PARENTS & GUARDIANS:
As we prepare for the opening of school on Wednesday, Sept. 4, we would like to update you on some important information for the coming school year.
We hope that your family is having an enjoyable summer.
Sincerely,
Robert Messia, Principal
Joshua Gela, Assistant Principal
Algonquin Middle School
MORNING MEETING ASSIGNMENTS AND SCHEDULES:
– All Algonquin students will receive a letter in late August informing them of their Morning Meeting assignment for the upcoming school year.
– Students will receive their course schedules on the first day of school.
– Grade 6 students will receive their locker information in their letter in late August, so they are ready for our Locker Night on Aug. 28.
– Grades 7 & 8 students will find out their locker information on the first day of school.
NEW BUILDING CLASS SCHEDULE FOR 2019-20
This year Algonquin will be operating on a 42 minute period schedule. This new schedule will allow for students to experience their core classes each day and provide more instructional time with students. Over the past two years, Algonquin teachers have piloted a period scheduled with math and LOTE, and teachers have found this approach to support student learning and achievement. More information about the schedule will be shared with students in September.
START AND END TIMES FOR DISTRICT SCHOOLS
This year the district updated the start and end times for schools. Algonquin’s times remain unchanged, however, as a reference below are the times for district schools:
Averill Park High School 7:30-2:10
Algonquin Middle School 7:45-2:25
Elementary Schools 8:45-3:25
GRADE 6 LOCKER NIGHT:
Our Grade 6 Locker Night will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 28. Families should report to Algonquin between 5:30-6:30 p.m. At this event students will be able to practice their combination lock, organize their materials for the first day of school and share in an Ice Cream Social, sponsored by the Algonquin Parent Organization. Ice cream sundaes will cost $1 per person. Please join us for this important and fun transition activity.
LOCKER DEMONSTRATION VIDEO:
For those incoming sixth grade students who are a little nervous about opening a locker, take two minutes to view this video created by Main Office Secretary Mrs. Stokes. Click on the following link to view the video: https://goo.gl/18KCvR
SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST
Please click on the following link for the Grades 6-8 supply list: https://www.averillpark.k12.ny.us/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/19-20SupplyLists.pdf
Should any family need assistance with obtaining supplies for your child please reach out to your child’s school counselor. Thanks to the generosity of the Sand Lake Kiwanis we have supplies for students who need them. Thank you.
SAVE THE DATE – AMS OPEN HOUSE:
Mark your calendars and join us for Algonquin’s Open House on Thursday, Sept. 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. More information will be sent home with students in September.
SUMMER ASSIGNMENTS REMINDER:
If you haven’t done so, now is a great time for students to get going on your summer reading assignment!
At AMS we know that students need to continually build and maintain their skills in reading and mathematics. As a result, our teachers have created important, engaging and manageable summer assignments to support student success in their upcoming grade level.
For Math: Students should be completing their daily math calendar assignments.
For ELA: Students should be reading their summer book and working on their assignment.
For those that need copies of materials, please view the following link: https://www.averillpark.k12.ny.us/ams-summerassignments
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Families that are about to begin their middle level experience this year should take a moment to review our Frequently Asked Questions document. There you will find answers to a number of questions that come up. We are happy to answer any additional questions you may have and offer this as a resource to families. Click here to view the FAQ’s: https://bit.ly/2GM0za2
GRADE 6 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL:
On the first day of school please send your child with a healthy snack as well as the materials needed to setup their binder (binder, dividers, plastic pocket for pencils, etc). Students will spend part of the morning getting their binders ready for the year.
GRADE 7 TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITIES – FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL:
This year, Grade 7 students will be participating in Team Building Activities on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Incoming seventh grade students are reminded to wear sneakers and clothing appropriate for outdoor physical activity that will take place on that day. Also, we ask that students bring in a white t-shirt for our tie dye activity on the first day of school. Thank you.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – GRADE 7 TEAM BUILDING:
We are in need of parent volunteers for our Team Building Day on Wednesday, Sept. 4. If you have never been a part of the Grade 7 Team Building, it is an extraordinary, memorable day for our students and an all-around outstanding experience for everyone involved. Should you have availability for that school day, or even just a few hours, we hope that you can join us and be of assistance to the students and teachers. Please contact Mike Cavotta or Toni Conover for more information and/or to express your interest in helping out at: cavottam@apcsd.org or conovert@apcsd.org. Thank you.
LATE BUS SERVICE
Due to an increase in the number of late-bus riders, the school district will be adding an additional bus route to late runs. This change will make late bus runs shorter for students. Late bus numbers will be provided to students in September. We hope that this change will help to encourage students to continue to seek out extracurricular opportunities and homework help during our after school activity period.
GRADE 8 BREAKFAST PRIVILEGE:
Grade 8 students are invited to participate in our Morning Breakfast Privilege. This special start to the morning for 8th grade students will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Students are allowed to leave their bus when it arrives at Algonquin and may go to the cafeteria to eat breakfast and sit with their friends. More information about this privilege will be shared with students during the first few days of school.
16 APPS AND SITES KIDS ARE ON NOW:
Check out this link from Common Sense Media on the 16 Apps that kids are using most frequently. Each entry includes basic information and recommendations for parents. It is definitely worth checking out…
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/16-apps-and-websites-kids-are-heading-to-after-facebook?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social
ALGONQUIN JOTTINGS NEWSLETTER & WEEKLY EMAILS:
In August we will be releasing our Jottings Newsletter online. Please watch for an email reminder.
During the school year keep an eye on your email inbox each Wednesday for our weekly AMS Email Blast which will keep you up-to-date with many of our programs and events.
HEALTH OFFICE INFORMATION
GRADE 6 FAMILIES: Please remember that your student needs the Tdap immunization by the time they turn 11. If they have already turned 11, please send in the physician immunization record. NYS allows for 14 grace days from the day your student turns 11 to obtain the Tdap immunization. If they do not have the Tdap immunization by the 14th day after their 11th birthday, the district can opt to exclude your student.
GRADE 7 FAMILIES: Please remember to send in your students 7th grade physical, it is a NYS mandate and due by October 5, 2019. All 7th grade students, per NYS law must have the Meningitis vaccine as well, please send in documentation from your medical provider stating the vaccine was administered, the vaccine is due by October 5, 2019 or a note from your provider stating an upcoming appointment is required if the vaccine is not administered by October 5, stating the appointment date.
GRADES 7 & 8 STUDENT ATHLETES: You must register in Family ID, if you intend on trying out for a sport. You must also have a current physical on file with the AMS health office. The physical is due no later than August 5, 2019.
Please see the documents linked below with information about medications in school, required forms and information for families of school athletes. Thank you.
Medication Administration Form: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1vsgVkOsO6R5XZhium2gW1jZFGRReffJ7
Dental Certificate:
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1kuswI0r5EOPnnlushcM_dBzhUaPKHJWW
NYS Health Exam Form:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1vfUQ0gpm6UT4zrsUlU_wakXg5H6-Ptow
FROM ATHLETICS: FALL SPORTS FIRST DAY PRACTICE SCHEDULE
JV/Varsity – Monday, Aug. 19th
Boys & Girls Cross Country – 8:00-10:00 (Butler Park)
Boys Golf – 8:00-11:00 (Burden Lake Country Club)
Girls Volleyball – 8:00-11:00 (APHS)
Girls Soccer – 8:00-12:30 (APHS)
Boys Soccer – 9:00-11:00 & 3:00-5:00 (APHS)
Girls Tennis – 9:00-12:00 (APHS)
Football – 2:00-6:00 (APHS)
Cheerleading – 3:00-5:00 (APHS)
Modified – Thursday, Aug. 22nd
Football – 6:00-8:00 (AMS)
Modified – Monday, Aug. 26th
Boys Soccer – 8:00-10:00 (AMS)
Girls Volleyball – 8:00-10:00 (AMS)
Boys & Girls Cross Country – 10:00-11:30 (APHS)
Girls Soccer – 12:00-2:00 (APHS)
– Fall sports registration will be open on the FamilyID site from July 22nd through August 5th. Please complete your child’s registration as soon as possible. If your child is not registered by the deadline then your child will NOT be able to try out. All current health physical paperwork that is valid for the entire upcoming season (physicals are good for a period of 12 months) and any medication orders need to be submitted by August 5th as well. Forms for both are available on the FamilyID site. Student-athletes should have their physical performed by their primary care provider. If this is not possible please contact the AMS Health Office.
https://www.familyid.com/averill-park-central-school-district-athletic-department
– Please contact Mrs. Lanoue (lanouea@apcsd.org) at AMS with any health related questions.
– Meet the Coaches Night for all modified, junior varsity, and varsity student-athletes and parents/guardians will take place on Monday, August 26th at 6:30 in the APHS auditorium.