AMS Principal's Weekly Update 12-10-21
Dear AMS Students and Families,
After an emotional week last week, I hope having an extended weekend helped bring some calm to our school community. It will take some time to heal from last week's school tragedy that devastated the Oxford community and caused a ripple effect throughout our area, state, and nation. This week, district administrators and central office administration met to discuss additional safety measures to help keep our students and staff safe. While it will take a little time to put some of these measures in place, there are 3 simple things we can all do immediately to help reduce the potential for these senseless school tragedies from occurring.
- Practice kindness and respect. In many of these school tragedies, students have felt picked on or bullied to the extent that it brought about thoughts of harm to others. While we continuously promote kindness with our students and promptly address reported bullying, practicing kindness, compassion, and respect can only serve to make all students feel included and valued. I would ask that we all try to practice a little more kindness and respect towards one another. One of my favorite quotes is, "In a world where you can be anything, be kind!"
- Use social media responsibly. As we saw last week, students in other districts used social media to post non-credible threats that caused school districts to shut down unnecessarily. As a result, I can there are approximately 15 children in Oakland County Children's Village who have been charged and detained as a result. There are additional students in other counties as well who have been arrested and detained for these bogus threats. These acts are not being tolerated and anyone who has made or makes these types of threats are being dealt with severely. While we have not had any students post any threats in our district, in the general sense, it is vital that our students start thinking more about what they are posting online.
- If you see or hear something that indicates that someone wants to harm themselves or others, say something immediately! I shared this point with our students and staff last week, but it can not be said enough. In most cases, when a student or parent says something when they become aware of a potential harm situation, it is the most effective preventative measure that can be taken and can often be the difference between prevention and tragedy. In the school news below is information about an anonymous resource called OK2SAY. I would encourage anyone who becomes aware of a harmful situation to use OK2SAY. Anything reported to OK2SAY will be reported to me as soon as it has been reported to them. Of course, students and families are always welcome to contact me directly, even if it is after school hours, if they come across anything concerning as I often check email up until around 9:00 p.m.
To our students, I would ask that you reflect on how you behave towards others both in person and online and to our parents, I would ask that you reiterate these points to your child so that you are taking a proactive approach in preventing negative behaviors towards others.
On Thursday night, we held our first live indoor band concert in almost 2 years. This year, because our 6th graders did not take music in 5th grade, we felt it best to have two 6th grade band classes and two 6th grade orchestra classes to help with beginning musicians. It was extra special having our band students perform for a live audience. Job well done by Mr. Engle and all of our band students!
Lastly, Monday brought the opening of our new school cafeteria. With such a rough week last week, it warmed my heart to see the joy on students' faces as they entered the new space. Being able to provide a positive experience in the wake of one negative experience after another was fulfilling. As I walked around and asked students their opinion of the new space, they could not say enough about how awesome the new space is. In case you missed the grand opening video sent in this week's Berkley Beat, click here to get an inside glimpse of our beautiful new space!
Upcoming Dates
Monday 12-13-21
First Robotics Team 4:00-6:00 in Room 114
Gaming Club 3:20-4:10 in room 113
Anime Club 3:20-4:10 in room 100
Homework Club 3:20-4:10 in the Media Center
Boys Basketball at Royal Oak
Girls Swimming Home v. Cranbrook
7th and 8th Grade Girls Volleyball Open Gym 3:15-4:30
Tuesday 12-14-21
8th Grade Choir and BHS Choir Concert 7:00 p.m. in the BHS Auditorium
Wednesday 12-15-21
Rainbow Room Club 3:20-4:10 in Room 110
Dungeons and Dragons Club 3:20-4:10 in Room 113
Homework Club 3:20-4:10 in the Media Center
Boys Basketball v. Norup at BHS West Gym at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday 12-16-21
Homework Club 3:20-4:10 in the Media Center
First Robotics 4:00-5:00 in room 114
Girls Swimming Home v. Berkshire
Berkley African American Parent Network Meeting 7:00 p.m. at Norup
Friday 12-17-21
No Scheduled Events
Spirit Week December 13-17
As we approach the winter break, we could all use a little fun. With that, we will be promoting theme days next week. Unlike previous sprit weeks, we will not be holding a grade level competition, however students and staff are encouraged to participate for simple fun. Here are the themes for next week:
Monday 12-13-21: AMS Spirit Wear
Tuesday 12-14-21: Pajama Day
Wednesday 12-15-21: Crazy Socks Day
Thursday 12-16-21: Winter White Out (Wear White)
Friday 12-17-21: Festive Friday (Wear festive or holiday wear for a holiday that you celebrate during this time of year)
Notification of Illnesses
If your child is ill, please call AMS and let us know of their illness. We have a had a few recent cases where a student tested positive for Covid and we were not notified. Additionally if a member of a household tests positive, please let us know right away. We have very specific protocols and quarantine guidelines that need to be followed for both the student who tests positive and any close contacts that are identified.
International Academy Informational Visit for 8th Grade
A representative from the International Academy will be at AMS on January 6 to share information with 8th Graders about the IA requirements, application process, and program offerings. The International Academy is a public, tuition free high school, comprised of students from 10 Oakland County school districts, including Berkley, featuring a rigorous international baccalaureate curriculum. Applications are now open for consideration for enrollment for the 2022-23 school year. To learn more about the International Academy, please click on the IA Informational Page.
OK2SAY
OK2SAY is a student safety program which allows students to confidentially report tips on potential harm or criminal activities directed at students, school employees, and schools. It uses a comprehensive communication system to facilitate tip sharing among students, parents, school personnel, community mental health service programs, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and law enforcement officials about harmful behaviors that threaten to disrupt the learning environment. For more information please click on OK2SAY.
December Lunch Menu
As a reminder, school lunches are being offered this year free of charge to any student who wishes to get a school lunch. To view the school lunch menu for December, please click on the December Lunch Menu
Athletics
Girls Volleyball - There will be open gym for 7th and 8th grade girls interested in trying out for Volleyball on December 8 and 13 and January 5 and 12 right after school until 4:30. Official tryouts will take place January 24-28 and all participants must have a physical completed on or after April 15, 2021. For questions about volleyball, please contact 7th Grade Coach Steve Hanna or 8th Grade Coach Theresa Cabalum.
Girls Swimming - For any questions related to girls swimming, please contact Coach Erin Roddis. Below is the schedule for the season. Click on the Berkley Middle School Girls Swimming Facebook Page for more information as well!
11/23 @ Berkshire Silver
11/30 Home v. Birmingham Derby Red
12/1 @ Birmingham Covington
12/6 Home v. Bloomfield Hills MS
12/7Home v. West Hills MS
12/13 Home v. Cranbrook
12/16 Home v. Birmingham Berkshire Black
1/4 Home v. East Hills
1/6 @ Birmingham Derby White
1/11 League Meet @ Birmingham Groves
Boys Basketball - For questions about boys basketball, please contact 7th grade Coach Andre Price or 8th Grade Coach Scott Rowlett . Below is the schedule for the season and all games start at 4:30 unless otherwise noted.
11/22 @ Norup
11/29 @ Farmington Power
12/1 Home v. Hazel Park
12/6 Home v. Farmington Warner
12/8 @ Oak Park
12/13 @ Royal Oak
12/15 Home v. Norup
1/5 @ Detroit Country Day
1/10 Home v. Oak Park
1/12 @ Farmington East
1/20 Home v. Royal Oak
1/24 @ Ferndale
For all athletic related questions, please contact AMS Assistant Principal and Middle School Athletic Coordinator Mr. Cowdrey (248) 837-8202.
Student Clubs and Activities
Below are club and extra-curricular opportunities being offered to our students throughout the year. Clubs are continuously added throughout the year, so make sure to check the updates each week:
Yoga/Mindfulness - AMS will be offering a 10 session Yoga/Mindfulness class after school every Tuesday starting on January 4 through mid-March from 3:30-4:15 in room 114. This class will focus on yoga, breathing techniques, and meditation. Participation is limited to 20 students and will be granted on a first come, first served basis. Participation is free, however participants will need to purchase a yoga mat (which can be purchased at Five Below for $5.00). At this time, all 20 spots have been filled and a waiting list has been generated. If you would like your child's name added to the waiting list, please email me directly.
(NEW) - Kindness Club - AMS will be launching a new club with a focus on kindness and respect towards others within our school. To help guide conversations, we will use age appropriate videos produced by Dhar Mann, an inspirational figure whose videos promote kindness, compassion, and an awareness of how judgements can be misguided. Students who participate will help to develop schoolwide activities throughout the year that help promote kindness within our school community. The Kindness Club will take place every Thursday starting on Thursday, January 13 from 3:20-4:10 in the Choir room. All are welcome! If you have any questions about the Kindness Club, please contact Mr. Ross.
Ski Club - Ski Club is expected to begin on Friday January 8 after school from 3:30-10:00 p.m. at Mt, Holly and will take place every Friday through the end of February. If you missed the parent information meeting, or still have questions, please email club sponsor, Jim Cowdrey or call 248-928-4925. Ski club will again be offering ski edge tuning and waxing for $20. If you would like to take advantage of this service please bring your skis or boards, clearly marked with your name and phone number to AMS along with a $20 payment.
First Robotics Team (not affiliated with the Robotics class at AMS) - First Robotics Team meetings take place every Monday from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and Thursday from 4:00-5:00 in room 114. AMS parents Kevin Schokora and Martin Wekerle will serve as the coaches this season. If you have any questions about the First Robotics Team, please contact Kevin Schokora.
Art Club - There are two Art Clubs offered this year; one 1st semester and one 2nd semester. Currently, the first semester Art Club is full. Art Club takes place every Thursday after school from 3:20-4:10 in room 110. Each semester will be limited to 30 students. There will be another opportunity around the middle of January to sign-up for the second semester art club. This year, Art Club will have a focus on drawing. All skill levels are welcome. Students should bring a sketchbook and their own drawing materials. Special papers and advanced drawing mediums will be available for those that want to explore. For any questions related to Art Club, please contact Ms. Reid.
Rainbow Room - The Rainbow Room is an inclusive after school club offering for LGBTQ+ students and LGTBQ+ allies. All students are welcome to attend. The Rainbow Room Club takes place every Wednesday from 3:20-4:10 in room 110. For any questions about the Rainbow Room, please contact Ms. Reid.
Gaming Club - The Gaming Club takes place every Monday from 3:20-4:10 in room 113. Students will have the option to play video games, board games, card games, or any other game related activities. If you have any questions about the Gaming Club, please contact Mr. Morris.
Dungeons and Dragons Club - The Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) Club takes place every Wednesday from 3:20-4:10 in room 113. Students with previous experience and those wishing to learn are welcome to attend. If you have any questions about the D&D Club, please contact Mr. Morris.
Anime Club - The Anime Club takes place on Mondays from 3:20-4:10 in room 100. Anime is a style of animation originating in Japan that is characterized by stark colorful graphics depicting vibrant characters in action-filled plots often with fantastic or futuristic themes. If you have any questions about the Anime Club, please contact Mr. Stoia.
Homework Club - Homework club takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:20-4:10 in the media center. Students have the opportunity to work independently or receive extra help with homework. Students who choose to attend homework club must be working on school work or school related work.
General Information
Join the AMS PTSA!
Please consider joining the AMS PTSA. The PTSA helps support programs, classroom needs, and opportunities for our students throughout the year. While your assistance with PTSA sponsored events is always appreciated, your membership does not obligate you to volunteer for events. Joining the PTSA has never been easier. Join online by visiting the AMS PTSA membership page.
Berkley African American Parent Network
The Berkley African American Parent Network (BAAPN) is a parent run organization that works in partnership with the Berkley School District and Oakland County Schools. The BAAPN network is a way for parents with African American children in Berkley Schools to connect with each other. BAAPN is committed to supporting student engagement, high academic achievement, and increased parental involvement. For more information, please visit the BAAPN Website. The next BAAPN meeting will take place on Thursday, December 16 at 7:00 p.m. at Norup.
Receiving Parent Notifications Through Schoology
If you would like to receive email update notifications through Schoology, please follow the steps below:
- Click the dropdown menu located in the upper right corner where your child's name is listed and choose settings.
- Click on the Notifications tab
- Change email summary to "On" and set your preference for frequency of receiving notifications
- Change overdue submissions to "On" to get notified when assignments are late or missing.
Berkley High School National Honor Society Free Peer Tutoring
Did you know that students from the BHS National Honor Society offer free peer tutoring? If you child is in need of tutoring, please email me and I will email you the list of tutors. It is as simple as looking through the list, identifying a tutor that meets your child's needs, and contacting them.
Inclement Weather and Morning Entry
When there are inclement weather conditions such as rain, falling snow, and/or actual temperatures below 20 degrees, students are allowed to enter the building upon their arrival to school. Once students enter through their designated grade level door, they must wait in the hallway until 8:05.
Homework Club
Did you know that students can get assistance with homework 3 days a week at Homework Club? Homework Club is held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:20-4:10 in the media center. During this time, students can work independently on homework or receive assistance from staff.
AMS Event Calendar
Please click here for a printable version of the AMS 2021-22 Event Calendar. Please keep in mind that due to continued uncertain times, events are subject to change and events may be added or removed.
Yearbook Orders
Families can order yearbooks for the 2021-22 school year for $35.00. To order a yearbook online, please visit the Jostens AMS Yearbook Order Page. On the first page fill out the required fields but leave the homeroom field blank as students do not have a homeroom at AMS. Yearbooks will arrive around the first week of June and will be distributed to students before the end of the year.
Amazon Smile
Did you know that for every purchase you make on Amazon, a small percentage can go to benefit the AMS PTSA? All you have to do is a quick setup on the Amazon phone app and any future purchases will automatically generate a small donation to the AMS PTSA. To setup AmazonSmile on your existing Amazon phone app, please follow the directions below:
1) In the upper left hand corner select where you see the 3 horizontal lines
2) Scroll down and select settings
3) Select AmazonSmile
4) Add Anderson Middle School PTSA to your list of charities and make sure that the "generating donations" is turned on.
5) Your app should now be defaulted to AmazonSmile and any purchases you make will automatically generate a donation to the AMS PTSA.
To set up on a computer, simply go to smile.amazon.com, go into the same settings above, and setup the AMS PTSA as your charitable donation.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
Follow AMS on Facebook and Instagram. To find us, click in the search and type andersonmiddleschoolvikings to access our page. Both pages have a Viking as the profile picture.
AMS Spiritwear
Anytime is a great time to purchase AMS spirit wear. Ordering is simple through our online store with many options to choose from. To shop for AMS spirit wear, please visit the AMS Online Spirit Wear Store.
Local Happenings
Berkley Cubs 12U Baseball Going to Cooperstown!
Berkley's own 12U Cubs Baseball Team has the amazing opportunity to represent Berkley on the big fields of Cooperstown, New York - the very place baseball was born! This once in a lifetime opportunity includes playing daily tournaments, skills challenges, and a visit to the Baseball Hall of Fame. The cost to send the 12 players and their 3 volunteer coaches is $20,000, and that doesn't include travel or lodging for family members. If you would like to help support our students from across the district, please click on the Berkley Cubs 12U Cubs to Cooperstown GoFundMe Page.
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Michael Ross
AMS Principal
Direct Line: (248) 837-8201
Email: michael.ross@berkleyschools.org
