before beginning the school year. Vaccines are safe and effective tools to prevent diseases that are more readily spread in group settings like classrooms.
Call Oakland County’s Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 to schedule screening appointments with the Health Division. Screenings are available to children who live or learn in Oakland County. There is no charge.
Immunizations do not require an appointment. Oakland County Health Division clinics are walk-in only and located in Southfield (27725 Greenfield Road) and Pontiac (1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 34 East). Clinic hours are:
- 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
- 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesdays
- 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursdays
No one will be denied access due to the inability to pay for immunizations. There is a discounted/sliding fee schedule available for those who are under or uninsured. The Health Division accepts health insurance, as well as Medicaid, Medicare, Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, cash, and credit. VFC offers vaccines at no cost for eligible children. There is a $7 fee per vaccination, per client. There are additional fees for credit card payments.
More information about kindergarten readiness can be found on the Health Division’s website at oakgov.info/kindergarten-readiness or by contacting Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 or noc@oakgov.com. Nurse on Call is available 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For up-to-date public health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook and X (formally known as Twitter).
For media inquiries only please contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County media and communications officer, at 248-858-1048.
Board of Education Meetings
2023-2024 Avondale District Calendar
Please note - there has been a small update to the Avondale District Calendar as of 9/5/2023. The testing, day off, and half day that were originally scheduled for April 18 have been moved to April 11. Changes have been made on the calendar below. Please disregard any previous versions of the calendar.
Staying Connected
Please see the the Avondale Middle School website and the Avondale School District website as resources for valuable information.
For the latest Avondale updates and photos, make sure you follow AMS on Facebook! Please like us to stay connected with AMS and the community.
TEXT the word "YES" to 67587
If you are not receiving text messages from Avondale Middle School or Avondale School District and would like to, text the word "YES" to 67587.