
A quick reminder: Be sure to vote for the Teacher of the Year and classified staff person of the year. The survey is closing this weekend. We appreciate your input!

I wanted to wish everyone a blessed Easter holiday. Let us use this time of renewal to fill our hearts, minds, and souls with love, peace, and joy. Thank you for letting us be a part of your child's life.

Thank you to all the volunteers that helped at the track meet yesterday! We are so grateful for all the help!
Congratulations to our Honorary Referee, Darla Van Gerpen.
Darla Odens Van Gerpen graduated from Avon High School in 1981 and Mount Marty College in 1985 with a degree in Chemistry and Secondary Education. She began her teaching career in 1985 at Parkston High School and was also assistant girls basketball coach. For many years, while her daughters were in elementary school, Darla was a volunteer coach for the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade elementary girls basketball program in Avon. From 2002-2012, Darla taught and coached in the Avon School District. Darla is married to Doug Van Gerpen, also a 1981 graduate of Avon High School, and they have three daughters (all graduates of Avon High School) and 7 grandchildren (currently attending Avon Elementary School). Lindsey is married to Danny Fathke, they have two children, Daxton and Addisyn. Leslie is married to Branden Baade, they have three children, Rex, Brynn, and Burk. Lanae is married to Jay Kriz, they have two children, Royce and Rollins. Darla enjoys attending her grandchildren’s events, teaching Sunday School, taking part in many outdoor activities, and watching basketball. Darla is humbled by this award and is thankful to live in a community where people matter and the growth of each student/youth is nurtured by the community and through school activities and academics.
Darla is also still the school record holder for the 300m Hurdles!


Great day for a track meet! Avon Invitational Track meet starts at 10:00. Hooks Up!

National honor society students took a trip to Thunder Road today and had a blast!






If you listen to the radio today, tune in to 106.3 FM. Avon is the featured school of the day, and the DJs will integrate announcements of Avon's accomplishments throughout the day!

Don't forget to vote for our Classified person of the year and Teacher of the year. Voting will close Friday at midnight! Links are shown below.
Classified staff
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5R3SX9K
Certified Staff
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FLFNQMT

Avon Youth Ball Apparel is now available to order. See attachment for details.


Our students had the privilege of listening to the Northeast Community College Jazz Machine this morning. Great music to start their day!


The following students competed in the annual Merten Haase math competition at USD
Superior (1st place and $500 scholarship) Abby Gretschmann Algebra II
Superior (2nd Place): Kaeli Wallinga, Outstanding award: Lila Vanderlei, Outstanding Award: Carmindy Ferwerda, and Honorable Mention award: Aaden Kuchta in Pre-Calculus
The team placed 3rd placed 3rd in the small school division. Way to go Pirates!


Congratulations to Maesa Kuhlman and Kaeli Wallinga, whose science project has been selected to participate in the Genius Olympiad in Rochester New York! Enjoy your trip. You earned it!


It's a great day to come out and watch some of our pirates in action! Middle School track starts at 3:00, Varsity softball at 4:30 with JV to follow.

State testing is underway for the 3rd graders. Thank you to all families for taking time out to make encouraging messages for their first encounter with these tests.



A great job by Mrs. Knodel and the Drama club students tonight. Thanks for sharing your talents!


After a great day of softball, be sure to catch tonights play "No signs of intelligent life" put on by the Avon Drama club. Curtains lift at 7:30!

The HOSA chapter had the opportunity to attend and compete at the State Leadership Conference this week in Sioux Falls. This was the largest conference to date with over 1300 students in attendance! Over the two days, students were able to attend breakouts led by healthcare professionals, compete in healthcare based events, and explore career and college options for the future.
Congratulations to the HOSA bowl team, made up of Ashley Tolsma, Ella Small, Maesa Kuhlman, and Gunnar Voigt, who placed 1st in their event! They have qualified to move on and compete at the HOSA International Leadership Conference, which will be held in Nashville this June. Congratulations!




It's a beautiful day tomorrow for some softball! Avon Invitational starts at 9:00


Are you good at making change and have a friendly attitude? Then you are just the person we are looking for! Due to the early start time for the Avon Track meet, we are looking for a couple of volunteer ticket takers to work from 9:30-12:00 on Thursday morning. If you are willing to help out, please let Mr. Kuhlman know. Much appreciated! paul.kuhlman@k12.sd.us

Gold Standard Pirate of the Week
PK-4: Jordan Peterson
5-8: Johanna Namminga
9-12: Memphis Red Buffalo
Congratulations!


We received some nice pictures from Brian Fields commenting on how well the HS band and chorus sounded at the large group contest in Vermillion! Great job, kids, and thanks to Mrs. Schultz and Mr. Sexe for working with these students to develop their true potential. Thanks to Brian for remembering his time in Avon. Hooks up!

