February School News
Finland’s education system has consistently ranked among the best in the world for more than a decade. The puzzle is, why Finland? Documentary filmmaker, Bob Compton, along with Harvard researcher, Dr. Tony Wagner, decided to find out. The result of their research is captured in a new film, "The Finland Phenomenon: Inside the World’s Most Surprising School System". In the 60-minute film, Dr. Wagner guides the viewer through an inside look at the world’s finest secondary education system. A life-long educator and author of the best-selling book "The Global Achievement Gap," Dr. Wagner is uniquely qualified to explore and explain Finland’s success. From within classrooms and through interviews with students, teachers, parents, administrators and government officials, Dr. Wagner reveals the surprising factors accounting for Finland's rank as the #1 education system in the world. The Finland Phenomenon will be shown on Wednesday, February 8th at 7pm in the Avon High School Choral Room. The conversation will continue with a facilitated discussion following the movie. This is the second in a series of three films pertaining to education shown at Avon High School during the 2011-2012 school year. This event is FREE, open to the public, and sponsored by the AHS PTO Parent Education Committee. Visit the website www.2mminutes.com to view the trailer for this film or contact Randy Leaning at 860-675-6143 for more information.
Twenty Three AHS Student Musicians selected for Northern Regionals!
After regional auditions hosted by Avon High School on November 12, there were 23 AHS student musicians selected to participate in the CT. Northern Region Music Festival. Participating in the two day music festival on January 14 and 15 at New Britain High School, including a concert performance to a packed auditorium on Saturday were the following students. Congratulations to these students on a great accomplishment!
Choir: Caroline Cianci, Stephanie Evans, Katie Holobinko, Rachel Oremland, Jessa Sahl, Meghan Stoll (Soprano); Jessica Polesel, Katie Stoll, Mary Margaret Stoll (Alto); Devon McLane (Tenor) and Everett Davis, Brian Nasto (Bass).
Band: Christine Bae (Flute), Emily Kane (Bassoon), Jeffery Lewis (Trumpet), Mary Pearce (Oboe), Thomas Sisson (French Horn), Jason Sittambalam (Trumpet).
Orchestra: Kayleigh Bagley (Bassoon), Evan Dorsky (Viola), Chenyang Liu (Violin), Gabe Pellino (Cello), Eric Seltzer (Viola)
Submitted by Marjie Evans
Offer your Expertise for SPARK - A Student In-Service Workshop Day on the Morning of March 23rd
Do you have an interest, hobby, profession or life skill that you are willing to share with our AHS students? If not, do you know someone else who would be?
The AHS PTO will be conducting a half day program called SPARK, a student in-service workshop day designed to introduce students to a wide variety of interesting topics, broaden their exposure to a wide array of careers, and provide opportunities for hands-on activities. The intent of the day is to “Spark” an interest in any of the areas that the kids are exposed to.
The SPARK committee members are seeking volunteers from the Avon community, surrounding areas, and local businesses to be presenters at SPARK and come and share your passion and knowledge during this day of exploration for our students. We would love to have you! To volunteer, contact Randy Leaning at 860-675-6143, Joan McDonald at 860-284-4406 or Wendy Howard at 860-675-6815.
Join Us at the 2012 Spring Gala with Celebrity Host, Brent Hardin (Fox News)
On Saturday, March 31st, the Avon Education Foundation and the Avon High School PTO will be co-hosting the 2012 Spring Gala to benefit the ongoing efforts of both organizations. This year's event will be held at Avon Old Farms Hotel from 6:30 until midnight including a reception, both live and silent auctions, a three course dinner, and dancing to music provided by the Lounge Lizards. Brent Hardin, co-anchor “Fox 61 New at Ten” will serve as the celebrity MC for the evening's activities.
Reservations may be made by downloading the 2012 Spring Gala flyer from the web: www.avonedfoundation.org . If you have questions about reservations, please contact Beth Inglis at (860) 678-0366 or beth.inglis@comcast.net. Donations of goods and services are also needed to make this event a success. Auction Chair for the event is Irene Herrera who may be contacted at (860) 673-6623 or isherrera@sbcglobal.net.
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