AMS Principal's Weekly Update 3-4-22
Dear AMS Students and Families,
As you know, this week, we returned to school with masks being optional. First thing Monday morning, I addressed our students about the importance of respecting the choices of those whose decision, as it pertains to mask wearing, may be different than their own. I am happy to share that this week has gone exceptionally well. I have seen nothing but respect and expect students to continue respecting the choices that others are making. Personally, it was a welcome sight to see the smiles on students' faces and I know all of us look forward to seeing more smiles throughout the remainder of the school year.
If you drove through the rear parking lot this week, you clearly noticed the large semi-truck parked in our lot. Through a partnership with Oakland Schools, we were able to allow for 6th grade students from AMS and Norup to visit the mobile STEMi truck. The STEMi program provides for up to 40 learners at a time to access 1,000 square feet of interactive high-tech industry equipment. The goal is for learners to build career awareness and self-efficacy through hands-on experiences with autonomous vehicles, collaborative robots, extended reality and smart manufacturing. I joined one of our classes this week and was highly impressed with what the STEMi mobile lab had to offer. Thank you to Oakland Schools for bringing this hands-on career based experience to our students.
Before I get to other school updates, I wanted to share with our school community that Jim Cowdrey, our beloved Assistant Principal, will be retiring at the end of this year after a successful 22 year run with Berkley Schools. During his career, Mr. Cowdrey has been a valuable member of our school community, positively impacting thousands of students throughout his career. I have personally enjoyed working directly with Mr. Cowdrey side-by-side for the last 8 years and will deeply miss his presence next year. Please join me in expressing our sincerest gratitude for his years of service to the district over the last 22 years along with wishing him well in his retirement and future endeavors.
A Heartfelt Message from Mr. Cowdrey
It is with mixed emotions that I am announcing my retirement from public education at the end of this school year. I came to Berkley in the fall of 1998 as a teacher and football coach at Berkley High School before moving to Anderson in October of 1999. Prior to coming to Berkley I had taught and coached in Mt. Pleasant and Bad Axe public schools. I have very much enjoyed my time in education and in Berkley specifically. The reason that I came here back in '98 was the very nice people that I met on my first visit. Berkley is and always has been a very friendly and welcoming community. I have always felt that we have had great students and supportive families here at Anderson. While I will miss the teachers, staff and the students that I have worked with I look forward to spending more time with my wife, Whitney, and our six adult children. I will continue to work in my son's lawn and landscape business and most importantly continue to run the Berkley ski club. Thank you to all of the people that have made Berkley a great place to learn and work.
Upcoming Dates
Monday 3-7-22
First Robotics 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 Swimming at Bloomfield Hills @ 4:30
Tuesday 3-8-22
Yoga 3:30-4:15 in Room 114
Volleyball at Hazel Park @ 4:30
Wrestling Home v. Farmington Warner @ 4:30
PTSA Meeting @ 7:00 p.m. in the AMS Media Center
Wednesday 3-9-22
Dungeons and Dragons Club 3:20-4:10 in Room 113
Homework Club 3:20-4:10 in the Media Center
Rainbow Room 3:20-4:10 in room 110
Boys Swimming at Cranbrook @ 4:30
Thursday 3-10-22
Homework Club 3:20-4:10 in the Media Center
Kindness Club 3:20-4:10 in the Choir Room
Art Club 3:20-4:10 in room 110
Volleyball at Farmington Power @ 4:30
Wrestling Home v. Farmington East @ 4:30
Friday 3-11-22
No Scheduled Events
Anderson PTSA Media Center
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Project
Inclusion matters. Feeling a sense of belonging matters. Our students' social and emotional health matters. One of the goals of the Berkley Schools proposed new Strategic Plan includes Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). One of the strategies mentioned is to create a place of belonging in which diverse backgrounds, identities, strengths, and challenges are respected and honored. The PTSA would like to help out by stocking the Media Center with current titles that represent ALL of the students and staff at Anderson Middle School. Please check out the fundraiser page on Bonfire.com. Show your school spirit and help us update our Media Center! This opportunity ends this Sunday, March 7!
Check out the Anderson PTSA Media Center DEI Project
If you would like to provide book suggestions, please fill out the AMS Wishlist Book Consideration Form
Author Coming to AMS March 10!
On March 10th, author Marc Tyler Nobleman will be visiting our students to talk about the extensive research that resulted in his book Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman (which changed history, inspiring the unprecedented feature documentary Batman & Bill and a TED Talk). Bringing this author to our school has been a joint effort thanks to the Anderson PTSA, a BEF (grant), the AMS Read-a-Thon, Scholastic book fair sales and Mr. Ross for sponsoring this event. Marc’s books can be purchased online until March 17, late sales will not be accepted. Marc Tyler Nobleman will personalize book plates with FIRST NAMES ONLY. After March 17, book orders will be shipped to Anderson Middle School and delivered to students. Marc Tyler Nobleman’s online book sales link.
AMS Scholastic Book Fair Coming in March!
AMS will be holding a Scholastic Book Fair from March 11-18. Below is more detailed information about this spring's book fair
- Family Night is Wednesday, March 16th from 5:30 - 8:30PM. Families may come up to AMS to during this time to shop the book fair
- Students will visit with their ELA Classes from March 11 - March 18 and can purchase books and items sold at the book fair.
- Volunteers are needed! If you are interested in helping, please click on the book fair volunteer Sign Up Genius link and the Berkley volunteer requirements.
- To add eWallet funds for a student to shop cashless at school or to shop the online book fair visit our book fair website.
AMS Read-A-Thon March 18
Friday, March 18th
How many pages can you read in 70 Minutes?
In your Language Arts Class:
- Read
- Relax in your PJs
- Donate to support the Author Visit
To donate, please visit the AMS Read-A-Thon Donation Page
BHS 9th Grade Parent Information Night
Berkley High School will be hosting Incoming 9th Grade Parent Information Night on Tuesday, March 15, at 7:00 p.m. in the BHS Auditorium. The presentation is expected to last around 45 minutes and will cover transition information, the scheduling process, and several other high school related items.
Lunch Options
Students have the option to bring their own lunch or get a school lunch. 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 March, please click on the March Lunch Menu
Girls Volleyball - For questions about volleyball, please contact 7th Grade Coach Steve Hanna or 8th Grade Coach Theresa Cabalum. Below is the schedule for the season and all games begin at 4:30 unless otherwise noted:
2/8 @ Farmington Warner
2/10 Home v. Clarenceville
2/14 Home v. Norup
2/17 Home v. Farmington Steam (Canceled)
3/1 @ Farmington East
3/3 Home v. Ferndale
3/8 @ Hazel Park
3/10 @ Farmington Power
3/15 Home v. Royal Oak
3/17 Home v. Oak Park
3/22 @ Norup
3/24 Home v. Farmington Power
Boys Swimming - For any questions related to boys swimming, please contact Coach Erin Roddis. Below is the schedule for the season with most meets starting around 4:30. Pictures for swimming will take place on March 10
2/2 at East Hills
2/9 at Birmingham Covington
2/16 at Birmingham Derby
2/28 Home v. West Hills
3/2 Home v. Birmingham Berkshire
3/7 at Bloomfield Hills MS
3/9 at Cranbrook
3/16 League Meet at Bloomfield Hills MS
Wrestling - For any questions related to wrestling, please contact Coach Brian Bailey Below is the schedule for the season with most meets starting at 4:30. Pictures for wrestling will take place on March 9
2/15 @ Farmington Warner
2/17 @Farmington East (Canceled)
3/1 Home v. Farmington Power
3/8 Home v. Farmington Warner
3/10 Home v. Farmington East
3/14 Home v. Ferndale
3/17 @ Hazel Park
3/18 Home v. Royal Oak
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:
Student Council - For questions, please contact Student Council sponsor Mrs. Alderman.
National Junior Honor Society - NJHS members will meet in room 105 at 3:20 on the following dates: March 22, and April 12. For questions, please contact NJHS sponsor Mr. Johnson.
Yoga/Mindfulness - Yoga takes place every Tuesday 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.
Kindness Club - The Kindness Club takes place every Thursday from 3:20-4:10 in the Choir room. The Kindness Club has a focus on kindness and respect towards others within our school community. To help guide conversations, videos produced by Dhar Mann, an inspirational figure, will be used to 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. All are welcome! If you have any questions about the Kindness Club, please contact Mr. Ross.
First Robotics Team (not affiliated with the Robotics class at AMS) - First Robotics Team meetings take place every Monday at 4:00 p.m. 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 - Art Club takes place every Thursday from 3:20-4:10 in room 110 through May 26. There will be a 25 student limit with participants established within the first week. 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. The next PTSA meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 8, at 7:00 p.m in the AMS Media Center.
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, March 17 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
There are no community events to share at this time
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Michael Ross
AMS Principal
Direct Line: (248) 837-8201
Email: michael.ross@berkleyschools.org
