PRINCIPAL’s MESSAGE   Welcome !!!  We are looking forward to a successful year at J. Albert Adams Academy!  I am very pleased to be working with you as Principal this year.  Our teachers and staff have worked very hard to prepare for your child’s instructional program.  I sincerely appreciate their efforts.   It is very important for you to know that our School Improvement Team has identified specific expectations for all of our students.  We fully expect that students will adhere to them throughout the school year.  I ask that you, as a partner with us in working with your child, remind your child of our expectations.  As a student at J. Albert Adams Academy, we expect that all students recognize their responsibility to: · demonstrate a positive attitude toward learning each day. · attend school regularly. · arrive on time to school and every class. · demonstrate respect toward classmates, all adults and school. · bring required materials and supplies to every class. · exhibit proper conduct at all times.   In regard to attendance, the Anne Arundel County Board of Education has strict policies for student attendance.  For your information, students are considered excessively absent if they miss six or more days of school per semester.  This includes illness or vacations.  Absences due to vacation are considered unexcused.  Students who are excessively absent may receive a failing grade in all subjects.  At J. Albert Adams Academy we believe that regular school attendance is a necessity.  We appreciate your cooperation in helping us to see that your child attends school on a regular basis.   If your child has a problem during the school year, the following people are available to help them in addition to their teachers and myself: Mr. A. Adams               Assistant Principal Mrs. Martin                   Health Assistant Mrs. Milliken                School Nurse Mrs. Edwards               School Psychologist Mr. M. Adams              Guidance Counselor Mrs. Powell          Substance Abuse Liaison Dr. Ward-Allen      Pupil Personnel Worker   Our faculty and staff are extremely committed to providing a successful school experience for each student.  We know that many middle school students have a difficult time organizing their day and activities.  To help all students be more successful, we have our J. Albert Adams Academy Daily Planner.  The daily plan book contains a day-to-day schedule, an area to record homework for each class, a section on developing good study skills, full month calendars, resource pages and a section “Hallway Passport” to be used for hall passes.  All of our students will be provided with these plan books at no charge!  It is important that every student use his or her plan book daily.  It is also an excellent means of communication if you want to write a note to a teacher.  Please check your child’s plan book frequently at home.   This year we are also pleased to be able to provide locks (on loan) and lockers to all of our students so they can secure their personal items.  Coats, hats, cell phones and other non-instructional items must be secured in student lockers at the start of the school day.   I am looking forward to working with you and your child!!  Please call me if you have any questions or concerns.                                         Jeffrey L. Tillar             Jeffrey L. Tillar, Principal