Welcome Back-To-School!

8TH GRADE TEAM

Mrs. Abate; learning support teacher
SAbate@avonworth.k12.pa.us

Miss Raitano; English teacher
JRaitano@avonworth.k12.pa.us
Google ClassroomOWL: Online Writing Lab
Mrs. Galecki; reading teacherKGalecki@avonworth.k12.pa.us
Google ClassroomStudy Island
Ms. Costantiono-Poruben; mathematics teacherMCostantino-Poruben@avonworth.k12.pa.us
Math TextbookInstructions to use IM1 & Math 8 textbooks
Study Island
Mr. Haskins; science teacherDHaskins@avonworth.k12.pa.us
Science websiteClassroom timeline
Mr. Smith; social studies teacher
JSmith@Avonworth.k12.pa.us

Other Resources

• 8th Grade Blog

• 8th Grade documents & information 

• Avonworth Middle School

• Student Email

• 8th Grade Text Message Alerts

• Google Classroom

Remind: 8th grade text messages for parents and students!

During the 2015-2016 school year, the 8th grade team will be using the free message system called Remind. Each afternoon, an update will be sent from the AMS 8 Team for parents and students. Homework, updates, and event information will be sent through the Remind system. Some messages will require multiple SMS messages to complete.

To sign-up for our text alerts, follow these simple directions:

On your phone send the text message, @amsgrade8, to 81010! Follow the directions when prompted!

Students and parents can also connect to Remind through their app and website!

8th grade homework calendar

The 8th grade team uses a Google calendar to keep students and parents informed on due assignments. The Google calendar can be viewed on our webpage page at the following address:

https://www.edline.net/pages/Avonworth_Middle_School/Team_Teaching/8th_Grade

This calendar can be synced with mobile devices such as phones, iPods, and tablets. Learn more about accessing the calendar through the Parent Academy (Information), by clicking here!

Welcome!

Below is the email sent to parents and guardians through the Edline messaging system.

Dear parent/guardian,

Welcome!

On behalf of the 8th grade team, I want to welcome you to another great year at Avonworth Middle School! For our students and your son/daughter, this is an important year. It is our goal to help prepare our students for the challenges and demands of high school. Hopefully, your son/daughter will find the eighth grade to be an exciting time, as well as a time for growth and new experiences.

We understand that the start of the new school year can be hectic. Please use the resources below to help you and your family prepare for the first day of school. The 8th grade team and I are excited to meet your son/daughter on Tuesday! Happy New School Year!

Sincerely,

Doug Haskins
science teacher/AMS 8 team technology & communications

Back-to-School

·         Supplies (as found on Edline)

·         Tuesday, August 25, 2015 - First Day of School

·         Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 6:30 PM - AMS 8 Curriculum Night

Contact Us

Mrs. Abate, learning support teacher, sabate@avonworth.k12.pa.us

Miss Raitano, English teacher, jraitano@avonworth.k12.pa.us

Mrs. Galecki, reading teacher, kgalecki@avonworth.k12.pa.us

Ms. Costantiono-Poruben, mathematics teacher, mcostantino-Poruben@avonworth.k12.pa.us

Mr. Haskins, science teacher, dhaskins@avonworth.k12.pa.us

Mr. Smith, social studies teacher, jsmith@avonworth.k12.pa.us

Staying In-Touch (Three helpful AMS 8 communication tools)

·         Remind (formerly Remind 101) - AMS Grade 8 text messages

A nightly reminder of homework and important information for students and parents. This is a free service provided to teachers and schools. You can choose a text message or an email from this service provider. Click here to enroll!

·         Google Calendar - AMS Grade 8 Homework & Event Calendar

The 8th grade calendar with homework reminders and other information can be seen on Edline under middle school teaching teams. You may choose to add this calendar to your Google Account, a mobile device, or another digital calendar such as Outlook. Learn more about using the calendar from the AMS Parent Academy (Information).

·         Stay Connected - AMS Grade 8 Blog & Weekly Newsletter

To help parents and guardians stay informed, we have provided a blog to help families know about the projects, events, and activities happening at school! You can see the blog on our site amsgrade8.blogspot.com or you can enroll in our weekly newsletter by submitting your email address. The newsletter will be sent after school each Thursday starting the first week of September.

Stay Connected. blog and weekly email

Stay Connected. is a communication tool used by the 8th grade team to send parents, students, and interested community members information about our classes. The posts are updated and submitted every Thursday starting 9/10/15. If you subscribe by email, you will receive the newsletter in your inbox!

amsgrade8.blogspot.com

Students can access AMS 8 homework & event calendar through the Google Calendar App

Earlier today, AMS 8 Student Google Accounts were connected to the grade-level calendar. Students can see the nigthly homework and other information posted to the calendar by going to the Google Calendar App, https://www.google.com/calendar. Students can also get the information automatically downloaded to their device. Click here to read more about getting the Google Calendar on your tablet or other mobile device.

Learn more about Google for Education  at Avonworth through the Parent Academy (Information).

AMS Parent Academy

Over the summer, teachers and administrators have created a Parent Academy on the middle school website to help answer frequently asked questions. Click here to see the academy!

Join AMS 8 Text Messages

Students and parents can receive our daily text reminders about homework, due dates, and projects! See the information below.

2015-2016 Back-to-School Supply List

Last Day of School

Freshman Expectations

On Wednesday, June 3 ninth graders visited AMS 8 to discuss student expectations in the high school. Students were given the sheet linked below to help them transition to the high school. 

Click here to download a copy of the ninth grade expectations.

Remind Text Message Subscriber Info

Soon, all subscriber information will be deleted from the Remind text message service for @AMSGRADE8. We are preparing the account for next year’s students and parents.

Thanks for a great year!

Return Your Borrowed Materials

Search under your beds and in your closets for overdue library books and textbooks.  Please return them to school!

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

Ohio Township 5k and Kids Fun Run

The Ohio Township 5k and Kids Fun Run that will take place at Ohio Township Park on Saturday, September 12.

What makes this race so unique is the involvement of the 8th Grade class.  During the month of April, the entire 8th grade class worked with the Ohio Twp. Director of Parks & Recreation, Andy Rubino to plan the race.  In each Civics class, students worked in small teams on a variety of tasks.  Some Students developed the t-shirt, the registration form, and course route.  They designed posters, fliers, commercials for announcements, and awards.  Students also called local businesses to secure monetary donations to sponsor the race.  The students selected Animal Friends to receive a donation from the proceeds of the race.  Other groups researched the history of the race and called previous race winners to invite them to come back and participate in this year's race.  Another group wrote letters to local businesses to ask permission to display fliers and posters to advertise the race.

All of the students work was shared with Mr. Rubino and the race is now open for registration.  You can register online at:  http://www.raceit.com/search/event.aspx?id=33312  (the logo for the race on this website was designed by 8th grade student, Isabel Thompson)

A paper registration form (designed by students in my Period D Civics class) is attached to this email.

I think this is a great opportunity for students to showcase their work to the community.  Please let me know if you need any additional information about the event.

Thanks,

Jason Smith

Registration & Information (pdf)

Freshman Insect Collection

Next year students will be required to make an insect collection during the first-nine weeks. You can get started collecting specimens over the summer!

Read more here.

Cross Country

Any student that is planning to be a part of the Cross Country team in High School should be sure to ask Coach Smith for a copy of the Summer training information if they didn't receive one at the meeting on Tuesday.

Parents should also complete the contact form online at  http://goo.gl/forms/V40t6HFF0J if they'd like to continue to receive Cross Country emails over the Summer.

The Results are In! Bridges to STEM Careers Project

8th grade students tested their bridges Friday, May 29 during the Bridge Exposition, part of the Bridges to STEM Careers project. Thirty bridges were tested by adding weight to each of the spans until collapse. Students and parents are welcome to check out the final ranking on the winning bridges webpage!

A special thanks to our guest experts, bridge engineers and architects from the Pittsburgh region. Representatives from HDR, Inc., Michael Baker Corp., and Penn Dot District 11 used their insight and expertise to help enrich this learning activity. Bridge designs can be seen on the classroom website through the  gallery page.

Cassie Lloyd from Penn Dot District 11 with Ryan Felter as his team's bridge has increasing amounts of weight added to the structure. 

Allen Peng from Penn Dot District 11 with Dennis Manko and Mr. Haskins testing a bridge. 

The bridge pictured above held the most weight. It is form team AB and held 120 N or 28 pounds of weight. 

Another bridge being tested! 

A leader board was on display in the library during the event so students could see how their bridge compared to others in the class. 

Storing thirty bridges in Lab 110 is no easy feat! Here are all of the models prior to the Exposition! 

  

Avonworth Middle School Awards Assembly

June 1, 2015

Calendar Update!

Thursday, June 4

 Return all textbooks & library books!

Friday, June 5

 Last Day of School

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

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.

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.

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

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

 LastDay of School

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

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

Reminder - 8th Grade Commencement RSVP

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

Click here to read more...

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.

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

 LastDay of School

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