AMS Prince | November 2020
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A Message from Principal Lomeland |
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Dear Parents,
The health and well-being of our students, families, and staff is our utmost priority. As many of you have watched the news of the evolving Coronavirus pandemic, we are taking every measure and precaution to prevent the virus from our schools. We are also in close communication with local health departments and the Department of Education to receive information and guidance daily.
All staff, parents, and students are required to wear a mask upon entering the building. Children MUST be wearing their masks BEFOR exiting the vehicle when being dropped off in the morning. Please ensure that your child’s mask fits properly. We conduct daily temperature checks as well as basic screening for COVID-19 symptoms.
The flu season is also upon us. You can help by ensuring that your child stays home if he or she is not feeling well. Please teach your children to follow good hygienic practices such as, washing hands often and well especially before they eat; don’t share food or drinks; keep hands out of their eyes, and mouth where germs can enter so readily; turn their head and cough on to their shoulder or into the bend at their elbow instead of their hand; wash hands after blowing their nose. Following these simple suggestions can reduce the spread of germs.
One of the key factors for students to perform well academically is daily school attendance. It is very important for every student to be on time and in school every day. Students need to be seated in class by 7:55 am. Students not in class by 7:55 need to report to the office to be signed in by the parent/guardian and given a pass to be able to enter the classroom. Students are considered tardy when they are not in the proper class with all materials necessary for that class period when the bell rings.
Parent-Teacher Conferences are an important opportunity where you and your child’s teacher can discuss your child’s progress in school. Conferences are scheduled to take place on November 10th, 12th and 13th. Teachers will be sending home information about sign-up for zoom conferences.
Please be extra careful in the parking lot by keeping the speed down to 5 miles per hour. With so many children, we all need to be patient, courteous and cautious.
At AMS, we believe that only working together can we ensure the success of our students. Thank you for your support and for sending your wonderful children to the Academy of Math and Science
Sincerely,
Sandra Lomeland, Principal
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2020-2021 Student Dress Code |
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Please click on the attachment to view |
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October has gone by so quickly in Kindergarten! In Social Studies we have wrapped up our unit on Communities. We learned about different kinds of communities and neighborhoods, community helpers, why people have jobs, and the difference between a want and a need. In the spirit of the Halloween season we learned about bats, spiders, and pumpkins for Science. Hopefully you have begun to notice that we are getting better and better at reading simple words and our sight word knowledge is growing! We are also learning about the differences between real stories and fantasy or make-believe stories and what informational text is. Some of our favorite stories this month have been Knuffle Bunny and Creepy Carrots. Not only are we getting better at reading, but we are also finding that we can write! We’ve been working on writing interesting sentences with details as well as knowing what a noun and verb are. In Math, we continue to memorize our math facts. We have mastered our doubles facts and are moving on to adding and subtracting 1 and 0 from a number. Other concepts we have covered include skip counting by 10’s, counting backwards from 10, telling time to the hour, and counting dimes. |
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October has been a fun time in First Grade! The month of October has brought many seasonal themed learning activities. For science, first grade has learned about plant life cycles and pumpkins. In place of our Pumpkin Patch Field Trip, we had our very own pumpkin patch right here at school! The students had a fun time picking out their own pumpkins to take home.
In math, we are adding new sets of addition facts each week! Students will soon progress to 100 addition facts and will learn subtraction facts soon. We are now working with counting mixed coin groupings, measuring to the nearest inch, double digit addition without regrouping, and polygons.
Each first grade class has been diving into the curriculum. In reading, students are practicing with sight words and working on reading fluency. We are working on improving reading fluency with a goal of being able to read at least 25 words per minute. Practice makes great readers!
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Second grade is extremely happy to be back at school with our friends. We have lost some academic ground due to being out of school. We are busy practicing the skills we remember and relearning the ones we forgot.
In Math, we have been learning how to tell time, counting coins, measuring, and identifying shapes. We are currently working on telling time to 5-minute intervals. The third week of October we added quarters to our collection of coins to count. Students have been measuring shapes with centimeters and finding the perimeter. Recently we learned about different types of triangles: right, scalene, and isosceles, and equilateral. Our fact papers have been all about addition, but we have also been practicing our subtraction in class. The end of the year goal is 5 minutes per 100 facts. If your child cannot do 100 facts in 8 minutes, please practice with them as this was the expectation at the end of 1st grade.
In language arts, stories have varied from science to social studies themes. Mrs. Ryff’s and Ms. Ceboll’s class have been reading about science themes, like severe weather, while Mrs. Babler’s class has been reading about stories that encourage teamwork. We are learning about types of nouns, verbs, and adjectives. The second-grade team wants to remind you that reading every night at home is essential to building reading fluency. Students should be reading 25 minutes a night to practice these skills.
Second graders have been learning about the sun, moon, and the Earth. Second graders know why the earth rotates around the sun and how big the sun is compared to the earth. They learned about the importance of the sun and the moon to the earth. In addition, we studied the phases of the moon. In November, second grade will learn about all about heat.
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AMAZING 3RD GRADE
We are so excited to have the kids back at school. We have missed them a lot. We will be sending out our Sign up geniuses within the next few days so be on the lookout for that. We look forward to seeing all of you on zoom. We would love to show you all of the amazing things our wonderful third graders have been doing. We have been working on catching up on the academics they have missed or just needed refreshing before we move on.
The students have been doing an amazing job keeping their masks on and understanding the expectations with COVID. Keep working with your children with their homework every night and keep them caught up on the work that is given to them everyday. If you have internet and a computer for your child please have them work on Reflex math and Study Island at home. These programs will help them to catch up on what we cannot get to in class. We appreciate everything you do for your children and their amazing 3rd grade teachers. We are all an amazing team when we work together for the children. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to us through Dojo.
Thank you,
Mrs. Shepard, Ms. Allen, Ms. Yang, and Mrs. Baluja
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Welcome back 4th grade! We are so happy to have you in our classrooms. Fourth grade has been hard at work since they’ve walked through the doors. In ELA, we have been studying cycles and how they can affect our day to day lives. We started off learning about the monsoon cycles in Vietnam along with cycles in the ocean. We will continue learning about various natural cycles throughout November. As for writing, the students have been creating a narrative focusing on a leaf. We cannot wait to share these amazing stories as they will be published in the near future!
In math, we are reviewing topics as we get scholars up to date. We will carry on working through our Saxon textbook as the year continues. We look forward to seeing the progress these young learners make. In science, we have studied and taken our lab safety test. Students have learned what it takes to create a safe environment to perform experiments in the future. As we move into November, we will begin to learn about the scientific method. This is when fourth graders will learn the necessary steps it takes to conduct an experiment.
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As we begin the second quarter, 6th grade classes are working diligently to develop the critical reading and writing skills that we will be using for the rest of the year. We have taken some time out to learn some useful parts of the Jane Schaffer model so that we have a common terminology and concrete method for writing our paragraphs. In addition, students are working to incorporate facts into those writings as well. We have been practicing finding relevant details in informational texts and then introducing and incorporating those points as evidence to support the claims they are making.
Additionally, classes are working on sentence mapping and parts of speech to sure up their foundational understanding of sentences. Currently working on verbs and subjects, students will be making their way trough the basics of grammar in order to compose well written, simple sentences. With these simple sentences as a starting point, students will then add to them as a way of increasing the variety of their sentence structures and complexities.
Mr. Larry Moore
Hello Parents,
This is Ms. Doyuran. I am teaching 6D,7G and 8N classes. We are in second quarter. During passed month my 6D and 7G Course 3 students learned about Transformations, Exponents, Scientific Notation, Ratio, Repeating Decimals, Adding Integers, Probability, Subtracting Integers, Proportions, Ratio Word Problems, Similar and Congruent Polygons.
My 8N, Alg2 students learned about Calculating with Units of Measure, Multiplying Polynomials, Performing Operations with Functions, Solving System of Equations Using the substitution Method, Analyzing Continuous, Discontinuous and Discreate Functions.
Students took NWEA test lately. We are practicing AZ Merit sample questions in class. Students are assigned homework every day except Fridays.
Parent teacher conference days are November 10,12 and 13. Please communicate with your homeroom teachers to make an appointment to meet with your students’ teachers. Meeting will be in ZOOM for 15 minutes per student. If your child has a D of F grade I would highly recommend you meet your student’s teachers.
Winter Break is coming soon, don’t forget to make your plans.
Best!
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Leyla Archakova – 6,7,8 grades
6M, 6K – Course 2
In November we will be working on adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing decimal numbers, ratios and sample space, proportions, area of triangles and rectangles, interpreting graphs.
7A and 8W – Algebra I
In November we will be focusing on Study Island assignments to help the students to master their skills and get prepared for AzM2. We will be working on rates of change and finding slope, solving percent problems, simplifying rational expressions and expressions with square and higher-order roots, solving equations and, adding and subtracting polynomials.
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Social Studies News
Hello Centaurs,
We are well into our 2nd quarter of the year and the Holidays are approaching quickly. Here is what you should expect in Social Studies
· Current events are due every full Friday in all classes. Please be prepared to write your three paragraph report and attach the accompanying article. You’ll get extra credit for presenting the report to the class.
· Please define your word wall words and study them frequently.
· Homework is assigned daily – please check online and with your student
6th Graders:
The 6th Graders are working on understanding the ancient Romans and how the Roman Republic had such an influence on the ideas that we used in the U.S. We will also address the Fall of Rome and how we can learn from the Romans and apply these lessons to our own success here in America.
7th Graders:
The 7th Grade Students start the year with an in-depth look at the many causes for the American Civil War. They are now moving into the Reconstruction of the US and the aftermath of the Civil War. We take a look at President Lincoln and Johnson’s plans for how the country could be reunified and compare and contrast this with some more radical beliefs in Congress.
8th Graders:
The 8th Graders are investigating the origins of our American system, including the Constitutional Convention, ideas on government from around the world, and the impact that the Constitution has on our everyday life, from voting, to citizenship to the protection of our individual rights. This will conclude with student debates, presenting social issues through the lens of Constitutional law.
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Mrs. Noriega- Technology/Computer Science Teacher
We have learned so much in a short time. Our students are amazing and have demonstrated astonishing capabilities in learning in any shape or form. I feel so proud of all my centaurs. Primary students have learned the main parts of a computer, how to be good digital citizens, and basic keyboarding skills. Keep it up Centaurs!
Our middle school students have been learning the names of the interior parts of the computer, the Problem Solving Prosses in programming, Computing Systems such as what is Computer Science, What is a computer, and How do we interact with computers.
We will be learning about Data and Analysis, storing information and collecting and using information, and Algorithm and programming.
I really look forward to learning with all our Centaurs. Thank you parents for all your support. We would not be able to make it without the amazing dedication of our parents.
Regards,
Mrs. Noriega
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Mr. Keymolent- K-2 Music
The K-2nd Rock Stars are all ready to keep making music! We are enjoying learning to read music, diving into music appreciation, and overall moving our bodies to some great music.
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Mrs. Kashtelyan Piano & Mr. Nigro Guitar
We are so happy to be back in person teaching our scholars to play piano and guitar! The students are also very enthusiastic about learning music and to play. For this holiday season we are planning on a virtual recital that will include guitar ensemble, solo piano, and some other creative ways to make music while being safe and socially distanced.
In music class, we also teach music theory and aural skills where we ask the kids to sing melodies and rhythms that we play for them. They are expected to proficiently read music as well as understand how to play the music on their instruments. We also teach about music history and instruments of the orchestra. Our goal is to have our musician scholars be well-rounded with a musical education that enhances their academic careers.
Musically Yours,
Mrs. Kashtelyan & Mr. Nigro
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Language
Russian & Mandarin
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The students in Russian class have been doing a fantastic job learning the Russian language and culture. The lower grade know some of the Russian alphabet letters as well as some introductory phrases. The older students know how to write in the Russian cursive alphabet and are using phrases to have a conversation with each other in Russian. Next the students will learn numbers and directions. Keep up the great work!!
Best,
Svetlana Popovic
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2-3 Students has learned the hello song and goodbye song in Mandarin. We were also reading a story “Living in China” together and learned some fun facts about China. We’ll keep reading more of that story and start learning class instructions and numbers next.
4-8 Students finished Lesson 1 & 2 learning greetings, asking each other’s names, and we also learned a song to practice all those. We also have been practicing single vowels and the 4 tones of Chinese alphabet (pinyin). We’ll learn numbers next.
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Clubs will not be offered until after the first semester. Please continue to check with the front office for updates! |
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Meet The Dean!
Melissa Hubele- Dean Of Students
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Hello everyone! My name is Melissa Hubele and I have worked at the Academy of Math & Science for the last 11 years. I started as the special education teacher and have enjoyed working with struggling students and helping them reach their potential. I attended Southwestern College where I was a scholar athlete and earned both my bachelors and masters degrees in education. I am looking forward to working with ALL students in a different capacity and hope to make this year a stand out year. |
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Anne Marie Salvo
Art Teacher
Over the course of higher education my concentration of studies were Eastern Art History, Metal and Ceramic Sculpting and Art Therapy. My love for Eastern Art history led me to study abroad in India. Being part of the cultural arts scene I have also traveled to many countries around the world everywhere from the Middle East to Central American.
I am in my 17th year in the teaching profession as a visual arts teacher. I received my education Bachelors and Master and completed my prior experience in the state of New York. Niagara Falls, NY is my hometown. Go Bills!. Over the course of my career I advised many clubs and organizations as well as coached Freshman Men’s Soccer and Varsity Men’s and Womens’ Track and Field. I was also the County Coordinator for Monroe County Track in Field in NY. Throughout the course of my life sports and the arts played a huge role in my success and I am forever grateful to the coaches and mentors that brought me on this journey through my collegiate athletic experiences. I am excited to be a part of Tucson’s Cultural Arts scene and here to enjoy the beauty the desert brings with it’s rich heritage and sunshine.
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Scott Langlais
P.E. Teacher
This is Coach Scott Langlais, our PE teacher and Athletic Director here at AMS Prince! Coach is very excited to have your child in our PE classes, and he looks forward to seeing the progress your child will make over the course of this academic year!
Coach Langlais graduated from the University of Arizona with a master’s degree in Japanese Linguistics, with an emphasis on Second Language Teaching and Acquisition. He lived in Japan for six years and taught English to students of all ages. Coach also taught Japanese here in Tucson at the college level until 2019.
Coach L. is a fitness enthusiast, and one of his mottos is “The way is the training!”. Coach has been an active CrossFit competitor for the last seven years, and he has been a martial artist practically his entire life (for over 30 years). Did you know he even has his own dojo?! He has two teenage-children and they train, workout, and compete together all the time. Coach understands the importance of discipline AND fun in training, and this is reflected in how he teaches PE.
As your child’s P.E. teacher, Coach aims to develop physically AND intellectually engaging lessons that are in line with Arizona’s curriculum standards. Students will be assessed in various participation efforts, as well as knowledge of rules and application of individual and team sports. Coach is very confident in the programs that AMS offers--both in-person and virtually--and he knows that your child will learn and grow while participating in a positive learning environment.
AMS encourages parent involvement and communication, and as a father of two teenagers, Coach L. understands the challenges families face trying to balance academic needs, and the need for physical fitness and education. Coach highly encourages you to contact him with questions or concerns through ClassDojo, or directly calling the school at (520) 293-2676.
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School Calendar & Jo's Corner |
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Please click on attachments to view |
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November:
Nov 10,12,13 Parent Teacher Conference
(Half Day) Dismissal at 12:30 No Extended Care
Nov 11 Veterans Day (No School)
Nov 16 Teacher Workday (No School)
Nov 26-27 Thanksgiving Recess (No School)
(17 instructional days)
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November Lunch menu Please click to view! |
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Connect with the AMS Prince Office Team
520-293-2676
Office Manager: Ms. JoAnn
jbelvedere@amstucson.org
Front Office: Ms. Jean
jmbelvedere@amstucson.org
Registrar: Ms. Emma
egonzalez@amstucson.org
Connect with Principal Lomeland
slomeland@amstucson.org
520-293-2676
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