October 14, 2022

AMS Principal's Weekly Update 10-14-22

School News

Dear AMS Students and Families, 
This morning, Anderson Middle School, in addition to thousands of schools around the country, participated in National Know Your Classmates Day, a movement rooted to decrease social isolation, learn about classmates, and acknowledge and understand differences.  As part of National Know Your Classmates Day, students started today's activities by watching a video about the influence of Lily, a student who encountered social isolation in middle school due to her having apert syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes fusion of the skull, hands, and feet bones.  After overcoming social isolation in middle school, Lily went on to be an advocate for people with differences and gave great effort to bring about change, decrease social isolation, and increase community.  Unfortunately, Lily eventually lost her life due to her condition.  After Lily's passing, her story inspired those closest to her to start a national movement towards ending social isolation in schools. 

After watching the video, students were given a set of follow-up questions to reflect on Lily's story and make connections to their personal experiences and their experiences in middle school.  The activity wrapped up with students partnering up and sharing a unique quality about themselves. Students then wrote things about themselves or their partner on paper hands and a school mural was created that is now displayed by our cafeteria.  In addition to other activities planned for later in the school year, we will continue to promote a culture that encourages respect, kindness, and inclusivity.  To view the lesson and video from today's activity, please click on National Know Your Classmates Day.  The video is on the second slide and I encourage you to have some kleenex next to you as Lily's story is quite moving.  

On another note, I wanted to make parents aware of a social media challenge that has been circulating around the country.  The "One Chip Challenge" is a social media challenge that involves the consumption of a spicy tortilla chip covered in Carolina Reaper and Ghost Pepper seasonings. As a result of participating in this challenge, many people around the country have experienced severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing that can last more than 24 hours and lead to more severe health complications.  I am bringing this to your a attention because we have had students bring these chips to school and during lunch, students have participated in this challenge.  In some cases, students have had to go home due to feeling ill from their participation.  To maintain student well-being, I addressed the entire student body about the dangers of participating in this challenge and other social media challenges that can be harmful and let students know that this will not continue at AMS.  Furthermore, students were told that if anyone brought these chips to school they would be considered a danger to others and would be suspended from school.  I encourage parents to also speak to their child about the dangers of participating in various social media challenges.   

Upcoming Dates

Monday - October 17
First Robotics 4:00 in Room 114
Gaming Club 3:20-4:20 Room 113
Homework Club 3:20-4:20 Room 115
Girls Tennis Home v. Cranbrook at 4:30

Tuesday - October 18
School Safety Week ALICE Drill
NJHS Meeting 12:45 in the Media Center
Cross Country @ Derby at 4:30
Girls Basketball @ Farmington Steam at 4:30
Girls Middle School Swimming Parent Meeting 7:00 p.m. in the AMS Cafeteria

Wednesday - October 19
Student Council Meeting 3:20 in Room 200
Rainbow Room 3:20-4:20 Room 217
Dungeons and Dragons Club 3:20-4:20 Room 113
Homework Club 3:20-4:20 Room 115
Football @ Ferndale at 4:30
Girls Tennis Home v. Covington at 4:30

Thursday - October 20
Girls Volleyball Meeting 3:20 in Room 212
Art Club 3:20-4:20 Room 110
First Robotics 4:00 in Room 114
Girls Basketball @ Clarenceville at 4:30
Berkley African American Parent meeting 7:00 p.m. at Norup

Friday - October 21
Drama Club 3:20-4:20 in the Media Center

School News

Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences

Virtual parent- teacher conferences will take place on Wednesday, October 26, from 5:30-8:00 p.m. and  Thursday, October 27, 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. To sign up for a virtual conference with each of your child's teachers, please click on AMS Parent-Teacher Conferences Sign-Up.  By entering your email address during the scheduling process, MyConferenceTime will send you a reminder email prior to the conference with the necessary Zoom links.  Please note that the deadline to sign-up for conferences is October 26 at 5:00 p.m. to allow adequate time for teachers to run progress reports to share during each conference.  After that time, you will no longer be able to schedule a conference.  

School Safety Week

Next week is School Safety Week.  In follow-up to the communication I sent yesterday, we will be conducting an ALICE drill next Tuesday.  The drill will go as follows:

  • I will make a PA announcement, which will include a quick overview of what ALICE stands for followed by an explanation of how the drill will operate.
  • I will give a specific hypothetical scenario of an intruder in the building.  There will not be any references to “a shooter” or “guns.”  We will keep verbiage used in a less threatening manner.
  • Teachers will hold classroom discussions about the layout of their classrooms and how they pertain to ALICE along with walking through potential responses based upon ALICE protocols and training.  We will not be evacuating the building or barricading furniture in front of doors, however students may practice using the NightLock door locks. 
  • At the conclusion of the drill portion, teachers will show a short video from Superintendent Francis outlining the safety measures in place across the district. 
  • I will get on the PA to finalize the drill and offer several follow up reassurances for students.
  • Throughout the day, teachers will continue to reassure students and make sure they are doing okay.

If you have any questions or concerns about our drill, please feel free to reach out to me.

PTSA DEI Media Center Fundraiser

During our DEI Media Center Fundraiser last year, the Anderson PTSA secured over $400 in profits from the sale of our Anderson DEI Spiritwear! With these funds, we were able to purchase over 40 brand new titles for the Media Center. We focused on featuring diverse authors and subject matter with a goal of providing inclusive content for all readers at AMS!  To help support adding additional diverse texts to our Media Center, we are offering up our fundraising store again. This is an opportunity to get a unique piece of spiritwear while also supporting this DEI Media Center initiative.  Ordering will be open until 10/20/22 with orders shipping 10/27.  All items ship to your house.  To see available spiritwear options, please check out our fundraiser page below! Anderson PTSA Media Center DEI Fundraiser

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.

Drama Day Opportunity #2

We hope those students who were able to attend the first Saturday Drama Day had a great experience.  If you missed it, or if you would like to participate for a second time, the BHS Drama Department will be hosting a second Saturday Drama Day for Berkley middle school students on Saturday, November 5 from 10:30 am-3:00 pm on the BHS Auditorium stage!. This fun workshop is free of charge and will dive into the theatrical arts to help middle school students make their way on to the stage!  Please register in advance to attend so that there is an adequate number of materials made for the day.  Students should plan on being at BHS from 10:30 - 3:00 p.m. and should come with a bag lunch. 

Support Mrs. Bajorek's Donors Choose Initiative

Mrs. Bajorek is eager to provide new furniture to her students for a better, more comfortable, learning experience in her math classroom.  To achieve this, she has created a Donors Choose initiative to raise money to help assist with the cost.  To learn more about this initiative and see how you can help, please click on Mrs. Bajorek's Donors Choose Initiative.  Enter the code LIFTOFF at checkout.  

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.  

Ski Club Informational Meeting

There will be a Ski club informational meeting on November 1 at 7:00 pm in the AMS Cafeteria for any 6-8th Graders interested in skiing or snowboarding on Friday evenings at Mt. Holly from the beginning of January through the end of February.  Ski club forms will be available at the meeting and on the BSD website later that week.  Ski tuning and waxing will be available again this year.  Please bring skis and boards to the meeting along with $25.  All tuning and waxing needs to be paid for at the meeting.  For any questions about Ski Club, please contact former AMS Assistant Principal, Jim Cowdrey, at 248-928-4925 or by email at jimcowdrey@yahoo.com

Lacrosse Opportunity

Woodward Bears Lacrosse is offering a free lacrosse clinic on Thursday, October 27 from 5:00-6:00 at the Huntington Woods Men's Club Field on 11 Mile. No prior experience is necessary and equipment will be provided. Multiple coaches will be on hand and ready to teach boys and girls in grades 1-8.  For any questions about the clinic, please reach out to Paul Banicki.

Athletics 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.  

Girls Volleyball -  There will be an informational meeting on October 20 at 3:20 in room 212 for any 7th and 8th grade girls interested in trying out for volleyball.  If you have any questions about the upcoming season, please reach out to Coach Steve Hanna for 7th Grade or Coach Theresa Cabalum for 8th Grade.

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 - 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 Organizations

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.     

National Junior Honor Society - Students are eligible to be inducted into NJHS in the spring of 7th Grade by earning a cumulative GPA of 3.7 through 6 terms (Terms 1-4 from 6th Grade and terms 1 and 2 of 7th Grade) and earning citizenship marks no less than a 2.  Students who meet these requirements will receive a notification in the spring of their eligibility to be inducted. For those 8th grade students currently in NJHS, meetings will be starting next week.  All meetings will take place during 8th grade lunch starting at 12:45 in the Media Center.  The dates for meetings through December are:
Thursday, November 10 
Tuesday, December 13. 

For questions about NJHS, please contact NJHS sponsor, Mrs. McDermott  

Student Council - Student Council is open to any 6-8th grade students interested in helping to organize and promote school events throughout the year.  The first meeting of the year will take place on October 19 after school from 3:20-4:20 in room 200.  If you have any questions about Student Council, please contact Student Council sponsor, Mrs. Alderman

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 WebsiteThe next BAAPN meeting will take place October 20, at 7:00 p.m. at Norup.  Berkley High

BHS 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 to arrange tutoring.  

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