AMS Weekly News
December 2, 2022
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
First of all, I want to personally thank you for your care, concern, and flexibility as our community grieves a tremendous loss. I truly believe that in challenging times, we realize what is most important in life. I am hopeful that the coming months will be filled with healing and that the holiday break will offer a bit of rest for all of us.
Prior to the holiday break we have an exciting few weeks. We are hosting a Winter Carnival activity after school on Friday, December 9th for 5th and 6th graders only. In addition, our halls have been filled with the sounds of instruments and voices preparing for upcoming concerts. Last but not least, sports competitions began this week, which means our hallways and gym are filled with the bustle of fans, players, and coaches during many afternoons.
Please see our updated Calendar and New News items below for more information about upcoming events. We hope to see you there!
Be well,
Kristen
Calendar
December 3 (Sat): Lion's Club Craft Fair
December 8 (Thur): Student Leadership & Service Meeting, 3:30-4:30
December 9 (Fri): Winter Carnival for grades 5 & 6
December 12 & 20: SEE Science (snow date 12/19)
December 13 (Tues): Late start day, school begins at 10:30AM
December 13 (Tues): Winter Band Concerts (snow date 12/20)
December 16 (Fri): Winter Athletic Team Photos
December 16-22 (Fri-Thur): Spirit Week (details to come)
December 20 (Tues): Amherst PTA meeting in AMS Library
December 23-January 2: NO SCHOOL, Holiday Break
January 3 (Tues): School is back in session
January 10 (Tues): Late Start Day, School begins at 10:30AM
January 12 (Thurs): Chorus Concerts (snow date 1/17)
Link to District Calendar for 22-23 School Year
New News
Updated Bus Routes - Effective Monday December 5th
Butler Bus has just released updated bus routes effective Monday, December 5th.
Please click here to review bus route updates!
Winter Carnival for 5th and 6th
We're having a Winter Carnival for students in grades 5 and 6:
- Friday, December 9th
- 3:30-4:45pm
- Admission is $2, snacks will be sold!
Come join the fun and games! There will be lots of fun activities such as ring toss, cake walk, musical chairs, arts & crafts and more!
Holiday Toy Store
Amherst Middle School is hosting a donation box in support of the Holiday Toy Store. This organization supports families in need from Milford, Amherst, Mont Vernon and Brookline by providing holiday gifts for children. Holiday Toy Store partners with SHARE to identify families who qualify, and each year, over 300 children in our local communities benefit from this program. We are accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children, infants through 15 years. If you have any questions, please email HolidayToyStore@gmail.com. Thank you for your support!
Parent Partnership
We are moving into the holiday season and the end of our calendar year. This is a great time to reflect for ourselves, but also with our students! Over the next several newsletters, we will give you some prompts you can use with your student to get conversations going. Answer it with them!
The link to the document to help guide you is here.Amherst PTA December Newsletter
Amherst Tree Lighting
* Amherst Tree Lighting Ceremony: Friday, Dec 9 - 6:00 to 6:30pm Amherst Village Green
* Spaghetti Supper: Friday, Dec 9 - 6:30pm- Amherst Lions Club- Congregational Church of Amherst
* Amherst Town Band Holiday Concert: Friday, Dec 9 - 7:30pm- Congregational Church of Amherst
* Saturday, Dec 10 - Crafts at the Amherst Town Library; Breakfast with Santa; German Christmas Market; Souhegan Valley Chorus;
* Sunday, Dec 11- Pancake Breakfast with Mrs. Claus; Family Christmas Concert and Singalong.
For more information on all these activities go to: amhersttreelightingfestival.weebly.com
Reminders
Bowling Club
*You don't have to have prior experience
**We are a community and are here to support each other and grow!
***You will have great coaching from our staff to guide you to be the best bowler you can be!
****You can throw it with one or two hands!
Here's a quick video of how fun competitive bowling can be:
https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxFdPW-kiIhieHoGsPHd-JY8D3vyn0aXGNMany resources out there to see how awesome competition is!
Please get in contact with Souhegan AD Kelli Braley kbraley@sau39.org if you have any questions. Join our awesome club, and tell your friends!
Spring Coaching Opportunity
Anyone interested in coaching boys lacrosse this coming Spring should contact Athletic Director Jeff Wing (jwing@sau39.org).
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....
The first bell rings at 8:23am which is the signal for students to move to LP/MM. School begins at 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
Butler Bus requires a bus pass if your child is planning to ride a different bus afterschool or would like to get off at a different stop. Please have your child drop a note from home in the office first thing in the morning with the following information:
- Their name
- Destination, including bus number
- Your signature
8th Grade Yearbook
8th grade students are invited to submit artwork for the 8th grade yearbook. Submissions and questions to Ms. Oltman at joltman@sau39.org
8th Grade Yearbooks are available to be ordered for $24 at: http://tinyurl.com/YB2223
Afterschool Activities
Afterschool 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.
- Magic the Gathering Club, open to 7th and 8th graders interested in learning and playing the world's greatest trading card game. We meet Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 in room 200 with Mr. Griffiths.
- 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
- Young Chef's Club 5&6 (sign-ups complete) and Young Chef's Club 7&8 has begun, 7th and 8th grade students should check with Mrs. Vordenberg if interested in learning more.
- 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.
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.