Amherst Middle School

Dear AMS Families,

Today, Amherst Middle School proudly continued its longstanding tradition of honoring our nation’s veterans with a special Veterans Day commemoration. The afternoon was filled with moments of reflection and gratitude, including a flag-raising ceremony, a beautiful performance of the National Anthem, student poetry readings, and a moment of silence. Taps was played to honor those who have served, and we recognized the veterans who joined us for the event.

As part of our efforts to give back, AMS students participated in a walk around the track, showing their support for our heroes. Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit Operation Delta Dog and the Manchester VA, helping veterans in need. We’re incredibly proud of our students for their enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference.

This event was a powerful reminder of the importance of community and service. We extend our deepest gratitude to all veterans in our AMS family and beyond for their dedication and sacrifices.

As we head into the long weekend, we wish all of our families a restful and meaningful break.

Warm regards,

Kristen Gauthier

Principal

Mike Cuddyer

Assistant Principal, 7/8

Matt Lane

Assistant Principal, 5/6

November 11 (Mon): NO SCHOOL - Veterans Day

November 14 (Thurs): Amherst School Board Meeting, SHS Learning Commons, 5:30PM

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

December 9 (Mon): Band & Chorus Winter Concert (5th & 6th gr.) 6:00PM

December 10 (Tues): Band & Chorus Winter Concert (7th & 8th gr.) 6:00PM

December 11 (Wed): Early Dismissal 12:50PM

If you student is going to be absent for an extended period of time please reach out to their team of teaches as well as our general office email ams@sau39.org so our office staff can be sure our attendance is accurate.

As part of our AMS tradition, we're excited to launch our annual Veterans Day fundraising drive, honoring and supporting our local veterans. This year, we’re continuing our partnership with Operation Delta Dog, which rescues and trains dogs to become service animals for veterans, and we’ll also support the Manchester VA.

Here’s how you can get involved:

Donate to the Manchester VA - Students can drop off cash or check donations (made out to Amherst Middle School) in the grade-level cans in the front lobby.

Support Operation Delta Dog - Contribute through our AMS fundraising page or purchase items from Operation Delta Dog’s Chewy Wishlist to be delivered directly to them or dropped off at school.

Every bit of enthusiasm counts! If this isn’t the right time for a financial contribution, we understand and are grateful for any support you can lend in spirit. Let’s make a difference together!

https://fundraise.givesmart.com/.../team/AmherstMiddleSchool

https://www.chewy.com/g/operation-delta-dog_b85414717#wish-list&wishlistsortby=DEFAULT

Parents of 7th–12th Grade Amherst/Mont Vernon Baseball Players,

We are excited to announce that winter baseball workouts are open for registration! These workouts are an excellent opportunity for players to prepare for the upcoming spring season and to keep their skills sharp through the winter months.

Program Details:

• Location: Westwood Park YMCA, 90 Northwest Boulevard, Nashua, NH

• Dates: Sundays, December 8 through March 23, Excluding 12/22, 12/29
• Time:
• 7th & 8th Graders: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
• 9th – 12th Graders: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• Cost:
• 7th & 8th Graders: $150
• 9th – 12th Graders: $250

Registration closes on Friday, November 8. To secure your player’s spot, please complete the registration form at the link below.

Register Here

This is a fantastic opportunity to build strength, refine skills, and ensure players are prepared for a successful spring season. We look forward to seeing your athlete on the field!

Play Ball,

Souhegan Baseball Boosters Board

Souhegan Baseball Boosters
baseballboosterssouhegan@gmail.com

We'd like to thank everyone that was able to log on and participate in our Grading and Reporting Info Session on October 29th. We had a lot of great questions and feel we were able to provide answers and greater detail about our new Grading and Reporting process.

If you were not able to attend our info session we are including a recording of it below along with an informative document you can view HERE.

Since 1987, the Holiday Toy Store has been committed to assisting local families in need by providing them with holiday gifts (free of charge) for their children (ages newborn through 15). This year, the Holiday Toy Store will provide gifts for over 300 children. We are financially supported through the generosity of local businesses and individuals. We know there are many incredible organizations that have similar efforts during the holiday season. What makes us different? We provide services to families in Amherst, Brookline, Milford, Mont Vernon, and Wilton only. Those who benefit from the Holiday Toy Store could be your neighbors, your friends, your children’s classmates. As you begin to think about your charitable donations this season, we ask that you consider the Holiday Toy Store. We are a 501(c)3, so your donation would be tax deductible.

Ways to donate: Donation boxes for new, unwrapped toys will be at several locations in towns starting November 1st - December 5th.

Amherst: Black Forest Cafe, Spinal Corrective Center (SCC), Library, Wilkins, AMS, Ponemah Crossing Dental, Post Office on 101, and Parkhurst Senior Living Community
Milford: Hampshire Hills, Town Library and AIRMAR
Mont Vernon: MVVS
Wilton: Town Library

Online monetary donations can be made at: https://givebutter.com/HolidayToyStore

Checks can be made payable to Holiday Toy Store and mailed to Holiday Toy Store, PO Box 6, Amherst, NH 03031

This year, we will be featuring book reviews written by our very own AMS readers! Many thanks to Ms. Maher in the library for putting these together each and every week.

This week's book review is written by 8th Grader, Hayden H.

24-25 Great Stone Face Nominee: Grounded For All of Eternity by: Darcy Marks

Each week, members of our staff nominate students who go above and beyond to carry out our CARE behavior expectations (Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Effort). These students help to make our school a better place to learn.

This week, we are celebrating the following students for their outstanding efforts in our school community:

Nick L. (Grade 7)

Nick for his outstanding character and dedication. He is always willing to help others, shows kindness in all he does, and goes above and beyond to keep the classroom clean and organized. Nick works hard on his projects, produces excellent work, and consistently displays a positive attitude. He sets a great example for his peers and is a true asset to our school community!

Carson W. (Grade 5)

Carson has exemplified our CARE norms by demonstrating courage and empathy in navigating friendship challenges. He showed maturity by addressing concerns with both an adult and his friend, working to resolve conflicts while setting healthy boundaries. Carson’s commitment to maintaining the friendship, rather than giving up, reflects his dedication to fostering a positive and respectful school environment. He is a true example of what it means to have the courage to CARE.

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.

To order yours go to www.jostensyearbooks.com, prices starting at $27.

YouthWell New Hampshire has been offering a free series for parents, students, teachers, and others, called Beyond the Screen, Promoting Positive Mental Health for NH Youth. The last event in this series is coming up on Thursday, November 21st, at St. Anselm’s College. This final event will be an expert-led discussion on smartphones in our schools.

Register here for this free event!

7th grade parents please send in most recent physical and immunizations. To be State compliant for school your student needs their 7th grade Tdap vaccine. This is typically completed at their annual wellness visit in 6th or 7th grade and will be documented on their physical. This is a state law. Please help us keep all students safe and healthy by keeping up with all required vaccinations.

NH School Immunization Requirements 24/25

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 Newsletter

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!

Discovery Club (STEM)

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