May 4th, 2026 

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Dear Middle School Families,

As we begin the month of May and approach the final weeks of the school year, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to our middle school parents for your continued partnership and support. This time of year is filled with important academic milestones, end-of-year assessments, school events, and preparations for the transition into summer and the next grade level. Your encouragement at home plays a vital role in helping students stay focused, finish strong, and reflect on their growth throughout the year. We are proud of the progress our students have made, both academically and personally, and we are grateful for the collaboration between home and school that makes this possible. As we prepare to celebrate our 8th grade students, we also want to share how much we will miss them as they leave us and move on to high school. They have left a lasting mark on our school community through their leadership, kindness, and growth, and while we are excited for all that awaits them, it is always bittersweet to say goodbye. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to your child’s success as we work together to end the school year on a positive and meaningful note. 

As always, I encourage you to take a few moments to review the important information and upcoming dates shared in this newsletter. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.  

Sincerely-

Lauren Gallagher 

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May Important Information

 

Help Us Shine: Nominate American Academy through May 15

 

Cast your vote for Colorado Parent Magazine’s 2026 Family Favorites

We would love your support! Please consider nominating American Academy as your favorite Charter Elementary School, Charter Middle School, or Preschool Program.

Click Here for More Information

Colorado Parent Magazine   Nomination Link

Yearbooks 

-Yearbooks will be handed out during 1st period on Monday, May 18th. After that, students can take a stroll around the school from 8:15–8:45am to collect signatures from friends and staff. Don’t miss this fun chance to fill those pages with memories! 

-We don’t have extras to purchase. 

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May Important Dates

 

Parent’s Night Out- Friday, May 1 

 

Teacher Appreciation Week- May 4-8

Additional information on how you can help celebrate your student’s teachers and our LM staff can be found in the PTO email sent on April 6th. 

8th Grade STEMapalooza- Tuesday, May 12 

 

8th Grade Retreat- Thursday, May 14 

 

NO SCHOOL, Teacher Comp Day- Friday, May 15 

 

Middle School Field Day & 8th Grade Mixer- Monday, May 18 

 

Greetings AALM community.  We are having an extremely special American Independence themed Field Day this year on 5/18/26 to patriotically celebrate the Semiquincentennial Birthday of the United States of America!  Parents, please join us for this once-in-a-lifetime experience by using the link provided to sign up to be volunteers.  We will need all the volunteers we can get this year so don't be shy.  Hopefully, we will see you on the 18th for this glorious birthday celebration.  

Thank you all. - Mr. Hand 

Parents please volunteer for Field Day here.

 

8th Grade Celebration & 8th Grade Last Day of School- Tuesday, May 19 

 

6th & 7th Grade Boondocks & Last Day of School- Thursday, May 21 

Please watch for an email from Mrs. Crosbie with additional information and registration details.

NO SCHOOL- Cross Campus Planning- Friday, May 22 

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Some Highlights of our Amazing Adventure Together this Year!

8th Grade STEM (Russo / Pranke)

8th graders are putting all their STEM skills together & finishing work on their Final Projects. STEMapalooza is right around the corner where these projects will be on display. Please join us for the Open House and Awards on May 12 from 12:20 - 12:50. After STEMapalooza, we’re excited to wrap up the year with 8th graders and wish them all the best.

7th Grade History (Shaffer/Black)

We will spend May focusing on WWII in the Pacific: context on the imperialism era of Japanese history; island hopping; the role of the Emperor; the idea of “unconditional surrender;” the American development of the atomic bomb through the Manhattan Project, the decision to use it, and the legacy of the bomb itself; and what this era meant for people of Japanese descent in the US.

8th Grade History (Shaffer) 

We will end our year diving into the US Constitution. This mini unit is a solid introduction to information they will need to thrive in their High School Civics class. We are focusing on the different parts of the government, their roles, and how it all relates back to Constitutional principles.  This unit will culminate in a quiz.  It is the most memory based quiz of their 8th grade year in History, so please encourage your kiddo to practice with their study materials and finish strong!  Then we can ugly cry together as they get ready to depart for their next adventures.

 

 
Lauren Gallagher, M. Ed.
Middle School Principal, Lincoln Meadows