Albany Middle School -

Dear AMS Parents and Guardians: This is a Friendly Reminder. Please join us, for our upcoming Parent Event: "How to Monitor a Child's Progress" on January 28, 2025, at 5:30, which will be held in the Cafeteria. This event will provide valuable information and resources to help you support your child’s academic journey and ensure they are on track for success. During the event, we will cover: Understanding academic progress and report cards; Tools, and strategies to track your child's achievements; Effective communication with teachers and school staff; Ways to support your child's growth both academically and socially. We encourage you to attend, ask questions, and engage with our school community. We believe your involvement is crucial to your child’s success, and this meeting is a great opportunity to stay connected and informed. We look forward to seeing you there. If you have any questions or need additional information, don't hesitate to get in touch with Ms. Hardy, your Parent Facilitator via email or phone. Thank you for your ongoing support. We appreciate your commitment to your child’s education and success. We Look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 5:30 PM. Sincerely, Ms. Lou Hardy, Parent Facilitator lou.hardy@docoschools.org 229-431-3325

Subject: Important Update: Saturday School and After-School Start Dates Dear Albany Middle School Families, We hope you are staying warm and safe! Due to last week's snow days, Saturday School will now begin on Saturday, February 1st, and After-School programs will start on Monday, February 3rd. More details will be shared with students and parents later this week. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we adjust our schedule. Thanks, Principal Simmons 01/26/2025

Dear Albany Middle School Students and Parents, At Albany Middle School, we build champions. The goal of a champion is to "Empower, Inspire, & Lead". As we prepare to return to school tomorrow, I want to encourage everyone—students and parents alike—to embrace the champion mindset. To our students: Believe in yourselves. You have the power to accomplish great things, not just for yourselves, but for your classmates and school community. Encourage each other, support one another, and foster a culture of belief in each other. Champions lift others up, and together, we can achieve incredible success. To our parents: You play a significant role in your child's academic and emotional success. Your encouragement, involvement, and support at home and in our school community make a lasting difference. Together, we can ensure every child feels empowered and inspired to lead their own path to success. After a week of enjoying a snow break and creating special moments with family and friends, it’s now time to return to school with great intentions. Let’s focus on being attentive, engaged, and committed to learning as we step back into the classroom. I look forward to seeing everyone in the morning as we return to normalcy, ready to learn, grow, and lead together. Warm thanks, Principal Simmons 01/26/2025

Subject: Parent-Teacher Conferences This Week Dear Albany Middle School Families, We are excited to connect with you during Parent-Teacher Conferences this week! Please note the following details: 📅 Student Early Release: Thursday, January 30th, and Friday, January 31st Students will be dismissed at 1:30 P.M. 📅 Conference Times: Thursday, January 30th: Walk-ins welcome from 3:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. (appointments are preferred). Friday, January 31st: Conferences by teacher-scheduled appointments only from 2:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. 📄 Additional Information: Please review the Parent-Teacher Conference Letter, available in multiple languages, for more details. To schedule an appointment, scan the QR code provided on the letter or use the following link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12AyeLxI4tK5L03mhvid8H-Jb6Ox0WhFCA0bUcyZm_lY/edit Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s success. We look forward to seeing you! Respectfully, Principal Simmons 01/25/2025

Sorry, AMS is closed this Friday due to potential hazards related to melting snow. School reopens Monday, 01/27/2025 at 7:30 A.M.

Albany Middle School will be closed on January 23rd for another snow day. Hopefully, school will reopen Friday if weather permits. Thanks, Principal Simmons 01/22/2025

WEATHER CLOSURE: Based on the current conditions, it’s not likely that Tuesday’s historic snowfall will melt away before temperatures drop again tonight, which could lead to unsafe road conditions for our buses Thursday morning. Out of an abundance of caution, the DCSS will close schools Thursday with plans to reopen Friday.

Dear AMS Parents and Guardians: This notice/invitation finds you well. We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Parent Event: "How to Monitor a Child's Progress" on January 28, 2025, at 5:30, which will be held in the Cafeteria. This event will provide valuable information and resources to help you support your child’s academic journey and ensure they are on track for success. During the event, we will cover: Understanding academic progress and report cards; Tools, and strategies to track your child's achievements; Effective communication with teachers and school staff; Ways to support your child's growth both academically and socially. We encourage you to attend, ask questions, and engage with our school community. We believe your involvement is crucial to your child’s success, and this meeting is a great opportunity to stay connected and informed. We look forward to seeing you there. If you have any questions or need additional information, don't hesitate to get in touch with Ms. Hardy, your Parent Facilitator via email or phone. Thank you for your ongoing support. We appreciate your commitment to your child’s education and success. We Look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 5:30 PM. Sincerely, Ms. Lou Hardy, Parent Facilitator lou.hardy@docoschools.org 229-431-3325

Subject: Albany Middle’s Winter Wonderland! ❄️ Good morning, Albany Middle School Family! Our community has transformed into a Winter Wonderland! We were gifted with at least 6 inches of snow overnight, and with the crisp 15-degree weather, it’s a perfect day to embrace the magic of the season. Let’s all get outside, build a snowman, and enjoy the fresh white blanket of snow. Don’t forget to capture the fun! Take plenty of pictures to share with your family, friends, classmates, and co-workers—we’d love to see your snowy creations! Stay warm, stay safe, and let’s make this a day to remember! Warmly, Principal Simmons 01/22/2025

Dear Albany Middle School Family, Due to the forecast of frigid weather, including the likelihood of snow and ice, Dougherty County Schools will be closed on Tuesday, January 21, and Wednesday, January 22, 2025. The potentially hazardous driving conditions make this decision necessary to ensure the safety of our school community. We anticipate reopening on Thursday, January 23, 2025, weather permitting. Please stay tuned for further updates as we continue to monitor the situation. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Stay safe and warm during this time, and we look forward to seeing everyone back soon! Warm regards, Principal Simmons 01/20/2025

Dear AMS Families, This is a reminder that AMS will be closed on Monday, 01/20/2025, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Dr. King’s legacy resonates deeply, particularly here in Albany, Georgia, where the Civil Rights Movement made significant strides toward equality and justice. His unwavering commitment to nonviolence, education, and community inspires us to empower, inspire, and lead as we shape tomorrow’s leaders. Thank you for your support, Principal Simmons 01/19/2025

WEATHER INFO: The district is monitoring an approaching cold front that has the potential to bring snow and ice to our area next week. We will provide updates on our official channels - website, mobile app, SMS and Rooms -- if there are any changes to school operations.

🏀✨ AMS Senior Night Celebration and Final Home Basketball Games✨🏀 Join us tonight at the AMS gym as we honor our senior student-athletes! The Lady Indians tips off at 5:00 PM, with the AMS Senior Night celebration immediately following. Let's pack the gym and show our support! 💙🎉

Good afternoon parents and guardians, Selected students have been selected to attend our RACE2Learn After-school and Saturday School Program. Please ask your child if they received a letter. Thanks in advance.

GAME RECAP: 01/09/2025 - AMS vs RSMS What an exhilarating evening at Radium Springs Middle School! 🎉 Our Lady Indians took the court and showed why they are the City Champs, securing an early victory! 🏆 The boys battled fiercely against the Panthers, and though it was a nail-biter in the fourth quarter, they came up just a bit short. But don’t worry, they’ll be ready for the playoffs! 💪 Our cheerleaders were incredible, radiating school spirit and energizing the fans! 💖 At Albany Middle School, we build "CHAMPIONS!" Let's continue to "EMPOWER, INSPIRE, and LEAD" our way to victory! What was your favorite moment from the game? Please Share!

Subject: Staying Focused During the 3rd Nine Weeks: Preparation for Georgia Milestones Dear AMS Parents/Guardians, As we enter the 3rd Nine-Weeks, we want to emphasize the importance of your child staying focused in class. This is a critical time in the school year, and it is essential for students to maintain their interest and effort in their academic work. Our faculty and staff are entering BOOTCAMP MODE, an intensive preparation phase for the upcoming Georgia Milestones Assessment, where we will focus on equipping students with the skills needed to excel. To ensure effectiveness, we will have a low-tolerance for classroom distractions. Here are some ways you can support your child during this important time: ● Promote Good Study Habits: Encourage your child to review class materials daily, complete classwork on time, and ask for help when needed. ● Ensure Adequate Sleep: A well-rested mind is crucial for learning. Make sure your child gets enough sleep each night to be prepared for school. ● Stay Engaged: Discuss your child's classes and progress regularly, and maintain communication with teachers if you have concerns or need updates. With your partnership, we can ensure that every student is fully prepared and confident for testing in May. Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to help your child succeed. If you have any questions or need further guidance, please feel free to reach out. Sincerely. Principal Simmons 01/07/2025

Subject: Reminder: Reinforcing the School Dress Code Policy We are reaching out to request your support in enforcing our school dress code policy. Recently, we have noticed an increase in students, particularly male students, arriving at school in sagging pants or pants that do not fit properly. This trend often leads to undergarments being visible, which violates our dress code and disrupts our goal of maintaining a respectful and focused learning environment. Many of the dress code violations have been observed among students who are car riders. We ask that parents and guardians ensure their child is dressed appropriately before leaving for school each morning. Moving forward: ● Any student found in violation of the dress code will not be allowed to attend class until the issue is resolved. ● Repeated violations will lead to disciplinary actions as outlined in our school policies. Your cooperation is crucial in helping us maintain a positive environment for all students. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your partnership in supporting our students' success. If you have any questions regarding the dress code policy, please feel free to reach out. Sincerely, Principal Simmons 01/07/2025

Subject: Important Reminder: No Electronic Smoking Devices Allowed on Campus We want to remind parents and guardians about the serious implications of electronic smoking devices, such as VAPES (containing Nicotine, THC, or TCHA), in middle school. It is crucial to discuss the consequences of possessing these items with your child. Our district has a strict policy against the possession, use, or distribution of any electronic smoking devices and related tobacco products, which include: ● Cigarettes ● Smokeless tobacco ● Hookah ● Cigars ● Pipe tobacco ● Liquid nicotine ● Electronic nicotine delivery systems (e-cigarettes, e-liquids and VAPES) Georgia law, through the Tobacco 21 (T21) initiative, prohibits individuals under the age of 21 from purchasing, using, or possessing tobacco products. This legislation is designed to protect youth from harmful substances. Students caught with electronic smoking devices on campus will face significant disciplinary actions according to school policies. We encourage open discussions at home about the risks and legal repercussions of these products to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all students. Thank you for your cooperation, Principal Simmons 01/07/2025

Subject: Important: Timely Student Pick-Up Due to Cold Weather Dear AMS Parents/Guardians, Due to extremely cold weather conditions in Albany, with temperatures expected to remain well below freezing for the rest of this week, we kindly ask that all students be picked up promptly at 3:30 PM or no later than 3:45 PM each day. Your cooperation ensures that our students, teachers, and staff remain safe and warm during these harsh conditions. Thank you for your attention and support. Please make sure to bundle up, wear protective clothing, and dress for the severe cold. Stay warm, Principal Simmons 01/06/2025

AMS Students & Parents, Please review the AMS - Monthly Calendar - January 2025. It lists all of our school activities taking place in January. Thanks, Principal Simmons 01/06/2025