Student Life
Middle School Frequently Asked Questions
Questions generated by 6th Grade Students and answered by AMSO 7th Grade Students
Advice from a 7th Grade Student: “You will do amazing, don't even worry I was scared too but middle school is the best, the teachers are the best and you do so much fun stuff. Remember don’t be stressed. The teachers know you don’t know what you're doing. It's very well known but you will get the hang of it if you got this. See you in middle school, can't wait!”
Classes
Classes
- How long do I have between classes?
3 minutes
- How long is each class?
42 minutes
- Do I get homework from each class?
It depends on the teacher or if you don't finish something. But yes through the year you might get homework from each class
- Will there be French class?
Yes,for 7th only
- How many classes do I have each day?
9 including advisory and WINN
- Do we have a paper schedule or do I need to memorize it?
Yes, you do get a paper schedule in the beginning of the year but you will memorize it over time.
- What are the differences between Team X and Team Y?
There's not really a difference we learn the same stuff
- What materials will I need for each class?
It depends the subject. Check out the Student Life page for a list of suggested supplies.
- How many periods are there each day?
8 periods
- What time does the first class begin?
7:34 AM
- What time does the first class begin?
7:34 AM
- What time does the last class end?
2:18 PM
- Is every class in the same hallway?
Yes, but your elective is in some different hallways
- Can we carry a backpack with us to class?
No
- How do we view our grades?
Powerschool
- How do we know what letter day it is?
In the beginning of their year teachers will guide you but over time you will know.
- Is most of our homework on the computers?
It depends
- When will we get our schedules?
Close to the end of summer
- What is WINN?
A time to get extra help, work on projects and start your homework
- How long is lunch?
30 minutes
- What happens if I arrive late to school?
You get a tardy
Clubs & Activities
Clubs & Activities
- Does Amity have a Cheer team?
No
- Do I have to join a club?
No, only if you want to
- Do I have to sign up for a sport?
No, your choice
- What kind of clubs are there?
Lots of different clubs like Gardening club, Tech club and more.
- When do afterschool activities end?
It ends when your type of activity ends but some clubs run till the end of the year.
- How do I take the late bus?
The late bus runs on certain days so it is open to anyone. Clubs meet on late bus days so you can take the bus home after your club meeting. Sports practices run late so you will need to arrange for a ride home after sports practices.
- How many clubs can I be in at once?
As many as you want if the schedule allows.
- What kinds of field trips are there?
There are lots of different field trips this year. I went to a hockey game and the adventure park and six flags.
Computers & Lockers
Computers
- What happens if my computer breaks?
You can go to the media center and someone can help fix it.
- Can I message my teachers on the computer?
Yes
- When do I get my computer?
The first week or second week of school.
Lockers
- Can I stop at my locker between classes?
Yes, you will have time
- What if I forget my locker combination or have trouble opening my locker?
The teachers have a key to help you but you will figure it out fast. I recommend writing your code down.
- Can we decorate our lockers?
Of course you can
- How are lockers assigned?
By last name and team
Dismissal & Lunch
Dismissal
- How do I find my bus at the end of the day?
All the buses will be lined up in the same place everyday and they say the bus number on the bus.
- How does a parent pick up work?
It's like elementary school. They line up in a line and all you do is walk to the car but there is no teacher needed.
Lunch
- Are there vending machines in the cafeteria?
No
- What can I get for lunch?
There are different options everyday they don’t give you a menu but lots of things there stay the same for their menu and also there are lots of yummy snacks too. I like the cookies there the best!!
Detention
Guidance Counselor
Activities & Resources
- Academics, Athletics & Arts
- Clubs & Intramurals
- Field Trips
- Library Media Center
- Magazine, Newspaper, Video & Yearbook
- Parent Resources
- Portals & Directions
- PTSO
- School Preparation Resources & Summer Work
Academics, Athletics & Arts
Academics
Academic Honors
Academic Honors are earned and recognized on a marking period basis.
To obtain first honors, a student may achieve a B or better in one subject and must achieve an A- or better in all remaining subjects.
To receive second honors, a student must achieve a B or better in all subjects to obtain second honors
Character Education
Character Education is thriving at Amity Middle School in Orange. Our teams integrate character traits, activities, and discussions into the curriculum. Presenters from organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League, Milford Rape Crisis Center, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving work with students on how to contribute to a positive school climate and make good choices.
A core part of AMSO is the Jackie's Nine character education program. The characteristics of Jackie's Nine include:
- Courage
- Integrity
- Determination
- Citizenship
- Commitment
- Teamwork
- Persistence
- Justice
- Excellence
Taking all nine characteristics by which Jackie Robinson lived and tried to instill in others, students participate in pep rallies, learn from speakers on special challenges, and enjoy a BMX Stunt Show among other presentations, videos, and a multitude of other activities that are motivational, inspirational, and fun.
Portrait of the Graduate
A Portrait of the Graduate outlines the skills, knowledge, and dispositions that students across all grade levels should have. It is a promise that our educators make to ALL our students to prepare our students for the world beyond school.
Additionally, a Portrait of the Graduate should reflect what our community values for our graduates. A well-constructed Portrait of the Graduate is often compared to the North Star – serving as our compass guide to both a beginning and an end to our work as educators.
The characteristics and dispositions identified in the Portrait of the Graduate do not replace rigorous academic content. Rather, the characteristics and dispositions work in tandem with high academic standards, transcending and connecting independent content areas.
Additionally, a Portrait of the Graduate should reflect what our community values for our graduates. A well-constructed Portrait of the Graduate is often compared to the North Star – serving as our compass guide to both a beginning and an end to our work as educators.
The characteristics and dispositions identified in the Portrait of the Graduate do not replace rigorous academic content. Rather, the characteristics and dispositions work in tandem with high academic standards, transcending and connecting independent content areas.
Athletics
Amity offers basketball, baseball, cross-country, soccer, softball, track and field, field hockey, and boys' & girls’ volleyball. Students must try out for these sports. Parents/guardians are responsible for picking up their children from school after practices and games. Students must have a current physical exam to participate in any school sport.
Arts
Shrek Jr - Spring 2025 Play
Clubs & Intramurals
Field Trips
Field Trip Expectations & Regulations
Behavior Expectations for Participations
Field trips are an important part of the middle school experience. Participation in field trips is a privilege that is earned by actively and consistently demonstrating appropriate behavior,
self-discipline and control. Field trips are an extension of the classroom and therefore all school rules apply. Students who fail to exhibit appropriate behavior or attendance may be excluded
from field trips.
We hope that no student will be excluded from a field trip. As we begin making plans for trips for 7th and 8th grade activities this year, we feel it is important to make students and parents aware
that consequences can occur if a student chronically and willfully fails to meet the student code of conduct outlined on pgs. 11-14 of the student handbook. Students may be excluded from a
trip for any of the following violations of student conduct:
1. 5 or more office referrals
2. Violation of BOE drug/alcohol/weapons policy
3. Fighting or violent behavior in school resulting in suspension
4. Poor attendance (absenteeism rate higher than 10%)
5. Verified incidents of bullying or harassment
6. Accumulation of 2 or more days of in or out of school suspensions for other offenses/violation of school rules.
Ensuring the safety and well-being of every student when planning field trips is of paramount concern. Prior to each field trip the administration will review student discipline records and
issue a letter to students/parents indicating that a student is in jeopardy of losing field trip privileges. If, after receipt of this letter, the student conduct continues to violate the code of
conduct, and/or student attendance does not improve, the student will be denied the privilege of attending the upcoming field trip.
Upcoming Field Trips
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Library Media Center
Magazine, Newspaper, Video & Yearbook
Expressions: AMSO's Literary Magazine
The Amity literary magazine is a collection of art, writing, and photography by Amity Middle School Orange students. It is published at the end of the school year.
The Voice: AMSO's School Newspaper
The Amity Newspaper Club writes AMSO's Newspaper, The Voice. Their mission is to inform, engage, and entertain the school community through student-driven journalism. Our club covers a variety of topics, from school events and sports to student achievements and local issues.
Whether you’re interested in writing, photography, graphic design, or editing, there’s a place for you here! We encourage all students to join, share their voices, and contribute to our next edition.
Previous Editions:
Parent Resources
Food Services
Parent - Teacher Conferences
Parent - Teacher Conferences
Sign-ups are done through PowerSchool. Directions regarding how to sign up will be sent via email. If you encounter any problems with the system email: helpdesk@amityschools.org.
Parent/Guardian/Teacher Conferences typically are an in-person meeting with your student's teacher to discuss their progress during the school year. You can schedule conferences with individual teachers. Each conference is 10 minutes.
Reporting Absences From School
If your child is absent from school, for safety reasons, please email to report the absence:
attendanceamso@amityregion5.org
If you do not email or send in a note, we are required to mark the absence as unexcused. Thank you for your cooperation.
Other Resources
THIS PLACE
Song written by Dr. Monte Selby in collaboration with all AMSO students:
Portals & Directions
PTSO
School Preparation Resources & Summer Work
Summer Work
BACKPACKS
Backpacks are used to transport material to and from school. No backpacks are permitted in classrooms or in the hallways during school hours. Many textbooks are available online.
DRESS CODE
Clothing should be clean and in good condition and free of obscenities; lewd or vulgar pictures; sexual references; logos or emblems that advertise or encourage the use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products; or slogans, names, and titles which are defamatory. Clothing must not be revealing or distracting. Headgear and sunglasses must be removed at a teacher’s request. No coats are permitted to be worn in class. Hats are to be removed in class at the discretion of teacher rules.
Supply Lists
Grade 7
- Ear buds
- Pens, Pencils, & Highlighters
- Colored Pencils
- Sharpies
- Expo Markers
- Spiral Notebooks
- 3 - Ring Binder(s)
- Dividers - At Least 3 Per Subject
- Erasers
- Book covers
- Texas Instruments (TI-30XIIS) Calculator
- Pocket Folders
- Sticky Notes
- Loose - Leaf Paper
- Optional: Ruler, Scissors, Hole Punch, Tape, Tissues
- Students may prefer to have one large binder with sections for each subject or Spiral notebooks/smaller binders for each individual subject.
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A paper student planner is optional. Most students use Schoology, our online student learning management system, to keep track of nightly homework assignment.
Grade 8
-
Ear buds
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A paper student planner is optional. Most students use Schoology, our online student learning management system, to keep track of nightly homework assignment.
ENGLISH
- 3 Ring Binder With Loose-Leaf Paper
- Folder For Handouts
- Pens & Pencils
- Colored Pencils/Crayons
- Highlighters
SPANISH
- Spiral Bound Notebook or 3 Ring Binder With Loose Leaf Paper
- Dividers
- Pens & Pencils
- Highlighter
- Folder
SCIENCE
- One - 100 page, Thread Bound (not glued!) Composition Book - Any color
SOCIAL STUDIES
- 3 Ring Binder With Loose-Leaf Paper
- Folder For Handouts
- Four Color Pen
- Highlighters
MATH
- Notebook or 3-Ring Binder With Loose-Leaf Paper
- Pens & Pencils
- Erasers
- Calculator (TI-30x is preferred, other scientific calculators are acceptable, no graphing calculators.)
Student SUPPORT SERVICES
Support Services personnel are available to parents/guardians and students including school counselors, school psychologists, student assistance counselors, nurses, special education teachers and paraprofessionals, speech and language pathologists, reading consultants, and administrators. Math and Reading remediation are offered to students based on state and district assessments.
- Counseling Support & Newsletters
- Health & Medical Information
- Pupil Services Support
- Special Education
Counseling Support & Newsletters
Early adolescence is a very important time and a time of tremendous change. Our goal is to help each student make the most of these crucial middle school years and emerge ready to take on the challenges of high school and beyond. We encourage every student to become an active, engaged, and happy member of the Amity Middle School Bethany community.
Counseling Department Newsletters
Health & Medical Information
School Nurse
If you have any, questions please reach out to our school nurse at:
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does My Child Require A Physical Exam?
- When Should I Submit My Child’s Health Assessment Record?
- Where do I drop off medical forms over the summer?
- What If My Child Wants To Participate In A Sport?
- Who do I call if my child will be absent?
- What If My Child Requires Medication During The School Hours?
- Can My Child Self-Carry & Self-Administer An Epi-Pen Or An Inhaler?
- What Health Screenings Are Performed At School?
Does My Child Require A Physical Exam?
When Should I Submit My Child’s Health Assessment Record?
7th grade physicals may be submitted anytime during the 7th grade year, unless they wish to participate in sports.
However, proof of required immunization MUST be submitted by August 3, 2026. Students will not be allowed to start school without the immunization requirements. All physical exam forms must be submitted in hard copy.
Where do I drop off medical forms over the summer?
A hard copy of the immunization records may be submitted to your child’s middle school by June 10, 2026.
Any Immunization Record submitted after that date must be submitted to the district office (25 Newton Rd, Woodbridge) by August 3, 2026.
The district office is located attached to the high school, the far right side. A black locked drop box will be placed out front from 7am-2pm Monday- Friday. During the summer please make sure to drop all medical records into the black drop box, please do not hand any medical documents to different people. This ensures the nurse will receive the papers. Online submission of health records will not be accepted.
What If My Child Wants To Participate In A Sport?
There are 3 sports seasons. The Sports Physical exam on file must be valid for the entire season (from tryouts through the end of the sport) and are good for 1 year only. The best time to get a physical exam is over the summer. This will allow your child to participate in all 3 seasons if interested. Summer physicals ensure the physical will cover the entire season.
If your child is interested in:
Fall sports:
Co-ed Cross country, Girls’ & Boys’ Soccer, and Girls’ Volleyball; the physical on file must be performed after 11/15/25
Winter Sports:
Girls’ & Boys’ Basketball; the physical on file must be performed after 2/22/2026.
Spring sports:
Baseball, Softball and track; the physical on file must be performed after 05/17/2026.
Who do I call if my child will be absent?
If your child will be absent for any reason, please be sure to contact the attendance line to report the absence. Each absence must be followed up by a note from a parent or guardian.
Send an email (for each day absent) to:
AMSB: Kristin.mcnamara@amityregion5.org
AMSO: AttendanceAMSO@amityregion5.org
Main Office -
AMSB: (203) 393 - 3102
AMSO: (203) 392 - 3200
If your child is expected to be out more than 1 day due to illness you must ALSO contact the Health Office:
AMSB: (203) 392 - 2066
AMSO: (203) 392 - 2096
All contagious illness should be reported to the nurse, e.g.: COVID-19, strep infection, mono, flu-like symptoms with fever, and conjunctivitis.
What If My Child Requires Medication During The School Hours?
ALL medication (both prescription and non-prescription) requires the School Medication form to be completed by the physician, parent, and school nurse. All medication is to be administered by the nurse.
The forms are good for 1 school year. Each school year requires a new medication authorization to be completed. Only a maximum of a 90-day supply of medication at a time is allowed. ALL MEDICATION MUST BE UNOPENED AND IN ITS ORGINAL CONTAINER. Medication must be picked up by parent/guardian at the end of the school year or it will be discarded.
The nurse may administer Tylenol for minor aches, pains and fever. Tylenol is a stock item; it is not necessary for you to provide. You must indicate permission to do so on PowerSchool.
Can My Child Self-Carry & Self-Administer An Epi-Pen Or An Inhaler?
What Health Screenings Are Performed At School?
Pupil Services Support
Pupil services professionals work collaboratively to address barriers to learning by providing interventions, assessments, and referrals to community resources when necessary. They also play a key role in developing and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) and 504 plans for students with special needs, ensuring they receive appropriate accommodations and support.
Additionally, pupil services are involved in crisis intervention, behavior management, and programs that promote safe and positive school environments. Their overarching goal is to help all students succeed in school and prepare for post-secondary education or careers.
Support Team
Special Education
Teachers
Kelly Borer
Titles:
Special Education Teacher, SAILS 7- 8
Locations:
Amity Middle School - Orange (AMSO)
Middle School Teams
Each team consists of an English, Science, Math, Social Studies, and Spanish teacher. Teaming allows teachers to plan inter-disciplinary units, coordinate activities and fieldtrips, and discuss the progress and needs of students. There are two teams for seventh grade (Teams X and Y) and two teams for eighth grade (Teams S and T). Teams are designed by evenly distributing students according to their elementary schools, ability level, and a balance of male and female students.
Team S
Team T
Team X
Team Y
Team Life Arts
The Life Arts team represents an array of disciplines that work together as a cohesive unit while collaborating with the grade-level teams. Each year, seventh and eighth-grade students rotate through four rounds of classes, which change quarterly: Technology Education, Health, Art, and Digital Media.
In addition, students experience Physical Education and their choice of Choir, Band, Strings, General Music, or Mandarin, meeting every other day throughout the year. By exploring the different Life Arts classes, students gain a firm foundation of each discipline that will prepare them for further specific study at the high school level.
Teachers
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