Albany Middle School -

MAGNET APPLICATIONS: Magnet school and program applications are now live for the 2025-2026 school year. Deadline for application is April 11. You can find them on the DCSS website at www.docoschools.org/magnetapps.

Subject: Help Us Celebrate Our Incredible Teachers This Week! 🍎💛 Dear Albany Middle School Families and Students, This week, we proudly celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week 2025, and I invite you to join me in recognizing the amazing, dedicated educators who make Albany Middle School such a special place. Every day, our teachers go above and beyond — not just to teach, but to Empower, Inspire, and Lead the next generation of leaders. They create safe, engaging learning spaces, nurture potential, and guide our students through every challenge and success. Let’s take a moment this week — and every week — to show our teachers how much we value them. Whether it's a kind note, a simple “thank you,” or a small act of appreciation, your words and gestures truly matter. They lift spirits, spark joy, and remind our teachers that their work is meaningful and seen. Students — your teachers believe in you. They invest in your dreams every single day. Families — your partnership and support help make this journey stronger. Together, let’s celebrate the heart of our school — our TEACHERS — with the love and gratitude they deserve because they "BUILD CHAMPIONS!" With heartfelt appreciation, Principal Simmons 05/05/2025

AMS Students & Parents, Please review the AMS - Monthly Calendar - May 2025. It lists all of our school activities taking place during the month of May. Thanks for supporting our students, Principal Simmons 05/01/2025

📢 Reminder: Our final Saturday School is Saturday, May 3rd! 📢 AMS Families, Please note there will be Saturday School this Saturday at Albany Middle School. We encourage our 6th & 7th Grade Students to attend and actively engage in Saturday School. Teachers will provide additional academic support and enrichment to help prepare students for the GA Milestones. Principal Simmons 05/01/2025

📣 Important Message to AMS Students & Parents: GA Milestones Testing AMS Students and Parents, This is a heartfelt reminder that the Georgia Milestones Assessment began at our school during the week of April 21st and goes through May 10th, 2025. This is an incredibly important time for our students, teachers, and school community as we work together to showcase all the learning and growth that has taken place throughout the year. We ask all students to approach each day with focus, determination, and respect for one another. Testing environments must remain calm and free of distractions to ensure every student has the opportunity to do their very best. We do not have time for disruptive behavior, distractions, or anything that would hinder another student’s ability to concentrate during this critical time. Every moment counts, and every student deserves the chance to succeed without interference. To our students: We believe in you. We’ve prepared you. Now it’s your time to shine. Let your actions reflect your commitment to success—not just for yourself, but for your classmates too. To our parents: Thank you for your continued support. Please ensure your child arrives on time, well-rested, and encouraged each day. Let’s finish strong—together. With pride and purpose, Principal Simmons 04/26/2025

Subject: 4th Nine-Weeks Progress Reports Now Available in Infinite Campus AMS Students and Parents, This message is to inform you that the 4th Nine-Weeks Progress Reports are now available for viewing in Infinite Campus! You can log in to your Infinite Campus Parent or Student Portal to access and review your child's progress for the current nine-week grading period. We encourage you to take this opportunity to discuss your student's progress report and any areas for continued growth as we approach the end of the school year. If you have any questions or need assistance accessing Infinite Campus, please don't hesitate to contact the school. Sincerely, Principal Simmons 04/25/2025

📢 Reminder: Upcoming Saturday School on April 26th! 📢 AMS families, Please note there will be Saturday School this Saturday at Albany Middle School. We encourage our students to attend and actively engage in Saturday School for additional academic support and enrichment. Principal Simmons 04/25/2025

Albany Middle School represents Excellence, Pride, and Ambition. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AjQS3jRcb/

📢 Important Notice: Book bag & Backpack Ban Effective April 21, 2025 Dear Albany Middle School Students and Parents, Beginning Monday, April 21, 2025, book bags, backpacks, and notebook carrying cases will no longer be allowed for the remainder of the current school term at Albany Middle School. 🔹 Permitted Items: Students are only allowed to bring: Writing utensils (Pencils & Ink Pens) Notebook Paper One small personal item, such as a purse. 🔹 Locker Room Access: The locker room will be off limits to all students except AMS football players participating in the Spring Game on April 26, 2025. 🔹 Special Instructions for Students Involved in High School Extra-Curricula Activities Potential high school athletes, cheerleaders, and band students must leave their bags in Room 95 until dismissal at 3:30 PM. We appreciate your cooperation as we work to maintain a safe and orderly school environment. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school office. Principal Simmons 04/15/2025

Good morning, Parents and Guardians! Subject: Helping Your Child Manage Test Anxiety – Parent Tip Sheet I hope you are doing well. As we approach the upcoming Georgia Milestones Assessments, we want to ensure our students feel confident, prepared, and supported. In that spirit, I am sharing a helpful resource titled “Anxious About That Upcoming Test?” This tip sheet offers practical strategies to help your child manage test anxiety and develop a positive mindset as they prepare for testing. Your support at home is essential, and these tips provide simple yet powerful ways to reinforce calm, focus, and encouragement. Please take a moment to review the tip sheet and consider how you might use these ideas to help your child feel more at ease in the days leading up to the Milestones. Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to your child’s success. Warm regards, Ms. Lou Hardy, Parent Facilitator lou.hardy@docoschools.org 229-431-3325

📢 Reminder: Saturday School this Saturday! 📢 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

📢 Reminder: Upcoming Saturday School on April 12th! 📢 AMS families, Please note there will be Saturday School this Saturday at Albany Middle School. We encourage our students to attend and actively engage in Saturday School for additional academic support and enrichment. Principal Simmons 04/10/2025

Attention AMS Students! There will be an interest meeting for the 2025-2026 Lady Indians basketball team on April 9th & 10th in the AMS Gymnasium at 5:30 PM. If you are interested in trying out or learning more, please attend one of these meetings. For more information, please contact Coach Quimbley at derika.quimbley@docoschools.org.

AMS Parents & Guardians, Students received their report card and grading matrix to bring today. Student not making adequate progress , will also receive a retention notice. Please see the full post at the link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18iJWNwjjE/ Thanks, Principal Simmons 03/28/2025

Parents, we've got our boots on the ground and are all in for Georgia Milestones. We want to see you tomorrow at 5:30 PM in the AMS Cafeteria.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Northside Bus Afterschool Program Route - TODAY Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025 Dear Parents of AMS Afterschool Program Participants, Please be advised that the Northside bus will NOT be available to run its regular afterschool program route today, Tuesday, March 25th. Due to an unforeseen circumstance, we are unable to provide transportation via the Northside bus for students participating in the afterschool program. Therefore, it will be the sole responsibility of parents/guardians to pick up their child(ren) promptly at the end of the afterschool program today at 5:15 PM. Please make the necessary arrangements to ensure your child is picked up on time. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Sincerely, AMS Administration 229.431.3325

Subject: Upcoming Rule Banning Wireless Headphones & Earbuds on Campus Albany Middle School Students & Parents, Beginning April 7, 2025 (MONDAY after Spring Break), we will be enforcing a new rule banning the use of wireless headphones and earbuds during the school day. This includes, but is not limited to your child's, personal headphones. BEATS, AirPods, earbuds, and other wireless headphone brands. As the 2024-2025 school ends, additional electronic devices such as cell phones and smartwatches may also face stricter regulations. We appreciate your support in keeping our school environment focused and distraction-free. Thank you for your cooperation. Principal Simmons 03/24/2025

Subject: Third Nine-Weeks Grades Now Available in Infinite Campus Dear AMS Parents/Guardians, Grades for the third nine-weeks are now available for viewing in Infinite Campus. Students will receive a printed copy of their report card and grading matrix to bring home this Friday. If your child has not made adequate progress for the 2024-2025 school year, he/she will also receive a retention notice. We strongly encourage you to schedule a meeting with your child's teachers to review their instructional support plan and discuss strategies for improvement. Thank you for your continued support in your child's education. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school. Best regards, Principal Simmons 03/24/2025

Final Week to Complete the 2024-2025 GADOE School Climate Survey! Dear Albany Middle School Families, This is the final week to complete the 2024-2025 Georgia School Climate Survey for Families, and we want to hear from YOU! Your feedback is essential in helping us create the best possible learning environment for our students. If you haven’t already, please take a few minutes to complete the survey before the deadline: 🔗 Click here to begin the survey https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=047BD874 Your input is confidential and will help guide important decisions for our school community. Thank you for your time and support! Principal Simmons 03/22/2025

Attention Parents & Stakeholders! Are you ready to put Boots on the Ground for student success? Join us for the Georgia Milestones Workshop on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 5:30 PM! This is your chance to learn how to navigate the study guide, understand the testing process, and empower your child to excel. ✅ Get valuable test-taking tips ✅ Learn effective study strategies ✅ Work together to RAISE scores & BOOST confidence! Success starts at home—let’s do this together! See you there! Location: Albany Middle School For more information contact: Ms. Lou Hardy, Parent Facilitator via email at lou.hardy@docoschools.org. or 229-431-3325 #BootsOnTheGround #GeorgiaMilestones #ParentPower #SuccessStartsHer