Ayer Shirley Middle School
End of Year Newsletter
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Principal's Corner
Dear ASRMS families,
We are officially in the home stretch of the school year! In just over a month, students will be heading off into summer vacation. While it is fast approaching, we still have a lot of learning and events between here and there!
This week and next, students will be completing their final sessions of MCAS. Thank you so much for all of your support. It was clear that your students were set up for success. We had a very smooth test administration. Students have come in well rested and prepared with their chromebooks. We’re looking forward to seeing the results and finding out about all the knowledge and skills they have acquired this year.
Our teachers and staff are extremely grateful for all of the thank you’s they received during Teacher Appreciation Week. We are so blessed to have such supportive families and a community that values education. Our students succeed because they have a strong network to support them.
At the end of May we’ll be rolling into end of year events. Student Council will be bringing back their annual Summer Bash to celebrate the completion of MCAS and arrival of summer break. Many students will be going on field trips to have fun and apply their learning in the wider world. Our Band will be performing its Spring Concert. 8th graders will have the opportunity to celebrate graduation with a semi-formal and graduation ceremony. We’ll be sharing information about all of it in this newsletter and in follow up emails to specific grade level families. We are elated to be bringing many of these events back after a long hiatus!
Finally, we have begun planning for next school year with committees discussing handbooks, schedules and positive school culture. We already have some exciting new initiatives such as an upcoming peer mentor program that is in the works. On June 1st and 3rd we’ll be welcoming our rising 5th graders for a tour of the building. It’s always exciting to see our newest batch of students and welcome them to ASRMS. This summer we’ll also be rolling out a new Student Information System and we’re looking forward to how it can improve our scheduling and communication. We have a lot to look forward to in the 2022-2023 school year.
I hope you enjoy the arrival of warmer weather and with it time with family and friends. We look forward to seeing all of you during the next few weeks!
Sincerely,
Bryan Oelerich
Principal
Important Dates
5/9 - Progress Reports go home
5/11 - 90 min. early release
5/11 - Understanding the IEP: Virtual Workshop
5/15 - Janis Bresnahan Run for Education
5/17 - SEPAC Coffee & Conversation 4-5pm
5/18 - SEPAC Coffee & Conversation 10-11am
5/21 - Spring Wellness Festival
5/25 - Summer Bash
6/2 - MS Band Concert
6/6 - 8th Grade field trip to Southwick Zoo
6/7 - Science Fair
6/10 - 8th Grade Graduation
6/12 - MS Band performance of National Anthem @ Bravehearts game
6/14 - 8th Grade Dance
6/15 - RAIN DATE for 8th Grade Graduation
6/16 - 7th grade field trip to Canobie
6/17 - Last Day of School!! (Report Cards go home)
Save The Date - 8th Grade Activities
6/6 - Field trip to Southwick Zoo
6/10 - 8th Grade Graduation @ 6:00pm (Outdoor)
6/14 - 8th Grade Dance @ the Devens Common Center
6/15 - RAIN DATE for graduation
Field Trip: We will be going on an 8th grade field trip to the Southwick Zoo on Monday, June 6th. We will leave at 8am and return at 2pm. The cost of the field trip is $35. Students need to bring a bagged lunch. A bagged lunch can be requested from the cafe on the permission slip. Permission slips were handed out in homeroom on Friday, May 6. Permission slips and money need to be returned by Friday, May 20th.
Graduation Dance: There will be an 8th grade graduation dance on Tuesday, June 14 from 6-9pm at Devens Common Center. The attire is semi-formal. There will be dinner, dancing, and dessert. PTO will also be providing a photo booth. Forms for the dance were handed out Monday, May 2nd. Tickets for the dance can be purchased until Friday, May 27th.
Graduation: Our 8th grade Graduation will be on Friday, June 10th at 6:00pm. The ceremony will be held outdoors in the courtyard. A formal invitation with more information will be going home soon.
Please reach out to Mrs. Hampson, jhampson@asrsd.org , if you have questions about 8th grade events. Scholarship money is available upon request, please email Tina Libby, blibby@asrsd.org, for additional information.
8th Grade Science Fair
Trimester 1
- Start - 9/1
- Progress Reports Issued - 10/25
- End - 12/3
- Report Cards Issued - 12/13
10/28 & 10/29 Parent Teacher Conferences
Trimester 2
- Start - 12/6
- Progress Reports issued - 2/7/22
- End - 3/18/22
- Report Cards Issued - 3/28/22
Trimester 3
- Start - 3/21/22
- Progress Reports Issued - 5/9/22
- Report Cards Issued - Last Day of School
2/10 & 2/11 Parent Teacher Conferences
May Lunch Menu
MCAS
There are several ways families can support their students and set them up for success:
Chromebooks - A fully charged 1-1 device is needed on the day of testing
Good Night’s Sleep - Cognitive abilities is deeply affected by rest
Water Bottle - Staying hydrated and minimizing disruptions
Complete Breakfast - A full meal makes sure hunger isn’t a distraction
Punctual Drop-off - Sessions begin immediately after homeroom
If your child is in 7th or 8th grade and has a scientific calculator, please have them bring it in
Most Importantly, being positive and encouraging them to do their best! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our main office. As always your partnership in supporting our students is very appreciated.
ASMS Presentation of Annie Jr!
Janis Bresnahan Run for Education
Registration is open for the 16th annual Janis Bresnahan Run for Education happening on May 15th. A family fun day featuring a newly added 2 Mile Walk, a competitive 5K run and a 2K fun run. The first 300 registered participants will get a Janis Bresnahan Run race shirt, so don't wait and register now!
The event will include a Kids activity tent with lego's, face painting and other fun games. A BBQ grill serving lunch and DJ playing great music! A day for the entire family whether you run, walk, play or eat. 100% of the proceeds go back to the Ayer Shirley Regional School District.
More information and registration can be found by clicking here.
Summer Bash
Shirley Middle Schoolers will enjoy an evening of fun on May 25th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. We will get together to enjoy one another’s company, celebrate our successful completion of MCAS, and play many inflatable activities and games.
Admission is $10.00. Drinks, cotton candy, popcorn, slushies, candy, snacks and pizza will be available for sale throughout the bash. (Each priced at $1.00.)
Admission is for Ayer Shirley Middle School students only.
Scholarship funds are available.
Please contact Kathryn Lyon, klyon@asrsd.org if you have any questions
Robotics at LAW!
MS Band @ The Worcester Bravehearts!
Panther Apparel
We have opened an online store for gear and spirit wear. Only open a short time, so place your orders now!
Unified Basketball
The Ayer-Shirley Regional Middle School Unified Basketball team celebrated its 2022 spring season with a season ending four school jamboree inside the Ayer-Shirley Regional Middle School gymnasium.
Ayer-Shirley teamed up with Samoset in Leominster and Oak Middle School and Sherwood Middle School, both from Shrewsbury to cap off the season before a loud, enthusiastic crowd.
“We are thrilled to be able to host this. Unified has been a real blessing for our school district. Allowing us to be able to get all of our students involved with athletics. Our long-term goal is to get the elementary school involved in the near future,” said Ayer-Shirley Regional School District Athletic Director Steve Kendall on Tuesday. “The turn out today was great. To have this many students, families and staff members come out to support is great.”
Prior to the action, the four teams took part in an opening ceremony which featured a few words from Kendall along with Unified Sports Manager for Special Olympics Massachusetts Kathy Lutz prior to the playing of the national anthem.
Jackie Couture is a Spanish teacher at the middle school and the head coach of the Panthers Unified team. “It’s a way to create awareness,” said Couture. “It’s a way for our students, faculty, staff and community to get to know each other in an atmosphere some may not have had a chance to be a part of before.”
According to the Special Olympics Massachusetts website, Unified Sports brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to train and compete on the same team.
A primary goal of Unified Sports is to equalize the ability level of Special Olympics athletes with their partners and to promote inclusion through team practice and competition.
Summer STEM Program
A Note From the School Nurse
The Health and Emergency forms need to be completed for all students in order to go on any field trips.
ASMS School Counselors
Happy Spring! Things are always churning in the school counseling office. We continue to support students as they develop their academic, personal/social and workforce readiness skills.
For Families that are looking to explore a bit about college for their students, MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority) has many resources available to families. One is their presentation on Early College Planning. This webinar is about and hour and fifteen minutes long, or you can download the slides. The webinar covers the following topics:
Academic Planning
College is an important investment
How much might college cost for my family?
Paying for college
Strategies for saving
Two Massachusetts savings options: U.Fund and U.Plan
What can students and parents do right now to prepare
MEFA has a college and career planning tool, ASRSD uses Naviance in grades 8-12 and MassCIS in grades 6 and 7.
From our partnership with BRYT:
We hosted our "Ready to Launch" Live event last night. A recording can be seen HERE. We especially loved hearing from Nell, an amazing human and former BRYT student who is ready to graduate from BU. Nell talked about what she needed to do to support her mental health as she transitioned to college and throughout. We are SO proud of her and grateful to hear her story to help others getting ready to graduate, and how families can support their students while they are away at school.
Also, we have gathered resources on topics that you can use and share, see here: BRYT Family Engagement Resources. Please let us know your specific needs and we will be sure to add that topic list. This week's focus is on Summer Planning.
Our usual parent-to-parent support groups continue this week- see flyer here: BRYT Parent-to-parent. Again, open to ALL families of students who are navigating mental health difficulties. Please share far and wide.
Facebook group for BRYT families:
This closed FB group is only for BRYT caregivers. To join, just search 'BRYT FAMILY SUPPORT' on Facebook and ask to be added. The group is managed by the Family Engagement Coordinators and caregivers will find posts about events, parenting articles, support from other parents, and more.
As a reminder, Ms. Brine has students with last names beginning with A-H and some exceptions on her caseload. Ms. Esielionis has students with last names beginning with I-Z and some exceptions on her caseload. We are glad to have Mr. Caissie as our school counseling intern this year!
Grade 6 - Green Team
Grade 6/7 - Purple Team
ELA:
Grade 6 - We have begun our final unit on poetry and short stories. Students first read and then wrote their own free verse poems, haikus, and acrostics. I was very impressed with their insight and creativity! They are now taking a little break from poetry and we are reading a few short stories along with reviewing skills on answering open response questions. They have all worked very hard this year and I am very proud of them!
Grade 7 - Seventh grade students have also been reading and analyzing poetry along with reading short stories. They too, are reviewing and practicing answering open response questions. Soon, like the sixth graders, they will be writing their own poetry. I am looking forward to reading their creations!
Math: 🌷
6th graders completed the Statistics Unit and reviewed for MCAS. We will review and complete the third trimester assessment. In June, students will also take the third i-ready diagnostic assessment for math to determine their growth since the fall.
7th graders began the Probability Unit and reviewed for MCAS. We will complete Probability, then review Statistics since most of the 7th graders were not required to do this topic in 6th grade last year. We will then review and complete the third trimester assessment. In June, students will also take the third i-ready diagnostic assessment for math to determine their growth since the fall.
Science:
Grade 6 - We are continuing to study the structure and function of cells and students completed 3D models of cells to showcase their understanding. Next, we will be exploring the functions of our body systems.
Grade 7- We are learning about the different forms of energy and the conversion of energy from one form to another. Soon we will be experimenting with different potential and kinetic energy models, and making real world connections.
Social Studies:
Grade 6 - When most people think of Africa, they associate this vast continent with wild animals and starving children. Contrary to this belief, students will examine the many different Kingdoms and Empires that correspond to Africa's cultural diversity and historical significance. In fact, we will have an opportunity to engage in a culture quest where students can choose from anyone of the 54 different countries for an in depth exploration.
Grade 7 - For the first time and in order to produce equity, students were able to create their own unit outline and curriculum on Ancient China based on the Massachusetts Social Studies Standards. Using this student-centered approach, students collaborated to choose the necessary vocabulary terms associated with our studies on China, chose and vetted different sources for the readings, and decided which projects they would like to work on. I am very proud of the students for managing their learning experience and we will continue working on China until mid May where we will transition into Japan to close out the school year.Grade 7 - Blue Team
Math with Mr. Batinsey - In math, we are knee-deep into Geometry! We are learning about circles, 2-and-3-dimensional shapes, and angle relationships!
Science with Mrs. Kauppi - Scientists are being assessed on their knowledge of gravitational, magnetic and electrical fields. We’ve looked at how all three apply a force on another object without making contact. The result of the force typically causes movement on the object being acted upon.
Scientists will begin their study of potential and kinetic energy by conducting a pendulum lab
Social Studies/History with Dr. Pataky - Nĭhǎo!
We will be finishing China with a UDL project where students can present on any topic of their choosing in whatever way they choose. Next, we will move east to the “land of the rising sun” and explore the interesting history of Japan to close out the year.
World Language
Mrs. Atwood (French and Spanish)
Bonjour and Hola! Mrs. Atwood’s students are finding it hard to wait for lunch these days, since we’ve started learning all about food in Spanish and French: from tacos to empanadas to macarons to ratatouille, my stomach’s rumbling just writing about it! In French, we’re exploring the rich food culture of New Orleans, while in Spanish we’re focusing on the mouthwatering street foods of Oaxaca, Mexico. Both cities blend indigenous and colonial culinary influences in fascinating and delicious ways. We’ll bring our food lessons a little closer to home as we design our own dream meals using Spanish or French vocab. “Bon appétit!” and “¡Buen provecho!” to all!
Mrs. Couture (Spanish 1, WL Spanish and French) -
Buenos días and bonjour. In Spanish 1 classes we have been working with food vocabulary and learning about the long and rich history of chocolate and how it has played a role in mesoamerican cultures, Spanish colonization, and even slavery in the Americas. We ended the week with a chocolate tasting, exploring ALL the senses, and rating them. 90% was not a class favorite. In French we have also been learning food vocabulary and the art of French street food. We have discussed what we like and what we “deteste.” Croissants and baguettes were sampled on Friday after learning about the history behind the French staples. In 7th Spanish WL we have been practicing noun and adjective agreement using clothing words and colors, even creating unique sentences and listening to classmates’ personal descriptions. We will use these skills to describe our favorite Encanto characters and talk about the culture and people of Colombia.
Mr. Nessman & Ms. Sergi’s Corner - In Enrichment, we are playing Treasure Quest during the first two weeks of MCAS, a fantasy exploration game where students solve problems and battle monsters!
Grade 7 Canobie Lake Park Trip
Grade 8 - Maroon Team
Hampson: Students worked incredibly hard on the Math MCAS. I am proud of the effort they put in. We will continue to learn about functions and start a unit on bivariate data. We will be completing some small in class projects over the next month.
Pierce: In science, we just wrapped up our unit on Newton's three laws of motion. Students conducted different experiments and had to figure out which of Newton's laws was being demonstrated. We are now starting MCAS review. Students have also been introduced to the science fair project that they will be working on for the next few weeks. More information on that will be coming soon.
Cibula: This May students will be learning who their elected representatives are at the state and federal level as well as how to best contact them. Civics projects have begun and will be the primary focus of the month and students will also take the U.S. Citizenship Test!
Band
ASRSD Athletics
After School Clubs
Homework Club - Mondays
Art Club - Mondays
Games Club - Wednesdays
Student Council - Wednesdays
Diversity Club - Fridays
Guitar Club - Fridays
District Calendar - UPDATED
2021-2022 COVID Dashboard
Spirit Wear
https://route2apparel.com/ASRSD/shop/products/middle_school?page=1
ASPTO Meeting Schedule 2021-2022
Second Tuesday of each month at 7:15 pm in the Middle School Library
October 12th
November 9th
December 14th
January 11th
February 8th
March 8th
April 12th
May 10th
June 14th
“Together We Can Do More”
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/aspto
ASPTO Monthly Events
May 2022
5/9 - PTO meeting - ASRMS Library & via Zoom
6:30pm - executive board (open to public)
7:00pm - LAW elementary committee
7:30pm - Middle school committee
5/15 - Bresnahan Run for Education (ASEF)
ASPTO Spirit Wear: https://ayershirleypto.launchcart.store/
Loaves & Fishes
Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry provides food and support to any residents of Ayer, Devens, Groton, Harvard, Littleton and Shirley who need help.
DRIVE-THRU PANTRY SCHEDULE
Open 9:00am to 12:00pm on the following days:
September 1, 8, 10, 15, 18, 22, 24, 29
October 1, 6, 8, 13, 16, 20, 22, 27, 29
November 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 20, *22, 24
December 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 18, *20, 22, 29
*Special Events:
Thanksgiving Dinner Distribution
November 22 – 10am-1pm and 4pm-6pm
Holiday Dinner Distribution
December 20 – 10am-1pm and 4pm-6pm
Weather Related Closings
For weather-related closings, please check for news posts here on the website, follow us on Facebook or call us at 978-772-4627 to listen to a recorded message.
234 Barnum Road Call us or come see us.
Devens, MA 01434 We can help.
(978) 772-4627 x312
Hannaford Helps Schools
Raising money for your school is as easy as 1 2 3 and A B C
1. Shop. Choose from more than 1200 participating products to help earn money for your school!
2. Check Out. Get 3 school dollars for every 4 participating products you purchase.
3. Submit. Deposit your school dollars in the collection tower in the Lunenburg Hannaford store, located at the front of the registers with our school name on it. And / Or you can send them into the Middle School.
***NOTE*** You can still shop at any Hannaford and receive school dollars, but you will need
to bring your receipt into school. The ASRMS is registered at the Lunenburg loaction.
Please click on this link for more information and a full list of participating products: http://www.hannaford.com/assets/hf/assets/pdf/cms/abouthannaford/HHS_Shopping_Companion.pdf
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Terri Rollins at ext. 1202