AMS Principal's Weekly Update 9-30-22
Dear AMS Students and Families,
It was a short week this week at AMS. For those who celebrated Rosh Hashana, I hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday. One of the points of pride for our school is the diversity of our student population. This year, one of our building goals is to focus on positive school culture and as part of that focus, we will continue focusing heavily on diversity, equity and inclusion to ensure that we provide a school environment where all students feel welcome, valued, respected, and an integral part of our school community. We have a wide range of students from different races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and students who are transgender. Whether those populations are big or small, we always embrace the opportunity to highlight and recognize the diversity of our student body so that all students feel supported.
As it pertains to our diversity, each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. To recognize our students of Hispanic heritage, we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month which takes place September 15 - October 15. During this month of celebration, teachers have been highlighting, and will continue to highlight, influential Hispanic figures, past and present, along with aspects of Hispanic culture as part of their class lessons. As the year progresses, we will continue to acknowledge and celebrate other heritage months.
Upcoming Dates
Monday - October 3
Anime Club 3:20-4:20 in Room 100
First Robotics 4:00 in Room 114
Gaming Club 3:20-4:20 Room 113
Homework Club 3:20-4:20 Room 115
Cross Country Home v. Farmington Power at 4:30
Girls Basketball @ Ferndale (8th Grade Only) at 4:30
Girls Tennis Home v. West Hills at 4:30
Tuesday - October 4
No Scheduled Events
Wednesday - October 5
No School
Thursday - October 6
Art Club 3:20-4:20 Room 110
First Robotics 4:00 in Room 114
Girls Basketball @ Norup at 4:30
Cross Country Home v. Detroit Country Day at 4:30
Football Home v. Clarenceville at 5:30
Friday - October 7
Drama Club 3:20-4:20 in the Media Center
School News
AMS Scholastic Book Fair
AMS will be holding a Scholastic Book Fair October 20-28. Students will be scheduled with their ELA class to listen to a book talk from Mrs. Aytes followed by an opportunity to shop the book fair. There will also be an opportunity for families to shop the book fair on October 26 and 27 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Families are encouraged to use E-Wallet to create a pre-paid account which allows for cashless transactions. For more information about the book fair, please visit the AMS Book Fair Website. Volunteers are also needed to help run the AMS Book Fair. All parents/family members volunteering during school-sponsored functions must complete the district Volunteer Release Form prior to any activities. If you are interested in volunteering, please choose a time slot using the AMS Book Fair Signup Genius. For questions about the book fair, please email Mrs. Aytes or call her at (248) 837-8212.
AMS Peer2Peer Program
AMS offers a Peer2Peer program to help support students who need additional social support. A Peer2Peer student supports and mentors peers at lunch, in the hallways, and/or during their classes. Students can become a buddy within a class and work specifically with a student on projects and classwork. For students interested in becoming a Peer2Peer support, please click on Peer2Peer for more information and to access the Peer2Peer parent permission form.
Saturdays For Success Program
The Berkley African American Parent Network (BAAPN), in partnership with the Berkley School District, sponsors the Saturdays for Success (S4S) program. The purpose of S4S is to help all Berkley students have a successful academic experience by providing educational opportunities in literacy and math, and developing study skills that will ensure long term success. The cost of the program is $20 per child (fee covers all 6 sessions). If your family is eligible for free and/or reduced lunch benefits, the cost is $10 per child. The program will take place at Berkley High School from 9:30-11:00 a.m. on October 8, 15, 22, 29 and November 5 and 12. To register your child for the S4S program, please click on the S4S Online Registration Form.
Important MISTAR Parent Portal Update
On Monday, October 3, the MISTAR Parent Portal will undergo a system upgrade. As a result of the upgrade, all who log into the MISTAR Parent Portal will be required to change their password when they log in next. Here’s what all Parent Portal users need to know:
- Starting on 10/3/22 all existing Parent Portal user accounts will be required to change their password at the next login
- The new password must be at least 8 characters
- After 10/3/22, District staff can no longer assist with password changes
- Parent Portal users can continue to use the “forgot my password” link on the login screen to send a reset link to their email address on file.
- If the email address in MISTAR Parent Portal is incorrect, users will not be able to reset their password. District staff can help update email addresses as needed.
Low Cost Internet Available to Berkley Families
Berkley Schools families can now access a new Federal program for discounted home internet service, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP was launched by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help connect qualifying families and households struggling to afford broadband internet service.
The ACP program provides:
- A discount of up to $30 per month for home internet service
- A discount of up to $75 per month for home internet service for households on tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider
Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail in application.
Athletic Information
Below is the latest middle school sports information:
Girls Swimming - There will be an informational meeting on October 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the AMS Cafeteria for 6-8th grade girls from AMS and Norup interested in joining the middle school girls swim team. For any questions about the middle school swim team, please contact Coach Erin Roddis.
Football - For questions about Football, please contact Coach Steve Hanna or Coach Ron Fritz. Below is the schedule for the 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 - Practice runs from 3:45-4:45 as follows: Mondays and Wednesdays at AMS, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at Norup International. For more information about Cross Country, please contact Coach Beth Hanna or Coach Athena Troher. Below is the schedule for the 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
10/3/22 Home v. Farmington Power
10/11/22 Home v. Farmington Warner
10/18/22 @ Birmingham Derby
10/25/22 League Meet @ Cranbrook (top 7 boys and top 7 girls compete)
Basketball (Girls) - 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 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
9/28/22 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) - For more information about tennis, please contact Coach Robert Hall. Below is the schedule for the 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
Golf (Boys) - Middle School Golf will be offered as an athletic club this fall. If you have any questions about Golf, please contact Coach Brett Greer.
For athletic related questions, please contact AMS Assistant Principal, Carman Smith.
Student Clubs and Activities
Below are club and extra-curricular opportunities being offered to our students throughout the year. Check back each week for additional club information and updates.
First Robotics Team - First Robotics Team meetings will continue on a flexible schedule between Mondays and Thursdays at 4:00 p.m. in room 114 If you have any questions about the First Robotics Team, please contact AMS parents and team sponsors, Martin Wekerle and Rob Calvano.
Drama Club - Drama Club is open to any students interested in learning more about acting and drama productions. Meetings will take place every Friday from 3:20-4:20 in the Media Center. For any questions about Drama Club, please reach out to Mrs. Aytes.
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. Art Club will take place on Thursdays from 3:20-4:20 through the end of the semester. At this time, all 25 spots have been filled. We will have an additional signup for second semester in January. For questions about Art Club, please contact Ms. Reid.
Rainbow Room - The Rainbow Room is an inclusive after school club offering for LGBTQ+ students and LGTBQ+ allies. The Rainbow Club will take place every Wednesday from 3:20-4:20 in room 217. For questions about Rainbow Room, please contact Ms. Reid.
Gaming Club - The Gaming Club will take place every Monday from 3:20-4:20 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 will take place every Wednesday from 3:20-4:20 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 will take place on Mondays from 3:20-4:20 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 - 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. Homework Club will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:20-4:20 in room 115.
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
Breakfast and Lunch Information
For the 2022-23 school year, a middle school lunch will cost $3.25 full pay and $.40 reduced price. Please click AMS October Lunch Menu to view the lunch menu for October. Additionally, AMS offers a breakfast program this year with mostly cold breakfast items being served. 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.
Pre-Order Your 2022-23 AMS Yearbook
Families can pre-order yearbooks for the 2022-23 school year for $35.00. To order a yearbook 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.
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 October 11 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 October 20, at 7:00 p.m. at Norup.
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 early to avoid delays in processing the form. Please return completed forms to the AMS office.
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, Instagram, and Twitter
Follow AMS on social media! To find us on Facebook and Instagram, click in the search and type andersonmiddleschoolvikings to access our page. To follow us on Twitter, search @AMSViking. All social media pages have the AMS 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!
Sincerely,
Michael Ross
AMS Principal
