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Middle School Reconfiguration

Starting in the upcoming academic year, ACS will be consolidating Montford North Star Academy and Asheville Middle School into a single, unified middle school. This decision was not made lightly and was driven by our commitment to providing the highest quality education for all students in a fiscally responsible manner. 

Check out the awesome AMS and MNSA student socials happening this summer! 

AMS student meet up

On April 9th, 2024, a Reconfiguration Team comprised of administrators, educators, students, and families from AMS, MNSA, and Central Office met with Kathleen Osta of Vital Clarity. During the April 9th meeting, the Reconfiguration Team collectively identified 5 priority areas for our school community to focus on during the reconfiguration:

  • Consolidation Communication 
  • Community Engagement 
  • Procedures and Expectations Handbook
  • Staff Planning
  • Bonding and Sense of Belonging 
Participants formed 5 Action Teams and each team will work to ensure that the tasks in their respective priority areas listed above are completed. The 5 Action Teams meet regularly to formulate a timeline and sequential steps for their projects.
 
cougar step up
 
COUGAR STEP UP! AUGUST 12TH AND 13TH
Students who are new to Asheville Middle School are invited to attend Cougar Step Up, a one day introduction to AMS. Activities will include an orientation to the campus and daily school schedule, team building, locker practice and organizational skills. Transportation and a pizza lunch will be provided.
 
For more information, please contact Jennifer Adams and jennifer.adams@acsgmail.net. Applications are due by Monday, August 5th. 
 
 
Progress Report: Week of July 25th
  • AMS staff are working diligently to place students in their respective pods to create a sense of community and belonging.
  • AMS staff are also working hard to create student schedules which will be available in parent power school on August 21st.
  • Meet the Teacher event is scheduled for August 22nd.
  • Cougar Step Up will take place on August 12th for rising 6th graders and August 13th for rising 7th and 8th graders.
    • These events will be an opportunity for students and families to tour AMS, ask questions, and be provided with information about athletics, extracurricular subjects, clubs, and after-school programs as well as school-specific information regarding procedures and expectations.
  • Staff events are in planning.
  • PTO sponsored events for parents are in planning with a 'Meet the Principal' session. Information about parent events will be forthcoming.
  • The next Student Summer Social is on August 13th at New Belgium on the front lawn. Food and yard games will be available.
  • New AMS student-designed t-shirts will be available for all staff and students- free of charge. Please complete this survey to select your child's size t-shirt.
 
Progress Report: Week of July 17th
  • The 'Sense of Belonging' Middle School Reconfiguration Team hosted their first student summer meet up on Friday, July 12th for rising 7th graders.
  • Students met at Pack Square Park where they connected with friends, family, and ACS educators, and watched Guardians of the Galaxy.
  • The next student summer meet up is on Tuesday, August 13th on the front lawn of New Belgium.
  • Teachers are settled in their new classrooms and have been meeting one on one with Principal Johnston.
  • The new Asheville Middle School Student T-shirt has been voted on and orders are being placed. These t-shirts are FREE for AMS students and staff. Please click here to place your staff or student t-shirt order. 

We want to extend a huge thanks to the 'Sense of Belonging' Reconfiguration Team for their hard work in organizing these wonderful events for our students! 

students at eventstudents at eventACS educators at eventACS Teacher of the Year, Kelli Madkinsstudents at eventstudents at event
 
Progress Report: Week of June 24th
  • Team leads are meeting to discuss project completion and progress
  • Rising 7th and 8th grade socials have been planned and scheduled for summer
  • Items from MNSA are being relocated to AMS 
 
Progress Report: Week of May 31st
  • Parent Leaders from each grade level at both schools have been identified 
  • Back to school events at AMS are being planned with MNSA and AMS PTO
  • Packing boxes have been delivered at both schools with digital leads supporting technology transitions
  • Procedures and Expectations Handbook Team is developing a school handbook that draws from MNSA and AMS handbook 
  • Two staff socials have taken place
  • AMS school tour was on May 12, 2024
  • MNSA tour of AMS event is in planning 
  • Meet the teacher event is in planning for August
To learn more about the Middle School Reconfiguration please click the link below.

Middle School Reconfiguration Website

Reconfiguration Timeline: Updated June 10th, 2024

June Reconfiguration Team Meetings:

June 10th MeetingJune 10th MeetingJune 10th Meeting

April Reconfiguration Team Meetings:
MS April Meeting1MS April Meeting2MS April Meeting3MS April Meeting

Thank you for your support, feedback, and passion as we navigate the middle school reconfiguration together as a school community. 


To view the Brainstorming Charts from previous sessions, please click the following links: 

Asheville Middle School Brainstorming Session: March 18th, 2024

Montford North Star Academy Brainstorming Session: March 20th, 2024


Why was Vital Clarity selected? 
Vital Clarity facilitates participatory meetings that support education agencies and organizations as they fulfill their purpose. Vital Clarity utilizes consensus facilitation methods that articulate and build alignment within groups. With 30 years' experience applying these methods in a wide range of settings and fields, Vital Clarity draws out the best thinking and creativity from all participants. Asheville City Schools is grateful to Kathleen Osta of Vital Clarity for her guidance and expertise throughout this process.