The Hawk Connection

Hello, AMS Students and families,

I cannot believe we are already 4 weeks into this school year! We have been busy getting to know our new students and diving into our classes. Last week the science department partnered with the Salish Sea School and participated in a field trip on whale/sea life watching boats. Thank you ASF and the Salish Sea School for co-sponsoring this incredible experience for our students!

We also look forward to being with our 6th graders at Camp Orkila this week! This is a very special experience for our students and staff to enjoy together. We had about 40 caregiver chaperones here last week for training; we could not have made this experience possible without all of you! Thank you to our very own Mr. Rozema for serving as our Orkila Coordinator, we are going to have a great few days!

As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, we recognize the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. This month provides a great opportunity for our students to learn about the diverse traditions and achievements that have shaped our nation. We encourage families to explore these cultural experiences together and continue fostering an appreciation for the contributions of all people to our shared history. Please see the linked resources below as well.

I'd also like to look ahead, as we enter October, which marks Anti-Bullying Month, it’s an important time to reflect on the power of our words and actions. In our community, we are committed to ensuring that every student feels safe, valued, and respected. Whether online or in person, using inappropriate jokes, hate speech, or making malicious comments can have a lasting impact on others. We must work together—caregivers, students, and teachers/staff—to model kindness, empathy, and respect and always follow the Hawk Pledge.

I'd like to encourage conversations at home about the importance of standing up for others, speaking kindly, and recognizing when something said in jest may hurt someone else. Together, we can create a supportive environment where everyone feels included and no one is made to feel small. Thank you for helping us build a positive and caring school community! As you are having discussions at home, you may consider referring to a Stop Bullying website for guidance or viewing this kid-friendly video about bullying and standing up as an upstander.

4 ways to be an Upstander are:

• Be a Buddy
• Interrupt
• Speak Out against bullying
• Tell Someone

If your student is on the receiving end or witnesses harassment, intimidation, or bullying, please have them notify a staff member right away. All students deserve a safe and supportive learning environment. Link to Anacortes School District Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying webpage. Students were taught about our HIB policy during handbook presentations and who/how to report issues at school. We will continue to be teaching lessons here at AMS during Hawks Nest.

Best,

Kia duNann

Principal

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, NetSmartz is excited to share the release of their latest teen videos in Spanish!

These featured videos help teens identify possible grooming or manipulation by recognizing unhealthy behaviors in relationships, as well as demonstrate how sextortion may occur and emotions minors experience while going through it. Below each video, you'll find discussion guides in both Spanish and English.

Our animated digital safety series "Into the Cloud" is also available in Spanish, ensuring that this information is accessible to a wider audience. We aim to enable more families and educators to have open conversations about online safety in their preferred language.

Students can use money from their MealTime account or cash to purchase items from the a la carte window. You can add money to your student's MealTime account HERE.

For more information regarding a la carte items you can visit the ASD Food and Nutrition page.

Tammy Templeton:

7th Grade History

We are currently learning to identify the differences between primary and secondary sources. Students are trying to solve a crime using primary sources!

8th Grade History

Students are beginning a 3 week unit of study on the 13 colonies! After learning about Jamestown, students are going to play detectives to try to solve what happened to the lost colony of Roanoke!

The Athletic Gear Store is closing for the season on September 29! The store will open again in October for anyone who missed this first order window.

Our Cross Country and Girls' Soccer teams have been hitting it hard and giving their all at our competitions this season. We still have 3 home games for Girls' Soccer and don't forget Cross Country Finals will be at Rice Field this October! Come by and cheer on your fellow Hawks!

Boys' Basketball is starting on October 17th! Interested athletes should sign up and complete their forms on FinalForms. More information about Boys' Basketball will be coming soon and will be available on the AMS Boys' Basketball website.

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 Fall from AMS PTSA! A few important updates and reminders:

 Thank you to everyone who participated in our first Community Connection event at

Jimmy John’s. You raised $300 for the PTSA! Stay tuned for our next event.

 It’s not too late to JOIN/DONATE and get us to our goal of 100 members. We’re almost

there (78 members and counting…) but we can’t do it without you.

 Alleviate your student’s FOMO and BUY COOKIE CARDS . You too can get in on the

aromatic action by helping BAKE COOKIES.

 The deadline to BUY SPIRIT WEAR is almost here so get your orders in by September

30 th . Orders will be ready mid-October.

 Want to learn more about PTSA, have some thoughts you want to share, or want to get

involved, then attend our first General Meeting, October 9, 7:00-8:00 pm, on ZOOM

 You’re always welcome to CONTACT US:

anacortesms.ptsa@gmail.com

https://anacortesmsptsa.givebacks.com/

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

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

Please visit Treering to order a yearbook. There is a 10% discount if ordered before September 30th.

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

Principal

kdunann@asd103.org

Monica Frost

Assistant Principal

mfrostasd103.org

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.