Accelerated Middle School Information Night December 12, 2016

AMS Staff – here tonight David Loutzenheiser, Principal Amanda Cook, Lead Teacher Christine Taylor, Admin Assistant

History of AMS We are currently in our 5th year. We have grown from 36 first year to 165 this year. We do not have official boundaries – open to anyone. We are a School of Choice.

Vision Statement AMS offers middle school students the opportunity to become academically accomplished, confident and well-rounded individuals by… Participating in an accelerated, rigorous curriculum focused on developing foundational knowledge and analytical reasoning skills. Cultivating a culture of excellence through the development and implementation of personalized learning plans that set students on the right path through high school to attain entrance into the University of their choice. Developing conscientious, respectful and accomplished young men and women through leadership experiences within and outside of the school community.

Mission Goal We will provide an individualized education for our students based upon placement exams where students are exposed to accelerated curriculum in Mathematics Foreign Language Science Pre – AP English Pre – AP Social Studies STEM Electives

Mathematics Curriculum – Refer to Handout Placement determined by exams Lowest level is Pre - Algebra In high school classes Taught by AP/Honors teachers Big Ideas Curriculum

Science Curriculum Preparing for AP Biology as a Freshman 6th grade taught by Honors Chem or Bio teacher 7th grade taught by Biotechnology teacher 8th grade taught by AP Biology teacher Hands on – in the labs often Science Fair – resources of a high school Science Camp

Foreign Language Curriculum Two Choices – Spanish or Mandarin Chinese Placed at their level Year long high school courses Dual Credit for those who reach Honors 3

Pre AP Curriculum English Preparing for Honors English 9 Social Studies Preparing for AP World History

Elective Wheel – refer to Handout Change electives every quarter Engineering every year Speech and debate every year Java Digital Photography Multimedia and Film Art Academic Prep (6th only)

Fine Arts and PE 7th period – 2:20 to 3:15 Orchestra, Band, Choir – M, W, F PE – T, Th

Security Supervised at all times Security guards radio movement Released before the bells Not mixed with High School population AMS bathrooms Escort for signed out students

Dress Code Green or white collared shirt Khaki bottoms – pants, skirts, shorts Shorts and skirts must come to the fingertips Friday – Spirit shirts and denim Target.com or JC Penney’s PE Uniform – Basha PE shirt/black shorts

Starting the Day Drop-off in the morning – 7:00 to 7:25 – See Map location East Side Meeting in cafeteria Collect and go to 1st period together – Security Leave instruments in H114, H115, H116

Classes 1st through 5th period Language and Core classes Lunch after 5th period 6th period – Elective wheel 7th period – Fine Art M W F, PE T Th

Lunch Between 5th and 6th periods Snack during AM classes 43 minutes Supervised by security – Amy Choices similar to high school Lunch accounts – may use myschoolbucks.com

Ending the Day 3:15 release bell Pickup – see map – loop off of Riggs Road Buses – pickup in front of Admin Building Late pickup – students go to public library as a group

Placement Testing All students must apply for testing – packet on our website starting Dec 16 – Start accepting packets on Jan 9. Three Saturdays for testing: January 14 February 4 February 11 Math, Reading/Writing, OLSAT Results and placement before Spring Break

Placement Testing We want to make sure that students are in a situation to succeed. All students take all three tests May only test once Limited space in the program 75 new 6th graders 15 new 7th graders

Common Questions Is transportation provided? Yes, we have three routes including one route north of the 202. Do you have sports and clubs? We offer after school clubs but we do not have junior high sports.

Common Questions What is the homework load? Really depends on the student. To start the year its going to take longer as the students learn to manage. 1.5 hours per night Block days help with load

Common Questions How do you differ from other programs in the district? You can’t go wrong with any of the choices offered by our district. Please contact those schools and ask about their programs.

Common Questions Are tours/shadowing available? To get a tour of AMS, please contact Christine Taylor at 480-224-2100 or taylor.christine@cusd80.com Tours scheduled between 1:30 and 2:30 and are given by Amanda Cook Shadowing can be scheduled after acceptance through Christine Taylor.

Thank You The number one influence on the success of a child's education are parents. Please stay if you have individual questions.