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AMS Weekly Bulletin for Oct. 20 - Oct. 24

Posted Date: 10/18/25 (6:11 PM)
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
United Against Hate Week is October 19-25
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Good evening AMS Community,


This week, we fit a lot into just four school days! I want to congratulate our students and staff on a terrific first 45 days of school. That’s right, today marks the end of the first quarter! To celebrate, we’re hosting our first school dance for our 7th and 8th grade students this evening from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Last night’s AMS PTA Association Meeting and Parent Education Night in the library were both very well attended; thank you to all who participated and helped make the evening a success. Our amazing girls volleyball teams are also wrapping up their seasons, and we’re so proud of their hard work and sportsmanship.

So many wonderful things are happening at Albany Middle School, and I am truly proud to be the principal of such an incredible community.

Last week, the District’s Math Vision Team held its first meeting, where we explored shared values, developed team agreements, and reflected on our personal mathographies. If you’re interested in learning more, you can view the Math Vision Team folder, which includes meeting agendas, the team dashboard, and more.

Have a great weekend, and as always...Go Cobras!
Mr. Mapes
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AMS School Calendar for 10/20 – 10/24

Monday, October 20 —  School ends at 3:30 pm
Tuesday, October 21 — School ends at 3:30 pm
Wednesday, October 22 — School ends at 2:20 pm
Thursday, October 23 — School ends at 3:05 pm
Friday, October 24 — School ends at 2:20 pm

 
 
 

Date(s) and Time(s)

Events & Happenings

October 23 

Make-up Picture Day

October 23 

Doughnuts (9:00 am) & Popcorn (5:30 pm)

w/ the Principal 

October 24 

AHS Football Homecoming Game vs. Richmond HS

October 24

AMS School Site Council Meeting @ 4:00 pm - room 113

October 31 - (Period 6)

6th Grade Halloween Party

November 2

Daylight Savings End - Roll Back!

November 2 

AMS Arts and Crafts Fair


PTA CORNER
 
Why join the PTA? 
1. It takes five minutes.
2. It costs just $37.
3. It supports AMS.
4. WE are 125 members below last year's total! We can do this AMS! JOIN NOW

Not a PTA member yet? Join or renew now!

* 10/24: Fall Staff Appreciation Luncheon -- there are many ways you can help! We’d appreciate everyone who can pitch in, whether that’s by helping set up or clean up, or by donating something to eat, or even just contributing financially so someone else can do the shopping. You can sign up here to pitch in.

 

* 10/31: 6th Grade Halloween Party! Calling all 6th grade families! Our exciting Halloween party is coming up on Friday, October 31. We can't do this without your support. Please visit this Sign Up Genius to donate materials or volunteer to help on the big day! To come help in person, you need to make sure you are Volunteer 1 cleared. Thank you so much!
 
* 11/2: Cobra Cafe at the AMS Craft Fair: We’re excited to bring back the Cobra Cafe at this year’s Craft Fair on Sunday, November 2nd! We’re looking for volunteers to help with set-up, clean-up, and working the Cafe during the event. We also welcome any families who’d like to donate lunch items or baked goods — every contribution makes a big difference! The Craft Fair is one of our biggest fundraisers & the Cobra Cafe is a big part of that. Sign up here!

* AMS Auction Donations: Have something special to share? Families can donate high-value items to the AMS Auction or host a sign-up party to raise funds for our school. Contact Tarry Chung.

AMS NEWS


  • Check out our new website! We have upgraded our website (https://ams.ausdk12.org/) while maintaining the same web address to make information easier for you to find and for better functionality on mobile devices. The switch will happen sometime this weekend. 
    Have a nice weekend, and as always, GO COBRAS!


  • 🎃👻🕷️🎃👻🕷️🎃👻🕷️🎃👻🕷️🎃👻🕷️🎃👻🕷️🎃👻🕷️🎃👻🕷️🎃👻🕷️🎃👻🕷️🎃👻🕷️🎃

    Attention 6th Grade Families! 

    We are beginning to plan the annual 6th Grade Halloween Party! Lots of parent/guardian help will be needed to make the day a success. One way that you can help is by volunteering on the day of to help support events and activities. If you think you will want to help out that day on campus, you will need to have AUSD Volunteer 1 Clearance. Here is a link to the AUSD Volunteer Information. Please get started and submit documentation by 10/17/25 so your paperwork can be processed in time for the party. Classroom teachers will be reaching out in the coming weeks with specific ways for you to volunteer or support the 6th Grade Halloween Party.

    🎃👻🕷️🎃👻🕷️🎃👻🕷️🎃👻🕷️🎃👻🕷️🎃👻🕷️🎃👻🕷️🎃👻🕷️🎃👻🕷️🎃👻🕷️🎃👻🕷️🎃



  • To view the current list of approved clubs, please click the link. Each club is reviewed and approved by our Associated Student Body Leadership every Thursday morning, and more clubs will be added next week. We hope your child will join one or more of our school clubs.

  • Student Photos are Ready!

    • School pictures are ready! To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's student ID number. All families can also log on and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card. More about the Smilesafe program here.

  • Chromebook for Home Use

    • If your child DOES NOT have a laptop, PC, or other device to do their homework, we will lend your child a Chromebook to take home for the year and leave at home until June. Students that are given a Chromebook for home use are responsible for the Chromebook and charger. We have copies of the Chromebook For Home Use Request Form in the main office or you can click on the link to view, print, complete, and return the request form beginning on Monday. Chromebooks will be given out after school. Quantities are very limited, so this is for students who need a Chromebook. If a student was issued a Chromebook and charger last year and did not return it at the end of the school year, another Chromebook will not be issued. Please email Mr. Christian Alcala at calcala@ausdk12.org if for questions. 

  • Here are a few important links:


  • Attendance Policy at AMS

    • Independent Study

      • Family trips should be arranged during summer and other school breaks as extended absences affect a student’s academic progress and grades. Alternative assignments while on trips do not fully take the place of daily attendance and participation in class. If an extended absence (5-15 school days) is unavoidable, parents/guardians must request an Independent Study form from the main office a minimum of 5 school days prior to the student’s departure; we would prefer 10 school days. Independent study can only be arranged for absences of five days (with a maximum of 15 for the school year) or more and cannot be granted during the last two weeks of the year. Independent Study can only be granted once per semester. 

    • Attendance Reminder

      • If you would like to contact the attendance office for any reason, please email amsattendance@ausdk12.org or call 510-558-3613. Email is preferred. Notes from parents delivered by students do not suffice to excuse attendance.

    • Students Leaving Campus

      • Students, please come to the front office if you are entering or leaving campus during school hours. This means that if you are tardy to first period, you must sign in at the office. If you leave early with a parent, you must sign out at the office. There are no exceptions; always sign in or out at the front office if you are leaving or entering campus during school hours.






AMS ATHLETICS
Registration for GIRLS BASKETBALL and BOYS SOCCER 
is NOW CLOSED

Here is the tryout schedule for Girls Basketball & Boys Soccer for this coming week
Girls Basketball Tryouts in the AMS Gym
   

Date

8th Grade

7th Grade

6th Grade

Tuesday, 10/21

3:45 pm to 5:00 pm

6:15 pm to 7:30 pm

5:00 pm to 6:15 pm

Wednesday, 10/22

2:45 pm to 4:00 pm

5:15 pm to 6:30 pm

4:00 pm to 5:15 pm

Thursday, 10/23

3:15 pm to 4:45 pm

6:15 pm to 7:30 pm

5:00 pm to 6:15 pm

Friday, 10/24

2:45 pm to 4:00 pm (A)

5:00 pm to 6:00 pm (B)

6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Boys Soccer Tryouts at Cougar Field
   

Date

8th Grade

7th Grade

6th Grade

Tuesday, 10/21

3:45 pm to 5:15 pm

3:45 pm to 5:15 pm

3:45 pm to 5:15 pm

Wednesday, 10/22

No Tryouts

No Tryouts

No tryouts 

Thursday, 10/23

3:45 pm to 5:15 pm

3:45 pm to 5:15 pm

3:45 pm to 5:15 pm

Friday, 10/24

3:45 pm to 5:15 pm

3:45 pm to 5:15 pm

3:45 pm to 5:15 pm
      
Date Day Time Sport Team Location Opponent/Event
                  

       
Oct 15 Wed 4:00 PM XC ALL Away Lake Temescal
Oct 15 Wed 4:00 PM FFBall 7/8 Away King
Oct 20 Mon 6/7pm GVBall 6B HOME King
Oct 20 Mon TBA GVBall 6A HOME King
Oct 27 Mon 4:00 PM XC 6th Away King 6th Championships
Oct 29 Wed 4:00 PM XC 7th/8th Away Kennedy Grove 7/8th Semifinals
Oct 30 Thu 3:30 PM XC See List Away Lafayette 7/8th Championships

Athletic Participation Sports Donations - AUSD Athletics relies on family contributions and other fundraising for school athletics. These contributions are necessary to pay for game officials, uniforms, and equipment and other team expenses.  

Please help us exceed the fundraising goal by:
  • Making your $160+ contribution to Albany Athletic Boosters - be sure to write "AMS [team name]" in the “add special instructions for seller” field. Don't delay - make your tax deductible contribution today. 
  • You can also drop off a check in the AMS office. Make sure to write "AMS [team name]" in the memo line.
If you are not able to make a $160 contribution, please contribute whatever you can.
As a reminder, these resources help pay for necessary team expenses. If your team surpasses its fundraising goal, the team can use remaining funding to support a team party or other celebration at the end of the season!"

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR HELPING AMS Sports SUCCEED BY EXCEEDING OUR FUNDRAISING GOALS!
AUSD NEWS


Superintendent’s Community Update 

College Application New Trends

Join us on Wednesday 10/29/25 at 7pm via Zoom for valuable insights and an interactive discussion (a Q&A section will be included) with College Coach Karen Gee. Ms. Gee has worked in Stanford University’s admissions department and for several admissions firms on the East Coast and China. Through her guidance, her students have been admitted to their dream schools. Hosted by the Asian Pacific Islander Parent Engagement Group (API-PEG). You may join API-PEG Google Group by filling out this form. We are on Facebook and Instagram.  If you have any questions, please email AlbanyAPIparents@gmail.com.






Albany Library United Against Hate Event

United Against Hate Week (October 19–25, 2025) is a call for seven days of local civic action by people in every community to stop the hate and implicit biases that are a dangerous threat to the safety and civility of our neighborhoods, towns and cities. Join us at the Library to Create Against Hate. We'll have coloring sheets and 3D printed logos with anti-hate messages. Everyone is welcome to join us! Sunday, October 19, 2–3pm, Albany Library, Edith Stone Room.





SWANA Ice Cream Social

Grab a cone at the Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) Parent Engagement Group’s ice cream social. All are welcome! Friday, October 24, starts at 5:30pm in the Cornell Multipurpose Room. 






Mark Your Calendars: AEF Book Fair at Pegasus Books

Support Albany schools while you shop at Pegasus Books! Albany Education Foundation (AEF) is having a book fair fundraiser at Pegasus Books on Solano Ave. from October 25 through November 1, Pegasus will donate 30% of all sales when you mention "AEF" at checkout. Do you have friends and family who live out of town who would like to support our schools? Direct them to pegasusbookstore.com during the AEF Book Fair and be sure to type "AEF" at checkout. All purchases at Pegasus qualify — books, gifts, gift cards, etc. If you would like to purchase a book for a classroom or library, Pegasus has lists — both in store and online — of requested books for each AUSD school. 





Registration is open for winter Futsal. Register at abscsoccer.com. 





Recorder and Voice Lessons From Voices of Music 

Students from 3rd – 8th grades are invited to register for singing classes, Wednesday afternoons, October 22–May 6, excluding school holidays. Students from 2nd–5th grades are invited to register for recorder classes. Classes are Wednesday afternoons, September 17–May 6, excluding school holidays. All classes are at the Albany Senior/Youth Annex, 842 Masonic Ave. For questions or more info, contact Greta at gretahh@gmail.com or go to www.voicesofmusic.org.





Book’Nic In The Park

All are welcome to join this outdoor reading celebration hosted by the Albany Library. Sunday, October 19, 11am–1pm, Memorial Park.