August Welcome Back Letter

The AJH Comet Connection: October

Principal's Message

Greetings from AJH!

As October begins, we’re savoring the lingering summer skies even as the first signs of fall arrive. This season of transition, much like the start of the school year, brings both reflection and excitement—and here at AJH, our classrooms and hallways are full of that same energy. From academic growth and creative projects to leadership and community-building, there is so much to celebrate each day. The energy from our students and staff continue to be a driving force of inspiration. Every day brings new reasons to be proud of the work happening at our school. We continue to be amazed by the talent of our students and the dedication of our adults.

None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our families. Your encouragement, partnership, and active involvement make a profound difference in the growth of our students and the overall health of our building. Whether it’s supporting students with their school work, attending school events, or simply cheering us on from the outside, your role is vital, and we are grateful for your support. Together, we are ensuring that every Comet has the chance to learn, grow, and shine this year.

As we look ahead, I want to encourage you to take part in the important opportunities this month brings. Parent–teacher conferences are just around the corner, and they are a wonderful time for us to partner together in support of your child’s growth and success. In addition, our annual 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C., is quickly approaching—an unforgettable experience for our students that would not be possible without your continued involvement and support. As we wrap up an incredible first quarter later this month, we look forward to what comes next.

Thank you for walking alongside us in this journey.

With continued gratitude and excitement,

AH

Principal

Mr. Andrew Hoffman

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Assistant Principal

Mr. Nick Doehr

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Dean of Students

Mrs. Rebecca Lawson

Main Office Information

Daily Office Hours: 7:00am - 3:30pm.

Main Office Phone #: (440) 988-0324

Mrs. Sandy Aufdenkampe - Building & Principal Secretary

Mrs. Tatianna Guice - Athletic & Attendance Secretary

Mr. Bob Harcula - School Counselor

Mrs. Hannah Johnson - School Counselor

Follow Us!

We're excited to showcase all of our latest updates and student successes at Amherst Junior High School through our social media platforms!

Facebook: Amherst Exempted Village Schools

X: @AJHComets (Mr. Hoffman), @MrDoehrAP (Mr. Doehr), and @Comet_Connect (Comet Community Relations).

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Important Links

  • District Website: www.amherstk12.org

  • School Website: Amherst Junior High (6-8)

  • AJH Student Handbook

  • AJH Athletics

  • PaySchools Central

Arrival and Dismissal Reminders

Our arrival and dismissal procedures continue to be safe, organized, and efficient. We greatly appreciate all of those that continue to help make this a reality for us at AJH. A few reminders as we finish up the first quarter...

  • Please continue to use only the car rider lot to drop students off in the morning for arrival

  • Yacobozzi Way continues to be closed daily at 2:15 until 3:00pm. If there is a need for a family member to access the school to retrieve a student or drop something off, please call the office prior. This allows us to notify school staff positioned at Milan.

  • The car rider lot opens daily at 2:15. Please plan to arrive at that time or after to ensure traffic doesn't back up onto S. Lake.

Daily Bell Schedule

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*Green denotes lunch periods.

September Staff Member(s) of the Month

Please join us in celebrating our September Staff Members of the Month! These outstanding individuals are shining examples of what makes Amherst Schools such a special place for both students and staff.

This month we recognize Mrs. Katie Hirsh, Intervention Specialist at AJH! Thank you for all that you do Mrs. Hirsh. You are appreciated!

Thank you for your continued hard work, dedication and support.  We appreciate you! Click the link below to see all who were selected for the moth of September.

AEVSD Employees of the Month

AH

Parent Teacher Conferences: Thursday, October 9th

Our first round of Parent/Teacher conferences are being held on Thursday, October 9th from 2:55-8:55pm. As in years past, there is a link for families to use when signing up to meet with teachers during this block of time. This link is included at the bottom of this message!

Parent–teacher conferences are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your child’s growth and set goals for the months ahead. We are so excited to welcome you into the building for conferences and to partner with you in meaningful conversation about your child’s journey this year. Thank you for making the time to connect, share insights, and strengthen the important bridge between home and school. Your encouragement and support mean the world, and we couldn’t do this work without you!

Conference Scheduler Link: PT Conference Scheduler Link

The Curriculum Corner

Here are some updates from our Curriculum Director, Mackenzie Hall. The link below includes helpful resources for understanding some of the assessments your student has taken at school as well resources that include strategies for supporting literacy at home.

  • Fall Map scores were emailed to families on Wednesday, October 1st

  • Literacy Resources for Home

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The Counselor Corner

Visit our Counselor Corner for important updates from Mrs. Johnson and Mr. Harcula!

Hannah Johnson

  • School Counselor for last names A-K

  • hannah_johnson@amherstk12.org

Bob Harcula

  • School Counselor for last names L-Z

  • bob_harcula@amherstk12.org

Welcome New Students!

New to the district and AJH? First off, welcome! We are so glad you are here! Secondly, please visit the link below for important AJH information

New Student Information

JVS Field Trip Opportunity

On October 23rd, all interested 8th grade students will have the opportunity to visit the Lorain County JVS. Please see the flyer below for more details. Permission slips coming soon!

JVS Field Trip Information

PTO Sponsored Book Drive

The AJH Big Comets/Little Comets class is collecting any childrens beginning chapter books for POWERS' Right to Read Week and to help stock the Little Free Library project. Any student who donates a book will recieve a piece of candy. Look for the PTO table during lunch! Please see the flyer for more information!

AJH Book Drive

AJH PBIS

Our Comet 3 expectations continue to be the driving force of our PBIS program. Students are expected to Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Kind in all areas of their school day. Students demonstrating these Comet 3 will earn 3 PBIS points in each of their classes daily.

You may have already heard of Comet Plinko! It is one of the many ways we are recognizing students for meeting our daily Comet 3 expectations. As we continue to build upons ways for us to celebrate students meeting the Comet 3, we are launching our Comet Champion monthly recognition program for students who exemplify any one of the Comet 3 to the highest degree.

You can keep in the know with your students' PBIS activity by downloading the PBIS Rewards Family app and using your child's personal QR code. These were sent home at the beginning of the year. If you need an additional copy or any help getting started, please email Mrs. Lawson and she will happily help you get rolling! rebecca_lawson@amherstk12.org

Comet Champions: September

Each month, our staff has the special opportunity to recognize students who truly shine as Comet Champions. These students are nominated for going above and beyond in demonstrating any one of our Comet 3 expectations—respect, responsibility, and kindness in all they do. Being named a Comet Champion is more than an award; it’s a celebration of character, leadership, and the positive choices that spotlight the best of our school community. We are so proud of our Champions and grateful for the example they set for their peers.

Students that are nominated as a monthly Comet Champion will receive a certificate that contains the narrative written by the teacher, a custom designed t-shirt and a donut breakfast.

Here are the winners for September:

Shayna Parker, Joy Gomez Rodriguez, Ava Agostinelli, Avery Ahrens, Zoey Sklarek, Mercer Haselden, Lilly McCullough, Grayson Gift, Mason Coss, Isabella Detillio, Emeric Yandura, Meredith Wenger, Sydnee Puhalla, Brandon Kocak, Eli Marvin, Levi Roth, Addilyn Ford, Maddie Lymer, Logan Kraft, Aiden Williams, Hazel Cochrane, Journey Yelenic, Brayden Obbey, Ayden Leonard, AJ Hills

Congratulations to our first batch of Comet Champions!

Athletic Reminder: Friday's Football Game

An important reminder for those that may want to attend the football game on Friday at Elyria. Fans may purchase adult tickets at www.elyriaathletics.org or at the gate by cash or credit card/Apple Pay (processing fee does apply).  Student tickets are available at the gate only.  Adults $10, Students $5.  We do have a new policy for students attending games.  All high school students should have their school ID.  Middle School students must be accompanied by an adult or they will not be permitted to purchase a ticket or enter the game.

Important AJH Dates

October 3rd: Students report directly to homeroom - pictures are being handed out

October 6th-9th: PTO Sponsored book drive

October 9th: Washington DC Student Meetings (during school)

October 9th: Parent/Teacher Conferences 2:55-8:55pm

October 10th: NEOEA Day - No School

October 13th: Med Drop-off night for Washington DC Trip

October 15th: Christmas Carol Money due - 7th grade ONLY

October 15th-17th: 8th Grade trip to Washington DC

October 17th: End of Q1

October 23rd: Q1 Grades stored

October 28th: Fall Picture re-take day!

November 3rd: Parent/Teacher Conferences 2:55-4:55pm

November 4th: Professional Development Day - No School for students

November 5th: Dr. Knight Assembly - 6th and 7th grade

November 7th: Veteran's Day assembly 1:00pm

November 12th: Dr. Knight Assembly - 8th grade

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Links to Previous Newsletters

Use the links below to view (or REview) previous editions of the Comet Connection:

  • August Newsletter

  • September Newsletter

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