News, Honors & Achievements from AMD Middle School

Principal's Update

Dear Parents and Guardians,

With Thanksgiving approaching next week (there will be no OBlast next week due to the short week), I wanted to take the time to thank you for your welcome and support during my short tenure as Interim Principal of AMD.

Almost five months ago I started this challenging journey and have emerged from the experience with such gratitude for the faculty and staff, students, and families that I have gotten to know over time. While last year was a tough year for this school community, this new school year has been trending in a positive direction from more structure, routines, systems, timely communication, connections and clear expectations regarding learning, behaviors and work ethic, and finding the joy that exists in all of us.

Your children are thriving, learning and figuring out who they are and what matters to them during these critical adolescent years. They feel safer in our school, thus more available to learn and to be vulnerable. Students will make mistakes and if we can support them appropriately, working hand in hand with you, our students will be okay and will grow and thrive.

Dr. Nover's dream was to create a school community that is safe, joyful, embraces relationships and connections, and has systems and structures in place so optimal learning can take place daily. Her dream is definitely coming true.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends.

With gratitude and respect,

Sue Ostrofsky

Interim Principal

Principal’s Important Information to Know:

Dates to Remember:
Report Cards on Portal - November 17th
Youth Survey - November 20th and 21st - The survey will be administered to 7th and 8th grade students in their PE classes.
Early Dismissal - Wednesday, November 22, 2023: Click on Early Dismissal Schedule
Dr. Nover transitions back to AMD on November 29th and 30th
Sue Ostrofsky's last day - Friday, December 1, 2023
Dr. Nover's official return date - December 4, 2023
High Honor Roll and Honor Roll: Per the communication that was sent home in August (link) students are eligible for High Honor Roll and Honor Roll. The requirements are as follows: High Honor Roll - Students must have a grade point average of 89.5 - 100; Honor Roll - Students must have a grade point average of 85 - 89.4. The grade point average is based on weighted courses (courses that meet daily versus alternating day courses). Certificates will be mailed home on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.
Report Cards: If you have any questions about your child's report card grade, please reach out directly to the teacher.
Chromebooks: Effective November 27th, students will have to use a computer bag or they will receive lunch detention. While 75% of our students use a computer bag consistently, many do not. Students will have the next week to ensure they get a computer bag. Too many Chromebooks are breaking because students are accidently dropping them without being in a protective bag. Students will receive lunch detention daily until they start using their computer bags.
Lockers: The majority of students are using their locker properly, meaning they are actually using the lock to lock their locker. We have had some growing pains in helping students use lockers appropriately. Effective November 27th, if students do not use their lock on their lockers, their locker will be zip tied. Students must come to the office to have their zip ties removed. We have about 40 students out of 1,100 students not using their lockers properly. These students will also receive lunch detention until they use their lockers properly.

Highlights from the Week

Relevant Learning • Multiple Literacies • Culture of Care

Purposeful Path of Progress from AP Pagan:

A walkthrough of various supports for 7th graders coming soon!

Assemblies: Beginning in December we will be hosting our 7th grade monthly assemblies to celebrate our 7th Grade Rock Stars : Students of the Month and Outstanding Attendance awards. During these assemblies we will be highlighting our character trait of the month, through videos and group activities. We will also highlight our 7th grade student selected song and dance.

Small Group, Lunch Groups: During lunch, students will be able to attend optional small support groups based on interest and social-emotional needs. Some examples of support groups: Newcomer Lunch, Boys to Men, Girls Empowered, Building Buddies, and Lego Legacy.

Students Connect Mentors: Beginning in December, 7th grade students interested in a schoolwide mentorship will connect on a daily basis with an AMD staff member. These daily check-ins will foster support, understanding and social skills.

Golden Ticket Trips: Students exhibiting AMD LeaderS ROCK character traits during lunch (Safety, Respect, Organization, Collaboration, Kindness) have been awarded golden tickets that they have used to attend monthly student selected incentive activities. Beginning in December, students who are awarded a golden ticket will attend monthly trips. These trips will be designed to celebrate student excellence, team building activities and most importantly for students to have fun!

Attendance Trips: Please encourage your child to come to school every day and on time. Students with Outstanding Attendance (excused absences will not be counted against students) and Most Improved Attendance will be awarded a golden ticket as well to attend monthly trips.

7th Grade Rock Stars/Students of the Month: For the Month of December we will be showcasing students that exemplify excellence in ELA & Modern Languages and the character trait of Respect.

AMD LeaderS Rock!

This Week at AMD

Mr. Quiroga's Field Trip

The Living History Veterans Project: Thank you for being a part of it and for your service. This was an incredibly moving experience to hear from the Veterans and see the artwork our students created! AMD artists created beautiful photos for Veterans.

AMD LeaderS

Yesterday, our amazing AMD students had the incredible opportunity to be ambassadors of change at the Middle School Human Rights Institute. The transformative event featured a captivating performance by the talented Storyteller Sheila Arnold.