AMS Principal's Weekly Update 11-18-22

Dear AMS Students and Families, 
Due to the short week next week, this week's update will cover information over the next two weeks.  With the holidays fast approaching, this is the time of year when we should all pause to reflect on the aspects of our lives for which we are thankful.  It can become very easy to focus on negative things that impact our lives, but it is much healthier for our well-being to focus on the positives.

On a personal level, I am thankful for my wonderful family.  Of the many titles I have, the titles of husband and father are above all.  On a professional level, I want to thank our families for placing their trust in us in developing their child's academic skills, social skills, and character.  We continuously work hard to provide an engaging, safe, and orderly environment where all students feel included, valued, and inspired to achieve their personal best.  I am thankful to work alongside an outstanding group of teachers, counselors, support staff, para-professionals, secretaries, custodians, and lunch staff who routinely go above and beyond the call of duty to make AMS a great place to learn and grow.  Without a doubt, the staff at AMS exemplifies the Berkley Difference! 

At this time of year, we should all be thankful for the blessings that surround us, big and small.  During the Thanksgiving break and through the upcoming holidays, I hope our families spend some quality time together and take time to reflect on those things for which to be thankful.  

Upcoming Dates

Monday - November 21
First Robotics 4:00 in Room 114
Gaming Club 3:20-4:20 in Room 113
Anime Club 3:20-4:20 in Room 100
Homework Club 3:20-4:20 in Room 115
Girls Swim Maroon Team Home v. Covington at 5:00

Tuesday - November 22
No Scheduled Events

Wednesday - November 23
1/2 Day Speed Day Schedule
Student Dismissal at 11:30 am

Thursday - November 24
No School
Happy Thanksgiving
GO LIONS!

Friday - November 25
No School

Monday - November 28
First Robotics 4:00 in Room 114
Gaming Club 3:20-4:20 in Room 113
Anime Club 3:20-4:20 in Room 100
Homework Club 3:20-4:20 in Room 115
Girls Swim Blue Team @ Berkshire at 5:00
Girls Swim Maroon Team @ West Hills at 5:00
Middle School Drama Auditions (High School Musical Jr.) @ BHS Auditorium at 4:00

Tuesday - November 29
Middle School Drama Auditions (High School Musical Jr.) @ BHS Auditorium at 4:00

Wednesday - November 30
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
Student Council Meeting 3:20-4:20 in Room 200
Boys Basketball Home v. Power 4:30 (7th Grade) 5:30 (8th Grade) 
Middle School Drama Auditions (High School Musical Jr.) @ BHS Auditorium at 4:00
Choir Boosters Meeting 7:00 pm in the AMS Choir Room

Thursday - December 1
Art Club 3:20-4:20 Room 110
First Robotics 4:00 in Room 114
Boys Basketball v. Hazel Park 4:30 (7th Grade) 5:30 (8th Grade) 

Friday - December 2
Drama Club 3:20-4:20 in the Media Center 
Yoga 3:30-4:15 Room 114

School News

Caring and Sharing

Caring & Sharing is an annual Berkley Area PTSA Community event that provides holiday meals to families in the Berkley School District.  Caring & Sharing consists of direct donations with funds used to purchase Hollywood Market grocery gift cards for families in need.  

To make a donation between now and December 7, please click on Caring and Sharing 2022

If you know of a family in need, or your family is in need this holiday season, please complete the Caring and Sharing Referral Form.  All referral information will be used confidentially to provide families in need with a gift card to purchase food this holiday season.  For any questions related to Caring and Sharing, please reach out to me.

Caring and Sharing Theme Days

Between now and December 7, Berkley Cares Days will take place in each of our school buildings to help generate additional donation funds for Caring and Sharing.  AMS will be participating in the following Berkley Cares Days, with some days encouraging student donations:

Hat Day, Friday, November 8th*
Pajama Day, Wednesday, November 23rd *
Helping Hand Glove Day, Monday, November 28
Homemade Holiday Cards, Friday, December 2
Class Color/School Spirit Day, Friday, December 9 *
MVP Day, Wednesday, December 14 *

* $1 Suggested donation to Berkley PTSA

Leader in Me Family Survey

AMS has begun implementation of The Leader in Me Program this year.  As part of the implementation process, our school will be administering the Measurable Results Assessment (MRA), a survey and reporting system designed to provide insights into the progress of our school. In order to provide a holistic picture of what is going on in our school, the MRA includes three different surveys; 1) one completed by all school staff, 2) one completed by all students, and 3) one completed by the families of students in all grades.  These are anonymous surveys with the goal of gathering valuable feedback from stakeholders.   

FAMILY SURVEY INFORMATION
WHAT: Online survey completed by one member of each household.

• Survey takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.
• Questions relate to the experiences you and your child have had at our school.
• Answers are anonymous to encourage people to be honest and open; no names and other identifying information will be collected.

The survey is available for you to take now through November 30 and can be taken from any computer, smartphone, or tablet with internet access.  Simply click on the link to access the family survey: https://www.leaderinme.com/s/anderson-middle-school/families

LanSchool Air

Teachers in sixth through eighth grade have access to a classroom management solution known as LanSchool Air for use with students’ devices. LanSchool Air helps keep our students safe, focused, and engaged during class time.  Additionally, LanSchool Air helps teachers provide instruction and guidance to students using devices during active school hours. This solution includes features that:

•  Enable teachers to view students’ screens during class time to ensure they’re staying on track.
• Allow teachers to save time by pushing a website to student devices instantly.
•  Offer instant messaging between the teacher and students, giving students the opportunity to digitally “raise their hand” to indicate they’ve finished their assignment or have a question. 
•  Provide a way for teachers to set restrictions on the websites students can visit during class time. 
• Allow teachers to broadcast their screen to the student’s screens.

Teachers can only monitor student devices in LanSchool Air during active school hours 8AM-4PM.  LanSchool Air cannot remotely operate a student’s computer camera or microphone at any time. For even more information including student’s data security check out this Parents' guide to LanSchool.

Day in the D End of Year 8th Grade Trip

Each year, 8th graders have the opportunity to participate in an end of year all day activity.  Again this year, the end of year 8th Grade activity will be the Day in the D trip which consists of a variety of activities in and around downtown Detroit.  This year's Day in the D trip will take place on June 13, 2023 with a cost $176.00 and will include the following activities and amenities listed below.  This trip is an all day trip with an anticipated  departure from AMS around 8:00 a.m. and return time to AMS around 10:30 p.m. (exact times to be determined as we get closer to the trip).  

• Round trip bus transportation
• Tour of Ford Field
• Motown Historical Museum Tour
• Guided Tour of The Parade Company
• Diamond Jack River Cruise along the Detroit River
• Box lunch on Belle Isle (provided)
• Detroit Tigers evening baseball game with fireworks show to follow. 

The Day in the D trip is arranged by Student Adventures, the same company that we use to arrange the 8th Grade Washington DC trip and the 7th Grade U.P. Trip.  To register and make payments, please visit the Student Adventures Day in the D Trip Webpage and follow the on-screen steps to reserve a spot. We recognize that $176 maybe a hardship for some of our families.  For that reason, we are in the process of coordinating a fundraising opportunity for our 8th graders to raise funds so that every 8th grader can participate.  We are also looking at other options to offset the cost.  If you have any questions related to the registration process, please contact Student Adventures directly at (877) 873-7550.  For all other questions, feel free to contact Day in the D sponsor, Nell Bielecki.    

Below is the latest middle school sports information:

Girls Swimming - For any questions about the middle school swim team, please contact Coach Erin Roddis.  Below is the schedule for the season (note there is a Blue and Maroon team) with meets starting at 5:00. 

11/14/22 Blue Team @ Covington  
11/15/22 Maroon Team @ Berkshire Silver
11/16/22 Blue Team Home v. West Hills
11/18/22 Maroon Team @ Berkshire Black
11/21/22 Maroon Team Home v. Covington
11/28/22 Blue Team @ Berkshire Silver
11/28/22 Maroon Team @ West Hills
12/5/22 Blue Team Home v. Bloomfield Hills
12/8/22 Maroon Team @ Derby Red
12/8/22 Blue Team Home v. Cranbrook
12/12/22 Blue Team Home v. Derby White
12/15/22 Maroon Team Home v. Cranbrook
12/19/22 Maroon Team Home v. East Hills
12/22/22 Maroon Team Home v. Bloomfield Hills
1/10/23 Blue Team Home v. Berkshire Black

Basketball (Boys) - For questions about 7th grade basketball, please contact 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.

11/21/22 Home v. Norup
11/30/22 Home v. Farmington Power
12/1/22 @ Hazel Park
12/5/22 Home v. Ferndale
12/7/22 Home v. Farmington East
12/12/22 Home v. Farmington Warner
12/14/22 Home v. Norup
12/19/22 @ Bloomfield Hills MS
1/9/23 @ Royal Oak
1/11/23 Home v. Berkshire
1/18/23 Home v. Farmington STEAM
1/19/23 Home v. Oak Park

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 next meeting will take on Tuesday, December 13 at 12:45 in the media center. 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.  Below are the remaining meeting dates for the 2022-23 school year.  If you have any questions about Student Council, please contact Student Council sponsor, Mrs. Alderman

MEETING DATES
November 30
December 14
January 11 & 25
February 8 & 15
March 8 & 22
April 5 & 19
May 3 & 17
June 7

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 will take place every Friday from 3:30-10:00 at Mt. Holly from early January through the end of February.  For information, please click for Ski Club information and click on the Ski Club Registration Form.  All forms and payments (checks made out to the Berkley School District) can be turned into the AMS office.  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

Yoga - AMS is offering a free 10 session Yoga/Mindfulness class after school taught by instructors from the Born Yoga Studio in Birmingham.  Yoga will take place on the following 10 Fridays starting at 3:30 in room 114:  November 4, 11, and 18, December 2, 9, and 16, January 20 and 27, and February 3 and 10.  Participation is free thanks to the support from the Berkley Education Foundation, however participants will need to purchase a yoga mat.  If your child is interested in participating, please complete the Yoga Sign-Up Form to have your child added to the participation list. 

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 November Lunch Menu to view the lunch menu for November.  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. 

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 February 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 next BAAPN meeting will take place January 19, at 7:00 p.m. at AMS.    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