BearCat News

Dear Bearcat Families,

As we head into the homestretch before Spring Break, it's going to be a busy few weeks! This week, 6th grade students will be touring the middle school. Next week, we'll be holding our third and final NC Check-In of the year. Additionally, after NC Check-Ins on April 8th and 9th, we'll be collecting chromebooks. Starting then, students will no longer be taking their chromebooks home each night. They will still have access to them in class for schoolwork.

It’s important for all students to return both their chromebook and charger. These items will be assessed, and any fees will be determined accordingly. Fees must be paid by the end of the year. If any student is attending the 8th grade formal, their fees must be settled prior to the event.

There’s a lot of work ahead, and not much time to get it done. Please make sure to attend school daily and make every moment count!

Middle school is a time when peer pressure can strongly influence your child’s choices. Whether it’s about fashion, social media, or riskier behaviors, kids often feel the need to fit in. As a parent, you can help them navigate these challenges with confidence. Here are some tips:

• Encourage open communication – Create a judgment-free space where your child feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences. Listen actively and let them know they can always come to you.

• Teach them to say “no” confidently – Role-play different scenarios and help them practice responses like, “No thanks, I’m not into that,” or “I’d rather do something else.”

• Discuss decision-making skills – Talk about the consequences of different choices and help them think through their options before they’re in a tough situation.

• Promote positive friendships – Encourage relationships with friends who respect their choices and make them feel good about themselves.

• Teach them to walk away – Let them know it’s okay to leave a situation that makes them uncomfortable. Confidence comes from making choices that align with their values.

• Be a role model – Show them how to set boundaries, stand up for their beliefs, and make thoughtful choices. Your actions speak louder than words.

With your support and guidance, your child will be better prepared to resist negative peer pressure and make choices that reflect their values.

• March 31st - Grade level meetings in AMS Media Center, ILT Meeting during 3rd period, SIT Meeting 4:00 p.m.

• April 1st - Afterschool Academy 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. , Staff Meeting 4:00 p.m., AES/LES 6th grade to visit 9:00 a.m.

• April 2nd - Afterschool Academy 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., WES 6th grade to visit 9:00 a.m. - AMS Robotics competition 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. @ AMS Gym

• April 3rd - PPES 6th grade to visit 9:00 a.m. - Wear Pink and Purple today in remembrance of Mianna.

• April 4th - MES 6th grade students to visit 9:00 a.m. - NC Zoo Trip PBIS Incentive 9:15 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Dear AMS Team,

Throughout the month of March, we will continue focusing on enhancing rigor, increasing student engagement, and continuing our spiral review to reinforce key concepts. By diving into data regularly, we can identify areas where students need additional support and adjust our teaching strategies accordingly. Reteaching will be more effective by incorporating hands-on activities that allow students to actively apply their learning in meaningful ways. This combined approach—rigor, engagement, review, data-driven insights, and hands-on learning—will create a dynamic learning environment where students can deepen their understanding and make lasting progress.

We’ve got this! Together we can move mountains! 💪🐾

Spring athletic events continue this week.

Check out the Weekly Athletic Calendar for updates.

• April 7th - 11th - NC Check In #3 for students (7th - ELA/Math, 8th - Science/ELA/Math/Math1)

• April 8th, 9th - Chromebooks will be taken up after testing - Make sure all students bring chromebook and charger to school

• April 11th - National Junior Beta Club and SGA Leadership Day at Carowinds 7:15 a.m. - 7:45 p.m.

• April 16th - Transition Night for Parents of Rising 7th grade students 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Staff needs to park behind the gym)

• April 17th - Early Release for Students

• April 18th - Holiday

• April 21st - 25th - Spring Break

• May 2nd - Early Release Middle and High school only for district prom 1:00 p.m.

• May 12th - 16th - EOG Testing

• May 13th - Athletic Banquet 6:30 p.m. AMS Gym

• May 16th - 8th grade formal dance

• May 22nd - 8th grade promotion ceremony

• May 23rd - Early Release - Last day for students