Amherst Middle School
October 25, 2024
Message From the Leadership Team
Message From the Leadership Team
Dear AMS Families,
We hope this message finds you well! As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring clear and effective communication, I would like to invite you to a Virtual Information Session focused on the updates to our Grading and Reporting procedures for the 2024-2025 school year.
This session will take place via Zoom on October 29 at 6:30 PM and will provide an overview of our school’s approach to grading and reporting, including:
- Key changes NEW this year
- How grades will be communicated through our new PowerSchool portal
- An introduction to Competency-Based Grading
- How we would like to work collaboratively with families to support student growth and achievement
There will also be an opportunity for general questions at the end of the session. This is a great chance to gain insight into how your student’s progress will be assessed and reported throughout the year.
Zoom Link: https://sau39.zoom.us/j/87431183597?pwd=IWs1KNUHEn2vjEeKsdPQrWsQaD2z0Y.1
Meeting ID: 874 3118 3597
Passcode: 415844
We hope you can join us for this informative session!
Warm regards,
Kristen Gauthier
Principal
Mike Cuddyer
Assistant Principal, 7/8
Matt Lane
Assistant Principal, 5/6
Upcoming Events
October 29 (Tues): Picture Retake Day
October 29 (Tues): Grading and Reporting (Virtual) Info Session: 6:30PM
October 31 (Thurs): Author Visit, Susanna Hargreaves
November 1 (Fri): GLOW DANCE - Grades 6, 7, 8, 7:00-9:00PM
November 1 (Fri) - November 8 (Fri): AMS Veterans Day Fundraiser
November 5 (Tues): NO SCHOOL - Parent Conference Day
November 7 (Thurs): Parent Conference Night
November 8 (Fri): AMS Veterans Day Ceremony & Walk A Thon
November 11 (Mon): NO SCHOOL - Veterans Day
November 14 (Thurs): Amherst School Board Meeting, SHS Learning Commons, 5:30PM
November 27 - November 29 (Wed - Fri): NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break
New News
SHS Wrestling Clinic
SHS wrestling team member, Noah Daily, is running a clinic for middle school wrestlers. This clinic will take place in the SHS Cafeteria and is free of charge. To register, email Noah at noahgdaily@gmail.com.
AMS Cheer Tryouts
Athletes must be present for BOTH tryout days
Book Buzz
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.
Our first book review is written by 6th Grader, Zealand S.
24-25 Great Stone Face Nominee: The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla
Best of the Nest
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.
We will be back next week with our latest Best of the Nest award winners.
Reminders
Behind the BOOk; Ghostly Tales Talk
If you'd like to pre-purchase her book, The Ghostly Tales of Amherst, New Hampshire, please click HERE and complete the form.
AMS Student Expectations at High School Football Games
As the fall season continues, many of our students look forward to attending high school football games to cheer on our team and enjoy time with friends. While we love to see our middle school students showing their school spirit, I would like to remind families of a few important expectations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Supervision of Students
We encourage middle school students to have an adult point person accompany them to football games. While high school staff are available at the field for general supervision, these games are not middle school sponsored events. Large gatherings can be challenging to monitor, so it is especially important that students act responsibly and have a plan for pick up at the end of the game.Behavior Expectations
All students are expected to display respectful, responsible, and safe behavior at all times during the game. Running in the stands, disruptive behavior, or any actions that could potentially endanger others will not be tolerated. Students are expected to be at the game and in the immediate surrounding area. Loitering in the woods or behind the annex is not permitted. Students who do not adhere to these expectations may be asked to leave the event.Respect for School Property and Event Staff
We ask that all students treat school property with care and respect players, spectators, and event staff. People attend games and expect a fun and safe atmosphere, and we expect middle school students to show respect and sportsmanship at all times.
We appreciate your support in reinforcing these expectations with your child prior to attending the next football game. By working together, we can create a positive experience for all attendees and ensure that our students represent our school community in the best possible way.
Halloween - Thursday, October 31
Students are encouraged to wear school-appropriate costumes to school on Thursday, October 31st. Please note that props (weapons, etc.), full face masks, and inflatable costumes are not permitted. We are excited to see school spirit come alive!
Get ready to GLOW! - November 1, 2024
We’re hosting the most electrifying event of the year – a GLOW DANCE! Mark your calendars for Friday, November 1st, from 7:00-9:00PM. 🌟
🎟️ Admission is just $5, and tickets will be sold in advance and at the door – stay tuned for details on how to snag yours! This dance is open to all students in grades 6, 7, and 8.
Due to high expected turnout, students may only bring non-AMS guests who reside in Amherst/Mont Vernon. Please see Ms. Booth in the Front Office for more information.
Grab your neon gear, bring your best dance moves, and let’s light up the night! ✨🌈
Parent Teacher Conferences - November 5th and 7th
Please check your email for communications from your student's teachers regarding scheduling conferences next month. We are offering time on November 5th and November 7th. If those days do not work for you, please reach out to the teachers to find another time that fits your schedule.
GET INVOLVED: Fall & Year-Long Clubs
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.
AMS Yearbooks
To order yours go to www.jostensyearbooks.com, prices starting at $27.
Parent Partnership
Red Ribbon Week is celebrated each year, October 23rd-October 31st. The idea for Red Ribbon Week began in 1985 after a US Drug Enforcement Agent named Kiki Camarena was kidnapped and killed by drug traffickers in Mexico. Family, friends, and neighbors began wearing red ribbons to honor his memory. Agent Camarena believed that each individual can make a difference in the fight against illegal drugs. That message spread nationwide and the red ribbon became a symbol of a commitment to raise awareness of the violence and destruction caused by drugs in America.
This year’s Red Ribbon Week theme is “Life is a Move, Film Drug Free.” The theme is to inspire individuals to play their part in fostering safe, healthy, and drug-free communities.
Next week, during Morning Meeting and Launchpad, students will watch a series of videos and engage in discussion about the importance of making healthy choices. We encourage you to have ongoing conversations with your student(s) about the importance of staying drug free. Check out this article on Teen Brain Development, Teen Behavior and Preventing Drug Use.Nurse Notes
7th grade parents please send in most recent physical and immunizations. To be State compliant for school 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. This is a state law. Please help us keep all students safe and healthy by keeping up with all required vaccinations.
PTA Corner
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.
Community News
Safe Sitter Babysitting Training Course
Safe Sitter is a medically accurate, up-to-date babysitting course that teaches young teens life and safety skills. This course includes a copy of The Official Safe Sitter® Babysitter's Handbook for each registered participant which they will bring along on all accepted babysitting jobs.
Who: Boys and Girls ages 11-15 (must be 11 by the start date of the program)
What: Safe Sitter® Babysitter training course
Where: PMEC- 66 Brook Rd Amherst, NH 03031
When: Tuesday, November 5th, 9:30am - 3:00pm
CLICK HERE for more information and to register.
Basketball for Youth
Basketball season is right around the corner and open for registration! We have options for all skill levels and abilities. Come join in all the fun!
CLICK HERE for more information and to register!
Amherst Town Library Lineup
Discovery Club will not be held on October 31st so we can prepare to pass out candy in front of the library for Halloween. We will resume on Thursday, November 7th at 4:30pm. Happy Halloween!!
SAU 39 School Calendars
2024-2025: Check out this link for the 2024-2025 approved Amherst School District calendar.