AMS Principal's Weekly Update 5-6-22
Dear AMS Students and Families,
Last Thursday, I accompanied 120 8th graders and 20 adults for a 3 day trip to Washington DC. This is an optional trip taken by 8th graders each spring, however due to the pandemic, it had been 2 years since our last visit to DC. After departing on Thursday morning around 6:00 a.m. and spending almost 10 hours on the road, our first stop was in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to learn more about The Battle of Gettysburg and its impact on the civil war. Students saw a short film documentary, watched a simulated 360 degree light show mural, then took a bus tour of the Gettysburg Battlefield. The second day started with a stop at the White House followed by a visit to the newly constructed World War I Memorial. After a quick stop by a souvenir shop, we headed to the National Mall where students went to the National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural Science, and The National Archives Museum. The day wrapped up with visiting the Iwo Jima Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Roosevelt Memorial, and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Our last day of the trip consisted of an exterior visit to the U.S. Capitol, U.S. Supreme Court, and Library of Congress. We then visited Ford's Theater where President Lincoln was assassinated. After lunch we visited Arlington National Cemetery and watched the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldiers. This was followed by a quick visit to the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. The trip wrapped up Saturday evening with a visit to the Korean War, Vietnam War, WW2, and Lincoln Memorials.
While the students had a great time and many great memories were made last week, unfortunately, upon our return from Washington DC, we experienced a Covid outbreak. Approximately 28 students and 2 adult chaperones have contracted Covid since returning. We have followed all county and district protocols in handling this outbreak. With this recent outbreak and overall spike in cases, here is some information to consider:
As a reminder, we offer free rapid testing Monday-Friday from 7:15-8:00 AM at the Administrative Offices building (Tyndall) located at 14501 Talbot in the city of Oak Park.
Additionally, Oakland County Health Division has a comprehensive webpage with information about COVID-19, symptoms and testing sites. You may find this website helpful.
If at anytime you have any questions or would like additional testing kits, please contact our school office or our school nurse, Jillian Langevin at 248-837-8012.
For those 8th graders who attended the DC trip. it is recommended to continue testing through the weekend.
I also recommend masking as a precautionary measure to mitigate spread until Oakland County is downgraded back to a low level. Currently, Oakland County is at a medium level.
This week was Staff Appreciation Week. I would like to thank our PTSA for providing snacks, breakfast items, gifts, and a catered lunch from The Lunch Cafe in Berkley. In honor of Staff Appreciation Week, I want to give a shout out to all the fantastic educators and support staff out there, but especially the staff at Anderson Middle School. These are some of the hardest working, most dedicated, and caring individuals I know who go above and beyond the call of duty everyday to provide an outstanding experience for our students. It is truly a privilege to work with them every single day which is why they are the #BerkleyDifference!
Many of you in the community may know Deena Goedge, mother of Faith, Lauren, and Claire Goedge. Deena was diagnosed a while back with cancer and sadly, it has progressed to the point that she is now in hospice care. One of Deena's wishes was to see her 12th grade daughter Lauren receive her high school diploma and her 8th grade daughter Claire receive her 8th grade promotion certificate. To make that happen, BHS Principal Andy Meloche visited Deena's hospital room on Wednesday to present Lauren, dressed in her cap and gown, with her high school diploma. Yesterday, I visited Deena's hospital room to present Claire with her 8th Grade Promotion certificate. It was comforting to know that Deena's wishes could be granted. As I held Deena's hand right before I left, my eyes welted with tears knowing Deena's time was limited and her daughters would soon be without their mother, something no child should ever have to experience. Please join me in keeping the Goedge family in your thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time.
School News
Upcoming Dates
Monday 5-9-22
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
Track Home v. Detroit Country Day @ 4:30
NJHS Induction 6:00 p.m. in the AMS Courtyard
Tuesday 5-10-22
Student Council Meeting 3:20 in room 200
NJHS Meeting 3:20 in room 105.
Baseball at East Hills @ 4:30
Softball Home v. East Hills @ 4:30
AMS Junior String Extravaganza 7:00 pm. in the AMS Gym
AMS PTSA Meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Media Center
Wednesday 5-11-22
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
Softball at Ferndale @ 4:30
Thursday 5-12-22
Homework Club
Art Club 3:20-4:10 in Room 110
Baseball at Cranbrook @ 4:30
Tennis Home v. Derby @ 4:30
Baseball at Ferndale @ 4:30
Friday 5-13-22
No Scheduled Events
National Junior Honor Society Induction
The NJHS Induction Ceremony will take place next Monday, May 9, at 6:00 p.m. The ceremony will be held outside in the rear courtyard. Chairs will be setup for the inductees, however parents should bring a lawn chair to watch the ceremony. The weather forecast calls for pleasant weather on Monday, however in the event of rain, the induction ceremony will be held inside either in the cafeteria or the gym. If you have any questions about the NJHS induction , please contact NJHS sponsor, Mr. Johnson.
MSTEP Make-Up Testing
Now that regular MSTEP testing is complete, we will begin calling students down to do make-up testing due to either being absent or not finishing. If your child has not started or completed any parts of the MSTEP test, they will be called down over the next two weeks to complete any incomplete portions.
AMS Band Donation Drive
The AMS Band program is currently holding a donation drive. Donations will be used for equipment upkeep and replacement, an overhaul of our music library, percussion instruments, performances, and all other expenses to help make the experiences these hard working kids have, memorable. Your donation is greatly appreciated and you will receive a tax-deductible receipt. If you would like to help support the AMS Band program, please click on AMS Band Donation Drive.
Off to the Races
Please join us at the Berkley Education Foundation’s Off to the Races fundraiser on May 14, 2022 at 6:30 pm at Club Venetian in Madison Heights. The Berkley Education Foundation (BEF) is a non-profit organization that raises funds to support all students in the Berkley Schools. Their purpose is to maintain and enhance educational opportunities and programs for Berkley Schools students. Every dollar the BEF raises during Off to the Races supports teacher innovation-grants, the free elementary enrichment program, student scholarships and the 8th grade college tour program.
How has the BEF impacted Anderson?
Enrichment Courses: The BEF has supported AMS students who have enrolled in the Yoga free enrichment course since 2018.
Teacher Innovation-Grants: The BEF has funded 14 teacher innovation-grants since 2017, including: Raz-Kids, online literacy skills tool, games for all to use during lunch, a mini-kitchen, breakout boxes, Vernier LabQuest science equipment, executive functioning games, visiting authors and school store.
8th Grade College Tours: The BEF sends all 8th graders on college tours each year. Students typically experience the college campus, dorm rooms, eating lunch in a residential hall and learning what they need to focus on in high school to achieve their goals.
Off to the Races Details
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Saturday, May 14, 20226:30-10 pm
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Club Venetian, Madison Heights
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$30/ticket
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The event includes simulated horse racing, owning & naming horses, a silent auction (powered by mobile bidding), a vacation give-away, and most importantly, funding the #BerkleyDifference.
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It is a fun event and I hope to see you there. You can learn more and buy tickets on the Off to the Races website.
- If you can’t make it, consider buying and naming a horse to run in the races for $50
March Miracle
The first annual March Miracle basketball tournament at AMS will take place from May 17-20. Anderson will be promoting physical fitness and community service through this fun basketball event. All students grades 6-8 can participate, while raising money for Camp Casey, whose mission is to provide safe, fun experiences for children and families affected by childhood cancer, rare blood disorders, and other life-threatening illnesses through accessible horseback riding programs. We hope this inaugural year kicks off a future of successful March Miracle tournaments. For more information about how students can participate to support this worthy cause, please click on March Miracle Information. For students to participate, they must turn in a signed waiver and participation form by Wednesday, May 11 (extended from May 6) to Mrs. Saltsman in room 101. If you know of a local business that would like to be a sponsor for this event, please click on the March Miracle Sponsor Form. Lastly, we are still in need of concession donations with proceeds also benefitting Camp Casey. If you would like to sign-up to donate concession items, please click on the March Miracle Concession Sign-Up
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 May, please click AMS May Lunch Menu.
Boys Tennis - The schedule for the season is listed below and all matches start at 4:30. If you have any questions about boys tennis, please contact Coach Robert Hall.
April 20 Home v. Covington
April 26 @ Cranbrook
April 27 Home v. West Hills
May 2 @ Detroit Country Day
May 4 Home v. East Hills
May 10 Home v. Bloomfield Hills
May 12 Home v. Derby
May 17 Home v. Berkshire
May 19 Home v. Cranbrook
May 24 @ Bloomfield Hills
May 26 @ Berkshire
Baseball - The schedule for the season is listed below and all games start at 4:30. If you have any questions about baseball, please contact Coach Tyler Smith.
April 19 @ Ferndale
April 26 @ East Hills
April 28 @ Cranbrook
May 3 @ West Hills
May 5 @ Detroit Country Day
May 10 @ East Hills
May 12 @ Ferndale
May 17 @ West Hills
May 19 @ West Hills
Softball - The schedule for the season is listed below and all games start at 4:30. If you have any questions about softball, please contact Coach Patti Kidd.
April 19 Home v. Ferndale
April 21 Home v. Novi
April 26 Home v. Bloomfield Hills
May 3 @ West Hills
May 5 @ Detroit Country Day
May 10 Home v. East Hills
May 11 @ Ferndale
May 17 @ Novi
May 19 @ Bloomfield Hills
Track and Field - For information about Track and Field, please click on Berkley Middle School Track and Field 2022 . The schedule for the season is listed below and all meets start at 4:30 For questions about Track and Field, please contact Coach Beth Hanna.
April 20 Home v. Oak Park
April 28 @ Ferndale
May 6 @ Hazel Park
May 9 Home v. Detroit Country Day
May 16 Home v. Royal Oak
Golf - You can find detailed information about the middle school golf team, by clicking on Middle School Golf 2022. If you have any questions, please contact the girls Coach Sue Ciaravino, or the boys Coach Brett Grier. To access the golf practice and match schedule, please click on Middle School Golf Schedule 2022.
Open Wrestling - Starting April 12th, Berkley Wrestling will be hosting open practice in the BHS wrestling room every Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm. This opportunity is open to all students grades 6-12. No experience necessary. For questions, please contact BHS Wrestling Coach Ron Fritz.
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 the 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.
May 10 - Meeting
May 24 - Meeting
June 7 Last Meeting
June 10 Decorate 8th grade hallway for Clap Out
National Junior Honor Society - The last NJHS meeting for the year will take place on May 10 in room 105 at 3:20. For questions, please contact NJHS sponsor Mr. Johnson.
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, May 10, 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, May 19 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
Schmidt Family GoFundMe
The Schmidt Family needs our help!. Dave and Colleen Schmidt have five boys under 12 and another baby boy due in 3 weeks. Colleen is a stay-at-home mom, and Dave is the sole provider for the family. Dave had a cardiac event last week, is in heart failure, and unable to work. He is a flooring installer and will never be able to return to his job. He will be a heart patient for the rest of his life, and the entire family will have to redefine their new normal. Many in the community may know Dave, who is the president of the Berkley Dads Club. Between he and Colleen they have spent the last ten years volunteering literally thousands hours coaching teams, creating schedules, doing field maintenance, designing and distributing uniforms, being advocates for youth sports and recreation in our city not to mention the untold and unseen activities that go along with running a youth organization this size. Many, many families have benefitted from their hard work and generosity and now they need the community to lift them up and help them navigate this difficult transition. To learn more about how you can help, please click on the GoFundMe Page that has been set up to help support the Schmidt family.
Walk to Cure Arthritis 2022
On June 5, there will be a fundraising walk organized by the Arthritis Foundation. It will be held at Jimmy Johns field and provides complimentary concessions and tickets to a ballpark game after the walk. We have a number of students in the district who experience Juvenile Arthritis. We also have a number of educators who live with arthritis. Your support funds research and education to hopefully find a cure for Arthritis. Support one of AMS's very own students, Guiliana Pietraszewski's team at https://events.arthritis.org/team/27420 or grab a group of friends and create your own team. For more information, please click on 2022 Walk to Cure Arthritis .
Berkley Days Race Marshalls Needed
Berkley Days is back and the event coordinators are looking for students to work the race on the morning of May 14th in exchange for a free wristband. If you are interested in helping out, please click on Berkley Days Race Marshall Sign-Up
Berkley Parks and Rec Summer Volleyball Camp
Volleyball Camp 2022, July 18th - 22nd
Girls - 9:00 am - 11:30 am; Boys - 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Camp Directors Theresa Stanicuk Cabalum and her staff with over 25 years of coaching experience
Cost - $70 - includes t-shirt, fun competitions, building fundamental skills, and game strategies.
Register at Berkley Parks & Rec Website
Next week's weekly update will likely be delayed as I will be with our 8th Graders in Washington DC through Sunday morning.
Have a great weekend!
