Amherst Middle School
Weekly Update - April 12, 2024
Message From the Leadership Team
Dear AMS Families,
We've noticed an increase in the use of body spray, perfume, and cologne among our middle school students in classrooms and on buses. While personal hygiene is important, excessive use of these products can cause discomfort and health issues for others.
Please talk to your child about using these products moderately and considerately, keeping in mind their impact on classmates and staff. We're reinforcing this message in school and appreciate your support in creating a comfortable learning environment for all. Thank you for your cooperation.
Be well,
Kristen Gauthier
Principal, Amherst Middle School
John Schuttinger
Assistant Principal
Upcoming Events
April 17 (Fri): Valerie Tutson Presentation (Grade 8) - 1:30-3:00 SHS Theater
April 22 - April 26: NO SCHOOL - April Vacation
May 1 (Wed): NH-SAS ELA-Reading Assessment, Grades 5-8
May 1 (Wed): MVVS to AMS 6th to 7th Grade Transition Night, 6-7PM at AMS
May 2 (Thurs): NH-SAS Math Assessment, Grades 5-8
May 2 (Thurs): CW to AMS 4th to 5th Grade Transition Night, 6-7:30PM at AMS
May 6 - May 10 (Mon - Fri): Grade 6 Team Olympians & MVVS at Ecology School in Saco, ME
May 7 (Tues): NH-SAS Science Assessment, Grades 5 & 8
May 11 (Saturday): NHMEA Southwest Band Festival at SHS
May 13 - May 17 (Mon - Fri): Grade 6 Team Spartans & Team Titans at Ecology School in Saco, ME
New News
School Start Time Survey - Grades 7 & 8 Only
Students in Grades 7 and 8 will receive an email link to a survey from Qualtrics to share their perspective about school start times on Monday, April 15th. Students will be given time during Launchpad to complete the short survey.
Parents/guardians received the family version of this survey this week. Please fill it out with your thoughts—this is essential input as decisions are made for future school years.
NJHS T-Shirt Fundraiser
NJHS is selling T-shirts in memory of Mr. Farina. Mr. Farina was an active trumpet player and member of the AMS staff. This t-shirt incorporates those two important parts of his life. The shirts are $15 and all proceeds will be donated to the Brattleboro Music Center.
You can use THIS LINK to order, or scan the QR Code below.
Spirit Week
We will be having spirit week April 15 - April 19. We look forward to seeing all the students participate!
AMS 50th Anniversary T-Shirts for Sale
Even better, AMS students can get theirs for just FIVE DOLLARS! You can use THIS LINK to order student $5 shirts. Please put the student's name in the "order notes" section when you check out.
If siblings or other family members or friends would like to order shirts, please use THIS LINK to order.
You can combine student and non-student shirts in the same cart, but please only order $5 shirts for AMS students, as we are using fundraising money to offset the cost of these shirts to make them more affordable for students.
Weekly Features
Best of the Nest
This year, we are recognizing students with the Best of the Nest Award. Staff members nominate students each week who demonstrate a commitment to upholding the Courage to CARE model and the values of Amherst Middle School.
This week, we are celebrating Emilia K. (Grade 6) and Benjamin B. (Grade 8).
Emilia K. (Grade 8)
"Emilia really showed compassion and responsibility with her amazing leadership skills throughout the club volleyball season. She made sure the newest members felt included and valued. She jumped in without needing to be asked to help with organizing drills, setting up/taking down of nets, and rallying team spirit. She has a bright future ahead of her!"
Benjamin B. (Grade 6)
"Ben represents all aspects of the CARE model every day. Above all, he is Respectful. I see this in his daily interactions with other students and staff. If a student is speaking in a way that seems disheartening to others, Ben carefully reminds them that it may not be ok to talk that way. When approaching others, he is calm and respectful when playing or speaking, always a good sport, even if he loses a game. I admire Ben for his kind manners, competitive spirit, and ability to CARE about both students and adults."
Parent Partnership
PTA Corner
Monthly Newsletter
The PTA Monthly Newsletter is live! Click here.
Join the PTA
For more information about the PTA and to join this year, please visit their website, http://www.amherstnhpta.org/index.html.
Reminders
Spring Clubs
It's that time of year, Spring! We are starting up our spring clubs on Monday, March 25, 2024. Please contact the advisor to sign up or get more information.
UPDATES & REMINDERS:
- We have made changes to our spring club flyer, Envirothon has been canceled due to low sign ups.
- Homework Club still meets weekly and is a year long club
50th Anniversary Fundraiser: Thank You to our Sponsors!
Many thanks to the following individual and local business sponsors who generously donated to our gift basket raffle. We raised almost $1700 that will go toward our 50th Anniversary celebration on June 7th.
We are always humbled by the support of our wonderful community. We appreciate you now and always.
Amherst Recreation Trip: The Strategy Zone Outdoor Laser Tag (April Vacation)
Amherst Recreation will be traveling to "The Strategy Zone" Outdoor Laser Tag Combat, on April 23rd for a day of fun! Amherst Recreation staff will transport participants to and from The Strategy Zone. All participants will be supervised by the Amherst Recreation Staff.
What is outdoor laser tag?
At the Strategy Zone, you will have the opportunity to be a part of a live combat simulation. Outdoor laser tag is a fun twist on indoor laser tag. It is similar to paintball, but without the actual paintball "wounds!" All simulations are organized using high-tech laser equipment. Participants will be outside for the entire program. Sound fun? Come on down and give it a try!
Program Details
Who: Boys and Girls grades 5th and up
What: April Vacation - "The Strategy Zone" Day Trip
Where: Meet at the Birch Park lot at 8:30am, pick up at Birch Park 4pm
When: April 23rd from 8:30am-4pm
CLICK HERE for more information and to register.
Souhegan High School Senior Projects
Maeve Allen - Rise for Alexanders Fun Run - April 14th
Where: Souhegan High School
When: April 14th at 11:00
Check-in starts at: 10:30
Come support my senior project! For my project, I am raising funds to go towards research for a rare leukodystrophy called Alexander Disease, which has affected a family member currently in the Bedford school district. Alexander Disease affects one in every 2.7 million births. Alexander Disease is a slow progressive disease which attacks a person's central nervous system. Currently, there have been 550 diagnosed cases since 1949. Sixty-three percent of the cases affect children before the age of 2 years old and most children pass away before the age of 4 or 5 years old.
Researchers are trying to find a drug to stop regression caused by the disease. The researchers rely on funds from multiple different avenues to fund their research. The United Leukodystrophy Foundation (ULF) is one of the leading organizations funding research for over 30 leukodystrophies. However, the ULF has only been able to grant $215,000 for medical research since 2015. This is not enough to support research that is needed for Alexander Disease and the other leukodystrophies.
At the fun run/walk, kids will receive a cape and bracelets as they make their laps around the Souhegan High School track.
Click here to pre-register for the event!
Can’t attend the event? That’s okay! You can donate directly to the ULF (click on this link)
All registration fees and donations will be given to the United Leukodystrophy Foundation.
School-based contact:
Nick Drinkwater