News, Honors & Achievements from AMD Middle School

Principal's Update

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This past Monday evening, Director of STEM Chris DeMattia, Math Coordinator Melissa Ferraro and Assistant Principal Narelys Pagan, presented the math programs afforded to students at AMD as well as math pathways through OHS. The turnout was excellent and the questions were helpful in helping us shape future communication home to parents. Next Friday's OBlast will include the slides from the presentation, with voiceovers to explain the slides in more detail.

We also celebrated Unity Day on Wednesday. Students and staff spent a period working on various activities bringing the students together through problem solving, cooperation or finding the good in one another.

Sign Up Genius was emailed to parents to sign up for parent-teacher conferences on November 7th. While we have one designated day for parent-teacher conferences, we are well aware that there are only 21 slots. If you were unsuccessful in signing up due to all slots being taken, please contact your child's counselor and they will schedule a conference with you and the team on another day.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Sue Ostrofsky

Interim Principal

Principal’s Important Information to Know:

Attendance: School attendance is critical for students' success. Extended weekends or vacations during the school year, when school is in session is not condoned. We expect students to be in school on school days. We cannot excuse students from school requirements who take off from school for extended weekends or vacations.
Halloween Letter - We are looking forward to a fun and safe Halloween at AMD. Please read the linked letter about expectations: Halloween Costume Letter.
No Blankets in School: Some students are bringing blankets to school, wearing them like a coat throughout the day. I made an announcement to all students via morning announcements that blankets are not allowed in school. Please help us by ensuring your child is not bringing a blanket to school.
7th and 8th Grade Students: If your child is interested in trying out for a JV or Varsity sport, Athletic Placement Testing will take place on October 25th and 26th from 2:45-3:45PM in the AMD gym with PE teachers. Passing the APP test is a requirement before having the opportunity to try-out for a JV or Varsity team. The APP test is intended for advanced 7th & 8th grade student-athletes. Student-athletes who would like to participate should sign up with their PE teacher and wear athletic attire for testing.

Highlights from the Week

Relevant Learning • Multiple Literacies • Culture of Care

Purposeful Path of Progress From AP Pagan:

A walkthrough of various classrooms this week was a breath of fresh air. From ELA classes writing poems, connecting to the text of The Outsiders, to students observing models of light and the phenomenon of a reflection. Students sat gracefully on independent rugs and read with such intent. Other scholars followed emoji paths to complete error analysis and balancing equations. Moments of deep learning and deep connections with text, mathematical experiences and writing from the heart are visible throughout AMD. AMD LeaderS Rock!

Spectacular SEL:

7th Grade students participated in our Fun Friday Dance Off! Great job to all the students who showcased their dancing skills and lifted our school Spirit!

Happy and Heartfelt Happenings from AP Hoch

This past Wednesday we participated in Unity Day! Unity Day is a celebration of togetherness and an agreement to create a welcoming environment free from bullying. Students participated in various team-building exercises as well as activities centered on being kind to one another! Thank you to the Culture of Care team for helping to organize a warm and wonderful Unity Day.

This Week at AMD

Salsa with Mr. Bastar

As part of a Hispanic Heritage Music Celebration, our very own Mr. Bastar visited 7th and 8th grade music classes this week to talk about what it was like growing up in a musical family and his experience as a Hispanic performer. Students were inspired by his perseverance, dedication and success in music. Thank you for sharing your talents Mr. Bastar!