Albany Middle School -

📢 Celebrate Pi Day 2025 with Us! 🎉 Albany Middle School Students and Families, Get ready to celebrate Pi Day on March 14, 2025! Pi (π) is one of the most fascinating and important numbers in mathematics, representing the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter—approximately 3.14159. It is used in geometry, physics, engineering, and many other fields, making it a fundamental part of our world. On this special day, we will explore the wonders of Pi through fun activities, challenges, and engaging math lessons. Our students will share more details on how we’ll celebrate at Albany Middle! We encourage everyone to join in the excitement and appreciate the beauty of mathematics. And yes, there might even be pie involved! 🥧 Let’s make Pi Day 2025 a memorable one! Greatness starts here! Go Indians, Principal Simmons 03/14/2025

Subject: Your Voice Matters! Complete the 2024-2025 School Climate Survey - Families Dear Albany Middle School Families, We need your feedback! The 2024-2025 Georgia School Climate Survey for Families is now open, and we encourage all parents and guardians to participate. This survey is an important tool in helping us create a positive and supportive learning environment for our students. The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) has updated its surveys to better align with the Georgia Systems of Continuous Improvement. These improvements provide more actionable data for school and district leaders, reduce the number of questions for students, and streamline other GaDOE survey requirements. Your input will help guide decisions that impact our school community. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey using the link below: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=047BD874 Your responses are confidential, and your participation is greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping us make Albany Middle School the best it can be! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. Thanks, Principal Simmons 03/13/2025

Good afternoon AMS Stakeholders, Parents, please remember that student ID badges were issued last week. The expectation is that students wear them daily and appropriately. Please ensure your child has their ID badge with them each day. Thank you for your cooperation.

Congratulations to Albany Middle School Art Contest Winners! Albany Middle School Students & Parents, We are excited to share that two of our talented students, Alycia Wiggins (7th Grade) and Landon Roberts (8th Grade), were recognized in the 45th Kiwanis Club of Albany-Dougherty County Student Art Contest! 🎨 7th Grade 🏆 1st Place – Alycia Wiggins (Advancing to the State Competition in Macon, GA on April 26, 2025) 🎨 8th Grade 🥈 2nd Place – Landon Roberts The awards ceremony and reception were held on March 9, 2025, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, where winners from middle and high schools were celebrated. Alycia’s first-place artwork will now compete at the Georgia District of Kiwanis Art Showcase in Macon, where talented students from across the state will be featured. Please join us in congratulating Alycia and Landon on their outstanding achievements! We are so proud of their creativity and dedication. Best of Luck, Champions! Principal Simmons 03/10/2025

Subject: Important Reminder – Addressing Potential Student Conflicts This Spring! Dear AMS Parents and Guardians, As we move into the spring season, we want to bring awareness to a concerning trend observed in schools nationwide. Data shows that student conflicts and fights tend to increase during this time of year due to several factors, including: 🔹 Warmer Weather – More outdoor activity can sometimes lead to increased interactions and potential conflicts. 🔹 End-of-Year Stress – Academic pressure, exams, and the anticipation of spring & summer break can heighten emotions and lead to impulsive behavior. 🔹 Shifting Social Dynamics – Peer relationships may change, sometimes creating tension. We are asking parents to have open conversations with their child(ren) about managing emotions, resolving conflicts peacefully, and making positive choices. Please pay close attention to any changes in their behavior and encourage them to speak up if they feel overwhelmed or sense conflict arising. If you notice any concerning behaviors, please share them with the appropriate school authority so we can offer support. Our goal is to ensure a safe and positive learning environment for all students. Thank you for your partnership in fostering a culture of respect and responsibility at our school. Thanks, Principal Simmons 03/07/2025

📚✨ Albany Middle School Celebrates National Read Across America Week 2025! ✨📚 Yesterday, our students and staff had an amazing time celebrating National Read Across America! 🎉📖 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18ZqbjQV1v/

AMS Students & Parents, Please review the AMS - Monthly Calendar - March 2025. It lists all of our school activities taking place during the month of March. Thanks for supporting our students, Principal Simmons 03/04/2025

📢 ATTENTION ALBANY MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS & PARENTS! 📢 MARCH 4TH & 5TH ARE BLACKOUT DAYS! On these days, major assessments (Spring Beacon & Math Benchmarks) will be administered in a secure testing environment. To protect test integrity, NO personal electronic devices are permitted in the testing room whenever administering one of the following assessments: Beacon, MAP, Writing, or Georgia Milestones. 🚫 Devices & Items NOT Allowed in the Testing Room: 📵 Cell phones & other non-approved electronic devices ⌚ Smartwatches (texting/internet capable) 🎧 Personal headphones, toys, or games 👜 Non-essential toiletries 📖 Dictionaries or reference materials 🥤 Food & drinks (except water bottles & approved medical exceptions) ⚠️ Weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or vaping devices 🔹 What are the consequences? ❌ Students who bring devices into the testing room may be removed from the test site ❌ Students who bring devices may only be able to test during a makeup session ❌ Students who use devices during testing may face disciplinary action ❌ Students who use devices during testing may have their test invalidated 📌 Options for Students: ✅ Leave devices at home ✅ Turn them in to their teacher prior to entering the testing environment or testing Please discuss these options with your student in advance. Testing security breaches are serious and can impact student scores. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a smooth and secure testing experience! Principal Simmons 03/04/2025

Subject: Spring Input Meeting – Follow-Up Dear Parents/Guardians, If you were unable to attend the Spring Input Meeting held on February 12, 2025, at 5:30 PM, we invite you to provide your input by clicking on the appropriate link below: [English Version] https://shorturl.at/x6tZq [Spanish Version] https://shorturl.at/vo3Wu If you need a hard copy or have any questions, please feel free to visit me at the school. Your feedback is valuable, and we appreciate your participation! Best regards, Lou Hardy, Parent Facilitator lou.hardy@docoschools.org 229=431-3325

Good morning parents/guardians, We are very excited to inform you our 8th grade students will be receiving badges today thanks to our awesome media specialist, Mrs. Daughety, Please see the document attached for more details. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1r4eyJO5d277rEMU0qoh3aDkXWPYWQ0cD-95d2Rvhznw/edit?tab=t.0

🏆 ALBANY MIDDLE SCHOOL: 2025 READBOWL GEORGIA STATE CHAMPIONS! 🏆 Albany Middle School has conquered the READBowl 2025, earning the title of Georgia State Champions! Through hard work, determination, and an unwavering love for reading, our students have proven that literacy is the key to success! Competing against 128,018 students across Georgia, Albany Middle finished #1 in the state and made an unforgettable impact on the national stage: 📖 7th Grade - Ranked #18 in the Nation 📖 8th Grade - Ranked #19 in the Nation 📖 6th Grade - Ranked #20 in the Nation As a testament to our academic excellence, Albany Middle was invited to the Georgia State Capitol on February 25, 2025, to accept this prestigious award! We are grateful to Georgia Reads, the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, Georgia Municipal Association, Georgia Forward, and the Share the Magic Foundation for their commitment to promoting literacy across our state. This victory is more than a title—it’s a symbol of our students' passion for learning, the dedication of our educators, and the support of our community. 🔥Albany Middle School — Where Readers Become Leaders! 🔥

🎉✨ Attention 8th Graders & Parents! ✨🎉 Get ready for a night to remember! 🌟 Albany Middle School’s 8th Grade Prom is officially set for May 9, 2025, from 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM! 🎭💃🏽✨ 🎩 Theme: A Night of Elegance: Black Tie Affair! 🖤✨ 💰 Early Bird Special: $50 (March 3 – March 28) 💰 Regular Price: $60 (After March 28) ⚠️ NO REFUNDS FOR SENIOR PACKAGES AFTER APRIL 18, 2025 More details will be shared next week—stay tuned! Let’s get ready for an unforgettable night! 🎶💫 AMS Prom Committee 02/28/2025

Honoring Black History at Albany Middle School! Today, we have celebrated the remarkable contributions of Black Americans—trailblazers, visionaries, and change makers who have shaped our nation’s history. Black History is American history, and its impact extends far beyond OUR community. It has fostered progress, innovation, and justice that benefit all people, regardless of race. From advancements in civil rights to groundbreaking achievements in science, education, and the arts, the resilience and contributions of Black Americans continue to uplift and inspire generations. As we reflect on today’s program, let us carry forward the lessons of perseverance, unity, and excellence. Together, we honor the past, embrace the present, and build a future where equality and opportunity are realities for all. Thank you for being part of this celebration. Principal Simmons 02/28/2025

Good morning parents and guardians, We are very excited to inform you that our 6th and 7th grade student will be receiving badges on Monday. Please see the document attached for more details. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1r4eyJO5d277rEMU0qoh3aDkXWPYWQ0cD-95d2Rvhznw/edit?tab=t.0

Reminder Announcement: 📢 Attention AMS Families! 📢 Join us for our Black History Month Program on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the AMS Cafeteria. We are excited to celebrate under the theme: "Remembering the Past and Empowering the Future." We look forward to your attendance as we honor history, celebrate achievements, and inspire the future. See you there! 🎉 Sincerely, Ms. Lou Hardy, Parent Facilitator lou.hardy@docoschools.org 229-431-3325

📢 Reminder: Upcoming Saturday School Dates! 📢 Albany Middle School families, Please note the remaining Saturday School dates for this semester: 📅 March: 1st & 22nd 📅 April: 12th & 26th 📅 May: 3rd ⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM We encourage our students to attend and actively engage in these sessions for additional academic support and enrichment. Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's success! 📚 We look forward to seeing our students there! 🎯

You're Invited to Our Black History Program! Dear Parents/Guardians, Join us on February 28, 2025, at 5:30 PM as we celebrate Black History Month with our Black History Program . Theme: Remembering the Past, Empowering the Future Our AMS students and staff will showcase performances and reflections, honoring the past and inspiring the future. Let’s celebrate Black history's legacy and empower tomorrow's leaders. We look forward to seeing you there! Warm regards, Ms. Lou Hardy, Parent Facilitator

Good morning parents, guardians, and stakeholders, Friendly Reminder: AMS After-School Program runs Monday through Thursday from 3:30 PM to 5:15 PM. All registered students are expected to attend. If you have any questions or need to make changes, please contact the school at (229) 431-3325. Thanks in advance.

Subject: Welcome Back! School Resumes Tomorrow at 7:30 AM Dear Albany Middle School Families, We hope you had a restful and enjoyable Winter Break! School resumes tomorrow at 7:30 AM, and we are excited to welcome our students back as we dive into an important season of learning. We are now in TESTING SEASON, with just over a month before the administration of the Georgia Milestones Assessment. This is the time to stay focused, engaged, and committed to academic success. Every minute of classroom instruction counts, and we need our students ready to learn, participate, and give their best effort every day! Let’s start strong and make this season of preparation count! See you all tomorrow! Empower, Inspire, & Lead, Principal Simmons 02/23/2025

Attention AMS Families and Friends! Please see the attached flyer for the upcoming Community & Schools Resources Expo. Sincerely, Ms. Lou Hardy, Parent Facilitator