Avon Middle School North Newsletter
November 2025
Connect with us!
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
Avon North Families,
Welcome Back
We enjoyed welcoming our students back from Fall Break!
Veteran’s Day Program – November 11, 2025
AMSN will host a school-wide program to honor the men and women who have served our country. The event will feature:
- Student Council representatives
- Band, Choir, and Orchestra performances
Special thanks to Mrs. Davis for organizing this meaningful event. As always, our mission is for all students and staff to belong, learn, and grow.
ILEARN Checkpoint One - Opportunity Two
Opportunity Two is scheduled for the week of December 8th. This is a retake of Checkpoint one and for all students who fell in the below or approaching proficiency category.
AMSN End of Quarter 2 Celebration - Save the Date!
Dodge Ball and Holiday Movie - Tuesday, December 16 - 4:15pm - 6:15pm
Looking Ahead
The time between Fall Break and Winter Break tends to move quickly, and this year is no exception. With many events and activities on the calendar, we encourage everyone to stay present and enjoy each moment. We continue to see our students grow right before our eyes!
As always, please reach out if we can help you or your student in any way!
Go Orioles,
Mike McKinney
Principal, AMSN
Digital Detox: How Unplugging Boosts Teen Mental Health
In our always-on, screen-filled world, teens are navigating more than ever before: social media, endless notifications, pressure to respond instantly, and the temptation of constant comparison. For many adolescents, this digital overload isn’t just a habit—it’s a stressor. That’s where the concept of a digital detox comes in: a deliberate, focused break from screens and online engagement.
Why it’s important for teens
1. Screen time & mental health link Research shows that higher amounts of screen time—and in particular, time on social media and smartphones—are associated with greater risk of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and lower well-being among adolescents.
2. Sleep disruption & mood Late-night screen use (especially blue light exposure) can interfere with melatonin release and disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to poorer sleep quality—a major factor in mood regulation and cognitive functioning.
3. Social comparison & cyber-stress Teens frequently compare themselves to idealized images or curated lifestyles online. This can fuel feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, or low self-esteem.
4. Attention, presence & real-life connection Continuous digital interaction can fragment attention and reduce opportunities for face-to-face socializing, mindfulness and unhurried time. Implementing screen-free zones or unplugged time helps teens reconnect with their immediate environment and relationships.
How to guide teens (and whole families) through a digital detox
Here are practical steps you can share with teens and families:
· Start small: Don’t expect a total screen blackout overnight. Begin with manageable goals: e.g., no screens 30 minutes before bed, or dinner time phone-free.
· Create screen-free zones/time blocks: E.g., bedrooms, dinner table, certain hours (e.g., one hour after school before any device).
· Set goals and boundaries together: Have teens help decide what will work for them—this builds buy-in rather than it being imposed.
· Offer alternative activities: Make sure there is something appealing for the “unplugged” time — a hobby, sports, reading, nature walk, friend meetup.
· Model behavior: Parents and caregivers should also practice healthy screen habits—teens notice what adults do.
· Use technology intentionally: Encourage using devices for purpose (learning, connection) rather than idle scrolling. Encourage “airplane mode” or app limits when appropriate.
· Reflect and review: After a detox period (a day, weekend, or a week), discuss how the teen felt. What changed? What felt good? What were the challenges?
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.
Building Access
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.
Food Pantry Flyer
Reminder!
