AMS Happenings Weekly Newsletter 1/30

AMS HAPPENINGS! 
1/30 – 2/6/26
 
Greetings AMS Families, 
 
UPCOMING EVENTS:
 
THERE WILL NOT BE AN ACTIVITY BUS ON FEB 3 & 4 
 
CLUBS THAT WILL NOT BE MEETING NEXT WEEK:
ASHA, Kay Club, GSA, Makerspace, After School Orchestra, RPG Club
 
FRIDAY, FEB 6 – NO SCHOOL
 
MONDAY, FEB 2 & WEDNESDAY, FEB 4  3:30-7:00pm - FAMILY/TEACHER CONFERENCES 
Please mark your calendars for Feb 2 and Feb 4 – 3:30-7:00pm for Family/Teacher Conferences.  These will be student-led conferences.  Your child's advisory teacher will contact you through a Parent Square message that will allow you to look at the dates and times and schedule a meeting that works best for you.  You will also have a chance to talk with your child's classroom teachers if needed, between the scheduled appointments.  
There will be open time slots each night at 4:15-4:30, 5:15-5:30, 6:15-6:30, if you need to visit a different teacher.
 We will have interpreters available for ESOL families with a need.  Please indicate this in your sign-up response on Parent Square.
 Student-led conferences allow our students to practice their communication skills during the conference setting. Students will be preparing for their presentations by reflecting on their progress, setting goals, and looking at their strengths.  Please make an effort to schedule a time with your child's advisory teacher.  We look forward to welcoming you at your scheduled time on February 2nd or February 4th.
 
COACHES & TRAVELING TEACHERS 
The following coaches will be available after 4:30pm:
Caleb Gieber, Jacob Stroda, Josh Runyan, Daniel Solis, Luke Snyder, Shana Lander, Nancy Campbell, Miranda Engeman, Kelly Moylan
 
Kristin Emmitt – will be available after 5:45pm Monday & Tuesday.
Devin Burr will be available on Wednesday.
Tony Ingram – will be available on Wednesday.
Katie Kimmel will be available on Monday.
Cody Toll will be available on Wednesday after 5:30pm
Tracy Tauschek will not be available on Monday.
Taylor Satterthwaite will not be available for Monday.
Tracy Tauschek will not be available on Monday.

A message from the AMS Booster Club: 
Hello AMS Families!  It is cold outside but we want to warm up our teacher staff next week during parent teacher conference nights with some delicious meals each night!  Please consider a monetary donation through venmo (@AMSBoosters) or cash/check (to the office labeled “AMS Booster Club”) to help us provide to our amazing staff!!  THANK YOU in advance for your help!
AMS BOOSTER CLUB SIGN-UP GENIUS
 
AMS - 8TH GRADE FAMILIES, 
Please find below information for current 8th graders to start the enrollment process for 9th grade at Manhattan High School.
8th GRADE TRANSITION INFORMATION for the Class of 2030
Hello!  It is time to enroll in classes for high school!  We are looking forward to working with your students for the next four years.
 

• This year, we will kick things off with an invite for next Tuesday evening from 5:00-7:00 to attend our MHS elective fair and learn more about all that we have to offer.  This is a drop-in event, so pick a time frame that works well for you and your student.
• Then, on Monday the 9th at 7:00 p.m., Dr. Biery and I will share information through Zoom.  We will record the session in case you are not able to join us. 

Here is the link for the zoom:  
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85427053568?pwd=8FofyqTVzZ8hKvywQLRJStNybOJ6Gi.1
Meeting ID: 854 2705 3568
Passcode: 153977

• On both Thursday, February 12 and Friday the 13th, we will zoom into advisories. Students will receive their enrollment forms then.  
• On Thursday, February 19, we will pick up their enrollment forms in their social studies class and help them enter their selections in Xello. 

Please reach out with any questions you have during this process.  Thank you!
 
Rachelle Bahr, School Counselor, Class of 2030 rachelleb@usd383.org
Jana Biery, School Counselor, Class of 2030 janabi@usd383.org
 
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT SURVEY:  We need your help – please submit your response as soon as you are able.  Thank you! 
Dear Parent or Guardian: 
We would like to take a moment to express our gratitude for your continued support and involvement in the school community.  
As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing family engagement and improving our school’s programs, we request your participation in our family engagement survey. Your feedback is essential in helping us understand your needs, preferences, and areas where we can further strengthen our partnership with your family.  
Completing the survey will only take a few minutes of your time, but the impact of your input will be long-lasting.  Your responses will provide us with valuable insights that will guide our efforts to better serve your family and create inclusive and supportive environments for all our students.  
To access the survey, please click on the link below.   There is also a QR code in the attached flyer.  The survey will close March 20, 2026.
The languages listed below are available.
 
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT SURVEY 2025-26 
 

AMS BOOK FAIR – JANUARY 30 – FEBRUARY 11
The AMS Book Fair will be open before and after school, as well as during conferences. Cash, checks (made out to AMS), cards, and Apple and Google Pay are accepted.
For full details, and to create an eWallet, visit our school’s Book Fair homepage
https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/susanbanthonymiddleschool
The countdown to more Bookjoy is on!
Catch you at the Fair!
Happy reading,
Melanie Borror
AMS Library Media Specialist

SPORTS 
BOYS BASKETBALL
TUES, FEB 3
7th Boys BB @Emporia  3:45pm
8th Boys BB vs Emporia @AMS  4:30pm
 
THURS, FEB 5
7th Boys BB vs WR North @AMS 3:30pm
8th Boys BB @WR North 3:30pm
 
GIRLS WRESTLING
SAT. FEB 7
Junction City Tourney @JCMS  9:00am
 
BOWLING
WED, FEB 4
Heights Tourney (V) @Gage Bowl  2:00pm
 
THURS, FEB 5
Emporia (V)  2:00pm
EMS Tourney (JV) @Little Apple Lanes  2:00pm
GENERAL INFORMATION 
ART CLASSES are accepting Bubble Wrap and Bubble Wrap mailers.  Please bring donations to the Front Office. Thank you!!

MRS. LARKIN'S ART ROOM IS CURRENTLY COLLECTING: 

• Magazines
• All sorts of material scraps, quilting jelly roll strips, and squares
• All various trims, such as Rick Rack, Pom Pom Lace, Ribbon, Fringe, Lace, and Yarn
• Empty Altoids mint tins

Thanks to everyone that collects, recycles & donates to the art room! Your generosity & kindness makes a difference!
 SEWING & INTERIOR DESIGN CLASSES - are accepting donations of fabric, felt, polyfil stuffing, and thread.  Please bring donations to the Front Office.  Thank you!!

ADMITTANCE TO THE SCHOOL BUILDING-
We also want to make you aware of our policy requiring an ID to pick up your student from school.  Please be prepared to show your ID – Driver's License or State Issued ID to the Attendance Secretary when you come in to pick up your student.  Also, please call the office ahead of time on the appointment day and we can have your student in the office, ready for pick-up.
BUS ROUTE INFORMATION - Here is the link for TRANSPORTATION
 
AMS STUDENT HANDBOOK: The student-parent handbook is posted on our website, here is the link: MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK         
 
ACTIVITY OPPORTUNITIES: Here is the link to our Clubs and Activities for the upcoming school year.  AMS CLUBS/ACTIVITIES OPPORTUNITIES 
The weekly Club Meeting Schedule can be found on our Daily Newsletter on Parent Square.
 
LUNCH INFORMATION: Here is the link to put money in your student’s lunch account –
CHILD NUTRITION
 
AMS DAILY NEWSLETTER – is available daily on ParentSquare. A message will not be sent out. The AMS Daily Newsletter contains dates and information for upcoming events, clubs and activities, the lunch menu for the day, and other important information. It is available each day at 3:00pm for the next school day.

LOST & FOUND:
Please have your students check the Lost & Found Racks for any missing clothing, lunch boxes, binders, and other items.
Lost Water Bottles or electronics, jewelry, cash, or other small items, are in the office.
All unclaimed items are donated at the end of each month.