Amherst Middle School

Dear AMS Families,

We hope you'll join us for the AMS Winter Concerts next Monday and Tuesday and witness the incredible progress our band, jazz band, and chorus students have made since the start of the school year. These performances are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and passion for music. Prepare to be inspired as they showcase their talents and fill the season with joy.

Before and after the concerts, explore the AMS Specials Hallway and Art Rooms for a showcase of our students’ artistic talents. Enjoy artwork on display, live demonstrations, and more as our students bring their creativity to life.

We are so proud of the growth and accomplishments of our AMS students, and we can’t wait to share these special evenings with you. Let their performances and creativity warm your hearts and brighten the season!

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Be well,

Kristen Gauthier

Principal

Mike Cuddyer

Assistant Principal, 7/8

Matt Lane

Assistant Principal, 5/6

December 9 (Mon): Band & Chorus Winter Concert (Grade 5) 6:00PM

December 9 (Mon): Band & Chorus Winter Concert (Grade 6) 7:00PM

December 10 (Tues): Chorus Winter Concert - (Grades 7 & 8) 6:00PM

December 10 (Tues): Band/Jazz Band Winter Concert - (Grades 7 & 8) 7:15PM

December 11 (Wed): Early Release Day 12:50PM

December 11 (Wed): CANCELED: PTA Meeting 9:00 AM, Black Forest Cafe

December 13 (Fri): Festive Friday - Holiday Clothing & Accessories

December 16 - 20 (Mon-Fri): Holiday Spirit Week (themes TBA!)

December 23 - January 1 (Mon - Wed): NO SCHOOL - Holiday Break

Happy Holidays AMS community. We all may be in the giving spirit but nobody wants the GI bug for the Holidays. Please remind your students to wash their hands frequently and keep them home if they aren't feeling well. Our sick policy states that if you have a fever, vomiting or diarrhea you can not return to school until symptom free for 24 hours without needing medication. If your child is sent home with one of these symptoms, they can not return to school the following day. Please feel free to contact the health office with any questions. Have a happy and Healthy Holiday Season.

Come hang out and play some fun games, eat great snack and listen to some festive music.... you can dance too!

When: December 19, 2024 3:30PM-5:30PM

Where: AMS Cafeteria

We want to see all your holiday spirit; pull out your most festive wear, accessories and socks!

Get ready to experience the joy of the season at our AMS Winter Concerts, featuring the incredible talents of our band, jazz band, and chorus students. Mark your calendars and join us for these festive performances:

📅 Monday, December 9

• Grade 5 Band & Chorus: 6:00 PM
• Grade 6 Band & Chorus: 7:00 PM

📅 Tuesday, December 10

• Grades 7 & 8 Chorus: 6:00 PM
• Grades 7 & 8 Band/Jazz Band: 7:15 PM

📍 Location: AMS Cafeteria

Let our students warm your hearts and fill your spirits with music. We look forward to seeing you there! 🎶✨

Wendy McGuigan, of Branding Mine, will be selling AMS gear in the AMS lobby throughout our Winter Concerts December 9th and 10th. Please stop by and check it out! She accepts cash and Venmo.

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.

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.

This week, we are celebrating the following students as our Best of the Nest award winners for their outstanding efforts in our school community:

The chilly weather has arrived, and while our students are full of energy, their outfits aren’t always ready for the frosty air. We’re asking for your help to ensure your students are bundled up for morning and lunch recesses. Hats, gloves, coats, and warm shoes are highly recommended—otherwise, they might turn into ice sculptures before class! ❄️

Consider it a chance to dig out those gloves from the depths of the closet or finally reunite that missing mitten with its partner. Thanks for keeping our AMS community both stylish and warm this winter season!

Next week, AMS will have an early release day on Wednesday, December 11th. Dismissal starts at 12:50PM. Please plan for busing or parent pickup accordingly.

If you student is going to be absent for an extended period of time please reach out to their team of teachers as well as our general office email ams@sau39.org so our office staff can be sure our attendance is accurate. Please know that teachers are not able to provide all work ahead of time, but will support the student to complete essential assignments when they return.

Parents of 7th–12th Grade Amherst/Mont Vernon Baseball Players,

We are excited to announce that winter baseball workouts are open for registration! These workouts are an excellent opportunity for players to prepare for the upcoming spring season and to keep their skills sharp through the winter months.

Program Details:

• Location: Westwood Park YMCA, 90 Northwest Boulevard, Nashua, NH

• Dates: Sundays, December 8 through March 23, Excluding 12/22, 12/29
• Time:
• 7th & 8th Graders: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
• 9th – 12th Graders: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• Cost:
• 7th & 8th Graders: $150
• 9th – 12th Graders: $250

Registration closes on Friday, November 8. To secure your player’s spot, please complete the registration form at the link below.

Register Here

This is a fantastic opportunity to build strength, refine skills, and ensure players are prepared for a successful spring season. We look forward to seeing your athlete on the field!

Play Ball,

Souhegan Baseball Boosters Board

Souhegan Baseball Boosters
baseballboosterssouhegan@gmail.com

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.

To order yours go to www.jostensyearbooks.com, prices starting at $27.

The holiday season is here, and often along with it comes the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, family/friend gatherings, and stress. As adults and caregivers it is important that we prioritize our own self care. Below is a self-care monthly challenge. What days are you willing to give a try?

7th grade parents: 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

Comic Club

Wednesday, December 11 at 2pm

Comic Club! Inspired by all the great graphic novels, we will help young fans of graphic novels to read, write, draw, and share their own stories! We will focus on different authors and create drawing and writing challenges. Ages 9-12

Discovery Club (STEM)

Thursdays at 4:30

Ages 7-10

STEM fun for kids! Come explore a new STEM topic each week. Exciting hands-on activities for growing minds!

Holiday Hoobie Whatty

Saturday, December 14 from 10am-2pm

“Holiday who-be what-ee?” Come to the library to get into the holiday spirit! Enjoy some holiday crafts, music, refreshments and a special holiday story with Miss NH, Emily Spencer. Storytime will be at 10:30am followed by a dance performance from The Dance Company. We look forward to celebrating the season with you. All ages welcome.

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