AMS Hornet News
October, 2020
From the Principal
It is hard to believe that we are already half-way through the first marking period! It seems that students are starting to get the hang of whichever learning model they are following. We know it isn't easy or ideal, but we are hoping to make the best of this year. We will all need patience, flexibility, and grace as we march forward.
As we all know, our learning time each day looks a little bit different than in previous years. However, we are still learning five days per week. Good school habits like sleeping on a regular schedule, having a quiet at home work space, being on time to virtual meetings on Meet, staying organized, and completing tasks assigned in Google Classroom are a critical part of being successful this year. Your student's learning time at home - whether hybrid or 100% virtual - is very important!
We strongly suggest that you set up a work space for your student where his/her back is against the wall and that students use earbuds/headphones during virtual meetings. This will help limit distractions for the student and help in preventing music, conversations, or any other activity going on behind the student from being a distraction to your student or the class. Thank you for your help with keeping all of our students focused.
Progress reports will be emailed to parents and students on the afternoon of Friday, October 9. As you review your student's progress report help your child to reflect on whether or not (s)he is on the path to success. If not, make a plan to adjust. If so, celebrate and keep going!
You will see below that we have a credit requirement system at AMS. Our 7-8 grade students are required to pass core classes to earn credits.
Our hybrid students are doing a great job of wearing their masks properly and socially distancing. Thank you for supporting us as we do our part in masking up to decrease the spread of COVID.
It is my pleasure to work with the AMS staff, students, and families! I am here to listen and support you and your student in any way possible. Feel free to reach out!
Respectfully,
Mrs. Lisa Oetting
Credit Requirements for Grades 7-8
I am sure you will agree that middle school is a critical time for students to develop lifelong habits in time management, goal-setting, work completion and independent learning.
We have found that students who do not pass core content classes in middle school, in turn, will fail core content classes in ninth grade which puts them behind in earning credits toward a high school diploma.
In order to prevent failure and encourage students to work hard in middle school, Armstrong Middle School implemented a Credit Requirement System in seventh and eighth grades beginning the 2019-2020 school year. Requiring students to earn credits for passing core content courses provides parents and teachers with a system of accountability and supports to ensure middle school students have the knowledge, skills and habits needed for future school success.
Together we can make the middle school years matter to your student by building skills and developing habits that will help them in their future endeavors at school and beyond.
CREDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR PROMOTION TO HIGH SCHOOL
AMS students are expected to pass, with at least a D- (60%), all core content area courses including 1 semester of writing in both 7th and 8th grade.
Students will receive .5 credit per semester per core class.
Students have the opportunity to earn 4.5 credits during each of their 7th and 8th grade years = 9 credits total for 7th and 8th grade.
Students must earn no fewer than 7.0 credits out of the possible 9.0 credits for core classes in their 7th and 8th grade years as follows:
English = 2.5 (LA and Writing) Social Studies = 1.5 credits
Math = 1.5 credits Science = 1.5 credits
If a student has fewer than 7.0 credits for core classes at the end of 8th grade, an Individual Development Plan Team will make the decision to retain in 8th grade or lift to 9th grade with academic probation.
Picture Day & Yearbook Information
Wednesday, October 14 (from 1-4 pm) Online students
Thursday, October 15 (7:30-9 am) Blue Hybrid Group
Friday, October 16 (7:30-9 am) Gold Hybrid Group
Pictures will be taken in front of the office.
Please see the flyer below. They were given to our hybrid students. We have extra flyers in the office also.
For our online students, this is a great opportunity for our 6th graders to pick up their Fiedler yearbook. All levels can also order a yearbook for this year. The cost is $20.00 and can be paid with cash or check.
Teens and Stress
Stress is how the body responds to a demeaning or threatening experience. You feel stressed when you are under pressure to do something or when you have to deal with a particular matter or situation. Everyone experiences stress and teenagers are no exception.
Tips for Teens to Deal with Stress
- Get the proper amount of sleep.
- Do some physical activity (exercise, go for a walk or job, ride a bike, dance around in your room, play or favorite sport, etc).
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Get support from parents, grandparents, another family member, or perhaps a teacher.
- Focus on the positives.
- Talk about it.
- Watch your favorite movie or a good comedy show.
- Be creative (draw, paint, make jewelry, design your own outfit, flx up your bedroom with posters or cool decals).
- Have family fun night and get out the board games.
- Do something safe and fun that makes you smile or laugh out loud.
Armstrong Middle School (Michigan Medicine) Regional Alliance for Healthy Schools
Debra Pettigrew, LMSW
PTO Fundraisers
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VkUHQ3bmopaQmSFhy850BY4ZdaU651n4/view?usp=sharing
Kearsley Spirit Wear--Need a new Kearsley t-shirt, sweatshirt, mask, or hat? --Click this link for more information.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_RMNbKgVRX0hHkCjQL7vfII-jBdXdOId/view?usp=sharing
Flyers for both fundraisers are also available in the office.
Positivity Project
The password is P2. Click the link below for more information.
Office Hours
Grades
https://studentvue.geneseeisd.org/kear/PXP2_Login.aspx
Progress reports will be emailed to all students and families on Friday, October 9.
Girls, Want to Play Volleyball?
Tryouts will start Oct 27 3-6 @ KHS
Practice begins Oct. 28 3-5 @KHS
Armstrong Middle School
Principal: Lisa Oetting
Assistant Principal: Douglas Hibbs
Email: loetting@kearsleyschools.org
Website: https://armstrong.kearsleyschools.org/
Location: 6161 Hopkins Road, Flint, MI, USA
Phone: 810-591-9929
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kearsleyams/
Twitter: @kearsleyams