AMS Principal's Weekly Update 8-26-22
Dear AMS Students and Families,
On Monday, we officially welcomed our newest Vikings during 6th Grade Orientation. As is the case each year, there were many students who arrived eager and excited, while others arrived nervous and anxious. During the orientation, students received their schedules, had the opportunity to tour the building and walk their schedule, took school pictures and received their school ID, received a Chromebook, attended a session on organization and materials, learned about the school rules and expectations, did a quick art project, and participated in a fun game session. I hope that attending orientation helped to ease the anxiousness of starting middle school. I must give a huge shout out to Mrs. Aytes and Mrs. Bajorek for organizing 6th Grade Orientation along with the staff members that facilitated sessions and assisted students. Additionally, I would like to thank our NJHS 8th Graders who helped students transition between activities.
Upcoming Dates
Monday - August 29
1st Day of School - Doors open at 8:05 a.m.
Football Meeting at the Norup Field at 3:45 p.m.
Tuesday - August 30
No Scheduled Events
Wednesday - August 31
Cross Country Meeting 3:30 p.m. in the AMS Cafeteria
Thursday - September 1
No Scheduled Events
Friday - September 2
No School
School News
AMS School Rules and Expectations
This year's school rules and expectations were shared with 6th Grade students during 6th Grade Orientation. These rules and expectations will also be shared with 7th and 8th grade students on the second day of school. For the upcoming year, hats will not be allowed to be worn inside the building. This decision was made as part of our continuous efforts to examine our safety and security measures. For safety purposes, It is necessary to be able to fully identify all students while in the building, so for the upcoming year, we will be returning to our rule from previous years of no hats or hoods in the building. To preview this year's school rules and expectations, please click on AMS Rules and Expectations 2022-23.
Additional 6th Grade Information
In addition to the information shared at 6th Grade Orientation, there are two other pieces of information specific to 6th grade. First, 6th graders will follow an abbreviated schedule for the first day of school with planned activities geared to help 6th graders ease into middle school. Students will follow the abbreviated schedule with their 1st period class and teachers will guide students throughout the day with transitions from one activity to the next. 6th Graders should bring their Chromebook and charger on the first day of school. Also, on the first day of school, there will be a "First Day of Middle School" photo prop outside of the 6th grade door for parents and students to take pictures. Don't forget to tag any social media posts with #BSD1stDay.
7th Grade Optional Upper Peninsula Trip
An optional trip is being offered for 7th graders to visit Mackinac and the Upper Peninsula May 31-June 2, 2023. There will be an informational meeting for parents on September 17 at 6:00 p.m. in the AMS Cafeteria. For details about the trip, please click on 7th Grade AMS U.P. Trip 2023. For questions about the trip, please contact trip sponsor, Mrs. Bielecki.
8th Grade Optional Washington DC Trip
An optional trip is being offered for AMS 8th Graders to visit Washington DC April 27-30, 2023. There will be an informational meeting for parents on September 28 at 6:00 p.m. in the AMS Cafeteria. For more information about the DC trip, please click on AMS DC Trip 2023. For questions about the DC trip, please contact trip sponsor, Ms. Combs.
7th Grade Immunization Records
Up-to-date immunizations or waivers are required for students entering Kindergarten, 7th Grade, and any newly enrolled students in the Berkley School District per the Public Health Code. Nonmedical waivers must be obtained from the County Health Department. Medical waivers are obtained from a doctor. Students who do not have completed immunizations or a waiver by the Board of Education approved deadline of October 7 will begin being excluded from school until records are up to date or a waiver has been obtained. Pediatricians' offices upload vaccination information into MCIR, the state database for immunization records. We verify immunization records through MCIR, so as long as a student is up-to-date on their vaccinations, there is no action that needs to be taken. To obtain a waiver, please visit the Oakland County Health Department Website or call the numbers listed below to schedule an appointment:
North Oakland Health Center (Pontiac): 248-858-1280
South Oakland Health Center (Southfield): 248-424-7000
Updated Drop Off and Pick-up Traffic Pattern Information
Over the summer, Berkley Public Safety updated the traffic patterns and guidelines around our schools. These changes are part of a larger traffic safety plan and allow public safety quick access to our buildings at all times. Please take the time to review the changes to our new traffic pattern including new designated pick up and drop-off zones, and review the full Anderson Traffic Pattern document with a map.
- CATALPA: No stopping, standing, parking, drop-off or pickup
- ROBINA: Drop-off and pickup zone; no parking on the street
- BUS PARKING ONLY: Buses may drop students in the designated bus parking
- AMS PARKING LOT: Drop-off and pickup zone; parking in parking lot spaces only
- Berkley Public Safety will be enforcing the traffic rules
Parent Volunteer Information
All parents, guardians, or family members interested in volunteering for school-sponsored functions or field trips must complete the Parent Volunteer Form prior to any activities. If you have interest in volunteering during the school year, it is recommended to complete the volunteer form at the beginning of the year to avoid delays in processing the form. Please return completed forms to the AMS office.
School Lunch Changes and New Breakfast Program at AMS
You will recall that last year, school lunches were free for all students. Meals will no longer be free for all students. Those who may need lunch assistance should fill out the free and reduced lunch application. This can be completed in the MISTAR Parent Portal. As a reminder, qualifying for free or reduced lunch also allows for reductions to fees for athletics and other extra-curricular activities. Meal Prices for this year will not be increased in spite of increased costs. A middle school lunch cost will be $3.25 full pay and $.40 reduced price. I do not have the September lunch menu yet, but I expect to be able to share it in next week's update.
Additionally, AMS will be offering a breakfast program this year with mostly cold breakfast items being served. Starting September 12, the cafeteria will be open from 7:30-8:05 a.m. (entry cut off at 7:55) and students must enter through the cafeteria door off the parking lot. The breakfast cost will be $1.50 full pay and $.30 reduced price.
AMS 2022-23 Event Calendar
To view the AMS event calendar for 2022-23, please click on AMS Event Calendar 2022-23 Please keep in mind that due to various circumstances, events times and dates are subject to change and events maybe added or removed.
Athletics Information
Students who are interested in participating in fall sports must have a sports physical completed on or after April 15, 2022. The following sports are being offered this fall and all sports listed below are combined with Norup with the exception of Girls Basketball
Football - There will be an informational meeting after school on Monday, August 29 at 3:45 on the field behind Norup International School for 7th and 8th graders interested in playing football. For more information about Football, please contact Coach Steve Hanna or Coach Ron Fritz. Below is the schedule for the upcoming season. All games start at 4:30.
9/28/22 @ Northville
10/6/22 Home v. Clarenceville
10/12/22 Home v. East/West Hills
10/19/22 @ Ferndale
10/26/22 @ Hazel Park
11/2/22 Home v. Royal Oak
Cross Country - There will be an informational meeting on Wednesday, August 31 at 3:30 in the AMS Cafeteria for 6-8 grade students (and parents) interested in participating on the 2022 Cross Country Team. Practice will begin on September 6 and run from 3:45-4:45 as follows: Mondays and Wednesdays at AMS, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at Norup International. A full schedule and expectations will be discussed and distributed at the meeting on the 31st. For more information about Cross Country, please contact Coach Beth Hanna or Coach Athena Troher. Below is the schedule for the upcoming season. All meets start at 4:30.
9/20/22 @ Detroit Country day
9/22/22 @ Farmington East
9/29/22 Home v. Farmington Steam
10/6/22 Home v. Farmington Power
10/11/22 Home v. Farmington Warner
Basketball (Girls) - Tryouts will take place September 7, 8, and 9 from 3:30-5:00 in the AMS gym for 7th and 8th grade girls interested in playing basketball this fall. For questions about 7th grade basketball, please contact Coach Chelsea Worlds or Coach Andre Price. For questions about 8th grade basketball, please contact Coach Scott Rowlett. Below is the schedule for the upcoming season. All games start at 4:30 p.m. for 7th grade and 5:30 p.m. for 8th Grade.
9/20/22 Home v. Farmington Steam
9/27/22 Home v. Norup
9/29/22 @ Farmington Power
10/3/22 @ Ferndale
10/6/22 @ Norup
10/11/22 Home v. Farmington Warner
10/13/22 Home v. Oak Park
10/18/22 @ Farmington Steam
10/20/22 @ Clarenceville
10/25/22 Home v. Farmington East
10/27/22 @ Hazel Park
Tennis (Girls) - Fall tennis is open to girls in 6-8th grade. Tryouts will take place this Sunday, August 28 from 2:45-5:00 at the Berkley Courts located next to AMS. For more information about tennis, please contact Coach Robert Hall. Below is the schedule for the upcoming season. All meets start at 4:30.
9/19/22 @ East Hills
9/21/22 Home v. Detroit Country Day
10/3/22 Home v. West Hills
10/10/22 Home v. Bloomfield Hills
10/12/22 @ Berkshire
10/17/22 Home v. Cranbrook
10/19/22 Home v. Covington
10/24/22 @ Derby
For athletic related questions, please contact AMS Assistant Principal, Carman Smith.
Student Clubs and Organizations
Below are club and extra-curricular opportunities being offered to our students throughout the year. Start dates for each club have not been determined, however most clubs start around the 3rd week of September. Check back each week for start dates and meeting times for each club listed below.
Art Club - 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.
Rainbow Room - The Rainbow Room is an inclusive after school club offering for LGBTQ+ students and LGTBQ+ allies.
Gaming Club - Students will have the option to play video games, board games, card games, or any other game related activities.
Dungeons and Dragons Club - Students participate in Dungeons and Dragons play. Students with previous experience and those wishing to learn are welcome to attend.
Anime Club - 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.
Homework Club - 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.
Ski Club - Ski Club takes place every Friday from 3:30-10:00 at Mt. Holly from early January through the end of February. Students in grades 6-12 can snowboard or ski. Mr. Cowdrey, former AMS Assistant Principal, will continue as the sponsor for Ski Club. More specific information will be shared in November.
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 first PTSA meeting of the year will take place on Tuesday, September 13, 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 first BAAPN meeting of the year will take place on September 22, at 6:30 p.m., in the BHS Collaborative Center.
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.
Have a great weekend. We look forward to seeing our students on the first day of school, Monday, August 29!
Sincerely,
Michael Ross
AMS Principal
