Thursday, May 28, 2015

Special Class Schedule Tomorrow for Bridges to STEM Careers




Bump Up Night - Tonight


Bump Up Night 

for Avonworth High School 
Thursday, May 28, 2015 

6-7:30pm

Textbook Return

Science books are past due.

Math books are due tomorrow.

Reading & English books are due June 2. 


Civics textbooks will be collected on June 4.  Replacement cost for a lost textbook is: $70.47



Read about more end of the year information from the Grade 8 Blog.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Civics Final Exam

Students in Grade 8 will be taking the civics final exam on Wednesday, June 3.






Read about more end of the year information from the Grade 8 Blog.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Anne Frank final test on Tuesday

Anne Frank final for reading class
June 2




Read about more end of the year information from the Grade 8 Blog.

Cross Country Pre-Season Conditioning

Cross Country pre-season conditioning concludes next week with practices on Tuesday, June 2 and Thursday, June 4 from 3:00 to 4:00 at the High School Track.

Also, on Tuesday, June 2 from 4:00 to 5:00 in the Middle School Cafeteria there will be an informational meeting for all parents and athletes who plan to join the Cross Country team.  At this meeting, you will meet the coaching staff and team captains, and also receive copies of the summer workout calendar, the summer practice schedule, a list of local 5k races, and important running safety tips.  Please try to attend.  However, if you cannot attend the meeting but would still like to be included in future emails about the team, contact Coach Jason Smith at jsmith@avonworth.k12.pa.us

Monday, May 25, 2015

Calendar Update




Thursday, May 28
6:00pm  [Event] Bump-up Night
RSVP for Commencement due date

Friday, May 29
 9:45am  [EVENT] Bridge Expo / Engineers Visit


Monday, June 1
8:30am AMS Awards Assembly

Tuesday, June 2
 [Reading] Final Anne Frank Quiz

Wednesday, June 3
 [Social Studies] CIVICS FINAL EXAM
7:00pm  AMS Commencement

Friday, June 5




Check out the AMS Grade 8 Blog to review the end of the school year information. This blog post will be updated regularly. 
  • Library materials return
  • Textbook return
  • Exams

Memorial Day



The 8th Grade Team honors the sacrifices of the men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States of America. It's because of their bravery and dedication we commemorate this day.


  Read more about Memorial Day: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day

Thursday, May 21, 2015

MS Olympics Tomorrow

Tomorrow (5/22) is the Middle School Olympics!


Some important reminders!   


  • Be sure to bring sunscreen and water! 
  • Wear clothes for athletic events! 
  • Be sure to wear athletic shoes! 
  • Bring a sweatshirt to school (cool in the AM) 
  • A hat for in the afternoon is suggested (sunny and high in the 70's)
  • The Parent Network will be giving out cups of water to the kids - as well as snow cones and popcorn.  






Read about more end of the year information from the Grade 8 Blog.

Bump Up Night Next Week


Bump Up Night 

for Avonworth High School 
Thursday, May 28, 2015 

6-7:30pm

AR is due!


Reminder: Last day to earn AR points is Wednesday, May 27! No extensions!




read


Read about more end of the year information from the Grade 8 Blog.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Reminder - 8th Grade Commencement RSVP


Parents and students should have received an invite for the 8th grade commencement.
RSVP needed by May 28.



Math Textbook Return

Math IM1 Textbooks to be Returned May 29


Read about more end of the year information from the Grade 8 Blog.

Reading Classroom Library Book Return

Please return all books you borrowed from the Reading Classroom Library by Wednesday, May 27.  We have many books that still need to be returned! Check your lockers or under your bed and find and return those books.  

Also, reading textbooks need to be returned Tuesday, June 2. 


Read about more end of the year information from the Grade 8 Blog.

Pre-season Cross Country Workouts Continue Next Week

We had a great turnout for our first two pre-season practices last week and we look forward to adding new members to the team.  Remember, it's not too late to join us and give the Cross Country team a try.  We will have practice on Tuesday, May 26 and Thursday, May 28 from 3:00 to 4:00 at the High School Track.  Don't forget to pack your running shoes and bring some water with you.  Email Coach Smith (jsmith@avonworth.k12.pa.us) with any questions.

Monday, May 18, 2015

Science Textbook Return

Science textbooks are currently being returned. 







Read about more end of the year information from the Grade 8 Blog.

Calendar Update



Thursday, May 21
 Library Closed
 [MATH KEYSTONES] IM1 students

Friday, May 22
 Library Closed
 MS Olympics

Monday, May 25
 No School - Memorial Day

Wednesday, May 27
 AR due

Thursday, May 28
6:00pm  [Event] Bump-up Night
RSVP for Commencement due date

Friday, May 29
 9:45am  [EVENT] Bridge Expo / Engineers Visit


Monday, June 1
8:30am AMS Awards Assembly

Tuesday, June 2
 [Reading] Final Anne Frank Quiz

Wednesday, June 3
 [Social Studies] CIVICS FINAL EXAM
7:00pm  AMS Commencement

Friday, June 5


Check out the AMS Grade 8 Blog to review the end of the school year information. This blog post will be updated regularly.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Nicky's Family Field Trip

Following the Jewish Film Forum's screening of "Nicky's Family" at the Southside Works Cinema, 8th grade students toured the historic Strip District in downtown Pittsburgh.  Students selected a restaurant for lunch from a variety of cuisines including Vietnamese, Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Japanese, and Latin food.  Students could also choose from other famous Pittsburgh restaurants such as Pamela's, Wholey's, and Primanti Brothers.









Kennywood Field Trip

May 19, 2015 (updated 5/18/15)
Field Trip Guidelines 

School district policies including the dress code apply to students on the trip.Read more...


- Bring money for lunch or pack a lunch.
- Wear sunscreen if we have a sunny day.
- Important alerts and information will be sent to students through Remind. Be sure you are signed up.     Text  @amsgrade8 to   81010
- Don’t be a lone wolf!  Stay with your Avonworth group!
Check-In With Your Chaperone

1st Check-In - 11:30 – 11:45 Meet at the George Washington statue in front of the Kangaroo near the Carousel and Johnny Rockets.

Final Check-In - 1:40 in front of the Sky Rocket by the tunnel.


Complete the math/science assignment:

There is an assignment for you to complete. A paper copy will be given to you before departing on the trip. It is also available on Google Drive

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rdlR-845-zcgryVRE-R_I6S8OyxWJoh1MAyp4151vSE/edit?usp=sharing



Emergencies in the park

In the event of a medical emergency or problem, go to the nearest First Aid Station and have a teacher paged. In the event of another problem or concern, call 412-339-0477 to reach an Avonworth teacher.

Represent Avonworth well and stay classy.


Remind - Terms of Service: 

IMPORTANT! AS WITH ALL CONTRACTS, IF YOU ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 18, YOU MUST HAVE YOUR PARENT OR GUARDIAN READ THE AGREEMENT BELOW AND AGREE TO IT FOR YOU. IF YOU DON'T GET YOUR PARENT OR GUARDIAN TO READ AND AGREE TO THIS, YOU DON'T HAVE PERMISSION TO USE THIS SERVICE. ALWAYS GET AN ADULT'S PERMISSION BEFORE GOING ONLINE. Terms of Service

End of the School Year Information


Check out the AMS Grade 8 Blog to review the end of the school year information. 

This blog post will be updated regularly. 

8th Grade Commencement


Parents and students should have received an invite for the 8th grade commencement. 


Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Holocaust Survivor Visits AMS 8


On Wednesday, students heard the life story of Sam Weinreb. He is a holocaust survivor who escaped Auschwitz Concentration Camp, Poland in 1944. He explained how he became the only survivor from his immediate family due to the persecution of Jews in Eastern Europe. At the time of German occupation of his native Czechoslovakia, Mr. Weinreb was the same age or younger than the 8th grade students in the audience.

Avonworth Middle School was Mr. Weinreb's last Pittsburgh speaking engagement as he moves to Boston to live with his daughter. This activity was part of the various events held to help connect Grade 8 students to World War II and the Diary of Anne Frank which is being read in reading class. Special thanks to Mr. Weinreb, JFilm, Mr. Smith, and Mrs.Galecki for organizing the assembly for our 8th grade students.

Keystone Exams Next Week

The 8th graders who are enrolled in Integrated Math I (Algebra), will take the Keystone Exams in May. May 20 & 21 (Periods A through D) Each of the 2 modules have 23 multiple choice questions and 4 constructive response questions. Students may use a graphing or scientific calculators on this test. For more information on the Keystone Exams, please go to www.pde.state.pa.us.


Join Boys & Girls High School Cross Country Team Next School Year

Any 8th Grade student who is interested in joining the Boys & Girls High School Cross Country team next school year can attend pre-season conditioning after school on the following dates:  

Monday, May 18  
ThursdayMay 21
TuesdayMay 26

No previous running experience is necessary.  All ability and interest levels are welcome to give this sport a try.  Everyone makes the high school team.  There are no try-outs.  There are no cuts.  And, athletes are permitted to participate in another Fall Sport during the Cross Country season.  Members of last year's high school team will be on hand to help the new runners learn about proper stretching techniques, running form, safety precautions and answer any questions that you might have about the sport.

We will meet from 3:00 to 4:00 at the Track.  Students should bring water & their running shoes.  If you have any questions, email Coach Smith at jsmith@avonworth.k12.pa.us




Yearbook Order Forms


AMS 2014-15 Yearbook Orders
due by Monday, 5/18/15! 

$16 (checks made out to Avonworth Middle School)

Forms are available in period A or in the middle school office

Return payment and form to your Period A teacher. 

Monday, May 11, 2015

May & June Calendar with Updates!


Thursday, May 14
 [Event] BAAHA Presentation

Friday, May 15
 [Reading] Due Fri 5/15. Read Anne Frank Act 1 and complete packet.
  Library Closed

Monday, May 18
 [Reading] Read your AR book tonight. AR due date: 5/26. No      extensions 4th term.
 Yearbook Order Forms Due Read more... 

Tuesday, May 19
  [Science] Kennywood Assignment
  [Event] Kennywood Field Trip Read more…
  [Lunch] Lunch to be eaten at Kennywood Park

Wednesday, May 20
 [Science] Kennywood Assignment
 [MATH KEYSTONES] IM1 students Read more…

Thursday, May 21
  [MATH KEYSTONES] IM1 students Read more…

Friday, May 22
 MS Olympics

Monday, May 25
 [Reading] Read your AR book tonight. AR due date: 5/26. No extensions 4th term.
 No School - Memorial Day

Tuesday, May 26
 [Reading] AR due date. No extensions 4th term.

Thursday, May 28
6:00pm  [Event] Bump-up Night Read more…

Friday, May 29
 [SCIENCE] Bridge Exposition  Read more…
 9:45am [EVENT] Bridge Expo / Engineers Visit

Monday, June 1
8:30am  AMS Awards Assembly

Wednesday, June 3
7:00pm  AMS Commencement Read more…

Friday, June 5
 Last Day of School



Thursday, May 7, 2015

Student-led Conferences


We look forward to student-led conferences which will take place the weeks of May 18 and May 26. Your child’s adviser will contact you to set up an appointment.

Throughout the school year, eighth grade Avonworth students met with their Advisory Groups to examine and write about their school work as well as their individual academic strengths and challenges. As the year draws to an end, students are now analyzing their work and reflections to make conclusions about their academic growth in eighth grade and generate goals for high school.

Eighth graders will present their analysis and conclusions to you at their student-led conferences later this month. The meetings are a chance for students to facilitate a conference with their parents to explain who they are academically as well as share their educational goals for the following year. Together, the students, parents and advisers will discuss specific behaviors and strategies that will help the student move closer to reaching these goals. Students will also share with you examples of their eighth grade work from their portfolios.

Student-led conferences deliver a powerful message to our students about the importance of goal-setting and taking ownership of their learning as they mature and transition to high school.

Thank you for your time and attention to our student-led conferences. We are excited for this terrific opportunity to begin our students’ exciting transition to high school.


Friday & Tuesday Field Trips


Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center - Friday, May 8 
We will leave the middle school at 8:15 AM on May 8 to visit the History Center.  The entrance fee for students at the History Center is $6As part of the students visit to the Heinz History Center, they will tour the newly opened exhibit, "We Can Do It! WWII" which examines Western Pennsylvania's Impact on World War II.  Through a special partnership with the museum's Education department, in addition to touring the exhibit, students will participate in a small group Q&A with guest speakers who are experts on the topic of WWII.  These guests will include military veterans, teachers, factory workers, and other first-hand witnesses to the events of World War II.


Nicky’s Family – JFilms Presentation and Strip District - Tuesday, May 12 
The 8th grade will also visit the South Side Works Cinema to see the documentary Nicky’s Family, a true story about a British man who helped organize the rescue of almost 700 Jewish children out of Austria in the days leading up to World War II.  This powerful film tells the story of Sir Nicholas Winton, the children he rescued, and the generations that were impacted by his humble and heroic gesture.  This documentary connects with the World War II and Anne Frank unit studies in reading class. On the day of their field trip, students will depart Avonworth Middle School at 8:30 AM and return to school at approximately 2:30 PM.  After their visit to the cinema, students will separate into small groups led by one of the teachers to experience lunchtime in the historical Strip District.    Student will also complete a scavenger hunt.  Please remind your child to take money to school for their lunch purchases on May 12.