Husky Herald

Principal’s MessageDear Parent / Guardian:While you are enjoying the summer break, we are completing our preparation for the 2017-18 school year. Hopefully your child is keeping up with key skills, especially in the area of reading. Research indicates that students who do not read daily tend to be poor readers, which often results in lower levels of academic achievement. If your child has already been working on our summer reading challenge, then please encourage him or her to continue. If he or she has not yet begun, please encourage him or her to start. Students who read five or more books and pass their quizzes will be invited to a Reading Celebration during the first quarter and be eligible for various prizes. Go to our school’s website and click on the “Summer Reading List” link for more information.Some important back-to-school information for you:• Report cards and FSA/EOC scores are available in the front office for former AMS students. • Schedule Pick-Up will be held on August 9th from 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During this

time, you can pick up your child’s schedule and visit information tables in the cafeteria. Students who do not have updated immunizations on file, who do not have a current documented address on file, or who have not met textbook/Media Center obligations will not get their schedules at this time. Also, please be aware that schedule changes may take place during the first few weeks of school.

• I invite you to become involved in our school by joining our PTSO, School Advisory Council (SAC) and Parent Leadership Council (PLC). Information on all of these organizations will be available on the 9th. Open House is scheduled for September 26th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. We hope that you will attend. • The school year calendar is on our district’s website, www.ocps.net, so that you know the important dates for this year. Please refer to this calendar when making

13914 Mailer BlvdOrlando, FL 32828

Phone: 407-207-7839

AdministrationKaren Furno, Principal

Assistant PrincipalsMichelle AndersonSuzanna Pacheco

Administrative DeansLeann King

German Santos

Facebook Informationhttps://www.facebook.com/

avalonmiddleschool/

Website Informationhttps://avalonms.ocps.net/

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Home of the Huskies!Avalon Middle School

Issue 4August 2017

2Principal’s Messagecontinues

vacation and family plans. The first day of school is August 14th. Help your students start the new school year well by bringing the materials from our school supply list. Also, since the first day of school is so busy, we encourage your child to bring lunch from home in order for him or her to have plenty of social time during lunch. Students will receive their planners and other important information on this day so make sure to take time that evening to review all of these materials and respond appropriately.

We are happy to report that AMS is once again rated as an “A” school. Thank you to our students, parents, staff, and community for the hard work and support that went into earning this rating. We are looking forward to another great school year.

Sincerely,Karen Furno

ImmunizationsAll students entering the 7th grade must have the following immunizations on record with the school before beginning classes. Please contact our registrar, Cher Crisona, if you have any questions.• DTaP Series (Note: If final dose was administered before 4 years of age,

an additional dose is required.)• 1 dose of Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)• Polio Series*• Hepatitis B Series• 2 doses of Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)• 2 does of Varicella (Chickenpox)*Note: If final dose was administered before 4 years of age, an additional dose is required. A 4th dose is not required if the 3rd dose is administered at 4 years of age or older. If the 4th dose was administered prior to the fourth birthday, a 5th dose of polio is required.

CalendarAugust 9 Schedule Pick Up DayAugust 10 Athletic Information and Physical Night – 5:00-7:00 p.m.August 14 First Day of SchoolAugust 21 SAC mtg. – 6 p.m. – Med. Ctr. PTSO mtg. – 7 p.m. – Med. Ctr.September 4 Labor Day HolidaySeptember 26 Open House – 6:00–7:30 p.m.October 13 End of 1st Marking PeriodOctober 16 Student Holiday / Teacher WorkdayOctober 17 Begin 2nd Marking Period

Advertise in the Husky Herald! This is a wonderful way for your company to get community recognition and exposure,

and at the same time help support your local schools!Marsee Perkins • marsee.perkins@ocps.net

Avalon Middle School

A few spots are left!

We need you!

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“Husky Herald”August 2017 • Issue #4

Published Four Times Per YearOrange County Public Schools

Avalon Middle SchoolP.O. Box 271

Orlando, FL 32806

CommunicationAre you looking for the most up-to-date information about AMS? If so, then after going to our school website and signing up to receive our electronic weekly newsletter, check out our school’s Facebook page. You can find us by going to https://www.facebook.com/avalonmiddleschool/ or by using the search feature and typing Avalon Middle School-OCPS.

Dress codeAs you take advantage of the summer sales, don’t forget to keep the OCPS Dress Code in mind to help your child make appropriate choices in clothing and footwear. Student dress should reflect a neat and student-like appearance to provide a safe and orderly environment.Positive Dress For Success• Clothes shall be worn as they are designed – suspenders over shoulders, pants secured at

the waist, belts buckled, no underwear worn as outerwear, no undergarments exposed.• Pants will be worn at the waist; belts will be required in pants with belt loops if pants are

loose fitting.• Clothing with holes, tears or inappropriate patches will not be allowed if considered

obscene or distracting. Holes in pants above the knees are not allowed.• Bare midriffs and bare sides should not show even when arms are extended above the

head.• Clothing that is too tight or revealing is unacceptable. This includes but is not limited to

leggings, jeggings and spandex pants.• Garments and/or jewelry that display or suggest sexual, vulgar, drug, alcohol, or tobacco

related wording/ graphics/gestures or may tend to provoke violence or disruptions in school shall not be worn.

• Gang paraphernalia, jewelry, tattoos, or other insignias that display, suggest, provoke, or may tend to provoke violence or disruptions are not permitted.

• Hemlines of shorts, dresses, skirts, and skorts shall be no shorter than mid-thigh.• Clothing must follow the four finger wide rule at the shoulders. Sheer shirts are also not

allowed on campus unless the shirt under is in dress code.• Shoes shall be worn at all times. The following are not acceptable:

○ Flip flops, thong sandals, slides ○ Backless shoes ○ Cleated shoes ○ Slippers or any kind ○ Healeys (shoes with wheels)

The following items have the potential to cause disruptions and/or threaten our safe and positive school environment and are therefore not allowed.• Hats, sweatshirt hoodies, caps, visors, sunglasses, or bandanas. Students may wear

winter caps and gloves on cold days but must remove them when entering buildings/classrooms.

• Pants worn below the waist.• Sleepwear or pajama pants.• Chains hanging from the neck, belt, pocket, or attached to a wallet.• Jewelry that contains any type of sharp object. Body piercing(s) – including but not

limited to: eyebrows, nose, and/or lips.A copy of the Orange County Public Schools dress code is available on the OCPS web site: https://www.ocps.net/.

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AttendanceNot only does Florida law require student attendance each day, but also regular attendance is an important component in student academic success. When students are absent from school, they must bring a note from their parent or guardian the day they return to the Main Office explaining the absence. The note must have the student’s full name, reason for the absence, date(s) of the absence and parent’s/guardian’s signature and telephone number. The absence will be marked unexcused without a note. Excessive absences will be referred to the social worker. Excused absences include illness of a student, serious illness or death of a member of the student’s immediate family, and special and recognized religious holidays observed by the student’s faith and emergency situations. A doctor’s note for medical appointments must be provided in order for the absence to be recorded as excused. Being on time is as important as being present; therefore, students who are tardy to school must report to the Main Office to obtain a pass to class. Students with excessive tardies will be will be referred to a guidance counselor or social worker.

Student PlannerAll students will be given an AMS Student Planner on the first day of their enrollment at Avalon. The purpose of this planner is to help our students stay organized. Students should record their homework, test dates and other important information in their planner for each class on a daily basis. We also encourage them to use the planner to set both academic and personal goals and to keep track of their progress on these goals. Finally, the planners contain our students’ bathroom passes as well as a page on which they can record their passwords for the programs that they need to use for success in school.

Supply ListWe published our AMS back-to-school list in June. If you haven’t yet seen it, you can find a copy on our school’s webpage at https://avalonms.ocps.net/home. As you check out this summer’s back-to-school specials, you might want to keep a copy handy.

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Student Arrival and DeparturePer Orange County Schools Statue, Orange County Public Schools employees are not responsible for supervising students arriving on campus more than 30 minutes before school sponsored activities begin or remaining more than 30 minutes after the end of school sponsored activities. Unless students are on campus early for a club or at a teacher’s request, no students should be on campus before 8:55 a.m. unless they are enrolled in the YMCA program. Similarly, students should not remain on campus beyond 4:15 unless they are participating in a club, athletic team or the afternoon YMCA program. Information about the YMCA is available in our main office.

Student ItemsOne of our primary goals is to provide our students with a safe learning environment that is also free from distractions to the learning process. In order to help us reach this goal, we need your assistance in monitoring what your child brings to school. • Medication— If it is necessary for a student to take any form of

medication at school, then you must bring the medicine in its original container, fill out the required form, and leave it with the health assistant. Your child should never be in possession of any over-the-counter or prescription medication. Students may carry inhalers that are prescribed for them.

• Food Items and Balloons- Do not send cakes, cupcakes or any other food items to school with your child. County guidelines prohibit the sharing of food items. Balloons and other large items cause distractions in the classroom and are not permitted on buses. Any food or items that cause distraction will be held in the office until a parent/guardian can pick them up.

OCPS Technology and Information Consent FormOrange County Public Schools respects that families have the right to make educational decisions for their child. The Parent Technology Media and Information Consent Form must be completed electronically by all parents/guardians annually in all schools. The consolidated forms are accessed on the homepage in ProgressBook, https://parentaccess.ocps.net. Please log in to ProgressBook and complete these forms.

Electronic DevicesAll electronic devices including but not limited to iPods, MP3 players, and handheld games are not permitted in school or on campus. Please leave these items at home. The school assumes no responsibility if contraband items are lost or stolen. Cell phones are not forbidden at school; however, their use is prohibited during the school day except when being used for instruction under the direction of a teacher. Cell phones must be turned off, put away and not visible during school hours. Cell phones will be confiscated from students who violate this policy. The school assumes no responsibility if cell phones are lost or stolen.

Open House or Meet Your Teacher Night will be held on September 26th. The purpose of this evening is for you to meet your child’s teachers and learn more about his or her specific classes. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m. We hope that everyone will attend.

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Curriculum

Parent / Community InvolvementAt AMS, we welcome your participation in our school’s activities. There are several ways in which you can get involved.

ü PTSO (Parent, Teacher, and Student Organization): The PTSO will meet monthly. Goals, suggestions, and plans for the year must be established with your help and support.

ü SAC (School Advisory Council): The responsibility of this council is to work on the school’s mission statement, objectives, goals, and actions to be taken during the school year. Participation on this council is one of the best ways to find out what is happening at AMS. In addition, it is a great way for you to provide feedback and input to us so that we can create the best learning environment for all of our students. Parents, community members and business partners are encouraged to join staff members on this council. Meetings will be held monthly.

ü PLC (Parent Leadership Council): The PLC will convene on a regular basis to discuss ideas, plans and recommendations that will assist the ELL population of AMS. Please contact Ms. Davila at 407-207-7839, ext. 5022246, for more information.

ü PIE (Partners in Education): AMS is eager to form partnerships with local businesses and community organizations. Please contact Ms. Stewart at 407-207-7839, ext. 5022507, for more information.

ü ADDitions: Parents may become involved by volunteering to work at AMS. All volunteers must complete a new application each year even if you have worked as an ADDitions volunteer in previous years. Contact Ms. Veres at 407-207-7839, ext. 5022512, for more information.

Counselors’ Corner – Where to Go for AssistanceThe start of a new school year should be a fun and exciting time, but too often, students are filled with apprehension, especially if this is their first year at a new school. We at Avalon Middle School would like students before they ever step foot on campus to understand where they can go to obtain assistance and solve any problems that may arise. A great place to start is with the classroom teacher. Teachers are a great source of information, and have the ability to solve classroom level concerns. The next best place to go for any student is his/her respective grade level office. Here, a student can speak with their guidance counselor or administrator, pick-up or drop off important information, or just ask general questions. Let’s say you lost your schedule; the grade level office can easily print a new one for you. Having a problem with another student? The guidance counselor or administrators are great resources to help mediate conflict. No problem is too small or large. Finally, the front office is also a great place to go for any form of assistance. Here you will find our registrar, bookkeeper, and the principal. But regardless of where a student chooses to go for assistance, we encourage all students to report problems as soon as they arise. Every adult on our campus is ready to assist with any problems or concerns. If you have any questions, or would like further information related to this topic, please feel free to contact a grade level counselor at 407-207-7839.• 6th grade and 7th grade Alpha L-Z – Ms. Somaliz Davila

ext. 5022246• 7th grade Alpha A-K and 8th grade – Ms. Jody Bernier

ext. 5022248

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AMS Weekly Electronic NewsbriefMs. Furno sends out an electronic newsletter each week. This publication contains the weekly calendar, notices about upcoming important events, information about our school, student recognition, and more. If you are interested in receiving this newsbrief via email, then go to our school’s website at https://avalonms.ocps.net/home, enter your email address and the message “Please add me to the principal’s newsletter” where it says “School Newsletter – Electronic.” This newsbrief is the best way to keep up with the most recent information about AMS.Our newsbrief is a great way to share information about our community. In addition, it serves as a fundraiser for our school. If you have a local business or service that you would like to advertise in our newsbrief, please contact our Media Specialist, Ms. Stewart, at 407-207-7839, ext. 5022507, for more information.

TransportationAMS students get to and from school in various ways. For the safety of all of our students, it is important for you and your child to follow the guidelines listed below.• Bike riders – Remember that Florida law requires students riding bicycles

and skateboards to wear helmets. Bicycles must be locked up in the bike rack. Skateboards will remain in the grade level offices during the day. Bicycles and skateboards are not to be ridden on the campus or walkways at any time. Neither OCPS nor AMS is responsible for damaged, lost or stolen bicycles or skateboards.

• Bus riders - Students must follow the bus drivers’ directions at all times. While riding the bus, students are subject to the same disciplinary procedures when they are being transported to and from school as they are while in school. Upon arrival and dismissal, students should always use the sidewalks in order to exit from and go to their buses. Also, remember that students must ride their assigned bus to and from school, and may not board or depart the bus at a different stop. Furthermore, students may only ride their assigned bus.

• Car riders – All students should be delivered and picked up in the AMS car loop. Cars should not drop students off on Mailer Blvd. or use the bus loop for pick-up and delivery of students. Once in the car line, please follow the lines of traffic as directed by school personnel. Please keep in mind that students are not permitted to walk through the parking lot to meet you. In addition, we ask that you use the official crosswalks for your safety if you choose to park and walk to the building to pick up your child. Finally, please watch out for our bike riders and walkers as you enter our campus.

• Walkers – Students who walk to and from school should stay on designated sidewalks and refrain from walking in the street or in their neighbors’ yards. Please be careful to cross the streets at the intersections and pay attention while crossing.

We appreciate everyone’s assistance in helping to keep all of our students safe.

Christina M. Green, Esq.

Conveniently located in Waterford Lakes12301 Lake Underhill Rd, Suite 249

Orlando, FL 32828

Call For Your Consultation407-574-8085

Divorce • Auto Accidents • WillsSlip & Falls • Child Custody

Clubs & Athletics

Home of the Huskies!Avalon Middle School13914 Mailer BlvdOrlando, FL 32828

Non Profit OrganizationUS Postage PAID

Permit #2346Orlando, FL

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Local Sports OpportunitiesFall registration for youth baseball and softball is open until August 17th. Please visit www.eastorangebaberuth.org for details.

AthleticsThere are four sports offered at the middle school level: soccer, volleyball, basketball and track. Soccer tryouts begin the first week of school so be prepared! Before trying out for any sport, students must complete and turn in an up-to-date OCPS sports physical form. Make sure to take this form with you when you go to get your physical. This form can be found in the front office and is also on our school website. Tryout dates for all other sports and schedules will be sent out via our weekly email newsbrief. We hope that you come out and cheer on our teams! Contact michaela.danhoff@ocps.net for further information. Good luck to all of our teams this year and “Go Huskies!!”

Clubs and Extra Curricular ActivitiesResearch indicates that students who are involved in some type of extracurricular activity tend to be more successful than other students. These activities offer opportunities for students to learn the values of teamwork, individual and group responsibility, physical strength and endurance, competition, diversity, and a sense of culture and community. They also provide a channel for reinforcing the lessons learned in the classroom, offering students the opportunity to apply academic skills in a real-world context, and are thus considered part of a well-rounded education. AMS has a wide variety of clubs and extracurricular activities available for your child. This includes the YMCA After-School Zone as well as clubs such as the Builders’ Club, the National Junior Honor Society, and Chess Club. Students will bring home information about these activities on the first day of school. In addition, we will share more information on our morning announcements and through our weekly electronic newsbrief. Please encourage your child to get involved.