AMS Families:
As we prepare for the opening of school on Thursday, September 7, we would like to share some updates and reminders with you.
This summer has been a busy one so far at AMS with capital project improvements taking place on the fire alarm, boilers, roof, front entry and security improvements. Meanwhile, many of our teachers have been involved in professional development, curriculum writing and teaching our school’s summer program.
We hope that your family is having an enjoyable summer and that as your child starts thinking about September, that they are excited to be at AMS with their friends and teachers.
Sincerely,
Robert Messia, Principal
Brian Rhode, Assistant Principal
Algonquin Middle School
______________________________________
THEME FOR 2023-24: MINDFUL AND MOTIVATED
Each year our school establishes a theme that is reflected in a banner above the front entrance of the school. This year’s theme is “Mindful and Motivated.” This theme was selected to emphasize the importance of being aware, calm and focused as we work hard to achieve our personal best. We will revisit this theme throughout the year ahead and draw out connections between the theme and our school’s guiding principles known as “The Warrior Way.”
______________________________________
MORNING MEETING ASSIGNMENTS AND SCHEDULES
All Algonquin students will receive a letter in the mail in late August informing them of their Morning Meeting assignment for the upcoming school year. Students will receive their course schedules on the first day of school.
______________________________________
GRADE 6 FAMILY VISITS – AUGUST 31
Incoming Grade 6 students and families are invited to visit at AMS in advance of the start of school during our AMS Grade 6 Family Visit Night on Thursday, August 31 from 5-7 pm.
This event is a loosely structured, self-guided program with a 2-hour time window for families to visit in a relaxed environment.
There will be several fun activities built into the event, including a Stewart’s Ice Cream Social, with ice cream sundaes for sale by the APO for $1.00.
Families should plan on spending about 45 minutes here in the building for the activities.
More information will be shared directly with incoming Grade 6 families in the coming weeks.
We hope this opportunity will support a smooth transition for your child to the upcoming school year.
______________________________________
GRADE 6 TRANSITION CONNECTION WEBSITE
Families of Grade 6 Students: We have put together the website linked below to organize the materials we shared over the spring regarding the transition to middle school. We hope that this one-stop resource is helpful to you and your child as they prepare to join us here at AMS in September!
Click here to view the Transition Connection website:
https://sites.google.com/apcsd.org/grade6connection/home
______________________________________
GIRLS ON THE RUN IS BACK!
Another season of Girls on the Run is here! We are delighted to offer this one-of-a-kind program again at Algonquin Middle School this Fall on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:45 – 4:15 pm.
So much more than running, Girls on the Run ignites a confidence in participants now and into the future.
Unlike other after-school programs in North America, Girls on the Run empowers the WHOLE girl – mind, body and soul. Through #GOTR’s evidence-based curriculum, girls discover skills that strengthen their mental, physical and emotional health. Young people today deserve the chance to become their most confident selves. A season at GOTR is the first step on this promising pathway.
Registration for the Girls on the Run – Heart and Sole at Algonquin Middle School will open 8/1/23!
To register, please visit: https://www.pinwheel.us/register/index/F23GirlReg
Email GOTR with any questions @ 518-635-0828 and info@gotrcr.org or Coach Mrs. Brand @ brandj@apcsd.org.
______________________________________
ATTENTION GRADES 7 & 8 STUDENTS: MODIFIED CROSS COUNTRY SIGN UP
Are you interested in running and fitness? Then the AMS Cross Country team is for you!
Click on the following link to sign up for Cross Country or any of our modified sports programs:
https://www.familyid.com/programs/averill-park-athletics-fall-2023-registration
Contact Coach Kaedy at kaedyg@apcsd.org with any questions. Thank you.
______________________________________
SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST
Please click on the following link for the Grades 6-8 supply list:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AfnAQMnee2hDomT_P-IcC7kqU076SACjn64PqGBqs5E/edit?usp=sharing
Should any family need assistance with obtaining supplies for your child please reach out to your child’s school counselor. Thanks to the generosity of the Sand Lake Kiwanis we have supplies for students who need them.
______________________________________
SAVE THE DATE – AMS LEARNING LAUNCH (OPEN HOUSE)
Mark your calendars and join us for Algonquin’s Learning Launch (Open House) on Wednesday, September 13 from 5:30-7:00pm. More information about this evening program for parents and students will be shared as we get closer to the event.
______________________________________
SUMMER ASSIGNMENTS REMINDER
If you haven’t done so, now is a great time for students to get going on your summer reading assignment!
At AMS we know that students need to continually build and maintain their skills in reading and mathematics. As a result, our teachers have created important, engaging and manageable summer assignments to support student success in their upcoming grade level.
For Math: Students should be completing their daily math calendar assignments.
For ELA: Students should be reading their summer book and complete the short activity for their grade level prior to the start of school.
For those that need copies of materials, please view the following link: https://www.averillpark.k12.ny.us/ams-summerassignments
______________________________________
HEALTH OFFICE INFORMATION
GRADE 6 FAMILIES: Please remember that your student needs the Tdap immunization by the time they turn 11. If they have already turned 11, please send in the physician immunization record if you have not already done so. NYS allows for 14 grace days from the day your student turns 11 to obtain the Tdap immunization. If they do not have the Tdap immunization by the fourteenth day after their 11th birthday, the district can opt to exclude your student.
GRADE 7 FAMILIES: Please remember to send in your student’s 7th grade physical, it is a NYS mandate. All 7th grade students, per NYS law, must have the Meningitis vaccine as well. Please send in documentation from your medical provider stating the vaccine was administered. The vaccine is due by September 20 or a note from your provider stating your child has an upcoming appointment, date included, is required if the vaccine is not administered. In compliance with the Dominic Murray Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act, a physical must include documentation that there has been a “family cardiac history review.” The physician, PA, or NP completing the physical must “check the box” on the physical indicating that this was done.
GRADES 7 & 8 STUDENT ATHLETES: You must register in Family ID if you intend to try out for a sport. You must also have a current physical on file with the AMS health office. A physical is valid for a period of 1 year from the date it was completed. In order for your child to be approved to try out, their physical on file with the health office must have been completed within 1 year of the tryout/practice start date.
If your student requires medication to be given in school (daily or emergency), please print the form below, have your child’s medical provider complete it and return the form to the AMS health office. The link for the NYS physical exam form is also available below. Thank you.
Medication Administration Form: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1vsgVkOsO6R5XZhium2gW1jZFGRReffJ7
NYS Health Exam Form: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/sss/documents/health-exam-form.pdf
AMS health office fax (518)-674-8426
______________________________________
FALL ATHLETIC INFORMATION
Please see the link below for more information about fall sports. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mark Bubniak, the district’s athletic director.