Ayer Shirley Middle School
September Newsletter
Principal's Corner
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Thank you for reading our Monthly Newsletter. Our hope is that you find this newsletter informative and engaging, providing up to date information on curriculum, events, and highlights of activities here at ASRMS. Please feel free to email me directly if you have any suggestions on how to make our monthly newsletter better!
School Council Members Needed!
We are looking for a few parents, community members and staff members to be part of the 2019-2020 School Council. The role of the School Council is to work in collaboration with the building principal to support and enhance student learning. Meetings take place after school one Monday a month for an hour. Please email me directly if you would like to be part of this or have any questions.
Open House is Coming Soon
We are changing our format of Open House this year. We are moving to a student-led interactive evening. Stay Tuned for more information! We hope that you and your student will attend.
Wondering About Your Child's Curriculum?
Then join us for the ASRSD District Curriculum Expo at ASRHS on September 12 from 6:00-7:00 pm.
We Believe in Creating a Positive and Engaging School Environment
You may receive a Pather Postcard in the mail remarking on something wonderful your child did, said or represented. Be Proudand pease let them know what was said so the home can reinforce the behaviors, attitudes, and qualities we are highlighting in our student body.
You child may also be recognized at our three Honor Roll/Student of the Term Assemblies held at the end of the first, second and third marking periods. Teachers select the Students of the Term to recognize for exemplary demeanor, citizenship or attitude while the principal may honor a student with the Principal's Award for being a positive role model in the school.
We also reward homerooms for best attendance and best behavior record.
Communication
Please be sure you have your login for the Parent Portal so that you can stay informed of your child's academic progress. Email Tina Libby, our administrative assistant for assistance. blibby@asrsd.org
Check us out on Facebook- Ayer Shirley Regional School District
We have a website: asrsd.org
Twitter:@RBurattiAikey
Instagram: asrms_panthers
ASRMS is a place where Students Explore, Learn, Grow, Connect, Communicate, Collaborate, Serve.
Important Dates
9/12 - ASRSD Annual District Curriculum Night @ ASRHS
9/13 - Nature's Classroom Packet Due9/19 - 90 min. Early Release
9/20 - Fall Picture Day
9/25 - Open House
9/26 - Holdenwood Trail Run
Calendar of Student Reporting Q1 & Q2
Quarter 1
- Progress Reports Issued October 2
- End of Term November 1
- Report Cards Issued November 12
Quarter 2
- Progress Reports Issued December 11
- End of Term January 24, 2020
- Report Cards Issued February 3
Calendar of Student Reporting Q3 & Q4
Quarter 3
- Progress Reports Issued March 4
- End of Term April 3
- Report Cards Issued April 10
Quarter 4
- Progress Reports Issued May 13
- Report Cards Issued Last Day of School
Parent Conference Schedules
November 14: Evening Conferences
November 15: Afternoon Conferences
February 6: Evening Conferences
February 7: Afternoon ConferencesASRSD Annual District Curriculum Night
ASMS School Counselors
Introducing Cynthia Esielionis, MEd. as the new School Counselor at the middle school, working primarily with students in grades 6 and 7 and students on 504 plans. Cynthia came to the middle school from Ayer Shirley Regional High School and looks forward to working with the students, families, teachers and staff of the middle school.
Jessa Brine, MSW, LCSW is the returning Adjustment Counselor, working with grade 8 and all students grade 6-8 on an IEP.
Stephanie Burnham will be joining Ms. Brine as an intern this year, she is a graduate student at Simmons College, earning her Masters Degree in Social Work.
In the next few weeks, we will be beginning classroom instruction in all grades on different topics designed to increase student outcomes in social emotional learning, academic performance and support attendance initiatives.
Please feel free to reach out to your child’s counselor with any questions or concerns. Contact information is below:
Ms. Jessa Brine, MSW, LCSW
(978) 772-8600, ext 1209
Ms. Cynthia Esielionis, MEd.
(978) 772-8600, ext 1205
Grade 6 - Green Team
Ms. Stahl, Mrs. Ford, Mr. Langford, Mrs. Glidden, Mrs. Mickey, Mr. Churchill, Mrs. Carlson
Grade 6/7 - Yellow Team
Grade 7 - Blue Team
English Language Arts News with Mr. Veeder
We are starting a short story unit and reviewing basic literary terms.
Foriegn Language News with Ms. Diaz
We are introducing the Hispanophone world and Spanish phonetics.
Math News with Mr. Millett
We still start the school year by examining ratios and proportional relationships.
Science News with Ms. Kauppi
Students are learning skills that are required to plan and carry out scientific investigations.
Social Studies News with Dr. Pataky
For the first month we will be introducing the various disciplines in the social sciences.
Special Education News with Mr. Nessman
In Enrichment, we completed our first round of benchmarks in Writing, Math, and Reading. We also began our daily routines in Agenda Book Checks, Timed Math Tests, and Reading Practices. Students will also begin earning points towards various end-of-the year prizes.
If you want to be on the homework email, contact me at knessman@asrsd.org.
After-School Help Schedule
Mondays: Mr. Nessman, Mr. Veeder
Tuesdays: Mr. Millett, Ms. Kauppi
Wednesdays: Ms. Diaz, Dr. Pataky
Grade 8 - Maroon Team
ELA: Ms. Champagne
8th grade ELA classes have kicked off the year by exploring our reader and writer identities and every 8th grader had an opportunity to select an independent reading book from the library. Students should be reading each night at home in a quiet space! Our first unit coming up is all about "Suspense!" and we'll be reading the likes of Stephen King and Edgar Allen Poe.
Foreign Language: Mrs. Swiszcz
During this month, in the World Language classes, we are learning about different ways of communication, languages of the world, and discussing the advantages of learning a second language. We are also learning where Spanish and French are spoken in the world. After this small introduction, we will start learning how to greet people and introduce yourself and others, use the alphabet, and recognize cognates.
Math: Mrs. Hampson
Students started the year with a review of order of operations. We will be learning about exponents during September
Science: Ms. Pierce
Students in science have been working on writing a Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning for scientific questions. This is a process they will continue to complete throughout the year and soon will be designing their own investigations based around a scientific question.
Social Studies: Mr. Cibula
In social studies students are settling in nicely. We organized our workbooks and have turned our focus to foundational vocabulary terms and the type of questioning mindset that will lay the groundwork for the way we are going to look at sources throughout the year.
Sped: Ms. Beckwith
Special Education Enrichment class is working on review of PEMDAS, one and two step equations for math. How the write a summary for reading journals as well as how to apply CER in science. Lastly, Evaluating students organization skills.
ASMS Band
https://www.facebook.com/ASRMS-Band-1586594771598510/
Middle School Band has begun! (if you missed the deadline to join, please email Mrs. Fletcher at rfletcher@asrsd.org ASAP)
6 Advanced Band meets on odd days during enrichment. Advanced band is for any student that has played their instrument for at least one year.
6 Beginner Band meets on even days during enrichment. Beginner band is for any student who has new to playing an instrument.
7th Grade Band meets on even days during enrichment.
8th Grade Band meets on odd days during enrichment.
Tech Corner
Student Council News
We have our first meeting on Friday, September 6th. Students may join Student Council at any time throughout the year. We meet most Fridays after school until 3:30 in the middle school library.
Speak Out, Be Heard, Make a Change
Student Council is recruiting members.
If you are interested in…
Promoting positive relations throughout the school
Providing a forum for student expression
Planning special events and projects
Learning to lead
Making a difference in the lives of others
Giving back to your community
Proposing/Implementing school improvement plans
Contributing to school spirit
then join Student Council.
See Mrs. Lyon klyon@asrsd.org in the library for more information.
Start With Hello Week
September 23rd - 27th students at the Ayer Shirley Middle School will participate in Start With Hello Week.
Start with Hello teaches students, grades 2-12, the skills they need to reach out to and include those who may be dealing with chronic social isolation and create a culture of inclusion and connectedness within their classroom, school or youth organization.
Social isolation is the overwhelming feeling of being left out, lonely, or treated like you are invisible. It is a growing epidemic in the United States and within our schools. Excessive feelings of isolation can be associated with violent and suicidal behavior. In fact, one study reports that chronic loneliness increases the risk of early death by 14%. Furthermore, young people who are isolated can become victims of bullying, violence and/or depression. As a result, many further pull away from society, struggle with learning and social development and/or choose to hurt themselves or others.
We encourage you to talk to your child about the Start With Hello program and ask them to share what they have learned. Not only will that help you learn how to support your child to identify isolation, reach out and connect, and Start With Hello, it also demonstrates to your child that you take this subject seriously and can support them in their actions to create a more connected and inclusive home, classroom, school and community.
For more information on Start With Hello please visit sandyhookpromise.org
Please contact Student Council Advisor Kathryn Lyon at klyon@asrsd.org if you have any questions.
ASMS Robotics
Class Trips
6th Nature’s Classroom: Sept. 30 - Oct. 2
7th Mountain Classroom: TBD
8th Washington D.C.: May 19 - May 22, 2020
Halloween Dance
Friday, October 25th
Ayer Shirley Middle School
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Costumes welcome but not required
Admission $5.00
Additional refreshments will be sold
Brought to you by your Student Council
Picture Day
Order today on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: MV509064Q0
School Psychologist
Beth C. Foley LMFT
Licensed School Psychologist
A Note From The School Nurse
At the beginning of the school year I always put up a new bulletin board outside the health room that makes the connection between good health and success in school. This year there are two ladders and two students trying to climb the ladder to success.
One ladder is on a firm base with a student successfully climbing the ladder. The base is made of the following bricks:
Good attendance
Feeling well
Good emotional health
Well rested
Healthy diet
Regular exercise
The other ladder is on a base that is falling apart and the student is hanging on as best he can: That base consists of the following bricks:
Poor attendance
Not having medical issues addressed
Feeling sad or anxious
Tired
Poor diet
Lack of exercise
A student who comes to school with the basics of good health in place has a much easier time paying attention, learning and enjoying school in general. Let’s all work together to give our students every opportunity to succeed.
7th grade immunization updates are now due. If you received a letter in the spring stating that your child needed updated immunizations and you have not yet sent it in, please do so as soon as possible.
EEE is a serious disease spread by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes testing positive for the virus were found in a section of Shirley and that area was sprayed. It is best to keep everyone indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, as well as using insect repellent when outdoors. Be watchful for updates on this issue from the town.
Holdenwood Trail Run
Recycle Your Reusables
The 11th annual Recycle Your Reusables
Saturday, October 26, 9am-2pm
Bemis Associates
One Bemis Way, Shirley, MA
Recycle Your Reusables is
A local way to keep hundreds of tons of material from waste streams. Vendors repurpose materials of value in ways that support underserved communities, and boost our local economy.
A very busy and chaotic place! You may encounter waiting lines. Please be patient! And don’t come early. No one will be allowed to drop off anything prior to 9am.
A volunteer-run event that operates on a shoestring. Almost everything is free to drop off except some electronics, appliances, mattresses, propane tanks, lawn mowers, snow blowers, VHS and cassette tapes. See the Complete List.
Recycle Your Reusables is not
A place to drop off junk. Items you bring will be recycled or reused. Even though you think that overstuffed 70s plaid couch that smells like cigarette smoke is still perfectly useable, vendors might disagree with you and it is their prerogative to refuse any items.
If being recycled the items may be broken down into their component parts (think electronics and mattresses) or ground and repurposed (think Styrofoam).
If being reused, items will be received by vendors such as More Than Words, Habitat for Humanity, Ginny’s Helping Hand and many more.
Before you load your car with a bunch of stuff you’re not sure we’ll take contact us (Ayerrecycles@gmail.com or 978 496 5839.)
Can’t make it to RYR?
Visit a CHARM (Centers for Hard to Recycle Materials). Some local transfer stations are open to non-residents. See the attached list for info.Intramural Flag Football
Tuesday's & Thursday's 2:30-4:00pm in the fields behind the Middle School. Start date will be announced soon.
Parents/ Guardians are responsible for picking up students after the activity has ended. (If your child is going home with another student they must have a note giving them permission.) User fee is $20. Checks can be made out to Ayer Shirley Regional School District. Open to all boys and girls in grades 6 to 8.
There is no late bus, therefore all students must be picked up by 4:00 near the gym doors.
Students should be dressed in clothing appropriate for physical activity.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms, Rollins, Intramural Director at trollins@asrsd.org
Or 978-772-8600 ext. 1202
All students need a signed permission slip to participate. See Ms. Rollins for a permission slip!
2020 Middle School Soccer Schedule
9/17 Boys 3:30PM Away vs. Bromfield MS
Girls 4:45PM Away vs. Bromfield MS
9/19 Boys 3:30PM Away vs. Littleton MS
Girls 4:45PM Away vs. Littleton MS
9/24 Boys 3:30PM Clinton - Wilde Field
Girls 4:45PM Clinton - Wilde Field
9/26 Boys 3:30PM Maynard - Wilde Field
Girls 4:45PM Maynard - Wilde Field
10/1 Boys 3:30PM Away vs. Tahanto
Girls 4:45PM Away vs. Tahanto
10/3 Girls 3:30PM Bromfield - Wilde Field
Boys 4:45PM Bromfield - Wilde Field
10/8 Girls 3:30PM Littleton - Wilde Field
Boys 4:45PM Littleton - Wilde Field
10/10 Girls 3:30PM Away vs. Clinton
Boys 4:45PM Away vs. Clinton
10/15 Girls 3:30PM Away vs. Maynard
Boys 4:45PM Away vs. Maynard
10/17 Girls 3:30PM Tahanto - Wilde Field
Boys 4:45PM Tahanto - Wilde Field
ASRSD Athletics
See the images below for ASRSD Sports for September 9 - October 4
Used Book Sale
School Lunch Payments
MySchoolBucks is a convenient online payment service that provides a quick and easy way to pay for school lunch.
If you are already using MySchoolBucks to pay for school meals, your account is already set-up and ready to go! Otherwise, register for your FREE account today at www.myschoolbucks.com
If you have questions, please contact MySchoolBucks directly at
(855) 832-5226 or email parentsupport@myschoolbucks.com.
ASPTO Meeting Schedule 2019-2020
Second Tuesday of each month at 7:15 pm in the Middle School Library
September 10th
October 8th
November 12th
December 10th
January 14th
February 11th
March 10th
April 14th
May 12th
June 9th
“Together We Can Do More”
ASPTO Monthly Events
September
10 PTO meeting (new format) @ LAW
25 ASRMS Open House, Spirit Wear Sale
29 Holdenwoods trail run to support ASEF
October
5-13 Fall Family Photo Shoots
8 PTO meeting (new format) @ MS
TBD Greeting Card Fundraiser & SCRIP Card orders for holiday shopping
November
12 PTO meeting (new format) @ MS
14 ASRMS teacher conferences luncheon
15 ASPTO night at Roll On America 5:30-8pm
December
10 PTO meeting (new format) @ MS
January
10 ASPTO night at Roll On America 5:30-8pm
14 PTO meeting (new format) @ MS
Loaves & Fishes
Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry provides food and support to any residents of Ayer, Devens, Groton, Harvard, Littleton and Shirley who need help.
We are open:
Every Wednesday and Friday, 9:45AM to 12:30PM
(Doors open 9:30am)
First and Third Saturday, 9AM to 11AM
(Doors open at 8:45am)
Second Tuesday of the month, 6PM to 8PM
(Doors open at 5:45pm)
234 Barnum Road Call us or come see us.
Devens, MA 01434 We can help.
(978) 772-4627 x312
Weekend Backpack Program
What is the Weekend Backpack Program?
Providing for the needs of our children within the constraints of our budgets is a challenging and stressful task that many families face daily. Ayer Shirley Middle School staff and volunteers are excited to continue the ASMS Weekend Backpack Program which provides students who are at risk of hunger with supplemental light meals and snacks. With support from funds provided to our district from local churches and businesses, the ASMS Weekend Backpack Program is available to any ASMS student who needs this support. Students participating in this program will receive a bag containing enough food for 2 to 3 small meals and snacks to supplement what you are providing over the weekend.
How Do I Sign Up?
Sign up by completing the information on the back of this form and returning it to the school as soon as possible. Enrolled students will begin receiving their bags on Friday, September 20th, 2019. Students will continue to receive their weekly bag until the end of school or until you notify us that you no longer wish to have your child participate. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kathryn Lyon (ext. 1212).
How Can I Make A Donation to this Program?
There are several ways that you can help. We are in need of food items such as granola bars, shelf-stable milk, juice boxes, applesauce or fruit cups, goldfish, or other individually packaged nutritious snacks. You can also help with a monetary donation. We will use the funds to purchase supplies through our vendors. Checks can be made payable to ASRSD with ASMS Weekend Backpack Program in the memo line. Every dollar helps, so no donation is too small. All monetary donations are tax deductible. We will provide you with a receipt for tax purposes, if requested. If you can help, please fill out the donation information on the back of this form and return it to the ASMS. Food donations can be dropped off in the school library at any time.Please click on the link to be directed to the forms:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_YkbVYngvY3RklzWWxMbThWb2M/view?usp=sharingHannaford Helps Schools
Raising money for your school is as easy as 1 2 3 and A B C
1. Shop. Choose from more than 1200 participating products to help earn money for your school!
2. Check Out. Get 3 school dollars for every 4 participating products you purchase.
3. Submit. Deposit your school dollars in the collection tower in the Lunenburg Hannaford store, located at the front of the registers with our school name on it. And / Or you can send them into the Middle School.
***NOTE*** You can still shop at any Hannaford and receive school dollars, but you will need
to bring your receipt into school. The ASRMS is registered at the Lunenburg loaction.
Please click on this link for more information and a full list of participating products: http://www.hannaford.com/assets/hf/assets/pdf/cms/abouthannaford/HHS_Shopping_Companion.pdf
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Terri Rollins at ext. 1202