Our September, 2024 theme is Self-Awareness. Student objectives are as follows:

-I can distinguish how the same emotion can mean different things in different situations.

-I can identify my strengths/weaknesses and understand how they affect the choices I make.

*Select a consistent place to study.

Some people need total quiet while others can study well with music in the background (try classical music). The key is to find a comfortable place and study there regularly, such as the kitchen table, a desk, a favorite chair, bed, etc. Make sure it has adequate lighting and keep all your study supplies in reach.

*Don’t wait until the last minute.

Study a little every night instead of cramming late the night before the test. A good night’s sleep helps. Bleary eyes and a tired body do not.

*Use your daily planner.

All AMS students have been given a daily planner, but many students don’t write anything in it. Most teachers have the homework assignments and projects/due dates posted in the classroom. Take the time to write them down in your planner!

*Dedicate a space for every class in your book bag.

For every class, dedicate a binder, folder or notebook. There should be a place for class notes, handouts and homework assignments. Some of the larger binders can accommodate all classes. It is really a matter of personal choice; just keep papers separated by class.

*Stay organized throughout the year.

Most students have many binders and folders, but they do not use them. Many stuff every single paper from school into one binder. Half of their papers become misplaced or lost. Do not use the “shove” method when papers are returned, i.e. shove everything in one binder. Place them in the correct binder/section. If you are using a three-ring binder to keep papers organized, take the time to open the metal prongs and place them securely in it. If someone helps you organize your papers, take the time to continue putting everything in its place.

*Make study cards.

On the front of a note card write the word or idea. On the back, write the definition or important information. Have a friend or family member ask you about the word and/or provide a definition.

*Make your own study guide.

One great way to study is to make a list of the important information from a chapter and write it in your own words. Copy down any words that are written in bold or in italics. Look at chapter headings, section headings and review sections at the end of a chapter for other important information to add to your study guide. Merge this information with class notes.

*Talk about assignments with friends.

Discussing assignments with friends is another great way to study. This is very helpful when studying for novel tests. Friendly discussions about books help deepen understanding.

*If you are struggling, ask for help.

Start by talking to the teacher and seek help for specific concerns... They want to help! The school counselor and/or principal can offer guidance as well. Tutoring can also help support learning, and there is free tutoring available online!

*Make academics a focus in your life.

Studying takes time and effort. Get organized, ask for help, and put forth effort aimed at improving your study habits now.

The lessons taught in middle school are the building blocks for high school and college success. Starting good study habits now will surely help our Hawks later in life. It does take more effort to study and to become organized; however, academic success will make our students feel positive about themselves and have their families feeling proud. :)

9/06 = VB Open Gym, 3:00-5:00pm

9/06 = "Back to School" Dance w/80s Theme, 7:00-9:00 in the Outdoor Amphitheater

9/10 = AMS Parents' Club Meeting, 3:15-4:15pm

9/13 = Minimum Day Dismissal @ 1:00pm

9/13 = VB Open Gym, 1:00-3:00pm

9/18 = Chess Club, 3:00-4:15pm, AMS Library

9/18 = VUSD Board Meeting, 5:30pm, District Office Conference Room

9/20 = VB Open Gym, 3:00-5:00pm

9/27 = Fall Picture Make-up Day

9/27 = T1 Progress Reports Printed/Mailed Home!

10/1-10/3 = 6th Grade Coast Camp!

10/1 = AMS Parents' Club Meeting, 3:15-4:15pm

10/7-10/11 = Parent/Teacher Conference Week, All Minimum Day Dismissals @ 1:00pm

10/16 = Chess Club, 3:00-4:15pm, AMS Library

10/16 = VUSD Board Meeting, 5:30pm, District Office Conference Room

10/25 = Parents' Club Halloween Dance, 7:30-9:30pm, AMS Gym

10/31 = Halloween... NO COSTUMES AT SCHOOL!

11/01 = No School (Staff Development Day)

11/05 = Election Day

11/05 = AMS Parents' Club Meeting, 3:15-4:15pm

11/06 = Dinner with a Scientist, 4:00-7:30pm, Frogtown Fairgrounds

11/08 = End of Trimester One! Last Day for Missing Assignments

11/08 = Minimum Day Dismissal @ 1:00pm

11/11 = No School (Veterans' Day)

Fall sports have begun! See the sports calendars below. This information/section will be updated continually as new, up-to-date information is received.

*Practices are at AMS unless otherwise noted on Mondays (in bold)

9/03 = Practice, 3:00-4:00

9/04 = Practice, 3:00-4:00

9/05 = Practice, 3:00-4:00

9/09 = Practice, 3:15-4:30 @ Lakemont Pines

9/10 = Practice, 3:00-4:00

9/11 = Practice, 3:00-4:00

9/16 = Practice, 3:15-4:30 @ Lakemont Pines

9/17 = Practice, 3:00-4:00

9/18 = Rapp's Run XC Meet, 4:00-6:00 @ Sonora Elementary

9/21 = Bret Harte Frogtown Invite XC Meet (optional), 7:30 arrival w/8:30 start @ Frogtown

9/23 = Practice, 3:15-4:30 @ Arnold Rim Trail

9/24 = Practice, 3:00-4:00

9/25 = Arnold Rim Trail XC Meet, 4:00-6:00 @ White Pines Park

9/30 = Practice, 3:15-4:30 @ Murphys Park

10/01 = Practice, 3:00-4:00

10/02 = Practice, 3:00-4:00

10/03 = Practice, 3:00-4:00

10/7-10/11 = No Practices due to P/T Conferences/Minimum Days!

10/09 = Cougar Run XC Meet, 4:00-6:00 @ Black Oak Westside Pavilion

10/14 = Practice, 3:15-4:30 @ Arnold Rim Trail

10/15 = Practice, 3:00-4:00

10/16 = Avery Middle School XC Meet, 4:00-6:00 @ AMS (Go Hawks!)

10/17 = Practice, 3:00-4:00

10/21 = Practice, 3:15-4:30 @ Big Trees State Park

10/22 = Practice, 3:00-4:00

10/23 = Practice, 3:00-4:00

10/24 = Practice, 3:00-4:00

10/28 = Practice, 3:30-4:30 @ Frogtown

10/29 = Practice, 3:00-4:00

10/30 = Black Creek Run XC Meet, 4:00-6:00 @ Black Creek Park in Copperopolis

11/04 = Practice, 3:30-4:30 @ Frogtown, End of Season Party at Mike's Pizza afterward

11/05 = Practice, 3:00-4:00

11/08 = XC League Finals, 1:30 Arrival w/2:30 Start @ Frogtown

Practices generally run from 3:00-7:30 M-Th, with 6th from 3:00-4:30, 7th from 4:30-6:00, and 8th from 6:00-7:30. Game schedules are not yet released as of 9/3/24 and will be posted here once finalized. Please speak with your student's coach for more information. Possible first games could be as early as Thursday, 9/19. Game days are normally T/Th.

1. Drop-off your bus rider at Feeney Park in the morning to ride the bus from Michelson El... No earlier than 7:40am!

2. Drop-off your student(s) in the main parking lot on campus and always avoid the bus chute.

3. Never drop-off students before 8:00am as there is no supervision until that time... it's a safety issue.

4. Send your student to school with a note signed by a parent/guardian, for verification by the school office, when a change of bus stop or route is needed.

5. Send your student to school with a re-fillable water bottle... We have (2) filling stations.

6. Check the Aeries Parent Portal daily for updates on grades and/or missing work (ask the office for assistance if needed).

7. Call the school office if your student will be absent to avoid unexcused absences.

8. Please be sure your student knows how he/she is getting home.

9. At dismissal time, CAREFULLY drive into the main parking lot and never into the bus chute.

10. If you have questions about any routines and procedures, just ask!

Click "Vallecito Union School District" below > Find "Schools" > Click "Avery Middle School"