March 2026

MARCH

5 - Early Release Day (dismissal @ 11:20)

5 - Sophomore/Junior Jump Start (6pm PAC)

5 - Parent/Teacher Conferences (4-7pm)

6 - No School - Parent/Teacher Conferences

9 - No School

9 - Zaps ACT Test Prep (6:30pm)

10 - Zaps ACT Test Prep (6:30pm)

17 - Family First Night (No homework or after school activities)

20 - End of 3rd Quarter

26 - ELA Ohio State Test (Late Start Bell Schedule)

27 - ELA Ohio State Test (Late Start Bell Schedule)

APRIL

2-12 - Spring Break

13 - Classes Resume

16 - Spring Theater Production (7pm PAC)

17 - Spring Theater Production (7pm PAC)

18 - Spring Theater Production (7pm PAC)

19 - Spring Theater Production (2pm PAC)

21 - Social Studies OST (No school for students not testing)

22 - Biology OST (Late Start Bell Schedule)

23 - Biology OST (Late Start Bell Schedule)

29 - Math OST (Late Start Bell Schedule)

30 - Math OST (Late Start Bell Schedule)

To subscribe or view the high school calendar click here

Parents and Students of the Class of 2025, click BELOW for important information regarding Senior Year and Commencement.

PLEASE NOTE - the date for the Graduation March has been changed to Tuesday, May 26th

CLASS OF 2026 IMPORTANT DATES

Do you want the opportunity to speak at graduation about your past experiences with Avon Lake City Schools?

Do you want to highlight special people and events that have touched your life during your educational career?

Do you want to share cherished memories with your fellow graduates and their families at the ceremony?

Well, if these things interest you, we are looking for a 2026 graduate to address their classmates during the graduation ceremony as the Senior Speaker!

Requirements:

• Your fully written speech must be submitted to Mr. Slabodnick (adam.slabodnick@alcsoh.org) via Google Documents by Friday, March 20th.

• No longer than 5 minutes in length

• Auditions will be held during 8th period on Friday, March 27th in the TV Production Studio. Mr. Slabodnick will contact you with your time.

Rubric:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oMPfmgpTZ4CnV9MUEPudoOA3rFjfAQjTPDNc4jEo-zc/edit?usp=sharing

Avon Lake PTA will be selling Senior Signs again this year.

Please use the link below to purchase your sign

https://avonlakehsptsa.givebacks.com/shop

Each sign will be $15 and will be available for pick-up around mid-April.

Each sign is 18” x 24”, double-sided, and comes with a metal stake.

If you have any questions or need more information, don't hesitate to get in touch with Laura Butler at: Lauraloubutler6@gmail.com / 734-812-2243

Please consider purchasing raffle tickets to help support after prom activities for our Senior Class 2026

Raffle Calendars for March are currently being sold as a fundraiser. The earlier you purchase tickets the more days you could win!

1 for $10; 3 for $25; 6 for $50

Venmo: Audra Avarello @audra-avarello (8373 for confirmation) or Margo Bondar @Margo-Bondar (6282 for confirmation)

Over $3,500 in prizes- Grand Prize $500 in cash plus a Yeti cooler and ramblers. See Calendar of Prizes

Location: Main Event

Time: 11pm-2am

Cost: TBD

Tickets will be sold closer to event date

Who Can Attend: Seniors & their dates (You do not have to go to Prom to attend After Prom!)

Cost of tickets include foods and unlimited access to everything at Main Event

OST Testing time is here! Below please find information related to testing dates and subjects - more detailed information and specific bell schedule will be sent by our Guidance Department soon.

ELA I/II (English 10 & Honors English 10)

• Testing Dates: March 26th & 27th, 2026

• Testing Schedule:

  • March 26: Part 1 (7:45 - 9:45 am)

  • March 27: Part 2 (7:45 - 9:45 am)

• Bell Schedule: Late start for students not testing

Social Studies 1 & 2 (American History, AP US History, American Government, AP US Government)

• Testing Date: April 21st, 2026

• Testing Schedule:

  • Part 1: 7:45 - 9:15 am

  • Break: 9:15 - 9:45 am

  • Part 2: 9:45 - 11:15 am

• Note: No school for Freshmen and Seniors. Seniors in AP classes may have review sessions on this day.

Biology 1 & 2 (Biology & Honors Biology)

• Testing Dates: April 22nd & 23rd, 2026

• Testing Schedule:

  • April 22: Part 1 (7:45 - 9:45 am)

  • April 23: Part 2 (7:45 - 9:45 am)

• Bell Schedule: Late start for students not testing

Math 1 & 2 (Algebra I, Common Core Algebra I, Geometry, Geometry Honors, Integrated Math II)

• Testing Dates: April 29th & 30th, 2026

• Testing Schedule:

  • April 29: Part 1 (7:45 - 9:45 am)

  • April 30: Part 2 (7:45 - 9:45 am)

• Bell Schedule: Late start for students not testing

ALHS students are raising money in the fight against Leukemia and blood cancer. Please take a minute to watch their campaign video and donate:

Link to campaign video

Link to fundraising page: https://pages.lls.org/svoy/noh/svoynoh26/aschools

For more information on the Guidance Department please click the links below.

Job Posting & Career Information

Naviance

Program of Studies

Guidance Department website

Fame. Faith. Betrayal. The greatest story ever rocked. Join the ALHS Drama Club for their Spring musical Jesus Christ Superstar

What’s the buzz?

The first musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber to be produced for the professional stage, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 50 years. A timeless work, the rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Superstar follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire.

The iconic 1970s rock score contains such well-known numbers as “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Gethsemane.” A true global phenomenon and perfect pick for schools, community theaters and professionals alike, Superstar continues to touch new generations of audiences and performers.

Show Times

Thurs, April 16th - 7pm

Fri, April 17th - 7pm

Sat, April 18th - 7pm

Sun, April 19th - 2pm

Congratulations to our Indoor Percussion for recently taking First and Second place at the Firestone OIPA Events!

The students of the ALHS Chamber Orchestra and Honors Chorale took part in a performance tour to the city of Chicago! They had clinics at Loyola University, performed at the famous Andy's Jazz club, saw a Broadway musical, and more!

Huge shout out to 4 time Mid-American Region Oireachtas Champion Connor Lardie who took 11th place at the All Ireland's National Championships of Irish Dance in Killarney, Ireland! This was a fantastic warm up for him as he competes in the World Championships in April held in Chicago!

Congratulations to Avon Lake sophomore Aubrey Kozar who successfully defended her state titles in both the 50 freestyle and the 100 backstroke this past Friday night! Aubrey will now prepare to compete in the U.S. Paralympics Swimming Open Series from March 7-8 in Birmingham, Alabama.

Your Shoremen are the 2026 Baron Cup II Champions!! 🏆 The second time in AL history since 2018, and the first Baron Cup win in the White Division! Coach Wade was also named Coach of the Year for the White Division for the second time in his High School coaching career!

The ALHS Rocket League team took 2nd place at the eSports Ohio Northeast Regional Tournament on Saturday, February 21st. This win qualifies them for the state competition which takes place at the University of Cincinnati on March 7th and 8th. Our eSports team is comprised of the following students:

Cole Miller

Coby Ostrowsky

Alex Schulz

Chase Semmelroth

The Shoremen boys varsity team just finished up their regular season with a 13-4 record. They won the North Shore Bowling Conference Varsity tournament. Finished second at the SWC tournament (Finished tied for second in the SWC overall). Finished 4th at last Sunday’s OHSAA sectionals. On Sunday, they competed in the OHSAA district and finished fifth, advancing them to the OHSAA State Championships. Senior Jeffrey Toth (217 season average) led the Shoremen with games of 275-182-268 for a 725 series. He led all Division 1 boys' bowlers for the day. Senior Luke Slogar finished with a 684 series, and freshman Cooper Polling rounded up the high scoring with a 644 series. The boys' team will compete in Columbus on Friday, March 6, at HP Lanes.

A huge congratulations is in order for the ALHS Dance team members, advisors, and choreographers on their incredible performance at the state level! The team truly brought the energy, capturing the State Championship for Game Day Medium. Their dominance didn't stop there as they proved their versatility by securing second place in Contemporary/Lyrical Large as well as Jazz Large.

Student from our Model UN club attended a 2 day conference sponsored by the University of Chicago. Students engaged in a variety of activities and were able to do a little sight seeing!

It is a landmark season for Avon Lake High School as the wrestling program achieved an incredible feat, qualifying all 20 of its athletes for their respective District tournaments. In an unprecedented feat for the school, the Shoremen wrestling team advanced all 14 weight classes to the district tournament at Perrysburg High School—marking the first time in program history that every weight class has advanced. The momentum continued with the Shoregal wrestlers, as all six athletes successfully qualified for their districts at Findlay High School. With the chance to secure a spot at the State wrestling championships just one weekend away, these 20 competitors have already cemented their place in the school’s record books. Congratulations to our wrestlers on this historic achievement!

The ALHS Gymnastics team recently competed at the District meet. Avon Lake freshman Samantha Carbone has made a statement, showing incredible poise for a freshman on a big stage at the district gymnastics meet. As the only local gymnast to crack the top 40 on the opening day of the meet, Carbone secured 29th place on the beam and 38th place with her floor routine. Carbone secured a Lorain County best 49th place finish in the all-around. Congratulations Samantha.

The Avon Lake High School Track & Field team is sending 8 athletes to the Indoor Division II State Championship Meet this Friday, March 6, at Spire Institute in Geneva.

Sophomore Rileigh Scarvelli is the top seed in Division II in both the Shot Put and the Weight Throw.

Freshman Kaitlyn Warner, now the school record holder in the 60, 200, and 400 meter dashes, qualifies at the top freshman girl in DII in the 400.

Junior Harrison Riley’s first toss over 50 ft. in the shot put was good enough to qualify him for a spot at the state meet.

The Boys 4x800 M Relay consisting of Niko Koutouras, Alex Schulz, Luke Gunter, and Liam Fritz set the boys indoor 4x800 record by over 20 seconds and heads to the state meet as the 8th seed.

The Avon Lake Varsity Academic Challenge team went 7-0 in the SWC over three Thursdays in February securing the SWC Conference Championship! The JV team went 4-2 in their division, placing second. Both groups practice together weekly. They continue on to Regionals in April!

L-R: Everett Wilson, Jack Erdmann, Ian Fababe, Andrew Cline, Nathan Mellinger, Jacob Mars, Trent Waggoner, Grant Richards, Ishanvi Vyas. Not pictured: Ben Mars, Kyle Robert-Atsu

Members of the National English Honor Society created over 200 Valentine’s Day cards for residents at Independence Village. The heartfelt, handmade cards helped spread joy and remind residents that they are valued and remembered.

If your student participates in an out-of-school activity and you would like their achievement highlighted in our newsletter, please email Amy Gannon at amy.gannon@alcsoh.org . Be sure to include the name of the sport, organization, or activity, along with details of the accomplishment or award.

Staff Appreciation donations: https://avonlakehsptsa.givebacks.com/shop/items/1169687

Senior Yard Signs: https://avonlakehsptsa.givebacks.com/shop/items/e1e70786f336

Guidance for Parents/Guardians in understanding an Excessive Absence Letter:

Ohio's school attendance laws, recently updated by House Bill 96, revised which absences count towards overall chronic absenteeism and when families must be notified about excessive absences, recognizing that any absence impacts learning.

What are the key attendance thresholds?

Ohio law distinguishes between missing school for "any reason" and missing school "without a legitimate excuse.”

Students only need to miss 2-3 days per month to be chronically absent by the end of the year. You may receive a notice about excessive absences because our chronic absenteeism policy now counts all missed days—including excused absences—when determining excessive absences.

What should I do?

• Continue to call the absence line (440-930-8296) to report medically excused or excused absences.

• For a full list of excused absences, see board policy po5200.

• Review your child’s attendance in PowerSchool weekly

• Contact your child’s grade level administrator with any questions or concerns

• Read Ohio Department of Education & Workforce’s Attendance Law FAQs

Our Math Lab is open every day during students' lunch period study halls. Students are able to get support for their math class. Whether you need to review for a test, you are stuck on a homework problem, or you simply want to build your confidence, the Math Lab is the perfect place to ask questions and get the help you need. Get a pass from your math teacher or your study hall teacher in order to take advantage of this great resource.

*Reminder parents/guardians of 12th grade students*

The Ohio Department of Health requires that *2 doses of MCV4-Meningococcal vaccine be administered before a student enters 12th grade. This vaccine protects against meningitis. If the first dose of MCV4 was administered on or after the 16th birthday, a second dose is not required. Ohio Revised Code (Section 3313.671) requires “exclusion” on the 15th day of school entrance of all pupils who do not meet the above requirements. If you have not done so already, please send in a copy of your child’s immunizations which show that they have received these vaccines. A copy can also be emailed to: Debra.Valadez@alcsoh.org

If you would like more information on meningitis, please use the following link https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/

*If you choose to not have your child vaccinated, a waiver form must be completed and be on file. You can print out a waiver form by going to www.avonlakecityschools.org Click “District” on the top menu, select Health news, scroll down under School Medical Forms for the immunization wavier form.

The Student Pass for athletics is valid only for home events. If you plan to attend an away game, you'll need to purchase a ticket from the host school. Be sure to check their ticketing details before you go!

School Fees for the 2025-2026 school year will be added to Power School at the start of this month. Parent will receive an invoice via email once they have been added. If you have any extenuating circumstances or financial hardships that your family is facing, please let your grade level principal know as soon as possible.

*If your student was charged for a missing textbook, library book, Chromebook, Chromebook charger or a missing calculator and they have the missing item, please return to Mrs. Hout in the Main office and the fee will be removed.

Payment Options

BY MAIL: Check made payable to ALHS can be mailed to : Avon Lake High School, 175 Avon Belden Rd, Avon Lake, OH 44012, Attn: Student Fees.

PAYMENT DEPOSITORY: Place payment in an envelope marked "Student Fees" into the Payment Depository located to the right of the Main Office door.

ONLINE: Payments may be made online at www.payschoolscentral.com. The student's ID number is necessary to set up an account. A 3.9% Convenience Fee for all credit card or a $1.75 Flat Fee for all ACH (electronic check) transactions will be charged.

LUNCH ACCOUNT - If there are any questions regarding your lunch account please contact Andrea Sokolow (www.andrea.sokolow@alcsoh.org) or 440-933-6210 x 1522.

New for 2025-26, Pay to Participate fees are charged per sport per school year. There is no longer a family cap however, if a student athlete participates in both a Fall and Winter sport, the Spring Sport will be free.

Pay To Participate Fee Due Dates

Fall Sports August 15, 2025

Winter Sports December 1, 2025

Spring Sports March 13, 2026

Please note: If payment is not received in full by date listed, the student athlete cannot participate in any contests.

Payment Options

BY MAIL: Check made payable to ALHS can be mailed to : Avon Lake High School, 175 Avon Belden Rd, Avon Lake, OH 44012, Attn: “Pay to Participate”.

PAYMENT DEPOSITORY: Place payment in an envelope marked "Pay to Participate" into the Payment Depository located to the right of the Main Office door.

ONLINE: Payments may be made online at www.payschoolscentral.com. The student's ID number is necessary to set up an account. A 3.9% Convenience Fee for all credit card or a $1.75 Flat Fee for all ACH (electronic check) transactions will be charged.

Additional Information on Pay to Participate can be found on the athletics homepage www.avonlakesports.com

Please note that the striped areas in the parking lots are designated bus loading/unloading zones. For safety reasons we request you do not park in the striped areas.

Times and Days listed below

The Maroon & Gold in Black & White since 1923

The Spectrum

JVS Website

JVS Announcements

Commons Doors Open At 7:00AM

Interior Doors Open At 7:30AM

Main Office Hours

7:15AM - 3:30PM

Website: https://www.avonlakecityschools.org/highschool

Location: 175 Avon Belden Road, Avon Lake, OH, USA
Phone: 440-933-6290