The Cougar News
April 5, 2024
A Message from Principal Bame
Dear AMS Families,
There will be a partial solar eclipse on April 8th starting at 1:58 PM, peaking at approximately 3:15 PM, and ending around 4:30 PM. We will discuss the eclipse in all homeroom classes and provide safety information and reminders. At Apex Middle School, we have elected to provide the livestream experience for our students during their fourth core class, while they participate in normal classroom instruction. Unfortunately, we do not have the safety glasses required for outdoor viewing. We are planning to utilize the NASA Livestream.
All educational leave requests will be approved if you would rather watch the eclipse at home with your student. Educational leave requests are available here.
Remember that the sun is no less dangerous on the day of the eclipse than any other day; we are just more tempted to look at it longer than we should during an eclipse. The eclipse will still be taking place during dismissal. Please join us in reminding students the importance of not looking directly at the sun during dismissal - or any other time.
7th Grade Band - Carowinds Competition Outcome
Congratulations to our 7th Grade Band members who traveled to Charlotte today (or Friday if this is not sent on Friday) to perform in the Carowinds Festival of Music. They performed three concert selections for a panel of judges who graded them based on their skill and musicianship. This year's amazing 7th Grade Band earned a rating of EXCELLENT. Mrs. Bishop is so proud of their hard work, and is excited for the groundwork they're laying for an amazing 8th grade year. GO BAND!!!
8th Grade EOY Event Planning
We’re excited to celebrate the 8th graders as their middle school years wrap up! In addition to the Cougar Commencement planned by school staff, parents will coordinate a picnic and dance on Friday, June 7th for all 8th graders. “Congratulations” yard signs will be made available for purchase for interested families, too. All 8th grade parents are invited to help pull together these special events. Sign up here and the point of contact will reach out with more details! Look for forthcoming information on event specifics including how to submit the small all-inclusive payment for these events and to order yard signs. Email Gloriann Favele-Austin or Caroline Cockman with general questions.
Culture Night Reminder
On April 25, 2024, we will be having a culture night to give families the opportunity to share their culture with the AMS community. If your family or a cultural organization that you're apart of is interested in participating in any of the following ways, please indicate your interest in participating HERE. We will contact you with more information soon. Thank you and we look forward to seeing lots of different expressions of culture from within our community!
Gifts of Gold
On Thursday night, Mrs. Ryan and other faculty members had the pleasure of attending this year's Gifts of Gold reception at the North Carolina Museum of Art. This year's exhibit is a fantastic representation of the great artwork being created across Wake County. Here at AMS, we are extremely proud of Richard Sapienza, whose drawing represented our Visual Arts program. The exhibit is open to the public through Sunday.
From our Single Subject Acceleration Coordinator, Mrs. Pilkington
Students who meet qualifying criteria in grades K-7 can take advanced academic content in mathematics or English Language Arts through Single Subject Acceleration (SSA). This ensures opportunities for appropriate levels of academic challenge. Parents can learn more about the Single Subject Acceleration process with this SSA Parent Information Session as well as accessing the FAQ document for SSA. (FAQ document in Spanish)
Test requests for SSA must be submitted in the SSA Test Request Google Form.
The SSA Test Request form for Traditional will open April 1, 2024 at 8:00 am. Please check the form at that time. It will close at 5:00 pm on April 12, 2024.
Events for the Week:
- Monday, 4/8: Solar Eclipse/ Softball away at LRMS
Tuesday, 4/9: Q3 Ends / Spring Pictures / Boys Soccer home vs AFMS
- Wednesday, 4/10: Teacher Workday/ Chorus & Band Trip to Disney
Friday, 4/12: PTA Board Meeting at 12:00 pm
Thursday, 4/11: Softball home vs WLMS, Track & Field home vs HRMS
Thank you for supporting Apex Middle School!
Kind regards,
Mrs. Raleigh Bame
Culture Night Information 4.25.24
Variety Show Tryouts
Variety Show Tryout Details
Click the link below for SPRING PICTURE INFORMATION
WCPSS Family Survey 2024
Wake County Public Schools is administering a District Wide Family Survey from Monday, April 8, through Friday, May 17. This survey allows families to provide valuable information and a high-quality data source for planning and School Improvement.
The survey has been translated into various languages, including Spanish, Arabic, French, Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese, in an effort to provide accessibility to families in Wake County Public Schools. Families can choose the survey administration language before taking the survey.
You will receive a link starting Monday, April 8, to begin taking the survey. Once you have completed the survey, please take a screenshot and provide it to your child or child's teacher to show proof that the survey has been completed. There is an incentive for the homeroom with the highest completion rate.
Arvis Bridges-Epps, MSA MBA
6th Grade Assistant Principal
919-387-2181 ext:25845
mobile:919-501-0960
400 E. Moore St.
Apex Middle School
Volunteers and Donations Needed for 3rd Quarter Celebration
If you can believe it, Quarter 3 is coming to an end. The PEAK Team is so proud of all our students hard work we are planning on having our 3rd and final celebration on April 12th. The PEAK team is looking for parent volunteers to help monitor the students at the Football Field while they enjoy treats from Kona Ice and Bruster's Ice Cream. Having just a few additional adults on the Field is so helpful. If you have wondered what your middle schooler acts like at school .... this is your opportunity.
The PEAK team is also looking for snack donations for our final celebration. If you are unable to volunteer your time we would greatly appreciate a donation towards providing the students a snack of chips, popcorn, or pretzels.
Below are available times for Volunteering and Slots available to snack donations. As always we appreciate your support in celebrating our amazing hard working Cougars!
SAVE THE DATE!
Grade Level Updates
6th Grade Message
Updated Bathroom Procedures: Recently we implemented a new bathroom policy. Each student will be issued a bathroom pass that grants them six opportunities to use the restroom during class time. This system is designed to promote responsibility and minimize disruptions while still addressing the needs of our students. We understand that some students have documented health needs requiring more frequent bathroom breaks. Teachers are aware and appropriate accommodations are being made for those students.
Students will receive a new pass each week, and they may still use the restroom during homeroom, lunch, and elective periods without needing to use the pass. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we implement these procedures for the benefit of all students. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Student of the Month: We would like to congratulate the following students for being chosen for March’s Student of the Month for the 6th grade. These students exude what it means to be ambitious.
Islander: Luke Morales
Explorers: Maggie Zachariason
Pirates: Ishaan Shah
Rising 6th Graders: AMS will be hosting an Open House for incoming 6th graders. If you know one, or have one, please join us Thursday, April 18th from 6-7pm. We look forward to meeting some of our new Cougars.
7th Grade Message
We hope everyone had a relaxing spring break and has returned refreshed and ready to finish the year strong! With the quarter ending on Tuesday, April 9th, please encourage your student to communicate with their teachers about when grades are due for each class. Quarter 4 will start on Thursday, April 11th.
The 7th-grade teachers have created an Amazon wishlist for the hallway. While you are always welcome to send donations for your student’s teachers, the items purchased from this list will be dispersed as needed among the 7th-grade hall. All donations will be shipped directly to AMS. No obligation; all donations are greatly appreciated. Click HERE to see our wishlist! Thank you for your support!
Students should check PowerSchool and Canvas daily. Please keep up with your student’s schoolwork by looking at the checklist and asking to see your student’s planner.
Fun dinner conversation topic featuring Social Studies: How do Dr. Seuss’ Sneetches relate to anti-semitism during World War II? What was the overall message that this cartoon was trying to convey?
8th Grade Message
Can you believe how fast this school year is going? We're now starting the last quarter, and it's a crucial time for our students to stay focused on their studies. With the end of the school year coming up, it's important for our kids to keep working hard. They should set goals, manage their time well, and ask for help if they need it. By staying positive and trying their best, they can do great in their classes.
We're happy to report that our new bathroom rules are working well. Because of everyone's efforts, the students are spending more time in class. Thank you for your support!
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out. Let's work together to make sure our students finish the year strong!
2023-2024 Yearbook Information - Updated 1/19/24
2024 AMS YEARBOOK ORDERS: Guarantee your child's copy of the 2024 yearbook by purchasing online by March 29, 2024! Order your child's copy through the Herff Jones Online Yearbook Center (www.yearbookordercenter.com) and use school code: 10708. Ordering online is the only way to guarantee your child's copy of the yearbook!
**8TH GRADE DEDICATION ADS FOR YEARBOOK: DEADLINE FOR 8th GRADE AD/MEMORY PAGES IS MARCH 22, 2024! The online design center is open! Start creating your dedication ad for your 8th Grade child. The personal ads/dedication pages are devoted to our 8th Grade students and are featured at the end of the 2024 Yearbook. Advertisements must be designed through the Herff Jones Online Yearbook Center (www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter school code 10708). 1/4 page and 1/8-page advertisement sizes are available with many font and image layouts. If you have questions, please email Mrs. Jones (rjones14@wcpss.net).
Community News
PTA Updates
I am the proud principal of Apex Middle School, home of the Cougars!