Academy Family Newsletter
Academy for Academics and Arts 1.14.2022
Thank you for a Wonderful Week!
Hello AAAwesome Academy Parents and Guardians,
We had a great week focusing on student safety and learning.
We are continuing to monitor and follow the ADPH COVID guidelines. Please help us keep everyone safe as we do everything we can to protect our students. If your child has symptoms, please contact our school nurse before you allow them to return to school.
Each week, we are figuring the AAA Way for each area of the building. This week we are focusing on the Media Center. The expectations are below. Please review these with your child(ren).
Middle School After School Tutoring
We will continue with after-school tutoring on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:00p.m.-4:30p.m. We will focus on recovering missed standards and individualized instruction.
Please continue to pick students up in the front.
Middle School Schedule
Tuesday- Even Day
Wednesday- Odd Day
Thursday- Odd Day
Friday- Even Day
Important Dates:
- Martin Luther King Day- Monday, January 17, 2022- School will be closed.
- HCS 2022-2023 Curriculum Showcase- Friday, February 4, 2022 from 4-7 in the VBC North Hall
- Fine Arts Festival is Saturday, February 26, 2022- You will receive more information from the PTA.
Just A Reminder
Students that arrive at or later than 8:00 am will need to be signed in at the front office using the Sparkman Drive entrance. It is important to follow these time procedures so that we do not interrupt arrival for our Pre-K students, which begins at 8:00 am.
If you need assistance with access to PowerSchools, please contact the front office or email Ms. Olinger at kristina.olinger@hsv-k12.org.
Attendance and Check-In/Out
Please email your check-in/out notes and excuses to Ms. Calhoun, Ramona.Calhoun@hsv-k12.org. If you need to check out your child, you can email Ms. Calhoun for a quicker process.
Please monitor your child's health every morning before sending him/ her to school. If your child is not feeling well, please keep him/ her home. If you or your child test positive for COVID, please email Nurse Hanks and your child's administrator. Nurse Hanks will be assisting with the clinic right now. Her email is Elizabeth.Hanks@hsv-k12.org.
Character Word of the Month: Punctuality
Please feel free to email or call with any comments or concerns. Our doors are always open.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!
Our Best Always!
Kitrise Torain
AAA Middle, Principal
Evelyn Coffey, Ed.D.
AAA Elementary, Principal
Another great source of information - Join our Facebook Group page Academy for Academics and Arts! Join Twitter @AAAElementary and @AAAMiddle
Academy P.T.A. News
HCS to Follow Updated ADPH Guidance from CDC
Huntsville City Schools is continuing to follow guidance from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) related to mitigating COVID-19 in K-12 school settings. The ADPH is now recommending updated guidance set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Effective immediately, this updated guidance enables students and staff members who are not exhibiting symptoms to return to classroom settings sooner while also exercising recommended precautions relative to masking.
Exclusion/Isolation Period for Positive Individuals (Asymptomatic or Mild Symptoms)
- Previous Guidance: 10 days exclusion (isolation)
- Updated Guidance: 5 days exclusion plus 5 days of masking upon return (5 days excluded + 5 days return while masked) regardless of district masking designation (i.e. Mask Optional or Mask Mandatory). Exclusion period following 5 days should only end if a person has been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and other symptoms have resolved.
Non-Vaccinated Close Contacts
- Previous Guidance: 7 days exclusion (if test negative on day 5, 6 or 7 of last exposure) or 10 days if not tested.
- Updated Guidance: 5 days exclusion plus 5 days of masking upon return (5 days excluded + 5 days return while masked) regardless of district masking designation.
Vaccinated Close Contacts/COVID Positive within Last 90 Days (Asymptomatic)
- Previous Guidance: Not excluded if asymptomatic.
- Updated Guidance: Close contacts who have been fully vaccinated as defined by the CDC and are asymptomatic will not be excluded, but they will be required to wear a mask for 10 days regardless of HCS mask designation.
Please note that if masking is not an option the additional five days, the individual must be excluded for the full 10 days. View the announcement from the ADPH related to updated guidance from the CDC.
HCS District Reflection
Lena Bonds
Sophia Draine
Beatrice Westmeyer
Tatiana Mills
Christopher Bailey
A.A.A. Hotspots
NSBE Professionals Scholarship Contest
Engineers (NAL NSBE Professionals) invites 5th thru high school students
within the Northern Alabama school districts to participate in our annual
scholarship contest. The NAL NSBE Professionals was established out of a
need to stimulate and sustain minority participation in Engineering and
the Applied Sciences. This chapter of NSBE Professionals encourages and
advises youth in their pursuits of careers in engineering and the applied
sciences by offering programs and services that include scholarship
endowment, tutorial programs, advanced study skills and much more.
We offer the following scholarship opportunities:
• Creative Minds Poster contest for 5th grade students encourages academic
excellence at an early age
• U. S. Space Academy Scholarship sends students in grades 6th-8th to
Space Camp for a week
• High School STEM Essay Contest provides a $150 cash award to High School
students who write an essay that focuses on their STEM-related community
services and activities
• The 2-year College Scholarship provides a $500 scholarship to high
school seniors pursuing technology related degrees
• The Timothy Briggs Leadership Scholarship awards $1000 to high school
seniors who exemplify community leadership and are pursuing a STEM degree
Please note that scholarship deadline is Tuesday, January 18, 2022. We
encourage you to give this information to students that would be
interested in participating in this scholarship opportunity. Additional
details and the scholarship application can be found at our website
(http://www.nsbe-northalabamaae.com/programs.html ) and applications are
attached.
AlphaBest After-School Program
From the Desk of the 6th Grade Team
Reading:
Lanza Reading- We are starting our unit on Biographies. We will be reading Brown Girl Dreaming in class and working on 6th grade reading objectives using graphic organizers and analyzing poetry.
The students are to pick their own Biographical novel to read and complete a series of worksheets and activities using their chosen novel. This study will last the entire nine weeks.
Estelle Reading-
ELA: In ELA, we are putting a slight hold on the recording of our radio plays. It is extremely difficult for the students to practice and record while maintaining the appropriate amount of distancing. We will continue this project as soon as possible. The Hitchhiker, written by Lucille Fletcher, is a 1940s era radio play. Our essential question that we are working on answering is “Why is fear such a popular form of entertainment?” We will continue to work on using the RACE strategy to write paragraphs and essays to fully comprehend and answer this question. With this in mind, students will also discover new vocabulary and the meanings of Greek and Latin roots and affixes.
This week (1/10-1/14), we have been working on the comprehension skills test and with the nonfiction text that will help us answer our essential question titled, “Why Is Fear Fun?” This allows students to explore what makes this a popular form of entertainment.
Next week we will work on our narrative writing extension to the radio play. Students have wondered and asked what happens because the radio play leaves you wondering what is going to happen.
Finally, we will wrap up the unit by writing an essay to answer our essential question by citing evidence from the different texts and media we have experienced throughout the unit.
Math: We are translating verbal mathematical phrases into Algebraic expressions- Example- Six less the sum of five and a number. Is n+5-6. Vocabulary- Coefficient, Term, Variable, Constant, Like terms, Algebraic expression.
We will also be studying and learning how to simplify expressions. Students are to be working on Moby Max, ALEKs and FRECKLE at home 2 hours weekly to improve skills.This is a grade!!
Social Studies:
This week, we read like historians and analyzed primary source documents related to the Chicago Race Riots of 1919 and the Palmer Raids. Next week, we will be talking about the roaring economy and fads of the 1920s. In the upcoming weeks, we will begin discussing the Harlem Renaissance.
From the Desk of the 7th Grade Team
ELA: Students have been working on vocabulary and should be continuing to study; this vocabulary will accompany the novel we will be working with, A Long Walk To Water. They will begin the unit by learning background information and discussing point of view before moving into supplementary articles about other refugees, responding to comprehension questions, and continuing to review topics such as summarizing and inferencing.
Math: Foundations - This week in foundations we continued to learn about recognizing and creating equivalent expressions. We have learned to combine like terms and use the distributive property, to simplify and evaluate expressions. Next week, We will extend what we have learned to include addition and subtraction of expressions.
Accelerated - This week has been filled with new and interesting Math facts. We are learning to solve 2-step linear equations. As we move through this module, we are picking up information to help extend our knowledge of Equations to include multi-step equations. Our next hurdle to overcome will be writing equations from real world problems
Science: Over the past week, we continued our study Genetics and began our Wisconsin Fast Plant Growing Systems. We will be focusing on the hands-on learning (AMSTI labs and planting) along with integration of engineering and mathematics, and creating/analyzing graphs over the next several weeks to assist in ACAP preparation. Please make sure that your child comes to class prepared with their science notebook, writing utensil, and computer everyday.
Social Studies: We began our study of geography with a look at what geography is and why it important to learn about. We also began learning at some of the foundations for studying geography with our lessons on maps and globes and will continue the foundational study next week with a look at Oceans and Continents and Landforms and key vocabulary. Students will have a test over this foundational information at the end of January. Students should have brought home a syllabus for geography last week; it is also on the Schoology page.
From the Desk of the 8th Grade Team
ELA:
We will continue studying the works of Dr. Martin Luther King (“Letter From Birmingham Jail” and “ I’ve Seen The Promised Land”) The essential question that they will respond to is “What techniques does Dr. MLK Jr use to persuade his audience?
For the week of January 24, students will begin their author study of William Shakespeare and cover some of his works. Hopefully (also for the week of Jan.24) students will continue working on their Edgar Allan Poe presentation. It depends on the rise/decline of Covid cases. They are to take one of his works and bring it to life using the ART of their choice (visual, dance, music, drama). They’ve already selected their work. The Poe Festival has been scheduled for a later date.
Math:
Honors Geometry: Exploration, inquiry, and application -Continue with Polygon Angle Sum theorem,Properties of Parallelograms, Proving a quadrilateral is a parallelogram, Properties of Rhombuses, Rectangles, Squares, ACAP/STAR Standards and skills review/practice-algebra (elimination, properties of exponents, scientific notation), etc...
8th Grade Accelerated Math: Continued - Exploration, inquiry and application with Real World Connection:continued practice along with new lessons- solve linear inequalities of various forms, solving systems of equations using substitution, solving systems using elimination, solve systems by graphing, graphing inequalities in two variables,solve compound inequalities, solve systems of linear inequalities and graph solutions, explore and apply properties of exponents etc....
8th Grade Regular: Continuation of learning - slope and rate of change, graphing using slope - intercept form y = mx + b, application to real world situations, hands-on practice slope activities as well as online activities to manipulate graphs and slope, identify functions, scatter plots, systems of equations, review and practice of properties of exponents, ACAP/STAR practice etc..
Science: Over the past week, we began our study of Physics (Force and Motion). We will continue our studies with a focus on Newton’s Laws of Motion and calculating force. We will be focusing on the integration of mathematics (slope, solving equations, etc.) and creating/analyzing graphs over the next several weeks to assist in ACAP preparation. Please make sure that your child comes to class prepared with their science notebook, writing utensil, and computer everyday.
Social Studies: We began our study of Ancient China by looking at the key vocabulary and how geography impacted the society. Next up, we will be taking a closer look at Confucianism and Daoism and wrap up the unit with a fun project.
From the Desk of the Middle School Arts Departments
Creative Writing- Creative Writing students are finishing up their mystery genre study by writing mini-mystery stories based off “The Mysteries of Harris Burdick” by Chris Van Allsburg. After winter break we will begin a genre study on Poetry.
Media Arts - 7th & 8th grade - Students will upload and edit their mirror videos (adding music and dramatic effects).
Media Arts - 6th Grade- .We will continue the study of podcasts.
Theater/ Technical Theatre
Theatre and Technical Theatre
Technical Theatre
Theatre Performance
Stars & Clowns
For the past week, students have been preparing for their required audition for The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. The students had to prepare their audition form, resume, and a memorized monologue for the audition. Students had to sign up and audition either for a grade or to be considered for the cast. The students did a fantastic job preparing for this audition. Those grades will be going in next week. If for some reason your student was unable to audition, they need to message me with a plan.
Next week, it is back to business as usual. Our spring semester will start with us voicing students to make sure they are singing the correct voice part. The students will receive their sheet music for each song to begin practicing. Vocal tracks will be loaded onto Schoology in order for students to practice on their own. This is a very important part of learning. Students must practice on their own. It is difficult to retain what was learned from the previous class if the students do not practice between rehearsals.
Our goal is to put together our competition set, as well as creating some fun pieces for Spring ACT Night! I cannot wait to see what these amazingly talented students will produce this semester.
Music
Strings-THANK YOU to the substitute-Mr. Burchfield. We will continue with the ‘study guide’ tips (in Schoology)for reviewing our new and advanced orchestra competition music. All AAA Music teachers will be out on the 20th and 21st for our annual Music Educator’s Conference 2022 Alabama! Have a safe and enjoyable and honor filled Monday MLK Day!
Band
AAA band classes will be reviewing classroom expectations and procedures. Students will play for chair placements and receive new sheet music for the semester. All band students participating in Solo & Ensemble competition need to sign up for Band Solo & Ensemble Academy Time on Wednesdays.
Band 2: Music in the Parks Competition Trip 1st payment is due January 14, 2022. “20 for 20” information sheets will be going home this week.
Choir-
AAA choir classes will be reviewing classroom expectations and procedures. Students will start preparing for the upcoming semester.
Women’s Choir Announcement: UAB Honor Choir has been changed from January 11th to March 1st.
Mixed & Women’s Choir: Music in the Parks Competition Trip 1st payment is due January 14, 2022. “20 for 20” information sheets will be going home this week.
Visual Art-
We will continue a semester with new art projects that integrate math and collaborate with the other arts, we are excited to see what the students will create. Students will transition into Graphic Design and learn how to properly show, exhibit, and share their works of art properly and professionally.
Dance-
- In Class- We are working on strength and conditioning to prepare our bodies for our technique classes that we will soon move into. We will revisit our ballet and jazz training. Also this semester, we will begin to work in tap. This a new genre of dance for many students and I am excited for them to have this new opportunity.
- Production- Our spring production is titled, Under The Big Top! It is circus theme, and it is going to be a high-energy, fun show for everyone. We do have a main character cast list and lead ensemble cast list posted at school that will also be posted on our website- www.WhyAAA.org/MS-Dance. All students who take dance at AAA are in our productions, and it is a summative grade!
- Alabama Dance Festival- AAA Dance Magnet will be attending the Alabama Dance Festival, virtually. This will be required for National Honor Society dance students, and optional for all other dance students. AAA will be registering all students, so parents need not worry about that. The dates are January 22-23, and students will come to AAA to take class in our studio.I will share more information via email about what classes we are registered for. If you are not in National Honor Society, but would like to attend, you must email Ms. Randolph- Taylor.Randolph@hsv-k12.org.
The Ladder to Your Child's Success
It is always best to handle concerns at the lowest level possible. This will ensure concerns are addressed in a timely and efficient manner. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to supporting their students. Please give the teachers an opportunity to resolve issues at the classroom level first.
- Step 1: If your concern involves your student’s teacher, please email that teacher first. You may request a conference or try to resolve the issue via email.
- Step 2: If after attempting to resolve your concern with the teacher you feel your concern is not resolved, please contact the counselor. The counselor can handle non-disciplinary issues. Debbie Smith is the middle school counselor. Her email is Debbie.Smith@hsv-k12.org. Dimetia Smith is the elementary school counselor. Her email is dimetia.smith@hsv-k12.org.
- Step 3: If after attempting to resolve your concern first with the teacher and second with the counselor, you feel your concern is not adequately addressed, please involve the principal, Dr. Evelyn Coffey, elementary, and Kitrise Torain, middle. Appointments may be made through the office managers. Elementary- Mrs. Lawler (Ingrid.Lawler@hsv-k12.org)/ Middle- Mrs. Dillard (Erica.Dillard@hsv-k12.org)
What is the AAA Way?
What's Happening at A.A.A.
A.A.A. Middle School Odd and Even Day Calendar
Laptop Charger Replacements
Chromebook chargers are available for purchase for $30 each. The chargers may be picked up at the front office. Prior to pick-up, you can pay the charger fee with a Credit Card/Debit payments via MySchoolFees: www.myschoolfees.com. Sign in as GUEST, Select AAA Elem (or Middle), Select Public, Select Chromebook Charger $30, be sure to list child’s name in the COMMENTS. Or you can pay the $30 fee at the time of pick-up with cash or check. All checks should be made payable to Academy for Academics and Arts Elementary (or Middle) School. If you have any questions, please contact the school at 256-428-7600 and speak to Dana Tucker, Bookkeeper.
Stay Connected: Important School Contacts
Data Generalist: (Registration) Kristina Olinger Kristina.Olinger@hsv-k12.org
Attendance - Ramona Calhoun at Ramona.Calhoun@hsv-k12.org
Cafeteria and Nutrition - Norma Martin at norma.martin@hsv-k12.org
School Counselor - Debbie Smith at debbie.smith@hsv-k12.org
Nurse -Elizabeth Hanks at Elizabeth.Hanks@hsv-k12.org
Librarian & Technology - Brenda Levert at brenda.levert@hsv-k12.org
Elementary Principal - Evelyn Coffey at evelyn.coffey@hsv-k12.org
Middle School Principal - Kitrise Torain at kitrise.torain@hsv-k12.org
Stay Connected: Important Dates
January
January 17, 2021- Martin Luther King, Jr Day- School Closed
January 26, 2021- National Honor Society Auditions
February
Academy for Academics and Arts
Email: kitrise.torain@hsv-k12.org
Website: https://www.huntsvillecityschools.org/schools/academies-academics-and-arts
Location: 4800 Sparkman Drive Northwest, Huntsville, AL, USA
Phone: 256.428.7600
Facebook: facebook.com/AcademyforAcademicsandArtsElementary
Twitter: @AAAMiddle