Hello Academy Parents and Guardians,

What a great week watching our students excel in the arts and academics. Our students are working hard and focusing on mastering standards.

National Junior and Arts Honor Societies induction will be Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 9:00a.m. Please look for information from your child's sponsor about inductions.

Please remind your child of the NO CELL PHONE POLICY. We want to focus on learning and not managing the cell phones daily. Thanks for your help and support.

Please continue to discuss with your child the importance of completing assignments on time and staying focused during learning times. We are excited to see all of the progress our students will make this nine weeks.

Arrival and Dismissal Expectations

In the morning, there are two arrival points - carline and bus. Students should NOT be dropped off in the front parking lot unless it is after 8:00 am. The earliest arrival time is 7:30a.m.

PLEASE, PLEASE do NOT drop students off in the front of the school unless after 8:00a.m. Then, you must sign them in. We have seen several students running across the parking lot before 8:00a.m. This is not one of the supervised drop off locations. Buses drop off in the front loop. Car riders need to drop off in the car line area. If you have questions, please let us know.

AAA Way

This month we are highlighting our Restroom Expectations. Please remind your child. The playbill is below.

ACAP Vocabulary Words of the Week

1. beneficial- favorable or advantageous

2. cultivate- prepare land and crops or gardening/ try to acquire or develop in quality

3. exasperation- (n.) irritation, frustration

4. plenteous- (adj.) plentiful; abundant

5. ardent- enthusiastic or passionate

6. flair- a special or instinctive aptitude or ability for doing something well; stylishness and originality

Have an awesome weekend!!!

Our Best Always!

Kitrise Torain

AAA Middle, Principal

kitrise.torain@hsv-k12.org

Dr. Evelyn Coffey

AAA Elementary, Principal

evelyn.coffey@hsv-k12.org

Another great source of information - Join our Facebook Group page Academy for Academics and Arts! Join Twitter @AAAMiddle

Congratulations to the following students who won the Spelling Bee!!!

Elementary School

1st Place- Adonis Harrison

Runner Up- Jude Carroll

Middle School-

1st Place- Kaitlyn Pelletier

Runner Up- Tatiana Mills

Congratulations to our Stella Star Students of the week – Jan 16-20. We are so proud of their commitment to excellence. #WhyAAA #OurBestAlways

6th Grade

Khari Hughes

Maxwell Roberts

7th Grade

Patrick Ivan

Abigail Hurst

8th Grade

Brandon Worthy

Karsyn Darby

Please remember these important magnet dates.

We have the carline ending by 3:25p.m. If you pull in after this time, please go to the front office to sign out your child. Here are a few things that will help:

1. Please pull into the line in which you would like to exit. Pull in the line closest to the school if you are turning right onto Sparkman. Please pull in the second line if you plan on exiting left on Sparkman. THANK YOU!
2. Please do not yell at our faculty and staff. They are working hard to get your child to you in the safest way possible.
3. Display your child's name in the windshield, even as you pull up to the loading area. It is difficult to see names that are on the dash board.
4. Carline tags can be displayed on the sun visor with clips or rubber bands. Please keep the car tags in your sun visor until you are completely out of carline.
5. Being distracted by a cell phone, slows the line down more than one might realize. Please stay off the phone in carline.
6. The front line turns right on to Sparkman and the back line turns left on to Sparkman.
7. Pull up as far as you can.
8. Pull up as close as you can to the car in front of you.
9. Bus transportation is available to zoned schools. Most of the buses drop off at their first stop by 3:25 PM.
10. Afterschool tutoring pick up - Parents MUST park and walk to the door to check their child out.

Thank you for your patience! We can't wait to see how much this process improves next week. :)

1. The front circle is for BUSES ONLY in the afternoons!
2. Please do not park your car on the circle.
3. We have buses that drop off and pick up students every day between 2:30 and 4:30.
4. The curbs around the circle are not for car pick up and drop off, they are for buses only!

Cell phones must be powered off while students are in the building. Students will receive consequences based on the HCS Behavior Learning Guide if phones are on.

Please talk with your child to make sure they understand this procedure.

Thank for your support! Our students have been following the No Cell Phone Policy.

6th Grade Updates

We are still in the midst of the cold and flu season and any donations of tissues would be greatly appreciated! We are also in need of pencils. We prefer pre-sharpened, but we will take anything!

ELA:

Stricklin- We will continue our Narrative writing unit. We were introduced to narrative writing in the first nine weeks. We will continue our study by planning and writing a personal narrative, biographical narrative, and a fictional narrative. Students will plan several options of each narrative and will choose which one they want to write and turn in. Choice is important when learning to write well

Estelle- We continue the Study of The Writing Process with a review of narrative writing. Our next step is an introduction of argumentative writing.

We continue reading The Good Samaritan. From René Saldaña, Jr.’s 2003 collection of short stories, “The Good Samaritan” is told through the eyes of a teenage boy named Rey. When his relationship with a neighborhood family turns sour, Rey soon finds himself faced with an age-old moral dilemma. Skills developed through studying this story are 1)examining internal conflict and 2) how does the way characters respond to a challenge advance the plot of a story.

We continue working on summarization skills and continue to explore plot, character traits, and making connections to a text. Our class starts with a daily note-taking and grammar practice.

Math: We will wrap up our Module of Ratios and Rates with Converting Customary Units of Measurements. This lesson will last about two weeks with graded assignments, one quiz and a test. Work is expected to be completed during class time. Assignments have a two day grace period. Pencils and notebooks are used primarily for instruction, but a handful of students are coming to class unprepared. Please check if your child needs to make a supply run this weekend in order to be ready next week.

Social Studies: In our first two weeks back students have learned about the stock market crash and the banking crisis that led to the Great Depression of the 1930s. We also discussed the presidential election of 1932 and how new ideas change the way people live. We have been practicing ACAP skills for reading informational text, especially responding to text-dependent questions. In the next two weeks, we will learn about the New Deal programs passed by FDR, including the TVA and how that program impacted the region we live in. We will also discuss the Dust Bowl and look at some primary source documents related to that tragedy including pictures and an oral history. We hope to finish up this chapter with a test on Friday, January 27. An update will be posted to Remind when the test review is open.

Science - We have begun our investigations about the Sun-Earth-Moon system and will continue for the entirety of this nine weeks. Coming up we are focusing on investigating shadows and how this connects to time of day as well as seasons. In addition, we are studying the Sun’s path across the sky and the changing moon phases. If you are interested in augmenting your child’s knowledge of the skies and celestial happenings, please see any NASA.gov sites, including NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. A real-time program (and app) Stellarium will show you in -the-moment maps of the stars and constellations viewable from your back porch. We are using this program in class.

ELA: Students are finishing their poetry unit this coming week with a test this Friday, 1/20. They have a lot of notes for this unit written down. All notes should be in their English folder, but if they’ve lost any notes, all notes are uploaded under “materials/resources” on their English Schoology page. They will continue to annotate poetry for literary devices this coming week as well as do some group activities/review in preparation for the test. After the test, we will officially end the poetry unit with a blackout poetry lesson and then move into our symbolism and narrative unit over the next two weeks. As a reminder, there is no late work acceptance this semester. All work must be submitted by 8:00 a.m. the following Monday morning (unless we are out-then it’s Tuesday morning or unless they were absent for instruction-then they have extra time.)

Math:

Let me start off by saying that I am proud of the 7th grade students’ effort on the Mid-Check Expression Quiz. Most of them passed their first quiz back from Winter Break. Parents, I want to partner with you all to see how we can help your students increase their overall math performance. I would like you all to please join the Remind group. My desire is to close any gaps in their mathematical foundation, so they will be better prepared for the upcoming grade levels. We are still working on Expressions. The students have combined like terms, added expressions, factored expressions, used distributive property, and subtracted expressions, and demonstrated understanding of key vocabulary (coefficient, operation, variable, and constant). The students are working hard, but I will be contacting parents this upcoming week to talk about your student’s specific goals. What to expect next week? We will be focusing on distributing a negative and factoring a negative number, solving one-step equations, solving two-step equations, and solving equations with the distributive property. Here is a quick preview.

Science:

We have been working on important vocabulary for our Heredity unit. Next week, we will be learning about Punnett Squares and calculating probability. The following week, we will be learning about Pedigrees. Please continue to make sure your assignments are submitted on time because late work will not be accepted (except in cases of absences).

Social Studies:

I am proud of how the students have come back this semester. They have been coming in and trying hard to get their work completed during the time provided. Next week we will begin working on how the rotation of the earth affects the way seasons change. We will also be doing map tests throughout the semester of the different continents.

Just a reminder that there is no late work.

ELA: Students will continue to read William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The standards we study include analyzing how informational and graphic text elements, including allusions, point of view, purpose, comparisons, categories, and figurative, connotative, and technical word meanings, develop central and supporting ideas. Mastery of those standards will involve writing assessments.

Math:

8th Grade Accelerated Math: Greetings! We will continue exploration, inquiry and application of Systems of Equations. This week will combine a review of Solving Systems using substitution, elimination and solve by graphing. We will also continue learning how to apply the Triangle Angle Sum Theorem, introduce using the Pythagorean Theorem, real world application etc...

8th Grade Regular: Greetings! We will continue exploration, inquiry and application of Systems of Equations and the Triangle Angle Sum Theorem. We will incorporate a review of graphing Linear equations in two variables using Slope Intercept Form, a slope review and practice, properties of exponents review, measures of central tendency review (bell work/before strategy or online resource) , and real world application etc…

Science: Welcome to the wonderful world of Physics! Over these next few weeks, we will be focusing on Newton’s Laws of Motion. We are so excited to see you, and there are some things you will need to be aware of. Second semester is very hands-on (Physics) so you will need to be prepared to review and revisit lab safety protocol, general school-wide and 8th grade policies/procedures, and specific classroom expectations to ensure your success. This semester requires your undivided attention in all classes, timely completion of all assigned work, and the proper display of AAA Way! Over the next few weeks, you will be introduced to the wonderful world of Physics (with a heavy emphasis on force and its calculation) so please make sure that you are prepared to move full-steam ahead.

Social Studies:

We are well underway with our new unit. We are deep into the study of the history of Judaism and the Jewish culture/way of life. We will be having a vocabulary test next week so please make sure your learners are studying the flash cards they made on the vocabulary words. I will be updating grades hopefully sometime next week so look out for any changes in PowerSchools. Also, just a reminder that this 9 weeks I am taking a deduction of 50% on any and all late work that is unexcused. Please make sure your students get in all of their assignments on time. Hope everyone has a fantastic long weekend!

Creative Writing - The Creative Writers have begun their third quarter genre study on Poetry. Students in Mrs. Hester’s and Mrs. Parker’s classes have practiced writing free-verse poems mimicking the style of Audre Lorde in “Hanging Fire” as well as writing poems from childhood memories. Mrs. Parker’s students have also mimicked the form of an ode. We have set the 3rd 9 weeks writing workshop schedule and it is posted in schoology. Students should be sure to submit their workshop submission by the due date listed by their name. We hope to have some exciting events to come for the Creative Writers this 9 weeks. More information to come soon! Students are encouraged to submit to this year’s literary magazine until the new deadline: January 31st.

Media Arts - 7th & 8th grade - Students are writing and recording skits based on the school theme “Ensemble”. This activity will take all of this quarter to complete.

AAA Theatre -

• Comedy of Errors - Cast List will be posted on Friday, Jan. 13th at the end of the day.

• You can check our website, WhyAAA.org/MS-Theatre

• Mandatory Student/Family Meeting will be in person at the theatre on Tuesday, Jan. 17th @ 5:00pm

• Mr. Grumpy’s Info

• Last Day to Purchase DVD & Photos are Jan. 27th.

• Link: https://forms.gle/QivHKeqSMHodstfh8

Theatre Performance Classes

• Introduction to Theatre

• Starting on Monday, we will begin our Improv Unit with these students.

• Theatre I

• We will begin the semester with audition prep and then we will move into a script writing unit!

• Theatre Production

• Welcome back! We are starting the semester FAST! We are super busy!

• Fully rehearsing The Yellow Boat (with 2 casts)!

• Thespian Cabaret - Jan 28! More info soon.

• Rehearse those IEs

• Tech IEs need to be finished!

• Our One Act, The Yellow Boat - Feb. 11

• ThesFest - Feb 17-19

• Make sure you're making your payments!

Stars & Clowns

We have begun learning our competition pieces for Atlanta! The students are learning to site read and sing more difficult pieces. I am so proud of the work they are doing. Mr. Carter, our accompanist, is working hard to make sure we have practice tracks. Students should be practicing every day. I will post the tracks in Schoology when they are ready.

Be on the lookout for a fundraiser for Stars and Clowns coming up. I will send information home soon! Don’t worry THIS fundraiser is easy. We call it 20 for $20. All you have to do is ask 20 people for $20 the money can be applied to your trip or it can go towards another student’s trip that needs financial help. It is an easy way to ensure everyone gets to go on the trip! Thanks for your help!

Friday, January 13 is the last chance to sign up and pay your deposit for the Competition trip in Atlanta. If you need financial assistance, please email Mrs. Stricklin at jennifer.stricklin@hsv-k12.org.

Music in the Parks Competition Trip to Atlanta: Payment Schedule - Students

Music

Strings-Students are building stamina and focus for our standards and performance and rehearsal rubrics. We work diligently on tone quality, technique, rhythmic accuracy, intonation, ensemble blend, conductor cues responses and our membership etiquette for positivity. We have our TWO DAYS each week designated for grade evaluations. We have theory and terminology worksheets coinciding with each piece of music literature, and we study a little bit about each of the composers/arrangers. I appreciate student and parent growth and support for moving towards excellence each day!

Band - All band students are focusing on new music this week. Advanced band received three challenging pieces. The pieces are: “Fanfare Rondeau”, “A Russian Fantasy”, which we will play together with the string orchestra, and “Avenger”. The beginning band received two pieces of sheet music. “High Adventure” and “The Tempest”. Parents, please make sure that students are bringing their instruments home and that they are practicing. Students are very excited about playing actual sheet music for the first time. Let us continue to encourage them as they improve their skills in concert band.

Choir- All choirs are working on singing scale numbers and Solfege syllables. This leads to better sight-singing and sight-reading skills. The choirs are also working on their first classical choral piece. “Gloria” by Antonio Vivaldi, a Baroque composer. This is a very challenging piece for middle schoolers. They are doing a fantastic job learning it.

All choir and band students have been measured for their new performance uniforms. We would like to thank all of the parents who volunteered their time to help measure all of the students. Special thanks to Ms. Bass, our uniform chairperson, Ms. Wellington, Ms. Edwards, and Ms. Block.

Dance-This week middle school dancers have been rehearsing and learning proper dance audition etiquette. They’ve been working really hard for their upcoming dance production “The Wiz”. Auditions will be January 21st, 2023. 9am-2pm. Students should bring black leotards, black leggings, and a one minute solo if they're auditioning for a lead role or lead ensemble.

We are happy to accept any gift card donations ($5-10) to use for Teacher Door Prizes. Donations can be dropped off at the front office.

Chromebook chargers are available for purchase for $30 each. The chargers may be picked up at the front office. Prior to pick-up, you can pay the charger fee with a Credit Card/Debit payments via MySchoolFees: www.myschoolfees.com. Sign in as GUEST, Select AAA Elem (or Middle), Select Public, Select Chromebook Charger $30, be sure to list child’s name in the COMMENTS. Or you can pay the $30 fee at the time of pick-up with cash or check. All checks should be made payable to Academy for Academics and Arts Elementary (or Middle) School. If you have any questions, please contact the school at 256-428-7600 and speak to Erica Dillard or Ingrid Lawler, Bookkeepers.

Grades and Coursework - Contact the teacher first please firstname.lastname@hsv-k12.org

Data Generalist: Ramona Calhoun at Ramona.Calhoun@hsv-k12.org

Attendance - Ramona Calhoun at Jahshay.McKeller@hsv-k12.org

Cafeteria and Nutrition - Norma Martin at norma.martin@hsv-k12.org

School Counselor - Debbie Smith at debbie.smith@hsv-k12.org

Nurse - Christina Darby at Christina.Darby@hsv-k12.org

Librarian & Technology - Brenda Levert at brenda.levert@hsv-k12.org

Elementary Principal - Evelyn Coffey at Evelyn.Coffey@hsv-k12.org

Middle School Principal - Kitrise Torain at kitrise.torain@hsv-k12.org

Elementary Admin Assistant- Mary Christopher at Mary.Christopher@hsv-k12.org

Middle School Admin Assistant- Erica Dillard at Erica.Dillard@hsv-k12.org

January

January 24- Honor Society Inductions 9:00a.m.

February

February 7- Madison County Spelling Bee

February 27-March 3- Read Across America Week

PK-5th grade and 6th-8th grade Arts Magnet school in the Huntsville City School District.

Email: Kitrise.Torain@hsv-k12.org
Website: https://www.huntsvillecityschools.org/schools/academies-academics-and-arts
Location: 4800 Sparkman Drive Northwest, Huntsville, AL, USA
Phone: 256.428.7600
Facebook: facebook.com/AcademyforAcademicsandArtsElementary
Twitter: @AAAMiddle