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Raptor Report

May 1, 2024

from AMHS Partners in Education (PIE)

Community News

AMHS Leads the State in 2024 Corporate-sponsored National Merit Scholarship Winners

Three seniors from Academic Magnet High School earned corporate-sponsored National Merit Scholarships according to last week’s announcement by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Seniors Harry S. Ding, Jacob T. Olinger, and Emerson G. Wiseman are part of the first group of scholarship winners in the 69th annual program. Ding and Wiseman received National Merit South Carolina Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center Scholarships, and Olinger was awarded a National Merit Boeing Scholarship. 


Academic Magnet leads all schools in South Carolina this year with three corporate-sponsored National Merit Scholarship winners; there are a total of 11 in South Carolina in 2024. Read more on the AMHS website at this link.

SAVE THE DATE

Celebrate AMHS Seniors, Students, and Teachers at the Charleston Riverdogs Game on Friday, May 10. The AMHS Dirty Birds will play & AMHS students will throw out the first pitch. Rin Baylock '24 and Abby Youmans '24 will sing the National Anthem.  

 

PIE has purchased 100 tickets for Seniors and Teachers; use this link to request your free ticket--first come first serve.


Tickets are also available for purchase ($8.00 ea) near the student and teacher sections for additional AMHS students, family members and friends at this link.

Check out the 23-24 School Improvement Council Report

Mandated by the state, a School Improvement Council (SIC) serves as a vehicle for

teachers, students, parents, administrators, and community representatives to

collaborate and help schools across South Carolina reach the goals identified in their

five-year school improvement plans (SIPs). Review this year's report by scanning the QR code or click here.

Welcome to Our New Raptors & Their Families!

The AMHS Class of 2028 is beginning to take shape! New families are invited to an Open House this week on May 2 at 5 pm. And mark your calendar for Summer Scholars from July 29-August 1!

Class of 2028 Families are invited to join the Facebook page at this link.

The Black Student Alliance created an amazing video of FIVE reasons students should choose to go to Academic Magnet High School. Check it out by scanning the QR code above or clicking this link.

Is Your Raptor Graduating in June?

Want to know the date and time for graduation? Or wondering if you need to worry about tickets for yourself and your family? Perhaps your student is wondering if they really HAVE to go to graduation practice. If you have questions, we've got answers. Check out the latest FAQ document on the AMHS website at this link or at this link.

Hey Seniors! It's time to celebrate you and the decisions you have made for your next step (or will make soon!). Save the date: May 3 at 12:30 pm!

LAST CHANCE TO ORDER! Order a sign for your senior at this link by TODAY - May 1!

AMHS Students and Faculty Help Ring in Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at CCSD School Board Meeting

May 1st marks the beginning of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month and to ring in the celebrations, English teacher Ms. Natasha Akery and our Raptors created a video that was shared at the April 29, 2024 CCSD Board meeting.


Ms. Akery thanked Diversity Director Brandi Blake and Communications Director Vanessa Denney for asking her to be part of the recognitions and shared, "I felt that we had to showcase our students at Academic Magnet High School. In a school district of over 50,000 students, 937 students identify as Asian or Pacific American and 72 of them are in our school." Watch the video at this link.


The following students made the recognition possible: Bea Vaught, Dusty Davis, Arien Chowdhury, Susan Dong, Erin Efa, Sameen Basunia, Andy Wong, Michael Lee, Sanjana Gangaraju, Sophie Skaff, Yidong Ye, Emma Khaskhely, Elaine Chen, Vanessa Nguyen, and Srijita Roy.

Snacks For Students During AP Testing Due TODAY!

Help us encourage AMHS students by providing snacks during the two weeks of AP testing!

Every year, PIE coordinates snacks for the students during their AP Testing break time. Please deliver items to Ms. Do's office by May 1st. Ms. Do's office is near the lecture hall downstairs in room 7154 near Mr. Grimshaw's classroom. If Ms. Do is not in her office, snacks can be taken to Ms. Ryan in room 7111. Please label the snacks AP Snacks. Thank you!


Check out what is needed and sign up to send something in at this link.

Mindful Mondays: Open to students & staff!


Come start the week with your mind in the right place!

Click here to re-link your Harris Teeter Card - Try HT Plus Membership

AMHS Code is 4626

Current Number of Families Linked: 231

Funds raised to date: $864.96

In 2024, schools earn $10 for each HT Plus membership purchased by someone whose VIC card is linked to our school. Try it free for 30 days!


Administrative News

AMHS Featured in Charleston County School District Video

Spotlight on CCSD - Classroom Walkthrough Tool

Click the image above to watch the video.

This video--featuring AMHS administration, faculty, and students--was shared at the CCSD School Board Meeting earlier this week. As Principal Perlmutter noted, it was shared "as part of a larger presentation about high academic expectations for students." Way to set the bar and demonstrate rigor and engagement, Assistant Principal Gerideau-Grant (AKA Ms. GG!), Ms. Yackey, Dr. Lupo, and Raptors!



Things to Know About AP Testing

  1. AMHS does not receive any information about students' scores or performance on the AP exam until July when the students receive their scores. That means that while the AP exam potentially earns a student college credit, their score is not used to determine their high school class grade or credit. Their high school credit will be based only on their class work, test grades, projects, etc. as outlined in each course's syllabus.
  2. Students/families can check specific colleges and universities and how they accept AP credits- check this link to verify how their score can translate into college course credit
  3. Taking the AP exam is a requirement of enrollment in any AP course at Academic Magnet. Students who do not take an AP exam must reimburse the school for the cost of the exam that we have already purchased for them.
  4. The AP Testing Schedule includes specific make-up days for when students are double scheduled for an exam day and time. Above is the easy-to-read post-on-your-fridge version of the AP Testing Schedule.


AB Schedule
Letters Home
Open Positions
Routes to AMHS
2024-25 CCSD Calendar
Official Website
School Calendar
Athletic Links + Socials
School Profile
Pay Fees on RevTrak
Past Raptor Reports
School Counseling News
Visit our website

New Handbook Now Available to Help Students & Parents Plan for What's Next!

Click here for

College Planning Guidance

The Meeting Street Scholarship Fund is accepting applications for the 2024-25 school year! Learn more at this link.


Scholarship List
ACT Dates & Deadlines
SAT Dates & Deadlines
CTE Future Ready Newsletters
2023-24 Lecture Series Topics
College Visit Verification Form
2013-2023 Matriculation
Upcoming College Visits

Dates for college rep visits at AMHS and college rep visits in the Charleston area can be found here.


Register through Naviance to show demonstrated interest. These sessions are open for all grades

Ms. Mansfield, the 2023-24 College and Career Specialist, is on the AMHS campus on Wednesdays and Thursdays during school hours.


Her email is rhiannon_mansfield@charleston.k12.sc.us 

Career Exploration Opportunities

Click here for Resume Tips!

Click here for Interview Tips!

Class Updates
AMHS StuCo Instagram Page

Class of 2024

2024 College Decisions
Class of '24 Parents on Facebook
Senior Lounge Snack Sign Up

Class of 2025

Class of '25 Parents on Facebook

Class of 2026

Class of '26 Parents on Facebook

Class of 2027

Class of '27 Parents on Facebook

Calling all Freshmen!

Freshmen Raptors are invited to participate in student volunteer build with Operation Home on Saturday May 4, from 9-1pm. The work usually ends by 12, and lunch is provided. There is room for 6-8 freshmen to sign up - Email here if interested! Learn more about Operation Home.

Parent Boards
AMHS enjoys the support of three parent-led, community supported groups and an active SIC group. You can read about each group's mission and get updates below or find out more under the Parent Tab on the School Website.
AMHS PIE
PIE Funding Request Form

Teacher Appreciation Week is Underway!

With thanks for the support from AMHS families, PIE is working to make AMHS faculty and staff feel fully appreciated this week! Check out these photos of some of the acts of love and gratitude! Thank you for helping PIE make this happen!

AMHS SIC

If you have any concerns you would like SIC to address in future meetings, please email Jessica Garrett P'25 at jessicakelleygarrett@gmail.com.

SIC Reports to Parents
AMHS Booster

Join the Booster Club. Learn more here.

Visit our website

Make plans to attend this year's All Sports Banquet on Tuesday, May 21, from 5-7 pm.


Athletes are free but need to RSVP here by May 15.


Families and guests may purchase tickets here by May 15. Each guest needs an individual ticket; children ages 3 and under are free. $15 per person. Learn more about the AMHS All Sports Banquet here.

Raptors of Distinction
Help spread the good news! Got scoop on a current or former Raptor making their mark in the world? Share it with the Raptor Report here.

Congratulations to Shivani Balasumbramaniam '24, who was recognized by the City of Charleston’s Mayor’s Office for Children, Youth and Families for her important contributions to the Youth Advisory Board (YAB). Read more about this honor on the AMHS website at this link.

Congratulations to Emily Daniels '25 who was one of ten students (and the first South Carolinian) to receive a FIRST Tech Challenge Dean's List Award at the Robotics World Championshipo in Houston. To learn more about Emily's accomplishment and her team, visit the AMHS website at this link.

Congratulations to Elizabeth (Camille) Ross '25 and Sierra Robinson '25 for being selected as QuestBridge College Prep Scholars. They were selected as two of the 3,911 students accepted into the program from over 16,000 applicants. Learn more about this honor on the AMHS website at this link.

Clubs, Arts + Academics
The AMHS Student Newspaper. Read it here to "get the word on the birds."

Please use this link to submit photos to the AMHS Yearbook. If needed, our school code is 25698. You can also submit using the Herff Jones e-Share app available in Apple and Google Play stores for your mobile device. 

Raptor Athletics
Sports Updates & Schedules

Stay up to date with Booster Club Info, Forms, Raptor Rosters and Team Schedules on www.amhsraptors.com!

This week's Raptor Athlete-of-the-Week:

This week's recipient was Mercer Bundis '25. In his nomination, Coach Strange said, "With a short-handed roster against our arch-rival BE, Mercer stepped up to play his first real singles match of the season with a shoulder injury that severely compromised his ability to hit his serve and swing his forehand. He didn't have to resort to playing left-handed, but he didn't have his normal shots available to him. Nevertheless, he battled through each and every point, played with no fear, and never (outwardly) showed anything but confidence, finally prevailing in a 3rd set tiebreak."

Athletic Director: Raymond Knauer or 843.746.6376

Assistant Athletic Director: Stevie Jones

Trainer: Marty Travis

Coach contact information is here.

Sports Calendar
Athletic Links + Socials
Opportunities
Know of an opportunity from which AMHS students might benefit? Share it with the Raptor Report here.

The SC Governor's School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) Outreach Center's summer camps challenge rising 6th - 10th graders in a fun and collaborative environment where hands-on STEM learning is celebrated. Students choose from a variety of topics, empowering them to interact with like-minded peers as they grow as scientists and engineers. GoSciTech offers three types of immersive STEM experiences - residential, day, and virtual - designed to engage and challenge students who are interested in STEM.


Find the one that is right for your family. Learn more and apply at this link.

Spend Spring Break 2025 in Costa Rica! Raptors are invited to consider this amazing opportunity to explore the ecology of Costa Rica during spring break of 2025. Students will conduct research on leatherback sea turtles AND earn 30 hours of community service. Email Ms. Phillips (karla_phillips@charleston.k12.sc.us) with any questions.

Community Service + Activities

Presidential Service Awards: Please note the submission point person is now Ms. GG.

Here is a comprehensive list of volunteer opportunities.

Learn more about the AMHS Volunteer Hours

graduation requirement here.


Volunteer Hours Form


Have an event that could use AMHS volunteers?

Send info and details to raptorreporteditor@gmail.com.

REMINDER: 30 Hours of Community Service due by May 1

Parents and students are reminded that all AMHS students should be working toward their 30 hours of community service which will be due on May 1st. Community Service forms are available on the class canvas pages and all of our Study Hall teachers can answer questions about this important school-wide program.

Help Sweep the Beach!


Is your Raptor looking for a volunteer opportunity? Isle of Palms beach cleanup litter sweeps will be held May 6 and May 20, and then each Monday from June 3 through Labor Day. Click the "Litter Sweep Schedule" image for a .pdf with more details!

Calling all Freshmen!

Freshmen Raptors are invited to participate in student volunteer build with Operation Home on Saturday May 4 from 9-1pm. The work usually ends by 12, and lunch is provided. There is room for 6-8 freshmen to sign up - Email here if interested! Learn more about Operation Home.

One Last Thing ...

The Raptor Report is published weekly by AMHS PIE on Wednesdays during the school year except for holiday breaks.



Faculty, students, and parents are encouraged to submit articles and/or pictures of AMHS events, honors, and needs.


Please email your information to the Raptor Report Editors by 5 pm on the Monday preceding the Wednesday publication date.


Feedback or suggestions for improvement? Please send an email as well.

2024, No. 7

2023, No. 8

2020-22, No. 2

2019, No. 1