Hello September!!

August started off with some pretty hot weather and our campus will continue to be on fire in terms of establishing a culture of excellence. Our theme this year is "Mambas Rise" and we are focused on our R.I.S.E at AMSSM. Last month our scholars completed testing, we held our first pep rallies and we began our quarter one sports and clubs. What a way to start the school year!! We have no intentions of slowing down either. Check out the rest of the newsletter with highlights and important information as we plan to have a Super September!!  

-Principal Hewson

Academics

At the end of August, AMSSM scholars took their first iReady Diagnostic test for Reading and Math. This test provides us with beginning of the year academic data for each scholar. Because it is schedule for the beginning of the year, it is not uncommon for scholars to not attain scores that are equivalent to their respected grade level.

The data is used by all educators on our campus to determine the best ways to get all scholars caught up. iReady also has a personalized academic path for each scholar, based on their results. During our G.A.M.E (Goals Are My Everything) intervention period, scholars will get opportunities to work on assignments on their “Path” and to work in small groups with their teacher or interventionist. As the 2nd and 3rd iReady Diagnostics come along, we start seeing growth in all scholars. 

Together, parents and educators can make a difference. I can’t wait to share the scores for iReady Diagnostic #2. 

Lastly, 3rd – 8th graders will soon be taking their first Benchmark Assessment. The testing window for this assessment starts on September 25 through the 4th of October. This Assessment prepares our students for the Spring AASA assessment.

Progress Towards School Wide Goals

In an effort to be transparent about our school's priorities, we are posting the following data to ensure that our Mamba families are aware of the state of affairs at South Mountain. You can find this data in our front lobby, as well as in our monthly newsletters.

Student Enrollment: How many scholars are currently enrolled at South Mountain.

Average Daily Attendance: The average percentage of scholars who attend school on a daily basis.

Staff Retention: The percentage of teachers and staff who have stayed with South Mountain since the beginning of the school year.

i-Ready Data: The average annual growth for a scholar at this grade and baseline placement level.

Here is AMS South Mountain's up-to-date data.

Staff Member of the Month

Staff Member of the Month

Come cheer on our Mambas at their games. All games begin at 4:30pm. Let's Go Mambas!

Home Soccer Games

• September 12th
• September 19th

Home Volleyball Games

• September 11th
• September 18th
• September 21st
• September 25th

Away Soccer Games

• September 15th-NFL YET Prep Academy
• September 21st-Imagine Desert West
• September 26th-AMS Camelback

Away Volleyball Games

• September 14th-Adams Traditional Academy

UPCOMING EVENTS!

Before Care scholar's may be dropped off at 6:30am.

Aftercare scholar's must be picked up by 6pm.

Students not picked up by 6:00 PM will be charged a late pick-up fee of $1 per minute.

*Please have photo identification when picking up your scholar from Extended Care

• As a safety precaution, please be ready to present a form of identification when checking your student out. 
• Please keep you contact information updated.
• Add frontoffice@amssouthmountain.org to your email address book, so you don't miss out on important information.
•  Student Sign Outs will not be permitted after 2:45pm.
• Create your e-funds account to make payments.
• Attendance calls need to be made by 9am, before the automated call goes out.
• Sign your scholar in for tardies or they will be unexcused.

Check out our website!

https://southmountain.amsschools.org/