Tiger Gazette

Collectively, we will rise to the occasion to increase student achievement, growth, and mastery, no excuses!

We empower every scholar through high-quality instruction, meaningful relationships, and shared accountability so all students achieve, grow, and demonstrate mastery.

The Comeback Is Real!

September

• Sept 28: Board Community Meeting 6PM

October

• Oct 2: Professional Development Day (No School Students)
• Oct 2: School Custodian Appreciation Day
• Oct 5 -9: National Hispanic Heritage Spirit Week
• Oct 6: Leadership Team Meeting 3:45-5:15PM
• Oct 6: National Instructional Coaches Day
• Oct 9: End of Quarter 1
• Oct 13: Breast Cancer Awareness Day
• Oct 14: Report Cards Issued
• Oct 14: Faculty Meeting 3:45-5:15PM
• Oct 15-16: Intersession for Students
• Oct 19-23: School Bus Safety Week
• Oct 21: Unity Day (Anti-Bullying)
• Oct 23-31: Red Ribbon Week
• Oct 29: Title I Block Party 5PM
• Oct 30: ACS Fall Trunk or Treat

November

• Nov 2: Teacher Work Day (No School Students)
• Nov 3: Election Day (No School)
• Nov 3: Intersession for Students
• Nov 12: Interim Progress Reports Quarter 2 Issued
• Nov 25-26: Thanksgiving Break
• Nov 30: The SCEA Read Across America Art Contest

Our Superintendent’s Teacher of the Month brought South Carolina history to life! Mrs. Grant’s eighth-grade scholars participated in an interactive classroom play exploring Native American experiences before and after European settlement and colonization.

Through an interactive classroom play, scholars assumed historical roles, moved throughout the classroom to gather resources, and examined evidence related to geography, trade, land, disease, enslavement, conflict, the Yamasee War, and cultural continuity. Using a Historian’s Evidence Log, they analyzed evidence, made predictions, and defended their conclusions.

This engaging lesson brought Standard 8.1.CC to life while strengthening scholars’ historical thinking. Their response said it all—they are already requesting more interactive learning experiences!Excellent work, Mrs. Grant!

Sandra Taylor has demonstrated tremendous growth in self-regulation, attendance, and behavior since last school year. She has made a conscious commitment to becoming the best version of herself and has set meaningful goals for the current school year.

Sandra shared that her goals are to maintain good grades and make positive choices so that she does not become a behavior concern. Most importantly, she has not only expressed these goals but has consistently put her words into action.

Her improved self-discipline, positive attitude, responsible decision-making, and commitment to academic and behavioral success are commendable. Sandra's growth is a wonderful example of what can happen when a student takes ownership of her choices and works toward becoming a better version of herself.

These outstanding scholars will represent AFMS at the SRS STEM Like a Girl event on November 14! Eighth-grade girls from middle schools across the CSRA will have the opportunity to engage with female engineers and IT professionals from the Savannah River Site through hands-on STEM activities. Activities will include a design challenge, robotics, and a planetarium show, allowing students to explore how engineers and IT professionals make an impact on our world. We are excited for them to explore the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while connecting with other young women interested in STEM. Kejanae and Kinsley, we are incredibly proud of you! Continue to dream big, explore boldly, and shine brightly!

Costume Contest Reminder: Costumes must be school appropriate. Masks that cover the face, weapons, and props that look like weapons are not permitted. Please avoid costumes with graphic violence or offensive imagery. All costumes must allow students to participate safely in the school day.

Calling all AFMS student artists! In celebration of Read Across America Month, students are invited to participate in The SCEA’s 12th Annual Read Across America Student Art Contest for the 2026–2027 school year. Show your creativity and your love of reading by creating an original piece of artwork inspired by books, reading, or the joy of learning.

Interested in participating? See Mr. Dunson, our Art Teacher, for contest details, guidelines, and submission information. We can’t wait to see our Tigers bring reading to life through art!

MORNING ARRIVAL SIGN-IN PROCEDURES

• Students who arrive to school after 8:00 a.m. must report to the main office with a parent or guardian and sign-in with the receptionist.
• Tardy student will not be permitted to class without a parent or guardian.
• If the student does not bring a valid reason for being tardy, the sign-in will count as an unexcused tardy for regular classes and an unexcused absence if he/she is enrolled in a course for high school credit that period.
• If a student is late to a class and he/she does not have a pass from a teacher, staff member, or the front office, he/she will be marked tardy.

SIGN-OUT PROCEDURES

• The student must be signed out by his/her parent or other responsible person designated by the parent and listed on the student’s registration card.
• All students who are picked up early from school will be signed out through the PowerSchool Clerk Office or the Main Office.
• Parents/guardians must sign off on the sign-out sheet that is kept in the Main Office.

EARLY DISMISSAL OF STUDENTS (ENDS 2:30PM)

• If a student must leave school early, the parent/guardian must show valid ID, sign the student out documenting the time dismissed, and provide the purpose of the dismissal.
• The person picking the student up must be on the parent/guardian-approved list, show valid ID, complete the sign out sheet documenting the leave time and leave purpose.

It is our goal to accommodate parents as much as possible. However, for safety reasons and to protect the high levels of teaching and learning occurring on our campus all students requiring early dismissal must be signed out by 2:30pm. No student will be called to the office for early dismissal after 2:30 pm. No Exceptions!

TOPS: Shirts, vests, sweaters and sweatshirts. For the purpose of this policy, shirts, vests, sweaters and sweatshirts are referred to as tops. To that end, TOPS must be the approved school’s solid colors.

• SHIRTS
• Students shall wear plain shirts with a collar.
• Shirts may have school-approved/manufactured logos. Logo shall not be larger than 1" inch.
• Shirts may not exceed one size larger than necessary as determined by the school administrator.
• All shirttails, regardless of style, make or design, must be tucked in. Exceptions may be made for preschool and kindergarten students as needed by administration.
• VEST, SWEATERS, SWEATSHIRTS
• Students may wear vests, sweaters or sweatshirts without hoods that allow the collar to be exposed over school uniforms.
• The vest, sweater or sweatshirts shall be the school approved colors or coordinate with school colors (i.e. argyle) and may not exceed one size larger or smaller than necessary as determined by the school administrator.
• Jackets with hoods may be worn, but only with a full-length zipper.
• School T-shirts can be worn on designated dress down days, field days and special field trips as determined by the school administrator.
• Tank tops or sleeveless tee shirts are not allowed.
• All clothing must cover the stomach, back and sides from the shoulder to the waist; no backless dresses or halter tops; necklines must be appropriate.
• Garments shall assure modesty when the student is seated or engaged in school activities.

BOTTOMS: For the purposes of this document pants, skirts, skorts, jumpers, capri pants and shorts are referred to as bottoms. To that end, BOTTOMS must be the approved school colors. Denim jeans are not permitted. Principals may make exceptions for special field trips.

• Bottoms must be free of graphics and embroidery. With the exception of small labels, bottoms may not have insignias, words or pictures.
• Shorts, skirts, skorts, dresses and jumpers will be no shorter than 2½" above the knee or knee joint in the back when standing.
• Mini-skirts or mini-dresses are not allowed.
• Cargo-style pants or shorts are not permitted.
• Clothing shall not exceed one size larger than necessary as determined by the school administrator.
• Baggy or sagging pants or shorts are not permitted.
• Rolled up pants legs are not allowed.
• "Low rise" clothing is not permitted.
• Bottoms (excluding jumpers) shall be worn at the natural waistline and properly fitted to prevent sagging.
• Belts shall be worn in pants, skirts, skorts or shorts that have belt loops. Exceptions may be made for preschool and kindergarten students as needed by administration.
• Belts must be buckled and tucked in loops. Belt buckles must not be oversized or have any writing that is considered offensive.
• Pants must be worn at the waist.
• No denim jeans, sweatpants, running shorts, joggers, spandex or cargo pants are permitted.
• Tights, leggings, jeggings or jegging-style pants cannot be worn as bottoms.

FOOTWEAR: Shoes, sneakers and boots

• Shoes must be white, black or brown.
• Flip flops, crocs or slippers are not permitted.
• Heelys and Stilettos are not permitted.

NOTE: Head covering and blankets.

• Head coverings of any kind including, but not limited to, hats, caps, bandanas, curlers, masks, visors, kerchiefs, athletic sweatbands, earmuffs, sunglasses or hoods are not permitted.
• Head coverings will not be worn, carried, hung on belts or around the neck or kept in classrooms during regular school hours.
• Blankets are not permitted at school. Students should wear an appropriate jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt if they are cold. Blankets must remain at home.