Alder Creek Middle School

Cougar News, 2024-2025

Cougar News is a weekly communication that comes out via email. This weekly update is brought to you by the ACMS staff in an attempt to keep parents and students informed as to the

“happenings” at ACMS.

Spanish version here. Para ver la versión en español, haga clic aquí

JUNE 26, 2025

GRADES-REPORT CARD

End of the year report card via a JumpRope on Thursday June 26.

Please contact the school if you did not receive an email from JumpRope. Please check your junk mail to see if the email went there.

THANK YOU FOR A GREAT YEAR!

Thank you for another great year! Our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and partnership. It has been an absolute pleasure working with your middle schoolers, and we are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and growth throughout the year. Each middle schooler has truly developed their own superpower this year, whether it's problem-solving, creativity, leadership, or kindness – and together, their powers have made our school community shine!

To all our parents, thank you for being an integral part of the league that helps us nurture and guide these amazing middle schoolers. Your dedication and collaboration are a critical part of their development and make all the difference.

We want to wish each and every one of you a fantastic summer filled with joy and relaxation.

Looking ahead, we are already filled with anticipation for the upcoming school year. We have exciting plans in store, designed to further enhance your middle school experience. See you on August 27!

SUMMER AND OFFICE HOURS

Our Office will be closed fromJun 27, 2025through August 1st.

Teachers are not available during summer even over email! If you need assistance beginning, please contact Mrs. Larson at hlarson@ttusd.org. Our office will be closed in July and will reopen August .

You will hear from me again in early August regarding fall sports, 2025-2026 school schedules, and any updates for the beginning of the school year. Thank you for your patience and support during this school year. Have a safe and wonderful summer.

WORK PERMITS

If you are in need of a summer work permit please contact: Cherise Williams at 530-582-2600 ext. #37301 cwilliams@ttusd.org or Darah Vaughn 530-582-2604 dvaughan@ttusd.org for an appointment. Please click on the link below for the work permit application that needs to be filled out by parents, student and employer that will be hiring prior to contacting Truckee High school. Work Permit Application

2025 ACMS SUMMER READING CHALLENGE 😎

Please click here for the 2025 ACMS summer reading challenge! Students will receive a hard copy of the Bingo Board from their teachers during the last week of school. Students should complete each book or activity and fill in the box with the required information (title, date, etc.). Once they complete four in a row—diagonal, horizontal, or vertical—they have BINGO!

Bring the completed Bingo board, with your full name, to Ms. Lally in Room 209 or to the ACMS front office during the first week of school to earn a prize and join the celebration!

Bonus prizes will be awarded if you staple a receipt from a public library or bookstore checkout to your Bingo board.

📚 Reminder: All TTUSD students automatically receive a Nevada County Library card and account using their student ID. Just stop by your local library to pick up your card!

📖 Instructions for the Nevada County Public Library’s summer reading program are also printed on the back of the Bingo board.

DATA CONFIRMATION-PLEASE COMPLETE

Update and complete your data confirmation for the 2025-26 school year no later than August 15, 2025. We cannot issue schedules and/or make schedule changes until your confirmation is complete. Here are the manuals if you need assistance:

1. Enter your student’s cell phone number into Aeries when you are confirming data.

2. Click emergency contacts as “do not contact” or “emergency information only” or they will get ALL ACMS Cougar Weekly robo calls and emails.

3.If you are having difficulty with anything online, ACMS Front Office staff are available for appointments and walk-ins starting August 18, 2025, from 8:30 am-2:30 pm.

Questions? Please contact Elvia Lopez Esparza-elesparza@ttusd.org or Liz Ramirez- lramirezfernandez@ttusd.org

TTUSD SUMMER PARENT WORKSHOP-8/12 AND 8/13TRUCKEE ELEMENTARY GYM

Get your student ready for the 2025/2026 School Year

Data confirmation, Meal applications, Bus Pass Sign Ups, Fingerprinting for Parent volunteers

Supports Available: Bilingual staff, chromebooks, supervised activities for kids, free books for attending students

IMMUNIZATIONS-incoming 7th grade families, PLEASE READ

Incoming 7th graders are required to have the whooping cough booster vaccine (Tdap) and/or the second chickenpox vaccine (Varicella) for the start of their 7th-grade year. We recently mailed home letters to students missing these vaccines in Aeries. If your student has received these vaccines, please bring an updated copy of your student’s immunization record to school so we can update Aeries. If your student has not received these vaccines yet, please ensure they have them for the start of the upcoming school year. California Code of Regulations Title 17 requires all incoming 7th graders to be up to date on vaccines to start school.

Please note student vaccinations must be up to date by August 27, 2025. Thank you.

Tahoe Forest has vaccine appointments available for established patients. Please call (530) 582-6205 for appointments.

Nevada County Public Health Department Appointments are available 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month 10 am - 3:30 pm. Call for an appointment (530) 582-7814. Located at 10075 Levon Ave, Truckee, CA.

IMPORTANT DATES

August 12 and 13-TTUSD Parent Workshop-Truckee Elementary-3:00-7:00

August 18-Data Confirmation Due!

August 19-Where Everyone Belongs (WEB) 6th-grade Orientation

August 27-First day of school

MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2025

ATTENTION 6TH AND 7TH PARENTS-PLEASE HELP

CHAPERONES NEEDED FOR 8TH GRADE PROMOTION DANCE-

Sixth and seventh grade parents, want a preview of what your kids' eighth Grade Promotion Dance might look like? We are looking for volunteers to chaperone this special event for our students moving on to the high school.

When/Where: ACMS-Friday, June 13, 7:00 pm-9:15 pm, immediately after graduation. Please sign up here- here

CELL PHONE POLICY Reminder

Cell phones and smartwatches can negatively impact learning and social connections. Therefore, all personal devices (phones, smartwatches, earphones) must be powered off and stored in backpacks during school hours. Use is permitted only before or after school, from bell to bell.

Please remember the District is not responsible for personal devices. Let's make these last weeks count!

BUS PASS APPLICATIONS

An important email about 2025/2026 bus pass applications was sent to all families on May 21st. A new, school-specific application is required for each student. Please check your email for the link and full details, or visit our website and apply by July 31st to secure your child's seat on a bus next year!

LOST AND FOUND

Please check the Lost and Found area for any of your missing clothes, shoes, water bottles and other stuff! Clothes will be donated at the end of the school year.

2025 ACMS SUMMER READING CHALLENGE 😎

Bring the completed Bingo board, with your full name, to Ms. Lally in Room 209 or to the ACMS front office during the first week of school to earn a prize and join the celebration!

Bonus prizes will be awarded if you staple a receipt from a public library or bookstore checkout to your Bingo board.

📚 Reminder: All TTUSD students automatically receive a Nevada County Library card and account using their student ID. Just stop by your local library to pick up your card!

📖 Instructions for the Nevada County Public Library’s summer reading program are also printed on the back of the Bingo board.

INFORMATION ABOUT THS SCHEDULES AND BEGINNING OF YEAR

Tentative 25-26 School Schedules for incoming 9th graders will be released on Monday, August 18th at 9am. Please see Mr. Neuberger's Wolverine Weekly on the THS website in August for information about schedules and how to request any changes. Due to high end of school year demands, please do not reach out to your student's THS counselor at this time.

Truckee High School 9th Grade Link Crew Orientation will be held on Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 from 8:00am to 12:00pm in the Truckee High School Gym.

This student-only event is an opportunity for 9th graders to connect with supportive Link Leaders, get to know other students, tour the school and ask questions. Link Leaders will reach out to 9th graders a few days before the event to remind them via cell phone. Although this is not mandatory, it is an important kick-off to the high school experience and will not have a make-up day. Please mark your calendars, and make sure that Aeries has a student cell-phone listed!

If you have any questions, please contact Kim Bradley, TTUSD Wellness Coordinator, kbradley@ttusd.org

After 9th Grade Link Crew Orientation, we will have Wolverine Day where students and parents can complete data confirmation, purchase PE clothes, apply for a locker, apply for a bus pass, pick up a chromebook, etc.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR TTUSD ATHLETES: AKTIVATE REGISTRATION AND PHYSICALS

Aktivate is now open for all TTUSD athletes who plan to try out and compete in sports in the upcoming 2025/2026 school year!

All Athletes

Register with Aktivate: Every athlete needs an active Aktivate account (www.aktivate.com) to try out and play. We recommend registering by July 29th.

High School Athletes

Annual Physicals: All high school student-athletes must have a current physical to try out.
NEW NIAA Physical Form: The most current NIAA physical form (changed on April 3, 2025) is uploaded into Aktivate and must be used.
Where to Get Your Physical (Updated Tahoe Forest Health System Guidance): On May 30, 2025, Tahoe Forest Health System provided updated information regarding their ability to complete the new NIAA physical forms. They notified us that

"Tahoe Forest Health System providers will be allowed to sign the new NIAA form if they are comfortable doing so. As medical professionals, their obligation is solely to the health and wellness of their patients, not to verify personal information. Genital examinations are not performed as part of pre-participation sports physicals. Additionally, we will not require a birth certificate to be presented. Our providers will rely on the student and/or his or her parents to self-proclaim their eligibility for sports participation.”

Students can work with their primary care provider for a full Well Child exam through insurance or get a sports physical through the Urgent Care facility for a fee. They are also working to organize dedicated events where TTUSD athletes can have their forms completed. Those dates and times will be shared when they are available.

Expiration Dates Matter: Aktivate will not accept physicals that expire during a respective sports season. Please ensure the physical is valid for the entirety of the season of participation. Getting physicals between May 30th and August 1st is strongly encouraged to ensure the physical is valid for the entire school year.

Middle School Athletes

First-Time Physicals: The first time a middle school student tries out for a sport, they need a current physical on file.
OLD NIAA Physical Forms Accepted: Middle school athletes participate in the Tah-Neva League. At this time, the Tah-Neva League will continue to allow the old NIAA physical forms (published before April 3, 2025) to be used. These forms have been uploaded into Aktivate and can be completed by TFHD providers and other licensed physicians.
Annual Encouragement: After that initial physical, it's strongly encouraged to get one each year, ideally within the May 30th to August 1st window, to ensure it’s valid for the entire school year.
Incoming 9th Graders: Remember, incoming ninth graders must meet the high school requirement of an annual physical on file and use the new NIAA form.

Please reach out to your coach if you have any questions!2025 Aktivate Blurb Español

SSC

Our Site Council meeting is on Tuesday, June 10 at 7:25 am in the library. The Site Council is responsible for establishing and reviewing school goals and allocating funds. In accordance with state regulations, the Site Council assesses the needs of the school and submits to Tahoe Truckee Unified School District its plan for the use of school funds and other grants and discretionary monies.

Here’s the agenda:

Welcome and Introductions
Call to Order
Approval of Minutes (Approved and seconded, or corrected)
Approval of Agenda (Approved and seconded, or members may add items)
Legal Requirements
SPSA review-24/25
SPSA-25/26 draft review
Unfinished Business

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to April Cole, Hilda Vazquez, Megan Seifert, and other graduating parent volunteers for all their hard work and dedication to the School Site Council.

WELLNESS AND COUNSELING

The Wellness focus of the week is on inclusivity and belonging. Students are encouraged to celebrate their differences, rather than judging them. The uniqueness of each student is a valuable and deeply impactful aspect of our school community.

As summer approaches, Wellness is reinforcing both inner resources, such as coping strategies and regulation techniques, as well as accessible supports within the community. Students are encouraged to come by the Wellness Center to engage in these practices and receive relevant tools and resources to assist in supporting and uplifting them throughout their Summer break and beyond.

THANK YOU, PTO

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Laurie Kuntz, and other graduating parent volunteers for all their hard work and dedication to the ACMS PTO.

We also want to thank Laurie for her incredible leadership as PTO president this past two years. Her dedication and vision have made a real difference in our school community. Under her guidance, the PTO has flourished. Laurie was instrumental in achieving record fundraising through sponsorships and the silent auction. This is a tremendous accomplishment, and it's even more impressive that all the funds go directly back to supporting our classrooms and students.

IMPORTANT DATES

June 10-School Site Council

June 12-8th grade awards-7:55-8:15-South Patio

June 13-8th grade promotion-6:00

June 13 and June 16-Mininum Days-11:30 dismissal

June 16-last day of school

Tuesday, June 3rd 2025

END OF THE YEAR BAND CONCERT

The ACMS Band Program will hold their last concert of the year in the ACMS Cafetorium on Tuesday, June 3rd at 6:00 p.m. Call time for band students is 5:30 p.m. The event is free. Bake sale items and refreshments will be available for purchase during the event.

AIM HIGH

Aim High is a free summer enrichment program for middle school students designed to build confidence, accelerate academic skills, and spark joy through hands-on learning. Our students engage in project-based academics, leadership development, and community-building activities—and here in Tahoe, they get the added bonus of going to the lake almost every day!

Here's a short video about Aim High

Please sign up here.

2025 BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY

Get ready to roll on June 6th for Bike, Walk, and Roll to School Day!

Volunteers helping with the event will reward participating students that morning with fun prizes and snacks as a thank you. It's a great way to get active, ease school traffic, and kick off the 20th anniversary of Tahoe Bike Month, a community-wide event with lots of ways to celebrate biking around Lake Tahoe and in Truckee.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR TTUSD ATHLETES: AKTIVATE REGISTRATION AND PHYSICALS

Aktivate is now open for all TTUSD athletes who plan to try out and compete in sports in the upcoming 2025/2026 school year!

All Athletes

Register with Aktivate: Every athlete needs an active Aktivate account (www.aktivate.com) to try out and play. We recommend registering by July 29th.

High School Athletes

Annual Physicals: All high school student-athletes must have a current physical to try out.
NEW NIAA Physical Form: The most current NIAA physical form (changed on April 3, 2025) is uploaded into Aktivate and must be used.
Where to Get Your Physical (Updated Tahoe Forest Health System Guidance): On May 30, 2025, Tahoe Forest Health System provided updated information regarding their ability to complete the new NIAA physical forms. They notified us that

Expiration Dates Matter: Aktivate will not accept physicals that expire during a respective sports season. Please ensure the physical is valid for the entirety of the season of participation. Getting physicals between May 30th and August 1st is strongly encouraged to ensure the physical is valid for the entire school year.

Middle School Athletes

First-Time Physicals: The first time a middle school student tries out for a sport, they need a current physical on file.
OLD NIAA Physical Forms Accepted: Middle school athletes participate in the Tah-Neva League. At this time, the Tah-Neva League will continue to allow the old NIAA physical forms (published before April 3, 2025) to be used. These forms have been uploaded into Aktivate and can be completed by TFHD providers and other licensed physicians.
Annual Encouragement: After that initial physical, it's strongly encouraged to get one each year, ideally within the May 30th to August 1st window, to ensure it’s valid for the entire school year.
Incoming 9th Graders: Remember, incoming ninth graders must meet the high school requirement of an annual physical on file and use the new NIAA form.

Please reach out to your coach if you have any questions!2025 Aktivate Blurb Español

CELL PHONE POLICY Reminder

Please remember the District is not responsible for personal devices. Let's make these last weeks count!

BUS PASS APPLICATIONS

SSC

Here’s the agenda:

Welcome and Introductions
Call to Order
Approval of Minutes (Approved and seconded, or corrected)
Approval of Agenda (Approved and seconded, or members may add items)
Legal Requirements
SPSA review-24/25
SPSA-25/26 draft review
Unfinished Business

6TH GRADE FAMILIES-PLEASE READ-CA HEALTHY KIDS SURVEY

Your 6th grader is being asked to participate in our District’s California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS), sponsored by the California Department of Education. This is a very important survey that will help promote better health and well-being among our youth, improve the school learning environment, and combat problems such as drug abuse and violence. Participation is voluntary and requires your permission click here

Survey Content. The survey gathers information on developmental supports provided to youth; school connectedness and barriers to learning; behaviors such as physical activity and nutritional and sleep habits; alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use; and school safety.

You may examine the surveys in your child’s school office or at TTUSD’s website: www.ttusd.org

Administration. The survey will be administered June 4, 2025. The survey will take about one class period to complete (about 50 minutes).

7TH GRADE FAMILIES-PLEASE READ-CA HEALTHY KIDS SURVEY

If your child is in 7th, 9th or 11th grade or attends Sierra High School, they are being asked to be a part of TTUSD’s California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) sponsored by the California Department of Education. This important survey will help promote better health and well-being among our youth, improve the school learning environment, and combat problems such as drug abuse and violence. Your child does not have to take the survey.

Survey Content. The survey gathers information on developmental supports provided to youth; school connectedness and barriers to learning; school safety; health-related concerns such as physical activity and nutritional and sleep habits; alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use; risk of depression and suicide; and perceived sexual orientation.

You may examine the questionnaire in your child’s school office or at the District website: www.ttusd.org

If you do NOT want your child to participate in the California Healthy Kids Survey, please click here and complete the form by June 3, 2025.

COUNSELING AND WELLNESS

In recognition of Pride Month, students will participate in an advisory lesson this week focused on inclusivity, respect, and the importance of celebrating diversity. This age-appropriate lesson is designed to foster empathy and understanding in our school community.

We’re also excited to host a Pride-themed event during the week to recognize and support our LGBTQ+ students, staff, and families. It will be a fun and positive opportunity for students to show their support for one another.

Thank you for helping us create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all!

ATTENTION 8TH-GRADE PARENTS! IMPORTANT PROMOTION DANCE INFO BELOW

The celebration for your students will be held on Friday, June 13th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., immediately following the ceremony. The 8th-grade promotion committee is working hard to make it a fun and memorable event, and they need your help!

We're asking for a $20 entry fee donation from each student. You can give cash or a check (made out to ACMS PTO) to your homeroom teacher, use a credit card through PayPal, or Venmo @AlderCreekMiddleSchoolPTO.

ATTENTION 8TH GRADE PARENTS AND STUDENTS-AWARDS ASSEMBLY/PROMOTION

The 8th Grade Award Assembly is happening Thursday, June 12! We look forward to celebrating this exciting milestone with our 8th graders and their families !Invitations will go home with your student by Wednesday, June 4. Please check with your 8th graders. You can also email our counselors if you have any questions regarding the invite.

Counselor Emails: Delilah Scrudato (dscrudato@ttusd.org) and Rachel Koles (rkoles@ttusd.org)

If your 8th grader receives an invitation he/she/they will be honored for one or more of the following award(s):

Rockstar Reader Achievement (Literacy), Student Council, Music, English Language Proficiency, CAASPP, Honor Roll, Yearbook, and Athletes of the Year. Immediately afterward, students will participate in promotion practice.

PROMOTION

Promotion is scheduled for Friday, June 13 at 6:00 pm. This will be a wonderful occassion to celebrate the accomplishments of our students. Since caps and gowns will not be worn, we plan to provide uniformity for the evening by asking students to follow these guidelines. Dress shirts and slacks are appropriate. Tie is optional. Tuxedos, jeans, shorts, tee shirts, and overalls are not acceptable. Dresses or skirt and blouse as worn to a nice restaurant are appropriate. The intent of the dress code for this event is to avoid the purchase of formal attire.

PTO

General PTO Meeting Mark your calendars for Tuesday, June 3rd, at 6 p.m., upstairs at Raley’s. This is our final meeting of the school year. Join us to find out how you can get involved next year as several Board members move up to the high school.

Grocery Outlet Gives Back Kudos to everyone who continues to mention ACMS at checkout. Thanks to you, PTO has received almost $2,500 this school year–enough to fund the buses for the end-of-year Beach Day field trips, and pay for our staff appreciation luncheon. Please tell the folks at GO how much we appreciate their support the next time you’re shopping there.

IMPORTANT DATES

June 3-Band Concert

June 3- 6th CA Healthy Kids Survey

June 4-7th-CA Healthy Kids Survey

June 6-Bike to School Day

June 10-School Site Council

June 12-8th grade awards-7:55-8:15-South Patio

June 13-8th grade promotion

June 16-last day of school

MAY 27, 2025

TESTING CONTINUES

Our students had an awesome second week of testing! CAASPP testing make up continues tomorrow. 8th grade will be taking the CAST (CA Science Test) on Wednesday, 5/28.

Please encourage your child to try their best and take pride in what they've learned at ACMS. Thank you for your partnership!

BUS PASS APPLICATIONS

SSC

Here’s the agenda:

Welcome and Introductions
Call to Order
Approval of Minutes (Approved and seconded, or corrected)
Approval of Agenda (Approved and seconded, or members may add items)
Legal Requirements
SPSA review-24/25
SPSA-25/26 draft review
Unfinished Business

CELL PHONE POLICY Reminder

Please remember the District is not responsible for personal devices. Let's make these last weeks count!

HOMEWORK CLUB

A huge thank you to the Boys and Girls Club, Mrs. Rothery, and Mrs. Pruett for an amazing year of homework support! Please note that Homework Club has ended for the school year. However, homework support is still available through the Boys and Girls Club in the cafetorium. We look forward to bringing Homework Club back next fall!

DANCE-MAY 30-ACMS STUDENTS ONLY

Our next dance is Friday, May 30 from 4:00-6:00. This dance is for ACMS students only! Students, please sign up here.

We encourage and need parents to volunteer to chaperone our dances to ensure the safe enjoyment of all. Donation-$10

Please sign up to chaperone on this document DANCE VOLUNTEERS-5/30:

Rules governing dances are:

Dances are held on Friday nights between 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
All students should arrive at the dance at approximately 3:50 p.m.
Drop off and pick up is in the upper seventh grade parking area
No one will be admitted after 4:30 p.m. unless special arrangements are made.
Students should plan to be picked up no later than 6:05 p.m. Pick up is in the upper seventh grade parking area.
Students may not leave the dance early unless a parent picks them up at the front doors to Donner Lake.
Any student absent from school on the day of a dance is not permitted to attend the dance unless cleared beforehand with the administration.
Violations of school rules during dances may result in disciplinary action.
Personal cameras are not permitted. Phones must be put away during the dance.
Students who have been suspended from school may not attend the next scheduled school dance.

6TH GRADE FAMILIES-PLEASE READ-CA HEALTHY KIDS SURVEY

You may examine the surveys in your child’s school office or at TTUSD’s website: www.ttusd.org

Administration. The survey will be administered June 4, 2025. The survey will take about one class period to complete (about 50 minutes).

7TH GRADE FAMILIES-PLEASE READ-CA HEALTHY KIDS SURVEY

You may examine the questionnaire in your child’s school office or at the District website: www.ttusd.org

If you do NOT want your child to participate in the California Healthy Kids Survey, please click here and complete the form by June 3, 2025.

COUNSELING AND WELLNESS

This week the ACMS Hope Squad will be honored and acknowledged at the Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, May 27th. Hope Squad members will be presented with a proclamation from the Mayor of Truckee for May Mental Health Month. The proclamation recognizes the work Hope Suad does regarding raising awareness, reducing the stigma, and promoting open conversations around mental wellness. Early intervention, peer support, and education about mental health and substance use are critical to fostering resilience and reducing the risk of suicide. Thank you ACMS Hope Squad for taking a stand to support their peers, promote kindness and empathy, and create a school culture where it is safe to ask for help.

Students will be asked to fill-out the 24/25 Wellness Center survey to provide feedback on this year, so we can understand what is working well, as well as define areas of growth to improve upon for next year.

ATTENTION 8TH-GRADE PARENTS! IMPORTANT PROMOTION DANCE INFO BELOW

We're asking for a $20 entry fee donation from each student. You can give cash or a check (made out to ACMS PTO) to your homeroom teacher, use a credit card through PayPal, or Venmo @AlderCreekMiddleSchoolPTO.

PTO

IMPORTANT DATES

May 27-30-CAASPP Make Up Testing

May 28-CAASPP-8th Science

May 30-Dance-4:00-6:00-ACMS students only

June 13-8th grade promotion

June 16-last day of school

MAY 18, 2025

TESTING CONTINUES TOMORROW

Our students had an awesome first week of testing! CAASPP testing continues tomorrow. To set your student up for success, please:

Have your student check that all the keys on their Chromebook work.
Remind them to charge their Chromebook every single night and bring their Chromebook to school every day. (Personal computers are not able to be used for testing!!)

6th graders will be leaving their chromebooks at school during testing weeks.

Eat a good breakfast and get a good night’s sleep.
Remind them to relax and do their best.
Optional: Bring corded headphones - no AirPods or volume control headphones. Headphones WILL BE PROVIDED if your student needs them.

Here's why it's important as your student prepares for the upcoming year and high school:

Academic Preparation: These tests help us understand your student's strengths and areas where they might need extra support as they transition to high school coursework.
8th Grade Recognition: CAASPP scores are considered for academic awards at the end of the school year, including English Language Proficiency and other awards.
Placement: CAASPP scores can influence your student's placement in Math classes.
School Performance: ACMS's overall CAASPP scores help us evaluate our programs and ensure we are effectively preparing all students for the next level.

Please encourage your child to try their best and take pride in what they've learned at ACMS. Thank you for your partnership!

DANCE-MAY 30-ACMS STUDENTS ONLY

Our next dance is Friday, May 30 from 4:00-6:00. This dance is for ACMS students only! Students, please sign up here.

We encourage and need parents to volunteer to chaperone our dances to ensure the safe enjoyment of all. Donation-$10

Please sign up to chaperone on this document DANCE VOLUNTEERS-5/30:

Rules governing dances are:

Dances are held on Friday nights between 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
All students should arrive at the dance at approximately 3:50 p.m.
Drop off and pick up is in the upper seventh grade parking area
No one will be admitted after 4:30 p.m. unless special arrangements are made.
Students should plan to be picked up no later than 6:05 p.m. Pick up is in the upper seventh grade parking area.
Students may not leave the dance early unless a parent picks them up at the front doors to Donner Lake.
Any student absent from school on the day of a dance is not permitted to attend the dance unless cleared beforehand with the administration.
Violations of school rules during dances may result in disciplinary action.
Personal cameras are not permitted. Phones must be put away during the dance.
Students who have been suspended from school may not attend the next scheduled school dance.

SPORTS

The track team had a successful season wrap upat the TAH-NEVA Championships last Thursday. We are so proud of all our student athletes! A huge shout-out to our incredible track coaches (Rebecca, Andy, Tav, Veronica, Helen, and Kate).

COUNSELING AND WELLNESS

This week Wellness is continuing to focus on Mental Health Awareness Month activities and resources. The themes of this week’s fun lunchtime activities include: checking- in with yourself and naming what you are feeling, learning how to take deep, mindful breaths, creating positive affirmations to uplift yourself and others, talking through different emotions, as well as healthy ways to respond to them.

ATTENTION 8TH-GRADE PARENTS! IMPORTANT PROMOTION DANCE INFO BELOW

Amazon Wish List
We're asking for a $20 entry fee donation from each student. You can give cash or a check (made out to ACMS PTO) to your homeroom teacher, use a credit card through PayPal, or Venmo @AlderCreekMiddleSchoolPTO.

PTO

IMPORTANT DATES

May 12-29-CAASPP Testing

May 19-23 Mental Health Awareness Month Activities

May 30-Dance-4:00-6:00-ACMS students only

June 13-8th grade promotion

June 16-last day of school

MAY 11, 2025

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

To all the amazing moms in our school community, we extend our warmest wishes for a beautiful Mother’s Day. Thank you for being the superheroes in your children’s lives and for making a difference in our school family.

THANK YOU PTO-STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK

The ACMS staff would like to extend a sincere THANK YOU to all the parents and students for a great staff appreciation week! A special thank you to the Cooksey family and everyone who baked, helped, and donated to make it a week of first class adventure! We love the bon voyage breakfast, boarding pass beverage cart, the taste of the world luncheon, the first class treats, and the voyager’s vault of appreciation. Thank you all so much!

TESTING STARTS TOMORROW

CAASPP testing starts tomorrow. To set your student up for success, please:

Have your student check that all the keys on their Chromebook work.
Remind them to charge their Chromebook every single night and bring their Chromebook to school every day. (Personal computers are not able to be used for testing!!)

6th graders will be leaving their chromebooks at school during testing weeks.

Eat a good breakfast and get a good night’s sleep.
Remind them to relax and do their best.
Optional: Bring corded headphones - no AirPods or volume control headphones. Headphones WILL BE PROVIDED if your student needs them.

Here's why it's important as your student prepares for the upcoming year and high school:

Academic Preparation: These tests help us understand your student's strengths and areas where they might need extra support as they transition to high school coursework.
8th Grade Recognition: CAASPP scores are considered for academic awards at the end of the school year, including English Language Proficiency and other awards.
Placement: CAASPP scores can influence your student's placement in Math classes.
School Performance: ACMS's overall CAASPP scores help us evaluate our programs and ensure we are effectively preparing all students for the next level.

Please encourage your child to try their best and take pride in what they've learned at ACMS. Thank you for your partnership!

FIELD DAY EXTRAVAGANZA

The field day extravaganza was a resounding success, showcasing a range of outdoor activities, fostering community spirit, and igniting Cougar pride, thanks to STUCO's exemplary coordination and the invaluable support of our parent volunteers.

SPORTS

The ACMS track team demonstrated remarkable performance at last week's track meet in South Tahoe. Way to go, Cougars!

COUNSELING AND WELLNESS

This week, our Wellness team is focusing on helping students manage testing anxiety. We're sharing practical tools that students can use, including deep breathing, healthy sleep habits, good nutrition, positive self-talk, taking breaks, and getting physical movement.

To support these strategies, we’re offering daily outdoor activities during lunch. These include:

A collaborative poster project where students share how they care for their mental health
Writing positive affirmations around the blacktop with sidewalk chalk
Music and movement breaks with hula hoops and jump ropes

Last week, our 6th and 7th graders had a visit from the school counselors to discuss the upcoming transition to their next grade level. We ask that you take a few minutes and go over the 7th Grade Class Scheduling Form or 8th Grade Class Scheduling Form with your student to make choices in regards to their elective period for next year and to discuss the other opportunities available to them as 7th or 8th grade students. Please complete the Class Scheduling Form as soon as possible. The applications for Leadership and Yearbook (also linked in the class scheduling form) are due Wednesday, May 28th. We are looking to see that your students completed the applications from their student email addresses. Please reach out to ACMS counselors, Delilah Scrudato dscrudato@ttusd.org, Rachel Koles rkoles@ttusd.org and Megan Hurley mhurley@ttusd.org if you have any questions about the registration process. The class scheduling form and all applications should be completed by Wednesday, May 28th.

La semana pasada, nuestros estudiantes de 6º y 7º grado tuvieron una visita de las consejeras de la escuela para discutir la próxima transición a su próximo nivel de grado. Les pedimos que tomen unos minutos y repasen el Formulario de Programación de Clases de 7º Grado o el Formulario de Programación de Clases de 8º Grado con su estudiante para tomar decisiones con respecto a su período electivo para el próximo año y para discutir las otras oportunidades disponibles para ellos como estudiantes de 7º y 8º grado. Por favor, complete el formulario de programación de clases tan pronto como sea posible. Las aplicaciones para Liderazgo, y Anuario (también enlazadas en el formulario de programación de clases) deben entregarse el miércoles 28 de mayo. Les pedimos a sus estudiantes que completen las solicitudes desde sus correos electrónicos de estudiantes. Por favor, póngase en contacto con las consejeras de ACMS, Delilah Scrudato dscrudato@ttusd.org, Rachel Koles rkoles@ttusd.org y Megan Hurley mhurley@ttusd.org si tiene alguna pregunta sobre el proceso de inscripción. El formulario de programación de clases y todas las aplicaciones deben ser completadas para el miércoles 28 de mayo.

8TH-GRADE SLIDESHOW - YOUR PHOTOS NEEDED HERE

Hello Cougar Families! Please help us a create a wonderful and meaningful slideshow for your 8th grader by providing us pictures of your student from 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Thank you!

ATTENTION 8TH-GRADE PARENTS! IMPORTANT PROMOTION DANCE INFO BELOW

Amazon Wish List
We're asking for a $20 entry fee donation from each student. You can give cash or a check (made out to ACMS PTO) to your homeroom teacher, use a credit card through PayPal, or Venmo @AlderCreekMiddleSchoolPTO.

The next committee meeting is Monday, May 12th, at 5:30 pm at Raley’s.

PTO

IMPORTANT DATES

May 12-29-CAASPP Testing

May 19-23 Mental Health Awareness Month Activities

June 13-8th grade promotion

June 16-last day of school

MAY 4, 2025

A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE FOR OUR WONDERFUL COMMUNITY

The Kermes and Open House last Thursday was a night filled with community spirit, delicious food, and school pride. It was also the most successful PTO/ELAC fundraiser yet! The event attracted not only current families and students, but also past alumni. Many ACMS alumni and their parents came back on Thursday night to help out and reminisce about their middle school days. Hearing past students and parents say they miss us was truly heartwarming. This outpouring of community support reminds our staff why we dedicate ourselves to these amazing students.

Beyond the bustling hallways, gym, and cafetorium echoing with laughter, there's a vibrant energy that makes middle school such a rewarding place to teach. In the spirit of staff appreciation week, we want to share why we love and appreciate our middle schoolers:

Brain Development: Middle school is a unique time where students are actively developing their prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, planning, and controlling impulses. But it's also a time of authenticity. They're trying to fit in, experiment with who they are, and socialize – which is a necessary and critical part of growing up! We love being there to support them in this exploration and maximize this period of development.
Curiosity: Middle schoolers are natural question-askers. Their brains are making new connections every day. Their curiosity fuels our passion to create engaging lessons that ignite a love for lifelong learning. This is evident in everything they do, from their classroom discussions to their extracurricular activities.
Voices: This is a time of amazing personal growth. We see students flourish as they develop their unique personalities and discover their passions. Our students are finding their voices in core classes, lifelong fitness, leadership, peer helpers, band, and ACEs..
Milestones: From mastering a math concept to delivering a powerful presentation, there's no accomplishment too small in middle school. We get to share in those "aha" moments and celebrate every step of the way. At the Open House, our 8th graders' amazing National History Day projects were on full display, radiating pride and historical understanding..

The chance to connect with middle schoolers and guide them through this pivotal stage is truly inspiring. We wouldn't trade it for the world!

THANK YOU, ELAC

Thank You, ELAC We want to give a big shout-out to our fabulous ELAC partners for hosting the Kermes dinner at Open House. Thank you Ivana Cobos and her family for the great tacos!

CAASPP TESTING

State Testing (CAASPP) begins May 12th. Here's why it's important as your student prepares for the upcoming year and high school:

Academic Preparation: These tests help us understand your student's strengths and areas where they might need extra support as they transition to high school coursework.
8th Grade Recognition: CAASPP scores are considered for academic awards at the end of the school year, including English Language Proficiency and other awards.
Placement: CAASPP scores can influence your student's placement in Math classes.
School Performance: ACMS's overall CAASPP scores help us evaluate our programs and ensure we are effectively preparing all students for the next level.

Please encourage your child to try their best and take pride in what they've learned at ACMS. Thank you for your partnership!

CAASPP TESTING LETTER TO FAMILIES

Last week, families with students in grades 3-8 and 11 received an email from the district about the upcoming California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) state testing. It includes test details, resources to help your child prepare, and opt-out information. Please take a moment to review it, and feel free to reach out with any questions.

JUNE 16TH: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
We're excited to confirm the last day of school will be Monday, June 16th, 2025.

This year, we used five of our built-in snow days, which helped keep students and staff safe during challenging weather.

Important Calendar Reminders

Friday, June 13: Minimum day for all middle and high schools
Monday, June 16: Minimum day for all TTUSD schools

Thank you for your understanding and support throughout the year. We look forward to a fantastic finish!

SPIRIT WEEK/OLYMPICS-WE NEED YOUR HELP-PLEASE SIGN UP HERE

Field Day + Grade-Level Games = Epic Fun!

Get ready for a school-wide celebration of teamwork and spirit! Our Outdoor Olympics will feature exciting events like relays, obstacle courses, and tug-of-war—all with a friendly competition between grades.

📅 Date: May 7th

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 We Need Parent Volunteers!

Help us make the day amazing—whether you can assist with setup, run a station, or cheer on the kids, we’d love your support! Please sign up here.

CELEBRATING LEARNING NEXT STEPS

This has been a fantastic year, marked by celebrating student growth through work habits, Student of the Month recognitions, and our Student Showcase of Learning. Our celebrations committee recently met to reflect and brainstorm ways to further enhance student celebrations for the remainder of this year and into the 2025-2026 school year. As a school, we are now exploring culminating celebrations of learning for the end of this year and planning impactful recognition strategies for the upcoming academic year.

SSC

Our Site Council meeting is on Tuesday, May 6 at 2:30 in the library. The Site Council is responsible for establishing and reviewing school goals and allocating funds. In accordance with state regulations, the Site Council assesses the needs of the school and submits to Tahoe Truckee Unified School District its plan for the use of school funds and other grants and discretionary monies.

Here’s the agenda:

Welcome and Introductions
Call to Order
Approval of Minutes (Approved and seconded, or corrected)
Approval of Agenda (Approved and seconded, or members may add items)
Legal Requirements
Excellence In Education Grant Review
SPSA review-24/25
SPSA-25/26 timeline
Unfinished Business

HOMEWORK CLUB

There will be no homework club for the weeks of Open House and CAASPP testing (May 1--May 22) Homework club will resume again the week of May 29..

WELLNESS/COUNSELING

During this time of year big emotions can arise for the students. Here are some ideas from Big Life Journal regarding helpful phrases to try when your child is experiencing anger:

“I can see this is hard for you”
“I am here for you”
“I will stay with you”
“Even when you feel your worst, I love you”
“I care about how you feel”
“It is OK to feel angry”

Reminder: it is not about avoiding conflict, but navigating it in a way that strengthens your relationship with your child

SPORTS

Huge props to our track team for their campus beautification efforts last week! We also want to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our girls' teams, with both the 6th/7th grade team AND the 8th grade team taking first place at last week's meet. Our 7th grade boys also deserve recognition for their strong performance, finishing in a very close third place.

8TH GRADE PARENTS-PICTURES NEEDED HERE

Hello Cougar Families! Please help us a create a wonderful and meaningful slideshow for your 8th grader by providing us pictures of your student from 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Thank you!

8TH GRADE PROMOTION DANCE-ATTENTION 8TH GRADE PARENTS!

The 8th grade promotional dance is on June 13th from 7:00-9:00pm, immediately following the promotional ceremony. The 8th grade promotion committee is working hard on making it a fun and memorable event for the students and we need your help! There are multiple ways to contribute.

Amazon Wish List: please consider purchasing items off the wish list so that we can ensure the dance feels special. Here is the link to the Amazon Wish List.
Volunteers: We will need a lot of help the day of the promotion, please come help us set up after 12:00 on June 13th. More information to come as we get closer to the event.
Donation: We're asking for a $20 donation from each student to attend the dance. You can give this to your students homeroom teacher or pay through PayPal at this link.

Our next meeting is May 12th, 5:30 at Raleys.

PTO

Staff Appreciation Week is this week! Your PTO has another fun-filled week of adventure planned this year. If you’d like to help us celebrate our amazing teachers and staffers, please sign up to contribute via this link.

May PTO Meeting Our next general meeting is on Tuesday, May 6th, at 6 pm at Raley’s.

Are you spring cleaning? We need your gently used chapter books! Dorothy Gadsby was a beloved instructional aide at Truckee Elementary, where she taught hundreds of children to read. For the last three years, to honor her memory, her friends at Truckee El have run a book drive in hopes of giving every one of their students books to keep and read at home. Our PTO is again helping to collect gently used chapter books for this very worthy cause. Please take a look at your shelves and bring any favorites your kids have outgrown to ACMS. We’ll have a collection box in the lobby until May 16th. Many thanks!

IMPORTANT DATES

May 1-May 22- No homework club due to Open House and CAASPP testing

May 5-ALICE Drill/Scenario-postponed

May 6-School Site Council-2:30 Library

May 6- PTO Meeting

May 7-Olympics-We need parent volunteers-Please sign up here.

May 7-Minimum Day-11:40 Dismissal

May 12-29-CAASPP Testing

May 19-23 Mental Health Awareness Month Activities

June 13-8th grade promotion

June 16-last day of school

APRIL 28, 2025

OPEN HOUSE/STUDENT SHOWCASE/AND KERMES-MAY 1

May 1st is ACMS Open House Night, which will not only showcase student work but will also offer delicious food by ELAC, an exciting silent auction from PTO, and music from our amazing Jazz Band!

5:00-6:30 Mexican Kermes Dinner-Hosted by ELAC

6:30-7:30 Classrooms will be showcasing/opening from 6:30-7:30

ALICE DRILL AND SCENARIO MAY 5TH

Alder Creek will be conducting an annual ALICE drill scenario in which students/staff will respond to a potential dangerous intruder situation. Students will be Alerted to a situation, and will respond with the guidance of their teacher to either evacuate the building or barricade and prepare to counter in their classroom. Students that are evacuating will either be walking over to the church or the rec center, based on the scenario that occurs on Monday, May 5th. Teachers will be walking their 2nd period classes to the location, while admin and support staff will be monitoring on public roads. The teachers at ACMS are already prepared with the scenario and will be working in their Advisory with students on Monday, April 28th, to prepare for next week.

WELCOME ERIC FREDERICKSON

As you may already know, Mr. Losk is currently on leave to welcome a new addition to his family. We are pleased to announce that Eric Fredericson has joined our administrative team and will be covering Mr. Losk for the remainder of the school year. Eric has a long history with the Grass Valley School District and has experience as a principal and superintendent. Please join us in giving him a warm welcome.

SPIRIT WEEK/OLYMPICS-WE NEED YOUR HELP-PLEASE SIGN UP HERE

Field Day + Grade-Level Games = Epic Fun!

📅 Date: May 7th

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 We Need Parent Volunteers!

Help us make the day amazing—whether you can assist with setup, run a station, or cheer on the kids, we’d love your support! Please sign up here.

CELEBRATING LEARNING NEXT STEPS

SSC

Here’s the agenda:

Welcome and Introductions
Call to Order
Approval of Minutes (Approved and seconded, or corrected)
Approval of Agenda (Approved and seconded, or members may add items)
Legal Requirements
Excellence In Education Grant Review
SPSA review-24/25
SPSA-25/26 timeline
Unfinished Business

HOMEWORK CLUB

There will be no homework club for the weeks of Open House and CAASPP testing (May 1--May 22) Homework club will resume again the week of May 29..

WELLNESS/COUNSELING

Hope Squad will be meeting next week to plan for Mental Health Awareness Month in May. They will be completing some more training lessons refreshing their skills as Hope Squad members.

Counselors will be coming into 6th and 7th grade classrooms starting next week to speak with students about preparing for next year at ACMS. A google form will be shared with them that they will need to fill out using their school email to make some choices about specialty classes for next year. Once that form is live, we will post the link in Cougar News for parents to also have access to. Counselors will also be visiting Glenshire Elementary, Truckee Elementary, and Donner Trail Elementary 5th grade classrooms to go over the scheduling form with them.

SPORTS

A huge shout-out to our incredible track coaches (Rebecca, Andy, Tav, Veronica, Helen, Kate) and the fantastic parent volunteers who made last Thursday's home track meet such a success! We truly appreciate your time and effort in hosting. Our athletes rose to the occasion and brilliantly showcased their skills – it was wonderful to see! A huge congratulations to Ida V. for breaking the school record in the girls 200m hurdles with a time of 31.72!

8TH GRADE PARENTS-PICTURES NEEDED HERE

Hello Cougar Families! Please help us a create a wonderful and meaningful slideshow for your 8th grader by providing us pictures of your student from 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Thank you!

8TH GRADE PROMOTION DANCE-ATTENTION 8TH GRADE PARENTS!

Amazon Wish List: please consider purchasing items off the wish list so that we can ensure the dance feels special. Here is the link to the Amazon Wish List.
Volunteers: We will need a lot of help the day of the promotion, please come help us set up after 12:00 on June 13th. More information to come as we get closer to the event.
Donation: We're asking for a $20 donation from each student to attend the dance. You can give this to your students homeroom teacher or pay through PayPal at this link.

Our next meeting is May 12th, 5:30 at Raleys.

PTO

The PTO Online Auction is live! The website is bigger and better than ever, featuring over 80 items, from spa treatments and gym passes to restaurant gift cards and everyday essentials. It’s one-stop shopping for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or graduation. The auction closes at 8 pm on Friday, May 2nd. Please remember that this is the ONLY major fundraiser of the year for PTO, and every dollar you spend supports your students and their teachers. Bid here!

Staff Appreciation Week is May 5–9 Your PTO has another fun-filled week of adventure planned this year. If you’d like to help us celebrate our amazing teachers and staffers, please sign up to contribute via this link.

IMPORTANT DATES

May 1-Open House-5:30-6:30-Kermes, 6:30-7:30-classrooms-PTO fundraiser-Bid here!

May 1 and May 8-No homework club

May 1-May 22- No homework club due to Open House and CAASPP testing

May 5-ALICE Drill/Scenario

May 6-School Site Council-2:30 Library

May 7-Olympics-We need parent volunteers-Please sign up here.

May 7-Minimum Day

May 12-29-CAASPP Testing

June 13-8th grade promotion

APRIL 20, 2025

GREAT GATSBY JAZZ CLUB-FUNDRAISER FOR THE TRUCKEE BAND PROGRAMS

Make plans to spend an evening at The Gatsby Jazz Club on Friday, April 25th.All the coolest cats will be there, and space is limited!Join us for a Gatsby-inspired evening of music and dancing as we celebate and fundraise for the Truckee band programs. Friday, April 25th.

OPEN HOUSE AND STUDENT SHOWCASE-MAY 1

May 1st is ACMS Open House Night, which will not only showcase student work but will also offer delicious food by ELAC, an exciting silent auction from PTO, and music from our amazing Jazz Band!

5:00-6:30 Mexican Kermes Dinner-Hosted by ELAC

6:30-7:30 Classrooms will be showcasing/opening from 6:30-7:30

RESERVE YOUR YEARBOOK TODAY!

You can still purchase a yearbook here or by sending $35 cash/check to the office or Techlab (payable to: ACMS). Please contact jlevin@ttusd.org with any questions.

LINDA BROWN AND STAR AWARD

It’s Time to Nominate Amazing Teachers and Staff!

Starting Monday, 3/17, nominations for Excellence in Education's educator awards are open. Fellows Award winners (teachers) receive $2,000 for their classrooms and $1,500 for personal use, and Star Award winners (classified staff) receive $1,500 for personal use.

Learn more and nominate your favorite educator here: https://exined.org/celebrating-excellence/nominate Thank you for helping us celebrate the amazing people who make our schools great!

WELCOME NEW COUNSELOR

As you may already know, we are excited to announce that Delilah Scrudato has joined our counseling team. Delilah will be at ACMS Monday-Wednesday, Donner Trail-Thursday, and Glenshire-Friday. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome.

SPORTS

Track and Field: The ACMS Track team will begin the season for the 7th and 8th graders this week, with our first HOME MEET in two years. The team will be in action at the Truckee High School track on Thursday 4/24. The meet will start at 3:00. Please come out and support our program, and potentially lend a helping hand to help support the Coaching Staff. See you there.

WELLNESS/COUNSELING

Counselors have been continuing to visit 6th and 7th grade classes teaching the Stanford Medicine Tobacco Prevention Toolkit. See below for the key takeaways from our lesson:

The teen brain’s job is to figure out what makes you- you!
Your brain is awesome and full of potential.
Everyone’s brain is different.
An adolescent’s brain is particularly vulnerable to drugs.
Nicotine hooks you and makes you think you need it.

If you have more questions about this curriculum or would like to speak with someone about concerns regarding vaping, please reach out to Megan Hurley mhurley@ttusd.org or Rachel Koles rkoles@ttusd.org.

On April 22nd and April 23rd, counselors will be visiting 7th grade classrooms to teach the Know the Signs curriculum. We go over warning signs of emotional pain or suicidal thoughts and talk about how knowing what to look for is the first step toward being there for a friend or family in need. Students are given resources for where they can go and who they can talk to if they need support. If you have more questions about this curriculum, please reach out to Rachel Koles rkoles@ttusd.org.

Nervous System Reset Skills for Teens: A Trauma-Informed Guide to Feeling Safe, Calm, and Connected

Our bodies react to stress in different ways. Sometimes we shut down or go numb ( dorsal vagus). Other times, we get anxious, restless, or angry ( sympathetic). Neither is bad — they’re just signs your nervous system needs care.

Students learn how to recognize what state they are in and use simple body-based tools to help them feel better.

There are now jars in the Wellness Center which hold popsicle sticks with different practices to help regulate through different kinds of nervous system states. One jar contains practices for “fight or flight” (sympathetic nervous system activation), while the other jar contains practices for “freeze” (dorsal vagus/shut-down). This new system will help students independently access various tailored strategies and resources to help them regulate and return to class ready to learn.

THE NURTURED HEART APPROACH | FREE PARENT WORKSHOPS
This April, we're pleased to offer another FREE parent workshop series on the Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA), continuing our commitment to providing families with this valuable resource. NHA is a proven method for nurturing self-regulation and positive behavior.

Learn easy-to-use tools for positive recognition and setting clear expectations to improve your child's behavior and self-esteem while strengthening your relationship.

Workshop Schedules:

English (Online):

Tuesdays, April 22nd, 29th, and May 6th
5:45-7:45 p.m.
Register Here

Spanish (Truckee Elementary):

Wednesdays, April 23rd, 30th, and May 7th
5:45-7:45 p.m.
Childcare provided
Register Here

Dress Code Here

Middle School is an important time for development and self-discovery. Students have the right to dress in a manner that expresses their personality, while also feeling safe and comfortable. Please review dress code expectations in the student handbook (on page 17).

PTO

8th-Grade Promotion Celebration Committee Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, April 23rd at 7:45 @ ACMS. Help PTO and the administration make this special day memorable for your 2025 graduate by planning the fun!

Save The Date The 2025 Online Silent Auction, PTO’s only major fundraiser of the year, will go live on April 24th, and conclude after Open House on May 1st. The PTO Board has worked very hard in the last month collecting donations, but there’s room for more. If you can help, please read this letter and email us your ideas.

Grocery Outlet Gives Back! Please remember to tell the cashier "I support ACMS" every time you shop at Grocery Outlet. As you know, PTO receives a percentage of the purchase total when you mention our school at checkout–and all that money goes straight back into the classrooms.

IMPORTANT DATES

April 22-Nutured Heart

April 23-8th Grade Promotion Celebration Committee-ACMS

April 24-PTO Fundraiser-Silent Auction

May 1-Open House/Kermes

May 12-29-CAASPP Testing

June 13-8th Grade Promotion

APRIL7, 2025

ELAC- English Learner Advisory Committee

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC): Tuesday, April 8th, 5:30-6:30pm

*Dinner and Childcare Provided

Open to all Parents, Teachers, Students, and Interested Community Members
Suggest, Recommend, and Evaluate services and programs for English Learners
Share your voice in education decision-making

Information about summer programs, school calendar/attendance, plan Kermes for Open House

EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO CREATE A SAFER SCHOOL: THE STOPIT APP

We're excited to introduce STOPit, an anonymous reporting app that gives students a voice in creating a safer school environment. The app allows students to discreetly report bullying, self-harm, inappropriate behaviors, and any safety concerns.

With STOPit, students can:

Submit anonymous tips, including photo or video evidence
Access a 24/7 Crisis Text Line for immediate support
Connect directly with school leaders
Initiate contact with law enforcement for wellness checks if needed

STOPit is available on student Chromebooks and can be downloaded to personal devices. We're committed to providing age-appropriate training to ensure students can use this tool effectively. This resource will further strengthen our support systems to ensure a safe and positive school experience.

RESERVE YOUR YEARBOOK TODAY!

You can still purchase a yearbook here or by sending $35 cash/check to the office or Techlab (payable to: ACMS). Please contact jlevin@ttusd.org with any questions.

ANXIOUS NATION DOCUMENTARY SCREENINGS: JOIN THE CONVERSATION
You’re invited to screenings of "Anxious Nation," a documentary addressing rising anxiety levels in our youth. This important film sheds light on the widespread issue of anxiety and offers insights into coping strategies. It’s a crucial opportunity to understand the challenges many face and to foster open conversations about mental well-being within your family. Screenings include a panel discussion.

Tuesday, April 8th, 5:30-7:30pm at North Tahoe High School

Spanish subtitles and interpretation will be available at this screening

Thursday, April 10th, 5:30-7:30pm at Truckee High School

The event is recommended for parents and students 12+. All are welcome, and we strongly encourage you to attend with your child to start or continue these vital conversations.

LINDA BROWN AND STAR AWARD

It’s Time to Nominate Amazing Teachers and Staff!

Learn more and nominate your favorite educator here: https://exined.org/celebrating-excellence/nominate Thank you for helping us celebrate the amazing people who make our schools great!

SPORTS

Track and Field: The ACMS Track team continues to gear up for the upcoming season here on campus. The 6th graders will be attending another all 6th grade meet at Carson Middle School on Thursday. The meet will begin at 3:00.

WELLNESS/COUNSELING

PCOE Parent Education training series Spring 2025

We are excited to share that Auburn Davis Center for DBT, in partnership with Placer County Office of Education (PCOE), is offering a free Parent Education Group to support families navigating ADHD, anxiety, depression, and substance use in children and teens.

This four-part series will provide parents with a deeper understanding of these challenges while equipping them with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to better support their child—and themselves.

Program Details:

Dates: May 1st, 8th, 15th, & 22nd
Location: Zoom (link provided upon registration)
👨‍🏫 Led by: Tom Harrer, LMFT, Owner & CEO of Auburn Davis Center for DBT

This group will help parents:

Understand ADHD, anxiety, depression, and substance use from an emotional and behavioral perspective.
Learn DBT-based skills to support their child’s regulation and coping.
Strengthen their own resilience and reduce stress.
Connect with other parents facing similar challenges.

Learn easy-to-use tools for positive recognition and setting clear expectations to improve your child's behavior and self-esteem while strengthening your relationship.

Workshop Schedules:

English (Online):

Tuesdays, April 22nd, 29th, and May 6th
5:45-7:45 p.m.
Register Here

Spanish (Truckee Elementary):

Wednesdays, April 23rd, 30th, and May 7th
5:45-7:45 p.m.
Childcare provided
Register Here

PTO

8th-Grade Promotion Celebration Committee Our next meeting will be on Monday, April 7th, at 5:30 at Raley’s. Help PTO and the administration make this special day memorable for your 2025 graduate by planning the fun!

April PTO Meeting Our next general meeting is on Tuesday, April 8th, at 7:45 am in the staff lounge. We’ll make a final planning push for the auction and Staff Appreciation before ACMS closes for spring break.

IMPORTANT DATES

April-7-8th Promotion Celebration Committee-Raley's

April 8-PTO Meeting

Arpil 8-ELAC

April 10-Anxious Nation Documentary-THS

April 22-Nutured Heart

May 1-Open House

May 7-Minimum Day

May 12-29-CAASPP Testing

June 13-8th Grade Promotion

MARCH 30, 2025

ZONE CONCERT

We had an absolutely wonderful time at the recent music showcase featuring ACMS, Truckee High, Truckee Elementary, Donner Trail, and Glenshire Elementary. It's always so inspiring to see the amazing musical talent right here in Truckee.

Tuesday, April 8th, 5:30-7:30pm at North Tahoe High School

Spanish subtitles and interpretation will be available at this screening

Thursday, April 10th, 5:30-7:30pm at Truckee High School

The event is recommended for parents and students 12+. All are welcome, and we strongly encourage you to attend with your child to start or continue these vital conversations.

Proyecciones cinematográficas del documental Anxious Nation: Únete a la conversación

Estás invitado a las proyecciones cinematográficas de Anxious Nation, un documental que aborda los crecientes niveles de ansiedad en nuestra juventud. Esta película importante pone de relieve el problema generalizado de la ansiedad y ofrece ideas sobre estrategias para afrontarla. Es una oportunidad crucial para comprender los desafíos que muchos enfrentan y fomentar conversaciones abiertas sobre el bienestar mental dentro de tu familia. Las proyecciones incluyen una mesa redonda.

Martes, 8 de abril, de 5:30 p. m. a 7:30 p. m. en la preparatoria North Tahoe.

Se dispondrá de subtítulos en español e interpretación en esta proyección.

Jueves, 10 de abril, de 5:30 p. m. a 7:30 p. m. en la preparatoria North Tahoe.

Se recomienda que asistan padres y estudiantes de 12 años en adelante. Todos son bienvenidos, y les exhortamos a asistir con su hijo/a para iniciar o continuar estas conversaciones vitales.

Learn easy-to-use tools for positive recognition and setting clear expectations to improve your child's behavior and self-esteem while strengthening your relationship.

Workshop Schedules:

English (Online):

Tuesdays, April 22nd, 29th, and May 6th
5:45-7:45 p.m.
Register Here

Spanish (Truckee Elementary):

Wednesdays, April 23rd, 30th, and May 7th
5:45-7:45 p.m.
Childcare provided
Register Here

MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT ORIENTATION NIGHT

We are so excited to welcome you and your incoming 6th-grade student to Alder Creek Middle School for the upcoming 2025/26 academic year. ACMS is hosting the 5th grade Parent Orientation Night on Thursday, April 3, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. There will be important information about starting middle school. All incoming 6th-grade parents are welcome.

LINDA BROWN AND STAR AWARD

It’s Time to Nominate Amazing Teachers and Staff!

Learn more and nominate your favorite educator here: https://exined.org/celebrating-excellence/nominate Thank you for helping us celebrate the amazing people who make our schools great!

VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM STREAMLINES VOLUNTEERING

Spring is just around the corner, meaning exciting field trips are on the horizon for our students! We love offering enriching experiences outside the classroom, and we can't do it without the help of amazing volunteers.

Our new Volunteer Management System (VMS) makes it easier than ever to get involved. This system simplifies the volunteer process while maintaining the highest student safety standards. You can easily register for multiple locations, complete screenings, and track your volunteer activities in one place.

You can get started by creating an account and completing the screening requirements. Our website has more information.

Your contributions make a real difference in the lives of our students. Thank you!

SPORTS

Track and Field: Our Track and Field team began workouts last week and will be in competition this week. This week is a 6th grade only meet, to be held at Carson Middle School in the Capital City. The meet will begin at 3:00. We look forward to seeing how our new crop of runners will carry on the tradition of athletic success at ACMS.

WELLNESS/COUNSELING

Focus Forward Summit: Free & Virtual Summit Live on April 2, 2025

An amazing lineup of 12 speakers will uncover strategies to help kids and teens struggling with ADHD to focus, organize, regulate emotions, start tasks, and more! Use this speaker guide to prioritize which interviews you want to watch during the event.

All 12 interviews go live on April 2nd @ 9am Eastern USA time

All 12 interviews go live at the same time and are available for 24 hours to watch

Watch the event free on April 2nd- virtual event here

PROMOTION CEREMONY DRESS ATTIRE-8TH GRADE FAMILIES

Attention 8th Grade Parents and Students!

Since caps and gowns will not be worn, we plan to provide uniformity for the evening by asking students to follow these guidelines. Dress shirts and slacks are appropriate. Tie is optional. Tuxedos, jeans, shorts, tee shirts, and overalls are not acceptable. Dresses or skirt and blouse as worn to a nice restaurant are appropriate. The intent of the dress code for this event is to avoid the purchase of formal attire.

PTO

IMPORTANT DATES

April 3-Middle School Orientation Night

April-7-8th Promotion Celebration Committee-Raley's

April 8-PTO Meeting

April 8-ELAC Meeting 5:30pm ACMS Library

April 10-Anxious Nation Documentary-THS

April 22-Nurtured Heart

May 1-Open House

MARCH 23, 2025

END OF TRIMESTER TWO-PROGRESS REPORT

Friday, March 7, was the end of the second trimester. You should have received a trimester two progress report via a JumpRope email on Thursday, March 20. This is a progress check of where your student is at this point in the school year.

Please contact the school if you have not received an email from JumpRope. Please check your junk mail to see if the email went there.

For more information on Standards Referenced Grading, please review Standard Reference Grading System Parent Letter 2024-2025.

ACMS ZONE CONCERT

The ACMS Band Program will have their Spring Zone Concert on Thursday, March 27 at 6:00 p.m. in the ACMS gym. The event is free. T.E.M.P.O will be selling baked goods and refreshments for cash only. See you there!

MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT ORIENTATION NIGHT

LINDA BROWN AND STAR AWARD

It’s Time to Nominate Amazing Teachers and Staff!

Learn more and nominate your favorite educator here: https://exined.org/celebrating-excellence/nominate Thank you for helping us celebrate the amazing people who make our schools great!

ATTENDANCE REMINDERS

As we delve into the second half of the school year, we want to take a moment to reflect on a fundamental aspect of academic success—school attendance.

Attendance isn't just about being physically present in the classroom; it's about actively engaging in the learning process and setting the stage for future accomplishments. Here are a few compelling reasons why regular school attendance is crucial:

**Academic Achievement:** Consistent attendance is directly linked to academic success. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to keep up with coursework, understand key concepts, and perform well on assessments. Each day or period missed is a missed opportunity to absorb valuable information.
**Social and Emotional Development:** School is not just about academics; it's a place for building friendships, developing social skills, and nurturing emotional well-being. Regular attendance fosters a sense of belonging, helping students feel connected to their peers and the school community.
**Preparation for the Future:** The habits formed during school years often shape future success. Employers and higher education institutions value punctuality and reliability—traits instilled through consistent school attendance. By attending school regularly, students are preparing for the demands of the professional world.

Here are some important things to know about attendance at ACMS:

Our attendance system counts period-absences (missing any whole period in the day), seven period-absences add up to one day of being absent.
Truancy letters are sent home after the three days of unexcused absences. The second truancy letters are sent after six unexcused absences, and a School Attendance Review Team (SART) meeting will be scheduled.
Excessive absence letters are sent home after five days of excused absences. The second excessive absence letters are sent after 10 excused absences, and a School Attendance Review Team (SART) meeting may be scheduled.
Please report ALL absences by calling (530) 582-2750 in the morning. You can also verify an absence with a note or an office visit by the parent or guardian. If you are writing a note, please include the date(s) of absence and the reason for the absence. Students will be marked unexcused if no absence verification is received.
Whenever possible, please plan appointments outside of school hours. Even missing part of a day can impact a student’s learning.
Please call the school if attendance or punctuality is a concern and you need our support; we are here to help!

Remember, every day in school counts towards a brighter future. Let's commit to fostering a culture of regular attendance, where every student has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Wishing you all a fantastic and attendance-filled second half of the school year!

VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM STREAMLINES VOLUNTEERING

You can get started by creating an account and completing the screening requirements. Our website has more information.

Your contributions make a real difference in the lives of our students. Thank you!

SPORTS

Track and Field: The first day of Track practice will be March 24th and the parent meeting will be on the 25th. Please have your paperwork completed in Register my Athlete before practice begins. If you have questions specific to track, please email Coach Anderson at rebeccakateanderson@gmail.com. If you have questions about registration, please reach out to our Athletic Director at rcarillo@ttusd.org. Please also visit the team website, using the link below for all updates.

https://acms.ttusd.org/athletics/track

WELLNESS/COUNSELING

PROMOTION CEREMONY DRESS ATTIRE-8TH GRADE FAMILIES

Attention 8th Grade Parents and Students!

8TH GRADE FAMILIES-THS Math Options for Grade 9

THS counselors want to clarify math options for incoming 9th grade students. Students who are currently in Math 8 can choose to take Math 1 only or Math 1 and Math 2 in grade 9. Students who are currently in Integrated Math 1 are encouraged to take Math 2 only. If a student would like to request Math 2 and Math 3 in grade 9, placement in Math 3 will be based on:

class availability
3 (ACMS) / 80% (THS) or higher on Int 1 final exam
B or higher for Int 2 Q2 Progress grade

If you would like to update your student’s course requests, the course request window in Aeries will be open until Wednesday, March 26th, at 3pm. Please reference slides 9-11 on this presentation for instructions.

PTO

8th-Grade Promotion Celebration Committee The next meeting will be on Thursday, March 27, at 5:30 at ACMS. Help us make this special day memorable for your 2025 graduate by joining the committee and planning the fun!

The 2025 Online Silent Auction, PTO’s only major fundraiser of the year, will go live on April 24th, and conclude after Open House on May 1st. We’d love help gathering donations of gift certificates and hard goods. Please read this letter for more information, and think about friends and colleagues who might support this very good cause.

April PTO Meeting Our next general meeting is on Tuesday, April 8th, at 7:45 am in the staff lounge. We’ll be making a final planning push for the auction and Staff Appreciation week before ACMS closes for spring break.

IMPORTANT DATES

March 26-Minimum Day

March 27-Grade Promotion Celebration Committee-ACMS-5:30

March 27-Zone Concert-6:00

April 3-Middle School Orientation Night

April 8-PTO Meeting

April 8- ELAC Meeting 5:30pm ACMS Library

MARCH 16, 2025

SPIRIT WEEK

Get ready for a week full of fun and excitement as we celebrate Hawaii Week with themed dress-up days that are sure to bring some extra cheer to our school days! Here’s the lineup for the week:

MONDAY - Pirate Day 🏴‍☠️
Ahoy, mates! Dress in your finest dark colors or red and white/black stripes and add some fun pirate accessories. Let’s set sail into the week!

TUESDAY - Travel Tuesday
Pack your bags, it’s time to dress like you’re hopping on a plane for an exciting adventure! Bonus points for fun travel accessories!

WEDNESDAY - Volcano Wear
Erupt into style by wearing fiery red and orange! Let’s heat up the week with some hot looks!

THURSDAY - Blue-tiful Day
Wear different shades of blue and bring the calm and cool vibes to your outfit. Let’s see how many shades of blue we can rock!

FRIDAY - Hawaiian Day (RALLY)

END OF TRIMESTER TWO-PROGRESS REPORT

Friday, March 7, was the end of the second trimester. You will be receiving a trimester two progress report via a JumpRope email on Thursdday, March 20. This is a progress check of where your student is at this point in the school year.

Please contact the school if you have not received an email from JumpRope. Please check your junk mail to see if the email went there.

For more information on Standards Referenced Grading, please review Standard Reference Grading System Parent Letter 2024-2025.

ACMS ZONE CONCERT

MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT ORIENTATION NIGHT

LINDA BROWN AND STAR AWARD

It’s Time to Nominate Amazing Teachers and Staff!

Learn more and nominate your favorite educator here: https://exined.org/celebrating-excellence/nominate Thank you for helping us celebrate the amazing people who make our schools great!

ATTENDANCE REMINDERS

As we delve into the second half of the school year, we want to take a moment to reflect on a fundamental aspect of academic success—school attendance.

**Academic Achievement:** Consistent attendance is directly linked to academic success. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to keep up with coursework, understand key concepts, and perform well on assessments. Each day or period missed is a missed opportunity to absorb valuable information.
**Social and Emotional Development:** School is not just about academics; it's a place for building friendships, developing social skills, and nurturing emotional well-being. Regular attendance fosters a sense of belonging, helping students feel connected to their peers and the school community.
**Preparation for the Future:** The habits formed during school years often shape future success. Employers and higher education institutions value punctuality and reliability—traits instilled through consistent school attendance. By attending school regularly, students are preparing for the demands of the professional world.

Here are some important things to know about attendance at ACMS:

Our attendance system counts period-absences (missing any whole period in the day), seven period-absences add up to one day of being absent.
Truancy letters are sent home after the three days of unexcused absences. The second truancy letters are sent after six unexcused absences, and a School Attendance Review Team (SART) meeting will be scheduled.
Excessive absence letters are sent home after five days of excused absences. The second excessive absence letters are sent after 10 excused absences, and a School Attendance Review Team (SART) meeting may be scheduled.
Please report ALL absences by calling (530) 582-2750 in the morning. You can also verify an absence with a note or an office visit by the parent or guardian. If you are writing a note, please include the date(s) of absence and the reason for the absence. Students will be marked unexcused if no absence verification is received.
Whenever possible, please plan appointments outside of school hours. Even missing part of a day can impact a student’s learning.
Please call the school if attendance or punctuality is a concern and you need our support; we are here to help!

VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM STREAMLINES VOLUNTEERING

You can get started by creating an account and completing the screening requirements. Our website has more information.

Your contributions make a real difference in the lives of our students. Thank you!

SPORTS

https://acms.ttusd.org/athletics/track

WELLNESS/COUNSELING

This week, school counselors will be visiting 6th grade classes to present the mental health curriculum by Mental Health Literacy. The Elementary Mental Health Literacy Resource (EMHLR) is the first of its kind classroom ready resource designed to teach students in grades 4-6 about mental health. We will be discussing the following topics with the students:

Understanding Mental Health
The Stigma of Mental Health/Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Mental Health and the Brain
Common Mental/Neurodevelopmental Disorders
How to Help Yourself and Others
Becoming Mentally Healthy

You can view the curriculum guide and more information by following the link here:

https://mentalhealthliteracy.org/product/elementary-mental-health-literacy-resource/

Additionally, Sierra Community House will be coming into PE classes the next two weeks to present their Violence Prevention Education. Students received notification letters to bring home with more information about these presentations.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the school counselors Rachel Koles rkoles@ttusd and Megan Hurley mhurley@ttusd.org.

PROMOTION CEREMONY DRESS ATTIRE-8TH GRADE FAMILIES

Attention 8th Grade Parents and Students!

PTO

April PTO Meeting Our next general meeting is this Tuesday, April 8th, at 7:45 am in the staff lounge. We’ll make a final planning push for the auction and Staff Appreciation before ACMS closes for spring break.

IMPORTANT DATES

March 17-20-Spirit Week

March 26-Minimum Day

March 27-Grade Promotion Celebration Committee-ACMS-5:30

March 27-Zone Concert-6:00

April 3-Middle School Orientation Night

April 8-PTO Meeting

MARCH 9, 2025

ELAC- English Learner Advisory Committee

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC): Tuesday, March 11th, 5:30-6:30pm

*Dinner and Childcare Provided

Open to all Parents, Teachers, Students, and Interested Community Members
Suggest, Recommend, and Evaluate services and programs for English Learners
Share your voice in education decision-making

Homework Club Afterschool

When: Thursdays 2:20 PM- 3:20 PM (No Transportation)

Where: Room 103

MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT ORIENTATION NIGHT

ATTENDANCE REMINDERS

As we delve into the second half of the school year, we want to take a moment to reflect on a fundamental aspect of academic success—school attendance.

**Academic Achievement:** Consistent attendance is directly linked to academic success. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to keep up with coursework, understand key concepts, and perform well on assessments. Each day or period missed is a missed opportunity to absorb valuable information.
**Social and Emotional Development:** School is not just about academics; it's a place for building friendships, developing social skills, and nurturing emotional well-being. Regular attendance fosters a sense of belonging, helping students feel connected to their peers and the school community.
**Preparation for the Future:** The habits formed during school years often shape future success. Employers and higher education institutions value punctuality and reliability—traits instilled through consistent school attendance. By attending school regularly, students are preparing for the demands of the professional world.

Here are some important things to know about attendance at ACMS:

Our attendance system counts period-absences (missing any whole period in the day), seven period-absences add up to one day of being absent.
Truancy letters are sent home after the three days of unexcused absences. The second truancy letters are sent after six unexcused absences, and a School Attendance Review Team (SART) meeting will be scheduled.
Excessive absence letters are sent home after five days of excused absences. The second excessive absence letters are sent after 10 excused absences, and a School Attendance Review Team (SART) meeting may be scheduled.
Please report ALL absences by calling (530) 582-2750 in the morning. You can also verify an absence with a note or an office visit by the parent or guardian. If you are writing a note, please include the date(s) of absence and the reason for the absence. Students will be marked unexcused if no absence verification is received.
Whenever possible, please plan appointments outside of school hours. Even missing part of a day can impact a student’s learning.
Please call the school if attendance or punctuality is a concern and you need our support; we are here to help!

VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM STREAMLINES VOLUNTEERING

You can get started by creating an account and completing the screening requirements. Our website has more information.

Your contributions make a real difference in the lives of our students. Thank you!

SPORTS

Nordic Skiing: The ACMS Nordic team wrapped up a season for the ages last week, finishing at the top of the podium in both Boys and Girls races on Saturday. The boys were led by State Champion Griffin Tuscano (8th grade), and placed 10 racers in the top 20! The girls were led by State Champion Natalie Hamby (6th Grade), Runner-Up Devi Burke (7th grade) and third place Ellery Bradley (7th grade). The girls team also placed 12 racers in the top 20! This was one of the best seasons for ACMS in recent history, and we look forward to much of the team returning in 2026.

WELLNESS/COUNSELING

March 10-14th is Hope Week. Hope Week is a district-wide week dedicated to sharing resources about mental health and raising suicide awareness. Hope Week is a special week at school that helps students learn about mental health, support one another, and build a positive and caring school community with fun activities! It is also about CELEBRATING HOPE!

Monday pro-skier and mental health advocate Drew Petersen will be coming to the Wellness Center during lunch to talk about mental health in the mountains.

PROMOTION CEREMONY DRESS REQUIREMENT-8TH GRADE FAMILIES

Attention 8th Grade Parents!

PTO

The 2025 Online Silent Auction, PTO’s only major fundraiser of the year, will go live on April 24th, and conclude after Open House on May 1st. We need your help gathering donations; we’re looking for gift certificates and hard goods. Please read this letter for more information, and think about friends and colleagues who might support this good cause with a donation. Thank you!

Grocery Outlet Gives Back Please continue to tell the cashier "I support ACMS!" every time you shop at Grocery Outlet. You know by now that PTO receives a percentage of the purchase total when you mention our school at checkout–and that money goes straight back into the classrooms.

IMPORTANT DATES

March 10-14-Hope Week

March 11- ELAC Meeting 5:30pm ACMS Library

March 26-Minimum Day

April 3-Middle School Orientation Night

MARCH 2, 2025

THANK YOU CHAPERONES-DANCE

Our dance on Friday night was a big success! Thank you to all the great chaperones! We can’t do it without you!

MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT ORIENTATION NIGHT

ELAC- English Learner Advisory Committee

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC): Tuesday, March 11th, 5:30-6:30pm

*Dinner and Childcare Provided

Open to all Parents, Teachers, Students, and Interested Community Members
Suggest, Recommend, and Evaluate services and programs for English Learners
Share your voice in education decision-making

Homework Club Afterschool

When: Thursdays 2:20 PM- 3:20 PM (No Transportation)

Where: Room 103

ATTENDANCE REMINDERS

As we delve into the second half of the school year, we want to take a moment to reflect on a fundamental aspect of academic success—school attendance.

**Academic Achievement:** Consistent attendance is directly linked to academic success. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to keep up with coursework, understand key concepts, and perform well on assessments. Each day or period missed is a missed opportunity to absorb valuable information.
**Social and Emotional Development:** School is not just about academics; it's a place for building friendships, developing social skills, and nurturing emotional well-being. Regular attendance fosters a sense of belonging, helping students feel connected to their peers and the school community.
**Preparation for the Future:** The habits formed during school years often shape future success. Employers and higher education institutions value punctuality and reliability—traits instilled through consistent school attendance. By attending school regularly, students are preparing for the demands of the professional world.

Here are some important things to know about attendance at ACMS:

Our attendance system counts period-absences (missing any whole period in the day), seven period-absences add up to one day of being absent.
Truancy letters are sent home after the three days of unexcused absences. The second truancy letters are sent after six unexcused absences, and a School Attendance Review Team (SART) meeting will be scheduled.
Excessive absence letters are sent home after five days of excused absences. The second excessive absence letters are sent after 10 excused absences, and a School Attendance Review Team (SART) meeting may be scheduled.
Please report ALL absences by calling (530) 582-2750 in the morning. You can also verify an absence with a note or an office visit by the parent or guardian. If you are writing a note, please include the date(s) of absence and the reason for the absence. Students will be marked unexcused if no absence verification is received.
Whenever possible, please plan appointments outside of school hours. Even missing part of a day can impact a student’s learning.
Please call the school if attendance or punctuality is a concern and you need our support; we are here to help!

VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM STREAMLINES VOLUNTEERING

You can get started by creating an account and completing the screening requirements. Our website has more information.

Your contributions make a real difference in the lives of our students. Thank you!

HOMEWORK CLUB

If you are interested in attending Homework Club (in conjunction with BGC), please fill out this form. Homework Club meets on Thursdays in room 103. Students are required to bring their homework and a reading book. Please submit the form by the end of the school day on Wednesday to attend Homework Club on Thursday.

**Homework Club Details:**

- **When:** Thursdays from 2:20 PM to 3:20 PM (Parents please pick up your student at 3:20)

- **Where:** Room 103

Students must bring their homework and a reading book to attend Homework Club. If you would like to join, please sign up here.

SPORTS

Nordic Skiing: The ACMS Nordic team wrapped up their season on Saturday, with State Championships. ACMS had .6 Top 10 finishers in the girls division and 6 Top 10 finishers in the boys division! Congratulations to our state champions, Griffing Tuscano and Natalie Hamby!

Track and Field: The first day of Track practice will be March 24th and the parent meeting will be on the 25th. Please have your paperwork completed in Register my Athlete before practice begins.

WELLNESS/COUNSELING

Granite Wellness Center is offering free Parent Project classes online in English for parents of 12-18 year olds. The classes will take place Thursday nights from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. from February 27 – May 1, 2025. These classes teach parents how to never argue with their child again, prevent or intervene in alcohol or drug use, improve school attendance and performance, and explore concrete solutions for media issues. To register call Sarah Brown at (530)362-5539 or email sbrown@granitewellness.org.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB AT ALDER CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL: BASKETBALL CAMP, CLUBBIE AWARDS, HOMEWORK CLUB & NEW PRICING!

The Boys & Girls Club at Alder Creek Middle School is excited to announce the final leg of our basketball camp, starting on March 5th! The camp will take place every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 3:00 PM in the Cafetorium and is open to all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, come join us as we wrap up this awesome opportunity to learn, play, and have fun on the court! The camp will run through March 19th.

Please note: Our Boreal Ski Program is now closed and no longer accepting admissions for this season.

We’d also like to take a moment to congratulate our Clubbie Award winners:

Styles Henson – STEM Member of the Year
Emma Ellis – Bright Futures Award (Character & Leadership)
Adrianna Weiler – Artist of the Year
Emely Lopez – True Blue Award (Attendance)

These outstanding members exemplify the spirit of the Boys & Girls Club, and we’re incredibly proud of all their achievements!

Additionally, we want to remind parents about our Homework Club, which meets every Tuesday and Thursday as soon as school lets out. On Thursdays, an ACMS teacher will be present to provide extra support and assistance with homework. This is a great opportunity for students to get help in a focused and supportive environment!

Lastly, we’re happy to announce a new pro-rated price for the month of March. The new rate for the rest of the school year is only $48. Sign-ups are available on Active.com with the discount code MARCHSY25. If you haven’t signed up yet, now is the perfect time to join! For more information, please email mdominguez@bgcnlt.org.

Boys & Girls Club en la Escuela Secundaria Alder Creek: ¡Campamento de Baloncesto, Premios Clubbie, Club de Tareas y Nueva Tarifa!

¡El Boys & Girls Club en la Escuela Secundaria Alder Creek está emocionado de anunciar la última parte de nuestro campamento de baloncesto, que comienza el 5 de marzo! El campamento se llevará a cabo todos los martes, miércoles y jueves a las 3:00 PM en el Cafetorium, y está abierto a todos los niveles de habilidad. ¡Ya seas principiante o un jugador experimentado, acompáñanos para disfrutar de esta increíble oportunidad de aprender, jugar y divertirse en la cancha! El campamento durará hasta el 19 de marzo.

Nota importante: Nuestro Programa de Esquí Boreal ya está cerrado y no está aceptando inscripciones para esta temporada.

También queremos tomar un momento para felicitar a nuestros ganadores de los Premios Clubbie:

Styles H – Miembro del Año en STEM
Emma E – Premio Bright Futures (Carácter y Liderazgo)
Adrianna W – Artista del Año
Emely L – Premio True Blue (Asistencia)

¡Estos miembros destacados ejemplifican el espíritu del Boys & Girls Club, y estamos increíblemente orgullosos de todos sus logros!

Además, queremos recordar a los padres sobre nuestro Club de Tareas, que se reúne todos los martes y jueves tan pronto como termine la escuela. Los jueves, un maestro de ACMS estará presente para proporcionar apoyo adicional y ayudar con las tareas. ¡Es una excelente oportunidad para que los estudiantes reciban ayuda en un ambiente enfocado y de apoyo!

Por último, estamos felices de anunciar una nueva tarifa prorrateada para el mes de marzo. La nueva tarifa para el resto del año escolar es de solo $48. Las inscripciones están disponibles en Active.com con el código de descuento MARCHSY25. ¡Si aún no te has inscrito, ahora es el momento perfecto para unirte! Para más información, por favor envía un correo electrónico a mdominguez@bgcnlt.org.

PTO

We Need YOU! Keep an eye out for emails regarding our annual online Silent Auction. This is PTO’s only major fundraiser of the year, and we need your help to make it successful. Please think about friends and colleagues you can approach for a donation. We’re looking for both gift certificates and hard goods. If you’d like to get involved with this important event, please email aldercreekpto@gmail.com.

March PTO Meeting Our next general meeting is on Tuesday, March 4th, at 7:45 am in the staff lounge. We’ll continue planning our Open House online auction (late April) and Staff Appreciation Week (early May), so consider attending and offering your help.

IMPORTANT DATES

March 4-PTO Meeting

March 5-Minimum Day

March 11- ELAC Meeting 5:30pm ACMS Library

March 26-Minimum Day

FEBRUARY 23, 2025

ELAC- English Learner Advisory Committee

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC): Tuesday, March 11th, 5:30-6:30pm

*Dinner and Childcare Provided

Open to all Parents, Teachers, Students, and Interested Community Members
Suggest, Recommend, and Evaluate services and programs for English Learners
Share your voice in education decision-making

Homework Club Afterschool

When: Thursdays 2:20 PM- 3:20 PM (No Transportation)

Where: Room 103

WORK HABITS CELEBRATIONS

Our Work Habits Celebration on Friday morning was a huge success! We recognized 153 students for their dedication to completing classwork and homework. Developing strong work habits is a journey, not a destination. It requires time, effort, and self-reflection, but the rewards are immeasurable. We'll continue celebrating work habits each trimester, so keep cultivating those strong habits and we'll celebrate even more students.

The criteria for this is having a three or above for Work Habits in all classes and passing all Pass/No Pass classes (Ex: ACES, Academic Foundations).

Thank you PTO and Kate Lord for coordinating the treats for the event.

ATTENDANCE REMINDERS

As we delve into the second half of the school year, we want to take a moment to reflect on a fundamental aspect of academic success—school attendance.

**Academic Achievement:** Consistent attendance is directly linked to academic success. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to keep up with coursework, understand key concepts, and perform well on assessments. Each day or period missed is a missed opportunity to absorb valuable information.
**Social and Emotional Development:** School is not just about academics; it's a place for building friendships, developing social skills, and nurturing emotional well-being. Regular attendance fosters a sense of belonging, helping students feel connected to their peers and the school community.
**Preparation for the Future:** The habits formed during school years often shape future success. Employers and higher education institutions value punctuality and reliability—traits instilled through consistent school attendance. By attending school regularly, students are preparing for the demands of the professional world.

Here are some important things to know about attendance at ACMS:

Our attendance system counts period-absences (missing any whole period in the day), seven period-absences add up to one day of being absent.
Truancy letters are sent home after the three days of unexcused absences. The second truancy letters are sent after six unexcused absences, and a School Attendance Review Team (SART) meeting will be scheduled.
Excessive absence letters are sent home after five days of excused absences. The second excessive absence letters are sent after 10 excused absences, and a School Attendance Review Team (SART) meeting may be scheduled.
Please report ALL absences by calling (530) 582-2750 in the morning. You can also verify an absence with a note or an office visit by the parent or guardian. If you are writing a note, please include the date(s) of absence and the reason for the absence. Students will be marked unexcused if no absence verification is received.
Whenever possible, please plan appointments outside of school hours. Even missing part of a day can impact a student’s learning.
Please call the school if attendance or punctuality is a concern and you need our support; we are here to help!

VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM STREAMLINES VOLUNTEERING

We are grateful for parents help with all the incoming trips. Please sign up via Volunteer Management System (VMS) through Voluntas as we continue to find opportunities to make volunteering easier for families while maintaining student safety.

Please note that if you are a cleared volunteer who has already completed the fingerprinting process, you’ll need to create an account in the new system, for that information to roll over.

What You Need to Know:

Account Creation: All volunteers must create an account in the new VMS. Register Now!
Screening Requirements: Depending on the type of volunteer role you apply for, specific requirements will automatically populate in your user dashboard.
Already Cleared? If you’ve previously completed the fingerprinting process with TTUSD, you do not need to re-fingerprint as long as you create your account as soon as possible.
Badge System: Once registered, you will swipe your driver’s license or ID at the school office upon arrival. A name badge will be printed and must be worn during your time on campus.

If you have any questions or need help with the new system, please contact help@voluntasvms.com.

HOMEWORK CLUB

**Homework Club Details:**

- **When:** Thursdays from 2:20 PM to 3:20 PM (Parents please pick up your student at 3:20)

- **Where:** Room 103

Students must bring their homework and a reading book to attend Homework Club. If you would like to join, please sign up here.

DANCE-FEBRUARY-ACMS STUDENTS ONLY

Our next dance is Friday, February 28 from 5:00-7:00. This dance is for ACMS students only! Students, please sign up here.

We encourage and need parents to volunteer to chaperone our dances to ensure the safe enjoyment of all. Donation-$10

Please sign up to chaperone on this document DANCE VOLUNTEERS-2/28:

Rules governing dances are:

Dances are held on Friday nights between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
All students should arrive at the dance at approximately 4:50 p.m.
Drop off and pick up is in the upper seventh grade parking area
No one will be admitted after 5:30 p.m. unless special arrangements are made.
Students should plan to be picked up no later than 7:05 p.m. Pick up is in the upper seventh grade parking area.
Students may not leave the dance early unless a parent picks them up at the front doors to Donner Lake.
Any student absent from school on the day of a dance is not permitted to attend the dance unless cleared beforehand with the administration.
Violations of school rules during dances may result in disciplinary action.
Personal cameras are not permitted. Phones must be put away during the dance.
Students who have been suspended from school may not attend the next scheduled school dance.

WELLNESS/COUNSELING

SPORTS

Volleyball: Both ACMS Volleyball teams had a successful season wrap up on Thursday. Both teams grew their Volleyball skills and as student athletes here on campus. At the TAH-NEVA Championships on Thursday, both ACMS teams made the finals. The 6th/7th grade team fell short, finishing in 2nd place and the 8th grade team finished in 1st for the first time in years. We are so proud of their accomplishments and wish all players the best of luck in Volleyball. A big thank you to Coach McMaster, Coach Smith and Coach Shoff for the outstanding 2025 campaign.

Nordic: The nordic team will finish out their season, with a trip to the CNISFF State Championships on Saturday at the Auburn Ski Club. Look for race time updates from Coach Drew this week. The Cougars have multiple individual athletes in contention for state titles, as well as the overall team titles going into Saturday.

Track and Field: The first day of Track practice will be March 24th and the parent meeting will be on the 25th. Please have your paperwork completed in Register my Athlete before practice begins.

RESOURCES FOR IMMIGRANTS PAGE

Regular school attendance is essential for academic success. We’ve recently heard from some families and students that they feel anxious about attending school due to possible immigration enforcement efforts. We want to assure all students that TTUSD schools are safe and welcoming places, regardless of immigration status. This is a commitment rooted in our values and reinforced by our legal obligations. We've created a Resources for Immigrants page on TTUSD.org, and we're happy to provide printed resources or answer any questions

8TH GRADE PARENT NIGHT-THS

Truckee High School will be hosting an 8th grade parent night on February 25th at 6 pm in the auditorium. Parents/guardians will hear from department leaders on course offerings and the counselors will speak to graduation and college entrance requirements. In addition, parents will hear about our athletics and clubs at THS.

In the lead up to this parent night, please view this presentation from THS Counselors for a bit of background on graduation/college entrance requirements, the block schedule, and scheduling process. (Spanish version HERE). This presentation will give families an understanding of the course request process as well as answer many frequently asked questions.

Counselors will be visiting ACMS and SELS in March to meet with students and gather course requests. If your student does not attend a TTUSD school and is planning to enroll at Truckee HS next year, please complete online enrollment as a first step and one of the counselors will reach out once enrolled.

At this time, please do not contact Truckee High School counselors for meetings, tours, or schedule requests.

Schedules for 9th graders will be released in August and counselors will be available the week before school starts for any schedule change requests. Also, there will be a Link Crew Freshman Orientation in late August, before school starts, for all incoming 9th graders.

PTO

IMPORTANT DATES

February 25-8th Grade Parent Night-THS

February 28-Dance-ACMS Students Only

March 4-PTO Meeting

March 5-Minimum Day

March 11- ELAC Meeting 5:30pm ACMS Library

March 26-Minimum Day

FEBRUARY 15, 2025

THE YEARBOOK WANTS YOUR TRAVEL PHOTOS!

The yearbook is planning a story on Cougars travelling abroad, please share any photos that you have taken of ACMS students while travelling that you would like to have considered for the 2024-2025 yearbook (we would also love photos from any school events and/or sports!).

The best way is to upload them to this form or you can email jlevin@ttusd.org. (Also, you can still purchase a yearbook here or by sending $35 cash/check to the office or Techlab.) Thank you!

PARENT NIGHT OUT-FLYER HERE

Truckee High School is excited to host our upcoming Parents Night Out event on February 20th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. This event is designed to offer a fun, inclusive, and safe babysitting experience for families and children of all ages and abilities in our community so parents can have a price-accessible night to themselves while having their children watched in a safe environment while fundraising for prom and other student events.

ATTENDANCE REMINDERS

As we delve into the second half of the school year, we want to take a moment to reflect on a fundamental aspect of academic success—school attendance.

**Academic Achievement:** Consistent attendance is directly linked to academic success. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to keep up with coursework, understand key concepts, and perform well on assessments. Each day or period missed is a missed opportunity to absorb valuable information.
**Social and Emotional Development:** School is not just about academics; it's a place for building friendships, developing social skills, and nurturing emotional well-being. Regular attendance fosters a sense of belonging, helping students feel connected to their peers and the school community.
**Preparation for the Future:** The habits formed during school years often shape future success. Employers and higher education institutions value punctuality and reliability—traits instilled through consistent school attendance. By attending school regularly, students are preparing for the demands of the professional world.

Here are some important things to know about attendance at ACMS:

Our attendance system counts period-absences (missing any whole period in the day), seven period-absences add up to one day of being absent.
Truancy letters are sent home after the three days of unexcused absences. The second truancy letters are sent after six unexcused absences, and a School Attendance Review Team (SART) meeting will be scheduled.
Excessive absence letters are sent home after five days of excused absences. The second excessive absence letters are sent after 10 excused absences, and a School Attendance Review Team (SART) meeting may be scheduled.
Please report ALL absences by calling (530) 582-2750 in the morning. You can also verify an absence with a note or an office visit by the parent or guardian. If you are writing a note, please include the date(s) of absence and the reason for the absence. Students will be marked unexcused if no absence verification is received.
Whenever possible, please plan appointments outside of school hours. Even missing part of a day can impact a student’s learning.
Please call the school if attendance or punctuality is a concern and you need our support; we are here to help!

RESOURCES FOR IMMIGRANTS PAGE

WORK HABITS CELEBRATION - FEBRUARY 21

We will be having Work Habits celebrations to recognize students who are keeping up with all their classwork and homework. The criteria for this is having three or above for Work Habits in all classes and passing all Pass/No Pass classes (Ex: ACES, Academic Foundations).

The celebrations will be done school wide with all three grade levels, first thing in the morning on Friday, February 21. Invitations were sent by email on February 11th. Please check your email. Contact Julia Worster with any questions.

DANCE-FEBRUARY-ACMS STUDENTS ONLY

Our next dance is Friday, February 28 from 5:00-7:00. This dance is for ACMS students only! Students, please sign up here.

We encourage and need parents to volunteer to chaperone our dances to ensure the safe enjoyment of all. Cost-$10

Please sign up to chaperone on this document DANCE VOLUNTEERS-2/28:

Rules governing dances are:

Dances are held on Friday nights between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
All students should arrive at the dance at approximately 4:50 p.m.
Drop off and pick up is in the upper seventh grade parking area
No one will be admitted after 5:30 p.m. unless special arrangements are made.
Students should plan to be picked up no later than 7:05 p.m. Pick up is in the upper seventh grade parking area.
Students may not leave the dance early unless a parent picks them up at the front doors to Donner Lake.
Any student absent from school on the day of a dance is not permitted to attend the dance unless cleared beforehand with the administration.
Violations of school rules during dances may result in disciplinary action.
Personal cameras are not permitted. Phones must be put away during the dance.
Students who have been suspended from school may not attend the next scheduled school dance.

SPORTS

Volleyball: The ACMS Volleyball teams both qualified for the TAH-NEVA Championship Tournament that was to be held on Thursday the 13th. Unfortunately, due to weather, the tournament was cancelled with a potential reschedule. The 8th grade team was set to face Whittel in the morning and the 6th/7th grade team was set to face South Tahoe again for the 2nd time in a week. The Volleyball teams had a very successful season, highlighted by the 8th grade team’s undefeated home record this season. We hope there is a potential make up tournament, but wish all of our players the best as they grow in the sport.

Nordic: The Nordic team had another cancelled race this week due to weather, and we are waiting to hear when there are potential makeup race dates. Please stay tuned to Coach Drew’s weekly updates.

Track: The first day of Track practice will be March 24th and the parent meeting will be on the 25th. Please have your paperwork completed in Register my Athlete before practice begins.

COUNSELING/WELLNESS

Continuing with 'Friendly February, 2025' from GoZen, here are some fun and engaging activities for the upcoming week:

This week in Advisory, students will be revisiting their Tech Habits. Please see below for the Common Sense Media Family Tips on How to Help Kids Balance Their Media Lives:

Create screen-free times and zones.

Help tweens and teens take breaks from tech by limiting screen time in bedrooms, during study time, or at the dinner table. Consider carving out regular family time when screens are either put away or enjoyed together.

Explore built-in digital well-being tools.

Together with your kids, check out the features on their devices and in their apps that can help them use tech more intentionally. Consider turning off autoplay functions, limiting notifications from certain apps, using settings that turn off devices at a certain time each night, and more.

Model the behavior you want to see.

Tweens and teens learn more from watching adult behavior than listening to lectures. Consider how you use your devices and other media, and make changes if your use doesn't follow your expectations for your kids.

Help kids identify healthy behaviors.

Ask kids to notice their feelings, both physical and emotional, during screen and non-screen activities. Does their heart rate increase when their phone vibrates? Does their self-esteem dip after viewing a friend's Instagram feed? Do they feel good when they get positive feedback on a post? Encourage kids to keep the constructive activities and let go of the rest.

Understand how tech companies make money.

Along with your tween and teen, research how digital devices, social media platforms, and apps and games get paid. Do they sell ads? Do they sell kids' data? Discuss why companies might want kids to spend more time on their platforms and what tricks they use to keep their attention.

8TH GRADE PARENTS-2025 PROMOTION NAMES

Although our promotion date has not been officially established, We are in the process of preparing the certificates. We need for you to PRINT EXACTLY how you would like your son/daughter’s name to appear on the certificate. Please submit this electronic form no later than, by Friday, February 21st, 2025. If we don't receive a response, your child's name will be written as it appears in Aeries as our order is submitted to the company.

Please use this link: 2025 Promotion Names/Solicitud de Nombre para Promoción

SPANISH

Solicitud de Nombre para Promoción

Aunque nuestra fecha de promoción no ha sido establecida oficialmente, estamos en el proceso de preparar los certificados. Necesitamos que ESCRIBA EXACTAMENTE cómo desea que aparezca el nombre de su hijo/hija en el certificado. Por favor complete este formulario electrónico, completo antes del viernes, febrero 21 de 2025. Si no es completado, el nombre de su hijo/hija será escrito como es indicado en Aeries. Nuestra orden es sometida a la compañía.

Por favor de usar este enlace: 2025 Promotion Names/Solicitud de Nombre para Promoción

8TH GRADE PARENT NIGHT-THS

At this time, please do not contact Truckee High School counselors for meetings, tours, or schedule requests.

PTO

Touchdown Tamales Was a Success! Many thanks to Rosa Delgadillo for making 12 dozen delicious tamales this week, ensuring another successful PTO fundraiser. Congratulations to all our winners, including PJ Madigan and Kirby Falk who won the staff raffle! We’re grateful to everyone who bought tickets; your donation will help support teachers and students in meaningful ways this year. Thank you!

8th Grade Promotion Committee We had a great turnout at Raley’s last week for the kickoff planning meeting. If you couldn’t attend but are interested in helping, please email aldercreekpto@gmail.com, and we’ll add you to the list.

Grocery Outlet Gives Back Kudos to everyone who continues to mention ACMS at checkout. PTO has received more than $2,000 this school year which, among other things, helps fund Cougar Pride cards, reading incentives, and student leadership initiatives. Please tell the folks at GO how much we appreciate their support the next time you’re shopping there.

March PTO Meeting Our next general meeting is on Tuesday, March 4th, at 7:45 am in the staff lounge. We’ll begin planning our spring online silent auction (late April), and Staff Appreciation week (early May), so please consider attending and offering your help.

IMPORTANT DATES

February 17-18-Presidents Days-No School

February 21-Work Habits Celebration-6th, 7th, and 8th

February 25-8th Grade Parent Night-THS

February 28-Dance-ACMS Students Only

March 4-PTO Meeting

March 5-Minimum Day

March 26-Minimum Day

FEBRUARY 9, 2025

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!

Thank you, ACMS students and staff, for your generosity and thoughtfulness. Thanks to your donations to the 6th grade GATE's Coins for a Cause fundraiser, we raised over $1,500—tripling our original goal of $500 for the Los Angeles Fire victims!

Class totals will be shared in the Wednesday bulletin. The winning class will receive a prize. However, the real victory lies in our students and staff's kindness and charitable spirit. We couldn’t have done this without you—thank you for making a difference!

WARM SOCKS FOR COLD DAYS DRIVE

Warm Socks for Cold Days! ACMS GATE students are hosting a sock drive to Donate New Socks to a homeless shelter in Reno, Nevada with Volunteers of America. Please donate new socks through February 14. There are donation bins in the office. Students can also give the donations to their homeroom teachers. Thank you for your support!

ATTENDANCE REMINDERS

As we delve into the second half of the school year, we want to take a moment to reflect on a fundamental aspect of academic success—school attendance.

**Academic Achievement:** Consistent attendance is directly linked to academic success. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to keep up with coursework, understand key concepts, and perform well on assessments. Each day or period missed is a missed opportunity to absorb valuable information.
**Social and Emotional Development:** School is not just about academics; it's a place for building friendships, developing social skills, and nurturing emotional well-being. Regular attendance fosters a sense of belonging, helping students feel connected to their peers and the school community.
**Preparation for the Future:** The habits formed during school years often shape future success. Employers and higher education institutions value punctuality and reliability—traits instilled through consistent school attendance. By attending school regularly, students are preparing for the demands of the professional world.

Here are some important things to know about attendance at ACMS:

Our attendance system counts period-absences (missing any whole period in the day), seven period-absences add up to one day of being absent.
Truancy letters are sent home after the three days of unexcused absences. The second truancy letters are sent after six unexcused absences, and a School Attendance Review Team (SART) meeting will be scheduled.
Excessive absence letters are sent home after five days of excused absences. The second excessive absence letters are sent after 10 excused absences, and a School Attendance Review Team (SART) meeting may be scheduled.
Please report ALL absences by calling (530) 582-2750 in the morning. You can also verify an absence with a note or an office visit by the parent or guardian. If you are writing a note, please include the date(s) of absence and the reason for the absence. Students will be marked unexcused if no absence verification is received.
Whenever possible, please plan appointments outside of school hours. Even missing part of a day can impact a student’s learning.
Please call the school if attendance or punctuality is a concern and you need our support; we are here to help!

YEARBOOK SUBMISSION AND PURCHASE

Please share any photos that you have taken from school activities and events so that they can be considered for the 2024-2025 yearbook (we really would like more photos of Boys Basketball and Nordic!).

The best way is to upload them to this form or you can email jlevin@ttusd.org. (Also, you can still purchase a yearbook here or by sending $35 cash/check to the office or techlab.) Thank you!

RESOURCES FOR IMMIGRANTS PAGE

WORK HABITS CELEBRATION-FEBRUARY 21

The celebrations will be done school wide with all three grade levels, first thing in the morning on Friday, February 21; more specific information to families of qualifying students will be sent out closer to the date of the celebration by email.

DANCE-FEBRUARY-ACMS STUDENTS ONLY

Our next dance is Friday, February 28 from 5:00-7:00. This dance is for ACMS students only! Students, please sign up here.

We encourage and need parents to volunteer to chaperone our dances to ensure the safe enjoyment of all. Cost-$10

Please sign up to chaperone on this document DANCE VOLUNTEERS-2/28:

Rules governing dances are:

Dances are held on Friday nights between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
All students should arrive at the dance at approximately 4:50 p.m.
Drop off and pick up is in the upper seventh grade parking area
No one will be admitted after 5:30 p.m. unless special arrangements are made.
Students should plan to be picked up no later than 7:05 p.m. Pick up is in the upper seventh grade parking area.
Students may not leave the dance early unless a parent picks them up at the front doors to Donner Lake.
Any student absent from school on the day of a dance is not permitted to attend the dance unless cleared beforehand with the administration.
Violations of school rules during dances may result in disciplinary action.
Personal cameras are not permitted. Phones must be put away during the dance.
Students who have been suspended from school may not attend the next scheduled school dance.

SPORTS

Volleyball: The ACMS Volleyball teams are entering their final week of the season this week. They will be at HOME on Monday, making up for the match that was postponed on Thursday. The 6th/7th Grade team will start at 3, with the 8th grade to follow. They will then travel to rival South Tahoe on Tuesday, with a match time of 3:30 for the 6th/7rth, with the 8th grade to follow. Then on Thursday, the teams will enter the TAH-NEVA Championship Tournament in Carson City. Match times TBD.

Nordic: The Nordic team will be staying close to home this week, as they head over to the Tahoe XC Center for the North Tahoe Freestyle at the end of the week. The race will start around noon on Friday. Last week's race that was cancelled, is looking to be rescheduled on the 2st, but is still TBD.

Track: The first day of Track practice will be March 24th and the parent meeting will be on the 25th. Please have your paperwork completed in Register my Athlete before practice begins.

WELLNESS/COUNSELING

This week in Advisory, students will be watching videos from our SEL curriculum, In Control. 6th grade is learning about grit and how it is the perseverance and passion for achieving long term goals. You can view this Ted Talk that summarizes Angela Duckworth’s research. 7th graders are learning about manners and how they are a basic sign of acknowledgement and respect. You can view this Ted Talk to learn more about manners and etiquette. In 8th grade, students are learning about authenticity and how our social identity contributes to our own self-concept and self esteem. You and your student can take this free Myers-Briggs test to learn more about yourself.

Here are some fun ideas to implement with your child for the upcoming week from GoZen:

8TH GRADE PARENTS-2025 PROMOTION NAMES

Please use this link: 2025 Promotion Names/Solicitud de Nombre para Promoción

SPANISH

Solicitud de Nombre para Promoción

Por favor de usar este enlace: 2025 Promotion Names/Solicitud de Nombre para Promoción

8TH GRADE PARENT NIGHT-THS

At this time, please do not contact Truckee High School counselors for meetings, tours, or schedule requests.

PTO

IMPORTANT DATES

February 17-18-Presidents Days-No School

February 21-Work Habits Celebration-6th, 7th, and 8th

February 25-8th Grade Parent Night-THS

February 28-Dance-ACMS Students Only

FEBRUARY 2, 2025

CMEA NORTHERN SECTION HONOR BAND

We want to recognize the 18 ACMS Band students who participated in the CMEA Northern Section Honor Band last weekend. These students dedicated themselves to mastering challenging audition repertoire over several months. During the event, they spent a total of 15 hours in rehearsal over a day and a half and performed a spectacular concert at CSU Chico. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments!

COINS FOR A CAUSE FUNDRAISER!

The sixth-grade GATE classes are raising money to support the Red Cross in aiding victims of the Los Angeles fires. The class that collects the most donations will win a prize!

Fundraiser ends on February 4th.

Coins and cash are accepted! Check your couch cushions, car floor mats, or anywhere else spare change might be hiding.

A big thank you in advance for your support and generosity—let’s keep those coins rolling in!

Current Standings: Ms. Hurley’s class is in the lead with over $100 raised in just two days!

WARM SOCKS FOR COLD DAYS DRIVE

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL-FEBRUARY 6

Our Site Council meeting is on Thursday, February 6 @ 2:30 p.m. in the library. The Site Council is responsible for establishing and reviewing school goals and allocating funds. In accordance with state regulations, the Site Council assesses the needs of the school and submits to Tahoe Truckee Unified School District its plan for the use of school funds and other grants and discretionary monies.

Here’s the agenda:

Welcome and Introductions
Call to Order
Approval of Minutes (Approved and seconded, or corrected)
Approval of Agenda (Approved and seconded, or members may add items)
Comprehensive Safety Plan
Legal Requirements
SPSA
Unfinished Business

RESOURCES FOR IMMIGRANTS PAGE

WORK HABITS CELEBRATION-FEBRUARY 21

The celebrations will be done school wide with all three grade levels, first thing in the morning on Friday, February 21; more specific information will be sent out closer to the date of the celebration.

DANCE-FEBRUARY-ACMS STUDENTS ONLY

Our next dance is Friday, February 7 from 5:00-7:00. This dance is for ACMS students only! Students, please sign up here.

We encourage and need parents to volunteer to chaperone our dances to ensure the safe enjoyment of all. Cost-$10

Please sign up to chaperone on this document DANCE VOLUNTEERS-2/7:

Rules governing dances are:

Dances are held on Friday nights between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
All students should arrive at the dance at approximately 4:50 p.m.
Drop off and pick up is in the upper seventh grade parking area
No one will be admitted after 5:30 p.m. unless special arrangements are made.
Students should plan to be picked up no later than 7:05 p.m. Pick up is in the upper seventh grade parking area.
Students may not leave the dance early unless a parent picks them up at the front doors to Donner Lake.
Any student absent from school on the day of a dance is not permitted to attend the dance unless cleared beforehand with the administration.
Violations of school rules during dances may result in disciplinary action.
Personal cameras are not permitted. Phones must be put away during the dance.
Students who have been suspended from school may not attend the next scheduled school dance.

SPORTS

Volleyball: The ACMS volleyball teams continue to prepare for the TAH-NEVA Championships next week, and will take on Eagle Valley on the road Tuesday and Carson Middle School at home on Thursday. This is the team’s final match here at ACMS, please come support. All matches begin at 3 with the 6th/7th graders, and the 8th grade team to follow.

Nordic Skiing: The Nordic team continues to roll through their season this week, after a long trip to Mammoth. In the Truckee Sprints, ACMS had 7 Top 10 finishers in the girls division and 6 Top 10 finishers in the boys division! They will be competing in the Sugar Bowl Freestyle this week up at Royal Gorge XC Ski Resort.

Track: The first day of Track practice will be March 24th and the parent meeting will be on the 25th. Please have your paperwork completed in Register my Athlete before practice begins.

COUNSELING/WELLNESS

We are excited to announce that Hope Squad, our school's suicide prevention program, will be hosting a sunshine-themed photobooth on Monday, February 3rd. This event aims to raise awareness about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and provide important resources for those who may be struggling.

The photobooth will offer a fun, positive space for students to engage while learning more about mental health and the importance of reaching out for help. We encourage everyone to participate and help us spread a message of support and awareness.

8TH GRADE PARENT NIGHT-THS

At this time, please do not contact Truckee High School counselors for meetings, tours, or schedule requests.

8th GRADE PROMOTION CELEBRATION PLANNING COMMITTEE

Attention 8th Grade Parents...Our first 8th grade promotion planning committee is on Tuesday, February 4, at 5:30. At Raley’s One(before the PTO meeting). We need 8th-grade parent volunteers to help plan 8th-grade end-of-the-year celebrations. It is time to make the big decisions and start planning the event for our 2025 graduates.

PTO

Last Chance For Touchdown Tamales! Here's your chance to win one of ten delicious, homemade tamale dinners. Reheat and enjoy them with friends and family at your Super Bowl LIX party next weekend! Raffle tickets are $10 each, available now until 5 pm on Wednesday, February 5th. Proceeds go to supporting your PTO. The more tickets you buy, the greater your chances of winning. Ten lucky winners will be chosen randomly and notified at 5 pm on Thursday, February 6th. Tamales will be available for pickup in the ACMS front office between 10 am and 2:15 pm on Friday, February 7th. Each winner will take home a dozen tamales.

Attention 8th Grade Parents! It’s time to start thinking about the year-end party for your graduating students, traditionally a dinner/dance held at ACMS following the promotion ceremony. We need a committee of parents to plan the event. Please attend our first meeting to find out more: Tuesday, February 4th, at 5:30 pm at Raley’s upstairs.

February PTO Meeting Our next general meeting is on Tuesday, February 4th, at 6:15 pm at Raley’s, immediately following the 8th Grade Promotion meeting.

IMPORTANT DATES

February 4-Promotion Celebration Planning Committe Meeting and PTO

February 5-Minimum Day

February 6-School Site Council

February 7-Dance-ACMS Students Only

February 17-18-Presidents Days-No School

February 21-Work Habits Celebration-6th, 7th, and 8th

February 25-8th Grade Parent Night-THS

JANUARY 26, 2024

PAUSE-REFLECT-PLAN

On Thursday and Friday last week, students took time to pause in each of their classes, review their scores in JumpRope, reflect on their current standing and then plan where they would like to be by setting goals for the remainder of the school year. Please review the PRP and goals set by your child, and take the time to examine JumpRope together. It outlines your child's current academic progress, areas of strength, and areas for growth. It also includes their own reflections on their learning and goals for improvement.

COINS FOR A CAUSE FUNDRAISER!

The sixth-grade GATE classes are raising money to support the Red Cross in aiding victims of the Los Angeles fires. The class that collects the most donations will win a prize!

Fundraiser ends on February 4th.

Coins and cash are accepted! Check your couch cushions, car floor mats, or anywhere else spare change might be hiding.

A big thank you in advance for your support and generosity—let’s keep those coins rolling in!

Current Standings: Ms. Hurley’s class is in the lead with over $100 raised in just two days!

WARM SOCKS FOR COLD DAYS DRIVE

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL-FEBRUARY 6

Here’s the agenda:

Welcome and Introductions
Call to Order
Approval of Minutes (Approved and seconded, or corrected)
Approval of Agenda (Approved and seconded, or members may add items)
Comprehensive Safety Plan
Legal Requirements
SPSA
Unfinished Business

RESOURCES FOR IMMIGRANTS PAGE

WORK HABITS CELEBRATION-FEBRUARY 21

DANCE-FEBRUARY-ACMS STUDENTS ONLY

Our next dance is Friday, February 7 from 5:00-7:00. This dance is for ACMS students only! Students, please sign up here.

We encourage and need parents to volunteer to chaperone our dances to ensure the safe enjoyment of all. Cost-$10

Please sign up to chaperone on this document DANCE VOLUNTEERS-2/7:

Rules governing dances are:

Dances are held on Friday nights between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
All students should arrive at the dance at approximately 4:50 p.m.
Drop off and pick up is in the upper seventh grade parking area
No one will be admitted after 5:30 p.m. unless special arrangements are made.
Students should plan to be picked up no later than 7:05 p.m. Pick up is in the upper seventh grade parking area.
Students may not leave the dance early unless a parent picks them up at the front doors to Donner Lake.
Any student absent from school on the day of a dance is not permitted to attend the dance unless cleared beforehand with the administration.
Violations of school rules during dances may result in disciplinary action.
Personal cameras are not permitted. Phones must be put away during the dance.
Students who have been suspended from school may not attend the next scheduled school dance.

SPORTS

Volleyball: The Volleyball team is entering the 2nd round of league play this week. The team will be at HOME on Tuesday against Carson Valley Middle School and will be on the road Wednesday at Pau Wa Lu. The matches will both start with the 6th/7th team at 3:00, and the 8th grade will follow. .

Nordic: The Nordic team will be entering the 2nd half of their season this week, as they make the pilgrimage to Mammoth for the much anticipated Mammoth Classic at Tamarack XC Ski Center. The team will be leaving Truckee at 6:00 am on Friday, to make the event.

COUNSELING/WELLNESS

Here are some examples of empowering phrases used in the Wellness Center to help build confidence:

You are brave for trying something new.
You have the power to make good choices.
I love how you stand up for what you believe in.
You are capable of handling this challenge.
Each day you grow stronger and smarter.

This week, we will be meeting with our Hope Squad members to plan for our Sunshine Booth event on Monday, February 3rd during break. This will be a time for students to come in and take pictures with a polaroid camera at our photo booth. The Hope Squad would like to provide education around seasonal affective disorder and to help bring some “sunshine” into their day during these winter months.

Our counselors are continuing to visit 7th grade science classes this week to present the Cannabis Prevention and Awareness Curriculum. The first lesson focuses on the impact cannabis can have on an adolescent brain. Please feel free to reach out to Megan Hurley at mhurley@ttusd.org if you have any questions.

TEMPO-MUSIC FUNDRAISER

See’s Candy!

TEMPO is rolling out a fundraiser to help raise money for our band program
Use this link to purchase See’s Candy! Thank you for supporting the ACMS Band!
We get 20% of the profits made, except for the 11$ items (we get 50% profit from those)
Please share the link with your family members!
https://www.yumraising.com/secure/aldercms_acms_band67/JenFis9308/
Candy gets delivered right to your home!
The fundraiser closes on January 31st!

8th GRADE PROMOTION CELEBRATION PLANNING COMMITTEE

PTO

The Touchdown Tamales Fundraiser is Back! Here's your chance to win one of ten delicious, homemade tamale dinners. Reheat and enjoy them with friends and family at your Super Bowl LIX party! Raffle tickets are $10 each, available now until 5 pm on Wednesday, February 5th. The more tickets you buy, the greater your chances of winning. Ten lucky winners will be chosen randomly and notified at 5 pm on Thursday, February 6th. Tamales will be available for pickup in the ACMS front office between 10 am and 2:15 pm on Friday, February 7th. Each winner will take home a dozen tamales.

Calling All 8th Grade Parents! It’s time to start thinking about the year-end party for your graduating students, traditionally a dinner/dance held at ACMS following the promotion ceremony. We need a committee of parents to plan the event. Please attend our first meeting to find out more: Tuesday, February 4th, at 5:30 pm at Raley’s upstairs.

February PTO Meeting Our next general meeting is on Tuesday, February 4th, at 6:15 pm at Raley’s, immediately following the 8th Grade Promotion meeting.

I support ACMS!" every time y IMPORTANT DATES

January 27-31-Spirit Week

February 5-Minimum Day

February 6-School Site Council

February 7-Dance

February 17-18-Presidents Days-No School

February 21-Work Habits Celebration-6th, 7th, and 8th

JANUARY 19, 2024

ANNUAL TTUSD SURVEY NOW OPEN!

We need your input! TTUSD has partnered with Hanover Research, an independent research firm, to gather student, staff, and family feedback through a 10-minute survey.

This short survey will help us refine our Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), which guides annual goals for student achievement, well-being, and student improvement. Your anonymous responses will directly inform the decisions made by school and district administrators as we move forward, so please be as open and honest as possible.

The survey takes about 10 minutes and is open until January 24th.

Click HERE to take the survey or scan the QR Code.

We appreciate your participation!

Thank you,

Kerstin Kramer

TTUSD Superintendent Chief Learning Officer

Hanover Research takes protecting your personal information seriously. They use your data for research and analysis purposes. A full disclosure of their Privacy Policy is at https://www.hanoverresearch.com/privacy-policy/, where you can learn how they collect and process your data.

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL-FEBRUARY 6

Here’s the agenda:

Welcome and Introductions
Call to Order
Approval of Minutes (Approved and seconded, or corrected)
Approval of Agenda (Approved and seconded, or members may add items)
Comprehensive Safety Plan
Legal Requirements
SPSA
Unfinished Business

RESOURCES FOR IMMIGRANTS PAGE

DANCE-FEBRUARY-ACMS STUDENTS ONLY

Our next dance is Friday, February 7 from 5:00-7:00. This dance is for ACMS students only! Students, please sign up here.

We encourage and need parents to volunteer to chaperone our dances to ensure the safe enjoyment of all. Cost-$10

Please sign up to chaperone on this document DANCE VOLUNTEERS-2/7:

Rules governing dances are:

Dances are held on Friday nights between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
All students should arrive at the dance at approximately 4:50 p.m.
Drop off and pick up is in the upper seventh grade parking area
No one will be admitted after 5:30 p.m. unless special arrangements are made.
Students should plan to be picked up no later than 7:05 p.m. Pick up is in the upper seventh grade parking area.
Students may not leave the dance early unless a parent picks them up at the front doors to Donner Lake.
Any student absent from school on the day of a dance is not permitted to attend the dance unless cleared beforehand with the administration.
Violations of school rules during dances may result in disciplinary action.
Personal cameras are not permitted. Phones must be put away during the dance.
Students who have been suspended from school may not attend the next scheduled school dance.

SPORTS

Volleyball: The ACMS Volleyball team had a strong week at home, with the 8th grade winning both matches and the 6th/7th team splitting their matches. The teams will be back in action on Tuesday of a short week, and will travel to the capital city in Nevada to take on Carson Middle School. The 6th and 7th will begin at 3:00, with the 8th grade to follow. The team will be back at HOME on Thursday to take on rival South Tahoe. It is always a great match when the Timberwolves and the Cougars lock horns, so please come out to show your support. The 6th/7th will begin at 3:00, with the 8th grade to follow.

Nordic: The ACMS Nordic team was off this week (misprint last week), but will be back in action this week entering their third race, as they host the Truckee Freestyle Sprints up at the friendly confines of Auburn Ski Club. The race will begin at noon, with many individuals looking to podium in front of the home spectators. In the race at Kirkwood on the 10th, our ACMS Boys finished in 1st and 3rd place. Our ACMS girls finished 2nd, 3rd and 4th, respectively.

Race Volunteers

We need your help on race day. Please sign up here. If you've never volunteered at a Nordic event before, don't worry! We'll train you up! Just show up early. It's a super fun, different, exciting way to participate in the sport.

Some of the positions we need help with:

- Course set up (early in the day) and maintenance (throughout the day)

- Timing help (line organizing, starting, finishing)

- Bib and timing-chip handouts, collection post races, and organization throughout the day

- Stadium and Intersection control/guard

- Getting a snack table together for all the athletes

- And many others!

Practice Schedule

We are on a relatively normal practice schedule this week—except that we have a minimum day on Thursday—and we are on SKATE SKIS again (smooth bases, shorter skis, longer poles)!

Tuesday, 1/21 | 3-4:15pm - Skate Skiing

Wednesday, 1/22 | 3-4:15pm - Skate Skiing

Thursday, 1/23 | 12:30-1:45pm - Skate Skiing - MINIMUM DAY SCHEDULE

Race Info

This week, we have the Truckee Sprints! We'll be at ASC Training Center and will definitely preview the short course a few times before we race on Friday. The Sprints are one of the most fun races to ski in AND to watch!

Key Details:

- Friday, Jan. 24 at ASC Training Center (19749 Boreal Ridge Rd, Soda Springs, CA 95728).

- The race is a 1km loop (0.6 miles) individual start skate race. Racers will be released every 15-seconds.

- Boys start at 12pm; Girls start at 12:30pm.

RSVP TO THE RACE RACE ON SPOND BY 10:00PM ON WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22

- If you haven't registered on Zone4 yet, here is the link: https://zone4.ca/event/2025/MwB22D/

- If you HAVE ALREADY gone through the Zone4 registration process, you do NOT need to do it again! (You shouldn't be charged the $35 more than once per season.)

Miscellaneous

- If you have any fun photos from the season or races so far, feel free to add them here.

- Please keep those Captain Nordic Fund donations here.

COUNSELING/WELLNESS

The district has created a Resource List for Immigrants for families and students who may have questions and concerns. Students are encouraged to speak with a counselor/wellness staff if they have any questions or concerns. Please also see these Additional Mental Health Resources for students.

Here are some questions that can help you create deeper bonds with your children:

When do you feel most appreciated by me?
What is something you think I do not notice?
Who makes you feel safe outside of our family?
What is the silliest thing you have ever seen me do?
If you were in charge of planning a family day, what would we do?

WORK HABITS CELEBRATION-FEBRUARY 21

We will be having Work Habits celebrations each progress period this year to recognize students who are keeping up with all their classwork and homework. The criteria for this is having threes or above for Work Habits in all classes and Pass all Pass/No Pass classes (Ex: ACES, Academic Foundations).

The celebrations will be done school wide first thing in the morning on Friday, February 21; more specific information will be sent out closer to the date of the celebration.

TEMPO-MUSIC FUNDRAISER

See’s Candy!

TEMPO is rolling out a fundraiser to help raise money for our band program
Use this link to purchase See’s Candy! Thank you for supporting the ACMS Band!
We get 20% of the profits made, except for the 11$ items (we get 50% profit from those)
Please share the link with your family members!
https://www.yumraising.com/secure/aldercms_acms_band67/JenFis9308/
Candy gets delivered right to your home!
The fundraiser closes on January 31st!

8th GRADE PROMOTION CELEBRATION PLANNING COMMITTEE

PTO

Touchdown Tamales Keep an eye on next week’s Cougar News for info on how to enter this year’s homemade tamales raffle. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, January 29th, and winners will be announced Thursday, February 6th, just in time for Super Bowl LIX.

Attention 8th Grade Parents! Although June seems a mile away, it’s time to start thinking about the year-end party for your graduating students. This is traditionally a very special dinner/dance held at ACMS immediately following the promotion ceremony. We need a committee of parents to pick a theme, set a budget, and organize the dinner, DJ, and other fun. If you’re interested in helping to plan this event, attend our first meeting on Tuesday, February 4th, at 5:30 pm at Raley’s upstairs.

February PTO Meeting Our next general meeting is on Tuesday, February 4th, at 6:15 pm at Raley’s, immediately following the 8th Grade Promotion meeting.

I support ACMS!" every time y IMPORTANT DATES

January 20-MLK Jr Day.-No School

January 23-24-Minimum Days-11:30 Dismissal

January 24-No Homework Club

February 5-Minimum Day

February 6-School Site Council

February 7-Dance

February 12 (6th) and February 13 (7th)-Work Habits Celebration

February 17-18-Presidents Days-No SchoolFebruary PTO Meeting Our next general meeting is on Tuesday, February 4th, at 6:15 pm at Raley’s, immediately following the 8th Grade Promotion meeting.

Grocery Outlet Gives Back Please continue to te

JANUARY 12, 2024

ANNUAL TTUSD SURVEY NOW OPEN!

We need your input! TTUSD has partnered with Hanover Research, an independent research firm, to gather student, staff, and family feedback through a 10-minute survey.

The survey takes about 10 minutes and is open until January 24th.

Click HERE to take the survey or scan the QR Code.

We appreciate your participation!

Thank you,

Kerstin Kramer

TTUSD Superintendent Chief Learning Officer

SPANISH

Email - Spanish

Subject: Encuesta Anual TTUSD ¡Abierta!

Estimada comunidad de TTUSD:

¡Necesitamos su opinión! TTUSD se ha asociado con Hanover Research, una empresa de investigación independiente, para realizar una encuesta de 10 minutos con los estudiantes, el personal y las familias.

Esta encuesta nos ayudará a perfilar nuestro Plan de Control Local y Rendición de Cuentas (LCAP), que establece los objetivos anuales para el rendimiento estudiantil, el bienestar y la mejora de los estudiantes. Sus respuestas anónimas informarán directamente a la escuela y a los administradores del distrito sobre las decisiones que se tomen a medida que avancemos, así que, por favor, sea lo más abierto y honesto posible.

La encuesta dura unos 10 minutos y estará disponible hasta el 24 de enero.

Haga Click AQUI para participar en la encuesta or utiulize el QR Code.

Agradecemos su participación.

Muchas gracias,

Kerstin Kramer

TTUSD Superintendente Directora de Aprendizaje

La empresa Hanover Research se toma muy en serio la protección de su información personal. Utilizamos sus datos con fines de investigación y análisis. Puede consultar una descripción completa de su política de privacidad en https://www.hanoverresearch.com/privacy-policy/, donde podrá informarse sobre cómo recopilan y procesan sus datos.

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL-FEBRUARY 6

Here’s the agenda:

Welcome and Introductions
Call to Order
Approval of Minutes (Approved and seconded, or corrected)
Approval of Agenda (Approved and seconded, or members may add items)
Comprehensive Safety Plan
Legal Requirements
SPSA
Unfinished Business

HOMEWORK CLUB

We are excited to announce the launch of Homework Club in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club! Participation does not require club membership.

**Homework Club Details:**

- **When:** Thursdays from 2:20 PM to 3:20 PM (Parents please pick up your student at 3:20)

- **Where:** Room 103

Students must bring their homework and a reading book to attend Homework Club. If you would like to join, please sign up here.

**Rules for Homework Club:**

1. Students must bring either homework or a library book to read.

2. Students without homework or a reading book will not be permitted to stay in Homework Club. Teachers will call home for immediate pickup.

3. Students may not use Chromebooks unless they are working on their assigned homework.

We look forward to seeing you there!

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB WEEKLY SCHEDULE

We are excited to announce a special pro-rated membership price and encourage all students to take advantage of this opportunity! Attached is a flyer with details on how to sign up and the membership cost for the remainder of the school year.

Monday: Makers & Triple Play
Tuesday: STEM
Wednesday: Cookout & Journeys
Thursday: Money Matters & Tournament Thursdays
Friday: Leadership & All Stars

Branden's Basketball Camp: Jan 15 - Feb 26. Improve your skills—sign up today!

For Sign-up email: mdominguez@bgcnlt.org

Stay tuned for updates and sign up for your favorite activities. Let’s make this semester unforgettable!

- Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe

Horario Semanal de Boys & Girls Club

Lunes: Makers y Triple Play
Martes: STEM
Miércoles: Cookout y Viajes
Jueves: Dinero y Finanzas y Torneos
Viernes: Liderazgo y All Stars

Campamento de Baloncesto Branden: 15 de enero - 26 de febrero. ¡Inscríbete hoy!

Email: mdominguez@bgcnlt.org

SPORTS

Volleyball: Both ACMS Volleyball teams dropped their season openers with close matches against Carson Valley Middle School on Thursday. This week the teams will have two home matches on Tuesday and Thursday. On Tuesday the Cougars will host Pau Wa Lu, with the 7th grade beginning at 3:00. The Cougars will turn around and do the same thing on Thursday, when they host Eagle Valley.

Nordic Skiing: The Nordic Skiing team will be entering their third race this week, as they host the Truckee Freestyle Sprints up at the friendly confines of Auburn Ski Club. The race will begin at noon, with many individuals looking to podium in front of the home spectators.

WELLNESS/ COUNSELING

This week in Advisory, we will be going over the ALICE protocols and talking about responses to specific scenarios. Students are encouraged to reach out to counseling and wellness staff if they are needing to speak more about this topic.

Here are some helpful resources that are utilized in the Wellness Center:

Character Lab offers a variety of free resources, including articles, tips, and downloadable tools focused on building character strengths like grit and kindness.
Edutopia offers practical articles, videos, and activities that can help both parents and educators cultivate SEL skills in students, such as empathy, resilience, and self-regulation.
Heartmath is a research-based organization that focuses on emotional self-regulation and stress management through biofeedback technology and mindfulness practices. Its core approach centers around the concept of heart coherence, a state where the heart, mind, and emotions are aligned and working together. This state is associated with improved emotional resilience, better decision-making, and overall well-being.

WORK HABITS CELEBRATION

The celebrations will be done by grade level first thing in the morning; more specific information will be sent out closer to the date of the celebration. The original dates need to be rescheduled to February 12th, 13th, and TBD-8th respectively.

6th-February 12

7th-February 13

8th-TBD

TEMPO-MUSIC FUNDRAISER

See’s Candy!

TEMPO is rolling out a fundraiser to help raise money for our band program
Use this link to purchase See’s Candy! Thank you for supporting the ACMS Band!
We get 20% of the profits made, except for the 11$ items (we get 50% profit from those)
Please share the link with your family members!
https://www.yumraising.com/secure/aldercms_acms_band67/JenFis9308/
Candy gets delivered right to your home!
The fundraiser closes on January 31st!

PTO

Grocery Outlet Gives Back Please continue to tell the cashier "I support ACMS!" every time you shop at Grocery Outlet. PTO receives a percentage of the purchase total when you mention our school at checkout. Thank you Grocery Outlet!

IMPORTANT DATES

January 20-MLK Jr Day.-No School

January 23-24-Minimum Days

January 24-No Homework Club

February 5-Minimum Day

February 6-School Site Council

February 12 (6th), 13 (7th), and TBD (8th)-Work Habits Celebration

February 17-18-Presidents Days-No School

JANUARY 6, 2025

HOMEWORK CLUB

We are excited to announce the launch of Homework Club in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club! Participation does not require club membership.

**Homework Club Details:**

- **When:** Thursdays from 2:20 PM to 3:20 PM (Parents please pick up your student at 3:20)

- **Where:** Room 103

Students must bring their homework and a reading book to attend Homework Club. If you would like to join, please sign up here.

**Rules for Homework Club:**

1. Students must bring either homework or a library book to read.

2. Students without homework or a reading book will not be permitted to stay in Homework Club. Teachers will call home for pickup.

3. Students may not use Chromebooks unless they are working on their assigned homework.

We look forward to seeing you there!

PARKING/DROP OFF/PICK UP - Let's make drop-off and pick-up a breeze for everyone!

We've noticed a bit of traffic in the side staff parking lot (East side of school). This lot is designated for bus drop off/pick up and staff parking only. To keep everyone safe and on time, please use the front of the school or the 7th-grade parking lot behind the school for drop-off and pick-up.

Remember, the first bell rings at 7:40 AM. With winter weather, plan extra time for your morning commute. Let's help our students start their day on time! Late arrivals impact student work and learning.

A quick tip: Pull all the way forward to the sidewalk in front of the school to keep traffic flowing smoothly. Encourage your student to hop out/in quickly and safely. If they have gear to unload, feel free to park in the lot.

Thanks for your cooperation!

WORK HABITS CELEBRATION

The celebrations will be done by grade level first thing in the morning; more specific information will be sent out closer to the date of the celebration.

January 22nd - 6th grade
January 23rd - 7th grade
January 24th - 8th grade

SPORTS

Volleyball: The ACMS Volleyball team will be in action when we return from Holiday Break. Their first match will be on Thursday, January 9th at Carson Valley Middle School. The 7th grade team will start at 3:00, with the 8th grade team to follow.

Nordic Skiing: Over the break, the Nordic team is set to compete in the Foothill Classic at Auburn Ski Club on Friday, January 3rd. Coach Drew will send out the race time.

WELLNESS/ COUNSELING

PTO

IMPORTANT DATES

January 20-MLK Jr Day.-No School

January 23-24-Minimum Days

February 5-Minimum Day

PTO

General Meeting Join us in the staff lounge on Tuesday, January 7th at 7:45 am.

IMPORTANT DATES

January 7-PTO Meeting-7:45 a.m.-Staff Lounge

January 20-MLK Jr Day.-No School

January 23-24-Minimum Days

February 5-Minimum Day

February 17-18-Presidents Days-No School

DECEMBER 15, 2024

ELAC

Thank you parents who attended our recent ELAC meeting. Your valuable insights and experiences were invaluable. The empathy interviews provided a unique opportunity to understand the specific needs and challenges faced by our English Learners. Your feedback will help us tailor our instruction and support services to ensure the best possible outcomes for all our students. We appreciate your partnership in making a difference.

WINTER READING PHOTO CONTEST

1. Take a winter themed photo of yourself reading over break. You don’t need to show your face, but you need to be able to see the cover of the book. It could be cozy, holiday themed, on the slopes, with a pet or a younger family member...be creative!

2. Email it to Ms. Lally mlally@ttusd.org by Sunday January 5th, 2025 to enter

3. Include your first and last name, your grade level, your book title, and the author in your entryand one sentence saying what you like about your book

4. We will post all photo entries on the ACMSReads Instagram page and Alder Creek Facebook page

4. Follow @ACMSreads on Instagram to see the entries and get book recommendations

-All photo entries will receive an invitation to the Winter Reading Celebration in January!

-Winning photos will also receive a special prize in January!

THE TECH LAB WANTS YOUR EMPTY CEREAL BOXES!

The Tech Lab needs thin cardboard for upcoming projects. If you have any clean cereal boxes, tissue boxes or similar items, could you send it with your student to drop off at the Tech Lab any day in December. Thank you! Please email jlevin@ttusd.org with any questions. (We do not currently need shipping boxes) Thank you!

SPORTS

Volleyball: Tryouts continue this week on Monday and Tuesday. 8th grade will begin at 2:30 and 6th/7th will be at 4:00.

Nordic: Practice Schedule

We are on SKATE SKIS this week! They have smooth bases and go with the long poles.

Tuesday, 12/17 | 3-4:15pm - Skate Skiing

Wednesday, 12/17 | 3-4:15pm - Skate Skiing

Thursday, 12/17 | 3-4:15pm - Skate Skiing (and a fun, pre-holiday break activity!)

If your athlete doesn't have skate skis yet, try to arrive to practice a little early on Tuesday and we'll get them set up with gear.

Please subscribe to Coach Drew's weekly updates for this week's practice schedule.

WELLNESS/ COUNSELING

The Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) is a philosophy for creating healthy relationships with the people in your life, and is applicable across various environments.

It is a set of strategies that assists children in further developing their self-regulation. NHA transforms the way children perceive themselves, their caregiver, and the world around them. The child learns that they will receive endless reward and recognition for the positive behavior they display and this supports children to build a positive portfolio of themselves, which we call “Inner Wealth.”

The NHA embraces the “3 Stands” which include:

Absolutely no time, energy, or relationship to negative behavior
Absolutely yes to relentlessly and strategically pulling the child into new patterns of success (consistently recognizing any success and achievement no matter how small)
Absolutely clear and consistent consequences

Examples of “emotionally nutritious words,” or positive character traits to attach to the specific recognition of a child’s success: logical, kind hearted, hard worker, committed, intelligent, grateful, motivated, mindful, considerate, attentive, helpful, trustworthy, thoughtful, positive, respectful, patient, flexible, passionate, polite, brave, uplifting, vibrant, welcoming, wise.

This week in Advisory, students will be learning about the ACMS Hope Squad. The Hope Squad is a peer to peer suicide prevention program. Members are nominated by their classmates as trustworthy peers and trained by advisors. The program reduces youth suicide through education, training, and peer intervention. The ACMS Hope Squad members were trained in October and wanted to share ways students can take care of themselves over winter break. We will also be handing out hot chocolate to students during morning break on Friday, December 20th. Students can come by to meet their Hope Squad members, and learn more about self care.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF NORTH LAKE TAHOE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT

The Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe is excited to offer a variety of fun and educational after-school activities for students at Alder Creek Middle School! Our programs are available Monday through Friday, and we provide snacks daily and lunch on minimum days. Here's a look at what’s happening this month:

After-School Hours:

Monday to Friday: 2:15 PM - 6:05 PM
Minimum Days: 11:40 AM - 6:05 PM
Lunch is provided on minimum days, and snacks are available every day!

Daily Programming:

Monday: Creative Minds (Art) and Triple Play
Tuesday: STEM Explorers
Wednesday: Healthy Habits (Cooking Skills), All Stars (Soccer and Basketball), and Gears for Good
Thursday: Around the World (Cultural Studies)
Friday: Youth Leadership and Triple Play

Daily Schedule:

2:15 PM – Check-in and Snack
2:30 PM – Group Game
3:00-5:00 PM – Main Programming
5:00 PM to Close – Member’s Choice (Games, Nintendo Switch, Crafts, etc.)

December Cookout Schedule:

12/11: Holiday Frappes
12/18: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
12/25: N/A – Happy Holidays!

Coming Soon:

12/9: Tahoe Institute of Natural Science will be visiting our club to conduct a special demonstration on the uniqueness of our local environment. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn more about the natural wonders around us!
Homework Help Tuesday-Thursday in Room 103 (Available to non-members!)

The Boys & Girls Club provides a safe, enriching space for students to grow, learn, and have fun after school. We hope your child can join us for a fantastic December filled with creativity, exploration, and lots of fun!

For more information, please contact the Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe (530) 608-2245.

PTO

General Meeting Join us in the staff lounge on Tuesday, January 7th at 7:45 am.

IMPORTANT DATES

December 23-January 3-Holiday Break

January 7-PTO Meeting-7:45 a.m.-Staff Lounge

January 20-MLK Jr Day.-No School

January 23-24-Minimum Days

February 5-Minimum Day

February 17-18-Presidents Days-No School

DECEMBER 8, 2024

ELAC

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC): Tuesday, December 10 5-7pm.

Dinner and Childcare Provided/ Winter Band Concert

Open to all Parents, Teachers, Students, and Interested Community Members
Suggest, Recommend, and Evaluate services and programs for English Learners
Share your voice in education decision-making

WARM COATS AND TOY DRIVE

Warm coats and Toy Drive begins today! Bring clean and gently used coats to donate to the main office. Bring used new and unwrapped toys to the main office. Deadline is December 13. Please no stuffed animals, books or toy guns.

THE TECH LAB WANTS YOUR EMPTY CEREAL BOXES!

WELLNESS/ COUNSELING

The Wellness Center is currently focusing on regulation strategies centered around breathing techniques, brain science, and Heartmath. Students are learning what it means to be regulated vs dysregulated, as well as how to regain access to the prefrontal cortex when the amygdala becomes activated.

This week in Advisory, students will be reflecting on how they can take care of themselves during the holidays. Students will watch videos from the In Control curriculum, and will answer the following questions:

Take some time to discuss or write down 10 things you are grateful for.
What is something you can plan to do to express your gratitude to someone this holiday season?
What is something you can do during this winter break to take care of yourself?

WORK HABITS CELEBRATION

The celebrations will be done by grade level first thing in the morning; more specific information will be sent out closer to the date of the celebration.

January 22nd - 6th grade
January 23rd - 7th grade
January 24th - 8th grade

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF NORTH LAKE TAHOE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

After-School Hours:

Monday to Friday: 2:15 PM - 6:05 PM
Minimum Days: 11:40 AM - 6:05 PM
Lunch is provided on minimum days, and snacks are available every day!

Daily Programming:

Monday: Creative Minds (Art) and Triple Play
Tuesday: STEM Explorers
Wednesday: Healthy Habits (Cooking Skills), All Stars (Soccer and Basketball), and Gears for Good
Thursday: Around the World (Cultural Studies)
Friday: Youth Leadership and Triple Play

Daily Schedule:

2:15 PM – Check-in and Snack
2:30 PM – Group Game
3:00-5:00 PM – Main Programming
5:00 PM to Close – Member’s Choice (Games, Nintendo Switch, Crafts, etc.)

December Cookout Schedule:

12/11: Holiday Frappes
12/18: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
12/25: N/A – Happy Holidays!

Coming Soon:

12/9: Tahoe Institute of Natural Science will be visiting our club to conduct a special demonstration on the uniqueness of our local environment. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn more about the natural wonders around us!
Homework Help Tuesday-Thursday in Room 103 (Available to non-members!)

For more information, please contact the Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe (530) 608-2245.

Let’s make this December one to remember!

FAMILY MATH NIGHTS | RECORDINGS & UPCOMING IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS
We recently held two successful Family Math Nights to introduce our new math curriculums, Eureka Math² for elementary students and Carnegie Math for middle and high school students. Thank you to all the families who attended!

Missed the Events? Watch the Recordings!

If you weren't able to join us in person, recordings of both workshops are available:

Upcoming Workshops

We're also offering workshops on the lakeside for families who couldn't make it to the first events. These workshops are a great way to learn more about your child's math curriculum and how to support them at home. Spanish interpretation services will be provided at the in-person meetings. Hope to see you there!

Family Math Night with Carnegie Math (Middle and High School)

Date: December 12, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: North Tahoe Middle School Library
Who: Families with students in 6th - 12th grades

Family Math Night with Eureka Math² (Elementary)

Date: December 17, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Kings Beach Elementary
Who: Families with students in kindergarten - 5th grade

PTO

General Meeting Join us in the staff lounge on Tuesday, January 7th at 7:45 am.

SPORTS

Boys Basketball: The boys will be entering the final week of play this week. They will be at home on Tuesday against Carson Middle School The 6th/7th team will tip off at 3:00, with the 8th grade to follow. The boys will then travel to rival South Tahoe Middle on Thursday, for a final matchup with the Timberwolves before the league tournament. The 6th/7th tip off at 3:30, with the 8th grade to follow. The team will then be competing in the TAH-NEVA Championship tournament at Carson Middle School on Saturday. The game times are TBD based on seeding.

Nordic Skiing: Please refer to the updates from Coach Drew for this week’s practice schedule.

Volleyball: ACMS Volleyball Tryouts Begin – December 12th

Tryouts are closed (athletes only).

Tryout Dates:

Thursday, December 12 (ACMS)
Monday and Tuesday, December 16-17 (ACMS)

Tryout Times:

6th/7th Grade: 4:30 PM – 6:30 12/12, 4:00-6:00PM 12/16-12/17
(Note: Depending on the number of athletes, this may be split into separate sessions.)
8th Grade: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Season Practice Times:

6th/7th Grade: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
8th Grade: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM (on non game days M,W, F)

Important Reminder:

Come prepared and ready to work hard. Practice, practice, practice!

Required Forms:

Completed Physical Exam
Sports Authorization
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Form
Concussion Form

Note: Physicals are valid for 3 years. Sports Authorization, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, and Concussion forms must be completed annually.

Questions?

8th Grade: James McMaster – jamcmaster@ttusd.org
6th/7th Grade: Amy Smith- afalksmith@gmail.com

IMPORTANT DATES

ELAC-December 10

Winter Concert-December 10

Minimum Day-December 11-11:40 Dismissal

Family Math Night with Carnegie Math-December 12

December 23-January 3-Holiday Break

DECEMBER 1, 2024

SPIRIT WEEK

Let’s show our Cougar pride each day!

Monday - PJ Day: Start the week in comfort!
Tuesday - Candy Cane Day: Wear red and white!
Wednesday - Holiday Hat &/or Sock Day: Get festive from head to toe!
Thursday - Ugly Holiday Sweater Day: The tackier, the better!
Friday - WHITE OUT for the Rally: Let’s fill the stands in all white! Everyone wear white!

ELAC

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC): Tuesday, December 10 5-7pm.

Dinner and Childcare Provided/ Winter Band Concert

Open to all Parents, Teachers, Students, and Interested Community Members
Suggest, Recommend, and Evaluate services and programs for English Learners
Share your voice in education decision-making

WARM COATS AND TOY DRIVE

SPORTS/EXTRACURRICULAR CONTRACTS / INDEPENDENT STUDY

If your child is planning to take days/partial days off from school to participate in a spor/extracurricular activity:

Please use the link: TTUSD Independent Study to request Sports/Extracurricular Contract

Choose “Short-term Extracurricular Independent Study” at the bottom of page 3 of the contract.

There is a section on the form that must be completed and signed by the student’s coach.

A prompt will pop up when submitting that will allow you to direct it to the coach. Most coaches in the area are familiar with the contract and get it back to us in a timely manner.

If you are planning a trip and your child will miss school, please use this link: TTUSD Independent Study to request an Independent Study(IS). The criteria for an IS is:

The student will miss 3 or more consecutive days of school.
Parents request an IS two weeks in advance.
The IS school work has to be completed and turned in within the first five days of returning in order to have the unexcused absences removed.
If the IS school work is not completed or the family does not request an IS, the student will have unexcused absences.
TTUSD allows 3 unexcused absences for the whole school year.
The total cumulative number of independent study days for the school year will be 15 or less.
Please try and schedule all trips on our vacation dates: TTUSD District Calendar 24-25.

END OF TRIMESTER ONE-PROGRESS REPORT

Friday, November 22, was the end of the first trimester. You will be receiving a trimester one progress report via a JumpRope email on Wednesday, December 4. This is a progress check of where your student is at this point in the school year.

Please contact the school if you have not received an email from JumpRope. Please check your junk mail to see if the email went there.

For more information on Standards Referenced Grading, please review Standard Reference Grading System Parent Letter 2024-2025.

WORK HABITS CELEBRATION

The celebrations will be done by grade level first thing in the morning; more specific information will be sent out closer to the date of the celebration.

January 22nd - 6th grade
January 23rd - 7th grade
January 24th - 8th grade

TRICYCLES FOR RALLY, PLEASE

We are excited to announce our upcoming rally on December 6, and we’re looking to incorporate a fun game involving tricycles! For this, we would need to borrow a few tricycles just for the day. They will be well cared for and promptly returned after the event. If you’re able to lend us any tricycles for the rally, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your help would be greatly appreciated in making this event a memorable one! ACMS STUCO

KARAOKE/OPEN MIC NIGHT

ACMS will be holding a Karaoke/Open Mic Night on Thursday, December 5th from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the ACMS Cafetorium. All ACMS Students are welcome to attend (ACMS Students and Parents Only). Please bring $5.00 for the entry fee and extra cash to purchase snacks and refreshments. Sign ups for song requests will be in the ACMS Band Room at break and lunch. We want singers, musicians, rock bands, comedians, and dancers to join us for this fun event!

THE YEARBOOK WANTS YOUR PHOTOS/YEARBOOK PURCHASE

Please share any photos that you have taken from school activities and events so that they can be considered for the 2024-2025 yearbook. The best way is to upload them to this form or you can email jlevin@ttusd.org. (Also, you can still purchase a yearbook here or by sending $35 cash/check to the office or techlab.) Thank you!

Missed the Events? Watch the Recordings!

If you weren't able to join us in person, recordings of both workshops are available:

Upcoming Workshops

Family Math Night with Carnegie Math (Middle and High School)

Date: December 12, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: North Tahoe Middle School Library
Who: Families with students in 6th - 12th grades

Family Math Night with Eureka Math² (Elementary)

Date: December 17, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Kings Beach Elementary
Who: Families with students in kindergarten - 5th grade

SPORTS

Boys Basketball: The boys will be back in action when we return from Thanksgiving Break.

Nordic Skiing: Ski practice starts on Dec. 4, so keep turning in those Nordic packets to the front desk, and start getting excited!

Please make sure all of your paperwork is finished and that you have signed up for Nordic Skiing Register my Athlete.

Volleyball: Volleyball tryouts will begin Thursday, December 12th. Please make sure all of your paperwork is finished and that you have signed up for Volleyball in Register my Athlete.

COUNSELING/WELLNESS

Free Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) Workshops, Virtually via Zoom

December 3rd, 10th, and 17th from 5:45pm to 7:45pm

NHA consists of a set of strategies that focuses on transforming the way children perceive themselves, their caregivers and the world around them. Children begin to realize they will receive endless amounts of praise, energy, recognition and reward through the positive behavior they display and this supports children to build a positive portfolio of themselves, which NHA calls “Inner Wealth.”

Caregivers learn the power of targeted specific recognition while also learning how to establish and maintain clear behavior expectations.

If you are struggling with intense behaviors or want to supercharge your relationship with your child, NHA is for you!

Learn more about NHA at: https://nurturedheartinstitute.com/

Link to register: https://bit.ly/4e5yQRf

For questions call: (530)582-2560

PTO

General PTO Meeting Our final meeting of 2024 will be on Tuesday, December 3rd at 6 pm, upstairs at Raley’s. Join us for a little early holiday cheer and to start planning for 2025.

Grocery Outlet Gives Back Please don't forget to tell the cashier "I support ACMS!" every time you shop at Grocery Outlet. With their school rebate program, PTO receives a percentage of the purchase total when you mention the school at checkout.

IMPORTANT DATES

Spirit Week-December 2-6

PTO Meeting-December 3

Trimester One Progress Report-Jumprope-December 4

Karaoke/Open Mic Night-December 5

ELAC-December 10

Winter Concert-December 10

Minimum Day-December 11-11:40 Dismissal

Family Math Night with Carnegie Math-December 12

December 23-January 3-Holiday Break

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

THANKFUL

Happy Thanksgiving from your staff at ACMS. We are thankful for the amazing students that we have the honor of working with every day!

WARM COATS AND TOY DRIVE

SPORTS/EXTRACURRICULAR CONTRACTS / INDEPENDENT STUDY

If your child is planning to take days/partial days off from school to participate in a spor/extracurricular activity:

Please use the link: TTUSD Independent Study to request Sports/Extracurricular Contract

Choose “Short-term Extracurricular Independent Study” at the bottom of page 3 of the contract.

There is a section on the form that must be completed and signed by the student’s coach.

A prompt will pop up when submitting that will allow you to direct it to the coach. Most coaches in the area are familiar with the contract and get it back to us in a timely manner.

If you are planning a trip and your child will miss school, please use this link: TTUSD Independent Study to request an Independent Study(IS). The criteria for an IS is:

The student will miss 3 or more consecutive days of school.
Parents request an IS two weeks in advance.
The IS school work has to be completed and turned in within the first five days of returning in order to have the unexcused absences removed.
If the IS school work is not completed or the family does not request an IS, the student will have unexcused absences.
TTUSD allows 3 unexcused absences for the whole school year.
The total cumulative number of independent study days for the school year will be 15 or less.
Please try and schedule all trips on our vacation dates: TTUSD District Calendar 24-25.

END OF TRIMESTER ONE-PROGRESS REPORT

Please contact the school if you have not received an email from JumpRope. Please check your junk mail to see if the email went there.

For more information on Standards Referenced Grading, please review Standard Reference Grading System Parent Letter 2024-2025.

WORK HABITS CELEBRATION

The celebrations will be done by grade level first thing in the morning; more specific information will be sent out closer to the date of the celebration.

January 22nd - 6th grade
January 23rd - 7th grade
January 24th - 8th grade

TRICYCLES FOR RALLY, PLEASE

KARAOKE/OPEN MIC NIGHT

THE YEARBOOK WANTS YOUR PHOTOS/YEARBOOK PURCHASE

Missed the Events? Watch the Recordings!

If you weren't able to join us in person, recordings of both workshops are available:

Upcoming Workshops

Family Math Night with Carnegie Math (Middle and High School)

Date: December 12, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: North Tahoe Middle School Library
Who: Families with students in 6th - 12th grades

Family Math Night with Eureka Math² (Elementary)

Date: December 17, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Kings Beach Elementary
Who: Families with students in kindergarten - 5th grade

SPORTS

Boys Basketball: The boys began the second half of their season this week. The 8th grade boys beat rival South Tahoe Middle and dropped another game to Carson Valley. The 7th grade played both teams tough, but found themselves on the losing end of both contests. The boys will be back in action when we return from Thanksgiving Break.

Nordic Skiing: Ski practice starts on Dec. 4, so keep turning in those Nordic packets to the front desk, and start getting excited!

Please make sure all of your paperwork is finished and that you have signed up for Nordic Skiing Register my Athlete.

Volleyball: Volleyball tryouts will begin Thursday, December 12th. Please make sure all of your paperwork is finished and that you have signed up for Volleyball in Register my Athlete.

COUNSELING/WELLNESS

This week in Advisory, students will be reflecting on their personal social and cultural identities. Students will identify five facets of their multicultural selves, reflect on how any one identity facet shapes the way they view the world, and work to understand the many reasons miscommunication can occur.

Free Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) Workshops, Virtually via Zoom

December 3rd, 10th, and 17th from 5:45pm to 7:45pm

Caregivers learn the power of targeted specific recognition while also learning how to establish and maintain clear behavior expectations.

If you are struggling with intense behaviors or want to supercharge your relationship with your child, NHA is for you!

Learn more about NHA at: https://nurturedheartinstitute.com/

Link to register: https://bit.ly/4e5yQRf

For questions call: (530)582-2560

PTO

General PTO Meeting Our final meeting of 2024 will be on Tuesday, December 3rd at 6 pm, upstairs at Raley’s. Join us for a little early holiday cheer and to start planning for 2025.

IMPORTANT DATESl

Thanksgiving Break-November 27-29

Trimester One Progress Report-Jumprope-December 4

Karaoke/Open Mic Night-December 5

Winter Concert-December 10

Minimum Day-December 11-11:40 Dismissal

Family Math Night with Carnegie Math-December 12

December 23-January 3-Holiday Break

NOVEMBER 17, 2024

HONOR ROLL INFO

Because we are using yearlong gradebooks with our Critical Concepts, we will be recognizing Honor Roll students based on end of the year scores.

The criteria for Honor Roll for all grades is: Threes or above, with only one two for all Academic scores and no ones for Work Habits

GRIZZLY RANCH-OUTDOOR EDUCATION-THANK YOU

Grizzly Ranch was a huge success. A big THANK YOU to Megan Hurley (counselor), teachers, staff, nurse Jane, high school counselors, food services, PTO, transportation department, Measure AA, Optimist Club, and all that made the trip possible for our students.

TRICYCLES FOR RALLY, PLEASE

COUNSELING/WELLNESS

This week in Advisory students will be viewing a mindfulness video led by our Wellness Center Specialist, Kirby. Students will also be reviewing the ALICE protocols, focusing on different scenarios pertaining to our specific site and how students can respond. Please encourage your students to speak with a counselor or a trusted adult if they need support in discussing this topic.

Puberty Talk in 6th grade and Teen Talk in 8th grade is coming up in November and December. You will be receiving letters from your teachers with more information about our curriculum and dates we will be coming into science classes. Please reach out to Megan Hurley at mhurley@ttusd.org if you have questions regarding Puberty Talk and Rachel Koels at rkoles@ttusd.org if you have questions regarding Teen Talk.

Supporting Your Child’s Well-Being: Helpful Resources for Parents

The UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center offers valuable tools for parents to support emotional health and well-being. Here are a few highlights:

Positive Parenting: Learn strategies to build strong emotional connections with your child and nurture their resilience and emotional intelligence.
Mindfulness: Explore simple mindfulness practices to reduce stress and promote emotional regulation for both you and your child.
Free Online Resources: Access online courses and articles on topics like social-emotional learning, gratitude, and the science of happiness.

Learn more at: Greater Good Science Center for Parents

SPORTS

Boys Basketball: Both the 6th/7th and 8th grade basketball teams turned in strong performances at ACMS on Tuesday, with wins over Eagle Valley. This week the Cougars will be at home twice this week. Tuesday the Cougars will take on rival South Tahoe Middle and on Thursday will be home against Carson Valley. Both days will begin with the 6th/7th tipping off at 3:00, with the 8th grade to follow.

Nordic Skiing: Ski practice starts on Dec. 4, so keep turning in those Nordic packets to the front desk, and start getting excited!

Please make sure all of your paperwork is finished and that you have signed up for Nordic Skiing Register my Athlete.

Volleyball: Volleyball tryouts will begin in early December. Please make sure all of your paperwork is finished and that you have signed up for Volleyball in Register my Athlete.

KARAOKE/OPEN MIC NIGHT

THE YEARBOOK WANTS YOUR PHOTOS/YEARBOOK PURCHASE

PTO

General PTO Meeting Our last meeting of 2024 will be on Tuesday, December 3rd at 6 pm, upstairs at Raley’s. Join us for a little early holiday cheer–and to help lay plans for 2025. Please email for the agenda and to let us know you’ll be there.

Let’s Be Friends Need another way to keep track of school news and events? Would you like to know how PTO dollars support our students and teachers? Be sure to follow us on Instagram (@aldercreekpto) and on Facebook (Truckee Alder Creek Middle School) for the latest from our #poweredbypto campaign.

IMPORTANT DATESl

Thanksgiving Break-November 27-29

Karaoke/Open Mic Night-December 5

Winter Concert-December 10

December 23-January 3-Holiday Break

NOVEMBER 11, 2024

THE YEARBOOK WANTS YOUR PHOTOS!

CHECKING/SIGNING OUT YOUR STUDENT-FORM HERE

If you are in a time crunch please call the office 5-10 minutes before your arrival and we will have your student waiting in the front office. Upon your arrival, please scan the QR code on the front door select (check out) and ring the doorbell. We will then send the student out to you.

When checking your student back in, please scan the QR code selecting (check in) ring the doorbell and we will get your student to class. This process helps us verify the safety of your student. Your cooperation is appreciated.

NEW VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM STREAMLINES VOLUNTEERING

We’re excited to announce a new Volunteer Management System (VMS) through Voluntas as we continue to find opportunities to make volunteering easier for families while maintaining student safety.

Please note that if you are a cleared volunteer who has already completed the fingerprinting process, you’ll need to create an account in the new system, for that information to roll over.

What You Need to Know:

Account Creation: All volunteers must create an account in the new VMS. Register Now!
Screening Requirements: Depending on the type of volunteer role you apply for, specific requirements will automatically populate in your user dashboard.
Already Cleared? If you’ve previously completed the fingerprinting process with TTUSD, you do not need to re-fingerprint as long as you create your account as soon as possible.
Badge System: Once registered, you will swipe your driver’s license or ID at the school office upon arrival. A name badge will be printed and must be worn during your time on campus.

If you have any questions or need help with the new system, please contact help@voluntasvms.com.

KARAOKE/OPEN MIC NIGHT

THE YEARBOOK WANTS YOUR PHOTOS/YEARBOOK PURCHASE

SPORTS

Boys Basketball: The boys basketball team will continue to roll into their season this week with a home game on Tuesday and an away game on Thursday. The boys will be HOME on Tuesday against Eagle Valley. The 6th/7th grade team will tip off at 3:00, with the 8th grade team to follow. The boys will travel to Carson Middle School on Thursday, with the 6th/7th grade team tipping at 3:00, with the 8th grade to follow.

Nordic Skiing: Ski practice starts on Dec. 4, so keep turning in those Nordic packets to the front desk, and start getting excited!

Please make sure all of your paperwork is finished and that you have signed up for Nordic Skiing Register my Athlete.

Volleyball: Volleyball tryouts will begin in early December. Please make sure all of your paperwork is finished and that you have signed up for Volleyball in Register my Athlete.

COUNSELING

This week in Advisory, students will be reviewing their technology habits. Please visit https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles for more information regarding how to help your teen navigate tech.

PTO

Meeting Recap Last week, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast spread generously provided by the ACMS staff. It was a lovely and much-appreciated surprise! We also ran through our short agenda, which included a budget update, a few grant requests from Mrs. Larson, and a discussion about various ways we hope to grow parent engagement with PTO. If you’d like to be added to our mailing list for meeting alerts, please email us.

Grocery Outlet Gives Back Please don't forget to tell the cashier "I support ACMS!" every time you shop at Grocery Outlet. With their terrific school rebate program, PTO receives 5% of your purchase total when you mention the school at checkout. We just received our first two checks of the school year, and they total more than $800. Keep it up!

IMPORTANT DATESl

Veterans Day-November 11

Thanksgiving Break-November 27-29

Karaoke/Open Mic Night-December 5

Winter Concert-December 10

December 23-January 3-Holiday Break

NOVEMBER 3, 2024

SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Join us on November 7, 2024 from 4:00-5:30 p.m. for the next Tahoe Truckee Unified School District Special Education Parent Advisory Committee. PAC meetings are a great place to meet with other supportive parents of special needs children and learn more about special education and your child’s IEP.

The topic for this meeting will be:

Supporting Student Success in the “Least Restrictive Environment” (Inclusion)

Agenda

Speaker: Jon Titley, SELPA Program Specialist will provide information on what factors IEP teams, including parents, must consider when determining the appropriate educational setting for students with disabilities.
Open Forum: Opportunity for parents to ask questions and share feedback.

THE YEARBOOK WANTS YOUR PHOTOS!

CHECKING/SIGNING OUT YOUR STUDENT-FORM HERE

FAMILY MATH NIGHT WITH CARNEGIE MATH

The TTUSD Educational Services Department invites you to a presentation on the new Carnegie Learning Math curriculum. Family Math Night with Carnegie Math

When: Thursday, November 7, 2024, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where: TTUSD District Office Board Room, 11603 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA 96161

During the presentation, Carnegie Math representatives will provide:

Curriculum Overview: A comprehensive overview of the Carnegie Math curriculum and its benefits for students.
Enhanced Learning: Insights into how Carnegie supports and enhances students' mathematical learning experiences.
Home Connections: Practical strategies and resources for families to support their students' math learning at home.
Q&A Session: An opportunity to ask questions and engage with the Carnegie Math team.

We encourage you to attend this valuable session in person. However, for those unable to do so, a live broadcast will be available at https://bit.ly/TTUSDMathNights. Please note that interpreter services will only be provided during the in-person session.

Participating in this event will equip you with valuable tools and knowledge to support your student's mathematical journey.

SPORTS

Boys Basketball: The boys basketball team will begin their 2024 campaign this week with two games. On Tuesday, the boys will be traveling to Garnerville to take on Carson Valley Middle School in the season opener. The 7th graders will tip off at 3:00 pm with the 8th grade team to follow. On Thursday the team will be HOME against Pa Wa Lu, with the 7th grade tipping at 3:00 pm and the 8th grade to follow.

Nordic Skiing: Ski practice starts on Dec. 4, so keep turning in those Nordic packets to the front desk, and start getting excited!

Please make sure all of your paperwork is finished and that you have signed up for Nordic Skiing Register my Athlete.

COUNSELING

PTO

General Meeting Tuesday Join us on Tuesday, November 5 at 7:45 am in the ACMS staff lounge. What’s on the agenda this month? Not much! It’s going to be a very short meeting on Election Day.

Let’s Be Friends! Need another way to keep track of school news and events? Would you like to know how PTO dollars support our students and teachers? Be sure to follow us on Instagram (@aldercreekpto) and on Facebook (Truckee Alder Creek Middle School) for all the latest info.

Grocery Outlet Gives Back Please don't forget to tell the cashier "I support ACMS!" every time you shop at Grocery Outlet. With their extremely generous rebate program, PTO receives a percentage of your purchase total when you mention the school at checkout.

IMPORTANT DATESl

PTO Meeting-November 5

Special Education Parent Advisory Committee-November 7-4:00-5:30

Family Math Night With Carnegie Math-November 7-6:00-7:00

Veteran’s Day-November 11-No school

Thanksgiving-November 27-29-No School

OCTOBER 28, 2024

STUDENT LED CONFERENCE WEEK-A BIG SUCCESS!

What a great week last week! Our teachers valued the time we had with parents and students. Thank you for taking time throughout the year to talk to your scholars about their goals and making it the best year ever! It takes a village and we are truly lucky to work with such an amazing group of students and parents.

CONFERENCE WEEK MEALS -

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who contributed food, time or donation towards providing our hard-working teachers with meals during conference week. We are very grateful for the yummy meals and thoughtfulness! Thank you Kate Parkhill and Erin Videgain for all their hard with coordinating and leading.

SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The topic for this meeting will be:

Supporting Student Success in the “Least Restrictive Environment” (Inclusion)

Agenda

Speaker: Jon Titley, SELPA Program Specialist will provide information on what factors IEP teams, including parents, must consider when determining the appropriate educational setting for students with disabilities.
Open Forum: Opportunity for parents to ask questions and share feedback.

THE YEARBOOK WANTS YOUR PHOTOS!

FAMILY MATH NIGHT WITH CARNEGIE MATH

The TTUSD Educational Services Department invites you to a presentation on the new Carnegie Learning Math curriculum. Family Math Night with Carnegie Math

When: Thursday, November 7, 2024, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where: TTUSD District Office Board Room, 11603 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA 96161

During the presentation, Carnegie Math representatives will provide:

Curriculum Overview: A comprehensive overview of the Carnegie Math curriculum and its benefits for students.
Enhanced Learning: Insights into how Carnegie supports and enhances students' mathematical learning experiences.
Home Connections: Practical strategies and resources for families to support their students' math learning at home.
Q&A Session: An opportunity to ask questions and engage with the Carnegie Math team.

Participating in this event will equip you with valuable tools and knowledge to support your student's mathematical journey.

SPORTS

Nordic Skiing: The ACMS Nordic team Parent Meeting is next Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 5:30pm. We'll be in a classroom this year, so look for directions when you arrive! The coaching crew will cover background info on the types of cross country skiing and the equipment we'll be using, as well as information on the schedule for the upcoming season. Be there!

Ski practice starts on Dec. 4, so keep turning in those Nordic packets to the front desk, and start getting excited!

Please make sure all of your paperwork is finished and that you have signed up for Nordic Skiing Register my Athlete.

Boys Basketball: The boys basketball team is continuing to get tuned up before the beginning of league play. The first game will be at Carson Valley next Tuesday, 11/5.

COUNSELING

Wednesday, October 30th is our Hope Squad Training at the Rec Center from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. Lunch and snacks will be provided. The Hope Squad program functions as a peer support team. The goal is to increase inclusion and connectedness in schools by teaching students how to provide friendship, encouragement, and support for students who may be bullied or feel isolated.

You received a parent permission slip last week if your child was nominated by his or her peers to be a member of The Hope Squad and attend this initial training. Please reach out to Megan Hurley at mhurley@ttusd.org if you have any questions.

PTO

Our Community Is Amazing! More than 50 families came together last week and shopped, cooked, and baked a week’s worth of delicious meals for our hardworking staff. Our sincere thanks to everyone who donated food or money to make this year’s conference week such a success. None of it would have been possible without Kate Parkhill and Erin Videgain rallying the troops. A special thank you to them for their time and care!

General PTO Meeting Join us on Tuesday, November 5 at 7:45 am in the ACMS staff lounge.

Grocery Outlet Gives Back Please don't forget to tell the cashier "I support ACMS!" every time you shop at Grocery Outlet. With their rebate program, the PTO receives a percentage of your purchase total when you mention the school at checkout.

IMPORTANT DATESl

Teacher Contract/PD Day-November 1-No School

PTo Meeting-November 5

Special Education Parent Advisory Committee-November 7-4:00-5:30

Family Math Night With Carnegie Math-November 7-6:00-7:00

OCTOBER 20, 2024

THANK YOU CHAPERONES-DANCE

Our dance on Friday night was a big success! Thank you to all the great chaperones! We can’t do it without you!

RED RIBBON WEEK

Red Ribbon Week is this upcoming Conference Week, October 21st - 25th. Help us celebrate Red Ribbon Week by encouraging your students to participate in the fun activities planned for breaktime out on the stage.

Monday - Hula Hoop

Tuesday - Musical Chairs

Wednesday - Tie a Red Ribbon with your feet contest

Thursday - Hop Scotch

Friday - Karaoke

SPIRIT WEEK

We had an amazing spirit week! STUCO did an incredible job organizing it. Our students had a blast showing off their school spirit.

ACMS FALL CONCERT Oct 24th

The ACMS Band Program will have its Fall Concert on Thursday, October 24th at 6:00 p.m. in the ACMS Cafetorium. The event is free. T.E.M.P.O will be selling baked goods and refreshments for cash only. See you there!

FAMILY MATH NIGHT WITH CARNEGIE MATH

The TTUSD Educational Services Department invites you to a presentation on the new Carnegie Learning Math curriculum. Family Math Night with Carnegie Math

When: Thursday, November 7, 2024, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where: TTUSD District Office Board Room, 11603 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA 96161

During the presentation, Carnegie Math representatives will provide:

Curriculum Overview: A comprehensive overview of the Carnegie Math curriculum and its benefits for students.
Enhanced Learning: Insights into how Carnegie supports and enhances students' mathematical learning experiences.
Home Connections: Practical strategies and resources for families to support their students' math learning at home.
Q&A Session: An opportunity to ask questions and engage with the Carnegie Math team.

Participating in this event will equip you with valuable tools and knowledge to support your student's mathematical journey.

STUDENT LED CONFERENCES-

ACMS finds it to be extremely valuable for parents and guardians to be informed of what is happening with their students here at school. In response to this, we will be holding student led conferences the week of October 21- October 25. All students will be dismissed from school at 11:40 on these days. Please watch for conference sign-up information from your child's homeroom teacher in October.

Parent-Teacher conferences are student led. Conferences will be through your scholar’s homeroom teacher. We believe that student involvement in the conferences makes learning active, provides opportunities for students to self-reflect and evaluate their performance, and encourages students to accept responsibility for their learning. Therefore, it is important that your child attend. Your student will have a voice in his/her education by leading and sharing what is going on in their classes.

SPORTS

Cross Country: Results from League Championships

The 6th and 7th boys team took 1st at TAH-NEVA!! 7th grader Grady C. took individual 2nd overall and Levi . took 5th.

The 6th and 7th girls team took 1st at TAH-NEVA!! 7th grader Avery A. took first in her division, Emmett B. took 6th and Aurelie D. took 9th.

8th Grade boys and Girls each had individual medalists, but no team medals. 8th grader Griffin T. took first in his division and 8th grader Autumn B. took 5th in her division.

What a great end to a great season for the XC Cougars.

Girls Basketball:

Girls basketball wrapped up their season this weekend at Eagle Valley. Results were not ready at Press time.

Boys Basketball:

Tryouts begin on Monday 10/21 and Tuesday 10/22. The 6th/7th grade team tryouts will begin at 4:00 and 8th grade tryouts will begin at 2:30. Both teams will tryout in the ACMS Gym. Please make sure all of your paperwork is finished and that you have signed up for Boys Basketball in Register my Athlete.

COUNSELING

This week in advisory, we will be speaking with students about their natural high as we celebrate Red Ribbon Week, the largest drug-abuse prevention campaign in the United States. The natural high approach engages influencers, educators, and peer groups to help young people discover those core activities in their lives that uplift, inspire, and motivate them- to find their ‘Natural High’ rather than use alcohol or drugs. Students will be directed to watch videos from the Natural High website done by professional athletes and then will be going over discussion questions as a class. Students will then be able to fill out an index card with words or pictures describing what their natural high is. Please feel free to check out the parent section from the website for more information. You can do so following this link here.

6th grade students will also be learning about our Hope Squad, which is a peer to peer suicide prevention program, reducing youth suicide through education, training, and peer intervention. We will be asking 6th graders to nominate their peers based on people they feel are good listeners, concerned about others, and someone they could turn to if they needed a friend. Wellness staff will then reach out to the students that have been nominated to invite them to our training. 7th and 8th graders have already been nominated last year and those students along with the new nominations of 6th graders will be invited to our Hope Squad Training on Wednesday, October 30th. Please keep an eye out for letters sent home if your student has been nominated.

PTO

Conference Week Staff Lunches Huge thanks to everyone who has already signed up to spoil the ACMS staff next week. We still need a few last-minute volunteers, so please take a look at the SignUp Genius and let us know how you can help. Thanks!

General PTO Meeting Join us on Tuesday, November 5 at 7:45 am in the ACMS staff lounge.

IMPORTANT DATES

Red Ribbon Week-10/21-10/25

Band Concert-10/24-6:00

Student Led Conferences-October 21-25-11:40 Dismissal

Teacher Contract/PD Day-November 1-No School

Special Education Parent Advisory Committee-November 7-4:00-5:30

Family Math Night With Carnegie Math-November 7-6:00-7:00

OCTOBER 13, 2024

SPIRIT WEEK-

Join us as our community comes together to show our Cougar Pride and school spirit. Show your school spirit this week. Everyone is encouraged to get involved!

Monday- Pajama Day

Tuesday-Pink Out!

Wednesday- Tourist Day

Thursday-Sport Jerseys

Friday-Cougar Gear

STUDENT LED CONFERENCES-

FIRST DANCE - FUNDRAISER - OCTOBER 18

This is one of our major fundraisers for the year. Funds will benefit all students at ACMS. The funds will support the music program, school dances, sports, rallies, class field trips, Olympics, and 8th-grade promotion. The dance is a $20 donation per person (dinner is included). Cash or checks made out to “ACMS” are accepted. This dance is for ACMS students only!

We encourage and need parents to volunteer to chaperone our dances to ensure the safe enjoyment of all. Please sign up to chaperone on this document here.

Rules governing dances are:

Dances are held on Friday nights between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
All students should arrive at the dance at approximately 4:50 p.m.
Drop off and pick up is in the upper seventh grade parking area
No one will be admitted after 5:30 p.m. unless special arrangements are made.
Students should plan to be picked up no later than 7:05 p.m. Pick up is in the upper seventh grade parking area.
Students may not leave the dance early unless a parent picks them up at the front doors to Donner Lake.
Any student absent from school on the day of a dance is not permitted to attend the dance unless cleared beforehand with the administration.
Violations of school rules during dances may result in disciplinary action.
Personal cameras/phones are not permitted. Phones must be put away during the dance.
Students who have been suspended from school may not attend the next scheduled school dance.

SPORTS-

Cross Country: FINALS WEEK!! The cross country team will be competing in the league championships this week at Khale Park in Zephyr Cove, NV. The meet will begin at noon. The Cougars have multiple chances to bring home some hardware this year both individually and as teams. Results will be posted on next week’s Cougar News.

Girls Basketball: The girls basketball teams enter their final week of league match ups and will culminate in the league tournament on Saturday. The girls finished a short week strong last week with decisive wins over North Tahoe School. This week their FINAL HOME game will be on Tuesday against Carson Middle School. The 7th grade will tip off at 3:00, with the 8th grade to follow. They will be traveling to rival South Tahoe on Thursday, with the 7th grade tipping at 3:30, with the 8th grade to follow. The league tournament will be at Eagle Valley Middle School on Saturday, with the first game TBD.

Boys Basketball: Open Gym October 17th from 2:30-4:30 for all grades. Tryouts will begin the following week on the 21st and 22nd. 8th grade will be from 2:30-4:00 and the 6th/7th will be from 4:00-6:00. Please be sure you have your paperwork ready and complete in Register my Athlete.

Nordic Skiing: Interested in getting out and learning a new sport this winter? Check out the Alder Creek Middle School Nordic Ski Team! Our fun, cross country ski program is open to everyone—from those that have never been on skis before and just want to try something new, to those that were practically born on skis and have been racing for years!

Keep a lookout for Coach Drew at break on Wednesday, Oct. 16 and pick up a Nordic Packet for the 2024-2025 ski season. Want more information? Come to the Parent Meeting at the ACMS Gym at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, Oct. 29. See you there!

PTO-

Sign Up For Conference Week Lunches In a long-standing and beloved tradition, PTO will provide ACMS staffers with a delicious daily buffet lunch from October 21st to 25th. There are lots of ways, both big and small, that you can help make this week a success–from cooking up a batch of your favorite hearty soup to baking a tray of brownies to buying a few of the needed toppings for the planned mains. Please choose a slot on SignUp Genius today!

IMPORTANT DATES

Spirit Week-10/14-10/18

Picture retake day-10/18/24

Fundraiser Dance-10/18/24

Student Led Conferences-October 21-25-11:40 Dismissal

Teacher Contract/PD Day-November 1-No School

OCTOBER 6, 2024

FIRST DANCE - FUNDRAISER - OCTOBER 18

This is one of our major fundraisers for the year. ACMS is hosting the annual dance a thon. Funds will benefit all students at ACMS. The funds will support the music program, school dances, sports, rallies, class field trips, Olympics, and 8th-grade promotion. The dance is a $20 donation per person (dinner is included). Cash or checks made out to “ACMS” are accepted. This dance is for ACMS students only!

We encourage and need parents to volunteer to chaperone our dances to ensure the safe enjoyment of all. Please sign up to chaperone on this document here.

Rules governing dances are:

Dances are held on Friday nights between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
All students should arrive at the dance at approximately 4:50 p.m.
Drop off and pick up is in the upper seventh grade parking area
No one will be admitted after 5:30 p.m. unless special arrangements are made.
Students should plan to be picked up no later than 7:05 p.m. Pick up is in the upper seventh grade parking area.
Students may not leave the dance early unless a parent picks them up at the front doors to Donner Lake.
Any student absent from school on the day of a dance is not permitted to attend the dance unless cleared beforehand with the administration.
Violations of school rules during dances may result in disciplinary action.
Personal cameras/phones are not permitted. Phones must be put away during the dance.
Students who have been suspended from school may not attend the next scheduled school dance.

COUNSELING-

This week in Advisory, students will be continuing to prepare for the student led conferences. Students are focusing on their Math, Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies classes and working on their goals for each subject.

We are so excited to welcome our new Wellness Center Specialist, Kirby Falk. Please see her introduction below:

Hello ACMS students and families!

My name is Kirby Falk and I am so excited to be your new Wellness Center Specialist. I have a deep passion for wellness, and I am here to help enhance the health and wellbeing of our entire school community.

I was once a student at ACMS myself, so I can compassionately understand what the students may be experiencing. I studied at UC Berkeley, graduating with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (mindfulness, public health, psychology). Prior to returning to Truckee, I worked as a Wellness Specialist in San Jose, CA.

I am overjoyed to be back in my hometown, serving the wellness needs of the ACMS school community. I am here to support you, and would love to connect – feel free to reach out.

SPORTS-

Girls Basketball: The girls basketball team will be entering the final two weeks of the season this week and are competing for seeding entering the league tournament. This week the team will be playing a home game, against non-league rival North Tahoe School, on the Truckee side. Tip off for the 7th graders will be at 3:00, with the 8th grade to follow.

Cross Country: The cross country team will be wrapping up their regular season this week, with a trip to Pau Wa Lu on Friday. The meet will begin at 3:00 in Garnerville.

Boys Basketball: The boys basketball season is approaching and will officially begin on October 17th with tryouts. The 6th/7th grade team tryouts will begin at 2:30 and 8th grade tryouts will begin at 4:00. Both teams will tryout in the ACMS Gym. Please make sure all of your paperwork is finished and that you have signed up for Boys Basketball in Register my Athlete.

6TH GRADE - SIERRA NEVADA JOURNEYS - OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Sierra Nevada Journey is in partnership with TTUSD, Measure AA, PTO, and Optimist to make outdoor education possible for all our sixth graders. 6th grade students will attend a 2 day and 1 night field trip on November 14-15 with Sierra Nevada Journeys. The cost of this trip is a $130 donation per student. This fee/donation will support transportation, site fees, and science integration initiatives with Sierra Nevada Journeys If you'd like to donate an additional $130 to sponsor another student, please do so. Your support is greatly appreciated and will ensure that all students can participate. Checks or cash accepted. Please make out checks to Alder Creek Middle School.

PTO-

Meeting Recap This week, we celebrated our successful sponsorship drive, received a big thank you from Mrs. Larson and the staff for the new coffee machine and microwave in the staff lounge, and put out the call for a new Board member. PTO is actively seeking a 6th-grade parent to join as Secretary. Email for more information.

Conference Week With your support, we’ll provide a delicious daily lunch from October 21st to 25th, keeping teachers and staff going during this busy week of back-to-back afternoon meetings. Please volunteer via SignUp Genius if you can contribute by bringing in a food item or helping with set up and clean up.

IMPORTANT DATES

Picture retake day-10/18/24

Fundraiser Dance-10/18/24

Student Led Conferences-October 21-25-11:40 Dismissal

Teacher Contract/PD Day-November 1-No School

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

ELAC-English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC): October 1-ACMS- 5:30 p.m.

Agenda: CAASPP Pin Celebration; Importance of School Attendance, School Plan for Student Achievement

SSC-School Site Council

Our Site Council meeting is on Wednesday, October 2 @ 7:30 a.m. in the staff lounge. The Site Council is responsible for establishing and reviewing school goals and allocating funds. In accordance with state regulations, the Site Council assesses the needs of the school and submits to Tahoe Truckee Unified School District its plan for the use of school funds and other grants and discretionary monies.

Here’s the agenda:

Welcome and Introductions
Call to Order
Approval of Minutes (Approved and seconded, or corrected)
Approval of Agenda (Approved and seconded, or members may add items)
Legal Requirements
SPSA-Review 9/27/2024/ Approval
Unfinished Business

STUDENT LED CONFERENCE

FIRST DANCE - FUNDRAISER - OCTOBER 18

This is one of our major fundraisers for the year. ACMS is hosting the annual dance a thon. Funds will benefit all students at ACMS. The funds will support the music program, school dances, sports, rallies, class field trips, Olympics, and 8th grade promotion. The dance is a $20 donation per person (dinner is included). Cash or checks made out to “ACMS” are accepted. This dance is for ACMS students only!

We encourage and need parents to volunteer to chaperone our dances to ensure the safe enjoyment of all. Please sign up to chaperone on this document here.

Rules governing dances are:

Dances are held on Friday nights between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
All students should arrive at the dance at approximately 4:50 p.m.
Drop off and pick up is in the upper seventh grade parking area
No one will be admitted after 5:30 p.m. unless special arrangements are made.
Students should plan to be picked up no later than 7:05 p.m. Pick up is in the upper seventh grade parking area.
Students may not leave the dance early unless a parent picks them up at the front doors to Donner Lake.
Any student absent from school on the day of a dance is not permitted to attend the dance unless cleared beforehand with the administration.
Violations of school rules during dances may result in disciplinary action.
Personal cameras/phones are not permitted. Phones must be put away during the dance.
Students who have been suspended from school may not attend the next scheduled school dance.

6TH GRADE - SIERRA NEVADA JOURNEYS - OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Sierra Nevada Journey is in partnership with TTUSD, Measure AA, PTO, and Soroptimist to make outdoor education possible for all our sixth graders. 6th grade students will attend a 2 day and 1 night field trip on November 14-15 with Sierra Nevada Journeys. The cost of this trip is a $130 donation per student. This fee/donation will support transportation, site fees, and science integration initiatives throughout the school year. If you'd like to donate an additional $130 to sponsor another student, please do so.Your support is greatly appreciated and will ensure that all students can participate. Checks or cash accepted. Please make out checks to Alder Creek Middle School.

SPORTS

Girls Basketball- Girls basketball will be entering the second half of the season this week. Both teams' development has been impressive, with the 8th grade losing a tight game to South Tahoe, 20-22 on Tuesday and beating Carson Valley on Thursday. This week both games will be on the road, Tuesday at Pau Wa Lu and Thursday at Eagle Valley. Both days the 7th grade will tip at 3:00, with the 8th grade to follow.

Cross Country- All of our cross country teams continue to put up strong performances, finishing in the top 3 in their races this week. Avery Aldrich continues her run for a TAH-NEVA Championship winning her race at South Tahoe this week. The team will be on the road Friday, 10/2, at Ash Canyon in Carson City. The race will begin at 3:00 on Friday.

COUNSELING

Students will be starting their preparation for student-led conferences in advisory. This week, students will be learning about social emotional goals and determining a goal for their school year. Students will also be learning how to access their state test scores through Aeries to input into the form used for student- led conferences.

PTO-

General Meeting Join us on Tuesday, October 1st at 7:45 am in the staff lounge at ACMS. What’s on the agenda this month? We’ll review the budget, vote on any grant requests, and go over the plan for conference week lunches for staffers.

Last Call for Sponsors We’re grateful to all the local businesses that have generously pledged their support for this school year. If you’re interested in joining them, details about sponsorship opportunities can be found on our website.

Grocery Outlet Gives Back Please don't forget to tell the cashier, "I support ACMS!" every time you shop at Grocery Outlet. With their rebate program, the PTO receives a percentage of your purchase total when you mention the school at checkout.

IMPORTANT DATES

PTO Meeting-10/1/24-7:45 a.m.

ELAC Meeting-10/1-5:30-Library

SSC-10/2/24-7:30 a.m.-Staff Lounge

Picture retake day-10/18/24

Fundraiser Dance-10/18/24

SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

ELAC

We had a productive ELAC meeting last Wednesday. Thank you to all of our English Language families for their valuable input and feedback on how we can better support our English Learners.

STUDENT LED CONFERENCE

FIRST DANCE - FUNDRAISER - OCTOBER 18

This is one of our major fundraisers for the year. ACMS is hosting the annual dance a thon. Funds will benefit all students at ACMS. The funds will support the music program, school dances, sports, rallies, class field trips, Olympics, and 8th grade promotion. The dance is a $20 donation per person (dinner is included). Cash or checks made out to “ACMS” are accepted. This dance is for ACMS students only!

We encourage and need parents to volunteer to chaperone our dances to ensure the safe enjoyment of all. Please sign up to chaperone on this document here.

Rules governing dances are:

Dances are held on Friday nights between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
All students should arrive at the dance at approximately 4:50 p.m.
Drop off and pick up is in the upper seventh grade parking area
No one will be admitted after 5:30 p.m. unless special arrangements are made.
Students should plan to be picked up no later than 7:05 p.m. Pick up is in the upper seventh grade parking area.
Students may not leave the dance early unless a parent picks them up at the front doors to Donner Lake.
Any student absent from school on the day of a dance is not permitted to attend the dance unless cleared beforehand with the administration.
Violations of school rules during dances may result in disciplinary action.
Personal cameras/phones are not permitted. Phones must be put away during the dance.
Students who have been suspended from school may not attend the next scheduled school dance.

6TH GRADE - SIERRA NEVADA JOURNEYS - OUTDOOR EDUCATION

6th grade students will attend a 2 day and 1 night field trip on November 14-15 with Sierra Nevada Journeys. The cost of this trip is a $130 donation per student. Checks or cash accepted. Please make out checks to Alder Creek Middle School. Scholarships are available. Please reach out to Hien Larson if you would like to request a scholarship.

SHOW YOUR COUGAR PRIDE-COUGAR SPIRIT

We celebrate our school community every Thursday and Friday by showing our school spirit. THURSDAYS are College/Career Day, please wear gear from your favorite university or local business. Every FRIDAY, we wear red or ACMS swag.

SPORTS

Girls Basketball: The girls basketball teams will play two games in the friendly confines this week. They will be playing rival South Tahoe on Tuesday in the gym and Carson Valley on Thursday. Both days, the 7th grade team will tip off at 3:00, with the 8th grade to follow. Please come out and support our girls!

Cross Country: Cross country continues to post impressive results with both individual and team wins early this season. The team will be on the road at the Annual South Tahoe Retro Relays on Thursday this week. The meet will start at 3:00 pm on the other side of the Lake.

COUNSELING

Peer Helpers were trained this week in Active Listening Skills, Confidentiality, and Restorative Conversations. As Peer Helpers they are available to meet with students when it might feel more comfortable to talk with someone their own age around issues such as friendship. This upcoming week, Peer Helpers will be introducing themselves in 6th grade classes. Please check in with your students to see if they have questions about Peer Helpers or if they might be interested in connecting with a Peer Helper. Here is the link to sign up to talk to a Peer Helper.

This week students will be learning more about Growth Mindset during Advisory. Students will be watching videos through our In Control curriculum and then answering reflection questions as a group.

Sierra Community House will be facilitating Empowerment Groups here at ACMS this year. We are starting with a 6th Grade Boys group that focuses on creating positive relationships and communities, promoting healthy friendships, increasing positive self-worth, and empowering youth to speak out and model healthy lifestyles. If your student was invited to join the group they have a letter to bring home as well as an email that was sent to the parents.

PTO-

IMPORTANT DATES

PTO Meeting-10/1/24-7:45 a.m.

SSC-9/27/24 and 10/2/24-

Picture retake day-10/18/24

Fundraiser Dance-10/18/24

Student Led Conferences-October 21-25-11:40 Dismissal

Teacher Contract/PD Day-November 1-No School

SEPTEMBER 15, 2024

ELAC

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC): September 18 @ TES 5:30 p.m.

Open to all Parents, Teachers, Students, and Interested Community Members
Suggest, Recommend, and Evaluate services and programs for English Learners
Collaborate with a diverse group of participants
Share your voice in education decision-making

6TH GRADE - SIERRA NEVADA JOURNEYS - OUTDOOR EDUCATION

SHOW YOUR COUGAR PRIDE-COUGAR SPIRIT

SPORTS

Girls Basketball- Girls basketball split their first two games of the season last week and will begin the week at HOME against Eagle Valley. The 7th grade will tip off at 3:00 with the 8th grade to follow. The team will be AWAY on Thursday at Carson Middle School, with the 7th grade tip off at 3:00 and 8th grade to follow.

Cross Country- The Cougars turned in a strong performance in their first race of the year. 8th grader Griffin Toscano and 7th grader Avery Aldrich both won their races at Incline. The cross country team will be traveling to Galena High School on Friday. The meet will be starting at 3:30 in South Reno.

COUNSELING

This week in Advisory students will be going over the TTUSD ALICE protocols to help students feel prepared in case of an occurrence of a violent incident. We understand this can be a difficult subject to talk about, and counselors are available to speak with students if needed.

This week, counselors are training our Peer Helpers who applied at the end of last year. The training will be held from 11:45 to 2:30 on Wednesday, September 18th. Peer Helpers received permission slips last week and they are due by Monday, September 16th.

PTO-

IMPORTANT DATES

Minimum Day-September 18-11:40 Dismissal

ELAC-September 18-5:30-6:30-TES

Student Led Conferences-October 21-25-11:40 Dismissal

Teacher Contract/PD Day-November 1-No School

SEPTEMBER 8, 2024

Our second week of school was a resounding success, particularly our BTSN event where we had the pleasure of meeting many of you. We truly appreciate your partnership in your child’s education and encourage continued active involvement.

To help your child thrive, please support them in the following ways:

Attendance and Punctuality: Ensure they arrive at school on time every day.
Daily Reading: Encourage daily reading to foster a love of learning.
Open Communication: Discuss their school experiences, both positive and negative, to stay connected.
Health and Wellness: Prioritize adequate sleep and a healthy breakfast for optimal focus and energy.
Screen Time Management: Limit recreational screen time to allow for balanced learning and leisure.
Has phone put away in backpack during the school day
Preparedness: Help them be on time and prepared for class each day.
Positive Behavior: Remind them of the importance of kindness, safety, and productivity in the classroom.
Positive Attitude: Encourage a positive outlook and a commitment to their best effort.

SSC

Our Site Council meeting is Thursday, September 12 @2:30 in the library. The Site Council is responsible for establishing and reviewing school goals and allocating funds. In accordance with state regulations, the Site Council assesses the needs of the school and submits to Tahoe Truckee Unified School District its plan for the use of school funds and other grants and discretionary monies.

Congratulations to our new site council representatives, April Cole, Lauren DiGeronimo, Megan Siefert, The Site Council is a body of parents and staff that align expenditures for programmatic needs.

Here’s the agenda:

Welcome and Introductions
Call to Order

Approval of Minutes (Approved and seconded, or corrected)
Approval of Agenda (Approved and seconded, or members may add items)

Legal Requirements

SSC Training
SPSA-Input
Safety Plan-Input

Unfinished Business
New Business (New items before the council or Announcements)

ELAC

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC): September 18 @ TES 5:30 p.m.

Open to all Parents, Teachers, Students, and Interested Community Members
Suggest, Recommend, and Evaluate services and programs for English Learners
Collaborate with a diverse group of participants
Share your voice in education decision-making

COUNSELING

This week in Advisory, students will focus on language and the impact both positive and negative language can have on our peers. Students will be encouraged to reflect on the type of language they use at school and how they respond to others. It is always encouraged for students to report any concerns of bullying or harassment to counselors or administrators at Alder Creek Middle School. Remember, if you see something, say something!

Counselors are inviting students that are new to our district to our New Student Lunch on Wednesday, September 11th during their scheduled lunch time. ACMS Peer Leaders will be facilitating conversations with our new students as we provide lunch for the group. Students will have a chance to meet their peers and will be able to ask any questions they have about ACMS. If you have any questions about this lunch, please reach out to Rachel Koles and Megan Hurley.

SPORTS

Girls Basketball: The ACMS Girls will be beginning their season on the road against Carson Valley Middle School on Tuesday. The Cougars will tip off at 3:00 in Gardnerville. The team will return home for the FIRST HOME GAME of the year on Thursday against Pau Wa Lu. Tip off for the 6th/7th graders will be at 3:00, with the 7th/8th graders to follow.

Cross Country: The ACMS Cross Country team will continue their 2024 campaign with another away meet at North Tahoe School, beginning at noon on Friday.

CELL PHONES - Updated policy this year

Cell phones and smart watches are not necessary tools for school, and can negatively impact learning and social connections. Tahoe Truckee Unified School District students are only permitted to use District Technology for purposes which are safe (pose no risk to students, employees or assets), legal, ethical, do not conflict with the mission of the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District, and are compliant with all other Tahoe Truckee Unified School District policies. The Parent/Guardian understands that TTUSD is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damage to personal devices.

Cell phones and watches may be used: Before school begins, after school ends, or when allowed by a teacher for a specific academic task (not common or often).

During school hours, cellular phones and other electronic signaling devices must be powered off and stored in your backpack while school is in session. Earphones, AirPods, watches or other attachments are also to be put away during school.

A cell phone and technology agreement will be coming home in the first week of school for you to go over and sign with your student.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

To emphasize the importance of developing safe, respectful, and responsible students, the administrators visit every homeroom class over the first two weeks providing activities for the students that cover the must know rules, rationale, and consequences that students will be held accountable for knowing. If you have any questions about the rules and expectations, please feel free to contact us to discuss them. Our Student Handbook can be accessed here:

ACMS Handbook 2024-2025

JUMPROPE - Grade Access

If you are new to ACMS, you should have received an email last Thursday, September 5th, from JumpRope, our Standards Reference Grading system at ACMS. JumpRope is where teachers will be posting student progress and grades.

Please check your spam folder if you do not receive the welcome email. If you did not find it or do not have access to JumpRope, please reach out to Elvia Esparza, elesparza@ttusd.org, or Julia Worster, jworster@ttusd.org, and one of them will get it set up for you.

6TH GRADE - SIERRA NEVADA JOURNEYS - OUTDOOR EDUCATION

SHOW YOUR COUGAR PRIDE-COUGAR SPIRIT

PTO

Meeting Recap It was fun to see some new faces at our first meeting this week. Among other things, we adopted the annual budget, started planning for October’s conference week meals, and voted YES on an administration grant request to fund Renaissance, the schoolwide STAR/AR program. Our next meeting is Tuesday, October 1 at 7:45 am in the ACMS staff lounge.

Seeking New Sponsors If you own a business or work for a company that likes to give back to our community in a meaningful way, please read about this year's sponsorship opportunities. Our generous partners help fund field trips, enrich the curriculum, and support teachers throughout the year. We’re so grateful.

IMPORTANT DATES

SSC Meeting September 12 2:30-Library

Minimum Day September 18 11:40 Dismissal

ELAC September 18 5:30-TES

Student Led Conferences October 21-25 11:40 Dismissal

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

Our first week of school was a resounding success! We were delighted to welcome back our returning students and to meet our new ones. The week was packed with exciting community-building activities and setting expectations for the year. We also held our first school rally, which was a blast! Seeing our students and staff come together and cheer each other on was heartwarming. We're eagerly anticipating a fantastic year of learning and growth!

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT

The first critical evening is Back to School Night, Thursday, September 5th at 5:30 p.m. in the ACMS gym. Come to ACMS to follow your child's schedule, meet teachers, and hear about the best year ever planned for all students. Hope to see you there!

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL-PLEASE VOTE

School Site Councils (SSCs) make important decisions at the school site about programs and spending, and are made up of parents and families as well as school personnel, students, and community members. The SSC decides upon academic instructional programs and all related categorical resource expenditures for a school.

An SSC is a school-community representative body composed of

Principal, classroom teachers, Classified personnel
Parents, students, and members of the community

Please vote here for your top three candidates to represent the parent/community group on the ACMS Site Council. Please vote by Thursday, 9/5/5. There are two open positions. Thank you!

ELAC

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC): September 18 @ TES 5:30 p.m.

Open to all Parents, Teachers, Students, and Interested Community Members
Suggest, Recommend, and Evaluate services and programs for English Learners
Collaborate with a diverse group of participants
Share your voice in education decision-making

CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU, ANDREA FERNANDEZ LANDA

As many of you know, Andrea has accepted a new position with the Town of Truckee. Andrea has been a valuable member of our school community, and her dedication as our wellness coordinator has made a significant impact on the well-being of our students. We will miss her!

SHOW YOUR COUGAR PRIDE-COUGAR SPIRIT

SAFETY REMINDERS

School buses are picking and dropping off students, kids on bikes are hurrying to get to school before the bell rings, parents are trying to drop their kids off before work. It's never more important for drivers to slow down and pay attention than when kids are present – especially before and after school.

Take extra care to look out for students ·
Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians
Watch for bike riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling; children especially have a tendency to do this

DROP OFF/START TIME

What a fantastic start to the school year! Let's keep up the great work throughout the year!

To ensure a smooth morning routine, please remember to have your child dropped off by 7:40 to be ready for class by 7:43 AM. This will help them feel prepared and focused for learning.

When dropping off your child, please drive all the way forward and wait until the car ahead has moved before letting them out. This helps keep traffic flowing smoothly.

If your child is running late due to an unavoidable reason, please call the front office to let us know.

Together, we can create a positive and productive learning environment for everyone!

CHECK IN AND CHECK OUT

To ensure the safety of our students and expedite the check-in/check-out process, please scan the QR code provided at the door. This will help us track student attendance.

To pick up your child during school hours:

Scan the QR code at the door and complete Google form.
Ring the doorbell and inform the office staff of your arrival.

CELL PHONES - Updated policy this year

Cell phones and watches may be used: Before school begins, after school ends, or when allowed by a teacher for a specific academic task (not common or often).

A cell phone and technology agreement will be coming home in the first week of school for you to go over and sign with your student.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

ACMS Handbook 2024-2025

JUMPROPE - Grade Access

If you are new to ACMS, you should receive an email on Thursday, September 5th, from JumpRope, our Standards Reference Grading system at ACMS. JumpRope is where teachers will be posting student progress and grades.

Please check your spam folder if you do not receive the welcome email by Friday, September 6th. If you do not find it there, please reach out to Elvia Esparza, elesparza@ttusd.org, or Julia Worster, jworster@ttusd.org, and one of them will get it set up for you.

PICTURE DAY

Picture day is Friday, September 6, 2024, during PE classes.

6TH GRADE - SIERRA NEVADA JOURNEYS - OUTDOOR EDUCATION

COUNSELING

Counselors visited 6th Grade Homerooms this week to introduce themselves. Students can meet with Counselors whenever they need to by asking their teacher, checking in at the Office, or using the Counselor Request Form.

Students at ACMS will have access to Social Emotional Learning once a week during their 2nd period Academic Foundations class.

ACMS implements instruction of core competencies through restorative circles and practices, mindfulness training, and the use of the “In Control” advisory program. The “In Control” advisory curriculum focuses on the following topics.

Growth Mindset
Building Connections
Goal Setting
Mental Health
Mindfulness

All new students are invited to attend our New Student Lunch on Wednesday, September 11th in the Wellness Center during 6th Grade Lunch for new 6th Grade Students and 7th/8th Grade Lunch for 7th and 8th graders. Students will be receiving invitations to attend this upcoming week. Please check in with your new student to see if they plan to attend. If you have questions please email Mrs. Koles rkoles@ttusd.org or Mrs. Hurley mhurley@ttusd.org

We have added some new books to our Family Resource Library:

“Untangled. Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood” Lisa Damour, Ph.D, 2017

“The Emotional Lives of Teenages. Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents” Lisa Damour, Ph.D, 2024

“Brainstorm. The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain” Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., 2015

“The Teenage Brain. A Neuroscientist's Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults” Frances Jensen, MD, and Amy Ellis Nutt, 2016

If you are interested in checking one out, please stop by the Front Office.

SPORTS

Sports are off and running after the first week of school here at ACMS. During the early fall, students will be competing in Girls Basketball and Cross Country.

Cross Country: The team will kick off their 2024 campaign with a meet at Incline Middle School. The meet will begin around 12:30. This year the Cougars have multiple potential league champions at each level. We look forward to watching them continue a strong XC tradition here at school.

Girls Basketball: The Girls Basketball team still has one more week of preparation before competition begins on September 10th. Practice resumes again on Tuesday at 2:30 in the ACMS Gym.

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB

BCGNLT at ACMS is open every day that school is open, as soon as students are released, until 6:05 PM. This applies to minimum days as well, two snacks and lunch will be provided for members.

Pricing for year-round membership is $120 at the beginning of the year. Applications will be processed and members will be prioritized for spots based on availability and staffing. If you have any questions please call 530-582-3760.

PTO

What Is the PTO? If you’re new to ACMS and wonder who we are and what we do, please visit our website to learn more. We no longer send separate PTO newsletters (everyone gets enough emails these days), but promise to keep you updated here in Cougar News.

Meeting This Week Join us Tuesday, September 3rd at 6:00 pm at Raley’s ONE upstairs. What’s on the agenda? We’ll approve the budget, review grant requests, update sponsorships, discuss ideas for conference week teachers’ lunches, and enjoy an update on back-to-school from Mrs. Larson.

Annual Sponsorship Drive If you own a business or work for a company that likes to give back to our community in a meaningful way, please read about this year's sponsorship opportunities. Our generous partners help fund field trips, enrich the curriculum, and support teachers throughout the year. We’re so grateful.

Grocery Outlet Gives Back! Please don't forget to tell the cashier "I support ACMS!" every time you shop at Grocery Outlet. With their amazing school rebate program, the PTO receives 5% of your purchase total when you mention the school at checkout.

IMPORTANT DATES

Labor Day September 2 No School

PTO Meeting September 3 6:00 p.m.

Back to School Night September 5 5:30 p.m.

Picture Day September 6 In PE Classes

SSC Meeting September 12 2:30-Library

Minimum Day September 18 11:40 Dismissal

ELAC September 18 5:30-TES

Student Led Conferences October 21-25 11:40 Dismissal

AUGUST 25, 2024

Welcome back and welcome to a brand new school year! We’re thrilled to have you join our award-winning middle school community. Our amazing staff, who are experts in working with middle schoolers, is bursting with excitement to meet you all and can’t wait to kick off the year on Tuesday.

DROP OFF/START TIME

It is very important for students to be to school on time and ready for their first period class. Please plan accordingly, considering traffic and weather, as well the congested traffic at drop off in the mornings. Students generally feel more prepared and in the mindset for class if they are not rushing from drop off. When pulling in, pull all the way forward, please do not let students out early as this clogs up the line and stops the flow of traffic.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL- TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2024

Please arrive at school on time. Please plan accordingly as traffic for drop off and pick up can be very congested. Plan accordingly so that you are at school on time and ready to learn.

Drop off for sixth and eighth graders will be in the front of the school. Drop off for seventh graders will be on Comstock.

6th graders will report to the gym then follow schedule below (on the first day only)

7th graders will report to 1st period/homeroom.

8th graders will report to homeroom classes.

SAFETY REMINDERS

Take extra care to look out for students ·
Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians
Watch for bike riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling; children especially have a tendency to do this

CELL PHONES - Updated policy this year

Cell phones and watches may be used: Before school begins, after school ends, or when allowed by a teacher for a specific academic task (not common or often).

A cell phone and technology agreement will be coming home in the first week of school for you to go over and sign with your student.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

ACMS Handbook 2024-2025

PICTURE DAY

Picture day is Friday, September 6, 2024, during PE classes.

Vist this site for more information about picture day.

School Name: Alder Creek Middle School

Picture Day Date: Friday, September 6

Picture Day ID: EVTWCDCGM

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT

6TH GRADE - SIERRA NEVADA JOURNEYS - OUTDOOR EDUCATION

SPORTS

GIRLS BASKETBALL TRYOUTS

Tryouts

Tuesday, August 27, 2024 | 6th/7th/8th Grade Girls Tryouts | ACMS Gym | 2:30-4:30

PRACTICE

Tuesday, August 27, 2024 | First Practice | ACMS Gym | 2:30 - 4:00

Tuesday, September 3, 2024| Parent Meeting | ACMS Gym | 4:00 - 4:30

Practice will be every regular school day until games begin | M-F 2:30 - 4:00 | ACMS Gym

CROSS COUNTRY RUNNING

First Practice

Tuesday, August 27, 2024 | 6th/7th/8th Boys and Girls | ACMS South Patio Stage |2:30-4:00

Parent Meeting

Monday, August 26th All Parents | ACMS South Patio Stage |4:15-4:45

PRACTICES

Practices will be every day from 2:30-4:15, a student must attend at least 3 practices in a week to attend meets. All students who wish to attend the first meet, must have a total of 7 practices to travel.

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL

The Site Council is responsible for establishing and reviewing school goals and allocating funds. In accordance with state regulations, the Site Council assesses the needs of the school and submits to Tahoe Truckee Unified School District its plan for the use of school funds and other grants and discretionary monies. The council is composed of parents, teachers, and staff, and meets monthly. It is a great opportunity to get to know teachers and parents while gaining a deeper understanding about how our school works. We are looking for a 6th grade parent to be part of this council. Please let Mrs. Larson know by August 30 if you are interested. Elections will take place via Google Form.

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB

BCGNLT at ACMS is open every day that school is open, as soon as students are released, until 6:05 PM. This applies to minimum days as well, two snacks and lunch will be provided for members.

PTO

First PTO Meeting of 2024/25 Join us Tuesday, September 3rd at 6:00 pm at Raley’s ONE upstairs. What’s on the agenda this month? We’ll approve the annual budget, review some grant requests, update sponsorships, discuss new ideas for conference week teachers' lunches, and enjoy an update on back-to-school from Mrs. Larson.

Annual Sponsorship Drive If you own a business or work for a company that likes to give back to our community in a meaningful way, please read about this year's sponsorship opportunities. Our generous partners help fund field trips, enrich curriculum, and support teachers. We are so grateful.

First Day of School August 27 7:40 a.m.

PTO Meeting September 3 6:00 p.m.

Back to School Night September 5 5:30 p.m.

Picture Day September 6 In PE Classes

Minimum Day September 18 11:40 Dismissal

Student Led Conferences October 21-25 11:40 Dismissal