No school Monday

There is no school Monday for students due to Presidents' Day and teacher in-service. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Read more about Valentine's Day!

Date Change for AR Progress Check

New date!

Date Change for AR Progress Check

Tuesday, 2/18.

PSSA Testing dates have changed!

Students in the 8th grade will be taking state PSSA tests this school year. The State has extended the testing windows for PSSA tests. The revised AMS grade 8 schedule is listed below:

Reading/Math PSSA Tests
March 25      9:50 - 11:28
March 26      9:50 - 11:28, 11:59 - 1:32
March 27      9:50 - 11:28
March 28      9:50 - 11:28
March 31    9:50 - 11:28

 Writing PSSA Test

April 3        11:59 - 1:32
April 4        11:59 - 1:32
April 7       11:59 - 1:32
April 9        11:59 - 1:32

Science PSSA Test
April 28      9:50 - 11:26
April 29      9:50 - 11:26

Read more about PSSA tests on our blog. 

Pay It Forward Volunteer Symposium

AMS Grade 8 would like to announce the date of our annual Volunteer Symposium!  We are inviting local charities to our gym on Friday April 25 from 12 – 130 PM so that they can meet people who are interested in volunteering with their organization!  This symposium is open to community members who are interested in volunteering, as well as all AMS/AHS students (especially juniors who are planning their senior project!)  Mark your calendars and consider attending if you are looking for a new way to give back!

English Update

English 8 students are learning all about the ‘Burgh!  We have started our research project and students are really digging into their sources and organizing their ideas.  Our final product this year is a tour of a neighborhood in our city that is designed for runners to use to learn something about our city while getting ready for the Pittsburgh Marathon (or who are just interested in getting a little knowledge with their workout!)  These running tours will be available sometime in April, so keep an eye out for our publications!

Layered curriculum brings the power of choice to science class

A layered curriculum is a way to allow choice and differentiation in the classroom.  Students can choose activities from a menu of assignments. Assignments can be modified to increase rigor or help a student struggling with the content. The daily “mini-lessons” teach specific topics and skills. The lessons range from ten to fifteen minutes which offers students ample time in class to conduct lab activities, complete worksheet activities, or plan a project. Students should choose assignments that interest them. They should also turn in activities on a regular basis.

Many resources for the layered curriculum are available on the internet.  Students will have a choice of assignments from a menu of activities. Students are to start with “Level C – Basic Knowledge” assignments and move to “Level B – Advanced Practice” and then on to “Level A – Assessment” assignments. Each class period starts with a mini-lesson and concludes with time to work on layered activities.

Scores for the layered curriculum will be tracked by the students in their layered curriculum activity guides (folder created in class). Copies are available from the internet.

Some assignments have specific due dates. There is a special layered curriculum calendar on the menu of assignments.  The online tutorials and assignments require a computer with internet access. All Unit F layered curriculum assignments are due by Friday, 3/7/14.

Events and dates

Friday, February 14

 [Math] Study Island: Pythagorean Theorem Assignment due

 [English] Notes due at the end of class

  [Science] LC C - 7 Word Wall Poster C - 10 Parent Signature

 [Event] Final day for MS sports sign ups!

Monday, February 17

  No School - Teacher In-service ACT 80

Tuesday, February 18

 [Reading] New date! AR Progress Check Tuesday, 2/18.

Wednesday, February 26

  [Social Studies] Suffrage Test

Thursday, February 27

  [Event] Women’s Portrayal on Television - Videoconference

Tuesday, March 4

 [Field Trip] Courthouse field trip

Wednesday, March 5

 [Event] 8th graders to visit the book fair

Thursday, March 6

 [Field Trip] Courthouse field trip 

Friday, March 7

 [Science] LC Unit Test (ALL STUDENTS)

Wednesday, March 12

 2-Hour Delay Teacher In-service

Reminder: Field trip forms due

Spring field trip information

The 8^th grade team has several field trips planned for the spring. Click below to download the forms and letters.

Read more about the field trips. 

Print, complete and return the permission slip. 

This week:

Tue: sci-test & notebook check
Fri: Math-study island & final day for spring sports sign-up