Armada Middle School
2021-2022 October Newsletter
FROM THE DESK OF PRINCIPAL, TODD SCHAFER
Notes and Information:
- In past years, the middle school has held an open house during the opening weeks of school. Parents had the opportunity to tour the building, meet teachers, and learn about their student’s classes. We will not be holding a formal open house this fall. I encourage parents to check out class websites or to reach out to teachers directly via email or phone with any specific questions you may have. Many teachers have also created introductory videos as well that they have shared or posted on their websites. I encourage you to take some time to check them out!
- Trimester 1 Parent – Teacher Conferences: Traditional face to face conferences will not take place this fall. More details and information pertaining to the format and teacher availability will be shared in early October.
- The ROAR 140 program is beginning its 8th year at the middle school. The program is designed to provide academic and behavior support to students so they can be successful inside of the classroom. In addition, the ROAR Room runs a supervised study hall after school until 3:30 pm for students awaiting practices, rides, etc. More information on ROAR 140 can be found within this edition of the newsletter.
Please familiarize yourself with the student athletic and extracurricular eligibility policy. Academic eligibility requirements are based on student GPA and Citizenship in their classes. More details can be found within this edition of the newsletter.
NWEA Testing
At three points throughout the year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) all Armada Middle School students participate in Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) testing. These computerized tests in Reading, Language Usage, Mathematics, and Science are used to measure a student’s growth and progress in each area throughout the school year. Our teachers use the results to track a student’s progress and to assist in identifying academic strengths and weaknesses in specific areas. This data also allows teachers to guide their classroom instruction and lesson planning to meet the needs of their students. In addition, NWEA test results are also used to assist the staff in scheduling students in their appropriate level courses and to help determine whether or not intervention courses in reading and/or mathematics would be beneficial. Fall testing results and parent reports will be sent home with students later this trimester.
FROM THE DESK OF ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, MATTHEW GILLETT
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2021/2022 school year. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and describe my role at AMS. My name is Matthew Gillett, and this is my ninth year with Armada Middle School.
For the last three years, I have been the Assistant Principal here at AMS. I am looking forward to a wonderful school year working with all of you. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance.
THIS IS WHAT WE DO HERE PRESENTATIONS
At the end of September, Mrs. Husken and I presented to all students on the support programs and expectations of Armada Middle School. Topics reviewed were:
- Dress Code
- Technology Policy
- Eligibility Policy
- Bullying/Cyperbullying/Harassment Policies - Where/How to report bullying/cyberbullying/harassment
- Bus Expectations
- Current Covid-19 Protocols
- Acceptable Behavior Program (Point System)
- AMS Technology Zones
- Where to find our student handbook and other resources
- Tips for having a happy, healthy, and successful time at AMS
- ROAR Room Availability
- What to do and who to contact when conflicts arise
- Most importantly, that we are always available for our students
Student PowerSchool Accounts
During the 6th grade This is What We Do Here presentations, we signed all 6th grade students up for PowerSchool. They now have access to their course grades through classroom.powerschool.com. Additionally, 6th graders who were absent on the This is What We Do Here presentation day, and all new students have been called down to the office to sign up for PowerSchool as well.
Eligibility Policy for Armada Middle School
This year we will continue using portions of the Armada High School Extracurricular Eligibility Policy. The purpose of using this policy is to help middle school students prepare for the rigors of high school and develop an understanding of tracking their academic progress. We want students to enrich their middle school experience through clubs, athletic teams, and dances, but the primary focus of school will remain academics.
The policy requires students to have a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) in order to participate in extracurricular activities. Grades will be checked every Friday morning and students will be notified by the end of the day of their ineligible status. Students will be granted a one-time warning, giving them an opportunity the following week to improve their academic standing.
Citizenship and behavioral reporting will also play a role in eligibility. If a student receives two or more poor citizenship marks on a progress report, report card, or weekly report, they will be ineligible. The Acceptable Behavior Program point system will also be used, as in the past. Students who have three (3) points will also be considered ineligible.
We hope the eligibility policy develops responsibility in our students and encourages a sense of Tiger Pride in daily academic effort and citizenship. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
WELCOME TO ROAR 140!
- Students are expected to take responsibility and be accountable for their own actions and work. We expect them to all have the opportunity to learn and excel in their education. Lastly, we expect them to give and show respect to themselves, their peers, and staff.
- Students can come to ROAR 140 during school hours for multiple reasons: getting help with school work, working out some issues they may be experiencing, or behavioral problems.
- Students will receive one behavior point every three times they are sent to ROAR for behavior issues.
- Students also have the opportunity to join us in a study hall that is held daily, immediately after school, until 3:30pm (12:00 Noon on half-days). Students will have the opportunity to complete homework while waiting for a ride home or their sporting event to start.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY POLICY
It is the responsibility of the student to know and adhere to the eligibility code of their school. Participation in extracurricular activities is a student’s privilege, not a right, which can be removed at designated times for failure to meet the standards and requirements of Armada Area Schools. For the purpose of this policy, an “extra-curricular” activity is defined as any activity that is not part of the required curriculum for a course or is outside the regular course of study. This includes but is not limited to dances, athletic events, clubs, and performances.
These standards must be met in order to participate in any extra-curricular activity:
- Satisfactory or better behavioral citizenship in five (5) of six (6) classes on progress reports, report cards, and weekly teacher reports - checked each Friday.
- Maintenance of a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 each Friday.
- Students must not have accumulated 3 or more behavior points.
- Student-athletes must adhere to the Armada Athletic Code of Conduct.
Athletic and Extracurricular Activities, Except Dances:
First Violation:
- A warning is issued to the student and the parent informing the student of the need to improve his/her academic and/or behavioral standing before the following Friday.
- Student is ineligible for a period of one week (including weekends) from Monday - Sunday. The student will be allowed to sit on the bench, but not to participate in games while ineligible.
- The student can regain eligibility if he/she submits a Progress Report (signed by each of his/her teachers on Friday of the following week) which indicates the above standards have been met. Otherwise, the student will remain ineligible.
Dance Eligibility:
First Violation:
- A one-time warning is issued to the student and parent, with the student still able to attend the following week’s dance.
Subsequent Violations:
- The student will not be able to attend the upcoming dance.
Armada Middle School Dress Code
- Skirts and shorts must extend beyond the student’s fingertips.
- Undergarments of any kind are not to be visible—belts should be worn to prevent sagging pants; tops should fit appropriately to avoid visible bra straps.
- Bare backs and midriffs are prohibited. Adjusting clothing up or down to cover back or midriff is not acceptable.
- Cleavage should not be visible while standing or sitting.
- Tops must have sleeves and completely cover the shoulder; tank tops or sleeveless shirts are not acceptable.
- Mutilated clothing or clothing with holes is inappropriate for school.
- Hats, caps, hoods, sweatbands, and bandannas are not to be worn in the building at any time.
- When tights are worn in lieu of pants, the length of the top worn must meet the same length requirements of a skirt or dress. Tights and/or tight pants by themselves, without the proper length top, are not acceptable.
- Clothing, accessories, and/or backpacks that denote drugs and alcohol, or profane, obscene, and/or suggestive are not to be worn in school or at school activities.
ARMADA MIDDLE SCHOOL WELCOMES OUR NEW STAFF
Sexting and Cyberbullying
“THINK BEFORE YOU SEND”
Sexting is the act of sending sexually explicit messages, pictures or photos through cell phones, computers or other electronic devices (ED’s). Cyberbullying is to send threatening messages or spread rumors through these ED’s. The purpose is to embarrass, intimidate or discredit others. The consequences of these actions may lead to suspension and/or serious legal action. Students need to know that these actions are breaking the law and if any of this business takes place during school hours, AMS will take immediate appropriate action. Please tell your child to “THINK BEFORE THEY SEND!”
As always, if your child feels they are being harassed, bullied, or see or hear of weapons, drugs or other serious situations, they should immediately contact an adult they trust. It takes everyone to help make AMS a safe and drug-free school!
Recently, Mrs. Husken and Mr. Gillett held a presentation during grade level classes covering topics such as bullying, cyberbullying, dress code, personal grooming, being responsible with electronic devices, tardiness to classes, and eligibility.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH PROGRAM
The counseling department is excited to continue the Student of the Month Program! This program recognizes and honors stand-out students every month. Teachers and staff have the opportunity to nominate any student they feel deserves to be recognized for their actions (i.e. random acts of kindness, sticking up for someone, a good test/homework grade, etc.).
A male and female student will be chosen each month and will be featured in the display case outside of the counseling office. They will be able to bring in photos, memorabilia, awards, or anything they would like to show off to the school! Students will also be presented with an award certificate and gift card in appreciation for their actions!
Adolescent Outreach Counseling
Save our Students Act - ID Cards
AMS Parent Group
The Armada Middle School has a Parent Group! The Parent Group’s main goal is to work together with the middle school staff to raise awareness of events and happenings at the middle school, as well as to raise money to help fund such events.
The AMS Parent Group hosts the concession stand at all middle school home sporting events. The profits earned during these events will be used by the parent group to ensure the students of the month at the middle school are recognized and awarded a small prize as well as will support requested classroom needs.
The parent group will also, throughout the school year, host a Friday lunchtime concession stand, and will sell school related pridewear throughout the year. Again, the profits earned are solely to be used for students' benefits!