Friday, October 31st, 2025

Dear American Academy Parents

I hope everyone was able to enjoy a relaxing week during Fall break. My week was full of two-a-days cheer practice and our first competition. Aside from that, I was able to relax and have some “me” time!  As we approach November/end of the month of October, there are a few dates that I wanted to be sure that everyone stays aware of as time is a thief and these events will be here before we know it!

What’s Happening Around Campus:

American academy character:

During the month of November our character focus will be on Compassion. Over the course of the month, teachers will incorporate lessons on compassion into their planned lessons and activities. Staff throughout the building will encourage compassion and model the behaviors we expect to see from our students. 

As Dean, I also schedule times during their responsive classroom times in the morning to deliver a character lesson based on the character trait focus of the month. I call this “Character corner with Ms. Silva”. This is one of my favorite things that I get to do with your students here. The lesson can be a story about the character trait, an activity where we practice using the character trait, or watching a short video and having open discussions about how we can improve in our day to day by showing better character. 

• Compassion

• Doing something to relieve someone’s pain

• Compassion means getting involved, investing in others, and finding ways to “bear someone’s burden” in order for healing to occur

• To master this trait one must start with the little things:

• Notice when others are hurting

• Stop to help

• Take time to listen

• Do what I can

• Be kind, regardless of differences

MS Dance - Message from Student Council - Friday, November 7th (5-7pm)

When: 

Friday, November 7, 5pm-7pm.  

Doors will not open until 5. You will need to go home between school and the dance as there will not be supervision between.  Please plan to leave promptly at 7pm.  

Who: 

Only current LM middle school students will be allowed entry.  No guests, or students from other campuses.  

Where: 

The LM gym and Cafeteria.  No food is allowed out of the cafeteria.  

Food: 

There will be pizza available for purchase.  You will get 1 snack and 1 drink with your entry ticket.  

Food Donations:  

Drink, snack, and dessert donations would be greatly appreciated! We are asking that 8th graders bring drinks, 7th graders bring chips, and 6th graders desserts. Donations can be dropped off in my room or with the front office next week.  

We would love donations of French themed foods like macarons and croissants!

No outside food is permitted unless related to allergies and pre-approved by Staff.

Cost: 

$5 entry

$2 per slice of pizza

$1 per raffle entry

Dress code:  

We like to think of Paris as a classy place, so feel free to dress up!  Or wear something France inspired!  You do not have to dress according to the theme if you prefer not to, but you do have to dress according to the AA dress of choice rules.  

Rules: 

• No food or drink allowed outside of the cafeteria

• No rough housing, playing tag, etc. 

• Don't touch the decorations

• Stay in the gym/cafeteria area.

• No videoing 

• No bathroom shenanigans

• Dress of Choice Rules

•  

Attendance Notifications from Infinite Campus

Automated notifications will be sent to parents through Infinite Campus that notifies parents of an attendance concern reflected in IC. In years past, the Dean was responsible for emailing families when a student reached 10% absenteeism. At 10% absent, the student is flagged in Infinite Campus as chronically absent. Parents will receive notifications at 10% and again at 15% or higher with deeper concern. If the absences continue to increase, there will be a more formal approach to documentation and parent meetings will be set up between Principal, Dean and family to discuss these matters on a more formal basis. These notifications will be sent on the 1st of every month throughout the end of the school year.

Veterans Day celebration – Tuesday, November 11th:

American Academy’s annual Veterans Day assembly will be on Tuesday, November 11th. We will be providing free breakfast for all Veterans. Guests of a Veteran will need to pay for a breakfast plate using this link. Breakfast will be provided by Flippin’ Flapjacks and include pancakes and sausage. For any additional, non-veteran guests (spouses, parents, students’, family friends), breakfast will be $6.50 each (must purchase through link above).

Students will be allowed to wear any Veterans Day/Red/White/Blue/Americana top and Uniform Bottom to school this day.

Middle School Trimester Hero Celebration

On Wednesday, November 12th,  middle school students will use their hard-earned hero points to join me in a fun celebration with sweet treats and fun activities in the gym at the end of the day. We appreciate all of the volunteers and parents donating for this special event, please see the links below for more information on volunteering/donating.

MS Hero Celebration/Parent Volunteer Link

 

Eligibility Reminders for ECAs and Athletics

Students who participate in an ECA or sport at American Academy are required to maintain acceptable grades to participate. Per the Extracurricular Activities Policy, students who have an “F” in a core subject will be ineligible to participate the following week in their activity. Students and parents will receive notification from the Dean or Athletic Director with regard to their eligibility.

 

Cold Weather - Shoes

As we enter the colder months of the year, please remember that our uniform policy now states no ugg boots. Students have been reminded, so please be sure that they are not coming to school in ugg boots.

 

Unplug and Relax: Thanksgiving Break November 24th-28th

We will end the month of November with Thanksgiving break. This is truly a time for us to enjoy our family and friends with a grateful heart. I hope you all have a wonderful break.

 

AA Character in action

American Academy loves stories of students being caught showing AA character outside of school! If your student(s) have shown any of our character traits outside of school in sports, extra-curricular activities, or community service and you want them featured on our social media page or in the Dean’s Digest, please send pictures and a brief story to the Dean of Students. We would love to share our spectacular student’s stories to feature each month.

As always, thank you for allowing us to impact your students daily in a positive way.

Sincerely,

Mallory Silva
Dean of Students & School Assessment Coordinator