✨ New Year, Same Excellence at Albany Middle School!
We’re kicking off 2026 by celebrating two individuals who truly define what it means to go the extra mile. Please join us in congratulating our January Teacher of the Month, Mr. Greg Barnes, and Support Staff of the Month, Mrs. Cherri Roberts!
Both Mr. Barnes and Mrs. Roberts are the heartbeat of our halls and front office. They are outstanding, dedicated educators and caring individuals who don’t just "clock in"—they show up for our students before, during, and long after the school day ends. Thank you for your tireless commitment and for starting our year on such a high note! We are so lucky to have you in the AMS family. 💙🎓
Principal Simmons
02/13/2026
We’re kicking off 2026 by celebrating two individuals who truly define what it means to go the extra mile. Please join us in congratulating our January Teacher of the Month, Mr. Greg Barnes, and Support Staff of the Month, Mrs. Cherri Roberts!
Both Mr. Barnes and Mrs. Roberts are the heartbeat of our halls and front office. They are outstanding, dedicated educators and caring individuals who don’t just "clock in"—they show up for our students before, during, and long after the school day ends. Thank you for your tireless commitment and for starting our year on such a high note! We are so lucky to have you in the AMS family. 💙🎓
Principal Simmons
02/13/2026
❤️ Pre-Valentine’s Day Celebration at AMS ❤️
Today was filled with smiles, laughter, and love all around our campus! We want to send a heartfelt THANK YOU to our amazing parents for showing such incredible LOVE, APPRECIATION, and ADMIRATION for our students. Your thoughtful gestures truly made the day special.
Check out the joy on the faces in Ms. Williams-White’s 8th Grade class — and this was just one example of the excitement happening throughout AMS today!
Moments like these remind us that our school is more than a building… it’s a family. 💕
We appreciate you for helping make our students feel valued and celebrated!
Sincerely,
Principal Simmons
02/13/2026
Today was filled with smiles, laughter, and love all around our campus! We want to send a heartfelt THANK YOU to our amazing parents for showing such incredible LOVE, APPRECIATION, and ADMIRATION for our students. Your thoughtful gestures truly made the day special.
Check out the joy on the faces in Ms. Williams-White’s 8th Grade class — and this was just one example of the excitement happening throughout AMS today!
Moments like these remind us that our school is more than a building… it’s a family. 💕
We appreciate you for helping make our students feel valued and celebrated!
Sincerely,
Principal Simmons
02/13/2026
Dear AMS Families,
We are committed to working together to ensure every student finishes this year strong. To support this goal, please click on the link for the document "A Parent's Guide to Supporting Student Success." This guide offers practical strategies you can use at home to help your child thrive academically and socially. As always, thank you for your continual support.
If you should have questions or need support, please reach out to me via email or phone. Looking forward to seeing you at our next parent meeting.
Ms. Lou Hardy, Parent Facilitator
lou.hardy@docoschools.org
229-431-3325 Ext #5
Link: https://tinyurl.com/3ryeafhp
We are committed to working together to ensure every student finishes this year strong. To support this goal, please click on the link for the document "A Parent's Guide to Supporting Student Success." This guide offers practical strategies you can use at home to help your child thrive academically and socially. As always, thank you for your continual support.
If you should have questions or need support, please reach out to me via email or phone. Looking forward to seeing you at our next parent meeting.
Ms. Lou Hardy, Parent Facilitator
lou.hardy@docoschools.org
229-431-3325 Ext #5
Link: https://tinyurl.com/3ryeafhp
🌟 Trailblazer Alert: Meet Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler 🌟
AMS, let’s talk about a real-life superhero during Black History Month! 🩺📚
Long before the modern doctors we see today, Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was busy shattering glass ceilings. Born Rebecca Davis, she didn't just witness history—she made it.
The Facts:
Achieve: In 1864, she became the FIRST African-American woman to earn a medical degree in the U.S. 🎓
Belong: She proved that Black women belong in the highest ranks of medicine, even when the world tried to tell them otherwise.
Believe: She believed in the power of knowledge, becoming one of the first female physician authors in the 19th century when she published A Book of Medical Discourses in 1883. 📖
Why she matters to US: At our school, we talk about Belong. Believe. Achieve. every day. Dr. Crumpler lived those words. She served as a nurse, became a doctor during the Civil War era, and dedicated her life to healing others and sharing her medical wisdom.
She believed she could change the world, she knew she belonged in that medical college, and she achieved greatness against all odds.
Thanks,
Principal Simmons
02/09/2026
AMS, let’s talk about a real-life superhero during Black History Month! 🩺📚
Long before the modern doctors we see today, Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was busy shattering glass ceilings. Born Rebecca Davis, she didn't just witness history—she made it.
The Facts:
Achieve: In 1864, she became the FIRST African-American woman to earn a medical degree in the U.S. 🎓
Belong: She proved that Black women belong in the highest ranks of medicine, even when the world tried to tell them otherwise.
Believe: She believed in the power of knowledge, becoming one of the first female physician authors in the 19th century when she published A Book of Medical Discourses in 1883. 📖
Why she matters to US: At our school, we talk about Belong. Believe. Achieve. every day. Dr. Crumpler lived those words. She served as a nurse, became a doctor during the Civil War era, and dedicated her life to healing others and sharing her medical wisdom.
She believed she could change the world, she knew she belonged in that medical college, and she achieved greatness against all odds.
Thanks,
Principal Simmons
02/09/2026
Show Your Love on Valentine’s Day! ❤️🎁🌸
Dear Albany Middle School Parents & Guardians,
Valentine’s Day will be celebrated this Friday, 02/13/2026 since the 14th falls Saturday. We welcome you to make the day extra special for your child(ren)! You are more than welcome to send flowers, candy, or gifts to let them know just how much they are loved.
Take a few minutes to order a thoughtful gift, drop off some sweet treats, or send a beautiful bouquet this Friday—because they deserve to feel special every single day!
Please review the attached flyer for detailed information regarding our Valentine’s Day Delivery Procedures to ensure a smooth and joyful experience for everyone.
Thank you for helping us make this day full of love and happiness! 💕
Sincerely,
Principal Simmons
02/09/2026
📢 Reminder: Saturday School this Saturday, February 7, 2026! 📢
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Snacks will be provided!
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Snacks will be provided!
💙✨ Happy National School Counselors Week (February 2–6, 2026)! ✨💙
Today, we proudly spotlight and celebrate our amazing AMS School Counselors, Ms. King and Mrs. Devine!
Thank you both for your unwavering dedication, compassion, and commitment to our students. Every day, you go above and beyond to support academic success, nurture social-emotional growth, and help our scholars navigate life with confidence and hope.
You are true champions for our students—listeners, encouragers, advocates, and leaders. Albany Middle School is stronger because of you, and we are incredibly grateful for the impact you make in the lives of our students and families.
Join us in thanking Ms. King and Mrs. Devine for all they do! 💙
Principal Simmons
02/05/2026
Today, we proudly spotlight and celebrate our amazing AMS School Counselors, Ms. King and Mrs. Devine!
Thank you both for your unwavering dedication, compassion, and commitment to our students. Every day, you go above and beyond to support academic success, nurture social-emotional growth, and help our scholars navigate life with confidence and hope.
You are true champions for our students—listeners, encouragers, advocates, and leaders. Albany Middle School is stronger because of you, and we are incredibly grateful for the impact you make in the lives of our students and families.
Join us in thanking Ms. King and Mrs. Devine for all they do! 💙
Principal Simmons
02/05/2026
AMS Family,
Small Acts, Can Make A Big Impact!
Our Junior Beta Club kicked off their first community service project of the season with a huge win for our neighbors in Albany! Throughout December, our dedicated members worked together to collect over 300 pairs of socks to support the homeless community.
On Friday, January 30, our club advisor, Ms. R. King (AMS School Counselor) and Ms. N. Tunewald (AMS Office Manager), officially presented the donations to The Salvation Army. These essentials will go a long way in providing warmth and comfort to those who need it most.
🌟 A Special Thank You
We want to send a huge shout-out to Mrs. Carrie at The Salvation Army for her warmth and assistance in making this donation possible.
The Junior Beta Club is so proud of our students' hard work and generosity. We are already looking forward to many more successful partnerships with The Salvation Army in the future!
Principal Simmons
02/04/2026
Small Acts, Can Make A Big Impact!
Our Junior Beta Club kicked off their first community service project of the season with a huge win for our neighbors in Albany! Throughout December, our dedicated members worked together to collect over 300 pairs of socks to support the homeless community.
On Friday, January 30, our club advisor, Ms. R. King (AMS School Counselor) and Ms. N. Tunewald (AMS Office Manager), officially presented the donations to The Salvation Army. These essentials will go a long way in providing warmth and comfort to those who need it most.
🌟 A Special Thank You
We want to send a huge shout-out to Mrs. Carrie at The Salvation Army for her warmth and assistance in making this donation possible.
The Junior Beta Club is so proud of our students' hard work and generosity. We are already looking forward to many more successful partnerships with The Salvation Army in the future!
Principal Simmons
02/04/2026
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Please review the attached Parent Tip Sheets titled “A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Student Success.” These resources are designed to provide helpful strategies to support your child’s academic growth and overall success.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. I am happy to assist.
Thank you in advance for your continued support and partnership.
Sincerely,
Lou Hardy
Parent Facilitator
Albany Middle School
lou.hardy@docoschools.org
229-431-3325
Please review the attached Parent Tip Sheets titled “A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Student Success.” These resources are designed to provide helpful strategies to support your child’s academic growth and overall success.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. I am happy to assist.
Thank you in advance for your continued support and partnership.
Sincerely,
Lou Hardy
Parent Facilitator
Albany Middle School
lou.hardy@docoschools.org
229-431-3325
🎉 Happy National School Counseling Week! 🎉
From February 2–6, 2026, Albany Middle School is joining schools across the country to celebrate the incredible impact of our counselors. This year’s theme, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), is "School Counselors Amplify Student Success".
We want to give a massive shout-out to our very own Ms. King and Mrs. Devine! Thank you for your outstanding service and heart for our students. Every day, you help our students "amplify" their potential by supporting their:
* Academic achievement
* Social and emotional well-being
* Future career goals
We are so grateful for the dedication you show to every student who walks through our doors. Help us show some love for Ms. King and Mrs. Devine!
Sincerely,
Principal Simmons
02/02/2026
From February 2–6, 2026, Albany Middle School is joining schools across the country to celebrate the incredible impact of our counselors. This year’s theme, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), is "School Counselors Amplify Student Success".
We want to give a massive shout-out to our very own Ms. King and Mrs. Devine! Thank you for your outstanding service and heart for our students. Every day, you help our students "amplify" their potential by supporting their:
* Academic achievement
* Social and emotional well-being
* Future career goals
We are so grateful for the dedication you show to every student who walks through our doors. Help us show some love for Ms. King and Mrs. Devine!
Sincerely,
Principal Simmons
02/02/2026
AMS Students,
For the first Monday in Black History Month 2026, we are shouting out a total legend: W. E. B. Du Bois.
Before there was the internet or social media, Mr. Du Bois was the ultimate influencer for civil rights and education. He was the first Black person to earn a PhD from Harvard and he used his platform to change how the world works.
Why you should know him:
The "Double Consciousness" Concept: He wrote about the feeling of having to look at yourself through other people's eyes—something a lot of us still feel today.
Knowledge = Power: He believed that Black students should not just learn a trade; they should be leaders, thinkers, and world-changers. 🧠⚡
The NAACP: He helped start one of the most famous organizations ever to fight for fairness and justice.
Mr. Du Bois knew that your mind is your greatest weapon. He did not just want people to get jobs; he wanted them to get freedom.
Thanks,
Principal Simmons
02/02/2026
For the first Monday in Black History Month 2026, we are shouting out a total legend: W. E. B. Du Bois.
Before there was the internet or social media, Mr. Du Bois was the ultimate influencer for civil rights and education. He was the first Black person to earn a PhD from Harvard and he used his platform to change how the world works.
Why you should know him:
The "Double Consciousness" Concept: He wrote about the feeling of having to look at yourself through other people's eyes—something a lot of us still feel today.
Knowledge = Power: He believed that Black students should not just learn a trade; they should be leaders, thinkers, and world-changers. 🧠⚡
The NAACP: He helped start one of the most famous organizations ever to fight for fairness and justice.
Mr. Du Bois knew that your mind is your greatest weapon. He did not just want people to get jobs; he wanted them to get freedom.
Thanks,
Principal Simmons
02/02/2026
Happy Black History Month, Albany Middle School family!
This February, we are celebrating the incredible stories, inventions, and leaders that have shaped our world. But more importantly, we are looking at how Black History connects to our school’s mission: Belong. Believe. Achieve. Here is how we are living that theme this month:
🤝 BELONG: Black history teaches us that everyone deserves a seat at the table. We honor the leaders who fought to make sure every student—no matter their background—feels like they truly belong in our classrooms and our community.
✨ BELIEVE: From scientists like Alice Ball to poets like Langston Hughes, Black History is full of people who believed in their vision even when others did not. We want YOU to believe in the power of your own voice and your unique potential.
🏆 ACHIEVE: We celebrate the "Firsts"—the first Black doctors, astronauts, and world leaders—who showed us that there are no limits to what you can accomplish. Their achievements paved the way for yours!
Respectfully,
Principal Simmons
02/01/2026
AMS February Calendar Now Available
AMS Families: The February 2026 Calendar of Events is now available online. Please visit this link to download your copy and stay up to date on all upcoming school activities. Calendar Link for February 2026: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fZ2pJGkMXba2ZjDYQ4rEstiy6q_XZIGY/view?usp=sharing
Thank you,
Principal Simmons
02/01/2026
AMS Families: The February 2026 Calendar of Events is now available online. Please visit this link to download your copy and stay up to date on all upcoming school activities. Calendar Link for February 2026: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fZ2pJGkMXba2ZjDYQ4rEstiy6q_XZIGY/view?usp=sharing
Thank you,
Principal Simmons
02/01/2026
📢 Reminder: Saturday School this Saturday, January 31, 2026! 📢
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Snacks will be provided!
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Snacks will be provided!
AMS Saturday School Reminder – January 31, 2026
Dear AMS Students & Parents,
This is a reminder that Saturday School will take place this Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. We look forward to seeing our students as we continue supporting their academic success. A snack will be provided for all students.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Sincerely,
Principal Simmons
January 29, 2026
Dear AMS Students & Parents,
This is a reminder that Saturday School will take place this Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. We look forward to seeing our students as we continue supporting their academic success. A snack will be provided for all students.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Sincerely,
Principal Simmons
January 29, 2026
🎉 Saturday School Update & Upcoming Dates 🎉
AMS families,
Our students had an awesome time at Saturday School today! It was great to see them engaged, focused, and putting in the work to strengthen their learning. We truly appreciate your support in ensuring our students attend and make the most of this opportunity.
Please mark your calendars for the upcoming Saturday School dates for 2026:
📅 January: 24th & 31st
📅 February: 7th & 28th
📅 March: 7th, 14th & 21st
📅 April: 11th, 18th & 25th
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
We look forward to our students continuing to attend and actively engage in Saturday School as we work together to support their academic success. Thank you for your continued partnership!
Thanks,
Principal Simmons
01/24/2026
AMS families,
Our students had an awesome time at Saturday School today! It was great to see them engaged, focused, and putting in the work to strengthen their learning. We truly appreciate your support in ensuring our students attend and make the most of this opportunity.
Please mark your calendars for the upcoming Saturday School dates for 2026:
📅 January: 24th & 31st
📅 February: 7th & 28th
📅 March: 7th, 14th & 21st
📅 April: 11th, 18th & 25th
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
We look forward to our students continuing to attend and actively engage in Saturday School as we work together to support their academic success. Thank you for your continued partnership!
Thanks,
Principal Simmons
01/24/2026
📢 Reminder: Saturday School starts this Saturday, January 24, 2026! 📢
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dear AMS Families,
In honor of the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., school will be closed this Monday, January 19th.
Dr. King famously said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" Whether you spend the day volunteering or resting with loved ones, I hope it is a day of peace and reflection.
Classes will resume as usual on Tuesday, January 20th.
Warmly,
Principal Simmons
01/19/2026
Dear AMS Families,
In honor of the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., school will be closed this Monday, January 19th.
Dr. King famously said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" Whether you spend the day volunteering or resting with loved ones, I hope it is a day of peace and reflection.
Classes will resume as usual on Tuesday, January 20th.
Warmly,
Principal Simmons
01/19/2026
Big win for our Indians!
🏀 Albany Middle kicked off the Deep South Conference playoffs with a gritty 33-30 victory over Lee West!
Huge shoutout to Laminsky Clinton (15 pts) and Willie Cooper (10 pts) for leading the scoring, and Coach Knox for keeping the team focused through a tough second half. See the full article from the Albany Herald: https://albanyherald.com/sports/albany-middle-radium-springs-advance-in-boys-playoffs/
Our boys proved today what it means to BELONG. BELIEVE. ACHIEVE. Let’s keep this momentum going into the next round! Go Indians! 🔴
Principal Simmons
01/16/2026
🏀 Albany Middle kicked off the Deep South Conference playoffs with a gritty 33-30 victory over Lee West!
Huge shoutout to Laminsky Clinton (15 pts) and Willie Cooper (10 pts) for leading the scoring, and Coach Knox for keeping the team focused through a tough second half. See the full article from the Albany Herald: https://albanyherald.com/sports/albany-middle-radium-springs-advance-in-boys-playoffs/
Our boys proved today what it means to BELONG. BELIEVE. ACHIEVE. Let’s keep this momentum going into the next round! Go Indians! 🔴
Principal Simmons
01/16/2026
We look forward to partnering with you during our upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences scheduled for Thursday, January 15 & Friday, January 16, 2026.
