Next week we start MAP testing. These tests help teachers better understand you as a learner, so it's important to try your best.

Some important notes about MAP this year:

• All students need to PREPARE THEIR LAPTOP

• Every student should have something silent to do if they finish early

  • • Book to read

    • Paper to draw on

    • NO TECHNOLOGY

• All students need to be on the ACS network during the tests

• To help avoid distractions - every student will be asked to get out their phone (and smart watches), show the teacher that it is turned off (not just silent), and place it in a designated space until the end of the tests.

Share Your Voice: ACS Middle School Survey!

Want your classes to be more fun, less stressful, and designed around how you actually learn best? Here is your chance to tell us what you think!

• Survey Link: https://forms.gle/3WorGi9Bny6veDqp6 

• Time Required: 3 quick minutes

• 100% Anonymous: No names attached, so speak your mind!

• Deadline: Wednesday, Aug 26

Your feedback goes directly to your teachers to help make this school year better for you. Take three minutes today and let your voice be heard!

For safety reasons, all students should leave campus at 3pm.

Exemptions:

• You are at a supervised afterschool activity

• Your parent/guardian is with you and is supervising you

You can not "hang out" or wait for friends on campus - please organize an alternative plan off campus so you do not get into trouble.

If you have questions or need help with your afterschool plan - connect with Ms. Mac 

Why are middle schoolers not allowed to order coffee (or decaf) drinks?

Your brain is currently going through a massive system upgrade, and coffee acts like glitchy software.

Regular Coffee (Caffeine)

• Steals Your Brainpower: Your brain does its heaviest learning, growing, and memory-saving while you sleep. Caffeine blocks deep sleep (even when drunk during the day), meaning you miss out on essential brain growth.

• Triggers Fake Stress: Caffeine tricks your body into thinking you are in a high-stress situation. This leads to sudden jitters, anxiety, and unpredictable mood crashes in class.

• Creates a Bad Loop: The more caffeine you drink, the less natural energy your brain produces. Eventually, you feel exhausted without it (can lead to addiction).

Decaf Coffee

• It Still Has Caffeine: Decaf isn't 100% caffeine-free. It still contains small amounts that can affect a growing system.

• The Sugar Trap: Decaf drinks are often loaded with sugary syrups and whipped cream. High sugar causes a quick spike in energy, followed by a huge crash that leaves you with severe "brain fog."

• Tricks Your Habits: Drinking decaf gets your brain used to relying on a drink for energy, instead of real power boosters like water, solid meals, and good sleep.

Field Football: You Slide, You Leave

We love seeing students on the football field, but safety must always come first. To keep the game fun and safe for everyone, we want to remind everyone: You slide, you leave.

How it works:

• The Action: If a teacher or supervisor sees what they believe is a slide tackle, your play is over for the day and you can't play the next day either.

• The Exit: Recess Red Card! No arguments and no discussion. If you are asked to leave, you must step off the field immediately (arguing could make the consequence bigger).

This isn't about getting you in trouble; it's about keeping the game moving and everyone safe (We take care of eachother).

We have a new food service provider - welcome Food Lab!

Things for MS to remember in the cafe:

• The cafe is ONLY AVAILABLE DURING LUNCH (not breaks)

• This is a quiet area (people 5 meters away should NOT understand your conversation) - this space is very open and noise travels to the Library side which can interrupt learning.

Now that everyone has had time to master their schedule and find their classrooms, tardies will officially be counted starting Sunday, August 23!

• Freebies: Every student gets 5 freebie tardies to last until December.

• Consequences: Once all 5 freebies are used, every additional tardy will cost you lunch time with Ms. Mac.

• Warnings: Ms. Mac will meet with you once you have used all 5 freebies.

Arrival & Departure

• Late Arrival: If you arrive late to school, you must sign in with Ms. Diala in the office before heading to class.

• Early Departure: If you are leaving school early for any reason, you must obtain a gate pass from Ms. Diala before leaving campus.