October 14, 2019
The Finals Countdown
We are approaching the end of our Fall 2019 term, which means that final tests, papers, and projects are right around the corner. Our sophomores and juniors will take the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test on October 16th. We know they are prepared for it because the Office of Academic Affairs has hosted six specialized prep sessions so far with well over 70 participants. All our students will celebrate the conclusion of the test with ice cream and music.

Going into Final Exam Week, we hope our students remember the time management skills they developed in Study Hall. My personal advice to them is that they should avoid cramming for tests and writing papers at the last minute. It is much healthier to work a little bit at a time over several days, and the resulting product is much more polished. We also encourage students to take advantage of teachers' office hours and departmental study labs. Never be afraid to ask for help! It does not show weakness; it suggests self-awareness.

Mitch Frye, Ph.D.
Academic Dean
Students
Give me an EXAMple.
Click here for the fall term exam schedule.

May I take your order?
German Honor Society and German Club will be hosting a restaurant experience for German Club members on Oct. 15 from 4:00 PM to 5:00PM in room H208. Advanced German students and the exchange students will be waiting on students in German, and the menu will be designed in German too.

Happy Chemistry Week!
Celebrate National Chemistry Week and the Year of the Periodic Table! Submit your element poem, photos, or song to Dr. Rambo by Oct. 17 at noon.

Happy National German Week! In celebration of the unique importance of German-American transatlantic relations, German Honor Society and German Club will be staging a traveling exhibit: First Encounters . Be sure to stop by! Learn more here .

Rock IT
The Women Rock-IT speaker series will launch for the first time across the US and Canada on  Tuesday, Oct. 22. Watch the live broadcast of 2 powerhouse speakers, Amber Young, founder of SEER Tracking, and Dr. Nimmi Ramanujam, founder of Calla Imaging and professor at Duke University. Watch in Room S206 at lunch (12:00 PM). Questions? Contact Ms. Gray ( dgray@asms.net ).
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Green with Environmental Change
APPLY here for the Alabama Environmental YOUTH Council founded by ASMS student May Jung. Collaborate with other AL high schoolers to promote environmental sustainability across the state. Apply by Oct. 25. Click here for more information.

Crack the Code
The 2019 Congressional App Challenge is produced by the U.S. House of Representatives. Students submit their original apps for a chance to win prizes. Click here for more info. The deadline to register and submit is Nov. 1. Questions? Contact Mr. Gaillar d ( ggaillard@asms.net ).

I'm a winner.
Applications for the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing are now Open! ASMS has had a history of winners and honorable mentions. More info. available here . The deadline is Nov. 5 (MST). Questions? Contact Ms. Gra y ( dgray@asms.net ).

I <3 NYC.
Sign ups for the New York Special Project are open. The deadline to sign up is November 15, 2019. Sign up here . Contact Mr. Kickliter ( okickliter@asms.net ) with questions.

It's lit.
Submit your work to Oculus Magazine - the literary and arts magazine, showcasing the school's creative talents. More info. here . Submit to oculusmagazine@outlook.com.
Click here for college scholarship opportunities.
Other Announcements
PSAT

The PSAT will be given on Oct. 16. to all sophomores and juniors. It will be given in the morning, and the students will take the test instead of going to class.
State School Program

During the PSAT, we will have several state school representatives here on campus to present information to the seniors. Attendance is mandatory.
Schedule Changes

We will begin schedule changes on October 21, and students may submit requests to have their scheduled changed at this time. Drop/Add will be held November
4 & 5 and all changes need to be submitted no later than November 5.
Grant Deadline!

Reminder that Parent Association enrichment grants are open for students, faculty, and staff to apply. Click here to apply by Oct. 15 .
School Calendar
Looking back on Spirit Week!
To have your dates featured in Dragon News, e-mail amcmaken@asms.net