Courthouse Field Trip

A few weeks ago 8th grade students traveled to the Allegheny County Courthouse for a field trip.  In their Civics classes, students were introduced to the criminal and civil court systems prior to their visit.  Upon their arrival at the courthouse, students were greeted by a Deputy Attorney General of Allegheny County, David Spurgeon.  Mr. Spurgeon talked to students about his role in the judicial branch and warned them about the consequences of drug and alcohol related crimes.  Next, students visited real criminal court rooms to observe trials in action.  Some judges even invited the students to speak with them in their chambers about their job. A few lucky students even got to try on Judge Beth Lazarra's official judicial robe and pound the gavel to restore order in the courtroom! 

Parent Network Request for PSSA Snacks

From AMS Parent Network:

Hello Middle School Families,

Happy Spring!  Along with the warmer weather and excitement of spring comes the tedious task of PSSA testing for our children.  :(  Testing begins next Monday (4/11-15)  and runs through the following week (4/18-22), and even continues into the following week for 8th grade testing in Science (4/27-29).  Parent Network likes to help "ease the pain" a bit during these long weeks by organizing a snack for the kids each day.  Mr. Haskins informed me that the total number of individually wrapped snacks needed this year is 1,110!  Needless to say we could use your help.  Any donations of "healthy" snacks would be GREATLY appreciated:)  If you are able to help, please send your snack to the office byMonday, April 11th marked with your child's grade.

Healthy snack ideas:

*pretzels
*granola bars
*goldfish
*cheez-itz
*fruit snacks
*fruit
*cheese crackers

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Sincerely,

Beth Yovetich

Reminder! Take the Survey!

AMS faculty and staff are conducting a survey on communication and community events. Please add your input! Thanks in advance!

LINK: http://bit.ly/1PdLpqp/1PdLpqp

Yearbook Cover Contest

Students can submit a drawing for the YEARBOOK Cover Contest!

This year's theme is "Thinking Outside of the Box." Your drawing must be on 8 ½ x 11 paper and must be in color! 

Return submissions to Mr. Haskins by April 18! Winner receives a free yearbook! 

AMS Makers - Aquaculture Project

Working with DECO Resources students at AMS will be designing, planning, and constructing an indoor aquaculture system.  This is a maker project and is to be installed in the "forest."  The first meeting will be on April 6 at 3:00-4:30 PM. A follow-up activity will be on April 14 after school. Additional meetings to build and test our system will be set after April 6. See Mr. Haskins - room 110 - if you are interested in participating and to sign up!