Principal’s Message | Attendance | Building Hours & Bell Schedule | School Supply Lists
Principal’s Message
A brand new school year is here, and A.A. Kingston Middle School is ready to shine! Home to over 400 incredible students in Grades 5–8, A.A.K. is a place where home, school, and community unite to unlock every student’s full potential.
The 2026-2027 school year will be packed with growth, achievement, and lasting memories. We can’t wait to support our students as they tackle new ideas, build strong friendships, and discover their unique strengths.
At A.A.K., we believe learning should be an adventure. That’s why we offer diverse elective courses that give students a voice in their education through personalized, hands-on learning. From interactive classroom projects to dynamic enrichment opportunities outside our walls, we are dedicated to expanding our students’ horizons.
None of this is possible without the support from our faculty, families, and community. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our students. Let’s team up to make this year an extraordinary journey for our entire school community!
Sincerely,
Daniel O. Cook
A. A. Kingston Middle School Principal
Attendance
Regular attendance at school (or work) is a desirable habit to develop. Regular attendance demonstrates that parents and students place a high degree of importance and emphasis on education.
The State of New York requires regular attendance by school-age students. Potsdam Central School District also believes that regular attendance by its students is necessary for them to obtain an adequate understanding of instruction and materials presented by its teachers and programs of studies.
View the Potsdam Central School District Attendance Policy.
Reporting an Absence
If a student is absent from school, the parent should call the school nurse to explain the absence.
School Nurse: Mrs. Shelly
Phone: (315) 265-2000 x 36522
Mrs. Shelly will contact parents after three consecutive days absent, if there is no previous contact with the nurse or other staff members. Upon the student’s return, it is required that they present a written and signed excuse for each absence, indicating the reason for absence.
A student participating in after school activities, such as sporting events, musical events, field trips, may not miss more than two hours of school on the day of the event to be eligible to participate that day. Exceptions may be made by the building principal, for students presenting with a doctor’s note.
Attendance Guidelines
It is essential that all students be present every day possible. For this reason, specific guidelines have been established for students who miss classes frequently. Students are responsible for making up all work missed during any absence, regardless of reason for absence. The method and time requirement to make up the work is at the teachers’ discretion. Some lessons require class participation and may not be able to be made up. Any student who misses a class must take the responsibility to check with the teacher regarding what work must be completed. A student who misses a class due to a tardy must see the teacher that day.
Our guidelines are intended to hold parents and students responsible. Our goal is to encourage a good attendance habit for all A.A.K. students which will carry into high school.
Procedure:
- If a student accumulates 8 absences, a letter will be sent to the parent/guardian.
- If a student surpasses 16 absences, a letter will be sent to the parent/guardian and a parent/guardian conference may be requested.
- When the number of absences reaches 24, a letter will be sent to the parent/guardian, a second conference will be scheduled and the student may be referred to Family Court.
Types of Absences
Legal/Excused
School sponsored and/or approved classes, trips, assemblies, and other school events. Illness, illness or death in the family, religious observance, quarantine, required court appearance, college or school visit, funerals, necessary medical appointments, and military obligations.
Illegal/Unexcused
Any absence or tardiness without a written excuse from the parent. Truancy, vacation, family trips and visits, babysitting, obtaining permits, hair appointments, avoidable medical appointments, non-school sponsored sporting events, shopping, etc.
Suspension
An absence from class(es) due to a school-imposed disciplinary suspension is a special type of absence termed “suspension.”
Building Hours & Bell Schedule
The official building hours are 7:28 a.m. – 2:05 p.m. The doors open at 7 a.m. on school days.
Homeroom
7:28 – 7:30 a.m.
Period 1
7:30 – 8:09 a.m.
Period 2
8:09 – 8:49 a.m.
Period 3
8:49 – 9:28 a.m.
Period 4
9:28 – 10:08 a.m.
Period 5A
10:08 – 10:28 a.m. (Grade 5 Lunch A)
Period 5B
10:28 – 10:47 a.m. (Grade 5 Lunch B)
Period 6A
10:47 – 11:07 a.m. (Grade 6 Lunch A)
Period 6B
11:07 – 11:27 a.m. (Grade 6 Lunch B)
Period 7A
11:27 – 11:47 a.m. (Grade 7 Lunch A)
Period 7B
11:47 a.m. – 12:06 p.m. (Grade 7 Lunch B)
Period 8A
12:06 – 12:26 p.m. (Grade 8 Lunch A)
Period 8B
12:26 – 12:46 p.m. (Grade 8 Lunch B)
Period 9
12:46 – 1:25 p.m.
Period 10
1:25 – 2:05 p.m.
A. A. Kingston Middle School Links
Contact A. A. Kingston Middle School
54 Lawrence Avenue
Potsdam, NY 13676
Phone: (315) 265-2000
Fax: (315) 265-2048
Principal: Daniel Cook
Middle School School Supply Lists
