News from AMS
April 2024
Ok, So Maybe My Father was Not 100% Right About This
We are in the midst of a youth mental health crisis in our nation, and the reasons for it, including misuse of social media, are well-documented. I see it every day: kids are having a tough time enjoying their childhood these days. Obviously, if I had a clear solution to this problem, I'd be out on the public speaking circuit and writing books about it. I don't, and I'm not sure anyone does. But I do wonder if part of the solution to this problem lies in the past as much as it does the future.
The blueprint is out there. Think about it.
It has long been scientifically proven that, despite humankind's eternal search for material wealth, only two things can truly make us happy in the long run: 1) Being appreciative of what we have and 2) Helping others. But when it comes to our students, I think there is a third thing, and it has something to do with something Austrian psychiatrist Viktor Frankl said in his book Man's Search for Meaning. He said: "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." Viktor Frankl knew a thing or two about pushing through difficulties - he survived no less than four concentration camps during World War II.
In my 30 years working with young adolescents, it has been my experience that kids are happiest when they have accomplished something. Their self-esteem increases when they have persevered through a challenge and come out on the other end successful and proud of themselves. That's why even our most struggling students will approach me in the hallway and say "Mr. Desto, I got an A on my math quiz" or "My hockey team won this weekend," or something similar.
Accomplishment, which rarely comes easily, helps heal the mind and the soul as well as anything. I will believe until my final breath that while therapy is definitely a good thing and sometimes medications are helpful and necessary, the longest lasting formula for improving mental health is is as follows:
1. Appreciate what you have instead of complaining about what you don't have.
2. Get involved in helping others in some way.
3. Try your very best to accomplish something, small, medium or large, never giving up when things get difficult.
In recent years, we have a tendency to focus on a kid's problems and not hold them accountable to do the work it takes to accomplish things - we sometimes support them in their excuses or allow them to give up - this may be well-intended, but it often perpetuates the problem.
I will stop well short of agreeing with one of my late father's favorite sayings: "suck it up; nobody likes a crybaby." I know my father wasn't 100% correct in this thought because I recognize that it IS difficult to be a kid these days, and I also know that for some people, mental health is a constant battle that they were either born with or developed due to traumatic circumstances.
But I can't help thinking we can help most of our kids be happier by encouraging them to appreciate what they have, by giving them opportunities to be helpful and by holding them accountable to push past failure and accomplish something meaningful.
**I also know how tough it is to be the parent of a middle schooler. So please reach out to us if we can help. We are not just here to help when there's a crisis or when a student in in trouble. Our staff has decades of experience with this age group, and we are always willing to listen and/or talk something through with you. Contact information is below.
Important Upcoming Dates
April 15-19 - April Vacation
April 26 - Last Day for ELA MCAS Make-ups
May 7 and 8 - Math MCAS
May 10 - Half Day for Students / PD for Staff
May 14 and 15 - Science and Technology/Engineering MCAS - Grade 8 Only
May 23 - Civics MCAS Field Test - Grade 8 Only
May 24 - Last Day for Math and Science MCAS Make-ups
May 27 - No School - Memorial Day
Good Times...If You Know, You Know!
Grade 8 Promotional Event Date Change
SAVE THE DATE
Grade 8 Promotional Ceremonies
June 17, 2024
Phoenix Team - 8:30 a.m.
Dragons Team - 10:00 a.m.
Doors open 15 minutes before ceremony
(date may change if another snow day)
Message from the Auburn High School Booster Club
Auburn Rockets Booster Club
We would like to open up our Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 7 pm-8 pm meeting to any current 8th-grade parents/guardians as incoming freshmen that would like to volunteer with the ARBC. We are always looking for new parents who have children in sports to help. Come see how you can help! It's fun!
-The meeting location is the Delongchamp Room, the first floor of Auburn High School, through the main entrance.
-any questions email us at auburnrocketsboosterclub@gmail.com or visit our facebook page 'Auburn Rockets Booster Club Page'
Auburn Rockets Booster Club - The purpose of this club shall be to support the athletic programs at Auburn High School and To provide financial support, as a recognized 501-3C organization.
Some Days Definitely Feel Like This...
Message from the Nurse about Grade 7 Physicals
Students entering grade 7 during the 2024-2025 school year (Current Grade 6):
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires students entering 7th grade to have a physical examination and updated list of immunizations on file with the school nurse.
Please make an appointment with your child's primary care provider to schedule a physical. Once you have the physical form, please send the school a copy, fax a copy to 508-832-8655 or email the AMS school nurse at: ksparks@auburn.k12.ma.us.
Remaining Spring Testing Schedule
We are so proud of he effort our students put forth on the ELA MCAS last week. Please see below for the remaining spring testing schedule.
Tuesday 5/7/24 & Wednesday 5/8/24 - Math MCAS - All Grades
Tuesday 5/14/24 & Wednesday 5/15/24 - 8th Science and Tech. / Engineering MCAS - Grade 8 only
*Math & STEM Make-ups: last day May 24th
Wednesday 5/22/24 & Thursday 5/23/24 - Civics MCAS Field Test - Grade 8 only
*Civics field test make-ups: last day June 7th
Memories...
Wishing all AMS Families a Great Vacation Week!
Principal of Auburn Middle School Auburn, Massachusetts