We are excited to begin another phenomenal school year at Audubon Jr.-Sr. High School. We welcome the incoming 7th graders, class of 2030, and look forward to an awesome year with our current seniors, the class of 2025.

Our theme for our students is a continuation of RIGOR and ACCOUNTABILITY. We strive to provide a rigorous but meaningful educational experience for our students. Three important components of RIGOR are thoughtful work, high level questioning and true academic discussions. Our job is to ensure students are ready to excel after high school whether they attend a four year college, begin at community college, enter the trades or begin a job.

We also will be speaking to students throughout the year on ACCOUNTABILITY. Holding students, teachers, staff and fellow administrators to a higher standard comes with teaching and understanding of how everyone is responsible for their own learning and performance. From getting to school on time, adhering to deadlines, turning in work, completing homework and preparing for assessments, ACCOUNTABIITY is essential in a person's growth and development.

Again, we look forward to a great 2024-2025 and anticipate working together with the parents, guardians and community members to make sure Audubon Jr.-Sr. High School maintains our motto of "PRIDE and EXCELLENCE."

Respectfully,

Jeffrey Lebb

Instagram @ahsprincipal

Are you or your business interested in being a sponsor for THE WAVE newsletter? This publication is shared electronically with all students, parents, guardians, board of education members, teachers and staff of the Audubon School District. THE WAVE newsletter is published on our Audubon High School main website each month. It is also shared on social media via Instagram through our Principal, Mr. Lebb's account @ahsprincipal and our Vice Principal, Mr. Corley's account on X @VPCorley. We are also creating a digital link where it will become part of The Retrospect, where members of the local community can view all the incredible happenings at Audubon Jr.-Sr. High School.

By becoming a sponsor, your business will be showcased in our newsletter each and every publication for the 2024-2025 school year. Depending on the monetary donation or gift cards donated to our school (used for our student recognition programs), you can have your business card added to our letter or even become part of a larger contributor and sponsor a certain section of our newsletter , like our Student of the Month program. The larger sponsors will also be publicized on our school tv's, hallway recognition boards and advertised on the newsletters on a more grandiose scale.

If you, or your business, is interested in becoming a sponsor of our newsletter, please contact Mr. Corley at 856-547-7695 ext. 4122. Feel free to click on the PDF below for more information. We look forward to creating a partnership to help showcase our school, students, staff and community.

Audubon's School Counselors began September by meeting with all seniors during their English classes to review the Audubon High School Application Checklist. This checklist serves as a critical guide to ensure students are on track with college applications, scholarships, and post-secondary planning. In addition, college visits at AHS are in full swing, offering both juniors and seniors the opportunity to meet with admissions representatives from various universities, gather information, and ask questions about potential future schools. These visits play a key role in helping students explore their options and make informed decisions about their next steps after high school.

The Counselors are now shifting focus to meeting individually with their assigned caseloads. These one-on-one sessions allow for personalized guidance tailored to each student’s academic and personal goals. The counseling office is also excited to introduce their monthly newsletter, "The Counselor's Corner," which will provide updates, resources, and important information regarding college planning, mental health, and academic support. This new communication platform aims to keep students and families connected and informed throughout the year while providing one central location for resources for students and families.

Dear AHS Community,

We are thrilled to introduce ourselves as the new School Counselors at Audubon High School for Grades 7-9 and are excited to be part of such a vibrant and supportive school community.

We are passionate about helping students navigate their academic, social, and emotional growth. Our goal is to create a positive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

We will be available to support students with:

● Academic planning and goal setting

● Social and emotional development

● Conflict resolution and peer relationships

● Career exploration and future planning

● Personal and family challenges

We work closely with teachers, parents, and other staff members to ensure a coordinated approach to each student’s well-being. We look forward to meeting each of you and working together to make this school year a successful and rewarding one for all our students.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or to set up a meeting. Thank you for your support and partnership!

Mr. May

Mrs. DiMedio

Mrs. Kabo

Mental Health Assistance Counselor

Audubon Jr-Sr High School

Email: ekabo@audubonschools.org

Mrs. Kabo meets with students whose mental health is keeping them from succeeding in school and outside of school. The topics discussed with students include but are not limited to anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem, anger management and grief/loss. Mrs. Kabo also presents classroom lessons covering numerous mental health topics in order to provide education and awareness.

The Role of the mental health assistance counselor:

Teenagers are exposed to external and internal struggles which can impact student success. The Audubon School District aims to provide all students with the knowledge, attitudes and skills to cope with these obstacles and develop a healthy lifestyle. Providing mental health support and referral to services is an integral part of our district’s mission in promoting the well-being of each student. The district partners with a network of community services and agencies, creating a coordinated effort to promote a continuum of care and services for all students and families.

The Mental Health Assistance Counselor is a part of the student assistance program. The student assistance program is a comprehensive and integrated school/community program for prevention, intervention, support, and referral services for students at risk for substance abuse, addictive behaviors, and other mental health concerns.

The Mental Health Assistance Counselor meets with students whose mental health is keeping them from succeeding both in school and outside of school. The topics discussed with students include but are not limited to anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem, anger management and grief/loss. The MHAC also presents classroom lessons covering numerous mental health topics in order to provide education to the student about mental health.

Providing mental health support and referrals to outside treatment services is also an integral part of our School Counseling Department’s mission in promoting a healthy lifestyle. The MHAC partners with a network of community services and agencies, creating a coordinated effort to promote a continuum of care and services for all students and their families.

Mrs. Kabo is available to ALL students. Students can request an appointment with Mrs. Kabo. Students are protected by federal law, which grants them confidentiality (excluding thoughts or attempts of suicide, physical/sexual abuse or neglect, or threats of physical/sexual abuse against another person). In addition to self-referral, teachers, administrators, parents and peers may refer a student to the MHAC when they are concerned about someone’s health and well-being.

Students, parents and guardians all need to help students cope with failure. Failure is not a bad thing, but a true experience that makes us stronger. No one is able to master something the first time he/she tries. The following article offers a perspective on how we can develop many strengths through our failures in life.

The 7th Grade Robotics cycle has new robots! They are VEXIQ and open up more possibilities for building and coding robots!

Per NJ Department of Education guidelines, all over-the-counter and prescription medications must have a doctor's order and parent signature. Online access to medical forms can be found online:

https://www.audubonschools.org/ahs/content/nurse

• Asthma Treatment Plan (Required for all students with a diagnosis of asthma)
• Epi-Pen Packet
• Health History Form
• Non-Prescription/Prescription Medication Consent
• Emergency Medication Self-Administration Form

Recently, new graphics were installed by Eastern Solar on the Media Center doors, as well as the doors in the Breezeway. These graphics are designed for security purposes, but have enhanced the overall look of the doors!

September 24, 2024: Girls’ Tennis

October 17, 2024: Boys’ Soccer

October 21, 2024: Girls’ Soccer

October 23, 2024: Field Hockey

October 24, 2024: Boys’ Cross Country

October 24, 2024: Girls’ Cross Country

October 25, 2024: Football

October 25, 2024: Cheerleading

October 25, 2024: Marching Band

1) The Audubon Marching Band /Colorguard has kicked off its season and already been successful in its first two USBands competitions, placing first at both shows (Burlington City and Absegami). They are performing their show "When the Forest Calls" in the Group 2A Division this season for USBands. Catch them at a home football game or one of the competitions they are attending this season! The band is under the direction of Mr. Shawn Clerkin.

2) The Audubon JH Band has had a great first few weeks of school already - we are small but mighty! Under the direction of Mr. Lee DeLoach, the band has already played all the way through a couple of the songs that we are preparing for the Winter Concert and are very enthusiastic!

3) The Audubon SH Band is off and running with an outstanding group of high school musicians. Under the direction of Mr. DeLoach, the band is 56 members strong and already performing some challenging repertoire that will be exciting to hear at the Winter concert in December!

4) The band concerts for this year are as follows:

Winter Band Concert - Thursday, Dec. 5 - 7pm AHS Auditorium

Spring Band Concert - Thursday, May 1 - 7pm AHS Auditorium

Spring Pops Concert (Jazz Band performs here) - Thursday, May 15 - 7pm AHS Auditorium

5) Joanna Hyland, a Senior Saxophone player will be participating in the All-State Jazz Band in November. She auditioned last spring for this prestigious group and was selected to the first tenor saxophone seat. She will perform in November with other high school musicians from all over the state of NJ who were talented enough to be selected. Congrats to Joanna!

Thanks to all of you for your support of the band program here at Audubon High School. Go Green Wave!!

Interact Club welcomed 130 students on Tuesday, September 17th at their first meeting!! An amazing turn out for our school!

Interact's first weekly pretzel sale will be next Tuesday, Oct 1st. Pretzels are $1 each, and mustard is still free! Thank you for your support!

Upcoming Interact Events: Interact is planning to attend the BUDS Bringing Up Down Syndrome Walk in Washington Township on 10/8, as well as, help facilitate the Mt. Ephraim Fall Festival on 10/8.

Mrs. Drinkhouse is looking forward to another great year helping our students live the Interact motto: "Service Above Self"

Want to join Interact? Please come to our meetings on Tuesdays during homeroom in the auditorium.

AHS is working with BSN Sports to offer custom Audubon apparel to staff and community. These items are not affiliated with any clubs or activities, we are simply providing the community with an opportunity to get general Audubon apparel.

Please continue to support our specific programs as they provide team stores and apparel sales. If interested in purchasing AHS gear, click on the image below.

Order your school yearbook today!

Welcome back! Get ready for a fantastic year ahead packed with unforgettable moments. Reserve your yearbook early to hold onto every incredible moment from the school year. Scan the QR Code for more information!

• Jennifer Wells graduated in 1992 and was a member of the Girls Basketball and Softball teams. Jennifer currently works as an Implementation Specialist at Nuvem.

• Amy Paratore graduated in 1993 and was a member of DECA. Currently, Amy works as a Sales Support Specialist.

• Erin Knoll MacMinn graduated in 1997 and was an active participant in Spring Track during her time in school. She achieved the honor of being named first-team all-conference in 1995, 1996, and 1997. Presently, Erin works as an Emissions Compliance Engineer.

• Sarah (Barry) White, a 1997 graduate, participated in Softball and Cheerleading, was recognized in the Colonial Conference and All-South Jersey Band, earned the Best Drum Major Award at the Chapter Championships in 1996-1997, and was a National Honor Society member. She is now an Officer in the United States Air Force Nurse Corps, currently serving in the NJ Air National Guard, a mother to three wonderful children, and serves as the school nurse at Audubon.

• Jeff Lebb graduated in 1999 after actively participating in multiple sports, including Football, Wrestling, and Baseball, throughout his high school years. Currently, Jeff serves as the Principal of Audubon High School.

• Amanda Carelli Barbieri graduated in 2001, engaging in various activities during her school years, including participation in band, choir, peer mediation, and intergenerational programs. Currently, Amanda works as a behavioral therapist.

• Nichole Salamone Holt graduated in 2001 and was an active member of the Girls Basketball Program and (Motivating Young Minds Against Drunk Driving. Nicole worked 6 years of claims adjuster, 14 years in the real estate appraising field and office manager, and currently is a Police Dispatcher for the whole county of Camden.

• Katie Ross graduated in 2002 and was actively involved in extracurricular activities during her school years. She participated in Girls Basketball and was a member of the Color Guard from 1997 to 2002. Currently, Katie works as a Patient Care Coordinator.

• Cara Low Gaehring graduated in 2004 and received notable recognition for her achievements. She was honored as a STARS Award recipient and was awarded the Martin Luther King Freedom Medal, showcasing her commitment to promoting equality and social justice. Currently, she works as a Substitute Teacher and Secretary in Audubon.

• Desiree Booth Bisaga graduated in 2008 where she was a member of Girls Tennis, Swimming Choir, Spring Musicals, and Color Guard. Currently she works as the Center Administrative Director for Proud Moments ABA.

• Kieran Boland graduated in 2010, actively participating in various sports during his time in school, including Cross Country, Boys Basketball, Winter Track, and Spring Track. Currently, Kieran works as a Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer

• Joseph Gaspari graduated in 2023 and is currently in college. At Audubon he participated in Cross Country, Winter Track, Spring Track where he helped Audubon win a 2020 Boys XC sectional championship, 2021 Boys XC sectional championship and first Audubon's ever state championship in Cross Country and boys Spring Track State Championship.

Notable Alumni via Wikipedia:

Medal of Honor recipients

A memorial outside the high school was dedicated to the borough's three Medal of Honor recipients on July 4, 1994. An annual tribute to them includes speakers from The Navy, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

• HM3 Edward Clyde Benfold (1931–52, class of 1949), Navy Medal of Honor (posthumous), Korean War (attached to the Marine Corps).[

• SFC Nelson V. Brittin (1920-1951, class of 1939), Army Medal of Honor (posthumous), Korean War.

• CPL Samuel M. Sampler (1895-1979), Army Medal of Honor, World War I

Sports

• Dan Baker (born 1946, class of 1964), stadium announcer for both the Philadelphia Phillies and the Philadelphia Eagles for more than two decades.

• Joe Flacco (born 1985, class of 2003), quarterback for the New York Jets and Super Bowl XLVII MVP.

• Bill Laxton (born 1948, class of 1966), former MLB pitcher who played in all or part of five seasons in the majors between 1970 and 1977.

• Brett Laxton (born 1973, class of 1992), former MLB pitcher who played in parts of two seasons for the Oakland Athletics and the Kansas City Royals.

• Vic Obeck (1917–1979), professional football player and general manager.

• Anne McConaghie Volp (c. 1922-2010), field hockey player and coach, who was a member of the United States women's national field hockey team for 14 years and the team captain for five of those years.

Others

• John J. Davis, theologian, archaeologist and Christian educator who was the President of Grace Theological Seminary.

• William Siri (1919-2004, class of 1937), part of the Manhattan Project which was responsible for the development of the atomic bomb and co-leader of the first American expedition to successfully climb Mount Everest and went on to climb every major mountain range in the world.

• Ben Vaughn (Class of 1973), musical composer for the TV sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun who also provided music for shows including That '70s Show, Men Behaving Badly, Normal, Ohio and Grounded for Life.

• John L. White (1930-2001, class of 1948), politician who served in the New Jersey General Assembly and New Jersey Senate.

https://www.audubonschools.org/docs/district/calendar/district-calendar-current.pdf

(click on image to be taken to the AHS website)