Message from Principal
Message from Principal
Shelly Camp
Altar Valley Middle School
Embedded Files
A Grateful Farewell and Exciting Year-End Highlights
Dear Parents and Students,
As we approach the final days of the 2024–2025 school year, I want to take a moment to thank you for allowing me the privilege of spending time with your students. Over the course of my 30-year career in education, I can truly say that the past eight years at Altar Valley Middle School have been among the best.
As we wrap up the year, here are some important upcoming events to keep in mind:
April 30: Family Fun Night at AVMS | 5:30 – 7:00 PM
– Includes information on the 5th grade transition and 8th grade promotionMay 1–3: 8th Grade Trip to Universal Studios
May 9: 5th Grade Students Visit AVMS
May 15: Open Enrollment Applications Due for the 2025–2026 School Year
May 16: Eagles of Excellence Awards Celebration | 11:45 AM
May 20: 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony | 6:00 PM
May 22: Last Day of School – A day full of fun, friendship, and lasting memories!
There’s still space available for our STEM Summer Camp! Please reach out to the front office for more information.
For the final time, I would like to thank the students, staff, parents, and entire Altar Valley community for an incredible eight years. My time at AVMS and Robles will always hold a special place in my heart.
Wishing you all a joyful summer and an amazing 2025–2026 school year ahead!
Warmly,
Shelly Camp
Principal, Altar Valley Middle School
Altar Valley Middle School Sports in Full Swing:
2024–2025 Season Kicks Off Strong
by Chona Gambong, Athletic Director and Physical Education Teacher
The 2024–2025 sports season at Altar Valley Middle School kicked off with energy, enthusiasm, and a strong sense of community. Since August, our student-athletes have been training hard, showing great sportsmanship, and proudly representing AVMS in various competitions. With a season that spans through April 2025, our teams continue to grow in skill, unity, and determination. From the first whistle to the final buzzer, AVMS is all in—celebrating not just wins, but the lessons learned and friendships formed along the way.
A Year in Review:
First Quarter: Setting the Stage for Success
The school year kicked off with a vibrant surge of athletic energy. A remarkable 28 student-athletes stepped onto the court as part of the Girls Volleyball team, while 24 enthusiastic players hit the field for Football. Their drive, energy, and early-season determination built the foundation for what would become a dynamic and inspiring year in sports at Altar Valley Middle School.
Second Quarter: Skills and Sportsmanship Take the Spotlight
With the arrival of fall, AVMS athletes transitioned into new sports with the same spirited dedication. The Girls Soccer team, made up of 23 skilled players, brought intensity and finesse to the field, while 18 Boys Basketball players delivered thrilling performances on the court. Their sportsmanship and discipline were applauded throughout the season, raising the bar for athletic excellence at AVMS.
Third Quarter: Springing Forward with Strength
As winter faded, the athletic momentum continued into the spring months. AVMS was well-represented with 21 Boys taking the field for Soccer and another 21 Girls bringing fierce competition and camaraderie to the Basketball court. Despite seasonal transitions and tight schedules, these teams pressed forward with resilience, showcasing growth, grit, and unshakable teamwork.
Fourth Quarter: Finishing Strong on the Field
The final quarter brought a powerful close to the AVMS sports year, as 24 Baseball players and 22 Softball athletes stepped up to the plate with pride and purpose. Their unwavering dedication, teamwork, and love for the game were visible in every inning. Our Softball players, in particular, stood out—not only for their athletic skills but for their outstanding character—earning the Southern Valley League 2025 “Sportsmanship Award.” This recognition speaks volumes about the values we uphold at Altar Valley: respect, integrity, and unity. The Softball team didn’t just compete—they inspired. Their positive attitude, graciousness in both victory and defeat, and support for one another created a ripple effect throughout the school community.
As the sun set on another incredible sports season, AVMS celebrates not just the wins, but the life lessons, friendships, and memories that our athletes carry with them—on and off the field.
Athlete Reflections: 8th Graders Share Their Sports Journey
Reflecting on their journey through Altar Valley Middle School athletics, 8th grade athletes Iyleah Fingar, Anissa Noriega, and Darian Lefler shared heartfelt thoughts on what sports have meant to them—and how their experiences will guide them as they move forward.
Iyleah Fingar shared, “Being part of AVMS sports taught me confidence and discipline. I learned how to work with others and believe in myself, even when things got tough.”
Anissa Noriega reflected, “Every practice and game helped shape who I am today. I’ll never forget the bonds I built with my teammates and the support we gave each other.”
Darian Lefler expressed, “Playing sports at AVMS taught me how to push my limits and keep going. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, and I’m thankful for the coaches and teammates who were there along the way.”
Each of them agreed that the training, teamwork, and life lessons they’ve gained will give them a strong foundation as they take on new challenges in high school sports.
Their words capture the spirit of AVMS athletics—growth, resilience, and lasting memories.
Community Support:
The 2024–2025 sports season at Altar Valley Middle School thrived thanks to the incredible support from our entire community. Parents generously donated food and sports equipment, coaches went above and beyond to mentor and motivate, and the district provided strong backing to ensure every team had what they needed to succeed.
This collective effort created an environment where student-athletes felt valued supported, and inspired—proving that at AVMS, sports are a true community win.
Looking Ahead:
As Altar Valley Middle School wraps up an exciting 2024–2025 sports season, the focus now shifts to the future. With growing participation, strong community backing, and a dedicated coaching staff, AVMS is set to continue its tradition of excellence in athletics.
Plans are already underway to enhance training, expand opportunities, and strengthen student engagement across all sports. The future looks bright, and the AVMS athletic program is ready to rise even higher—one season, one team, and one student-athlete at a time.
SEAS Class Attends Special Needs Day at the
Pima County Fair – A Day to Remember
By Gloria Vasquez, SEAS Program, 6–8 Grade Exceptional Student Education
On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the SEAS class had the enriching opportunity to attend Special Needs Day at the Pima County Fair. This event was thoughtfully designed to offer a sensory-friendly experience tailored for individuals with special needs, allowing our students to fully engage in a welcoming and supportive environment.
The day was filled with meaningful social-emotional learning moments. Students gained confidence, strengthened their social skills, and built empathy through real-world experiences and positive peer interactions. The fair fostered a strong sense of community and belonging, providing a unique space for students to bond, work as a team, and celebrate their individuality.
A highlight of the day was the opportunity for students to exercise independence, navigating the fair, making decisions about activities, and problem-solving together. The experience culminated in a shared sit-down lunch at McDonald’s, where each student placed their own order and enjoyed a moment of reflection with classmates. It was a powerful reminder of how far they’ve come in their journey of growth.
Watching our students collaborate, communicate, and simply enjoy themselves was truly inspiring. We are incredibly proud of all they accomplished. It was a day to remember—and certainly one for the books!
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