GRADE 6 ADVISORY 

This week in Advisory, students continued building our Caring and Connected Community by focusing on gratitude, positive communication, and the impact our words have on others. 

We began the week by reconnecting, getting organized, and wrapping up our “Just Kidding” lessons, where students explored the difference between playful teasing, annoying teasing, and hurtful teasing. On Tuesday, we shifted into our Gratitude theme, learning about the science behind appreciation, reflecting on the people who support us, and brainstorming meaningful ways to express thanks. We wrapped up on Wednesday with a 6th Grade Town Hall on the MS steps, where students shared appreciations and created gratitude cards for people who have made a difference in their lives. 

As we head into the long weekend, the 6th grade team wants to warmly thank you for your ongoing support, because your partnership truly strengthens our community. Wishing you and your family a restful and joyful Thanksgiving break! 🦃 🫶 

GRADE 7 ADVISORY

This week, our students continued  exploring  digital citizenship—understanding how to interact with technology and each other online responsibly. Last week focused on the digital footprint, and this week we are diving into the critical skills of media literacy and the serious topic of misinformation. The rise of realistic AI-generated content (deepfakes) makes discerning truth from falsehood harder than ever. We are equipping students with practical strategies to help them become critical consumers of online information. We had a serious discussion about the potential outcomes of creating or sharing misinformation, even if done accidentally or as a "joke." It is crucial for students to understand that online actions have real-world consequences. Working together, we empower our children to be responsible and safe digital citizens. 

GRADE 8  ADVISORY

This week in advisory, our students are focusing on making informed choices that align with their personal values and identity, especially when navigating pressure. We are practicing how to weigh facts against their own sense of self—a skill that applies to many situations, including a recent talk they attended with a doctor about the risks of smoking and vaping. This is a great opportunity to continue the conversation at home. Asking simple, open-ended questions about their values or how they handle pressure can be very powerful. Thank you for your partnership.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Parents, please mark your calendars for these key MS events.

• Nov 19: Early release day. Students dismissed at 1:45 PM.

• Nov 21-23: MUN students travel to AS Valencia for Model United Nations Conference

• Nov 26: Cause for Concern reports published on PowerSchool at 4:00 PM

• Nov 27-28: No School. Thanksgiving! Gobble gobble!

• Dec 4: MS Parent Coffee, 9:00-10:00 MS Steps. Topic TBA.

Cause for Concern Reports

On November 26 we will send out progress reports (also know as "Cause for Concern" reports). Teachers send these reports (via PowerSchool) to the parents of students who are performing at a "C" level or below in the class. More information regarding these reports will be sent to parents later this month. To view our MS reporting calendar, please check out this document: MS Reporting Calendar 25-26 PV

TUTORING 

Throughout the school year, we learn that some students receive tutoring outside of school. Parents are reminded to contact the Middle School support teachers before seeking tutoring or professional support for their children. Eric Hofschire, our Middle School learning support teacher, will advise parents about the need for outside support. The Middle School has an extensive academic and social/emotional support system in place at school. Most students' academic and social/emotional needs can be met by the resources that we have at school. Our learning support team will recommend tutoring only in exceptional cases. 

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.

GRADE 8 AFTER-SCHOOL OFF-CAMPUS PRIVILEGE

Grade 8 students who have submitted the Grade 8 After-school Off-Campus Privilege Form may go off campus beginning on October 8 at 4:00 P.M. and return to campus at 5:00 to take the activities bus or attend a late sports practice. Students in Grades 6 and 7 do not have this privilege. Once Grade 6 and 7 students leave campus at 4:00 P.M., they may not return to campus. Parents should be aware that some students go off campus at 4:00 P.M. to hang out with friends at the mall or in the local neighborhood. Friday is often a popular day for students to gather off campus after school. We kindly ask that parents be aware of their children’s after-school plans. 

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.