2013-14 Volume 34

"What would it be like if you lived each day, each breath, as a work of art in progress? Imagine that you are a Masterpiece unfolding, every second of every day, a work of art taking form with every breath."
— Thomas Crum

 

News/Timelines/Due Dates

We say a fond farewell to Lyn Shiver this week.  She is retiring after many years of dedicated service.  I always admire how Lyn really knows our students and their families.  She can often shed light on situations because she knows what is happening in the child’s life.  We wish her the very best!

We are hitting that time of year where severe weather is all too common.  It looks like that could be the case over the next couple of days.  Make sure you review emergency procedures.

Congrats to our Spanish students and their wonderful teachers for the outstanding scores on the National Spanish Exam.  The list of winners looks like a whos who of private schools but right up there in the pack is AMMS!!  Way to go.

PRIDE  - This week is silent reading.  May 9^th will be a concluding lesson of reflection and a survey.  Think about ways you can celebrate this school year with your PRIDE groups.  Reflect back on the memories that have been created during this year or even the past two or three years with your group.

Now is a great time to start cleaning out your PRIDE materials.  If you have been holding on to any PRIDE lesson materials that need to be returned or could be used again in the future please return those to Wendy Wilson or Kathy Nagle.  If you have mosaic tiles from the lesson a few weeks ago, please put those in the cardboard box in the front office mailroom.  Make sure ALL hula-hoops are returned to the PE staff

Where is Livingston?

Andrea Rioux says, “This teacher put me to work as soon as I arrived at AMMS, really making me feel needed which in turn really eased my transition out of the classroom. During the development of creating the first lesson together, I quickly learned how dedicated she is not only to her student but all the students in her grade level.  She is an innovative educator willing to try new things (regardless if they work) and challenge the status quo. I am impressed by her commitment to AMMS because at this time of year, when all of us just want to get to the end, she and her team are already planning for next year.  On top of everything MARISA WESKER does at AMMS, I am most thankful she has taken the time get to know me and make me feel a part of AMMS. Livingston is going to enjoy spending the next week with her… I hear he likes Reeses too!”

 

Happy Birthday

Caren Allen                April 28

2013-14 Volume 33

 

"The best hope of solving all our problems lies in harnessing the diversity, the energy, and the creativity of all our people.”
       -Roger Wilkins

News/Timelines/Due Dates

 

I know a lot of pressure comes with the CRCT and appreciate all you have done to get the student’s ready.  I need you to be extra diligent in following all directions as we implement the test over the next few days.  Make sure you are reading the latest emails form Chris and following the guidelines precisely. We had too many mistakes last year and most were due to lack of attention to detail.  Some have asked if CRCT days are jeans days and the answer is no, except of course on Friday.

It’s hard to believe that a year ago the Boston Marathon bombing occurred.  Watching all the coverage this weekend, the triumph of the human spirit was all I could think about.  No one really remembers the names of the evil people that pulled this off, but they certainly remember all the acts of heroism and kindness. 

I hope you also saw the moving tribute Friday put together by our news crew supporting our Korean community in the horrible ferry accident.  One of our visiting Korean teachers was so thankful for that outpouring of support.

Check out the latest Insider from Fulton County.  Our own Marisa Wesker is highlighted!  Way to go!  http://issuu.com/fultoncountyschools/docs/march2014

Governance Council – If you are interested in running for the governance council for next year, please let me know.  This is for a two year term and is a great way to be involved in the decision making process of the school.  We meet once a month and there is some committee work involved.  For further details, ask current members, Elizabeth Ferree, Fran Meredith, Deborah White and Erin Hoerr.

Final Exams – Content chairs should turn final exams in to their content administrator by May 6.

PRIDE  –We will not meet this Friday, April 25^th due to CRCT Testing.  PRIDE will return next week with Silent Reading. 

Looking ahead…….there are only 2 PRIDE sessions remaining for this school year – May 2^nd and May 9^th.  May 2^nd will be silent reading and May 9^th will be a concluding lesson of reflection and a survey.  Think about ways you can celebrate this school year with your PRIDE groups.  Reflect back on the memories that have been created during this year or even the past two or three years with your group.

Now is a great time to start cleaning out your PRIDE materials.  If you have been holding on to any PRIDE lesson materials that need to be returned or could be used again in the future please return those to Wendy Wilson or Kathy Nagle.  If you have mosaic tiles from the lesson a few weeks ago, please put those in the cardboard box in the front office mailroom.  Make sure ALL hula-hoops are returned to the PE staff

 

Where is Livingston?

Sherry Thomas says, “It’s true…not being in place on day one has its disadvantages but try coming in mid-year to a new position that is still evolving.  Top that off with landing in the midst of the very important Seed fund project with the responsibility of a presentation to The Fulton Foundation.  That’s tough but Andrea Rioux has managed to overcome the newbie obstacles and rise to the many challenges with confidence and expertise.  Her vision and contribution to the redesign of the Media Center has also been invaluable. I’m constantly impressed with her depth of knowledge in the world of technology and her problem solving, can do attitude.   We are fortunate to have such a knowledgeable and forward thinking individual join the AMMS staff.   So Livingston moves on but not far…I just hope he likes purple!”

Happy Birthday

Lizzie Haber               April 22

Linda Collett              April 23

Kim Hobbs                 April 26

2013 -14, Volume 32

"If the life of a river depended only on the rainfall within the confines of its own banks, it would soon be dry.  If the life of an individual depended solely on his own resources he would soon fall.  Be grateful for your tributaries.”
       -Dr. William Arthur

News/Timelines/Due Dates

 

I hope you all had a wonderful break.  It was nice to have a little down time and gear up for these final weeks!  This week holds important religious significance for many on our staff with Passover early in the week, Good Friday and then Easter on Sunday.  

Governance Council – If you are interested in running for the governance council for next year, please let me know.  This is for a two year term and is a great way to be involved in the decision making process of the school.  We meet once a month and there is some committee work involved.  For further details, ask current members, Elizabeth Ferree, Fran Meredith, Deborah Clark and Erin Hoerr.

PRIDE  –This Friday, April 18^th students will be in an advisement class for PRIDE.  Each grade level will have a different lesson involving the upcoming CRCT lessons.  Students will be either be learning about the structure of the test, test taking techniques, or ways to relieve stress and anxiety while taking the test.  Lessons will be placed in your boxes.  A powerpoint presentation will go along with the 6^th grade PRIDE lesson.  It will be emailed out to you this week.  If you are in a room without a projector please partner with your PRIDE buddy.

As a reminder, we will not have PRIDE next week due to the CRCT testing.

Coffee and Conversations – Our next session is this Friday.  We will be talking about discipline and looking at a few case studies.  Feel free to join us in room A150

Where is Livingston?

Dana Griffin says “Coming in to the school  after the year has already started is tough.  I’ve had to do that several times.  Working in an environment where you are in constant contact with all the faculty….not just one grade level…… and having to learn everyone’s name is even tougher.  Looking good every day and setting the fashion bar wwwaaaayyyy high, is the toughest of all!  Considering the people she has followed in the footsteps of since the school opened, I’m beginning to think that fashion is a job requirement.   I’m passing Livingston on to Sherry Thomas!  She is always smiling and ready to help.   While jump starting the machines and laminating yards and yards of materials is definitely appreciated, I mostly admire her kindness and patience with both teachers and students.  Congratulations! ”

Happy Birthday

Jaimal Page                April 16

Mimi Gamel                April 16