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Dear Parents,
We have had a great start to 2026! The students returned to school recharged and ready to dive into the second half of the school year.
Thank you to those parents who were able to attend the grade 6 science fair this past week. The students appreciated having an audience at their thermal device heat transfer presentations.
Parents are reminded that the first term ends on Friday, January 23. The second term begins on Monday, January 26. The students will receive their mid-year report cards on February. More information about the mid-year report cards will be provided as we approach this date.
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
This week in Grade 7 Advisory, students continued exploring the complexities of navigating friend groups and social dynamics. Throughout the week, students reflected on how their friendships have evolved from simple playground interactions to more complex social circles. Through journaling and interactive activities, they identified personal non-negotiables for healthy friendships and examined various roles within a group—such as the "Bridge," who helps others feel included, and the "Peacekeeper," who helps de-escalate tension. We concluded the week by "busting" friendship myths, specifically challenging the idea that loyalty requires silence. Instead, students discussed how true loyalty is built on honesty and shared values like kindness, empowering them to foster a more supportive and transparent community.
GRADE 8 ADVISORY
This week in Advisory, we explored the concept of “The Box,” drawing on Rosalind Wiseman’s research into adolescent social dynamics. We discussed the invisible pressure students feel to fit into narrow definitions of masculinity and femininity—the "Boy Box" or "Girl Box"—in order to feel accepted. Students examined how these unspoken rules dictate everything from emotional expression to interests, and how trying to stay inside "The Box" often creates anxiety and insecurity.
Our goal was to help students recognize that many of the social rules they treat as natural are actually just expectations that can be challenged. By naming these pressures, we are working to create a community where belonging isn’t conditional on "acting tough" or "being perfect," but is instead rooted in respecting everyone’s right to be their authentic self.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Parents, please mark your calendars for these key MS events.
Jan 21: Early release day. Students depart campus by 2:00.
Jan 23: Spring ASA spreadsheet shared with parents; Last day of Semester 1
Jan 26: First day of Semester 2
Jan 26 – Jan 30: Spring ASA sign-up week
Feb 4: Mid-term Reports Cards issued on PowerSchool
Feb 9 – May 29: Spring ASA season
Absence Reminder
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.
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.
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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