AMS Parent Update

Friday, January 8, 2021                            From Mrs. Debra Regier, Principal

January 11-15 - Hybrid Learning with a twist!  BE SURE TO CHECK CALENDAR FOR YOUR STUDENT’S IN-PERSON AND REMOTE DATES!

Semester Transition

Please note that our fall semester ends on January 14.  This is due to our late start to the school year.  We will start our spring semester on January 19.  This transition impacts student schedules, especially electives, so your student will have some different classes starting on January 19.

Upcoming Events - Save the Dates!

AMS will be hosting Reality University for 8th graders on Thursday, January 28 and Friday, January 29.  This event will look different this year, and we are only doing the Reality University simulation, but we are excited to offer this experience for our students.  We will be looking for volunteers to help, so please watch your inbox!

Spring Parent Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Wednesday, February 3 from 4-7 p.m.  These will be in-person conferences at AMS.  More information will be following as we get closer to the date.

Vacation or Pre-Planned Absences

If your student will be missing school for 2 or more days, fill out the online Pre-Planned Absence Form at least 1 week in advance of the beginning of the absence.  Students will not be allowed to join classes remotely during vacation absences, but are encouraged to get assignments from Google Classroom.

COVID-Related Absences

If your student or someone in your family tests positive for COVID, please notify the school immediately.  If you find out during the weekend, please email regierd@usd385.org.  We want to respond as quickly as possible to minimize school-related transmissions.

Masks & Student IDs
Please be sure your student arrives at school with a mask and student ID lanyard each day. We are seeing more and more students forget their masks.  (Students may even want to keep a spare in a baggie in their backpacks for those forgetful moments).  Students need their ID for contactless lunch transactions.  The cost of a replacement ID is $5.

Hybrid Learning in Progress

• AMS is open at 7:25 am. Car riders can be dropped off at EITHER entrance. MAP

• Students who are ill, on vacation, etc. will NOT be allowed to Zoom in on their remote learning days. Students should use Google Classroom to obtain assignments. All absences (remote or in-person) will still need to be communicated with the office.

• Parents must notify the office about any absence from school.

Free School Meals Available

Free school lunches and breakfasts are available for middle school students who are Hybrid  Learning.  These meals are available from 12-1 p.m. at Andover Central High School, Door L.  Students do NOT need to accompany parents to pick up meals.

Chromebook Expectations

Please make sure your student’s Chromebook is completely charged overnight.  Students are expected to come to school with a fully-charged Chromebook each day.  It is also helpful for students to bring their charger with them in case they need to recharge at some time during the school day.

Do Not Use Student Agenda for AMS Events/Days Off
Many dates have changed since the Student Agendas were printed. Please refer to the AMS Website Calendar/Newsfeed for up to date information.

Technology Tech Support

If you need assistance with a broken or damaged Chromebook please reach out to the AMS Library/Media Center for assistance.  If your student is having difficulties with digital assignments, apps, or other digital content, please contact the classroom teacher.  If the classroom teacher is unable to resolve the issue, the teacher will contact a district technology specialist.
 

Family Playbook

Please click here to access the Family Playbook for 2020-21. This document will continue to evolve as we add resources and as conditions change in our community’s health situation during the year. We want this to be a “living” document and a place that you can go for the latest information about the school year.  As we continue to update you during the year, we will let you know of significant changes or additions that are made to this playbook.