Family Newsletter | November 2020

Isaac W. photo courtesy of Felicia Anderson & Shawndra Jackson A Brand New World

The stakes have never been higher for schools to get learning done right - and done right now. Teachers across the country and here at The Academy of Math and Science Flower have now become the students. We all have had to learn how to teach all over again. Our educators have had to go back to the chalkboard to revise what school looks like in an era of combating COVID-19. Our traditional and familiar tools have been replaced by new ones. Our goal is to prepare each of our scholars for success in school, college, personal well-being, and life. We already fight against a broken system to equip our scholars to overcome odds. The COVID-19 pandemic presents another barrier that we must navigate so that our kids can access their education. These are systemic, national issues that pose even further challenges that need national attention but are beyond our immediate control. The greatest thing we can do for our scholars in Phoenix is innovate new solutions to address the issue of access to high-quality instruction. At a time where the country is being urged to socially distance themselves from each other, The Academy of Math and Science Flower have found the best way to solve this educational crisis is to come together in discussion and collaboration for our students’ success. Mr. Walker Principal

Teacher & Staff Spotlight Each month, the newsletter will celebrate teachers and staff members who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to provide all students a high-quality education.  This month, we celebrate the following teachers and staff members: Mr. Belisario (Teacher of the Month)/ Ms. Sindy (Staff Member of the Month) Mr. Flanders (Teacher of the Month)/ Mrs. Carrillo (Staff Member of the Month)

Mr. Belisario is from San Marcos, California where he grew up with his grandparents. His grandparents were the biggest inspirations to his life. They taught him the meaning of hard-work, respect, and always striving to be a better person. Belisario moved to Arizona in 2018 to pursue a career in teaching because of the chance to help and aid the youth in their academic and life journeys. This is his third year at AMS Flower, and he is excited for the chance to work with our students and staff!

Originally from Columbia, Ms. Sindy has become a huge piece of our AMS Flower family. From delivering school tours to supporting students in the classroom, it is very hard to miss Sindy as she is travels across the campus each day to help our school be its best.   Sindy always has a positive demeanor and a great work ethic for the campus. Sindy is always working hard on a different project and takes time to ask everyone how they’re doing.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Mr. Flanders has resided in the valley for over 30 years. From graduating just up the road at West Phoenix High School, to serving the youth of Maricopa County through schools and local programs, he believes in helping the community that’s shaped him into the man he is today. Flanders met his wife, Crystel, in a creative writing class at Phoenix College, in 2011, and has two fantastic boys with her.

Mrs. C was born in Chesapeake, Virginia. However, she had lived in more than six states and two countries by the time she was 21 years old. She comes from a proud military family (Go Navy!) and jumped at the chance to move to Arizona three years ago. Mrs. C spent three years as a fourth-grade teacher at both AMS Flower and Peoria Advanced before accepting her current position. She is excited to add to the awesome energy at her home campus!  Mrs. C earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature and American history from the University of Maryland, Global Campus in 2017. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Instructional Technology from her alma mater. In her spare time, Mrs. C enjoys singing, dancing, watching movies, and playing with her pup, Shadow.

First Grade - Character Day photo courtesy of Felicia Anderson & Shawndra Jackson

Make Your Choice for Semester 2! Please read the attached letter regarding semester 2! January will be here before you know it and we need to know your plans for your student in regards to the style of learning your family would prefer next semester! Click Here to Make Your Selection!

Class Dojo! Want to communicate regularly with your child's teacher about the success of your child in class? Make sure you have downloaded the free Class Dojo app and begin communicating with your child's teachers today! Click Here to Join Class Dojo Today!

COVID-19 News If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please keep your child at home and seek testing. If you have scheduled a visit to get tested, please immediately inform the front office and your child’s teachers and keep your child at home until you have results. Doing this will slow the spread of COVID-19.

School Calendar Updates

2020-21 AMS Flower Calendar:

November Dates Nov 3: Election Day Nov 10: Early Dismissal Nov 12: Early Dismissal Nov 13: Early Dismissal Nov 11: Veterans Day - No School Nov 16 - 23: 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive Nov 19: High School Preview Night (In-Person) 4 - 6 p.m. Nov 26 - 27: Thanksgiving - No School

Connect with the AMS Flower Office Team 602-888-9572 Connect with Principal Walker cwalker@amsflower.org Email ‌