ARMS PGO : June 2014

ARMS Summer Reading List

The Amherst Regional Middle School English Department and Library are excited and pleased to announce the Summer Reading expectations (English or Spanish)!

Encuesta Familiar del Concejo Escolar de la Escuela Intermedia de Amherst

De el Concejo Escolar de la Escuela Intermedia de Amherst (ARMS):

Como parte de nuestro deseo para seguir mejorando, el Concejo Escolar de la Escuela Intermedia de Amherst (ARMS) está solicitando información a todas las familias acerca de su comunicación y experiencia académica en la escuela. Esto nos ayudará a construir el Plan de Mejoramiento Escolar del próximo año. Por favor considere solo el presente año escolar, cuando esté llenando la encuesta para cada uno de los hijos(as) que tenga matriculado actualmente en la escuela intermedia. Nosotros lo animamos a que hable con su hijo(a) acerca de sus experiencias a medida que llena esta encuesta.

Usted puede acceder a la encuesta dirigiéndose a la siguiente dirección de correo electrónico, https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ARMSSURVEY2014 o puede pedir una encuesta en papel/lápiz, la cual no requiere acceso a computador. La encuesta en computador se podrá realizar desde el 5 de Junio hasta el 18 de Junio. Por favor devuelva la encuesta en papel antes del 18 de Junio.

Para fomentar una devolución alta de la presente encuesta, cada estudiante recibirá una calificación en su clase exploratoria cuando su hijo(a) devuelva esta hoja indicando que ellos han compartido la información de la encuesta con sus padres o guardián. Los estudiantes recibirán puntos independientemente de su decisión de completar o no completar la encuesta. Les pediremos a los estudiantes que devuelvan la encuesta el día viernes, 11 de Junio.

Gracias por su colaboración!

ARMS School Council Family Survey - Respond By June 18

As part of the ARMS School Council's continuous improvement efforts, it is asking all families about their communication and academic experience at the middle school. This will help them build next year’s School Improvement Plan. Please consider only this school year as you complete this survey for each of your children currently at ARMS. You are encouraged to talk with your child about their experiences as you fill this out.

You can access the survey by going to the following email address, https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ARMSSURVEY2014 or by requesting a paper/pencil survey that does not require access to a computer.

The window for completing the survey is June 5- June18. Please return all paper copies by June 18.

To encourage a high return rate for this survey, each student will receive a homework grade in his or her exploratory class when your student returns this cover sheet indicating that they have shared the survey information with a parent or guardian. Students will get credit regardless of your decision to complete the survey or not. We are asking students to return these by June 11.

Thank you for your help!

New Art Teacher

A message from Betsy Dinger, Principal (copied from 6/10/14 email)

Dear ARMS Community,

I am writing to share information regarding a change in our teaching staff. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Tara Kusmeskus was not able to finish the school year and will not be returning to the Middle School. We engaged in a search for a certified Art teacher to serve in her absence and were pleased to have Ben Parker join our staff. He has done a terrific job and will continue in this position permanently.

Prior to this year, Mr. Parker worked at Amherst Middle School for two years, serving as a long-term substitute science teacher as well as a paraprofessional. During his tenure at the middle school, he demonstrated wide-ranging skills in delivering curriculum, building positive connections with students, understanding varying student skills and modifying instruction and curriculum in response to student needs. Mr. Parker holds a teaching license as an Art Teacher, and he is very excited about returning to our school and re-connecting with ARMS students, while having the opportunity to teach art, the subject about which he is most passionate.

I want to thank Ms. Kusmeskus for her service to the students and staff of the middle school. Ms. Kusmeskus’ art class has long been a favorite for many students. She was committed to teaching students concepts, skills and appreciation for art. Her instructional skill along with her ability to connect with students resulted in students stretching themselves and producing beautiful work. Ms. Kusmeskus readily shared this beauty with us all by displaying art work throughout the building all year. In addition, Ms. Kusmeskus ran clubs, directed assemblies, and supported student performances and socials to help students build social connections and explore their passions. She will be missed.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Betsy Dinger, Principal

Look Park 7th Grade Fieldtrip

A message from Michael J Malone, Assistant Principal ARMS (copied from a 6/10/14 email):

Dear 7^th grade Parents and Guardians:

As you know, the Middle School seventh grade students will be having an end of year field trip to Look Park on Thursday, June 19^th.

This is always a very exciting field trip for the members of the seventh grade class.

The day at Look Park will be filled with mostly unstructured time. Students will have a chance to relax and connect with both teachers and other students. There will be opportunities to participate in field sports, use the park attractions and visit different areas of the park.

We expect that all students will both have a memorable time and be outstanding representatives of Amherst Regional Middle School – accountable, respectful, motivated and safe. Key parts of our expectation include:

following all school rules

being safe

following adult instructions.

Students who are unable to follow school rules and expectations, specifically around safety and following adult instructions, between now and the trip on June 19^th may be required to have a parent chaperone and/or may be prohibited from attending the trip.

If we are concerned that this is the case for your child, a team representative will be connecting with you immediately.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter. We want all students to attend this great year-end event, have fun and be respectful and safe.