AMS Weekly Update

This week at Adams, we’ve experienced something truly different, no phones or internet at school. While it’s been a challenge at times, it’s also been a refreshing reminder of the power of connection and creativity when we step away from technology.

Our teachers have risen to the occasion with incredible flexibility, finding creative ways to engage students without relying on screens. Classrooms have been buzzing with hands-on activities, thoughtful group discussions, and the use of good old-fashioned resources like textbooks, printed materials, and whiteboards. It’s been inspiring to see lessons come to life in ways that feel both nostalgic and meaningful.

For our students, this week has been a chance to build skills that go beyond academics. Without the usual distractions of technology, they’ve been collaborating more, practicing problem-solving, and strengthening their critical thinking skills.

This week has been a reminder that sometimes, stepping away from the digital world can bring us closer together. We’re so proud of how our school community has embraced this experience with patience, positivity, and a willingness to try something new.

Best,

Mrs. Bukosky and Mrs. Abbott

At Adams, our top priority is creating a safe and supportive environment where every student feels valued and respected. Verbal or physical altercations don’t align with our values, and we’re grateful that these incidents have been rare this year.

However, we often hear from parents who believe their child shouldn’t face consequences if they were “defending themselves.” When addressing any student altercation, our goal is to ensure safety, teach accountability, and help students develop constructive conflict-resolution skills. While it’s natural to ask, “Who started it?” our focus is on understanding the situation, resolving it fairly, and supporting students in making better choices moving forward.

Here’s what we’re asking:

If a student feels they’re in a conflict, they should come to an adult immediately. Our staff is trained in restorative practices, which allow us to help students work through their issues without letting things escalate. We know from experience that many conflicts are based on misunderstandings, and with the right support, students can resolve these situations in a positive way. These moments also help students develop crucial life skills like communication, empathy, and problem-solving.

We’re asking for your help in reinforcing this message at home. Please talk with your child about the importance of seeking help from an adult rather than responding with physical or verbal confrontation. Together, we can keep Adams a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

• Wear Reindeer Antlers, Elf Ears, Santa Hat
• Boys Basketball Home vs. Novi 4:30 PM
  
  

Tuesday, December 10:

• Wear Something Shiny or Bright
  
  

Wednesday, December 11:

• Clash of Carolers:
• 6th grade: Wear White
• 7th grade: Wear Blue
• 8th grade wear Green
• Staff-Choose a color!
• Boys Basketball Away vs. Franklin 3:30 PM
  
  

Thursday, December 12:

• Rudolph Red- Wear as much red as you can
• AMS Art Show at Wayne Memorial Auditorium 6:00 PM
• AMS Instrumental Holiday Concert at Wayne Memorial Auditorium 7:00 PM

Friday, December 13:

• Ugly Sweater Friday
• Have a Happy Weekend

If your child’s bus is canceled, please make sure to inform the school by calling the attendance line or speaking with a secretary. Let them know that the absence is due to a bus cancellation. The secretary will mark your child’s attendance with a “B” for bus cancellation, which will not count against them for truancy purposes.

If your child is sick and visits a doctor, please make sure to send in the doctor’s note or contact us with that information. This will allow us to mark the absence as documented, which is important for accurate attendance records.

Please note that simply calling to excuse your child without a doctor’s note will count as an excused absence, not a documented one. Documented absences are essential in certain cases to avoid any potential attendance issues.

Thank you for helping us keep our records accurate and supporting your child’s attendance!

Attendance Line: 734-419-2399

Here is our 2024-2025 Family Resource Center Holiday Assistance List.

This month, 7th grade students are focusing on understanding and applying percentages in various contexts. They are learning how to convert between fractions, decimals, and percentages, and how to calculate percentages of numbers. Students are also exploring real-world problems, such as finding discounts, tax rates, and tips. They will practice using percentages to solve problems, and develop strategies to determine percentage increases or decreases in different situations. This unit helps students strengthen their problem-solving skills and build a solid foundation for future math concepts.

This month, 8th grade students are focusing on solving one-step and two-step equations. They are learning how to isolate the variable by performing the same operation on both sides of the equation. Students will practice solving equations involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Through hands-on activities and practice problems, they will develop strategies to identify and apply the correct operation to solve for the unknown variable. This skill is essential as students build their understanding of algebraic concepts and prepare for more complex equations in the future.

One of our instructional focuses as a staff is using anchor charts. This month, students will use anchor charts to support their learning and be more successful in class. Anchor charts are visual tools that help summarize key concepts, steps, and strategies for solving problems. By referring to these charts, students can reinforce their understanding of important topics, like solving equations or working with percentages. The charts will provide clear examples and guidelines that students can use as references during lessons and independent practice. This approach helps students stay organized, make connections, and confidently apply what they’ve learned to solve problems.

Parents can support their 7th grader by creating real-life opportunities for practicing percentages. For example, they can involve their child in budgeting for household expenses, calculating discounts while shopping, or figuring out tips at restaurants. Parents can also encourage their child to use online resources, games, or worksheets to practice converting fractions, decimals, and percentages. Reviewing and discussing anchor charts together can also help reinforce key concepts and problem-solving strategies. Engaging in these practical activities helps students see the relevance of percentages in daily life, making learning more meaningful.

Parents can support their 8th grader by encouraging them to practice solving one-step equations at home. This can include giving them simple equations to solve, such as "x + 5 = 12" or "3x = 15," and helping them understand the process of isolating the variable. Parents can also use everyday scenarios to explain the concept, such as figuring out how many items are left in a box after a certain number are taken out. To further build their understanding, parents can review anchor charts with their child and make sure they are following the correct steps. Offering praise and consistent practice will help boost their confidence in solving equations independently.

Staff Spotlight: With over three decades of experience in middle school math, Mrs. Truax is deeply dedicated to helping students build a strong foundation in mathematics. She began her teaching journey in 1991 and has been part of the WW community since 1999, where she currently teaches 8th grade Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1. Throughout her career, Mrs. Truax has remained committed to creating a supportive, engaging classroom environment where students feel empowered to explore and understand math concepts. Her passion for teaching is fueled by seeing students grow in confidence and ability, preparing them for future academic success.

As we dive into the exciting busy month ahead, we have some thrilling activities planned for our students in ELA. We are still in the midst of our Drama Unit. Drama is not just about acting; it fosters creativity, boosts confidence, and enhances communication skills. It encourages teamwork and helps students express their thoughts and emotions in a safe environment. Students will be reading several short dramas in class and some eighth grade classes will be creating a radio play based on the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol.

National History Day Presentations:

Our 8th-grade Accelerated class will soon conduct a dry run of their National History Day Presentations. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to refine their projects and presentations before the final showcase. We encourage all students to take advantage of this time to polish their work and gain valuable feedback!

Classroom Spelling Bees:

Get ready for some friendly competition! Classroom spelling bees will be taking place in the upcoming weeks. This event not only promotes a fun atmosphere but also helps students enhance their spelling skills. We can’t wait to see which students will shine in the spotlight!

Save the Date: School-wide Spelling Bee:

Mark your calendars! The school-wide Spelling Bee is scheduled for January. More details will follow as the date approaches, so stay tuned for updates.

Here are some fun and engaging activities you can do at home to support your child's interest in drama:

1. Encourage Storytelling

- Invite your child to tell you a story. Ask them to use different voices for characters and add sound effects. This enhances their imagination and storytelling skills.

2. Watch Plays and Movies Together

- Spend family time watching classic plays or films. Discuss the characters, plots, and themes afterward. This helps them understand different styles of acting and storytelling.

3. Attend Local Performances

- Check out local theatre productions or school performances. Experiencing live theatre can be incredibly inspiring for young actors.

Did you know that students attending Wayne-Westland Community Schools can earn college credit, up to an associates degree, for free while still in high school?

WWCSD has partnered with Madonna University to combine the high-school and college experience - Wayne-Westland Early Middle College. Upon completing this program, students will graduate with their high school diploma and up to 60 college credit hours, potentially earning an associates degree.

Current 8th, 9th, and 10th grade WWCSD students are eligible to apply. The application will be open October 31, 2024 - February 14, 2025. Information sessions will be held to support families in exploring this opportunity and answer questions.

• Thursday, November 14th - 6:30pm - via Zoom

• Thursday, January 16 - 6:30pm in person at WWIA - 5400 Fourth Street, Wayne

• Wednesday, January 22 - 6:30pm - via Zoom

For more information, please visit www.wwcsd.net/earlycollege

Show your school spirit and support our amazing community with some brand-new Adams Eagles gear! Visit our online store through AKA Sports to browse a fantastic selection of apparel and accessories. Whether you’re looking for t-shirts, hoodies, and long-sleeve tees, there’s something for everyone!

Check out the store here: Adams Eagles Online Store

Get your gear today and show off your Eagle pride!