Arcadia Middle School
Connecting Home and School
Principal's Message for November
Dear AMS Parents and Guardians,
Happy November! It’s hard to believe we’re already entering a new month and nearing the end of Trimester 1. Trimester 1 grades will be posted after November 23. You can view your child’s grades on the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. If you need help accessing your account, please contact the middle school office.
Thank you to all the parents who attended our October Parent/Teacher Conferences! We appreciate you taking the time to meet with your child’s teachers and learn more about their progress this school year. Our next conferences will be held on January 26 and 28. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher.
Each month, we proudly recognize our AMS Leaders of the Pack—two students from each grade level who demonstrate strong citizenship and commitment to school. We’re excited to celebrate our outstanding November honorees in this newsletter. Congratulations to all of our Leaders of the Pack throughout the school year!
The School District of Arcadia will be on Thanksgiving Break from Wednesday, November 25 - 29. Classes will resume on Monday, November 30.
Thank you for your continued support of our students and school community.
Warm regards,
Andrea Eisner
Principal, Arcadia Middle School
Dressing for the Colder Weather
Colder weather is upon us in Wisconsin! As temperatures drop, we ask for your help in making sure our middle school students are dressed appropriately for the weather.
All AMS students have outdoor recess every day. We will go outside unless temperatures are below 0°F or there is heavy rain or snowfall.
Please encourage your child to come to school prepared with a heavy winter coat, hat, gloves or mittens, and appropriate footwear for the weather conditions. These items are especially important as temperatures continue to drop.
Your support in helping our students stay warm, safe, and comfortable during outdoor recess is greatly appreciated!
Thank you for your support!
Grade 5 - LUNCH WITH A LOVED ONE EVENT
We are excited to invite a special “loved one” to join our fifth-grade students for Lunch with a Loved One on Tuesday, November 24!
Each fifth-grade student may invite a loved one to school to share lunch with them. A loved one can be a parent, grandparent, family member, or special friend.
Students and their guests will enjoy a delicious, November-themed school lunch together!
Reservation forms will be coming home soon with our fifth-grade students. Please return completed reservation forms to the middle school office by Thursday, November 12. The cost for guest lunches is $4.65, payable in advance. Students will use their regular lunch codes for their meals.
We look forward to welcoming our special guests to Arcadia Middle School for this fun opportunity to share a meal and make lasting memories with our fifth graders!
Infinite Campus is our online student information system that gives parents and guardians easy access to important information about their student’s school experience.
Through the Parent Portal, you can:
- View your student’s grades and assignments
- Check attendance and absences
- Access important student information and records
- Manage school fees and payments
- Receive important school and classroom information
- Keep your family and contact information up to date
Tip: Be sure to check the Infinite Campus Parent Portal regularly to stay informed about your student’s progress and attendance.
Every Day Matters: The Importance of Attendance
Regular school attendance is one of the most important factors in a student’s success. When students are in school consistently, they have more opportunities to learn, participate in classroom activities, build relationships with teachers and classmates, and stay connected to their learning. Even occasional absences can make it difficult for students to keep up with instruction, assignments, and important classroom experiences.
At Arcadia Middle School, we encourage families to make school attendance a priority whenever possible. Our goal is to work together with parents and guardians to help every student attend school regularly and be successful.
Understanding Our Attendance Policy
If a student accrues more than 10 days of absence during the school year, as calculated by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), the student's attendance will be evaluated for truancy throughout the school year. This does not mean that a student is automatically considered truant after 10 days; rather, attendance will be reviewed to determine if further action or support is needed.
Parents and guardians are responsible for notifying the school office when their child will be absent, including for any special or pre-planned absences.
Planning for Special Absences
If your child will be missing school for a planned special absence, please follow these steps:
- Notify the school office of the upcoming absence.
- Have your student complete a Pre-Planned Absence Form.
- The student should obtain signatures from each of their teachers to notify them of the upcoming absence.
- Return the completed form as directed by the school office.
We understand that there are times when students need to be absent from school. Our goal is not simply to count absences, but to partner with families to ensure students remain connected to school and their learning.
Every day in the classroom matters. Thank you for helping us make regular attendance a priority and supporting your child in being at school, ready to learn!
School counselors help support students’ academic, social-emotional, and career development needs through individual support, small groups, classroom lessons and more. While services look different at each school, our goal is to help students feel supported and find success. School counselors are available to support students during the school day, but sometimes students and families need additional support outside of school.
There are many local and national resources available for students and families experiencing challenging times. The following list includes hotlines, phone numbers, and websites that offer information, guidance, and support for a variety of concerns. Whether you’re looking to help your student, yourself, or someone you care about, these resources can be a helpful place to start.
Crisis Support for Mental Health
Mental Health Support: Text HOME or HOLA to 741741 for free, confidential, 24/7 support from a trained Crisis Counselor through Crisis Text Line in English or Spanish.
Suicide or Mental Health Crisis: Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for free, confidential, 24/7 support in English or Spanish.
Wisconsin Crisis Support: Call Northwest Connections at 888-552-6642 for 24/7 support during a mental health or substance use crisis in English and Spanish.
Drugs, Alcohol & Vaping
Substance Use Support: Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referrals and information in English and Spanish.
Quitting Vaping: Visit exprogram.com for personalized quit plans, text support, tips, and expert resources.
Technology Use & Online Safety
Healthy Screen Time: Visit internetmatters.org for tips on managing screen time, reducing online risks, and promoting healthy technology habits.
Apps, Websites & Digital Trends: Visit commonsensemedia.org and select “Parents’ Guides” for information on social media, artificial intelligence, online gambling, and more.
Sextortion Prevention & Support: Visit stopsextortion.com to learn about sextortion, prevention, and what to do if it occurs.
Abuse Concerns
Dating Safety & Domestic Violence: New Horizons offers education, advocacy, and support for people experiencing abuse. Call its 24/7 crisis line at 608-791-2600 or text 608-667-9944 in English and Spanish.
Trempealeau County — To report abuse or neglect: Call Trempealeau County Human Services at 715-538-2311 or Buffalo County Human Services at 608-685-4412 during business hours. Outside of business hours, call the non-emergency number for local law enforcement.
National Child Abuse Support Hotline: Childhelp is not a reporting line, but does offer confidential support, information, and guidance for people affected by or concerned about child abuse. for help understanding next steps. Call or text 1-800-422-4453 for support in English and Spanish.
Notable Activities
Thanksgiving Break - NO School: November 25th & 26th
High School Musical: December 4-6
Upcoming Testing Dates
Access testing for English Language Learners in December
STAR Testing Reading and Math: January 12 - 13
In-service Dates (No School)
November 13
January 22
February 22
March 29
Holiday Breaks (No School)
Thanksgiving Break: November 25 - 26
Christmas Break: December 23 - January 1
Spring Break: March 22 - 26 & April 30
Congratulations Noemi Recinos, November's Stronger Together Recipient
Each month all staff members have the opportunity to nominate their peers for the School District of Arcadia Stronger Together Award. The purpose of the Stronger Together Award is to recognize employees who serve our district in an exceptional manner by collaborating with staff, inspiring students and engaging families.
Andrea Eisner
Email: eisnera@arcadia.k12.wi.us
Website: https://ams.arcadia.k12.wi.us/
Location: 756 Raider Drive, Arcadia, WI, USA
Phone: 608-323-3315 ext. 3131
Thurston Schuster
Email: schustert@arcadia.k12.wi.us
Website: https://ahs.arcadia.k12.wi.us/
Location: 756 Raider Drive, Arcadia, WI, USA
Phone: 608-323-3315 ext. 3133