School News
The ASMS music department helped spread cheer at the Corning Museum of Glass Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 6. Two small choral and instrumental ensembles performed a selection of holiday and concert music for museum visitors, adding a festive soundtrack to the annual community celebration. We are proud of our student musicians for bringing joy to the community and showcasing the hard work and creativity behind the ASMS music program.
Nineteen ASMS student musicians participated in the Junior High Area All-State Festival at Genesee Valley Central School in Belmont, NY, on November 7–8, performing in elite Orchestra, Chorus, and Band ensembles alongside top middle-level musicians from across the region. This honor reflects their exceptional skill, dedication, and countless hours of preparation. Congratulations to our talented musicians for their outstanding achievement and for representing ASMS with pride!
Orchestra: Coraline Ashton, Adam Zhou
Chorus: Savannah Elliott, Chinny Okoro, Maura Wing, Lucy Wing, Nick Basu, Luke Robinson, Asher Orr
Band: Henry Shaut, Jessica Fu, Allison Lee, Annabelle Sun, Hazel Fuchs, Lia Kunigonis, Michael Jin, Adelaine Swanson, Levon Willette, Lyla Terry, Johanna Yu
Seventh graders at ASMS kicked off the year with an exciting hands-on challenge that brought together science, engineering, and art. Students used computer-assisted design (CAD) software and 3D printing to engineer rubberband-powered cars that were both functional and visually compelling.
The project highlighted the connection between the Engineering Design Process and the Elements of Art and Principles of Design, as students applied creativity and critical thinking to meet specific design goals:
-
Fit within a 180cm x 120cm x 120cm sizing box
-
Travel at least 3 meters using stored energy from a rubber band
-
Demonstrate thoughtful aesthetic design choices
After weeks of testing and refining their prototypes, student engineers took their cars for a spin. The event celebrated cross-curricular learning in action, as students evaluated performance data and showcased how innovation thrives when science and art work hand in hand.
Several ASMS musicians had an exciting opportunity to perform the National Anthem at Corning Community College before last week's women’s volleyball match! The event was coordinated by Mr. Pollock, our band director, who’s also the assistant coach for the CCC volleyball team.
It was a proud moment for our students to represent ASMS and share their talents in front of a college crowd. The performance was a hit and a great example of how our school community connects with others beyond our campus.
Way to go, ASMS musicians, and thanks to Mr. Pollock for making it happen!
Three mornings a week, ASMS students take a brain break from academic classes and go to Activity Period! This 20-minute block on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday gives everyone a chance to explore a new interest, build a skill, or just have fun connecting with classmates from all grades.
Each trimester, teachers offer a mix of mini-courses that go beyond our regular curriculum. Some activities let students dive deeper into things they already love, while others encourage them to try something completely new.
This trimester’s lineup has something for everyone:
🖋 Yearbook
🧵 Knitting & Crocheting
🧮 Math Club
♞ Tabletop Games
🏈 Fantasy Football
🧁 Mug Madness (baking in coffee mugs!)
🌸 Japanese Language & Culture
🖨 3D Printing
Our mid-morning break gives students a chance to recharge with a snack, reset their focus, and connect with friends. These short pauses help boost energy, mood, and readiness for learning throughout the day. From baking and crafting to coding and strategizing, Activity Period is a favorite way for ASMS students to learn, laugh, and create together.
ASMS students were out in full force at the Wineglass Marathon this past Sunday, October 5! Some laced up their running shoes for the 5K, while many others volunteered at the ASMS Water Station — handing out water, cheering on runners, and keeping the energy high all morning long.
Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and community spirit made the ASMS Water Station one of the most memorable stops along the course. Way to go, students, for representing ASMS with leadership, service, and a whole lot of school pride!
At ASMS, learning extends beyond the classroom and into the greater community. This month, students kicked off the 2025–26 community service program by rolling up their sleeves and diving into projects with local partners.
From sorting cans at the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, to painting windows at the Southeast Steuben County Library, to carefully arranging colorful glass pieces at the Corning Museum of Glass, students brought energy and teamwork across grade levels.
“I didn’t know volunteering could be this fun,” one student shared while helping organize food donations.
These experiences are part of ASMS’ mission to nurture curiosity, compassion, and responsibility. Each community service day gives students the chance to strengthen community connections and discover the impact we can make as a whole.
We are proud to partner with an incredible network of organizations that welcome our students and help them see how small actions can create meaningful change:
Dayspring
Food Bank of the Southern Tier
Spencercrest Nature Center
Local Food Pantry
YMCA at Watson Woods
Corning Children’s Center
Corning Museum of Glass (CMOG)
Southeast Steuben County Library
The first weeks of school have flown by, and our classrooms are once again alive with energy, laughter, and the unmistakable shuffle of students getting into the swing of their new routines. Students selected their activity period classes, navigated their Samsung tablets, and hiked the many stairs— all part of middle school life at ASMS.
Team-building activities helped break the ice and set the tone for a year of collaboration and support. The school yard echoed with the familiar sounds of Four Square and the beginnings of new friendships. Families joined in the community spirit at the PTA Ice Cream Social at the close of the second week, a sweet opportunity to connect with other students, parents, and staff while celebrating the start of the year together.
Meanwhile, the band room was full of “first notes” as returning musicians shook off summer rust and new players learned the ropes. Together, they’re already finding their rhythm—literally—as the music of the school year begins.
And of course, the start of the year wouldn’t be complete without welcoming our new staff members, who bring fresh perspectives and energy to our community:
Noriko Chavez – Receptionist and Administrative Assistant
Vincent Gentile – Technology Coordinator
Wafaa Alshwiki – 6th Grade Math Teacher
If the first weeks are any sign, this year promises growth, creativity, and plenty of shared memories. Here’s to finding our rhythm together!