PSSA Testing to Finish Next Week

 Read more about PSSA testing in the 8th grade from the blog. 

PSSA TESTING:

• April 25 & 26 PSSA Science

ELECTRONIC DEVICE NOTICE

Testing regulations prohibit the use of all electronic devices, including Kindles, Nooks, iPads or other electronic readers during testing times. All cell phones, pagers, portable listening or recording devices, or any device with photographic capability must remain at home or in a locker.

Read more about cell phones and the PSSA tests. 

ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL ON TEST DAYS

Avoid scheduling doctor appointments, vacations or other out-of-school activities during testing times. Participation in PSSA exams is a state requirement.

Students should read and review the Code of Conduct for Test Takers prior to starting the PSSA tests.

Grammar Game Victors!

Congratulations to the 2016 Grammar Game Victors!

Natalie Marshall, Anna Igims, Luke Wagner,  and Tanner Blose

Bridge Design and Model Building Unit

email to students 4/20/16: 

Dear students, 

Each year we conclude 8th grade science using the skills we've learned by designing, constructing and testing a bridge. There are many parts to this project. The end result is a design that you create with the help of bridge building experts and a scale model to test for strength! 

Check out the assignments and due dates on the science website. We will also be using the score keeper and stars for extra credit! 

See you in class.

Sincerely,

Mr. Haskins

Bridge Building Experts needed for STEM Project

Engineers needed for the
BRIDGE DESIGN DAY & EXPOSITION DAY

May 5 and May 26

As students in the 8th grade proceed through our bridge design and building project, we are seeking help from experts in the fields of engineering and design of bridges. This is the fifth year for the bridge building and design exposition at Avonworth Middle School! Interested experts can RSVP for our events by emailing Doug Haskins, Grade 8 science teacher.

Read more from the Science 8 website!

Yearbook Sales continue through May 6

Students who would like a copy of the yearbook should complete the form linked below and return payment to the office by May 6, 2016. A limited number of yearbooks will be printed, so be sure to get your order placed. The yearbook will be delivered the week of May 23, which is just in time to have your friends sign it! 

Order Form

Submissions to the yearbook cover contest! Digital voting ballots for students are available through Friday. 

The 2016 Grammar Game Finalists

Victors will be announced Monday! Stay tuned! 

PSSA Testing Continues Tomorrow & Next Week

 Read more about PSSA testing in the 8th grade from the blog. 

PSSA TESTING:

• April 15 - PSSA English-Language Arts
• April 19, 20, & 21 - PSSA Mathematics
• April 25 & 26 PSSA Science

ELECTRONIC DEVICE NOTICE

Testing regulations prohibit the use of all electronic devices, including Kindles, Nooks, iPads or other electronic readers during testing times. All cell phones, pagers, portable listening or recording devices, or any device with photographic capability must remain at home or in a locker.

Read more about cell phones and the PSSA tests. 

ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL ON TEST DAYS

Avoid scheduling doctor appointments, vacations or other out-of-school activities during testing times. Participation in PSSA exams is a state requirement.

Students should read and review the Code of Conduct for Test Takers prior to starting the PSSA tests.

PSSA Testing starts Next Week!

 Read more about PSSA testing in the 8th grade from the blog. 

PSSA TESTING:

• April 11, 12, 14 & 15 - PSSA English-Language Arts
• April 19, 20, & 21 - PSSA Mathematics
• April 25 & 26 PSSA Science

ELECTRONIC DEVICE NOTICE

Testing regulations prohibit the use of all electronic devices, including Kindles, Nooks, iPads or other electronic readers during testing times. All cell phones, pagers, portable listening or recording devices, or any device with photographic capability must remain at home or in a locker.

Read more about cell phones and the PSSA tests. 

ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL ON TEST DAYS

Avoid scheduling doctor appointments, vacations or other out-of-school activities during testing times. Participation in PSSA exams is a state requirement.

Students should read and review the Code of Conduct for Test Takers prior to starting the PSSA tests.

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!  

PSSA Testing Starts in April

Students in the 8th grade will be taking state PSSA tests this school year. The dates below were updated March 14.  Read more about PSSA testing in the 8th grade from the blog. 

PSSA TESTING:

• April 11, 12, 14 & 15 - PSSA English-Language Arts
• April 19, 20, & 21 - PSSA Mathematics
• April 25 & 26 PSSA Science

ELECTRONIC DEVICE NOTICE:

Testing regulations prohibit the use of all electronic devices, including Kindles, Nooks, iPads or other electronic readers during testing times. All cell phones, pagers, portable listening or recording devices, or any device with photographic capability must remain at home or in a locker.

ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL ON TEST DAYS

Avoid scheduling doctor appointments, vacations or other out-of-school activities during testing times. Participation in PSSA exams is a state requirement.

Students should read and review the Code of Conduct for Test Takers prior to starting the PSSA tests.

Spring Break Starts Monday

Monday, April 10 to Monday, April 17

Spring Vacation - No School

Tuesday, April 18

 School in Session

See more dates on the AMS Grade 8 Calendar.

Warmer Weather Dress Code Reminder

As the weather gets warmer, students need to be mindful of the school dress code. Click here to read more.

Take a 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

Important March and April Dates

Monday, March 21 - Friday, March 25 - No School/Spring Vacation

Monday, March 28 - School in Session
Tuesday, March 29 - Report Cards

Saturday, April 9 9:00am 9th Grade Scheduling Workshop

Monday, April 11 8:00am 8-11AM PSSA TESTING - English-Language Arts

Tuesday, April 12 8:00am 8-11AM PSSA TESTING - English-Language Arts

Wednesday, April 13 TWO HOUR DELAY

Thursday, April 14 8:00am 8-11AM PSSA TESTING - English-Language Arts

Friday, April 15 9th Grade Scheduling Worksheet due to the MS Office

Friday, April 15 8:00am  8-11AM PSSA TESTING - English-Language Arts

Tuesday, April 19  8:00am PSSA TESTING - MATH

Tuesday, April 19 12:00pm Video Conference World War II Museum "Science and Technology"

Wednesday, April 20 8:00am PSSA TESTING - MATH

Wednesday, April 20 12:00pm [Event] Video Conference World War II Museum "Women's Role in WWII"

Thursday, April 21 8:00am PSSA TESTING - MATH

Thursday, April 21 8:00am  12:00pm [Event] Video Conference International Spy Museum "Spy School 101"

Monday, April 25 8:00am  PSSA TESTING - SCIENCE
Tuesday, April 26 8:00am PSSA TESTING - SCIENCE

Tuesday, April 26 12:00pm Video Conference World War II Museum "Japanese Internment"

Daylight Saving Time Starts Sunday!

Remember to turn your clocks ahead on Sunday, 3/13/16! Daylight Saving Time starts!

Grading Period Ends 3/16

Third nine-weeks grading period to end
March 16, 2016

Learn more about the grading periods
from the AMS Parent Academy 

Report Cards to be published to Edline March 29.