Amherst Middle School

Dear AMS Families,

Spring is in full swing at Amherst Middle School, and with it comes a calendar packed with energy, creativity, and school spirit! From athletic competitions and musical performances to academic milestones and Spirit Week festivities, there’s a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks.

Next week, we’re celebrating AMS Spring Spirit Week, and we invite all students and staff to join the fun by dressing up for each themed day:

🌿 Monday: Safari Day – Wear animal prints and patterns
🌈 Tuesday: Favorite Color Day – Dress in your favorite color
🏀 Wednesday: Sports Day – Show off your favorite team gear
🎤 Thursday: Celebrity Day – Dress like your favorite celebrity or wear their merch
🎄 Friday: Favorite Holiday Day – Celebrate your favorite holiday with festive attire

Also, tonight (Friday, April 18), some of our talented AMS musicians will take the stage at Souhegan High School’s Jazz Night at 7:00 PM. The event features performances from local middle and high school jazz ensembles and a cappella groups—including our very own Eagles Jazz Band! Tickets are just $5 at the door (cash, card, or check). Come out to support our students and enjoy a great night of music!

As we approach April Vacation (April 22–26), we’re proud of the hard work and accomplishments we’ve seen this spring. Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Wishing you a joyful weekend and a fun-filled Spirit Week ahead!

Be well,

Kristen Gauthier

Principal

Mike Cuddyer

Assistant Principal, 7/8

Matt Lane

Assistant Principal, 5/6

April 18 (Fri): SHS Jazz Night w/ select AMS Students 7:00PM (Souhegan High School)

April 23 (Wed): Theater Club - Watch Party 3:30PM-5:00PM

April 28 - May 2: NO SCHOOL - Spring Break

May 7 - Wed - NH-SAS ELA Reading (Grades 5-8)

May 8 - Thurs - NH-SAS Mathematics (Grades 5-8)

May 12 - 16 (Mon - Fri): Grade 6 Ecology School - Spartans & Olympians

May 13 - Tues - NH-SAS ELA Writing (Grades 5-8)

May 19 - 23 (Mon - Fri): Grade 6 Ecology School - Titans & MVVS

May 20 - Tues - NH-SAS Science (Grades 5 & 8)

May 20 - Tues - NH-SAS ELA Writing (Grade 6)

Spring Break + Books = Bliss
Headed for adventure or just your couch? Either way, we’ve got the perfect reads to keep you company over spring break. 📚 Click on the photo below to open the linked image and explore our curated reading lists and find your next favorite escape!

🎤✨ AMS Talent Show – Show Us What You’ve Got! ✨🎭

It's time to let your star shine! 🌟
Join us for the AMS Talent Show, where YOU take center stage. Whether you sing, dance, juggle, tell jokes, play an instrument, or have a one-of-a-kind talent—this is your moment to shine! 💫

Auditions are being help April 21, 2025 - April 25, 2025

We can't wait to see you there!

Good afternoon,

I have been teaching at AMS for the past 7 years, most recently as an 8th grade U.S History Teacher. For the better part of the last year I have been working towards earning my CAGS in Educational Leadership through New England College. As part of my program, I am enrolled in my Signature Capstone project, where I am conducting a study on technology in educational settings and the effects of screen time on middle school students.

A key component of my research involves collecting data from teachers, parents, and students to gain insights into how technology influences and impacts learning, as well as student well-being. To support my study, I invite you to participate in a fully confidential survey that will contribute to my final project. All collected data will be used solely for research purposes. Participation in this study is optional and is not required by Amherst School District. Per IRB & RSA 186:11, IX-d regulations, I am required to obtain informed consent before participation.

Attached, you will find a consent form outlining the details of the study. Upon receiving consent forms, the student surveys will be sent directly to school issued emails. Parent/guardian surveys will be linked directly within the consent form.

I greatly appreciate any support you can offer in helping me complete this important research and achieve my CAGS in Educational Leadership. Your insights will be invaluable in shaping a better understanding of the role of technology in education.

Technology in Education Study - Parent/ Guardian Consent & Survey Form

Technology in Education Study - Adult Consent For a Minor Form

Sincerely,

Mr. Rodon

8th Grade Social Studies Teacher

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.

Check back next week for more Best of the Nest News!

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. If your student would like to participate in The Book Buzz have them see Ms. Maher in the library.

🌿 Monday: Safari Day – Wear animal prints and patterns
🌈 Tuesday: Favorite Color Day – Dress in your favorite color
🏀 Wednesday: Sports Day – Show off your favorite team gear
🎤 Thursday: Celebrity Day – Dress like your favorite celebrity or wear their merch
🎄 Friday: Favorite Holiday Day – Celebrate your favorite holiday with festive attire

As AMS gears up for NH-SAS testing on May 7, 8, 13 & 20, we're collecting snacks to help keep our students fueled, focused, and ready to shine!

Every classroom will be stocked with snacks so that each student has something to eat before testing begins. If you'd like to support this effort, we've made it easy with an Amazon Wishlist—items can be shipped directly to the school!

Click here to view the wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3PL3B1MB8FU47...

Please check shipping dates to ensure snacks arrive before or after spring break (the school will be closed), and note that deliveries are set to avoid weekends.

Thank you for supporting our AMS students!

This May, AMS students will have the opportunity to showcase their learning and growth through the NH-SAS assessments. These assessments provide valuable insights into student progress and help us continue to support their academic success. To learn more about NH-SAS, visit the state website [here].

To help fuel our students for success, the Amherst PTA will soon be reaching out for donations of snacks for testing days. Your generosity ensures that students stay energized and ready to do their best. Thank you for your support in making this a positive and successful experience for all!

May 7, 2025 - Wed - ELA Reading (Grades 5-8)

May 8, 2025 - Thurs - Mathematics (Grades 5-8)

May 13, 2025 - Tues - ELA Writing (Grades 5-8)

May 20, 2025 - Tues - Science (Grades 5 & 8)

May 20, 2025 - Tues - ELA Writing (Grade 6)

🌿 Support Our Sixth Graders – Ecology School Fundraiser! 🌎

This spring, Amherst Middle School’s sixth graders will attend The Ecology School in Saco, Maine, where they will explore environmental science and sustainability through hands-on learning. To ensure that every student has the opportunity to participate, we are raising funds for financial scholarships.

How can you help? By shopping our fundraiser! 🌱 We’re selling bulbs, grow kits, seed balls, and more—all shipped directly to your home. These make perfect gifts for spring planting, Mother’s Day, and garden clubs!

🔗 Shop & Support Here: Three Rivers Fundraising
📅 Order now and get your garden ready for spring!

Thank you for supporting our students and making this experience possible for all!

This year, there will be over 1,500 participating products that can help our school earn money. To earn School Dollars, look for in-store shelf tags or the apple symbol online.

For every 4 participating products purchased, shoppers will earn 3 School Dollars for Amherst Middle School. At checkout, customers will receive a School Dollar printout that displays the number of School Dollars earned.

All shoppers need to do to redeem School Dollars is enter the unique printout code and store number on the Hannaford Helps Schools program website and select their school. Each School Dollar printout has a QR code shoppers can scan to bring them directly to the redemption website. Shoppers can also download the Hannaford Helps Schools app, which will store their information and school choice to make donating even easier.

Look for participating products from March 16 to June 7. Each of the top 200 schools to raise the most money by redeeming School Dollars will receive an additional $1,000 bonus check.

The New Hampshire Association of Middle Level Education's mission is to articulate and to promote the philosophy of middle level education at the state and local level. The association's primary goal is to promote great middle level education and their teachers and students. It is our goal to celebrate all the wonderful qualities, achievements and strengths of middle schools.

Partnering with the NH Fisher Cats for our Teacher Appreciation Fundraising Contest, the funds raised will go toward prizes for the winning schools who have participated at the highest level.

Participation is based on the number of tickets purchased throughout contest.

Prizes Include:

• Check to support student activities at the winning school
• A first pitch for the chosen teacher of the winning school
• Shoutout from the on field coordinator during the game

Mark your calendar and buy tickets here: https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Nhamleteacher2

Have you ordered your student's yearbook? Order now to guarantee a book on distribution day - limited quantities are still available. Order Here: http://jostensyearbooks.com?ref=A05014300 Not sure if you've purchased? Confirm your purchase here: https://www.jostens.com/customer-service/yearbook-order-tracking. Questions?: Email Jess Oltman at Joltman@sau39.org

Please notes that these dates and times are subject to change due to weather and field conditions. Please ensure you have signed up for SportsYou to ensure you are receiving updates from the coaches.

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.

Get ready to hit the trails! The Mountain Biking Club will be starting back up in April, with an official start date to be announced in the coming weeks once the trails are dry enough to ride. This spring, we’ll primarily be riding on Mondays. The club is open to all students, but all participants must have a signed liability waiver before riding. If you were in the club this past fall, you do not need to submit a new waiver.
Have questions? See Mr. White or Mr. Tighe for more information. Stay tuned for updates, and we’ll see you on the trails soon!

After School Clubs and Activities

Below is a list of our clubs and the days that they meet, make sure your student is checking the announcements any time, day or other meeting changes.

• Mondays - Book in the Library
• Tuesdays - Homework Club - Chess Club - Stone Soup Club - Archery
• Wednesdays - Disc Golf - Chess Club
• Thursdays - Homework Club - Robotics - Jazz Band - Student Leadership - Stone Soup Club
• Fridays - ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!

Did you know that April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month? Understanding and knowing how to manage stress can help improve mental and physical well-being. What are some strategies you do to help manage your stress? It’s important to open the lines of communication with our children in talking about stress, what it looks like, how to respond, and strategies to manage our stress.

I wanted to thank the AMS community for their many donations in the last few weeks. Myself and the students greatly appreciate it. If anyone still feels the need to contribute items the following would come in handy with the wet spring approaching.

• Boys pants/ shorts size Med- XL
• Socks of all kinds and sizes

Thank you again for your generous donations. I feel supported and appreciated.

Due to the increase in respiratory illnesses and the harsh cough associated with it, many students are being prescribed rescue inhalers (Albuterol) for their cough. This is considered a prescription medication and it requires parent permission and a doctors order on file (Rescue Med Form) with the school nurse for them to be allowed to have it in school. Also, students should not be carrying over-the-counter (OTC) medications on them. If they require an ibuprofen or acetaminophen during the school day, the health office with parent permission can administer them when appropriate. If the student requires an OTC medication the health office does not have, please bring in the medication with this completed form and the medication will be given as directed. Lastly, if your student was excused from physical education for an injury and was seen by a doctor, they will need a doctors note to clear them to participate in PE once they have recovered. If you have any questions regarding these policies, please feel free to call the health office for assistance. They can also be found on the SAU 39 website under Section J- students. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter and keeping all students safe.

Please send in most recent physical and immunizations. In order to be compliant for school (per state of NH) 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. 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

📖The library is warm! Come in & check out our new selection!📖

Maryann Cocca-Leffler is an award-winning author and illustrator of over 70 books for children. Her newest book is “Marabella’s Moment” about a girl who inspires others to live in the moment and notice the world around them.

Janine Leffler is a person with disabilities who co-authored "We Want to Go to School! The Fight for Disability Rights" with her mother, Maryann Cocca-Leffler.

For more information about Maryann Cocca-Leffler and Janine Leffler, visit Maryann Cocca-Leffler (www.maryanncoccaleffler.com) and follow her on social media.

IG Maryanncoccaleffler

FB Maryann Cocca-Leffler

The Friends of the Amherst Town Library invite you to an exciting Trivia Night at LaBelle Winery on Tuesday, May 7! Gather your friends, test your knowledge, and enjoy a fun-filled evening of trivia, laughter, and great company—all while supporting the library.

📅 Date: Tuesday, May 7
📍 Location: LaBelle Winery, Amherst, NH
🕖 Time: 7PM-9:30PM
🎟️ Tickets: $60.00

Bring your best team (or join one there!) and compete for prizes while savoring LaBelle’s fantastic food and drinks. Whether you're a trivia pro or just in it for the fun, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

Check out our flyer for more details!

Stay tuned for more details, and be sure to mark your calendar. We can’t wait to see you there!

For more information, contact amherstlibrarytrivia@gmail.com.

The Amherst Rec Department is offering some great programming during April Vacation. To find out more check out the flyer below.

The Amherst Rec Department is offering their Safe Sitter Babysitting Training Course again this spring!

Who: Anyone 11 to 15 yrs old

When: April 30th, 2025 9:30a - 3:00p

Where: 66 Brook Rd, Amherst NH

For more information go to: https://www.amherstrec.org

The 10-week program runs from June 16 through August 22, 2025 at the Club in Milford, NH. The Camp will be closed on Friday, July 4th. Sign up by the week or by the day. Early Bird rates ($225 a week) are available until March 31, 2025. After that, the rates are $275 a week. The daily rate is $65 a day. See svbgc.org for information about available financial aid or to register.

Each week of Camp Souhegan has a special theme, and a wide variety of field trips are offered, including a Fisher Cats game, Cheshire Children's Museum, Stone Zoo, Boston Museum of Science, Squam Lake, Wallis Sands State Park and more! Drop off begins at 7:00 am, structured camp programming runs from 9:00 am until 3:30 pm and pick up time is 6:00 pm. Campers have lots of nature-inspired, outdoor play opportunities, and free swim and swim lessons are available through our partnership with Keyes Pool.

Camp Souhegan is designed for youth in K-10th grades. All rising kindergarteners who wish to attend Camp Souhegan must be at least 4 years and 8 months old at their start date.

To learn more, drop by an Open House on Saturday, March 15, 2025 or Saturday, May 3rd, from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm, at 56 Mont Vernon Street, Milford, NH.

For specific questions, please reach out to Alex Craven, Program Director at acraven@svbgc.org.

Mark your calendars for a morning of food, fun, and community at the Amherst Lions Club’s 51st Annual Pancake Breakfast! Join us on Saturday, April 13th, from 8 AM to 12 PM at the Wilkins School for a delicious all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast.

This year’s event promises something for everyone:

• All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes: Enjoy a hearty breakfast with plenty of pancakes, syrup, sausage, and more!
• Spring Raffle: Don’t miss your chance to win exciting prizes in our Spring Raffle.
• Coloring Contest: Calling all young artists! Enter our fun Coloring Contest for a chance to win prizes and showcase your creativity.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for Teens (MBSR-T) is a research-based, skill building opportunity for young people to come together in a safe, small group learning environment. This therapeutic, educational support group will focus on building skills to help teens manage the myriad of demands they face today, including but not limited to: school, familial demands, peer relationships, self-imposed pressure, and much more.
Benefits for participating in these group sessions include:

Who: Teens entering 8-11th grade
When: Alternating Tuesdays from 5:00PM-6:15PM
Where: Buckmeadow

When: Jan. 28, 2025-May 6, 2025

CLICK HERE for more information and to register.

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