Bullying Prevention Month
As we enter October, we want to remind everyone that this month is dedicated to Bullying Prevention. At AMS, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all our students.
During this month, we will engage our students in activities and discussions that raise awareness about bullying and its impact. Counselors will deliver classroom lessons in all grade levels. We encourage you to talk with your children about kindness, empathy, and the importance of standing up against bullying.
Join us on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 in wearing orange to support Unity Day 2024!
As parents, we understand that supporting your child at home can sometimes be challenging. To assist you, we’ve gathered some valuable resources that can help you recognize what bullying truly is—and what it isn’t—as well as ways to effectively support your child.
- Learn what bullying is and what it is not.(Source: StopBullying.gov)
Meet our AMS AIG Teacher, Mrs. Pilkington
Hello AMS families!
My name is Dana Pilkington, and I am the AIG teacher here at Apex Middle School. I graduated from The University of Alabama in 1988 where I earned my teaching degree, so I am a big Bama fan. Roll Tide! 🐘 I earned my gifted education certification my first year of teaching. I have taught language arts and math and have spent the last twelve years serving gifted students here at AMS. I love working with students to help them embrace their exceptional abilities and stretch to their fullest potential.
For those of you who are new to middle school or our county, AIG service delivery at the middle school level is different than in elementary school. It’s a team approach in providing ongoing opportunities for your child to engage in enrichment and extended learning in core classes that are comprised of clusters of AIG students. There will be times when I come into core classes and/or pull small groups to work with in my classroom. I meet with core teachers,the content specialists, to plan for rigor and differentiation in their classes. Our talented and dedicated staff are well-equipped to nurture your child’s unique gifts and they will be the primary source of your child’s differentiated instruction. For W.I.N. Time (What I Need), I host rotation groups in my classroom. I start with the 6th grade and then move on to 7th and 8th. During W.I.N. Time,we address content related not only to reading and math but social studies and science as well. We focus on critical thinking skills, academic discourse and collaboration.
Very soon I will be inviting students to a grade specific Canvas classroom to provide a place for communication between me and students and between the students and their peers as well as provide opportunities for intellectual and creative growth. These asynchronous enrichment activities may extend core class learning, enhance critical thinking skills or just spark curiosity.
To ensure a successful learning experience, I encourage our parents (and students) to maintain open lines of communication both with core teachers and with me. Our partnership in supporting and advocating for our gifted students is a valuable element of our school community.
Albert Einstein once said that he really didn't have any special talent; he just saw himself as being passionately curious. That is my hope for all of our students- to be life-long learners who are passionately curious about the world. I won't see the same students every day like core teachers, but I want our students to know that I am here to celebrate and foster their unique gifts and talents.
We are off to a great start at AMS!
😊 Mrs. Pilkington
Apex Middle School
Email: apexms@wcpss.net
Website: www.wcpss.net/apexms
Location: 400 East Moore Street, Apex, NC, USA
Phone: 9193872181