Amherst Middle School

Dear AMS Families,

We are thrilled to welcome back our 8th graders from Team Hurricane as they return from their trip to The Ecology School in Saco, Maine! Over the past two weeks, our students from Team Volcano and Team Hurricane had the opportunity to immerse themselves in hands-on learning about sustainability, ecosystems, and environmental stewardship. From exploring the natural world to developing teamwork and leadership skills, this experience has been both educational and enriching for everyone involved.

As students return today, we encourage you to ask them about their favorite moments, what they learned, and how they’ve gained a new perspective on the environment. We hope this trip has fostered an even greater appreciation for the world around them and deepened their curiosity about our planet’s resources.

We’re proud of our students for embracing this adventure with such enthusiasm, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Ecology School, as well as AMS teachers and chaperones who made this experience possible.

With gratitude,

Kristen Gauthier

Principal

Mike Cuddyer

Assistant Principal, 7/8

Matt Lane

Assistant Principal, 5/6

October 9 (Wed): Early Release 12:50PM

October 14 (Mon): NO SCHOOL - Columbus Day

October 29 (Tues): Picture Retake Day

November 5 (Mon): NO SCHOOL - Parent Conference Day

November 7 (Thurs): Parent Conference Night

November 11 (Mon): NO SCHOOL - Veterans Day

November 27 - November 29 (Wed - Fri): NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break

Total Raised:

As of the writing of this newsletter, our grand total is up over $10,000! Three students will get to choose Halloween costumes for the AMS Admin team - how awesome is that!?

We are well on our way to our goal of $20,000. Can we get all the way to $30,000!? We still have so many fun school-wide and individual prizes to share!

If you have not yet registered your student, please log on at mybooster.com today! Just registering and sharing the link helps to earn prizes for your student and (our school)!

Sponsors Needed:

We need your support! Are you a business owner? Do you want to show your support? Become a sponsor! You’ll help provide critical funding for enriching programs and opportunities. Your contribution will help improve our school facilities and programming. Interested? Open this letter and feel free to contact us with any questions

One of the best ways to be successful in middle school is to get involved. We have so many seasonal and year-long clubs available for students of all grades. Students can stay on top of schedules through our daily announcements in Launchpad/Morning Meeting. Refer to these images below for more specific information.

Safe Sitter is a medically accurate, up-to-date babysitting course that teaches young teens life and safety skills. This course includes a copy of The Official Safe Sitter® Babysitter's Handbook for each registered participant which they will bring along on all accepted babysitting jobs.

Who: Boys and Girls ages 11-15 (must be 11 by the start date of the program)

What: Safe Sitter® Babysitter training course

Where: PMEC- 66 Brook Rd Amherst, NH 03031

When: Tuesday, November 5th, 9:30am - 3:00pm

CLICK HERE for more information and to register.

Basketball season is right around the corner and open for registration! We have options for all skill levels and abilities. Come join in all the fun!

CLICK HERE for more information and to register!

Literary Pumpkin Contest

We can’t wait for Halloween and we’re starting the season by hosting a literary no-carve pumpkin decorating contest. Kids, middle grade children, teens, and adults are invited to decorate a pumpkin like their favorite book character. It’s easy and fun for the whole family! Participants may bring in a decorated, artificial pumpkin, to the Children’s Room and enter it into our contest October 6 – October 25.

Reading Dragons Kick Off Party

Reading Dragons is a reading program with playing / trading cards the kids can collect, play with, and trade from October to May. Each month that you complete your reading, you’ll earn a new pack. At the kick off, you'll learn fun games to play with our cards and browse some fun books. Registration is not required. Geared to kids 5-16.

Check out www.jostensyearbooks.com for our limited time Back to School pricing!

You may have noticed your student has recently been issued a device (either to use at school, bring home, or both -- depending on grade level). As part of our efforts to ensure that students understand what productive and safe use of technology looks like, and to protect the investment in our devices, we are asking students to commit to a Student Technology Agreement. You will notice that this document is in student-friendly language and aligns with the district policies and procedures that were agreed to during the annual student registration process. We met with students this week to go over these expectations and the consequences that result from misuse.

To see a copy of the agreement, please click HERE. You can help us at home by going over this document with your student, monitoring technology use, and giving reminders as needed about expectations outlined in this document.

Thank you in advance for your support in helping us to protect students and devices at Amherst Middle School.

Happy October! As the seasons change, take this opportunity to check in with yourself and apply some cozy strategies for self-care for you and your student! Amherst and Mont Vernon have some really great hiking trails - get out there and get some fresh air with your student. You’ll find the conversation tends to flow when you’re both facing forward and walking in nature!

Becoming a member of the PTA doesn't mean signing your life away volunteering, although we can always use more volunteers. If you are interested in chairing an event/committee, are looking to get more involved or you want to meet some new people, log on to https://amherstnhpta.membershiptoolkit.com/ to complete your registration today!

You can also reach out to the PTA via email if you have any questions or concerns that need to be addressed before our first meeting, amherstptanh@gmail.com.

As you complete the PowerSchool Registration forms for school this year, please make sure to opt into the PTA Directory (it is the last form)! This will allow Clark Wilkins and AMS to share contact info directly with the PTA, making it easier for you to stay up-to-date with all PTA communications, including room parent emails.

PTA's September Newsletter

Please check out this great opportunity with Amherst Recreational Department!

2024-2025: Check out this link for the 2024-2025 approved Amherst School District calendar.