Hello, AMS Students and families,

What an incredible start to our second semester! Our hallways are buzzing with energy and engagement, and I continue to be impressed by our students' dedication to learning and growing together. This past week was especially exciting with the snow and crazy weather we experienced. We finished the week off with an outstanding school assembly with a guest speaker: Will Hutcherson. The message was inspiring, engaging and powerful. See picture below!

Upcoming Important Dates:

Student-Led Conferences - February 13 We're looking forward to seeing you and your student this Thursday for conferences. These conversations are valuable opportunities to celebrate your student's progress and set goals for the remainder of the year.

Presidents' Day Holiday - February 17 A reminder that there will be no school on Monday, February 17, as we observe Presidents' Day.

Family Information Session - February 20 Please join us on Thursday, February 20, at 5:30 PM for an important webinar introducing our district's new policy addressing hate speech and bias incidents. This evening is co-hosted by AMS, AHS and Cap Sante and aims to help families understand how we're working to ensure all students feel safe and respected at school. Please see more details below.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your student's education. Your engagement makes our school community stronger.

Safety Alert: As a reminder, please be extra cautious when traveling to and from school especially as a walker or biker. Students should always stop at all crosswalks—especially in the bus lane and at M and 22nd—look both ways, and use designated crosswalks when crossing the street. Please do not cross in the middle of the road for your safety and the safety of the drivers! Students, please also be sure you are not crossing the bus lane without looking and using the specified crosswalk in front of the main doors.

Your safety is our top priority, and following these simple steps helps keep everyone safe. Caregivers, please talk with your student about their route to and from school to ensure they are using the crosswalks and taking safety precautions. Thank you for your attention to this important reminder!

Best,

Kia duNann

Principal

This year we are mixing it up! Any student can make a team of 5-8 players, and include up to three staff members. It’s a single elimination tournament with full court, 8 minute games. Did I mention prizes? There will be prizes for winners and concessions for hungry fans.

Registration forms are in the office or you can click the button below. The first eight teams to complete and return their form to the office will be entered into the tournament. Don’t miss out!

This event is for everyone! Basketball players, students, staff and families.

Tasha Kirby:

6th grade Earth and Space Science

Sixth graders are currently working on a "Celebrate the Sun" informational modeling project to launch our new unit on the Water Cycle. Students are working in small groups to make an informational museum display showcasing information about the Sun as we move toward answering the Essential Question: How can dinosaur pee be in our drinking water? This work will also be central to our Wind, Weather, and Ocean Currents unit coming up in March.

8th grade Physical Science

Eighth graders are currently answering the Essential Question: How are materials on Earth made? This week, students learned how atoms combine to make molecules. Next week, we will launch into chemical reactions by modeling the process of molecules combining to make new substances. Looking ahead to March, students will apply their understanding of physical and chemical changes to a hyper-local, real-life scenario when we study the chemical changes that took place to the Fidalgo Bay during the 100 year mill era.

Wrestling is in full swing at AMS. Check out the schedule and come see our wrestlers in action!

Girls' Basketball has hit the ground running and games will be starting soon! Check out the schedule and find a game to come support your AMS Hawks at. Visit https://www.asd103.org/AMS/Department/76-Athletics/1207-Girls-Basketball.html to see the full schedule with times included. Don't forget to bring cash for the concessions table!

Clubs are in full swing at AMS! Check out the options here and sign up on FinalForms if something catches your eye. Have an idea for a new club? Stop by the front office to get a "Starting a New Club" form.

Happy Fe-brrr-uary from the PTSA!

A new hoodie or sweat pants will stave off the chill. Spirit wear sales resume 2/9-3/31: https://stores.tshirtsbydesign.ink/anacortesms/shop/home. Orders ready in April.

Or, warm up with some fresh baked cookies. Next Cookie Fridays are 2/21 and 3/7.

Thank you to all those who volunteered for vision and hearing screening, and thank you again to all who supported the Chipotle Community Connections event. It was a big success!

Volunteers needed to help feed our fantastic staff during student-led conferences, 2/13: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A084AAEAB2CA3F85-54794766-staff

Run for the PTSA Executive Committee: PTSA President, VP, Treasurer, or Secretary. No previous PTA experience required, just a desire to serve our community and have some fun. If not you, then nominate a friend!

Contact us!

anacortesms.ptsa@gmail.com

https://anacortesmsptsa.givebacks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AnacortesMiddleSchoolPTSA/

https://www.instagram.com/anacortesms.ptsa/

Anacortes Middle School PE shirts are ordered online HERE directly through our vendor and are not available to purchase through the school.

Parents/Guardians have several ways to notify the school of an absence, tardy or early release need.

-Call: 360-503-1248

-Email: amsattend@asd103.org

-Use Skyward Family Access

Pre-Planned absence forms are required for any absence that will be longer than three days. Students can stop by the office for one or can email to request one be sent to them.

Students that are just arriving or leaving early from school must come and sign in/out.

Here is a link directly to the attendance tab on our website as well: AMS attendance website

Please see our graphic below for information regarding our process for reporting activity restrictions or student injuries. You can also click the graphic to download it as a PDF and access it's links.

Looking for events, programs, and activities in Anacortes?
The Anacortes Community Connect is your go-to online bulletin board for all things happening in the Anacortes School District community. Whether you’re a local organization or a participant looking for fun, our platform has something for everyone. Check out the latest events, including camps, coloring contests, event sign-ups, and family-friendly activities!

Got an event to share?
If you represent a local organization, submit your event details through our online request form for electronic flyer distribution.

Do you need help or assistance? If so, the following people are available to assist:

Attendance:

Mrs. Tarleton- amsattend@asd103.org or 360-503-1248

Counseling:

Last name A-K Mr. Flynn- Sflynn@asd103.org or last name L-Z Mrs. Newall Rnewall@asd103.org

If you have concerns about your student's grade or classroom experience, please contact their teacher directly:

Staff Contact Directory Linked Here

If you need to speak to an administrator please contact Mrs. King at Aking@asd103.org or 360-503-1232.

Monica Frost, Assistant Principal

Website: https://ams.asd103.org/

Location: 2202 M Avenue, Anacortes, WA, USA
Phone: 360-503-1230

The Anacortes School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination, or you may mail complaints to the address below.

Kristen Koehler Section 504/ADA Coordinator

(360) 503-1216

Connie Sheridan, Civil Rights/RCW/Title IX Coordinator

(360) 503-1221

csheridan@asd103.org

Written Complaints

2200 M Avenue, Anacortes, WA 98221

The Anacortes School District provides interpretation and translation services upon request as needed. Please contact the Student Support Services Department for more information: (360) 503-1216.