Auburn Middle School Monthly
March 2019
The Principal's Perspective, by Mr. Desto
No matter how far back you go, young people have been tempted by their generation’s “forbidden fruit.” Maybe it was beer…or cigarettes…or chewing tobacco…or wine coolers… or how about Mad Dog 20/20? Or who could forget Purple Passion and Boone’s Farm Apple Wine? The point is, our kids today, while the risks they are exposed to may be slightly different in name and composition, are really just facing pressures similar to those we faced when we were young. As such, we should be able to relate to some degree to what they face or will face during their teenage years. For the most part, we made it through our peer pressure phase pretty much unscathed and with some valuable life lessons in the bank. For the most part, our kids will, too.
However, every now and again, a threat comes along that’s different from the others in some way. Right now, that threat is vaping. I know that you have heard or read about this trend. Perhaps you heard it called an “epidemic;” perhaps you’ve heard it described as just another in a long line of fads that will come and go. Maybe it’s neither. Here at Auburn Middle School, we have definitely seen an increase in vaping among our students. Please know that this does not mean it is happening here on a regular basis. Most of what we know has been outside of school. However, we know it is happening and that this particular behavior does present quite a threat to our students.
Among the reasons vaping is so dangerous to middle school aged kids are the following:
· It is packaged and marketed to a young audience.
· It comes in forms that are easy for children to hide (to use but one example, some are made to look like computer flash drives).
· It comes in flavors that appeal to kids.
· It contains chemicals that are toxic and highly addictive.
· Most contain large amounts of nicotine.
Rather than continue with these alarming facts, I ask that you please check out the information below from the Auburn Public Schools’ website. It presents the facts on vaping in an honest manner and quick and easy to read format.
I am not one to overreact to trends that affect us or our children. But vaping is worth the time to look into and be aware of for anyone who has school aged children. Please take a few minutes to be informed and to talk with your children about this, and never hesitate to contact us here at school if you have any questions or concerns.
Though the companies who produce these products would like to negatively impact our kids in the name of financial profit, if we stick together, we may just be able to delay their success here in our little corner of the world.
Important Information
Student Success Night March 26
More information on this awesome event will be forthcoming!
Report Cards
AMS Battle of the Books
Wellness News, by Mr. Dunn
Healthy Hearts
Did you know your heart beats around 100,000 times every day! That is a lot of work, 100,000 beats - 7 days a week, 365 days per year. With all that work it might not be so surprising that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in America. Heart attack symptoms are different for women than men- check out some of the specifics from this link: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack
Some Interesting Statistics:
● 1 in every 4 deaths in the U.S. is related to heart disease
● In America, every 40 seconds someone has a heart attack
● Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women
Eat Better
Eating whole grains is a great way to receive enough fiber in your diet which plays a vital role in regulating blood pressure. Limit saturated fats and avoid all trans fats - these will raise your blood cholesterol levels which creates a buildup of plaque along your arteries. Plaque in the arteries can cause your heart to have to work harder, all 100,000 beats per day will put more and more work on your heart. Choose lean meats and as always pick fruits and vegetables.
Play Harder
30 minutes is the magic number. 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per day can dramatically
lower your blood pressure minimizing your chance of heart disease. Any activity that increases your heart rate for a sustained period of time is benefiting your body.
★ It is important to set healthy heart practices early in life. Make it a family priority to get those 30 minutes at least 5 days a week! Take care of your heart, you can’t live without it.
Spring Clothing Drive - Please Help Our Students Help Others
Yuda Bracelet Sale
This year, the AMS Spanish Club and the Student Council have joined forces to do a service project. Together, under the direction of teachers Ms. Rivera and Mrs. Bailey, the students will sponsor a student from Guatemala. To do this, they are working with the nonprofit organization: Yuda Bands. Yuda bands are hand-crafted bracelets from Guatemala. They have over 100 different Yuda Band designs. Each bracelet has been made by hand and uniquely designed. Bracelets are being sold for $7.00 dollars each. All the money raised will go toward a scholarship for a selected student who is not able to afford the cost of their high school education. When you buy one of the Yuda Bands and you wear it, it shows that you support education for all students. The students will be selling these Yuda Bands until the end of February. If you would like to help in some way – either by buying one or by selling – please contact Ms. Rivera at grivera@auburn.k12.ma.us or Mrs. Bailey at tbailey@auburn.k12.ma.us.
2019-2020 Bus Applications
Mardi Gras Floats
8th Grade Graduation
Upcoming Events
3/15-No School, Staff Professional Development
3/18-No School, March Break
3/26-Student Success Night, 6pm-7:30pm
4/15-4/19-No School, April Break