This fall, AMS rolled out a new system to recognize the hard work, persistence and kindness of our students. Thanks to the PTO and other donations, students can turn their 'Thunder Bucks" into tangible rewards. The most popular item for students to purchase with their Thunder Bucks are raffle tickets, and we raffled off two major items to students at the end of the quarter: a brand new iPad, and a $50 visa gift card.

Twice this quarter, and every quarter this year, we hold celebration events to recognize the efforts of our students; in order to qualify for the events, students have to have 3 or less missing assignments and 2 or less minor referrals. In early September, students who earned the event had their choice of an activity to participate in for the last hour of the day: soccer, basketball, various movies, karaoke, board games, arts and crafts and more. On October 22nd, the last day of the first quarter, students who qualified participated in a grade level assembly where teams competed against each other and staff members in Minute To Win It games.

For 2nd quarter, the focus will be on punctuality and kindness. We will have two celebrations again, one right after Thanksgiving break and another in early January. Thank you again to the donations to the program we have received from local businesses, parents and the PTO.

Starting the very first day of school with girls basketball, the fall sports season at AMS got underway quickly. This was the first sports the school has had since the pandemic hit back in March 2020, and girls basketball, cross country and cheerleading dealt with the new normal very well.

The 2021 Cross Country Team wrapped up their 2021 season on Thursday at Friendship with the conference meet. Coach Kitzerow said "the 6th graders have shown strong support for each other and are getting better with every meet. The 7th graders have defined themselves as the Wolfpack of this year, sticking together and having a very strong showing. The 8th graders have shown tremendous grit after running as 6th graders, missing a year due to COVID and coming back strong to finish stronger than ever."

Even with the unique circumstances of our school year so far, our AMS Cheerleaders have shown amazing school spirit and perseverance. Coach Hatta stated "it is not easy to be the ones who lead the Thunder in cheer these days but these ladies have made it look effortless." The cheer season will continue as they support the boys basketball team starting in November.

Girls basketball is finishing next week, and both the 7th and 8th grade teams have had moments of success. It is never easy to play while wearing a mask, but the students have overcome that challenge while also improving as the season went on. Both Coach Flaherty and Coach Williams said "we are proud of the effort the girls put forth in practice and in games". Congrats to all of our student athletes on a successful fall season.

Last year, due to pandemic restrictions, all clubs were on Zoom. Although some clubs can easily transition to an online format, many of our clubs are more successful and enjoyable for students in-person. This year, the majority of our clubs are in-person, while some are offering a hybrid, where students can participate in-person or on Zoom. The most popular clubs this fall are Art Club, led by Mr. Kanter & Tutorial, which is three days a week. Besides the clubs from last year, several new clubs have been added: Money Managers, Social Justice Club, Girls Club, and Boys Club. These are just a handful of the offerings for students to collaborate, interact and have fun. See all of the offerings below.

Attention parents and guardians of talented AMS students! We are planning our annual variety show and are looking for singers, dancers, magicians, jugglers, comedians, gymnasts, artists, poets, actors, cheerleaders, scientists, engineers, and more! Auditions are coming up on December 15th-16th.

If your child loves to perform or has always wanted to perform, this is the show for them! They can pick up an audition packet outside of rooms 154, 221, or 314 beginning November 17th. Audition packets are due December 8th.

If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact any of the following teachers: Ms. Folinazzo: folinazzof@d62.org, Ms. Mertes: mertesa@d62.org, or Mrs. Elliott: elliottl@d62.org.

6A: Riley O.

6B: Alexis F.

6C: Brody G.

7A: Manav P.

7B: Krina P.

7C: Maria M.

8A: Giselle A.

8B: Ariana S.

8C: Leticia L.

PE/Encore: Maria M.

SELF: Lluvia A.

Parents, you can order your child's yearbook at bit.ly/shopams.

The cost is $20 and yearbooks will be delivered in May.

October 27th- Picture Re-takes

October 29th- Half day; Students Dismiss at 11:15am

November 9th-

5:30pm: Principal-Parent Update (in-person and on zoom)

6pm: PTO Meeting (in-person and on zoom)

November 11th- No School

November 12th- No School

November 22nd- Thanksgiving Break Begins