CLASSES CONTINUE NEXT WEEK (April 13-17)
As you may be aware, NYS schools will be in session next week during what would have typically been students’ “Spring Break” week. All AMS classes will continue in their online format.
By continuing our instruction during the week ahead we hope to provide a continuity of learning and maintain engagement with our students during this difficult time for our country and world.
We know this news may be disappointing to students who were looking forward to a break from their school work.
However, this decision, made by the Governor, is a call for all of us to continue on with our school work and keep our established social distancing routines.
Our staff recognizes the tremendous sacrifices being made by health care professionals and other essential workers in our community. We hope that our work in engaging students over the week ahead supports their efforts in making our communities a safer place.
Thank you.
THIRD MARKING PERIOD ENDS ON APRIL 10
The Third Marking Period will end on Friday, April 10 at 2:30 p.m.
AMS Third Marking Period Report Cards will be available for parents to view on Wednesday, April 22.
For those who missed last week’s announcements about how students will be graded, please see these narrated slides from the morning announcements on this topic: https://bit.ly/2UvkHY4
Also, for your reference, here is a publicly viewable link to the slides themselves: https://bit.ly/39vV5Pg
HOW LONG SHOULD I SPEND ON THIS LEARNING ACTIVITY?
During the school closure the APCSD has provided guidelines for the amount of time students should be actively spending on learning activities each week.
Core Classes = 2 hour of student work per week per subject area listed (5 classes):
– ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, Literacy 6, LOTE 7/8
Encore Classes = 1 hour of student work per week per enrolled class (3-6 classes):
– Health 7, Technology 7 & 8, Vis Lit 6, LOTE 6, Trimester PFA Classes, PE, B.O.C
Please reach out to your child’s teacher should they regularly spend more than the recommended allotted time on a given class. We are working hard to ensure a manageable student workload during the school closure.
TEACHER ACCESS HOURS
AMS teachers hold Access Hours, generally by Google Meet, each day. Students are encouraged to check in with their teachers should they have questions about learning activities or need additional support.
Please encourage your child to reach out to their teachers, as needed, based on the schedule provided below, which is updated weekly.
Click Here to View Access Hours: https://bit.ly/3bTkt2S
FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH FOR AVERILL PARK STUDENTS
Free grab and go breakfast and lunch is available for students free of charge during the school closure
PICK UP HAS NOW MOVED TO THE AVERILL PARK HIGH SCHOOL
9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Drive-thru pick-up stations. Remain in your car and meals will be brought to you.
Monday: Lunch for Mon, Breakfast and Lunch for Tues, Breakfast for Wed
Wednesday: Lunch for Wed, Breakfast and Lunch for Thurs, Breakfast for Fri
Friday: Lunch for Fri, Breakfast for Mon
Dietary restrictions, please contact Colleen Wise at wisec@apcsd.org.
FROM THE APO:
APO – YANKEE TRAILS BUS TRIP RAFFLE extended!
Support APO programs by purchasing a raffle ticket(s) to win a day “Bus Trip for 2” from Yankee Trails to NYC or Boston (certificate doesn’t expire until 12/31/2020). You may purchase online via Paypal!
Paypal money can be sent to ams.parentorg@yahoo.com (put “Raffle tickets” in the comment section).
One ticket for $5; or 3 tickets for $10.
Thank you Yankee Trails for supporting APO!
AMS YEARBOOK – ORDER DEADLINE EXTENDED
The deadline for ordering a yearbook has been extended to April 25. The website is ybpay.lifetouch.com school code:11617120. We will not be ordering extra yearbooks this year. If your child would like a yearbook, you need to order online.
8th grade parents: it is not too late to send in a baby picture of your 8th grader to be put in the yearbook. Send in a jpeg format to amsyearbook@apcsd.org.
Aslo, if there are any 8th graders who would like a yearbook but it is not financially possible at this time, please send me an email at winkleyc@apcsd.org and we can make that happen.
FROM THE LIBRARY:
E-Books and Audiobooks are available 24-7! Students can read books on their Chromebooks or download a free app called Sora to read books on a phone or tablet. Your child only needs to sign in through their Google account, no password required. Go to this link and follow the directions: https://www.averillpark.k12.ny.us/e-books-and-audio-books
Please contact Mrs. Ekstrom if you have any questions: ekstromr@apcsd.org
“BLOCKING PRIVATE CALLS” IMPACTS CALLS FROM STAFF TO PARENTS
Parents/Guardians: When teachers are reaching out to families we have been met with some “private calls being blocked” messages. That means if a parent has set their phone to not receive calls from “private phone numbers.” This may lead to you missing a call from your child’s teacher, school counselor or principal. Please consider adjusting this setting during the school closure to ensure that you receive phone calls from school personnel.
AMS MAIN OFFICE PHYSICALLY CLOSED, VOICEMAIL BEING CHECKED
The AMS Main Office is physically closed, however we are checking the main office voicemail. If you need assistance please leave a message with a good contact phone number and someone will return your call.
SCHOOL COUNSELORS HERE TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD
During this time of school closure, the AMS Counseling Center remains open, virtually, for students and families. If you need support or assistance for your child at any time during this closure, please reach out to you child’s counselor listed below:
Grade 6:
Team 1 – Tim Herbs – herbst@apcsd.org
Team 2 – Mary Anne Valentine – valentinem@apcsd.org
Grade 7: Teams 3 & 4 – Tim Herbs – herbst@apcsd.org
Grade 8: Teams 5 & 6 – Mary Anne Valentine – valentinem@apcsd.org
Social Social Worker: Linda Bille – billel@apcsd.org
School Psychologist: Amber Williams – williamsa@apcsd.org
Student Assistance Counselor: Samantha Keenan – keenans@apcsd.org
NEED TECH SUPPORT FOR YOUR CHROMEBOOK?
The Averill Park CSD Technology Office is here to help with Chromebook and instructional software challenges students may face in the days ahead. Please click on this link for FAQ and ways to request direct assistance:
https://sites.google.com/apcsd.org/onlinelearning/tech-support?authuser=0
DAILY VIDEO DURING SCHOOL CLOSURE
During the school closure Mr. Gela and I will be posting a “Morning Announcements” video each day.
Encourage your student to subscribe to the YouTube channel so they stay connected with our school community.
These Morning Announcements have a fun format with a goal of being informative and engaging.
Visit the school’s YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa6dAayrQP-IEoHIghV38Lg and then click “Subscribe.”
ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION REQUESTS FOR 2020-21
The APCSD Transportation Department is now accepting alternate transportation request forms for the 2020-2021 school year. This form is used to request in district alternate transportation for child care purposes.
Please click here for the form, which includes additional information:
https://www.averillpark.k12.ny.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/TransportationFormChildcare.pdf