Community support gives school a facelift, students supplies
Avalon School opened its school year this week, with lots of changes and some upgrades thanks in part to a large group of volunteers.
A dedicated group of volunteers recently chipped in to assist school custodial staff in cleaning, fixing and freshening the paint on school lockers for students to begin the new year.
Long Beach Unified School District did a lot of maintenance and improvements on the school in July. The community group is planning more projects in the coming months.
“The trajectory from this point is looking positive,” said Cinde MacGugan-Cassidy.
New faces
There are some changes to the staff as well. Two new PE teachers are joining the faculty. Nicholas Morones and Allison Robinett have joined the teaching staff. Madison Velasco will be new to faculty, teaching first grade and Jeffrey Gephart will be teaching fourth grade. Jillian Erlandson returns to teach sixth grade after spending a year in Two Harbors at the Wrigley/USC Marine Institute.
Briana Morones will be the Cafeteria Supervisor and Karla Parsons Perisho will be returning as the school’s part-time nurse. Following several retirements after last year, the school has recruited a new bus driver, health assistant and two new Instructional Aides. Those new employees are being processed and are expected to start soon, according to school officials.
Uniforms
This year the school is implementing school uniforms, in accordance with Long Beach Unified School Uniform Policy. The uniforms were provided by the Assistance League of Long Beach’s Operation School Bell program. Avalon Freight Services donated shipping service to deliver more than 500 uniforms and backpacks to the island.
New uniforms and backpacks were distributed to students on Aug. 20 and 21. Operation School Bell’s support allowed students in kindergarten through 12th grade receive two free uniforms and a backpack. Parents who wish to purchase additional uniforms can do so online or at retail outlets on the mainland. Items with school logos can be found at lancersunified.com.
“We believe the manner of dress at Avalon School reflects an attitude of self-respect and a commitment to learning,” the school said in a statement.
For more information on the school’s Uniform Policy visit the school website at lbavalon.schoolloop.com.
Key upcoming dates in September
2 Labor Day Holiday – No School
11 Senior Pictures
12 Secondary Photo Day (5th – 12th grade)
13 Elementary Photo Day (TK – 4th Grade)
24 Elementary Back to School Night (TK-4 Minimum Day), 6:00 PM
October
2 Secondary Back to School Night (5th – 12th Minimum Day), 6:00 PM
16 PSAT/SAT Day (5th-12th Grade Minimum Day)
