Around the Realm Knightly News
ACP MIDDLE SCHOOL - December 9th, 2022
*DEDICATION*GROWTH*COMMUNITY*
Message from the Principal
Dear Knights,
Our 7th grade students participated in the X-STEM field trip yesterday. They had a blast! We are so happy to provide these opportunities to our students where they can see what they are learning in practical use. Our Future City Competition students were able to interact with the City of Chandler Manager on Tuesday, 12/06 and it was amazing to see how much our students got out of it. Out of that speaker engagement, our teams were invited to present their final projects in front of the city council or the executive board. We want to continue to provide these opportunities for our students so please feel free to put forth any ideas or suggestions and we will follow through with them.
This time of the year is rife with stress for students. It is even more important to stay organized, communicate with your teachers and families and take time to engage in self care. Remember, the objective is to learn the content not earn any specific grade. If you focus on learning, the grades will follow. But, if you focus on the grades, it becomes easier to engage in behavior that is contradictory to one of our principles - acting with integrity at all times. I believe all Knights are highly intelligent with character and as such intelligent people plan, prepare and execute!! Go Knights!
Annual we are chandler unified video production has begun. We are looking for parents and students to provide testimonials. If you are interested, please email me.
Our future city competition teams are in need of recyclable plastic bottles, cardboard, pipes, tubes, soap/shampoo bottles, plastic bags, kitchen towels, toilet paper rolls, any type of containers and foil. If you would like to donate, please drop off in the front office.
Thank you,
Manjula K Reddy
Principal
ACP Middle School
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STUDENT FEES ARE ONLINE
Please note: the FEE button in the parent portal is inactive. You must go to the InTouch Fee Payments to see outstanding fees/fines.
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ACP UPCOMING EVENTS
Monday - December 12
Regular Schedule - Periods 0-6
6th Grade Specials - Special 1
Orchestra Concert - 7th & 8th grades - ACP HIGH SCHOOL PAC @7:00pm
Tuesday - December 13
Regular Schedule - Periods 0-6
6th Grade Specials - Special 2
Power Hour until 3:50pm - no late pick-ups
New Parent Info Meeting @5:30pm - ACP Middle School GYM
Wednesday - December 14
Block Schedule - Periods 1, 3, 5
6th Grade Specials - Special 1 & 2
Power Hour until 3:50pm - no late pick-ups
Orchestra Concert - 6th Grade - 7:00pm @ACP MS Cafeteria
Thursday - December 15
Block Schedule - Periods 2, 4, 6
No 6th Grade Specials
Power Hour until 3:50pm - no late pick-ups
Friday - December 16
Regular Schedule - Periods 0-6
6th Grade Specials - Special 1
StuCo Movie Fundraiser - 3pm - 5pm in the Café
On the Horizon:
December 21 & 22 - Student Finals - early release @ 12:30
Students return for 2nd Semester on January 10, 2022
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Parent Roundtables
I host monthly-ish parent Q & A sessions or roundtables where we collaborate on a number of topics. I host these meetings virtually for your convenience. Hope to 'see' everyone at these meetings. See below for dates and times:
- January, 25, 2023 at 5:30pm
- February 15, 2023 at 5:30pm
- March 29, 2023 at 5:30pm
- April 26, 2023 at 5:30pm
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Athletics
Monday-December 12
Playoff Finals
Tuesday - December 13
Cross Country EVC Championship @ Crossroads Park
7th & 8th Grade Basketball party: After school until 4pm (Cafeteria)
Wednesday - December 14
Tennis party: After school until 4pm (School Courtyard)
Cross Country party: After school until 4pm (School Ramada)
Thursday - December 15
Softball party: After school until 4pm (Cafeteria)
It is amazing when we have students stay after school to cheer on our teams during home games. To make it easier, we will allow students to stay on campus in Power Hour (study hall) on home game days and then release them to the Gym for the game.
CLICK HERE TO SEE A FULL LIST OF SITE ADDRESSES FOR ATHLETIC GAMES
Perry Pumas CUSD Youth Night
Monday, Dec. 12th, 6pm
Perry High School Stadium
The Perry Soccer Family invites all CUSD youth programs to join us on Monday, December 12, 2022, as we take on Westwood at Perry High School. Kick-off is 6:00pm. Perry Soccer supports the development of all youth programs in the CUSD community and invites ALL to come out and enjoy a fun night of soccer and experience a “Big Game” atmosphere.
PLEASE WEAR YOUR SCHOOL SHIRT
What: Perry Youth Night, 12/12/2022
Time: 5:15 PM – meet at the entrance of the stadium, Kick Off is at 6 PM
Where: Perry HS Stadium
Who: All CUSD youth program participants
ADMISSION: FREE for all CUSD Youth Program participants with School Shirt/team Jersey. Parents/guardians WILL NEED TO PAY THEIR OWN ADMISSION of $5. Tickets must be purchased at www.gofan.co. A QR code will be available to get tickets at the gate.
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POWER HOUR REGISTRATION - DECEMBER
Power Hour is an academic support we provide at ACP Middle School on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Power Hour runs from 2:50 pm - 3:50 pm Tuesday-Thursdays. Students must be pre-registered for attendance and must be picked up promptly at 3:50 pm at parent pick-up. We will be enforcing i.e., losing power hour privileges if students are consistently picked up late or are signed up but do not show up 2 or more times.
Notes:
- These are not instructor led sessions and parents must provide student transportation.
- In order to attend, all students must signup weekly through signup genius. Students may only be signed-up for 1 week at a time.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE POWER HOUR SIGNUP REGISTRATION FOR DECEMBER
Please make note that there will be no Power Hour during Finals Week.
NOTE: PLEASE MAKE SURE TO PICKUP YOUR STUDENT PROMPTLY AT 3:50 PM.
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ACP MIDDLE SCHOOL- BOOSTER CLUB MESSAGE
Connect with Us!
· Join our Facebook page for updates and specifics of our events (https://www.facebook.com/ACPMSBoosterClub)
· Check out Booster events on our Website (acpbooster.com)
· Email us at knights@acpmsbooster.org
Recent Booster Updates:
· Thank You to all of the students who participated in the Dollar Dress Down Day event - we raised over $375!
· ACP MS is #1 in the School Cents program - thanks for your support! Please submit receipts for Chandler Mall purchases online at shopandlog.com/chandler, or drop your receipt in the collection box located on the upper level bridge near Barnes & Noble next to the elevator across from the Children’s Play Area.
· We have a lot of events that we support in the Spring Semester. To find out more and offer to help, please fill out our interest form
· Friday Shirts (limited quantities for certain sizes) and Chromebook sleeves are still available. See our store on our website to purchase. Reach out if you have any questions or want to check on availability.
Ongoing and Upcoming events:
- Holiday season events
- ACP Boosters support our teachers and staff through the holiday season in celebration of our appreciation for all they do!
- Come volunteer with the ACP Family at St. Mary's Food Bank on December 23rd. Sign up through the St. Mary's Food Bank Link our website.
- Supporting ACP Middle Boosters!
- Whether it be in person or not... Supporting students, their academic programs and social events, and supporting the administrators, teachers & staff of ACP Middle School is our goal. Please feel free to donate.
- Thank you to all who have already signed up. We have a lot of events that we support in the Spring Semester. To find out more and offer to help, please fill out our interest form
- School Cents (see flyer attached)
- We earn quadruple points on all receipts dated and submitted November 1 - January 15.
- We also earn 1,000 bonus points when you do:
- Santa Photos, Nov. 10 - Dec. 24: Visit https://www.shopchandlerfashioncenter.com/santaphotos for more info and to make a reservation. Upload your receipt to earn 4x points plus 1,000 bonus points.
- Adopt An Angel, Nov. 17 - Dec. 21: Fulfill the wish of a Salvation Army Angel and ask for a receipt when you bring your donation. Submit your donation receipt to earn 1,000 points.
- Donate To St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Text the word HEART to 707070 by December 24 to donate online. 100% of donations will go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Upload your donation receipt by January 15 to earn 1,000 School Cents points with a minimum $10 donation. Limit one bonus per person.
- Submit purchases online (https://shopandlog.com/chandler) or drop your receipt in the collection box located on the upper level bridge near Barnes & Noble next to the elevator across from the Children’s Play Area.
- Help Out Teachers in the Copy Room
- Sign up to help out by making copies (acpbooster.com/be-involved/volunteer)

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Counseling & Social Work Department Update
The Counseling and Social Services department has a monthly wellness newsletter for caregivers and families called Medieval Monthly. The newsletter will provide ideas, tips, tricks, and resources on how to best support your ACP Middle School student. You can find ACP’s most current Medieval Monthly by visiting the ACP Middle School website and looking under “Our Staff” and “Counseling and Social Services.”
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE COUNSELING & SOCIAL SERVICES WEBPAGE
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Opportunities
Antonette Shirley, CUSD’s Indigenous Engagement Academic Coach, is hosting quarterly Indigenous Parent Committee Meetings. Parents of indigenous students who are interested in participating in or learning more about the Title VI and/or JOM program are welcome to attend. Below are upcoming meeting dates and times:
12/6/2022 at 6:00 PM Hamilton High School Room G107
2/21/2023 at 6:00 PM Hamilton High School Room G107
4/18/2023 at 6:00 PM Hamilton High School Room G107
2022-2023 American Essay Contest (attached below is the form to complete if taking part):
The ambition and goal of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Americanism Program is to raise the spirit of American patriotism and to increase an awareness — a genuine feeling of pride and respect toward patriotism. Therefore, Chandler Elks Lodge #2429 would like to provide a special opportunity for 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th grade teachers and students to participate in our Annual Americanism Essay Contest. This year’s theme is “What is Your American Dream?”
New this year, there are four divisions (not two) for judging essays:
- Division 1 (fifth grade)
- Division 2 (sixth grade).
- Division 3 (seventh grade)
- Division 4 (eighth grade)
The local lodge will select a 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winner from each Division. Local lodge essay winners and sponsoring teachers will receive an invitation to an Awards Dinner in their honor at the Chandler Elks Lodge in late May 2023. Each winner will also receive an award certificate and a gift certificate.
Local winning essays will be also forwarded on to District, State and National competitions respectively. Awards and/or plaques will be awarded at each level. National Winners will be announced at the Grand Lodge Session in July 2023. National Winners will receive monetary awards of 1st Place: $1,000, 2nd Place: $500 and 3rd Place: $250.
Entry Rules:
1. Eligible participants must be students enrolled in 5th, 6th, 7th or 8th Grades during the normal 2022-2023 school year preceding June 30, 2023.
2. Essay length is not to exceed 300 words.
3. Essay must be typed.
4. Essay must be submitted for judging to the Chandler Elks Lodge Essay Chairman, Sandy Theobald, by mail to: 1775 W. Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85224.
5. Entrants must attach a completed 2022-2023 Americanism Essay Contest Cover Sheet (complete Section I Only) with the essay.
6. Deadline: must be submitted to Local Lodge by December 15, 2022.
7. Judging Criteria:
- Originality: avoids the use of trite or worn out words and phrases.
- Development of theme: stays focused on ideas and thoughts don’t ramble.
- Mechanics and neatness: uses proper spelling, grammar and punctuation. (1 or 2 grammatical errors can disqualify a student from moving on to Divisional, State and National levels.)
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24/7 TUTORING AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS
Chandler Unified School District is pleased to partner with NetTutor to offer free online, on demand 24/7 tutoring.
NetTutor offers K-12 CUSD students live tutoring on-demand, question drop-off, and writing feedback. Tutors are subject matter experts trained in how to translate tutoring best practices and learning strategies to support students online.
FOR ACCESS TO FREE ONLINE TUTORING:
- Click here to access Clever
- Log into your student’s GSE account
- Click on the NetTutor Icon (you may have to scroll down)
- Click “I Agree” after reading the terms and conditions to continue (first time only)
- Click on the course or subject area in which you need a tutor and follow the prompts
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YEARBOOK SALES BY PREORDER ONLY - JOSTENS
Early is good! Get ahead-of-the-game and check "order yearbook" off your list. In order for a student to get a yearbook the last week of school, parents/students must order on-line.
Online orders will start in August.
Cost: For those that preorder early, the cost of the yearbook will start at $42.00 for a limited time. (Payment Plan Avail.)
When: Yearbooks will go on sale August 2nd through December 31st through Jostens website.
How: Students/Parents can go online to www.jostensyearbooks.com
to order a yearbook. Be sure to maintain a copy of your emailed receipt as proof of purchase. Order now to ensure that your student receives a yearbook. Families may pay with a debit or credit card by going online to Jostens’ and selecting Arizona College Prep—MIDDLE SCHOOL.
Delivery: Yearbooks will be distributed the last week of school ONLY to those students who pre-ordered their book.
Order your yearbook early for the best deals!
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FOOD & NUTRITION MEALS
Due to changes in USDA regulations, Universal Free meals have not been extended to the 2022-23 school year. As of July 20th, the below meal prices will be in effect*
Breakfast Pricing: Meal Cost
All Grades (K-12) $2.00
Lunch Pricing: Meal Cost
Middle School Combo $3.25
Families may view the ala carte menu items with prices and view the daily lunch menu using the link below. Should you have any additional questions, you may contact ACP Middle School's cafeteria manager at: martinezcorona.maira@cusd80.com
Please click on the link below for more information on the school nutritional program and frequently asked questions.
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PLEASE MAKE A TAX CREDIT DONATION TO ACP MIDDLE SCHOOL
Arizona tax law allows individual taxpayers to claim a nonrefundable tax credit for making contributions or paying fees directly to a public school in AZ for support of eligible activities and programs.
At the junior high level, the school office is unable to reallocate / redirect funds without parent and district approval. Be sure to select the specific fee for the activity where you want your payment applied. Sports fees are assigned quarterly and club fees are assigned once established.
When paying fees online (band/ orchestra, club or athletics fees, etc.), please consider making an additional contribution to our general fund in December to reach the maximum credit allowable.
http://az01001175.schoolwires.net/page/1131
Once you have paid all outstanding fees for ACP Middle School or if you have a family member that resides in AZ, please consider making an additional tax credit contribution to ACP's general fund before December 31st. If you are able to make your tax contributions prior to the end of the calendar year, your donation would be greatly appreciated. It will help give us a jump start on some of our essential extracurricular activities. We have set a goal to collect approximately $50,000.00 this school year and hope that you will be willing to help us meet our goal. Thank you for supporting your child and ACP Middle School!
Tax Credit Basics…
A tax credit donation is a full refund, not a deduction. Contributions eligible for a tax credit are donated directly to schools, not to the state or school district. To participate or learn more, follow the link listed below to donate online or you can complete the enclosed form and submit your contribution at your convenience.
http://www.cusd80.com/taxcredit
Arizona Law ARS 43-1089.01 enables taxpayers a tax credit contribution of up to $400.00 per year if filing status is “Married, filing Joint Return;” $200.00 per calendar year if filing status is “Single of Head of Household;” and $200 per calendar year if filing status is “Married filing separate returns.” These contributions fund extracurricular activities in public schools and greatly impact our school community and our students.
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
Our counselors are here to support all ACP students.