Avon Middle School North Newsletter

Email: mnattendance@avon-schools.org
Website: www.avon-schools.org/msnorth
Location: 1251 N. Dan Jones Road, Avon, IN 46123
Phone: 317.544.5500
Twitter: @avonnorth1

mnattendance@avon-schools.org

Mike McKinney, Principal

Ginger Davis, Assistant Principal

Ranesha Lee, Assistant Principal

Ed Faughnan, Dean/Athletic Director

Andrea Sells, Counselor

Allison West, Counselor

• Winter Break - Dec. 22 - Jan. 5 - NO SCHOOL

Hello North Families - I hope you all had a great and relaxing Thanksgiving break. It is hard to believe that we only have three weeks until winter break and the end of quarter two. Below are a few important events and dates on the horizon as we finish the semester! With the holidays on the horizon, if you or your student needs any support, please reach out to me directly!

Checkpoint One Retakes

• ELA - December 9th

• Math - December 10th

End of Quarter 2 Celebration

• December 16th

• 4:15 - 6:15pm

• Dodgeball Tournament and Holiday Movie!

Finals Schedule for High School Credited Courses

• Algebra – December 11th and 12th

• Biology – December 16th

• Geometry – December 17th and 18th

• Spanish – December 18th and 19th

Go Orioles,

Mike McKinney

Principal, AMSN

Student Council hosted a two-week donation drive for Family Promise of Hendricks County. The donations of personal care and household items benefit those who are experiencing homelessness or home insecurity in our county. Student Council officers were able to deliver the items in person on Friday, November 21st.

Through this drive over 200 packaged items were donated; many of the packages contained multiple items.

Thank you to everyone who supported our students and this organization.

Order your yearbook at ybpay.lifetouch.com - use the code 14453026. The cost is $30.00.

Technology does not give out loaner laptops!

Technology Help Hotline

(317) 544-6103

Adolescence is a time of big emotions, rapid change, and increasing expectations. It’s normal for teens to feel stressed or anxious sometimes—but when anxiety becomes overwhelming, it can affect sleep, school performance, friendships, and overall well-being. The good news? With the right support, teens can learn healthy ways to manage stress and build resilience.

Recognizing Signs of Anxiety in Teens

Emotional Signs

· Increased irritability or mood swings

· Constant worrying or overthinking

· Feeling overwhelmed or “shut down”

Physical Signs

· Stomachaches or headaches

· Trouble sleeping

· Muscle tension or restlessness

Behavioral Signs

· Avoiding school or activities

· Difficulty concentrating

· Withdrawal from friends or family

If these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, it may be time to explore additional support with a school counselor or healthcare provider.

Practical Ways Parents Can Help

1. Create a Calm, Open Space for Communication

Let your teen know it’s okay to talk about stress. Avoid jumping to solutions immediately—often, teens just need to feel heard.

Try saying: “That sounds really tough. Do you want advice right now, or do you just want me to listen?”

2. Teach Small, Manageable Coping Skills

Teens benefit from simple strategies they can use anywhere:

· Deep breathing

· Grounding techniques

· Short breaks during homework

· Quick walks or movement resets

3. Keep Routines Predictable

Regular sleep, meals, and study habits help lower anxiety by giving teens a sense of stability.

Quick tip: Encourage tech “wind-down time” 30 minutes before bed.

4. Help Them Break Down Big Tasks

Anxiety often increases when teens feel overwhelmed.

Break tasks into:

· What needs to be done today

· What can wait until later this week

· What can be removed entirely

This builds confidence and reduces stress.

5. Model Healthy Coping

Teens notice how adults handle stress. Share gentle examples of how you regroup when you feel overwhelmed.

“I’m feeling stressed, so I’m going to take a quick walk and then come back to this.”

When to Seek Extra Support

It may be time for professional help if you notice:

· Anxiety lasting for several weeks

· Panic attacks

· School refusal

· Major changes in eating, sleeping, or mood

· Thoughts of self-harm

Your school counselor can help connect your family with resources.

The thought of paying for college can feel overwhelming. Did you know that eligible students who meet certain requirements can get a two or four-year scholarship that pays up to 100% tuition at eligible Indiana colleges and Universities?

• Students who are at least 13 years old should create a ScholarTrack account, regardless of their 21st Century Scholars enrollment status.
• When the ScholarTrack account is created, students must sign the Scholar Pledge to confirm enrollment in the program. This should be completed by the end of 9th grade.
• Once the Scholar Pledge is signed, Scholars must complete the Scholar Success Program. All students can complete the program regardless of 21st Century Scholars enrollment status.

In Avon Schools, safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. A building access intercom system was installed at AMSNorth. Visitors will press the doorbell and be asked to identify yourself and provide a reason for your visit. Thank you for your patience in adapting to this updated, more secure system.

Attendance:

If a student is absent from school, a parent or guardian must call the school at 317-544-5500 by 10:00 am to report the absence or send an email to MNattendance@avon-schools.org

Early Dismissal:

When students have to leave school early for special appointments, a note from a parent or guardian must be brought from home to secure an “Early Dismissal” slip from the office. The note must be brought to the front office before school starts.

Tardy to School:

If a student arrives after the tardy bell, he/she must sign in at the office before going to class. Students who are late due to school bus problems are excused. Excessive tardiness to school may result in an assignment of lunch detention, before/after-school detention or Saturday School.

AM/PM Car Rider Procedures:

In the morning,

• Cars must merge into one lane before reaching Door 1.
• The doors are not unlocked until 9:15 am.

In the afternoon,

• Students will dismiss at 4:10pm
• Car riders will exit from the main entrance - Door One
• You may enter campus from Dan Jones Road and enter the car line.
• Students may enter your car from anywhere on the sidewalk.
• We are not allowing students to walk across the car line to load into the cars in the parking lot.

Homework Request:

Parents and students may obtain homework assignments through Schoology and monitor grades through Power Parent.

Lunch:

Please note that we do not accept food for students delivered from restaurants or outside delivery services.

https://avon-schools.nutrislice.com/menu