Student Schedule Update:  Now that the track assignments are complete, the Alston Ridge Middle School team will begin to look at student schedules.  It was extremely important to balance the tracks before doing additional scheduling. The team will begin to look a number of specialized scenarios such as Math Placement, Special Education, English as a Second Language, Electives, and other placement options.  Thank you for your patience as we develop student schedules and offerings at Alston Ridge Middle School.

Attendance Notification:  If you are currently assigned to Alston Ridge Middle School for the 2019-20 school year and you know you won’t be attending (moving, transfer, home school, private school, etc) please communicate your intentions with us.  It is important that we have accurate numbers to ensure enrollment and balanced tracks. Please contact the school by emailing the following address: alstonridgems@wcpss.net.  Thank you for helping keep our numbers accurate!

New Elective - Agriculture Education:  When I met with students and parents in February, it was extremely important to outline a vision of Alston Ridge Middle School.  One of the main themes was to provide engaging & enriching learning opportunities/experiences for students. I truly believe that middle school is a time for students to explore various topics in the hopes that a life-long passion or desire is developed.  After careful planning and interviewing, I have some exciting news: we will be offering elective classes in the Career & Technical Education Department for Agriculture Education! This is an amazing opportunity for Alston Ridge MS students as this will be the only program in Western Wake County!  Please see the bullet points below on what courses will be offered in our first year:

• 6th Grade - Exploring Plant & Animal Sciences
• This course introduces students to the industry of agriculture. Topics of instruction include animal science, agricultural science and technology, plant science, agricultural issues, natural resources, food science, stewardship, consumer agriculture, and careers in agricultural science. English language arts, mathematics, and science are reinforced. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are mentorship, school-based enterprise, service learning, job shadowing, and supervised agricultural experience. This course provides the opportunity to apply essential standards and workplace readiness skills through authentic experiences.

• 7th Grade - Exploring Agriculture Science 2
• This course introduces students to the industry of agriculture. Topics of instruction include agricultural science and technology, agricultural issues, food science, stewardship, consumer agriculture, and careers in agricultural science. English language arts, mathematics, and science are reinforced. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are mentorship, school-based enterprise, service learning, job shadowing, and supervised agricultural experience. This course provides the opportunity to apply essential standards and workplace readiness skills through authentic experiences.

• 8th Grade - Exploring Biotechnology in Agriculture
• This course focuses on the agricultural and medical industry with emphasis on the relationship of science and technology that affects agriculture, medicine, and health care. Topics include career concepts in the agriculture and medical fields. English language arts, mathematics, and science are reinforced. This course contributes to the development of a career development plan. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are mentorship, school-based enterprise, service learning, job shadowing, and supervised agricultural experience. This course provides the opportunity to apply essential standards and workplace readiness skills through authentic experiences.

I recognize this information is new and many students have already completed their elective registration forms, but we couldn’t pass-up this amazing opportunity for present and future ARMS students.  If your child has interest in this elective option, please take a moment to complete this brief form: Alston Ridge MS Agriculture Education Electives.  Courses under these descriptions do not have any pre-requisite requirements.  Some Computer Skills & Application courses will be replaced with these classes.  Our CTE Department will now have more diverse offerings: Computer Science/Computer Skills, Agriculture Education, Technology/Engineering & Design, and Family/Consumer Science.  Thank you for your flexibility and we are SO excited about the learning opportunities for students!