AMS Parent Peek
October 28, 2023
Good evening AMS Families
As we continue to respond to the tragic events that took place on Wednesday evening we ask that you, as the airlines tell us, “Put your oxygen mask on first.” Please continue to reach out to each other and check in.
We are AMS! We are a caring community of learners and we are here to support our students and families. In our building we have several supportive staff your student can access if they are feeling overwhelmed, anxious and depressed.
Michelle Breton is our school counselor, Bethany Perez-Fables and Katie Kaufmann are school social workers. If you would like one of them to check in with your student, please scan this QR code to access the Google request form.
We also would like to share some resources that you may find helpful as you navigate this situation with your children. You can access that document here.
Ben Wilson
Principal of AMS
WAYS WE KEEP STUDENTS SAFE AT AMS
Safety is our first priority. This is why we have high expectations for student behaviors. It is why we train to evacuate and we train for intruders. Every staff member has multiple ways to access administration and are capable of making emergency calls as needed.
All the doors are locked all the time, external and internal
Hard wired phones in each room
Cameras that are observed
Secure front entrance
Badged staff
Practice safety measures
Staff members every 10 feet in the building
We do not have unannounced visitors
Bates mentors are trained and have background checks
Staff have multiple communication devices to contact others for immediate assistance
Reminder of rules around personal technology at school (Cell Phones)
Monday's Bell Schedule
Dance on Friday - Bring a Box or Can of Food
End of Quarter Dance on Friday November 3rd.
6:30pm to 8:30pm
Tickets are $5
We are collecting dry and well labeled canned goods to make Thanksgiving Special for all of our families.
If you could help by donating to the dance please consider signing up: CLICK ME
WINTER SPORTS SIGN UP
SIGN UPS ARE NOW OPEN FOR WINTER ATHLETICS. PLEASE GO TO THE ATHLETIC SECTION OF OUR WEBSITE TO FIND THE LINK. YOU NEED AN UPDATED PHYSICAL TO PARTICIPATE.
BASKETBALL EVALUATIONS BEGIN ON MONDAY NOVEMBER 6TH, 2023.
ALPINE SKI EVALUATIONS BEGIN ON MONDAY NOVEMBER 27TH, 2023.
CORE Kindess Project
KINDNESS PROJECT FOR CORES:
The presence of helpers offers us hope in moments of chaos. The world might feel terrible right now, but somehow, people still care for others. Mr Rogers has that famous line, "When I was a boy and saw bad things on the news, my mother always told me to look for the helpers."
As we talk with our children about the tragic circumstances of these past few days, speaking of those who have helped is essential. The police, nurses, emergency crews and bystanders care for and help others. Their actions remind us that we will remain strong. Doing good for others can boost our spirits and unite us as a community.
As adults who care for children, we strive to impart valuable and hopeful lessons to our children during these scary and uncertain times. At AMS, we are making a concerted effort to teach students what it is to be Safe, Responsible, Respectful, and Kind. Helping shouldn't only be something that we admire from a distance. If and when we can help, there are several good reasons for all of us to try it.
We are asking that your core students start to process the events of the last two days by writing a letter to a helper or to a loved one and sharing it with you. We will deliver the “Dear Community Member Letters” to the helpers. We all are helpers right now.
CORE Kindness project choices could be:
Write a letter expressing your feelings about the past few days' events.
In a new Document shared with your core teacher, please start,
“Dear Community Member,”
In the same letter, express your thoughts about the people who choose to help
Write a letter to someone for whom you care deeply. Examples can be a family member, friend, teacher, or someone you haven’t seen in a long time. (You DO NOT have to use the person’s name in the letter.)
Create a thank you card expressing your thoughts to a front-line worker.
Sign and send a birthday card to Maine WWII veterans turning 100+ in November.
Create a mandala coloring page
Thank you note to a teacher or adult in the building
Pumpkin Run on Thursday, November 2nd.
Preliminary Race: Thursday, November 2nd.
Time: 12:20pm
Finals: Tuesday, October 31st
Odyssey of the Mind Team at AMS
Odyssey of the Mind Information Night for parents and students
Thursday, Thursday, November 9th
5:30-6:30 PM
AMS Technology Lab with Mr. Rowe
Notice: We cannot add new students without parent volunteers for coaching
Watch this video for an overview.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWHP64kUhWc
Teams are formed of up to seven students and a coach. Each problem solution requires an 8-minute performance, with specific requirements and limitations unique to each problem type. From writing scripts and acting, to building structures and designing vehicles – there is a problem that appeals to all types of interests.
There are 3 scoring elements for each team. The Longterm Problem can earn the team up to 200 points. The spontaneous Problem can earn up to 100 points. The Style category can earn up to 50 points. A perfect score, therefore , is 350 points.
Once your team knows the problem limitations, it’s time to create a solution! This can be done any way the team wishes, but usually takes place over a few months during team practices and work sessions.
Ideas become reality as the team builds sets, creates props, makes costumes, writes scripts, and more. Then it’s all about practice, practice, practice!
There are two levels of competition – State Finals, and World Finals.
To learn more about OM:
National Association:
https://www.odysseyofthemind.com
Maine Association:
IMPORTANT DATES
- AMS picture make-up day is on Wed., November 1. Students who have not yet had their photo taken can have it done AND students who do not like their first photo can have it redone as long as they return their original picture proof.
- Thanksgiving Turkey Trot: Friday, November 17th. Raises funds to send students to summer camp and we collect Food to support out families for Thanksgiving.
- Please remember to call or email the main office at AMS when your child/student is going to be out of school or tardy to school. Email us at: AMSattendance@auburnschl.edu or call 207-333-6655
AMS Parent Teacher Organization
This year, we are:
- Organizing Dances: 11/3 - 1/19/24 - 3/29 - and the 8th Grade Semi Formal near 6/9/24
- Thanksgiving Turkey Trop: Friday, November 17th. Raises funds to send students to summer camp.
- Teacher Appreciation each Month but focusing on May 8th - 12th.
- Various CORE competitions
Senior Organizer Steve Robertson organizing the Pumpkin Run 2022
25th Anniversary of the Turkey Trot. Over $1000 raised by students for students.
Core attendance Awarded for perfect attendance of an entire core
Communication
Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amsfalcons