From ASMS Counselor and WOW sponsor Helen Clark: “Recently, the Women of the World club travelled to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. They went with a purpose and a determination to come back more informed, and prepared to tackle hard, rarely faced issues of injustices and poverties faced by women in other countries. These young ladies spent many hours during this three day weekend watching the documentary “Half the Sky” by Kristopher Kristoff, and Sherly WuDunn and discussing the issues represented in the documentary. We voted on the two causes we felt most compelled to donate to and came home with the determination to make our voices heard in some way. The girls have since raised enough money to send checks to two worthy organizations: The Fistula Foundation, which will receive a check for $1,000.00, and Camfed, which will also receive a check (they are still in the process of the fundraiser that will fund this I will be able to give you an exact amount by the end of the week.) The girls are determined not to stop here and we will continue reaching out beyond our four walls, into the community and world to bring education and empowerment to young women.”

From French and German instructor Muriel Hoequist: “Just as French students sooner or later learn about the fabulous French cuisine, so do German students come in contact with fairy tales. At ASMS, the very beginners read the best-known tales by the brothers Grimm. Students learn about the historical context and the biographies of Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm, as well as the literary characteristics and function of fairy tales and their typical characters. They also learn about the other authors of the best-known fairy tales. At the upper levels, students not only each read one of the over 300 authentic Grimm fairy tales, they also retell them to the class in German. Finally, students explore creating their own tales as contemporary versions, which they each write, read and present in acting. Occasionally, this unit of learning is tied into learning about the long tradition of theater and even puppet shows in Germany. This year, students experimented with creating and staging their very own puppet shows in German. Germany toy stores even today stock a lot of hand- and finger puppets, as puppet shows and play acting continue to be traditional pastimes for all ages. Go to any city over the summer, and you will be sure to see many open-air plays and puppet shows offered. ASMS students had the option of using puppets from Germany.”

ASMS Concert Choir 2013 from John Hoyle on Vimeo.

The ASMS Concert Choir, under the direction of Martha K. Mozer, performed a shortened version of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore” in the Auditorium on Tuesday night. Students Suzanna Swanson, Lorenzo Gapud, Roger Cook, Keith Long, and Rachel LeComte sang the lead rolls. Photos of the event are below.

Newsweek Magazine has ranked the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science as the third best high school in Alabama. This is the best ranking that ASMS has earned in the eight years that the school has participated in the survey. The two Alabama schools that finished ahead of ASMS were Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School and Mountain Brook High School. Both of these institutions lean on Advanced Placement classes and testing, which factor heavily in the Newsweek rankings. Conversely, ASMS focuses more on providing classroom experiences that are taught at an honors or college level, including a wide variety of elective courses that are not offered at most high schools. Currently, ASMS offers eight AP courses. Out of 1000 schools listed nationwide, only 20 Alabama schools were recognized. Here is a listing of the Top Alabama Schools, according to Newsweek:

1. Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School, Birmingham
2. Mountain Brook, Mountain Brook
3. Alabama School of Mathematics and Science, Mobile
4. Booker T. Washington Magnet High School, Montgomery
5. estavia Hills High School, Vestavia Hills
6. Oak Mountain High School, Birmingham
7. Spain Park High School, Hoover
8. Huntsville High School, Huntsville
9. New Century Technology High School, Huntsville
10. Auburn High School, Auburn
11. Virgil I. Grissom High School, Huntsville
12. Homewood High School, Homewood
13. Bob Jones High School, Madison
14. Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School, Montgomery
15. Athens High School, Athens
16. Hartselle High School, Hartselle
17. Ramsay High School, Birmingham
18. Florence High School, Florence
19. Cullman High School, Cullman
20. Hewitt Trussville High School, Trussville

On Signing Day ASMS seniors wore clothing that revealed which college they will attend in the fall.