Auburn Middle School News
October 2016
Dear Wildcat Parents,
Happy fall, and welcome to the wonderful leaf and pumpkin season! We have completed our first quarter
of the school year and report cards will be coming home next week. I hope you are finding Blackboard
useful for keeping up with your child’s assignments and grades. Teachers are updating every two weeks,
but if you feel you are missing something please feel free to email your child’s teachers for more specific
information.
We are in full swing with our sports activities, our extra help sessions, and our clubs. If you are looking
for something to get your child involved in we have about 30 clubs here from running to robotics to
rockets and much more. Please encourage your child to get involved. Speaking of activities, we are
holding our first dance for all grade levels next Friday, October 28th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. It is sure to be a
fun time and we would love to see everyone attend. Don’t forget the pickup time however.
We have our author visit next week as well. Anne Westrick, author of Brotherhood, will be visiting with
all grade levels on Tuesday, October 25, and conducting a writer’s workshop for the 7th and 8th grade
students. We are all looking forward to meeting her and listening to her experiences.
In November, we have several important functions going on. November 4th,Friday we will have our
Variety Show. This is an annual event that brings a lot of joy and excitement to both performers and the
audience. It’s always a great time! November 7th is a half day for the students and parent conferences are
from 1-8 p.m. Of course Election Day is the next day on the 8th and students are off that day. November
10th of that same week we celebrate Veteran’s Day with performances here at school and an open
invitation to any veteran to come and participate.
We would like to thank all of our families for your support of our students in their academic and extracurricular activities. We have such a wonderful community of students and parents we could not ask for a
better group of people. Please know that Mr. Kadilak and I are always available to help with any struggles
your child is facing. Call us any time to discuss the problem and we will take care of it immediately.
Happy Thanksgiving at the end of the month to everyone!!
Sincerely,
Helen Oriend
Principals Corner
Wildcat Parents,
There are a few items I want to bring to your attention that will be of help to the faculty and staff here at AMS:
Please do not drop your child off before 7:00 am as our staff does not arrive before that time. Supervision and
safety would be a concern prior to that time.
If you drop off an item for your child in the main office please make sure the item has their name on it. Please do
not send a text message to them. Cell phone usage is only permitted during the lunch shifts. Mrs. Panto or Mrs.
Lescalleet will call your child to the office between classes to pick-up the item. I greatly appreciate your support
regarding these matters.
Best regards,
Steve Kadilak
Attendance Policies 2016-17
“There is no time like the present, and no substitute for being present” author unknown
Students who expect to be successful in school need to attend school regularly. Please keep in mind the following
policies:
ABSENCES: If your child will be absent from school, please email the attendance office by 8:00 am, the morning
of the absence. Please include your name, telephone number, your child’s name, and the reason for the absence. If
you know your child will be absent in advance, please send an email to the attendance office stating the reason for
the absence. If your child will be out for an extended period of time please send a doctor’s note detailing the
absence. A letter will be sent home after your child has reached six and ten absences. A conference will be required
if there is cause for concern.
[email protected] Preferred and most efficient form of contact
Direct line for attendance (540)422-7419
Please note current attendance codes are:


Excused Absence- AE -parent/guardian has made contact
Absence for an Unknown reason AUNK—parent has made no contact concerning student’s
absence
TARDIES: HOMEROOM STARTS AT 7:25 Students must be in their homeroom by 7:30 when the tardy bell
rings or they will be marked tardy. All tardies to school are considered unexcused unless they have been
documented by a doctor’s note or a parent/ guardian notifies the attendance office the day the tardy occurred. If your
child is late because of a medical or dental appointment, please send in the doctor’s note with your child to the front
office.
EARLY DISMISSALS: As a courtesy, if your child needs to leave school early, please present a note to the office
the morning of the early dismissal. You will be required to sign your child out in the front office. Teachers will be
alerted by way of email, if a student will be released early.
As stated in the handbook, homework will be posted on Blackboard. Please email the teachers directly if you need
further clarification.
AMS Bus Note Policy and Procedure 2016-2017
The most important mission at Auburn Middle School is keeping your children safe. Therefore, we ask you to keep
this important policy in mind.
The policy at AMS for students who wish to ride home on a friends' bus is for both students to have written
permission notes delivered to the office by noon. Email, fax and phone call permission will not be accepted. Please
keep this in mind when arrangements are being made. This prevents any misunderstandings or miscommunications.
Clinic News
The flu is a viral illness that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. It spreads when those infected cough or sneeze. Flu
can cause mild to severe illness. While most teens who get sick with the flu recover within a couple of weeks, some
will get complications like sinus infections and pneumonia. Teens with chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma
are at greater risk for these complications. Preteens and teens should get the flu vaccine every year, ideally by the
end of October. As long as flu viruses are circulating, vaccination should continue throughout the season, even in
January or later. Because of low effectiveness in the last two flu seasons, the CDC does NOT recommend the nasal
spray vaccine for the 2016-17 season.
FROM THE CUSTODIAL CREW
LOST AND FOUND – Is your child missing an item of clothing? Maybe there lunch box has mysteriously
disappeared. What about that nice pair of Nike’s that you bought at the beginning of the school year. Well, fear
not. Check the school’s lost and found located in the Chair Room off the Cafeteria. During the day when
teachers find items left at the lockers those items are gather at each of the grade pods recycle centers. Another
place to check for PE & street cloths would in the marked boxes in each of the locker rooms. Since time is
short before, during, and after school we have set up a Lost and Found cart in the cafeteria so your student can
pick up anything that they left behind somewhere in the school.
Athletic News
The Fall Sports Season finished for the Girls Soccer and Softball teams. The Soccer team finished the season with a
5 Wins 2 Loss and 1 Tie record. The Softball team finished with a 2 Wins and 6 Loss season. The Boys Cross
Country finished the season with a 6 Wins and 0 Loss season. Congratulations to all the runners and Coach
Wilbur for winning the 2016 County Championship. The Boys Basketball season has started, and Coach Zuras is
looking forward to another successful year. The Boys Basketball team will open up the season on November 15 th.
The team roster and schedule for each sport can be found on the Auburn Athletic website at
www.auburnwildcats.org. Please remember if your son or daughter is trying out for a sport team, they must have a
VHSL Physical and Concussion Form on file with Mr. Anderson. A VHSL Physical can be used for all sports.
The physical must be dated after May 1, 2016.
Girls Basketball try outs will begin on January 5, 2017 from 2:35-4:30 pm. All Spring Sports which include: Boys
Soccer, Boys Baseball, Girls Volleyball and Girls Cross Country will begin on March 20, 2017. More information
about practice will follow in future newsletters. Please check the athletic website for more information as the season
approaches.
Throughout the year (2016-17) the athletic department will be sponsoring “Pride Parties“, for home games. Before
your child will be allowed to stay, you must fill out the permission form and turn it in to the office. Pizza, drinks and
snacks will be sold at the party and during the game. If you have questions or concerns about Auburns Athletic
Program, please email Jeff Anderson at [email protected]. Look forward to seeing you during the Winter
Season and thank you for supporting the Auburn Wildcats.
PARENTS ~ please join us for our “Thanksgiving Meal” Nov. 17th
Thanksgiving Meal includes: Roasted Turkey w/dinner roll, seasoned bread stuffing,
mashed potatoes & gravy, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, green beans, fruit juice, milk
& a yummy dessert.
Parents ~ If you know in advance you will be joining us for lunch on this special day, please
try to send a note with your child or email us. This will be helpful to us in preparation. These
are memories you will cherish!
ADULT Lunch (cash only) $3.40
**Adults cannot use their student’s lunch accounts, you must bring cash
STUDENT Lunch $2.75


To apply money to a student’s account: the student can bring a check, cash or money order to the cafeteria
during any breakfast or lunch shift. They can also give payments to their homeroom teacher. Credit card
payments accepted on-line ONLY through My School Bucks, www.myschoolbucks.com. Allow a couple
of days to process and make sure your child has enough money on account until it posts.
Make checks payable to AMS Cafeteria or FCSNP (Fauquier Co. School Nutrition Program). Please make
sure to include the student name(s) & I.D #(s) on the check for the money to be applied to the correct
account.
Cafeteria “A LA CARTE” or “EXTRAS”~





Ice cream: 55¢ .65¢ .75¢
Chips: .55¢ .60¢ .70¢
***NEW ITEMS THIS YEAR
.45¢ - bread, rolls, biscuits, toast, bread sticks, croissants
.50¢ - school made cookies, cheese sticks, cheese cups










.55¢ - fruit, fruit juice, veggie, v-blend juice, milk, some dessert cups
.60¢ - yogurt, Fruit chews (gummy snacks), pastry, tea, lemonade, Edamame, all graham items, 100 calorie
cookies
.65¢ - pop tarts, hot chocolate, Capri Sun, pudding cups, some dessert cups,
.70 - Chex Cereal, Cinnamon Toast Crunch
.75¢ - small water
.85 - Rice Krispie Treat all flavors
$1.00 - Lg. water, Very Fine juice
$1.10 - Switch juice
$1.30 - soft pretzel, nachos when sold a la carte only (no beef, chips and nacho cheese)
$1.75 - Teriyaki Beef J
Auburn’s Cafeteria has a great opportunity for you!
Be hired as a permanent part-time employee (4 hours a day position is currently available ) or work on your own
schedule as a substitute. Convenient location, convenient hours, earn extra cash while your kids are in school. Call
Human Resources or Michele James – cafeteria Manager and get started with some extra “cha-ching” in your pocket
Mrs. Balgavy
Quarter 1 is in the books and students are working hard in their math class. We just finished up our unit on fractions
(without calculators)! Hopefully fractions are becoming their friends . Students are currently working with
decimal word problems and will have a quiz soon. We will then be moving on to: ordering
decimals/fractions/percents, and ratios before the next cumulative test on Nov. 16 th.
Area Projects:
Other 6th grade news: A field trip to the DC Monuments and Smithsonian Museums will be Nov. 22 nd. Field trip
permission forms will be distributed Monday, Oct. 24 th. Report cards will be distributed Friday, Oct. 28 th.
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be Nov. 7th from 1:30 – 8:00.
Chorus - Mrs. Davis
Marking Period 1 was a great success in the chorus classrooms! Students have been working on their sight singing
skills as well as learning their music for the Winter Concert!
Partylite Fundraiser order forms and money are due Friday, October 28 th. Money raised can be used for chorus
shirts, Wizards Tickets, and/or our Spring Trips.
The 7th and 8th grade choirs will be performing the Star Spangled Banner at a Washington Wizards Game on
Saturday, January 14th. Permission slips and Order Forms can be found on Blackboard. Tickets without the bus ride
are $23. Tickets with the bus ride are $50. All performing students must take the bus TO the city with us.
Mark your calendars!! Our Winter Concert is Tuesday, December 6th at Kettle Run High School at 7:00pm. Call
Times will be assigned as we get closer to the event.
Drama Club
Seussical Jr – April 21st & 22nd, 2017 at Warrenton Middle School
If you have not been receiving emails, please contact me ASAP so you can be added to the email list. The Drive has
been updated with a schedule through December.
Please help remind students to be listening to their CDs while reading along in the script BEFORE rehearsals.
The schedule is always on the front of my classroom door for students to check if they have rehearsals.
Mrs. DiSantis - 7th Grade English
All of Mrs. DiSantis’ English classes this year are full of thriving, eager-to-learn students who are excited to be in
the classroom. We are currently reviewing the five elements of a fiction story; including plot, character, conflict,
theme, and setting. Students have been identifying and analyzing these elements in short stories such as, Edgar Allen
Poe’s The Tell-tale Heart, Roald Dahl’s Lamb to the Slaughter, Ray Bradbury’s All Summer in a Day, and Guy de
Maupassant’s The Necklace. Seeing the students so invested in the readings is refreshing; they are soaking up the
lessons and applying new skills. We are about to begin reading two novels in general and honors English: Avi’s
Nothing but the Truth and Jacqueline Woodson’s Miracle’s Boys.
Course 1 Math – Mrs. Edwards
Students have spent a lot of time working with fractions including modeling with fraction arrays. Students should
continue practicing with online games on their Blackboard. We are currently working with decimals. Please
continue to sign their agendas. Math Club is every Thursday until 3:30.
Language! Live – Mrs. Edwards
Students finished reading “Freak the Mighty” and have taken the related A/R test. We enjoyed a special popcorn
party and celebrated by watching the movie last week. Please continue to have your child practice their reading
nightly and complete the reading log.
Mrs. Fahey- History
In 6th grade US History, we continue to move forward through the content. Students have been learning a great deal
about Inventions, Immigration, and the Progressive Era. It has been a lot of fun to see students work together and
develop a debate type format to explain some of the people during this time period. They really seem to be enjoying
themselves and are learning a lot. Our next unit will focus on the Spanish American War. Please continue to use
Blackboard for grade and assignment updates. I have included some vocabulary cards (on Bb under
homework/assignments) if you are interested in that type of studying strategy
Mrs. Fredericks -English
As first quarter winds down Ms. Frederick’s students are finishing up their short story unit by putting the finishing
touches on a creative story they wrote. We started by learning the elements of fiction and then put them in to
practice with our first drafts. Many editing circles, and red marks later we are finally putting the finishing touches on
our final draft. Second quarter will consist of figurative language and novels. This quarter we will also start to prep
for our big cross curricular research unit on the National Park Service. Ask your student about NPS Facts and Ms.
Frederick’s daily National Park Trivia.
Guidance News
CAREER EDUCATION ~ It is never too soon to start thinking about and preparing for tomorrow !
Seventh Grade~
This month Ms. Evans visited the seventh grade students in their Family and Consumer Sciences classes. The
students participated in an online activity to learn which career families matched their interests. They explored the
website www.vacareerview.org to research the career description, salary range, job outlook, educational
requirements, and skills needed for a career of their choosing. The students used this information to complete “My
7th Grade Career Exploration Survey.” The completed survey will go in the students’ permanent files and will be
retrieved for their use in developing their Academic Career Plans (ACP) in eighth grade. Your child has been given
a copy of the survey to bring home for your review and signature. Please contact Ms. Evans at
[email protected] with questions.
ACADEMIC COUNSELING
Both counselors will be having individual meetings with all students who failed one or more classes during the first
marking period. During this meeting they will review homework and study habits and other areas where
opportunities for improved effort and performance can be identified.
Mrs. Hoelscher Geometry
The geometry students have finished the introductory vocabulary, characteristics of quadrilaterals and angles formed
by parallel lines. We have also learned ten constructions. Constructions are done using only a compass and a
straightedge. The students did a great job with their maps. In the future, I intend to do more projects like the map to
give the students a chance to show what they know outside of a quiz or test. We are moving onto triangles next. As
always, homework completion and studying are vital to success in geometry.
The algebra students have reviewed solving all types of equations, including literal equations, and inequalities. We
have practiced word problems with both equations and inequalities. While a lot of the first quarter was review, we
have also studied new concepts such as functions, domain/range and continuous/discrete graphs. We are now
moving onto slope and linear equations. The material will be very new to them from this point forward. As always,
homework completion is vital to success. Also, please remember, extra help is available Tuesday and Thursday
morning from 6:45-7:15 with Mrs. Balgavy. ASAP is available on Thursday until 3:30 with Mrs. Lewis. Auburn
also offers an algebra support class 5th and 7th period. Please email me or Guidance if you wish to enroll your child
in the support class.
Ms. Kemler - Family and Consumer Science
6th grade: We ended the nine weeks working on values. Students created a coat of arms with their values and we had
two cooking activities (baked ziti and cupcakes). The new group of students will be making their “slice of me”
project, which is all about them and starting kitchen safety in a couple weeks.
7th grade: Learned all about food safety, took their safety test and had two cooking days (or will have) making white
chicken chili and pancakes. They just finished up the Career Exploration and will need to get their job selection
paper signed by a parent. Please ask your student about this paper they get points in blackboard for returning.
8th grade: Students made mac-n-cheese and just completed their egg baby project. Many students commented about
how much work a “baby” is! We will begin our sewing project in the next couple weeks.
Mr. Lembo- Physical Science
Students are starting topics in motion. They will be discussing how to tell if motion occurs, how to tell the position
of an object, and how quickly that objects position is changing. Terms discussed will include instantaneous speed,
constant speed, average speed, velocity, distance and time.
Ms. Lewis - Course 3 Pre-Algebra
Currently in Ms. Lewis’ Course 3 we are working on our Algebraic skills and preparing for Algebra I. We have
mastered solving one through four step equations. Starting next week we will begin to look into functions and
writing a rule. The students will also apply the rule to realistic situations and identify the Independent and
Dependent variable.
In Algebra, we recently completed working with functions to identify the Domain, Range, independent variable, and
dependent variable of a rule. We are now moving into chapter 5 and working with linear functions. If this chapter
the students will use slope to graph a line and be able to write an equation in two variables. The Algebra students
when then apply equations and applications of slope to real world problems.
Library
The fall book fair is coming! With a smaller student population this year, we also have a smaller library
budget. Our book fairs are important fundraisers for the library. Please consider
supporting your school library by making a purchase between October 27 – Nov 7.
We will be open during school hours and on
conference day from 7:30 am -7 pm.
We are reading in the AMS Library! We
circulated 5,149 items during the first quarter of the year. 537 students have taken
2,592 AR quizzes and earned 17,442.6 points. With a goal of and average of 85%
correct, we have achieved 85.7% as a school. Good work, Wildcats!
Our digital library resources are available via the library website. Visit us
at http://http://www.fcps1.org/domain/199. ScienceFlix and FreedomFlix use the
same login information: Username: amfcps / Password: freedom. Our Gale and Grolier databases use welcome as
the password.
Mrs. Loback- Algebra
Mrs. Loback’s 7th Grade Course 2 and Course 2 Honors students have studied absolute value, algebraic
expressions/equations, integer word problems, order of operations (ask your child what PEMDAS/GEMDAS/GEMS
and FLTR stands for), and properties. They also discovered how to combine like terms and simplify expressions
while using Algeblocks. We have reviewed and studied fractions, decimals, and percents.
The 7th graders have also been able to practice solving problems through both traditional homework problems and
with some fun interactive Smart Board games. As we into the second quarter, they will begin solving equations and
inequalities. We will continue to use manipulatives, such as the Algebra Tiles, throughout the second quarter!
As we move into Quarter 2, remind your student to change
their words and their mindsets!
Mrs. Loch and Mrs. Sayers- Civics
Mrs. Loch and Mrs. Sayers’ Civics Classes have just finished up their study of checks and balances and the
separation of powers. We are now moving on to study the role of political parties play in our political process. We
will examine the advantages and disadvantages of a two party system, the role the media plays in campaigns, how
the Electoral College works and practice our strategies for evaluating campaign speeches, and advertising for bias.
This unit also has us examining the factors that influence voter turnout and the reasons many people chose not to
vote. We were fortunate to have three guest speakers come in to our class and tell us about their firsthand
experience with immigration and naturalization. The students really enjoyed hearing their stories of immigration and
the many different aspects of the naturalization process. Thank you to our parents for taking time out of your day to
enrich our student’s learning.
Mrs. Malloy- Art
We have had a great 1st quarter in art this year! The 6th graders just finished up their MC Escher perspective
drawings and have moved on to their next rotation. The new group of 6 th graders have been introduced to the class
and are getting ready learn about the caves of Lascaux and begin their cave art projects. The 7th graders just finished
making mushroom houses out of clay and have been practicing 2 point perspective. They will be making a
cityscape next week. The 8th graders created amazing Greek vases that are waiting to be fired. While they wait we
have started to make license plates out of aluminum that they are going to emboss and paint. I am looking forward
to teaching new skills and art movements to my remarkable students during the 2 nd quarter!!!
Mrs. Mangicaro - Math
Mrs. Mangicaro’s Algebra I classes just completed a unit on Functions and now will be tackling a unit on Linear
Equations and graphing. It has been a great first quarter and I am sure the trend will continue! A little math humor
there as once we are done with Linear Equations and graphing the students will be learning about trend lines.
Course 3 classes just finished a unit on solving equations, a tough but necessary unit to get students ready for
Algebra I. The students wrapped up quarter 1 with a cumulative quarter 1 test. The student will be moving on to a
unit on functions and after functions we will move into solving inequalities.
Mrs. McCarty - English
A visual collage of words; a children’s book about a pig; an advertisement for a new coffee maker: these were some
of projects my sixth grade language arts class turned in for their review of the first 3 units of their vocabulary
lessons. They have also been finding our vocabulary words in their own books and recording them on our bulletin
board (receiving a piece of candy each time they do so!). The past two weeks in class, we have completed writing
our own short stories – many of them quite spooky, in honor of Halloween. Students voluntarily entered their stories
into a class-wide contest. The top two stories from each class are now being made into movies, with students acting,
producing, editing, and writing the scripts. We plan to watch our movies on Halloween, with refreshments provided
by the student
.
Mrs. Midkiff - Academic Skills
We have been very busy in Academic Skills classes so far this year. We have been working on homework, projects,
and studying hard for tests. Please continue to remind your child to come to class with agenda and materials needed
for the day. Grades are based on their class participation. Please continue to check your child’s BlackBoard site to
keep informed of all grades they are receiving in classes. BlackBoard is a great resource to download
notes/assignments, and see when upcoming assignments are coming due. Please always check your child’s agenda
daily for assignments listed and any notes the teacher may be sending you. We work hard to get many things
accomplished in our class, but we are only in class for 45 minutes, so some homework may have to be completed at
home. I am proud of how hard the kids have been working. Any questions, feel free to contact me. I cannot believe
how quickly this school year is passing by!
Mr. Piszczor – Tech Ed
The Technology classes are currently working on the following activities:
The 6th grade classes are working on their introductory activities which will provide them with a general
understanding of technology and the very important impact that it plays in our lives. They will soon be starting to
work on projects that will test their ability to work as a member of a team in order to solve various technological
problems.
The 7th grade classes are continuing their work on communication technology. They are currently working on CAD
drawings that will then be 3D printed.
The 8th grade classes have been working on the synergistic modules. These are units of study that allow the
students to explore things such as Computer Graphics and Animation, Electronics, Robotics, Applied Physics and
many more.
Mrs. Proctor – Math
Mrs. Proctor’s 7th Grade Course 2 and Course 2 Honors students have studied absolute value, algebraic
expressions/equations, integer word problems, order of operations (ask your child what PEMDAS FLTR stands for),
and properties. They also discovered how to combine like terms and simplify expressions while using Algeblocks.
The 7th graders have also been able to practice solving problems through both traditional homework problems and
with some fun interactive Smart Board games. As we finish the first quarter and move into the second quarter, they
will learn about fractions, decimals, and percents and then will begin solving equations and inequalities.
Mrs. Prosser - Science
On to cells! Cells are incredibly interesting! We just learned about cell theorist. There are so many organelles to
learn about. What is a golgi apparatus? How about the rough endoplasmic reticulum? These seventh graders will be
able tell you all about this and more! Not only are we going to check out multicellular organisms like plants and
animals, but we will also we also look at examples of unicellular organisms that we will collect from the Auburn
wetland area.
More fun science to come – just stay tuned!
Mr. Richardson U.S. History
In preparation for the performance assessment in May, 2017, history students completed their first
research-based project. News articles about the Battle of Little Bighorn, a timeline which contextualized the event
in its historical era, and an original analysis of its significance were completed by all students based on cited
research.
Students who demonstrated exceptional skill in all portions of the project included Haley Balgavy, Abram
Chumley, Ava Galitsky, Kiersten Brewington, Ellen Busby, Emma Crowe, Megan Harkness, Kaleb Leigh, Hayes
Talomie, and Sophia Young. There were many more excellent projects deserving mention including those created
by Brooke Grimsley, Nate Demski, Mark Fallin, Bryce McAnany, Natalie Voss, Sarah Degroat, Becca Harkness,
Ashley Nickerson, Mark Banagan, and Lauren Sanders.
Projects are kept in the students’ classroom portfolios so that progress can be assessed on performance
assessments throughout the year.
History Club
Young historians continue to meet in the Virginia Room at the public library in Warrenton weekly to
research old newspapers for the History Unfolded crowdsourcing project hosted by the National Holocaust
Memorial Museum. Skimming through microfilmed copies of the Fauquier Democrat can be fascinating as well as
distracting. While searching for references to Hitler and the Nazis, the historian learns about the effects of
Prohibition, the Great Depression, and World War II on Virginians during this important historical period. We’re
also learning a great deal about the traits of the historian: patience and persistence are at the top of the list.
World Geography - Mitzi Richmond
This month in world geography, we have been learning about climates, population, conflicts, culture and
MORE! What factors affect climate? What makes people want to emigrate from an area or immigrate to another
area? Projects highlighted the learning this month and students did amazing things! Working in pairs, they
researched a climate zone and created wonderful posters like these, below! Ask your child which climate zone they
researched.
After learning about push and pull factors that affect the movement of people and the distribution of populations
around the world, students worked in groups to research causes and brainstorm solutions for world conflicts! Eighth
grade students are amazing problem solvers. Future world leaders here at AMS!!!
Mr. Roll 8th Grade World Geography
World Geography students have completed their first major assessment. We then used our new knowledge
and applied it to a project about world climates. Working with a partner students selected a climate region and
completed a research project complete with visuals. They learned how to create a climate-graph which charts the
average temperature and rainfall for a specific city the student selected. The city had to be located in the climate
region they selected for the project.
We have begun Unit Two, which will explore The United States and Canada. Students will label and color
maps of both the United States and Canada. Students will also create flags of the various U.S. states and Canadian
Provinces. Students will continue with our series of bi-weekly (every other) map quizzes, which typically take place
on Friday’s. During unit two, students will be quizzed on their knowledge of the 50 states and capitals, as well as
the 13 Provinces and Capitals of Canada. Our in depth examination of the United States and Canada will culminate
in another unit test, which will be given at the end of November.
Students are also working independently on their Peek at the World project. In September each student
randomly selected a different country to research. Periodically a portion of the project will be due. As each piece of
the project is assigned, the corresponding assignment requirements will be uploaded to Blackboard.
Please continue to monitor Blackboard for weekly homework assignments, quiz schedule, and current
grade information. All necessary worksheets are available for download and are located under the Homework
Assignments tab on Blackboard. Each student has access to the online textbook, and earlier this year each student
created a login and password to access the online text.
Mrs. Smiljanich
7th Grade Math C2
One fourth of the school year is completed, that mean we have how much left? That’s right three fourths! Yes, we
recently reviewed adding and subtracting fractions as well as multiplying and dividing fractions. This being a skill
that was taught last year, in sixth grade, we did not spend a lot of time on this concept. We are currently working on
practicing solving one step equations with one variable, this year we get to work with negative integers. From there
we will move to solving two step equations. Each day I look forward to this class and their positive energy. We tend
to add a song to our daily agenda to get us up pumped up for math! Ask your student, is there a rap song about
adding and subtracting integers? Because it’s still stuck in my head!
8th Grade LANGUAGE! Live
In the LANGUAGE live program we just finished reading “The White Wolf of the Hartz Mountains” a short story
from a collection; “The Phantom Ship” by Captain Frederick Marryat. This is our third story containing wolves, this
time a female werewolf is the villain! It was a rather interesting short story, ask your student about the wedding
vows in the story. They were unlike any wedding vows I had ever heard before. We have completed Unit 7 of the
text training and all students have finished Unit 5 of the word training. I am impressed daily by the students in this
class and their motivation.
Mrs. Sowala Life Science
We are currently working on our cells unit. We started out learning about important scientists that helped form the
Cell Theory. Now we are discussing the different organelles (cell parts) and their functions. In class this week,
everyone is working on a project that allows students to choose how they want to represent the information that they
know about the different cells and their parts. Some students will be painting or drawing pictures, others will write
stories, poems, children’s books or comics and the students that won the raffle get to go into the school’s production
lab and produce a video with our ITRT Mrs. Griffith. Next week, we hope to collect some pond water and make
observations about single celled organisms with the microscopes and do a virtual lab about cells. On Friday,
November 4, I am asking students to dress as their favorite organelle, cell theory scientist or something that
represents it. I am hoping that the school will be taken over by cell parts!
We have also begun the science project in class. Every student has a red spiral notebook to keep all information for
their project. They already started the brainstorming process. Each student should be in the process of narrowing
down their ideas to the one topic that interests them most. We went to the library this week and had a lesson from
our school librarian Mrs. Spota about research and the different databases available to us through the school. She
showed us how to access them, how to do an appropriate citation, and how to get accurate and reliable information.
I will be sending more information about this project home in the coming weeks and hope to see some awesome
projects that can move on to the school and possibly regional science fair.
Mrs. Sviatko – Language Arts 8
Over the past few weeks, students in Mrs. Sviatko’s Eighth Grade Language Arts class have read several
short stories and learned a lot about literary terms. Some students wrote spooky short stories to demonstrate their
knowledge of plot structure. In the next unit, students will be reading The Giver by Lois Lowry. We will continue
to discuss literary terms, but also expand our minds through the in-depth analysis of this novel.
Mrs. Talomie – Language
Mrs. Talomie’s 6th grade Language class is moving right along with learning about Toxic Pollution. We’ve been
working on improving our reading fluency, reading comprehension, and grammar skills. My 7 th grade class has been
building their reading comprehension skills while learning about Nelson Mandela and his lifelong fight for the cause
of freedom in South Africa. Our grammatical focus has been on verb tenses; action, linking, and helping verbs;
conjunctions; commas; and semicolons. All three classes have taken their first set of Benchmark tests and STAR
reading tests. Each grade has their first sizeable writing assignment coming up within the week. What a great, hardworking group of students I have. It’s hard to believe it’s already almost Halloween. Happy October!
Mr. Thomas - Physical Science 8
As we near the end of the first grading period, we have been setting the foundation for our further investigation of
Physical Science. We have investigated what science is, the Nature of Science, and the methods of science. We
completed our investigation of standard units of measure with a unit on the SI system and converting metric units.
Ask your kids to show you how to convert units. Our quarter project on the scientific method (science fair) projects
have just been submitted. Thanks to all the family members who helped our students with these projects.
Congratulations to all of the students for successfully showing their projects in our 8 th grade “Science Fair”.
We will finish the Scientific Inquiry unit with a short session on graphing, and then we will begin our unit on
Motion, Velocity and Acceleration. In this unit we will investigate movement in two-dimensions, speed and the
difference between speed and velocity. After we finish with those topics, we will focus on the forces that affect
motion such as gravity and friction, and Newton’s Laws of Motion. We will culminate this unit of study with the
famous “Egg Drop” project.
Hopefully, by the time this is published the Capitals will be tearing up the NHL and on their way to the Stanley Cup
Playoffs next spring. Rock The Red!!!
Mrs. Yergin -7th Grade English
7th Grade English: Congratulations to my 7th period class! This class had the highest percentage of students who
met, or exceeded, their 1st quarter AR goals! I’m hoping this class does as well, or better, the second quarter, and
that the other classes give them a run for their money! The last day to take an AR test and have it count towards the
2nd quarter’s AR goal is December 16th. That seems far away, but will probably be here before we know it.
We just finished reading the short story The Treasures of Lemon Brown, by Walter Dean Myers, and are discussing
that not all treasures necessarily have significant monetary value. We’ll be using this story to reinforce our
understanding of a variety of literary terms that we recently learned. As we approach Veteran’s Day, we’ll be taking
time to reflect on what the men and women of our Armed Forces do for us and how appreciative we are for their
service. We’ll be creating Haikus for Heroes, which will be mailed to the Wounded Warriors organization.
Wildcat Band Notes
Stay up-to-date with the Wildcat Bands!


Log-in to Blackboard & Parents – be sure to add your email address to your child’s account!
This year, Mrs. Mergen will be using Remind.com! Sign-up for text reminders: Text “@ams-band” to 81010.
Reminders:




PRACTICE: All students are expected to practice a minimum of 100 minutes each week – this means
instruments must go home at least 3 times a week and on weekends.
HOMEWORK: Go to www.tinyurl.com/AMSBandHomework to complete your Goal Setting / Personal
Reflection Survey! Due every Tuesday for ALL members.
EXTRA HELP: Extra help is available after school several times a week! Contact Mrs. Mergen to make an
appointment.
RECORDINGS: A great way to practice a home is by playing along with the professional recordings! You can
find them on Blackboard & www.tinyurl.com/AMSBandRecordingLinks

UPCOMING EVENTS for the Wildcat Bands:
(Be sure to check Blackboard for the latest info!)
Jazz Ensemble – Thursdays 2:30-4:00. Rides MUST be available at 4.
Winter Concert Concert: Nov 30 @ Kettle Run HS. Report time: 6:00
After School Rehearsals *attendance required*
* 6th Gr Band – Nov 14 & 29 – 2:30-4:00
* 7th Gr Band – Nov 16 & 28 – 2:30-4:00
District Band Auditions: December 10th @ Rappahannock HS – All 7th & 8th Gr students are encouraged to
audition! Let’s continue the tradition!
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
6th Grade has finished Level 1! They are really doing a great job! Hopefully you’ve been hearing a lot of “Jingle
Bells” at home! Continue encouraging your student to share what they’ve learned in class – you will be amazed by
the improvement over just a few short months! If your student struggling w/ our 1 st 6 notes, please schedule an
appointment for extra help before they get too far behind!
Smart Music: Thank you for returning all the Red Forms. Students will be trained on SmartMusic over the next 2
weeks and can begin experimenting with this fantastic program while practicing at home!
Interactive Practice Studio: Our method book (Tradition of Excellence) has a fantastic online resource! Check
out the KJOS IPS website! You can find your log-in code inside the back cover of your Tradition of Excellence
Book.
Supplies: Be sure to stay well stocked on reeds, oil, etc. throughout the year. Check out: “Band Supplies & Where
to Find Them!”