Avenel Middle School 2021-2022
OPENING PROCEDURES
Greetings AMS Families,
We have learned over the past two years that things can change quickly and we have to be ready if/when they do. Our plans for opening Avenel Middle School on Tuesday, September 7th are listed below. We will continue to monitor our procedures and adjust them as needed. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work towards getting back to normal while at the same time keeping the health and safety of our students and staff at the forefront of all decision-making. Our entire staff is so excited to see the students and begin the school year.
MASKS
As per the governor’s mandate, masks must be worn at all times in the building. Masks must be worn at all times on buses. Two masks are encouraged, one to wear and one as a backup.
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE
All students are permitted to enter the building at 8:15 AM with the bell. Dismissal is at 3:05 pm. Students should not arrive before 8:05 am. Students should be dropped off at the designated crosswalk locations in the front parking lot. We ask that you do not park and walk your child to the entry doors in the morning and please do not wait at the doors for dismissal. 6th grade students will enter Door #2 in the morning and exit Door #2 in the afternoon. 7th grade students will enter Door #3 in the morning and exit Door #3 in the afternoon. 8th grade students will enter Door #4 in the morning and exit Door #4 in the afternoon. It is strongly recommended that you set up a routine for dismissal.
DAILY MEALS
ALL students will be eligible for free breakfast and lunch for the 2021-2022 school year.
BREAKFAST PROCEDURES
Breakfast will be served on September 7th. All students will be offered a brown bag breakfast on the way into school each morning. Breakfast will be eaten in their homeroom.
LUNCH PROCEDURES
Lunch will be a brown bag meal. There will be a vegetarian option. Each grade level will be divided in half. One half will eat in the cafeteria and the other half will eat in the gym. The students will be socially distanced and required to wear masks when not eating. Students can bring their own lunch from home, no glass bottles are permitted.
LOCKERS
Students will not be issued hallway lockers at this time. Students will be permitted to carry backpacks with them during the day.
GYM LOCKERS/LOCKER ROOMS
Students will not be issued gym lockers at this time. The locker rooms will not be utilized for changing. Students scheduled for gym class should come to school prepared to participate in gym class in appropriate attire/footwear.
BUS INFORMATION
All bus information will be posted in Genesis by the end of the week. Students should arrive at their bus stop at least 10 minutes before the listed time. Students should know their “AM-“ route number at all times.
DAILY HEALTH SCREENING
As part of the electronic opening packet in Genesis, parents/guardians will be required to attest they agree to perform the daily health screenings. No daily health screening form submission will be required.
WATER
Students are permitted to carry a water bottle during the school day. Glass is not permitted. Students can ONLY bring water, no other drinks are permitted in classes.
ATTENDANCE
If your child is going to be absent from school a parent/guardian must call the 24-hour Attendance Line at (732) 596-4210. Please make certain to state your child’s name, grade, and reason for absence, please speak slowly and clearly. Please report it by 8:00 AM.
Thank you for your support, as we begin the new school year.
Be safe and stay #avenelstrong.
Joseph A. Short
Principal, Avenel Middle School
joseph.short@woodbridge.k12.nj.us
Twitter handle - @avenelmiddle
In person picture day returns to Avenel Middle School, Friday September 10th. Be there!

Avenel Middle School Orientation Reminder:
We will be holding an in-person 6th Grade Orientation on Monday, August 30, 2021. Parents/guardians and students are invited to attend ONE of the two sessions being held, at either 10:00 am (Session 1) or 4:00 pm (Session 2). The program will be held in our cafeteria (Please enter through Door #20). Two sessions are being offered to accommodate the schedules of all families.
We will also be hosting an orientation for 7th graders AND any 8th graders that are new to Avenel Middle School this year. This orientation is optional and will serve as an opportunity for your child to familiarize themselves with the school. This orientation will be held on Tuesday 8/31 at 11:00 am (Please enter through Door #20).
Do not worry if you cannot attend our orientations on 8/30 or 8/31. Teachers will spend time orienting students to life at AMS during the first few days of school.
As a reminder, masks must be worn at all times while in the school building.
Be safe and stay #avenelstrong.
Joseph A. Short
Principal, Avenel Middle School
Avenel Middle School 6th Grade Families:
Welcome to Avenel Middle School! We will be holding an in-person 6th Grade Orientation on Monday, August 30, 2021. Parents/guardians and students are invited to attend ONE of the two sessions being held, at either 10:00 am (Session 1) or 4:00 pm (Session 2). The program will be held in our cafeteria (Please Enter through Door #20). Two sessions are being offered to accommodate the schedules of all families. A reminder and additional details will be sent out later in the summer.
The start of middle school is an exciting time and we will be here every step of the way in helping all students find success here at AMS. We are all looking forward to an outstanding 2021-2022 school year.
Sincerely,
Joseph A. Short
Principal
AMS 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baC_Um-73Ic
AMS Families,
1.) I would like to thank our families for all of your support this year. I am so proud of what our students have been able to accomplish.
2.) Beginning on Monday, June 21st, our building will be closed for electrical upgrades. This is scheduled to last for several weeks. During this time our main office phone line and email will be operational.
3.) All students are encouraged to participate in the District Summer Bridge Program. The information for the program is below:
https://5il.co/u0ot
https://5il.co/u0ou
4.) Updates for next school year will be sent via email throughout the summer.
Have a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer!
Joseph A. Short
Principal, Avenel Middle School
A Message from the Wildcat Daily News Team:
Friends! On behalf of the Wildcat Daily team, it has been a pleasure sending you the daily announcements! For the last time in the 2020-2021 school year, check out today's Wildcat Daily!
https://youtu.be/9pUHiqdlWo8
A Message from the Wildcat Daily News Team:
Friends! This is the second to last Wildcat Daily!
Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/ROS0Y3l5Iys
A Message from the Wildcat Daily News Team:
Friends! We only have three more Wildcat Daily's left! Check it out!
https://youtu.be/yz7NQl01JSo
A Message from the Wildcat Daily News Team
Enjoy today's Wildcat Daily Friends!
https://youtu.be/6V2uqENagVs
AMS 6th and 7th Grade Families:
Students cannot try out for baseball or softball without an approved sports physical. Beginning on July 1st, sports physicals are offered for free at the following address:
First Health Urgent Care
152 Central Avenue Clark, NJ
Phone: 732-382-9700
See the Athletics tab on the school website for all necessary forms.
Once completed they should be dropped off at JFK High School.
Please see the letters below regarding the District Summer Bridge Program:
https://5il.co/u0ot
https://5il.co/u0ou
A Message from the Wildcat Daily News Team:
Friends! Welcome to the final week! Check out the last Monday Wildcat Daily this year!
https://youtu.be/n3cpbp6uA-4
AMS 6th and 7th Grade Families,
All 6th and 7th grade students will be returning their school issued device by Thursday 6/17.
Device collection will begin for remote students tomorrow (Tuesday, June 15th). Devices can be dropped off at the school, along with the charger that was issued, during school hours (8 am – 12 pm).
In-Person students will return their device to Mrs. Tulloch or Mr. Caldwell on Thursday 6/17.
Students will continue to work the last week of school. Classes can be accessed and all work can be done on any device, including cell phones.
If your student is going to participate in any of the summer programs and you will need to keep your device for the summer, please fill out the form below:
https://forms.gle/BxZorn3d4n6Fnkpo6
If you have any questions, please email: samantha.tulloch@woodbridge.k12.nj.us
A Message from the Wildcat Daily News Team:
Friends! Happy Friday! Check out today's Wildcat Daily!
https://youtu.be/_S706lMaA84
A Message from the Wildcat Daily News Team:
For our final interview we had the pleasure of interviewing...Mayor McCormac!
https://youtu.be/s2RkVcNFdB0
A Message from the Wildcat Daily News Team:
Friends! Check out today's Wildcat Daily!
https://youtu.be/f4kAdpCyo0s
A Message from the Wildcat Daily News Team:
Hey friends! Check out today's Wildcat Daily!
https://youtu.be/ilsRmZU2tXY
A Message from the Wildcat Daily News Team:
Friends! Hope everyone is staying cool! While you are staying cool, check out the Wildcat Daily!
https://youtu.be/9jkoeN6igFo
A Message from the Wildcat Daily News Team:
Friends! We are at the count down until summer! Let us kick it off with today's Wildcat Daily!
https://youtu.be/izAdAsXyvn4
