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Dear Parents,
I would like to thank those parents who were able to attend Thursday's workshop on the MS "Social Emotional Landscape". We may repeat this session after the holiday. You can check out the slide presentation here. Please note that the slides are only a guide. The commentary and observations provided by Mr. Chambers, Ms. Cotillo, and the participants rounded out this workshop.
Some parents at the workshop inquired about "conversation starters" to get Middle Schoolers talking at the dinner table. We have not see these cards offered in Spain. Here is an Amazon link: "Table Topics Teen Question Cards"
On Thursday, December 11 we will hold our annual MS Holiday Concert at 7:00 PM in the auditorium. Parents, if your child is performing, we kindly request your attendance at this wonderful event. Your children have been preparing diligently for this event since September, and they will certainly appreciate seeing you in the audience. We request that parents and students remain for the entire performance. We feel that it is important that the students who perform early in the concert hear their peers who perform later. Finally, we ask that parents arrive on time to the concert so as not to disrupt the performance when entering the auditorium.
As a reminder, on Wednesday, November 26 teachers prepared progress reports (also know as "Cause for Concern" reports) for students where there is a concern about academic and/or behavioral progress. You can find these reports on PowerSchool. It is important to note that not all students receive a "Cause for Concern" report. Parents are reminded to check PowerSchool to get an understanding of their child's progress.
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 othersg. 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
This week's Advisory focused on equipping students with crucial skills to navigate social and digital environments safely, beginning by identifying the three core characteristics of traditional bullying (aggressiveness, repetition, and power imbalance). We then shifted to defining cyberbullying as online harassment and recognizing its various forms (like trolling and doxing), culminating in practical strategies for students to safely respond to these incidents (save evidence, don't engage, report) and promoting overall positive online interactions to foster a respectful community.
GRADE 8 ADVISORY
This week in Advisory Grade 8 have had a week to catch up on miscellaneous activities. Students had check-ins with Advisors, as well as extra academic time, given the time of year, and amount of deadlines looking. Our Advisory Representatives are also hard at work preparing for Winter week, in which students get to 'take over' Advisory and lead activities! On Friday we had a whole Middle School Community meeting to round off our week.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Parents, please mark your calendars for these key MS events.
Dec 8: No school. Spanish holiday
Dec 10: Early release day. Students are dismissed at 1:45 PM.
Dec 11: MS Holiday Concert, 7:00 PM, auditorium
Dec 19: Last day of school before holidays. Students go home at 4:00. No ASAs or sport practices
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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