AMS Weekly News
January 13, 2023
Amherst Middle School
Email: ams@sau39.org
Website: https://ams.sau39.org
Location: 14 Cross Road, Amherst, NH, USA
Phone: 603-673-8944
Principal's Note
Last evening, I had the opportunity to attend the winter chorus concert. It was wonderful to see so many engaged and involved vocalists. I was especially impressed by the soloists. It's not easy at any age to perform a solo in front of a large crowd of people, and I am especially impressed by our middle schoolers who were able to showcase their talents.
I want to remind you that there is no school on Monday in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We look forward to seeing everyone back in the building on Tuesday, January 17th.
Best,
Kristen
Calendar
January 16 (Mon): NO SCHOOL, MLK Day
January 18 (Wed): 6th Gr Ecology School Parent Info Night, 6:00pm
January 20 (Fri): Festive Friday, Flannel Friday
January 24 (Tues): Spelling Bee Finals
January 26 (Thur): Q2/S1 Progress Reports Available to Parents
January 27 (Fri): Festive Friday, AMS School Colors-Red, Black, White, Gray
Weeks of Jan. 29 and Feb. 5: NWEA Testing
February 3 (Fri): Festive Friday, Wear Red Day for American Heart Assn
February 7 (Tues): Early Release Day, 12:30 Dismissal
February 10 (Fri): Festive Friday, Football Jerseys/Gear
February 13 (Mon): 8th Gr Parent Info Night at SHS
February 22 (Wed): Winter Awards Night
February 27-March 3: NO SCHOOL, February Break
Link to District Calendar for 22-23 School Year
New News
Parent Partnership
Emotional Agility. Do you have it? Do you know what it is? Does your student have it? Being able to label your emotions accurately, understanding your values, and then being able to navigate the feelings that arise in each situation is a skill that helps us navigate the inevitable troubles we face each day. Susan David is a Harvard Psychologist who speaks to this in her books and TED Talks. Listen to the short 6 minute interview below to hear more. What resonates with you about this topic? Listen to this with your student and have a conversation about it! Ask us for more information if you want more support!
https://www.susandavid.com/video/four-steps-to-achieve-emotional-agility/
Bathroom Beautification Contest Entries due January 20th!
8th Grade Yearbook
Reminders
Amherst PTA January Newsletter
Please NOTE: location and date change of the February General Meeting. It was originally scheduled to be held on Tuesday, 2/21 at AMS. It will now be held on Wednesday, 2/22 at Wilkins.
February & March Late Start --> Early Release
Empower Missing Work Notifications
Spring Coaching Vacancies
- Boys Lacrosse Coach
- Assistant Track & Field Coach
Anyone interested in either coaching position this coming Spring should contact Athletic Director Jeff Wing (jwing@sau39.org).
CAST Virtual Interactive Parent Cafe
Reminder: Dropoff/Pickup Procedures and Safety
Thank you for your understanding and assistance in keeping this process flowing smoothly and safely.
Afterschool Activities
NEW FOR THE NEW YEAR:
CLAY Club begins in the new year and will meet on Thursdays beginning January 5. Open to all students, come play with clay, make sculptural pieces, mugs and bowls! Interested students should check in with Ms. Plank (dplank@sau39.org)
Continuing Clubs and Activities:
- Eagles Jazz Band: All interested students are welcome to join playing typical band instruments (flutes, clarinets, etc.) as well as guitar, piano, and bass! Musicians should see Mr. Swift in the band room for more information.
- Innovation & Design Club, open to all students interested in learning about 3D modeling, graphic design, and the engineering design process. We use the TAZ 3D printers and the 45W Full Spectrum Laser. We meet on Thursdays 3:30-4:30 , for more information see Mr. Opre
- Student Leadership & Service is open to all students interested in activities to support our school community. We usually meet the second Wednesday of the month afterschool. For more information students should check in with Mrs. Robinson, Mrs. Dionne or Mrs. Wyborney.
Reminder: Computer Use Agreement
When you log in to PowerSchool and click "forms" you will see a form entitled AMS Student Computer Condition & Use Agreement 22/23. We have received many responses but are still looking for several more. Please fill this out in the coming weeks so we can be sure we have this information on file. This is an integral part of keeping our technology equipment in good shape for years to come.
A Few Reminders from the AMS Office....
Our first bell is at 8:23am and students are late if they are not in their LP/MM class by 8:30am. Please let us know if your child will be absent or tardy to school with an email to ams@sau39.org or a phone call to 603-673-8944 ext. 1
Bus Passes
We need a note from home for bus passes with the following information:
- Student's name
- Destination, including bus number
- Your signature
A Note From Our Nurse
Students should be encouraged to bring their own snacks, cough drops and a water bottle and should not rely on the Nurse to provide these things. We are happy to help in a a pinch, but lately we have found our supplies are decreasing rapidly. Thank you in advance for your understanding!
Amherst School Board - Connecting With the Community
One of the Amherst School Board goals is connecting with the community.
If you have questions or thoughts for the Amherst School Board, send them an email at ASB@sau39.org.