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Dear Parents,
We have had a wonderful week in the Middle School! We are very pleased with our students' motivation to learn as well as to their commitment to our school norms of respect for oneself, others, and this place.
On Wednesday, November 26 we will send out progress reports (also know as "Cause for Concern" reports). Teachers prepare these reports (via PowerSchool) when their is a concern about a student's academic and/or behavior progress. 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. To view our MS reporting calendar, please check out this document: MS Reporting Calendar 25-26 PV.
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.
Parents, as we enter the holiday season, I want to again remind everyone about the importance of being in school each day. We understand that some families will need to take extra vacation days due to special circumstances. Still, it is worth reminding everyone that students are expected to attend school each day of the year. Students who miss even one day of school can have a difficult time catching up with their classmates.
We are excited to announce another morning "coffee" for MS parents on December 4 at 9:00-10:00 on the MS Steps. This workshop is entitled The Middle School Student's Social and Emotional Landscape. The workshop will help parents gain a deeper understanding of the evolving social dynamics in Middle School and learn about crucial school support systems. Parents will leave with effective, actionable ways to foster their child's resilience and emotional health at home. We hope that you can join us.
Finally, our PE/Health teachers have updated the Middle School Health Units Overview 25-26 document. Parents will get an overview of key health topics covered in the MS curriculum. Additionally, we have updated our Middle School Advisory Program Overview 25-26. We trust that both of these documents will provide our parents with useful information.
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 explored how our personal and social characteristics shape the way we see ourselves and interact with others. Through activities like identity discussions, our Intersect Madrid workshop, and the inside–outside circles protocol, students practiced sharing parts of who they are, listening with curiosity, and noticing the difference between visible and invisible personal characteristics. We also reflected on how identity connects to kindness, inclusion, and the impact of our words.
To continue this work at home, you might try asking your child about something important to who they are that others might not know, or talk together about what identities feel most visible or invisible in your family. Encouraging open conversations about respect, belonging, and how we treat others helps reinforce the skills we are building in school.
GRADE 7 ADVISORY
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, students engaged in a crucial exploration of personal values. They were tasked with identifying their core beliefs and defining their "hard no's"—those non-negotiable boundaries essential for maintaining self-integrity. This inquiry included proactive discussions on strategies for navigating tricky situations that may challenge their resolve. Our goal is to equip students with the self-awareness and practical skills needed to remain true to themselves when faced with difficult choices.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Parents, please mark your calendars for these key MS events.
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.
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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