Accelerated Middle School Information Night December 15, 2015

AMS Staff – here tonight David Loutzenheiser, Principal Amanda Cook, Lead Teacher Christine Taylor, Admin Assistant AMS Student Government Kylee Cook, Randy Powers, Kavi Manik, Lexy Canales Finn Howe, Devynn Mortenson, Taylar Cook, Erin Koh

History of AMS We are currently in our 4 th year. We have grown from 36 first year to 77 this year. We do not have official boundaries – open to anyone. We are a School of Choice. Who knew?

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 This year, 6 th grade blended learning pilot

Science Curriculum Preparing for AP Biology as a Freshman 6 th grade taught by Honors Chemistry teacher 7 th and 8 th taught by AP Biology teacher Hands on – in the labs often Science Fair – resources of a high school Science Camp with CTA Freedom

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 Graphic Design Multimedia and Film Art

Fine Arts and PE 7 th 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 – plain grey shirt and black sports shorts

Starting the Day Drop-off in the morning – 7:00 to 7:25 – See Map location East Side Meeting around H114 & H115 – inside/outside benches and tables Collect and go to 1 st period together – Security Leave instruments in H115

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

Lunch Between 5 th and 6 th 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 – on the west side near auditorium Late pickup – students go to public library as a group

Placement Testing All students must apply for testing – packet on our website – Start accepting packets on January 4. Two Saturdays for testing: January 23 February 20 Math, Reading/writing, ULSAT 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 56 new 6 th graders 28 new 7 th graders

Common Questions Is transportation provided? No, as a school of choice without boundaries, we do not provide transportation. 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 or 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.