Alabama School of Mathematics and Science

The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science (ASMS) is a public residential high school in midtown Mobile, Alabama. Along with the Alabama School of Fine Arts, they are considered the state's top magnet schools and draw students from around the state. ASMS is a member of the NCSSSMST and graduated its first class in 1993.

The school was founded in 1989 as a unique public-private partnership. The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science is part of the state government, while the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science Foundation coordinates private support. It was modeled after the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics and the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts where students complete their final two or three years of high school focusing on advanced studies in mathematics and the sciences. It does not charge for tuition, books, room, or board. The only fee is an annual "activities fee" which covers class trips and other day-to-day activities.

Academics

All courses are taught at the Advanced Placement or Honors level. Most teachers at the school have a doctorate, and all have at least a masters degree. The strong academic program, which is comprehensive in the sciences as well as the humanities, is complemented by varsity and intramural sports, residential life activities, and college counseling. [http://intranet.asms.net/asmsadmissions/Courses.html] [http://intranet.asms.net/asmsadmissions/Q%26A.html]

Admission is open to all Alabama high school students via a process akin to college admissions. Initially, students could enter only as high school juniors, but in September 1998 the school also allowed sophomores to apply for entry. Students have been admitted as seniors, but this is extremely rare. [http://www.asms.net/about.htm]

Historically, the average student admitted raises his or her ACT score by five points from entry to the time of graduation. [http://intranet.asms.net/asmsadmissions/Info.html]

Facilities

The school was formerly the site of Dauphin Way Baptist Church and underwent extensive alterations to create classrooms, laboratories, and dormitories. In May 2006 the school commenced groundbreaking on the first new building since the building of the Boy's Dorm. This construction demolished the old Student Activities Center (SAC), and was completed for the start of the 2007-08 academic year. The new building, called the Ann Smith Bedsole Building, as named after one of the main founders of the school, includes a new library, reception area, several classrooms and offices, a coffee room, TV/lounge room, and games room. [http://www.asms.net/director.htm]

The girls' dormitory is spread out over two buildings, floors one through four being in the girls' dorm building, while the "fifth floor" is actually on the fourth floor of the humanities building. The boys' dormitory is contained in one two-story building. Both the boys' and girls' dorms are divided into four halls- Einstein, Curie, Newton, and Da Vinci- which compete in several contests, such as a talent show, throughout the school year to determine the year's winning house.

chool Traditions

* Geekfest

In the fall of 2004, Mike Zambrano '05, president of High Fantasy a role playing and card game club, in a collaborative effort with the Presidents of: the DDR club, Matt McCawly '05; the Anime club, Licki Kallenberg '05; and Anindo Sarker '05 organized a large, entertainment oriented event that involved the whole student body. Due to its popularity, the event became a school tradition, generally held once each trimester. The principal organizers for the 05-06 year were Jonathan Kush '06 and Jean-Jacques DeLisle '06, presidents of the anime and RPG clubs respectively. The current organization of geekfest is no longer handled by the former three clubs, but operates as an independent organization.

The event operates similar to a small fan convention, and includes activities that are predominately associated with "Geek" culture. Such activities include anime and/or film showings, a LAN party for PCs, independent console games, board games, card games, DDR, Guitar Hero, as well as other events. The event is traditionally held in the SAC, but renovations have caused the event to be moved to several different locations. During the 2006-07 year Geekfest was held in multiple areas inside the administration building. Upon the completion of the Bedsole Building, geekfest was held in areas around the first floor.

After 2005-06, Travis Ebert headed up the 2006-07 year, William Noble was in charge for 2007-08, and Tony Bernhardt is heading it up for the 2008-09 school year.

* Stress FestOn the last weekend before finals of the Spring term, the school hosts Stress Fest, designed to alleviate students stress and give them time to enjoy themselves before tests. The event mainly consists of: field games, tournaments, a rock wall, ice cream truck, tie-die t-shirts, barbecue, and live bands.

tudent Publications

* "Oculus",
* "Lingo",
* "Scales",
* Azimuth

Notable Alumni

* Virgil Griffith

External links

* [http://www.asms.net/ ASMS homepage]
* [http://www.asmsalumni.org/ ASMS Alumni Association]
* [http://community.livejournal.com/12plus1/profile Livejournal Community]