Newsletter | March 2021

Principal Message

Dear AMS South Mountain Families,   As we embark on the changing of seasons, we embrace the fact that change is inevitable. Change happens even if we want or do not want it to happen. Change can be welcoming or challenging. Recently, we have endured multiple changes. We have been forced to find ways to motivate our scholars to learn and to stay motivated amidst changes. Sometimes, motivation seems unobtainable. It helps to understand what motivation means so you can find your own ways to get motivated. We are striving to build a “Culture of Learning.” We are motivating our scholars to be “Life-Long Learners.” It is through our efforts to motivate scholars to learn, they will achieve goals, build problem-solving skills, change old habits, and learn how to cope with challenges and opportunities. Our “Culture of Learning” will lend itself to understanding setbacks are normal but developing resilience can help carry on and pick up where you left off. We are asking our families to join us in our quest by encouraging your scholar to continue to set new goals. Think about what they want to achieve next week, next month and next year. Tackle one goal at a time so they do not feel overwhelmed. Help us find ways to keep the momentum up. Our partnership is integral and essential. Together, we will create an atmosphere of Success. Humbling serving,   Ms. Amy Faulk AMS South Mountain Principal

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Understanding Motivation What is motivation? Motivation is the drive to achieve your goals or needs. It is influenced by: how much you want the goal what you will gain your personal expectations Getting motivated Most people struggle with motivation. Here are some tips: Set yourself one specific, achievable goal. Think about how to include that goal in your life, what you need do to make it happen, and then put a timeframe on it (such as a week). Break your goal into small, easy tasks and set regular reminders. Use your family and friends as support – tell them about your goals and encourage them to help keep you motivated.  Ways to keep on track Make goals part of your routine by using a diary or app for reminders. Positive self-talk is important and effective in managing depression or anxiety. Instead of saying 'I can't', say 'I can try'. Mindfulness helps keep you relaxed and focused. Reward your scholar when they have completed a step or goal.

A Culture of Learning To help create a culture of learning, we will foster learning strategies within our school by: Establishing high expectations. Expectations help shape both social and academic achievements in the classroom. Students rise to the expectations a teacher creates. Encouraging students to have positive interactions with each other. It is important for students to be supportive of one another.  Giving students a voice during class. It is important for students to feel empowered in the classroom. This means they need to feel comfortable asking questions or engaging in respectful debates. Making the classroom a safe place to fail. It is very important for teachers to help students understand that failure is not the end of the world. It is a part of the learning process that everyone goes through. Failure is not the end, failure is the beginning of a road to success. Modeling how students can learn. This includes not only learning but setting goals as well. Goals are a big part of learning and students need to know how to set and manage goals. Giving feedback often. By providing feedback to students, they are able to see if they’re on track or if they need to make adjustments in their learning. Avoiding only celebrating grades. Celebrate the accomplishments too. Even though school is on a grading system, life isn’t.

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Mambas' Highlights

School Calendar Updates

2020-21Calendar:

Dates to Remember: March 12th: Quarter Ends March 17th-March 19th: Spring Break March 25th: PAC Meeting @ 5:30pm AzM2 Testing Days: April 5th- April 15th

Connect with the AMS South Mountain Office Team 602-675-9696 Connect with Principal Faulk Email ‌