The Howler Newsletter

Happy Friday!

We had a quick week with students, and we feel like we’re past the “beginning of the school year” business and onto the normal routine of school. It’s a great feeling to get into the routine and feel like we know our students and our classmates a little bit better!

Important Dates and Links:

• Yearbook ordering information - Search for ‘Andersen Middle School’

• September 23 - End of Hexter 1

• September 24 - Picture Retake Day

• October 8 and 13 - Parent-Teacher Conferences: Information on signing up will be coming soon!

Please reach out if you have any questions!

Heather Spessard-Schroer

AMS Principal

We had so many fun superhero pictures that we had to share more this week!

We love when our Primetimes have fun together!

We continued our Positive Office Visits last week with our C Teams, and here are some of the students who were “sent to the office” for having a great start to their school year! Thank you for being so SHARP!

The MPS Sunshine Squad recognized our AMS facilities team for “making Millard Public Schools SHINE!” Our massive construction project meant plenty of challenges and extra work for them as we got the school year up and running. They tackled each challenge with kindness, a smile, and pride in their work. Many times they said, “This is OUR building. We want it to look great!” We’re so happy they are a part of our school community and are ecstatic that they were recognized! They deserve it!

MPS/AMS Cares Suicide Prevention and Depression Awareness Information

Over the next several weeks, counseling staff throughout the MPS district will be working with students to recognize the warning signs of depression and suicidal thinking. Youth who feel suicidal are not likely to seek help directly; however, peers can recognize the warning signs and take immediate action to keep each other safe. The goal is to encourage our students to take action. We will discuss what steps to take when one starts to see these signs in themselves or a peer. According to the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), when a student gives signs that they may be considering suicide, the following actions should be taken:

• Remain calm.

• Ask the youth directly if he or she is thinking about suicide.

• Focus on your concern for their wellbeing and avoid being accusatory.

• Listen.

• Reassure them that there is help and they will not feel like this forever.

• Do not judge.

• Provide constant supervision. Do not leave the youth alone.

• Remove means for self-harm.

• Get help: Peers should not agree to keep the suicidal thoughts a secret but instead should tell an adult such as a parent, teacher, counselor, school psychologist or social worker. Parents should seek help from their school or community mental health resources as soon as possible.

If you prefer your child not receive this information please contact your school counselor by phone or e-mail.

6th grade - Susan Knox - 402-715-8456 - seknox@mpsomaha.org

7th grade - Melissa Sedlak - 402-715-8446 - masedlak@mpsomaha.org

8th grade - Spencer Hawkins - 402-715-8447 - srhawkins@mpsomaha.org

Boys basketball season will be starting next month! Please start working out now and getting shots up. Reach out to Coach Carder if you have any questions at blcarder@mpsomaha.org.

Practice Dates are Mondays & Wednesdays: 3:00-3:40

Sept: 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30

MUST HAVE PHYSICAL TURNED IN TO PARTICIPATE AND HAVE PAID THE $25 fee

6th/7th Grade Quiz Bowl will practice Monday, Sept. 14th in room 619. New members are welcome to this team. If you haven't ever tried quiz bowl but you want to, this would be the practice to come to. Please plan rides for 3:45.

7th/8th Grade Quiz Bowl will meet Wednesday, Sept. 16th in room 619. Please plan rides for 3:45. If you are in 8th grade and want to try out a practice, please attend. Email Mrs. Hazzard (rlhazzard@mpsomaha.org) with any questions.

Calling all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade READERS! Are you interested in joining the Battle of the Books Club? You will read five books and then compete against other Millard middle schools in May. Are you up for it and not already in the google classroom? Email Randa Hazzard (rlhazzard@mpsomaha.org) and let me know.

Find the entire AMS Staff Directory here

Office Hours: Monday through Friday 7am - 4pm

Website: https://ams.mpsomaha.org/
Location: 15404 Adams Street, Omaha, NE, USA
Phone: 402-715-8440
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MPSAndersenMS/
Twitter: @MPSAndersenMS

Andersen Middle School, a collaborative family of Wolverines, guarantees each student will be inspired to achieve academic excellence and exemplify positive character traits through supportive relationships and engaging learning environments.