The Hawk Connection
AMS Newsletter 24/25: Volume 7
Principal's Message
Hello, AMS Students and families,
As we approach the upcoming Monday, I want to take a moment to reflect on the significance of Veterans Day, a day dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who have served our country. While we will not have school on this day, it is important for us to take time to recognize and express our gratitude for their sacrifices and commitment to protecting our freedoms. Thank you to all of our community members that joined us for our Veterans observance assembly on Friday 11-8.
Veterans Day is a reminder of the courage and dedication exhibited by our service members and their families. I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to learn about their stories, participate in community celebrations, or simply take a moment to express thanks. Each act of recognition contributes to a culture of respect and appreciation for those who have served. If you haven't taken a moment to walk or drive by the AMS campus this week, please do so this weekend to enjoy the incredible display.
I also want to include you all in a message that was shared with all of our students and staff last week after the recent election. As we reflect on our recent election It’s important to remember that this process is a vital part of civic engagement in our country. We also recognize that this can be a sensitive and challenging time for many.
At Anacortes Middle School, our core values remain rooted in respect, kindness, and inclusion. Regardless of political outcomes, we must continue to carry ourselves in a manner that is respectful and supportive of all. Our campus is made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds—people of all ages, ethnicities, races, belief systems, and genders.
In the spirit of unity, students and staff must refrain from making any statements that are divisive, hurtful, or disrespectful to others. Hateful language and Hate Speech is unacceptable and very hurtful. Together, let’s ensure that AMS is a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
Thank you for your care in upholding these values. Together, we can create a positive, inclusive space for all.
I felt it was important to continue to spread the message to our greater school community about our values and how want everyone to feel at our campus.
I wish everyone a lovely extended weekend.
Best,
Kia duNann
Principal
Thank you Mr. Harris for speaking at our assembly!
Thank you to our Veterans and community members that joined us for our recognition assembly today.
Honor a Veteran Display in the gym
Honor a Veteran Display in the gym
Honor a Veteran Display at AMS
Please stop by this weekend to enjoy the beautiful display of the men and women that are serving or have served our country.
Honor a Veteran Display at AMS
Honor a Veteran Display at AMS
Staff Spotlight
Jason Morgenthaler:
Welcome to Mr. Morgenthaler's PE Class for 2024-2025. We are off to a great year so far! We just finished units in ultimate frisbee and flicker/football. We are transitioning to indoor activities and health because of the weather. Our next units include Volleyball, Basketball and we will end the semester with an amazing ping pong/badminton unit. The kids are doing great and working hard.
Sam Guzik:
6th Grade Drama- We are getting to know each other, building confidence by playing theatre games. We are beginning to brainstorm about what play we want to present to the student body at the end of the quarter.
7-8 Drama- We are holding auditions for our adaptation of As You Like It. Students are being evaluated on the choices they make on stage in order to determine which role they will play for the performance at the end of the semester.
6th Challenge Bloc- We wrapped up our first unit in ELA and are moving on to studying mysteries. Students are taking notes on facts, developing claims that are valid reasons and strong evidence. In SS, we are jumping into our Ancient Egypt Simulation by studying how the natural environment of the Nile changed the Egyptians' society.
7th Challenge ELA- We are doing a read aloud novel study of the Hound of the Baskervilles for our monthly book project before we study character and conflict in the Raisin in the Sun.
AMS Athletics
Boys' Basketball has two more home games coming up! Concessions will be available so be sure to bring cash and support your fellow Hawks! Want to cheer for our athletes but don't know all the names? Check out the image below for jersey and names of all our boys' basketball players.
The 2nd and final grade check for Boys' Basketball will be available in the main office on Thursday, November 14 and will be due by the end of the school day on Monday, November 18. Athletes are required to be passing all classes in order to be eligible to compete in games. Any students that fail both grade checks will be removed from the team so that they can focus on their school work. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Athletic Admin Assistant, Rachel Esposito, at resposito@asd103.org.
AMS Clubs
Clubs are in full swing at AMS! Check out the options here and sign up on FinalForms if something catches your eye. Have an idea for a new club? Stop by the front office to get a "Starting a New Club" form.
Chess Club has started at AMS! If chess is your game or you're interested in learning, stop by and check it out!
AMS Lost and Found
Please encourage your student to check out the lost and found located in the main area when you enter AMS through the front doors. There are tons of coats, sweatshirts, water bottles and more! Anything not claimed by November 20th will be donated.
Important Message from our PTSA
Hello AMS Community! See below for updates from your PTSA!!
· Thank you to everyone who supported the 90's Nightmare event. We had a great turn out!
· Assistance for Signs of Support: we need 20+ people to hang the new Signs of Support on November 13th, 1:45 -3:45pm. Please bring a ladder if you have one. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4CA9A822A7FCC52-52985568-soshanging
· Community Connections at Bastion Brewery (Monday, November 18, 4:00-8:00 pm). Support the PTSA AND eat amazing food! Mention AMS PTSA when you order and 10% of their proceeds will be donated to the PTSA. Thank you, Bastion Brewery!!
· Holiday gift cards for AMS staff!! Help us acknowledge the tremendous AMS staff with gifts cards to local stores, Starbucks, Target, etc.). https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4CA9A822A7FCC52-52997085-staff#/
· Join the PTSA! (https://anacortesmsptsa.givebacks.com/store/items/1066638)
· Buy Cookie Cards (https://anacortesmsptsa.givebacks.com/store/items/1055128) Upcoming Cookie Fridays are Nov 22nd and Dec 13th.
Free & Reduced Lunch Application Form & Information
Free & Reduced Lunch Applications and Meal Time
All families should apply! It is important that all families, regardless of income, apply for free and reduced-price meals. Completion of this form may help provide important funding for our schools, as well as continue and possibly expand our ability to serve meals at no cost. If qualified, families may also receive waived or reduced fees for certain programs, like sports, clubs, and other events!
Student Calendar
Click here to view the school calendar.
11: No School; Veterans Day
27: K-12 Half Day (students and staff); No Pre-K
28-29: No School; Thanksgiving Break
Attendance
Parents/Guardians have several ways to notify the school of an absence, tardy or early release need.
-Call: 360-503-1248
-Email: amsattend@asd103.org
-Use Skyward Family Access
Pre-Planned absence forms are required for any absence that will be longer than three days. Students can stop by the office for one or can email to request one be sent to them.
Students that are just arriving or leaving early from school must come and sign in/out.
Here is a link directly to the attendance tab on our website as well: AMS attendance website
Message from the AMS Health Room
Please see our graphic below for information regarding our process for reporting activity restrictions or student injuries. You can also click the graphic to download it as a PDF and access it's links.
Anacortes Community Connect
Welcome to the Anacortes Community Connect our new online community bulletin board. This platform is designed to connect local organizations with the Anacortes School District Community.
If you are a local organization and would like to request electronic flyer distribution to the Anacortes School District Community, you may do so through our online request form. Please note that programs, activities, or events must be appropriate for school-aged children and their families.
We hope that this platform will help foster a stronger sense of community and provide a space for local organizations to share their events and activities with the wider community reach. Each event is clickable that takes you directly to the event signup and website!
Check it out and upload your events here:
Anacortes Middle School
Do you need help or assistance? If so, the following people are available to assist:
Attendance:
Mrs. Tarleton- amsattend@asd103.org or 360-503-1248
Counseling:
Last name A-K Mr. Flynn- Sflynn@asd103.org or last name L-Z Mrs. Newall Rnewall@asd103.org
If you have concerns about your student's grade or classroom experience, please contact their teacher directly:
Staff Contact Directory Linked Here
If you need to speak to an administrator please contact Mrs. King at Aking@asd103.org or 360-503-1232.
Monica Frost, Assistant Principal
Website: https://ams.asd103.org/
Location: 2202 M Avenue, Anacortes, WA, USA
Phone: 360-503-1230
Nondiscrimination Notice
The Anacortes School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination, or you may mail complaints to the address below.
Kristen Koehler Section 504/ADA Coordinator
(360) 503-1216
Connie Sheridan, Civil Rights/RCW/Title IX Coordinator
(360) 503-1221
Written Complaints
2200 M Avenue, Anacortes, WA 98221
The Anacortes School District provides interpretation and translation services upon request as needed. Please contact the Student Support Services Department for more information: (360) 503-1216.