GRADE 6 ADVISORY 

This week, sixth graders focused on preparing and practicing for their Student-Led Conferences (SLCs). Students finalized their slides, reflected on their learning progress, and practiced speaking clearly and confidently about their growth. Advisors supported students in refining their presentations and building self-confidence, enabling them to communicate their academic strengths and goals authentically to their families.

In addition to SLC preparation, students also received a quick tech reminder to update their school passwords and got excited about the Lancer Intramural Sports League volleyball season. It’s been a short but productive week filled with reflection, pride, and community spirit!

GRADE 7 ADVISORY

During this shorter week, students revisited their end-of-year report cards using the Pluses and Deltas protocol, a reflective approach that helps them identify both strengths and areas for growth. Through one-on-one conversations, they are exploring how these insights apply to their current year. This reflection serves as valuable groundwork for next week’s preparation for the upcoming Student-Led Conferences, scheduled to take place at the end of the month.

GRADE 8  ADVISORY

This week, students finalized their preparations for the Student-Led Conferences and Advisory/Academic Conferences. We encourage all parents to remember that these conferences are built around a vital reflection and goal-setting process. This is not the end, but rather the beginning of an ongoing conversation. Please use the insights gained today to continue these discussions at home with your child.

Our home-school partnership is crucial for student success. Remember that we are here to support this journey, and your child's Advisor is the key contact for ongoing guidance, reassurance and help! 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

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

• Nov 10: No school. Holiday!

• Nov 19: ASM colloquium "The Spark" all day; Early release day. Students dismissed at 1:45.

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

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

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

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT FOR DIGITAL LITERACY & WELL-BEING
Thursday, November 6, 2025 · 7:00 PM CET

We invite ASM parents to join this special online workshop from Common Sense Media, our trusted partner in digital citizenship education. Register here.

In this session, parents and caregivers will explore how to help children navigate media and technology with confidence and care. Learn practical ways to strengthen your child’s digital literacy and well-being, foster healthy tech habits at home, and start meaningful conversations that keep curiosity and empathy at the center of digital life.

Can’t make it live? Register anyway to receive the recording and resources afterward.

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.