The Howler Newsletter

Happy Friday, Wolverine Families!

We had a great first few days of school! It was so fun to have students back in the building! We learned and reviewed schoolwide expectations, met new people, played getting to know you games, and started diving into learning. Today we practiced our safety drills. It’s been a busy week! Next week, we have school pictures on Monday, Open House on Tuesday evening, and math MAP testing Tuesday through Thursday - another exciting week!

The Howler will be emailed to you each Friday, and it will include a note from the principal, student and staff highlights with pictures, important dates and links, and numerous announcements about our activities. It is a great one-stop shop for everything you need to know about AMS!

Important Dates and Links:

• School Pictures - Monday, August 17th

• School Pictures website - Enter code 3HVL6U7V to order.

• Open House - Tuesday, August 18th - This is an optional “meet and greet” with your student’s teachers. If you are unable to attend, any information or handouts will be emailed to you by the teachers.

• 4:30-6:00 pm: 6th Grade

• 5:00 pm: 6th Grade Health Meeting in the library

• 5:30-7:00 pm: 7th and 8th Grades

• 6:00 pm: 8th Grade Health Meeting in the library

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

• Spiritwear Order Form

Please reach out if you have any questions!

Heather Spessard-Schroer

AMS Principal

Our students did a great job this week! Sixth grade students had an exciting first day receiving their laptops, practicing lockers, and getting to know each other. Seventh and 8th grade students were excited to see their newly renovated classrooms, hallways, and lockers! We’re so happy to have all of our kids back in the building!

Our staff energy was amazing as we celebrated our first day of school and AMS’s 40th Anniversary! Andersen Middle School opened in 1986, and 40 years later, we are going strong!

MAP Testing is right around the corner!

Math during Math Classes - August 18-20

Reading during ELA Classes - August 25-27

Please help your students get excited to do their best and show us what they know!

To read more about the MPS Assessment System and access an assessment brochure, click here!

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

7th and 8th graders interested in running cross country: We will have a meeting on Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, Aug. 18 right after school in room 506. Plan rides for 3:20. You only have to attend one of the meetings. If you can’t attend, please talk to Mr. Burklund in room 506 or email him at edburklund@mpsomaha.org

Football practices begin August 17 (Monday).

Even if your student didn't sign up, they can still come out for football August 17-21.

Students can stop in room 401 and talk to Coach Raabe if they are interested and need more info.

Players need to be cleared with the office to participate (physical and online registration).

We supply all protective gear.

Are you a 7th or 8th grader interested in playing volleyball this year? Come find out what you need to know about the upcoming volleyball season!

There will be a meeting offered before school AND after school so you can choose the time that works best for you.

Monday, August 17th
* Before School - Coach Eastridge’s room 212
* After School - Cafeteria

Come learn about tryouts, expectations, important dates, and what to expect this season!

We want YOU to come out for volleyball!

More details will be shared at the meeting. We can't wait to see you there!

The first All Pro Dad meeting will take place on Thursday,

August 27th, from 7:15-8:00 am in the school library.

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.