AMS Principal's Weekly Update 3-11-22
Dear AMS Students and Families,
It was a great week at AMS! On Thursday, our students had the opportunity to listen to a phenomenal presentation from author Marc Tyler Nobleman. Marc's presentation centers around the extensive research he did that resulted in uncovering the co-creator of Batman, Bill Finger. Until 2015, Bob Kane, was considered to be the sole creator of Batman. Marc's book, Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman changed history, inspiring the unprecedented feature documentary Batman & Bill. Personally, I found his presentation fascinating and it really resonated with our students and staff. Furthermore, while being inspired by his story, our students gained a more indepth perspective about the research process, writing process, and the impact that one person can make to potentially rewrite history.
Funding for this author visit was a joint effort between AMS, The AMS PTSA, The Berkley Education Foundation, the AMS Read-A-Thon, and Scholastic Book Fair sales. I would also like to extend a special thanks to Mrs. Watson for all of her work in bringing this opportunity to our students and Mrs. Bajorek who was instrumental in helping to structure the day so that each grade could independently hear the presentation. Marc’s books can be purchased online until March 17 using the link below; late sales will not be accepted. Marc will also 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.
Upcoming Dates
Monday 3-14-22
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
Wrestling Home v. Ferndale @ 4:30
Tuesday 3-15-22
Yoga 3:30-4:15 in Room 114
Volleyball Home v. Royal Oak @ 4:30
BHS Incoming 9th Grade Parent Information Night 7:00 p.m. in the BHS Auditorium
Wednesday 3-16-22
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 League Meet @ Bloomfield Hills
Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Thursday 3-17-22
1/2 Day Student Dismissal at 11:30
Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences 12:30-3:00 p.m. & 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Volleyball Home v. Oak Park @ 4:30
Wrestling at Hazel Park @ 4:30
Berkley African American Parent Network Meeting 7:00 p.m. @ Norup
Friday 3-18-22
Wrestling Home v. Royal Oak @ 4:30
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 has been extended through March 13!
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
Parent-Teacher Conferences
March 16 and 17
Spring virtual parent- teacher conferences will take place next week on the following dates:
Wednesday, March 16, from 5:30-8:00 p.m.
and
Thursday, March 17, from 12:30-3:00 p.m. and 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Each conference is intended to be no more than 5 minutes to allow for each teacher to provide a quick update on student progress. It is important to note that some teachers will not be available for all time slots due to either being part-time at AMS or having a conflict with another school related event. If you have not already done so, please click the link below to sign up for a virtual conference with each of your child's teachers.
AMS Grounds Clean-Up
Now that we are approaching spring, the grounds at AMS could use a little sprucing up. To help in these efforts, a voluntary spring clean-up will take place on March 15 (and March 23 if needed), April 13, and May 11. For more information on how you can help with this initiative, please contact AMS parent, Lynne Croteau.
AMS Scholastic Book Fair!
The AMS Scholastic Book Fair began today and will run 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 still 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.
- If your family is currently experiencing a family financial hardship and you would like assistance in purchasing a book for your child, please complete the Book Fair Assistance Form for your child to be eligible to receive a free book of their choice.
AMS Read-A-Thon March 18
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.
Athletics
Boys Tennis - There will be a pre-season meeting on Wednesday March 16, right after school in room 114. 6-8th Grade boys interested in participating must have a physical completed on or after April 15, 2021. Practices will begin on March 26. If you have any questions about boys tennis, please contact Coach Robert Hall.
Baseball - There will be a pre-season meeting on Monday March 14, right after school in the Home-Ec room. 7th and 8th grade students interested in participating must have a physical completed on or after April 15, 2021. If you have any questions about boys tennis, please contact Coach Tyler Smith.
Golf - There will be a pre-season meeting on Monday, March 21, at 7:00 p.m. in the AMS Cafeteria. 6-8th Grade boys and girls interested in participating must have a physical completed on or after April 15, 2021. For more detailed information about the middle school golf team, please click on Middle School Golf 2022. If you have any questions, please contact the girls Coach Sue Ciaravino, or the boys Coach Brett Grier.
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.
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.
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 - Below are dates pertaining to Student Council for the remainder of the year. Meetings take place in room 200 at 3:20 and will last approximately 30 minutes. For questions, please contact Student Council sponsor Mrs. Alderman.
March 8 - Meeting
March 22 - Meeting
April 5 - Meeting
April 19 - Meeting
April 29 Spring Dance
May 10 - Meeting
May 24 - Meeting
June 7 Last Meeting
June 10 Decorate 8th grade hallway for Clap Out
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.
Kindness Club - (Kindness Club has been put on hold until we return from spring break). 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, April 12, 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
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Michael Ross
AMS Principal
Direct Line: (248) 837-8201
Email: michael.ross@berkleyschools.org
