April 2026

APRIL

2-12 - Spring Break

13 - Classes Resume

13 - PTSA Meeting (6:30 Commons)

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)

29 - Band Kick-Off Event (7pm PAC)

30 - Math OST (Late Start Bell Schedule)

MAY

1 - Military Signing Day

4 - AP Testing (Biology and Microeconomics)

5 - AP Testing (Chemistry and Government)

5 - Early Release for Students

6 - AP Testing (Literature and Physics 1)

7 - AP Testing (Physics 2 and Statistics)

7 - Spring Band Concert (7pm PAC)

8 - AP Testing (US History and Macroeconomics)

8 - Cap and Gown Delivery during lunch periods)

11 - AP Testing (Calc AB, Music Theory, and Seminar)

12 - AP Testing (French and Psychology)

13 - AP Testing (Language and Physics C)

13 - In Recognition of Excellence Ceremony (6pm PAC)

14 - AP Testing (Spanish and Physics C)

15 - AP Testing (Enviro Science and Computer Science)

16 - Prom

19 - PTSA Meeting (6:30pm Commons)

21 - Scholarship Night (7pm PAC)

22 - Senior Field Day

25 - No School - Memorial Day

26 - Graduation March

26 - IMMIX and Merples Spring Concert (7pm)

27 - Senior Finals

27 - Baccalaureate (6pm St. Joseph Church)

28 - Senior Finals

28 - Seniors Last Day of School

28 - Spring Choral Concert (6:30 PAC)

29 - Senior Breakfast and Graduation Practice (8am Commons)

29 - Commencement (6pm Memorial Stadium)

To subscribe or view the high school calendar click here

COMMENCEMENT TICKETS

If you are in need of a handicap or wheelchair ticket, seniors should email Mrs. Gannon at amy.gannon@alcsoh.org to request a ticket. Please include the type of ticket needed (handicap or wheelchair) and the name of the person needing the ticket. Seating for wheelchair and handicapped is assigned and does fill up so we cannot guarantee there will be seating available day of. The last day to request Handicap or Wheelchair tickets is May 15th. There will not be tickets for General Admission seating.

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

CLASS OF 2026 IMPORTANT DATES

Ticket sales will be online only. All school fees and outstanding lunch balances must be paid in full prior to purchasing a prom ticket or to participate in the graduation ceremony. Please see Mrs. Hout or email her at laura.hout@alcsoh.org if you have any questions or concerns.

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

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.

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

April 1st- Intent to Participate Form due for CCP Program

AP Testing:

May 4 - 8 AP Testing Week 1

May 11 - 15 AP Testing Week 2

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

Tickets are on sale now! See the link below to purchase online or you can also purchase tickets at the door.

https://www.avonlakedramaclub.com/show-tickets

*** $5 STUDENT SHOW SPECIAL - On opening night ONLY, Thursday April 16th, ALHS students can purchase a $5.00 ticket at the door. There will be no pre-sale for the $5.00 student tickets.

Show Times

Thurs, April 16th - 7pm

Fri, April 17th - 7pm

Sat, April 18th - 7pm

Sun, April 19th - 2pm

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.

The Avon Lake HS Band Program performed at the Ohio Music Education Association's District 4 Large Group Adjudicated event and had much success! The Concert Band earned an "Excellent" rating and the Symphonic Band earned a "Superior" rating and earned a "Superior" in Sight Reading.

The ALHS Jazz Band will travel to Brookside HS on May 1 to participate in their Jazz fest (more to come!)

The ALHS Band is currently preparing for their "Pops" Concert on May 7 at 7pm in the PAC. Admission to the concert will be $5 at the door.

Our yearly "Band Kick-off" to prepare for the 26-27 Band year will be April 29 at in 7pm in the PAC! All Band Parents and students are welcome! We will have information about all things band!

If there are ever any questions, please check out the website at https://avonlakeband.weebly.com/ or email Mr. Brunger at Joshua.Brunger@alcsoh.org

Olivia and Sophia Panciu, 10th-grade twin students at Avon Lake High School, recently competed in the 2026 Ohio All-Girls State Chess Championship held at Glen Oak Elementary School in Lewis Center near Columbus, Ohio, on March 15, 2026. They competed in the Championship section against top female scholastic chess players from across the state.

Sophia tied for first place in the Championship section, earning the title of 2026 Ohio State Co-Champion. Olivia also had a strong performance, finishing in 4th place individually in the same section. Competing together as a team representing Avon Lake High School, the twins also finished 1st place in the team competition.

The 2026 Ohio All-Girls State Championship is a statewide scholastic tournament open to girls in grades K-12 across Ohio, played in a five-round Swiss format and awarding both individual and team trophies.

Nine students from Anchor News Now, our student-run broadcast team, participated in the Student Television Network Convention in Tampa Bay, Florida: McKenna Coleman, Max Cruz, David Kenny, Shannon Lavelle, Gabe Leite, Ava Lontchar, Legend Spencer, Chloe Slivinski, and Finn Wiley.

Over 200 schools and 3700 students from all over the country participated in the event that featured colleges, tech expos, opportunities for networking, and contests. Our students learned a lot about working under pressure, communication, and cooperating as a team. In addition, the opportunity to see the best student broadcasts and films from all over the country inspired them to push towards greater heights of creativity.

It was an experience that these students will never forget and they were able to cap it off honors in two film categories. For the movie trailer category, our trailer, So It Begins (this video contains violence that may not be suitable for all ages), won 2nd place overall. For Short Film category, our film, Pause, won first place. What an amazing accomplishment for all of our Anchor News Now students.

70 students from the National English Honor Society spent time reading their favorite books to students at Redwood. The visit gave NEHS students a chance to connect with the younger students and share their love of books in a meaningful way.

Chemistry students recently had another unique, hands-on opportunity to step into the world of materials science by collaborating with scientists and chemists from Vestolit, an Orbia company. During the visit, students explored how different resins are tested for tensile strength and elongation—key properties that impact the durability of everyday products. Bringing science to life, students even acted as a “human Instron machine,” modeling how materials respond to force until failure. Vestolit has generously provided both the materials and the expertise of Peter Gall and Frank Bowers, while additional equipment was provided through grants from the ALCS Foundation. This partnership has created invaluable real-world learning experiences, truly bringing the workforce into the classroom.

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

We are thrilled to announce the return of an unforgettable community event—the Harlem Wizards Fundraising and Community Game—coming to Avon Lake High School on Monday, April 14th at 6:00 PM (doors open earlier for pre-game activities).

Last year’s event was completely sold out with over 1,200 people in attendance, creating an incredible evening filled with basketball magic, laughter, and community pride. With the overwhelming enthusiasm from our community, we anticipate that this may be the final year we host the Harlem Wizards in Avon Lake, so we encourage families to purchase tickets early before they sell out again.

This event, organized by the Avon Lake Travel Basketball Association in partnership with Avon Lake Schools, St. Joseph School, and St. Raphael School, will once again bring our community together for a night of entertainment while supporting student programs across our schools. The Harlem Wizards will showcase their incredible skills—including dazzling tricks and high-flying dunks—as they face off against our very own Avon Lake teachers, administrators, coaches, and community members.

This year’s event will be even bigger and more interactive than last year, including:

• More teachers and staff participating in the game
• More opportunities for crowd interaction throughout the evening
• A Community Dunk Contest
• A Community Three-Point Contest

If you or someone you know would be interested in participating in the dunk contest or three-point contest, please let us know—we would love to feature members of our community in these exciting competitions.

This is more than just a basketball game—it is a chance to create lasting memories with your family while supporting the programs that benefit our students across Avon Lake.

How Your Participation Makes a Difference

• Proceeds will support Avon Lake Athletics and Activities Programs, along with a portion supporting the Avon Lake Travel Basketball Association.

• Through sponsorships and community engagement, we aim to raise significant support that will go directly toward improving resources and opportunities for student athletics and activities.

• Fun activities for families before and during the game will enhance the experience for all attendees.

How You Can Get Involved

Attend the Event
Tickets will be available soon and we strongly encourage purchasing early before they sell out.

Vote for Players
Help select the teachers and community members who will join the Avon Lake team for this special game. A poll will be shared soon so you can nominate the educators and staff you would love to see on the court.

You can also vote for your favorite participants from St. Joe’s, St. Raphael’s, Avon Lake teachers and staff, bus drivers, and high school students to play in the game.

👉 Vote here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WKKLH6W

👉 Get tickets here:
https://harlemwizards.com/schedule-tickets/

Volunteer
We are seeking enthusiastic individuals to assist with event logistics and fundraising efforts, including concessions, ticket entrance management, and helping secure community sponsorships.

Become a Sponsor
Businesses may sponsor the event and choose to support Avon Lake City Schools, St. Joseph School, or St. Raphael School.

For sponsorship opportunities or to volunteer, please contact:

Dr. Kenneth Remy
Phone: 215-601-4947
Email: kennethremymd@gmail.com

Your support is vital in making this event another incredible success. Whether you attend, volunteer, participate, or help secure sponsorships, you will be helping to create a meaningful impact for students and families throughout the Avon Lake community.

We hope you will join us for what promises to be an even bigger night of fun, smiles, and community pride.

Warm regards,

Ken Remy
ALTBA Board Member and Event Organizer

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.

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