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
AMS Family & Friends,
With full hearts and boundless appreciation, we celebrate four truly dynamic individuals whose dedication, resilience, and spirit have left an undeniable mark on all of us.
Through every challenge faced, every long day endured, and every moment that demanded strength, you have shown what it means to lead with grace, unity, and unwavering commitment. You have inspired, uplifted, and strengthened those around you in ways words can barely capture.
Today, on this 22nd Day of April, we proudly honor and recognize you as we celebrate **HAPPY ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY 2026!**
A heartfelt salute goes out to:
**Ms. Tunewald, Mrs. Roberts, Mrs. Hardy, and Mrs. Jackson**
Thank you for being shining examples of excellence, perseverance, and teamwork. You are the backbone, the heartbeat, and the steady force that keeps everything moving forward.
Today, we celebrate YOU—with gratitude, admiration, and the highest respect!
Sincerely,
Principal Simmons
04/22/2026
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!
Attention AMS Family,
To maintain a safe, healthy, and focused learning environment—especially as we head into testing season—we would like to remind all students and parents of our campus policy regarding baked goods.
🚫 NO BAKED GOODS ON CAMPUS: Students are prohibited from bringing or selling any type of baked goods (homemade or store-bought) on school grounds. This includes cookies, brownies, cakes, and similar treats.
💼 UNAUTHORIZED SALES: Please be reminded that unauthorized sales of any kind are strictly prohibited at Albany Middle School.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep our campus safe and compliant with school health and safety regulations. Let’s stay focused on finishing the year strong! 🏆
Thanks,
Principal Simmons
04/17/2026
