Dear Albany Middle School Students, Parents, and Guardians,
As we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year, Albany Middle School remains committed to fostering a safe, structured, and high-achieving academic environment. Our guiding theme for the upcoming year is: LEAD. LEARN. LEAVE YOUR MARK.
To ensure all students are equipped for success on day one, I have released the official required school supply list along with critical updates to campus policies. Please review the details below carefully.
📝 Required Instructional Supplies
* Notebooks: 4 Composition Notebooks
* Folders: 5 3-Prong Folders with Pockets (plastic preferred)
* Binder & Organizers: 1 2-Inch 3-Ring Binder and 1 pack of Dividers with Tabs (plastic with pockets preferred)
* Daily Essentials: A pencil pouch , highlighters , colored pencils , notebook paper , and pencils (paper and pencils must
be replenished throughout the school year) .
* School Shirt: An official AMS School Shirt is required.
🛑 Crucial Policy Changes & Prohibited Items
In order to maximize instructional time and maintain safety on campus, the following items are strictly prohibited for the 2026-2027 school year:
* 🎒 Backpacks & Bookbags: Bookbags and traditional backpacks are "NO Longer Allowed" on campus.
A student is permitted to have a CLEAR (Small to Medium Size) purse/handbag..
* 📱 Personal Electronics: Cell phones, tablets, iPads, headphones, earbuds, and AirPods are not allowed.
* 🥤 Personal Drinkware: No personal beverage containers, tumblers, or Stanley-style cups are permitted on campus.
* 🍎 Food & Snacks: Snacks and candy are prohibited. Students may only bring snack-sized items if they are contained
within a lunchbox to be consumed strictly during designated lunch periods.
🔗 Complete Details & Guidelines
For the comprehensive list and further details, please access the official document here:
[https://tinyurl.com/26-27-Student-Supply-List](https://tinyurl.com/26-27-Student-Supply-List)
Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we prepare our students to be leaders and learners.
Let’s make this our best year yet, Indians! 🧡💚
Principal Simmons
06/02/2026
📚 Important Update: DCSS Summer School Parental Handbook 📚
Attention AMS parents and guardians! As we kick off our DCSS Summer Learning Program tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2, 2026, we want to ensure everyone is set up for a successful, smooth, and productive month.
The program will run from June 2nd through June 25, 2026. To help you navigate everything from daily schedules and attendance policies to student expectations, please review the official DCSS Summer School Parental Handbook.
👉 View the DCSS Summer School Parent Handbook: https://tinyurl.com/Summer-School-Handbook
💡 Quick Highlights to Remember:
• 🗓️ Dates: June 2, 2026 – June 25, 2026.
• 🚌 Transportation: Double-check your student's centralized AM/PM bus routes and arrive at the stops 5–10 minutes early!
• 🛑 Closures: Please note that all schools and offices will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026, in observance of the Juneteenth Holiday.
We are looking forward to an incredible summer of growth, learning, and success! If you have any questions after reviewing the handbook, please feel free to reach out to our front office. Let's make it a fantastic summer session! 🌟
Principal Simmons
06/01/2026
🚌 Summer School Bus Routes & Schedule (Starting June 2nd!) 🚌
Attention parents and students! As we gear up for summer school starting on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, we want to ensure everyone has a safe and reliable ride.
Please review the morning (AM) and afternoon (PM) bus routes below to find your student's designated stop and pickup/drop-off times.
💡 Quick Reminders for a Smooth Summer:
• Please arrive at your stop 5 to 10 minutes early to make sure you don't miss the bus! * Routes run Monday through Thursday.
• Drop-off and pickup locations are centralized at specific school campuses and community sites.
We look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday, June 2nd! If you have any specific questions about transportation, please drop them in the comments or contact the front office. Let's make it a great summer session! 📚✨
https://tinyurl.com/Summer-Bus-Routes
Hello AMS Students and Families,
Are you ready to hit the court or the field? We are excited to announce an upcoming Interest Meeting for all rising 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students interested in playing Basketball or Softball! Come out and learn what it takes to represent the Indians.
📅 Meeting Details
Date: May 27, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Albany Middle School Gym
⚠️ Mandatory Requirements
Before participating in any tryouts, workouts, or games, all students must have the following completed:
* A Current Physical: Must be up to date and on file.
* FinalForms Registration: Registration must be 100% complete online.
Link: www.bit.ly/DCSSFINALFORMS
📩 Have Questions?
Feel free to contact your coaches directly for more information:
Basketball: Coach Knox (tenorris.knox@docoschools.org)
Softball: Coach Chambers (exzandra.chambers@docoschools.org)
We are looking for athletes who embody Commitment, Discipline, Teamwork, and Excellence. See you there!
Go Indians!
FIELD DAY UPDATE
🌧️ Weather Reschedule
Due to the heavy rainfall overnight and continuing today (May 12th), we must reschedule the 6th Grade Field Day for safety.
NEW DATE FOR 6TH GRADE:
THURSDAY
MAY 14, 2026
Schedule
09:00 AM – Balloon Toss
09:15 AM – 50 Yard Dash
09:30 AM – Three Legged Race
09:45 AM – Egg Toss
10:00 AM – Baton Relay
10:15 AM – Break
10:30 AM – Teacher Line Dance Session 💃
10:35 AM – Sack Race Relay
10:45 AM – 75 Yard Dash
11:00 AM – Hula Hoop Relay
11:15 AM – Lunch
12:30 PM – Balloon Pop (Gym)
12:40 PM – Tug of War (Gym)
Important Reminders:
📍
Entrance: Use Bus Ramp Entrance ONLY.
👜
Security: DCSS Clear Bag Policy in effect.
🆔
ID: Photo Identification Required for all visitors.
👕
Students should wear their Field Day shirts!
STAY DRY!
SEE YOU THURDAY
MAY 10, 2026
AMS Families,
I will be officially submitting the order for our 2026 Field Day t-shirts on Wednesday, May 6th. To ensure your order is included, please submit your payment and completed form to your child's homeroom teacher no later than the end of the day tomorrow, Tuesday, May 5th.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this deadline. https://tinyurl.com/AMS-Field-Day-T-Shirt
Best regards,
Principal Simmons
05/04/2026
To our incredible AMS Family and our All-Star Educators,
As we kick of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4–May 8, 2026), I want to share that I truly believe I have the best set of teachers on Earth and it is an absolute honor to serve alongside these educators every day.
This week is a celebration of our **All-Stars**, but the culture of excellence at Albany Middle School would not exist without them. They are the **Champions in Action**who ensure our students truly **ACHIEVE**.
To my staff: I see the incredible teaching you perform daily: the extra hours, the dedication, and the heart you pour into every student. You are exceptional.
To our parents and community: We invite you to join the fun this week as we show our wonderful teachers the appreciation they so richly deserve!
You are the reason we celebrate! You are the reason our students succeed! Thank you for being the heartbeat of Albany Middle School! ❤️🍎
Sincerely,
Principal Simmons
05/04/2026
📢 Join Us for the Georgia Milestones Workshop! 📢
Theme: ✨ "Master the Milestones: A Roadmap to Success!" ✨
📅 Date: May 4, 2026
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM
📍 Location: AMS Cafeteria
👩🏫 What You'll Learn:
✅ Understanding the Georgia Milestones Assessment
✅ Test-taking strategies to help students succeed
✅ How parents can support their child’s preparation
✅ Navigating the study guide effectively
✅ Reducing test anxiety for better performance
🎯 Why Attend?
This workshop will equip parents and students with essential tools and strategies to tackle the test with confidence and achieve success!
📌 Don’t miss out! Let’s work together to prepare, practice, and perform!
Ms. Lou Hardy, Parent Facilitator
lou.hardy@docoschools.org
229-431-3325
Today, May 1, we take a moment to celebrate National School Principals’ Day! This annual tradition is a time to recognize the essential role our principals play in ensuring student success and shaping the positive culture at Albany Middle School.
Being a principal is no small feat—it requires a unique blend of leadership and heart. Today, we honor their tireless dedication to:
* Mentoring our teachers to help them excel in the classroom.
* Managing budgets to provide the best resources for our students.
* Building a strong community where every student feels they can achieve and win.
As we look forward to the start of Teacher Appreciation Week this coming Monday, May 4, let’s kick things off by thanking our principals for being the "Champions in Action" who lead the way!
Thank you for your leadership and for everything you do for our students!
Go INDIANS!
It’s time to celebrate the "Champions in Action" who inspire us every day! We invite you to join the fun at Albany Middle School as we honor our educators' lasting impact during Teacher Appreciation Week 2026.
This special week runs from Monday, May 4, to Friday, May 8, with Teacher Appreciation Day falling on Tuesday, May 5.
See the flyer for more detailed information.
Thanks,
Principal Simmons
05/01/2026
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We understand that navigating today’s state academic standards can be challenging. To support you, we are sharing this helpful tip sheet, *“A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Student Success.”*
This resource provides simple strategies and practical tips to help you support your child’s learning at home and better understand academic expectations. Working together, we can help every student succeed!
Please click on the link below to review additional resources and helpful tips to support your child’s success.
https://tinyurl.com/n7b4m6xa
Kind Regards,
Ms. Lou Hardy, Parent Facilitator
Our 2026 Prom, Diamond District: Dripped in Ice, is officially TOMORROW NIGHT! We can’t wait to see our AMS Family dressed to the nines and ready to celebrate.
⚠️ IMPORTANT DISMISSAL UPDATE:
To make sure our vendors have enough space to transform the school into a winter diamond wonderland, we will have a modified dismissal process tomorrow afternoon. Please have patience with us as we prepare for prom night.
Let’s end the week with some sparkle! ✨
Thanks in advance,
Principal Simmons
04/30/2026
📢 Join Us for the Georgia Milestones Workshop! 📢
Theme: ✨ "Master the Milestones: A Roadmap to Success!" ✨
📅 Date: May 4, 2026
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM
📍 Location: AMS Cafeteria
👩🏫 What You'll Learn:
✅ Understanding the Georgia Milestones Assessment
✅ Test-taking strategies to help students succeed
✅ How parents can support their child’s preparation
✅ Navigating the study guide effectively
✅ Reducing test anxiety for better performance
🎯 Why Attend?
This workshop will equip parents and students with essential tools and strategies to tackle the test with confidence and achieve success!
📌 Don’t miss out! Let’s work together to prepare, practice, and perform!
For more information, contact: Ms. Lou Hardy, Parent Facilitator via phone 229-431-3325 or email lou.hardy@docoschools.org
We look forward to your presence on May 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Ms. Lou Hardy, Parent Facilitator
Attention Albany Middle School students, parents, and staff! It’s time to gear up for the most exciting events of the year. Our 2026 Field Day T-Shirt pre-orders begin on Thursday, April 30, 2026!
This year, we are offering four vibrant colors to choose from (Black, Orange, Forest Green, and White), so you can represent your style and spirit on the field!
📅 Mark Your Calendars for Field Day:
6th Grade: Tuesday, May 12
7th Grade: Wednesday, May 13
8th Grade: Monday, May 18
👕 T-Shirt Details:
Cost: $12.00 (All sizes)
Don’t miss out on your chance to grab this year’s official gear. Whether you're competing in events or cheering from the sidelines, let's show our school spirit in style!
Thank you for supporting AMS and making our Field Day traditions so special.
WE Belong, WE Believe, and WE Achieve... TOGETHER
Principal Simmons
04/28/2026
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, is officially recognized as National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. Today, the Albany Middle School family joins the Dougherty County School System in honoring the dedicated professionals who safely transport our students every single day.
Our bus drivers play a vital role in student safety, and we are especially grateful for those who serve the AMS community. This annual event, observed on the fourth Tuesday of April, is the perfect opportunity to recognize their hard work and commitment to our children.
We encourage our students and families to take a moment today to show your appreciation with a thank-you note or a kind word to our drivers for the essential service they provide.
Building a better community, one student at a time.
Thanks,
Principal Simmons
04/28/2026
Saturday School provide additional instructional support for our students, plus it can serve as an opportunity for students to recoup attendance when appropriate. A student can receive credit for one (1) absence, if student attends two (2) Saturday School sessions. Student must sign-in and out for each session!
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Snacks will be provided!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we approach testing season, we understand that this time can bring added pressure for our students. To help support both you and your child, we are sharing a helpful tip sheet titled “Stress-Busters for Test Day.”
This resource provides simple and effective strategies to reduce anxiety, build confidence, and help your child perform at their best. From getting a good night’s rest to offering words of encouragement, your support plays a vital role in your child’s success.
We encourage you to review the tip sheet together and implement these strategies at home. By working together, we can ensure our students feel prepared, confident, and ready to succeed.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s academic journey.
If you have any questions or need additional support, please feel free to contact us.
Warm regards,
Ms. Lou Hardy
Family and Community Engagement
Please click on the following link to view Tips Sheet
Parents' Tip Sheet for April 2026
