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Dear Parents,
Thank you for the wonderful turnout at the MS Winter Holiday Concert last evening. The students worked hard over the past few months to prepare the lovely arrangements of songs. It was great seeing so many parents and siblings attend the concert.
As we enter this final week of school before the holidays, we are working hard to keep the students focused on their school work. We can already see that the excitement of the holidays is upon us, and maintaining the students' attention in class will become even more challenging. Still, let's all remind our students to stay focused and work hard up through December 19.
As a reminder, parents, please let us know at least two days in advance if you plan on taking your child out of school early for vacation. You can email our attendance clerk at msattendance@asmadrid.es. I also want to repeat the importance of planning vacations around our published school calendar. Every day of school counts, and it is often difficult for students to catch up with their learning when they are absent from school.
I want to highlight here our campaign to address two important topics: foul language and punctuality. We have noticed an uptick in the use of foul language (in English and Spanish) at school. We also have a plan in place to address students who use foul language. Students are "called out" and "called in" when found using foul language. We speak with the students and have them reflect in writing. In some cases, we apply punitive consequences for students who use of foul language is chronic. Parents, we appreciate your partnership in addressing this issue by speaking with your children about this topic.
Finally, on behalf of the MS staff, I want to wish everyone a very safe and relaxing holiday season. We look forward to seeing our students back in school in the new year on January 8.
As always, please check out This Week in Advisory and the weekly announcements below.
Kind regards,
Mike Nugent
Middle School Director
American School of Madrid
THIS WEEK IN ADVISORY
GRADE 6 ADVISORY
This week in Advisory, students focused on two important themes. First, they learned about intent and impact and practiced simple strategies for repairing misunderstandings with friends. Through short skits and group discussion, they explored how to take responsibility and respond with empathy when their actions affect others. We also began our Digital Citizenship unit, where students examined how their online posts, comments, and photos shape their digital identity and how to make choices that reflect their values.
How families can support at home
• Talk about moments when intent and impact do not match and how to make things right
• Encourage simple repair phrases that help students communicate clearly
• Review privacy settings together and discuss healthy online sharing
• Ask your child what they want their digital footprint to say about them
GRADE 7 ADVISORY
Students recently participated in an Intersect workshop led by Shanah, which focused on reviewing social identity markers and understanding the concept of privilege—defined as unearned advantages. The primary goal was to help students analyze how specific identity markers can either grant or take away privileges, fostering a shared understanding of how this dynamic looks within the ASM community. Following the main session, students continued this crucial work in advisory periods through a reflective game designed to process and discuss the complex topic of privilege with their peers.
GRADE 8 ADVISORY
This was a short week in Grade 8 Advisory with no school Monday and an ERD on Wednesday. Students began by preparing for the week, and taking part in a Digital Citizenship survey. These results have and will be used to develop our curriculum to meet student needs. On Friday we presented this information back to students in our last Town Hall of the year. Advisory Representatives were also busy at work developing the student 'takeover' week next week!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Parents, please mark your calendars for these key MS events.
Dec 19: Last day of school before holidays. Students go home at 4:00. No ASAs or sport practices
Jan 8: First day of school in the new year.
Jan 23: Spring ASA spreadsheet shared with parents
Jan 26 – Jan 30: Spring ASA sign-up week
Feb 9 – May 29: Spring ASA season
MS Health Units Overview
Our PE/Health teachers have updated the Middle School Health Units Overview 25-26 document. The overview provides a look at the key health topics covered in the MS curriculum.
MS Advisory Program Overview
We have updated our Middle School Advisory Program Overview 25-26. This document provides an overview of our MS advisory program, including topics that are pertinent at each grade level.
MS Math Olympiads Update
The Math Olympiads currently has over 20 members from across the Middle School. Our activities include engaging with challenging puzzles, non-routine mathematical problems, and logic games. These activities are designed to enhance critical thinking and foster the sharing of ideas among participants. Recently, our members participated in their first in-house competition, the results of which will be compared with those of Middle School students globally. Students have been enjoying thinking and and learning together, sharing ideas, and exploring math beyond the classroom.
THE PULSE! READ ALL ABOUT IT!
The Middle School communicates important information to students through the MS Lancer Pulse. Students are asked each week to read the announcements in "The Pulse" during advisory time.
AFTER-SCHOOL SUPPORT: BUILDING STUDENT SELF-ADVOCACY
Helping students learn the art of self-advocacy and taking responsibility for their own learning is essential for their growth and success. We encourage students to take charge by seeking extra help when needed. Our after-school extended learning labs and teacher office hours provide excellent opportunities for students to demonstrate this responsibility and get the support they need. Please read this document for more information about after-school support.
ATTENDANCE AT AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Our students have been reminded that they must attend their after-school activity. We have noticed that some students have chosen to skip their ASA. The ASA sponsors take attendance, and parents will be contacted if their child does not attend the ASA regularly.
AFTER-SCHOOL PROCEDURES
Parents and students should be familiar with our MS After-school Procedures. Please ask the Middle School Director if you have any questions about these procedures. Please also note that students must leave campus after their ASA, sport, or private music lesson is completed. Students are not allowed to remain on campus unsupervised. We ask that parents make arrangements to pick up their children as soon as the activity ends.
FROM THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE
If your family is being transferred during this academic year, please contact Admissions - admissions@asmadrid.es
BIRTHDAY SNACKS IN MS
Students are welcome to bring in a snack to share with their advisory to celebrate their birthdays. We ask that students not bring in snacks to share with their friends, as this can lead to students feeling left out or food frenzies during break and lunch times. Parents are kindly reminded not to bring surprise treats to their children during the school day, including at lunch time.
PUNCTUALITY IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Punctuality is very important in the Middle School. We kindly ask that parents drop their students off at no later than 8:45 A.M. This allows the students plenty of time to walk from their car to the MS building, pick up their materials from their lockers, and move on to their first class.
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