Cross Country Information Meeting

Any student currently in Grades 6-11 that is interested in joining the Avonworth Cross Country Middle or High School team next year, should attend an informational meeting for parents & athletes on Monday, May 22 at 4:00 in the Middle School Cafeteria.  

No previous running experience is necessary.  All ability and interest levels are welcome to give this sport a try.  Everyone makes the team.  There are no try-outs.  There are no cuts.  And, athletes are permitted to participate in another Fall Sport during the Cross Country season.  Both Middle and High School coaches and returning High School athletes will be on hand to help the new runners learn about proper stretching techniques, running form, safety precautions and answer any questions that you might have about the sport.

If you have any questions, email Coach Smith at jsmith@avonworth.k12.pa.us

Boys & Girls High School Cross Country Team

Any 8th Grade student who is interested in joining the Boys & Girls High School Cross Country team next school year can attend pre-season conditioning after school on the following dates: 

Monday, May 15

Wednesday, May 17

Monday, May 22 (with Parent meeting to follow from 4:00 to 5:00)

No previous running experience is necessary.  All ability and interest levels are welcome to give this sport a try.  Everyone makes the high school team.  There are no try-outs.  There are no cuts.  And, athletes are permitted to participate in another Fall Sport such as soccer, football, cheerleading, or volleyball during the Cross Country season.  Members of last year's high school team will be on hand to help the new runners learn about proper stretching techniques, running form, safety precautions and answer any questions that you might have about the sport.

We will meet from 3:00 to 4:00 at the Ticket Booth near the Track.  Be sure to arrange for a ride home at 4:00.  Students should bring water & their running shoes.  If you have any questions, email Coach Smith at jsmith@avonworth.k12.pa.us

Keystone Exams to be taken May 16 & 17

The 8th graders who are enrolled in Integrated Math I (Algebra), will take the Keystone Exams.

On May 16 & 17 (Periods A through D) each of the 2 modules have 23 multiple choice questions and 4 constructive response questions. Students may use a graphing or scientific calculators on this test. For more information on the Keystone Exams, please go to www.pde.state.pa.us.

Field Trip to view "Nicky's Family"

Menemsha Films

The 8^th grade will visit the South Side Works Cinema to see the documentary Nicky’s Family, a true story about a British man who helped organize the rescue of almost 700 Jewish children out of Czechoslovakia in the days leading up to World War II.  This powerful film tells the story of Sir Nicholas Winton, the children he rescued, and the generations that were impacted by his humble and heroic gesture.  Students will go to see Nicky’s Family next week, May 19.

Read the movie review here.

Students are to bring a bagged lunch to eat at the park near the theater. 

8th Grade Commencement

RSVP for the 8th grade commencement!

May 31, 2017
7:00 PM

Click here to read more...

Thank You!

The 8th Grade Team would like to thank the members of the Parent Network for the delicious breakfast on Wednesday morning during Teacher Appreciation Week! 

2 Hour Delay - Wednesday

There will be a 2 hour delay on Wednesday, 5/10/17.

Bridges to STEM Careers Design Day

Today was the #Bridges2STEM careers design day! Students had their bridge designs reviewed by experts in the fields of bridge engineering and design. The model bridges will be made throughout the rest of the month. The Bridge Exposition will be held on May 31 when the engineers come back to Avonworth to see the students' models perform during the live load test.

 

 

Field Trip to Strip District Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the Strip District field trip. Students will be visiting the Heinz History Center and having lunch at restaurants in the Strip District. Students should bring a packed lunch or money for the field trip. School district policies including the dress code apply to students on the trip.

May Yearbook News!

Read the news online!

Highlights:

• A few copies are remaining! Reserve yours today!
• Delivery is May 30! 

Strip District Field Trip - Choose a buddy and a restaurant

Strip District restaurant choices to be made starting 4/27/17! Ends 4/28/17!

Each student pair must sign up for a restaurant while attending the Strip District field trip. Please note that you are not guaranteed your first, second or third choices!  Also, you must choose a travel buddy before selecting your restaurant choices! Only pairs will be grouped together! 

Students will get their first choice unless there are more than 12 students (six pairs) requesting that restaurant. If more than 12 students (six pairs) are wanting the same first choice, a lottery will be conducted to fill the twelve slots. Students who do not get their first choice will then be placed in their second choice as long as that restaurant is not also filled. 

Deluca's (American/Diner)	http://www.delucasdiner.com/
Peppis (Hoagies)	http://peppisubs.com/
Chicken Latino (Peruvian)	http://chickenlatino.net/
Primanti Bros (Sandwiches)	https://www.primantibros.com/
Bella Notte (Pizza)	http://www.bellanottepgh.com/
Sunseris (Pizza/Italian)	http://www.yelp.com/biz/sunseri-jimmy-and-nino-pittsburgh
Kelly O's (American/Diner)	http://www.kellyos.com/
Sushi Kim (Sushi/Korean)	http://www.yelp.com/biz/sushi-kim-restaurant-pittsburgh
Wholey's (Sandwiches)	http://wholey.com/kitchen-menu/
Pamela's (Breakfast)	http://www.pamelasdiner.com/
Casa Reyna (Mexican)	http://www.reynafoods.com/content/casa-reyna

Form will be available starting Thursday morning!

Student Volunteers Needed! Chase the Antelopes - April 29

We have seen a big increase in registration for the Chase the Antelopes 5k on April 29!  With so many participants, it is important to have enough volunteers on hand to make sure the event runs smoothly.  

Please read the attached informational letter that was sent home with students about making a commitment to volunteer at the event (Commitment to Volunteer (pdf)).  Contact Jason Smith (jsmith@avonworth.k12.pa.us) with any questions. 

Letter to Parents about the 5K project (pdf)

Registration Form (pdf)

Science PSSA Test Monday & Tuesday

Students in the 8th grade will be taking state PSSA tests this school year.      See the 2017 PSSA Class Schedule   

PSSA TESTING:

 May 1 & 2 9:45-11:30 AM SCIENCE

Read more about PSSA Testing in the 8th grade from our blog.  

ELECTRONIC DEVICE NOTICE:

Testing regulations prohibit the use of all electronic devices, including Kindles, Nooks, iPads or other electronic readers during testing times. If you are currently reading a book on an electronic reader, please make the necessary arrangements to find your novel at the library in the old fashioned book form.All cell phones, pagers, portable listening or recording devices, or any device with photographic capability must remain at home or in your locker.

Students should read and review the Code of Conduct for Test Takers prior to starting the PSSA tests.

Free Online Learning Class Available for Students through Stanford University starting June 17th

How to Learn Math is a free self-paced class for learners of all levels of mathematics. It combines really important information on the brain and learning with new evidence on the best ways to approach and learn math effectively. Many people have had negative experiences with math, and end up disliking math or failing. This class will give learners of math the information they need to become powerful math learners, it will correct any misconceptions they have about what math is, and it will teach them about their own potential to succeed and the strategies needed to approach math effectively. If you have had past negative experiences with math this will help change your relationship to one that is positive and powerful.

The course will feature Jo and a team of undergraduates, as well as videos of math in action - in dance, juggling, snowflakes, soccer and many other applications. It is designed with a pedagogy of active engagement. The course will open in mid June and stay open indefinitely

Mr. and Mrs. Bielski speak to Avonworth 8th Grade students

Aron & Henryka Bielski speak to Avonworth 8th Grade students about their experiences during the Holocaust. 

Aron & Henryka Bielski speak at Avonworth today about the Bielski partisans who saved over 1,200 Jews from the Nazis. #Holocaustremembrance

Spring Break Math PSSA Prep

There is a PSSA Math Preparation Test available on the google classroom for all students interested in preparing for the Math PSSAs.  For every 5 questions the student answers correctly, the student will earn 5/5 points.  Students should write down their answers on a piece of paper and submit to Ms. Costantino by April 24 for points.  

Freshman Scheduling Form

SCHEDULING FORM 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR  April 21, 2017:  Online scheduling window will close. A student log-in is required. FROM THE OFFICE:  TRANSITION TO HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS May 23, 2017:    (NEW DATE) “Bump Up Night” will be held for all 8th grade students and their families at 6 pm-7pm  in the auditorium.   Mr. Hall will lead an information sharing session, and students will receive a tentative schedule reflecting their online choices.

PSSA Testing continues Monday

Students in the 8th grade will be taking state PSSA tests this school year.        

PSSA TESTING:

 April 24-26  8:00-10:30 AM MATH

 May 1 & 2 8:00-10:30 AM SCIENCE

Read more about PSSA Testing in the 8th grade from our blog.  

ELECTRONIC DEVICE NOTICE:

Testing regulations prohibit the use of all electronic devices, including Kindles, Nooks, iPads or other electronic readers during testing times. If you are currently reading a book on an electronic reader, please make the necessary arrangements to find your novel at the library in the old fashioned book form.All cell phones, pagers, portable listening or recording devices, or any device with photographic capability must remain at home or in your locker.

Students should read and review the Code of Conduct for Test Takers prior to starting the PSSA tests.

Specials Rotation on Tuesday, 4/18

Students will be changing rotations on Tuesday, April 18. The next course can be found on the student schedule as "4" for periods B and H. 

Red Cross Earth Day Project

To celebrate Earth Day, the Red Cross Club will sponsor a campus clean up on Thursday, April 20 after school from 3:00 - 4:00.  Students interested in helping are encouraged to sign up outside of Ms. Costantino's room so that enough materials for the clean up day are purchased.