Sunday, April 13, 2025


   

Dear Middle School Parents,


I hope you have been enjoying the warmer weather. What a treat it has been!


Thank you for making the dance a huge success!

We want to express our deepest appreciation for the families that donated decorations, supplies, food, and drinks for the dance and volunteered their time. Dances are not possible without your generosity! Our students had a blast and were dressed to impress in their creative neon outfits. 



Healthier 4 U Vending Machine

Middle School students have been asking for a vending machine for years, but finding one that gives back to the school and provides healthier snack options has been challenging. Healthier 4 U Vending offers just that: healthier snack options, and we earn a small commission from sales, which will go to Student Council, allowing them to continue providing fun events like the Haunted Hallway, middle school dances, and other fun events throughout the school year.


The vending machine is located on the third floor and is only available to Middle School students during snack, between AM Carpool and Homeroom, and at the end of the day before going down to carpool. Students may use cash or cards and are responsible for anything they bring to school. While Healthier 4 U vending machines accept Apple and Google Pay, we have asked that this function be disabled to follow our Electronics Policy. Prices vary from $1 to $5 (protein drink), with most snacks around $2. The machine offers snacks such as Veggie Straws, Pirate’s Booty, fruit leather, protein bars, Fitzels Protein Pretzels, and Hummus & Crackers. There are several gluten-free options and a couple of vegan options.


Ideally, the machine will be used when a student forgets their snack or needs a little more during snack or when a student needs a snack before an after-school activity. The hope is that this is not an everyday purchase for your student and may be a great way to discuss budgeting on a small scale (giving your student $10 to spend throughout the week- it is possible, but that $10 could also be spent in one or two days if they are not wise with their choices). 


CMAS testing continues this week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and students are eating snacks in the room they tested in once everyone in that room has finished testing. Students will not have time before testing to purchase snacks and are not permitted to leave their classroom to purchase a snack. Please continue sending snacks for your student to eat during CMAS.



Spring Conferences- April 24th

Our final round of conferences is on Thursday, April 24th, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, and will be held online. Signing up for a conference time is required, and teachers will send you a link to your meeting before your conference. As always, we ask that you only sign up for one conference time as slots are limited.


Teachers will not be able to speak to ability group or math placements for next year. We assess students through the end of the year and use that data to help determine classes for the next school year. 


Please sign up for your conference time using the links below. Sign-ups will close on Monday, April 21st at 3 pm to allow teachers time to prepare for conferences.




Laptop Collection 

Students will say goodbye to their AA laptop for the summer on May 14th (8th grade) or May 16th (6th & 7th grade). Students must return their laptop in the case and charging cord, both in good working condition. If you notice your student has keys missing, a cracked screen, or other damage have your student visit the IT office. Students who do not return their laptop or charging cord will not be allowed to participate in end of year activities and/or will face a fine from the IT department.



End of Year Events

The end of the school year is always busy, so I want to put the following dates on your radar.


  • End of Year iReady Testing (one of the many data points used to determine class placements for next year)

    • April 23rd - May 1st

  • Math Finals

    • May 12th - 14th

  • Laptop Return

    • 8th Grade: Wednesday, May 14th

    • 6th & 7th Grade: Friday, May 16th

  • Excellence in Character Awards & Athletic Awards (invite-only for parents)

    • Thursday, May 15th

  • Middle School Field Day

    • Thursday, May 15th 1:55 - 3:25 pm

  • All-School Move-Up Day (learn about the next grade level and summer assignments)

    • Wednesday, May 21st



As always, thank you for entrusting us with your student each day. It has been a pleasure watching them grow this school year.


 

April Winder
Middle School Principal, Motsenbocker
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American Academy
Motsenbocker Campus
P: 720-292-5692
[email protected]