Welcome from AES Leadership
Dr. Candace Sagers, Principal
I am so excited to begin the 2024-2025 school year as your new principal! I hope you had an amazing summer by travelling, relaxing, and spending time with family and friends. I am looking forward to Avondale reaching New Levels and New Heights with the support of our families, community, and staff.
We will work hard to ensure our students continue to grow academically and personally. We will strive to make sure our mission and vision are at the forefront of all that we do throughout the year. Roadrunners, our focus will continue to be academic growth but also focusing on social and emotional growth. During the 2024-2025 school year, you will hear me mention the “Power of Not Yet.” It is critical that you know that you will be successful in most things and there will be some areas you will have challenges. However, you must know that “never” should not be a part of your vocabulary, we must possess the mindset of “Not Yet.” You will learn more about this in your homeroom classes and during our school wide assembly in August.
As an IB School, we will continue to focus on our learner profile, and units of inquiry so that our scholars will gain valuable knowledge and grow through inquiry-based learning. Additionally, we will continue our focus on STEM in the classroom. Students will receive STEM during the special’s rotation also. Our goal is to follow our district’s curriculum units but also ensuring our students maintain a learning environment that is saturated with IB and STEM practices.
Another continued area of focus will be PBIS (positive behavior interventions and support). We want to make sure our students learn appropriate ways to behave and interact with students at school. Strategies for communication, behavioral expectations, and incentives will be provided through the PBIS framework.
In the days and months to come, you will learn about multiple opportunities in which you can participate in events, volunteer your time, and provide your feedback on school expectations. I want to continue the invaluable relationship we have formed with the community at large so together; we can all be proud of the work at Avondale Elementary. It is through our combined efforts that our light will continue to shine bright.
Let’s work together to continue to make Avondale Elementary a family-oriented place that can accomplish goals, but also cares about the people that attend and work at our wonderful school. By working together, we will have a successful 2024-2025!
Lucretia Ford, Assistant Principal
Welcome to Avondale Elementary School, where we are committed to creating a nurturing and dynamic learning environment for every student. With several years of experience in education, I am delighted to introduce myself as the Assistant Principal of Avondale Elementary School. My name is Lucretia Ford, and I am honored to continue working with the leadership team and a vibrant and dedicated school community in my new role as Assistant Principal.
I am committed to fostering an environment where every student feels valued and empowered to achieve their best. My background includes teaching at the elementary, middle & high school levels. In addition, I’ve been an Academic Data Coach, Summer School Site-based Leader, the Afterschool Tutorials Facilitator, and I’ve coached basketball, volleyball, and track at all levels.
I am passionate about promoting an inclusive education for all students. My goals include implementing strategies to raise student performance and close achievement gaps. I am dedicated to supporting our teachers and staff by providing them with the resources and professional development opportunities they need to succeed.
At Avondale Elementary School, we strive for excellence in all we do, and I am eager to work alongside Dr. Candace Sagers, our talented staff, supportive parents, and, most importantly, our incredible students to continue this tradition of excellence. My door is always open, and I welcome your ideas, feedback, and collaboration as we work together to make this school year a success.
Dejanae Banks, Chair of the Avondale Elementary School Foundation (AESF)
My name is Dejanae Banks, Chair of the Avondale Elementary School Foundation (AESF). It was great to meet so many of you during Open House. The AESF is thrilled to have you join us for an exciting year of learning, growth, and yes, fundraising. The foundation board is dedicated to supporting our school community through fundraising initiatives and events. Last year we raised over $50,000 and funded over 10 major projects. Most importantly, we work collectively with the community and administration to ensure that every student and staff member has the resources they need to succeed. Every penny we raise goes back into Avondale Elementary! If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Together, let’s make this school year the best one yet!
