AMS Principal's Weekly Update

Dear AMS Students and Families,

With today being the day before Halloween, we held our annual Halloween assembly at the end of the day. To start the day, each Advisory period selected their top costume. From there, the office staff judged each advisory winner and a winner was determined at each grade level. For the remainder of the day, we ran an adjusted schedule so that we could host a Halloween assembly for the last 45 minutes of the day. During the assembly, we announced the winning costume for each grade. Additionally, we had a variey of games during the assembly which included:

• Mummy Wrap — Students from each grade battled to wrap a staff member in toilet paper as much as possible.
• Scoops — Students held a spoon in their mouths and carried pom-poms a short distance into a cup/bucket. The team with the most pom-poms after one minute won.
• Skittles Race — Using only straws, students transfered Skittles from the table into a cup. The grade with the most Skittles at the end of the timed event won.
• Tug of War — Ten students from each grade competed against another grade with the final winner competing against the staff. (I am happy to share that the staff beat all 3 grades head to head)

Special thanks goes out to Mrs. Bajorek and Mrs. Aytes for all of their work coordinating our Halloween Assembly.

6th Grade - Anna Fratangelo

7th Grade - Evie Rouan

8th Grade - Grayson Garman

This morning, we recognized our first members of the AMS Breakfast Club for the 2026-27 school year. Students are nominated by staff for maintaining grades, being a positive contributor to their class, or displaying kindness and leadership in the classroom. To recognize each student, we read the names of each student over the PA and then I personally delivered goodie bags to the classrooms of each student. Special thanks goes out to Mrs. Saltsman, Mrs. Bajorek, and Mrs. Aytes for coordinating the AMS Breakfast Club.

Please join me in congratulating our first members of the Breakfast Club for the 2026-27 school year:

6th Grade: Josiah Alls, Brielle Benoit, Lincoln Cole, Anna Fratangelo, Harrison Johnson, Phoebe Lams, Dominic Maness, Joslyn Nowaske, Brock Passalacqua, and Ava Smith

7th Grade: Leena Allen, Aria Billops, Jon Van Brocklin, Oscar Edwartowski, Nina Hamel, Madeline Oliver, Samantha Ribits, Sawyer Sabo, Chloe Weingarden, and Clark Zanotti.

8th Grade: Tenley Bandy, Ainsley Boring, Reese Brudenell, Kendall Cynowa, Chance Eaton, Liam Edge, Alex Obertynski, Aviva Wagner, Gabby Warns, and Theo Williams.

Monday - November 2

• No School for Students / Staff Professional Development
• Girls Swim Tryouts 2:00-4:00 pm at the BHS Pool
• Board of Education Meeting 7:00 pm at the Berkley Administrative Offices
  
  

Tuesday - November 3

• No School for Students / Staff Professional Development
• Girls Swim Tryouts 2:00-4:00 pm at the BHS Pool
• Bionic Bears 5:00 pm at The Den

Wednesday - November 4

• Coach DeWalls visit During 8th Grade Lunch with 8th Grade Boys Interested in Tryout Out for Basketball.
• Lunch Bunch During 6/7th Grade Lunch in Room 215
• Chess Club 3:20-4:15 pm in Room 100
• Rainbow Room Club 3:20-4:15 pm in the Art Room
• Homework Club 3:20-4:15 pm in Room 115
• Middle School Football Away at North Hills at 4:30 pm
• Bionic Bears 5:00-6:00 pm at The Den
• AMS Fall Choir Concert 7:00 pm in the BHS Performing Arts Center

Thursday - November 5

• Jazz Band 8:05-8:35 am in the Band Room
• Orchestra Performance Club 8:05-8:35 am in the Orchestra Room
• Journeys World Religions Visit to Sikh Gurdwara of Rochester
• Boys Basketball Tryouts - 7th Grade 3:30-5:00 pm / 8th Grade 3:30-5:30 pm
• Art Club 3:20-4:15 pm in the Art Room
• Code and Create Club 3:20-4:15 pm in Room 112
• Bionic Bears 5:00-6:00 pm at The Den
• Iceland Informational Meeting 6:00 pm in the AMS Media Center

Friday - November 6

• Boys Basketball Tryouts - 7th Grade 3:30-5:00 pm / 8th Grade 3:30-5:30 pm

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SKI CLUB INFORMATION HAS CHANGED SINCE SHARING IT LAST WEEK - There will be an informational meeting for Ski Club on Thursday, November 12 at 6:00 pm in the AMS cafeteria. If you have any questions, please contact Ski Club coordinator, Jared Chimovitz.

Family Consumer Science - While we are still trying to secure a permanent replacement for Family Consumer Science, unfortunately, Mrs. Krause who has been subbing for FCS since Mrs. Torrente resigned was only able to commit through the end of October. I want to personally thank Mrs. Krause for stepping in on such notice and doing a great job during our continued search for a replacement. Starting next Wednesday, taking over in that role will be a familiar face to us. Mrs. Troher, recently retired AMS teacher, has graciously offered to fill in until we can find a permanent teacher and we are thrilled to have Mrs. Troher rejoin us in this capacity. Welcome back Mrs. Troher!

School Social Worker - I am pleased to share that we have hired a new school social worker starting with us next Wednesday. Please join me in welcoming Ms. Victoria Lutes as our new School Social Worker. Ms. Lutes did a year long internship at Rogers last year and has been filling in for a long term need at Pattengill. Ms. Lutes comes with a wide range of other related experiences and comes to us with high accolades from both Rogers and Pattengill. Welcome Ms. Lutes!

8th Grade Boys Basketball Coach - I am pleased to share that Mr. Joe DeWalls will be our new 8th Grade basketball coach. Coach Joe was the 7th Grade basketball coach at Norup last year, has coached many years for Berkley Hoops, and has a wealth of other basketball coaching experience through the former Joe Dumars Fieldhouse. Joe has a passion for coaching youth basketball and will be a great fit for our program. Welcome coach Joe!

Caring & Sharing is an annual program sponsored by the Berkley Area PTSA Council that provides holiday grocery gift cards to families within the Berkley School District and local veterans. Traditionally, the program relied on school-based food drives and PTA-sponsored holiday baskets that included turkeys, fresh produce, and other meal essentials. Since 2020, Caring & Sharing has shifted its focus to online fundraising, allowing us to maximize donations and provide families with gift cards so they can purchase the groceries and household items that best meet their needs.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, the 2025 Caring & Sharing campaign raised $33,600, supported 130 families, and donated more than $2,000 to the American Legion and Berkley Cares Food Pantry. Additional contributions were collected through Berkley Cares Days held at each school.

If you know of a family who could benefit from assistance this holiday season, or if your own family is in need, please complete the 2026 Caring & Sharing Referral Form. All referral information will be kept strictly confidential and used only to help provide holiday gift cards to families in need.

We invite you to join us in supporting our friends, neighbors, and fellow members of the Berkley School community this holiday season. Every contribution helps make a difference.

To make a monetary donation, please visit the 2026 Caring & Sharing Donation Page.

Questions? Please contact Abby Watteny, 2026 Caring & Sharing Chair.

On Friday, November 13th, the NJHS is having our first bagel day! Don't forget to bring $2 cash to get a bagel with cream cheese. It will start at 7:55 am and there will be stands inside each grade door. If there are bagels left over, they will be sold at lunch. Second, and last, there is now a student suggestion box. It will be in the office; just get a slip of paper and write what you think we should change at Anderson. We want to hear from you guys. Thanks for your support!

Travel to Iceland in Summer 2028 with Ms. Maimes! In Iceland, the natural world becomes the classroom as students explore the forces that shape our planet in real time. They begin by exploring the country’s capital of Reykjavík before traveling to Thingvellir National Park to stand between tectonic plates and witness one of the planet’s most visible rift zones. On the south shore, students encounter waterfalls, geysers, black sand beaches, and a guided glacier walk that turns Earth science into hands-on learning. From geothermal greenhouses and power plants to the Blue Lagoon, students experience firsthand how Icelanders live alongside powerful natural systems and harness them in innovative, sustainable ways. There will be an informational meeting on Thursday, November 6 at 6:00 pm in the AMS Media Center. Register for the information meeting to learn more about this exciting opportunity here: https://rsvp.eftours.com/xde4hgh

The Reflections Art Contest deadline is fast approaching. All entries must be submitted using the online entry form by Wednesday, November 11. Additionally, any student submitting for the Visual Arts category should also turn in their original artwork to the main office by the deadline. The Reflections art program is a long-standing National PTA program that provides students with an opportunity to express themselves creatively and receive positive recognition for original works of art. Students can enter projects that are inspired by this year’s theme, “What My Culture Means to Me.” The Berkley Area PTSA Council will judge all entries from Berkley middle schools, choosing up to four winners in each category to send to the state level for judging. Top winners at the state level go on to national judging. Last year, AMS had 6 district finalists and two students who earned 3rd place finishes at states! The art contest is free to enter, and students may submit 1 entry per category - Visual Arts, Literature, Dance Choreograph, Photography. For more information, please click the links below:

Contest Rules

Entry Form ~ Deadline is November 11!

For questions, contact Ms. Charley Eaton, Anderson PTSA Reflections Chair

Berkley High School Student Leadership is hosting a District-wide family game night on Thursday, November 12 from 5-7 pm at BHS. Families are invited for an evening of fun that includes fall crafts, board games and Just Dance, as well as concessions, including cider and donuts, available for purchase. Raffle prizes will also be available.

Student Leadership is hosting this event to be a fun night out for the community and as a fundraiser. Entry to the event will be donation-based - pay what you can. In addition, 50% of the entry donations will be given to the school that has the highest attendance. No RSVP is required, but if you are interested, please fill out this form for a head count. Otherwise just bring the family for a fun night out!

A lacrosse camp opportunity is being offered to middle school boys and girls on November 14 and December 19 from 12:00-2:00 pm in the Royal Oak High School Gym. This camp will be run by the coaches from the Berkley/Royal Oak Lacrosse Team.

Please consider joining the AMS PTSA. With your support, the PTSA provides support for:

• Classroom activities
• Staff Appreciation events
• Media Center resources
• Viking Fest
• March Miracles
• Battle of the Books
• Breakfast and snacks during testing
• Honor Roll breakfasts
• 8th Grade Year-End Activities
• ...and so much more!

To join, simply click on the AMS PTSA Membership Page.

2026-27 Officers:

President - Carolyn Nowaske
Vice President - Angela Williamson
Secretary - Nicole Heger

Treasurer - Melissa Foreman-Lovell

REMAINING MEETING SCHEDULE FOR THE 2026-27 SCHOOL YEAR.

• November 10, 2026 - 7:00 pm at AMS and via Zoom

• December - NO MEETING

• January - NO MEETING

• February 9, 2027 - 8:30 am at AMS and via Zoom

• March - NO MEETING

• April 13, 2027 - 7:00 pm at AMS and via Zoom

• May 11, 2027 - 8:30 am at AMS and via Zoom

Zoom Link to access meeting via Zoom

For all athletic related questions, please contact

Berkley District Middle School Athletic Coordinator, Lori Stone

Berkley High School Athletic Director, Matt Rawlik

SPORTS OFFERED AT AMS

Fall Season (September - October)

Football (Grades 7-8 Only)

Girls Volleyball (Grades 7-8 Only) *

Co-Ed Cross Country (Grades 6-8)

Girls Tennis (Grades 6-8)

Winter 1 Season (November - Mid January)

Girls Swimming (Grades 6-8)

Boys Basketball (Grades 7-8 Only) *

Winter 2 Season (Mid January - March)

Wrestling (Grades 6-8)

Girls Basketball (Grades 7-8 Only) *

Boys Swimming (Grades 6-8)

Spring Season (April - May)

Co-Ed Track (Grades 6-8)

Boys Tennis (Grades 6-8)

Baseball (Grades 7-8 Only) *

Softball (Grades 7-8 Only) *

* These sports are intended for 7th and 8th grade only, however if there are not enough 7th Graders to field a team, spots will be opened up for 6th Graders to tryout.

AMS has athletic eligibility guidelines and expectations. To view the guidelines and expectations for student-athletes, please click on Middle School Athletic Eligibility

The first step in participating in any sport is registering on Final Forms. Final Forms is the registration platform used for athletics where families must submit student physicals, as well as sign all the necessary forms required to be eligible to play a school sport. For directions on how to navigate Final Forms, please click on Final Forms Registration Information. All documents must be signed and submitted before the first day of tryouts. Failure to do so results in your child not being able to try out for any sport.

Athletic Fee Information

Middle School

1st & 2nd sport: $125 each (3rd sport is free)

Reduced rate*: $50/sport

Free rate*: $30/sport

Family Max: $585 across the district, regardless of how many students or sports are involved.

* Families who qualify for free or reduced meals also qualify for reduced ARF rates. If you believe you may qualify for reduced fees, please fill out the Education and Nutrition Benefits Form in the Online Back to School packet.

FinalForms

Athletic Resource Fee payments are moving to FinalForms from MiStar. This is being done to consolidate all necessary registration requirements in one place. Please do not complete the payment portion on FinalForms until rosters have been finalized. Payment is due prior to the first contest.

TEAM INFORMATION

Tryouts for the 7th and 8th Grade Basketball Team will take place on November 5, 6, and 9 from 3:30-5:00 pm for 7th Grade and 3:30-5:30 pm for 8th Grade. Students must have a physical completed on or after April 15, 2026 and uploaded into FinalForms prior to the first day of tryouts. For questions please contact 7th Grade Coach Andre Price or 8th Grade Coach Joe DeWalls. Below is the schedule for the season with games for 7th Grade starting at 4:15 pm and 8th Grade starting around 5:15 pm (immediately following the conclusion of the 7th Grade games).

SCHEDULE (Home Games in Bold)

Tryouts for 6-8th Grade girls who attend AMS and Norup will take place this Monday and Tuesday, November 2 and 3, from 2:00-4:00 pm at the BHS pool. Students must have a physical completed on or after April 15, 2026 and uploaded into FinalForms prior to the first practice. For questions about the Girls Swim Team, please contact Coach Teri Falcon. Below is the schedule for the season with home meets starting at 5:00 pm and away meets starting at 4:30 pm:

SCHEDULE (Home Meets in Bold)

Middle School Football is offered to students from AMS and Norup in Grades 7- 8. For questions about Middle School Football please contact Coach Scott Rowlett. Below is the schedule for the season with games starting at 4:30 pm.

REMAINING SCHEDULE (Home Games in Bold)

Below are club and extra-curricular opportunities offered to students throughout the year. Start dates for most of our clubs are now listed below. If you are interested in a specific club, please check back each week for any additional club information and updates.

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. For questions about NJHS, please contact NJHS sponsor, Ms. Ng. Meeting dates for current 8th Grade NJHS members take place once a month during 8th grade lunch on the dates listed below:

12/17/26

1/21/27

2/25/27

3/18/27

4/22/27

5/20/27

The AMS Peer to Peer Program is a school-wide program designed to increase academic, independence, and social engagement opportunities for students with autism and other disabilities. This is achieved by inviting multiple peers without disabilities to pair up with students with disabilities during a variety of school activities. Peers model typical academic and social behavior while students with disabilities can practice and use skills in natural settings by learning from peers in a positive and dignified manner. Authentic relationships form as students actively participate in activities together.

To learn more about Peer to Peer, please watch this Peer to Peer Informational Video. More information, please contact Mrs. Millard. Students interested in becoming a peer for the 2026-2027 school year can complete the Peer to Peer Sign-Up Form.

Jazz Band is open to 6-8th graders who currently participate in band, but it is also open to students who play instruments such as the guitar, bass, piano, or drums. Jazz Band meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00-8:35 am. Students who participate in Jazz Band do not report to Advisory on those days. For questions or inquiries about Jazz Band, please reach out to AMS Band Teacher, Keri Pruse.

Orchestra Performance Club is open to 6-8th graders who currently participate in Orchestra. Orchestra Performance Club meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00-8:35 am. Students who participate in Orchestra Performance Club do not report to Advisory on those days. For questions or inquiries about Orchestra Performance Club, please reach out to AMS Orchestra Teacher, Audrey MacDonald.

Are you ready to create the next big app, game, or 3D masterpiece? Join the Code & Create Club! This club is all about innovation. Students will build websites through CodeAI.org with HTML and CSS, animate characters, program games, and design 3D-printed creations using Tinkercad. We’ll build with LEGO kits and stretch our problem-solving muscles with high-energy, unplugged offline activities. No prior experience is needed—just bring your creativity! Code and Create Club will meet on Thursdays after school from 3:20 - 4:15 in Room 112. For questions, please contact Ms. Bond.

As part of our continued focus in offering diverse opportunities for our students, AMS is excited to offer the Jewish Student Union Club after a 1 year pause. JSU has been thriving in hundreds of middle and high schools across the country, including within our own district at both Norup and BHS. JSU's mission is to create a welcoming and vibrant community for students to learn and connect with each other, explore Jewish culture and history, and discover opportunities for deeper engagement. The first JSU meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 27, in Room 210 during the 6th and 7th grade lunch period and will take place bi-weekly from there during 6th and 7th Grade lunch. Pizza will be served alongside exciting and interactive activities. Because we can only offer this during one lunch period, we are unable to offer it during 8th grade lunch, however if your child would like to attend the bi-weekly meetings, please email me to give your consent and we will excuse any 8th grade students from part of their 4th period class so that they can attend. For questions about the SJU Club, please contact SJU facilitator, Rabbi Polter.

The Bionic Bears season is in full swing. With 3 teams established, participation for additional students is now closed for the season. If you have any questions about the Bionic Bears First Robotics Club, please contact First Robotics Coach Rob Calvano.

The Dungeons and Dragons Club is for students who have previous experience playing Dungeons and Dragons and those who wish to learn. Meetings take place every Monday from 3:20-4:15 pm in Room 111. For questions about the D&D Club, please contact Mr. Stoia.

Game Day provides a peer-to-peer experience where students can have lunch together while enjoying a variety of different games. No sign-up is needed and students may attend on any Monday of their choice. Game Day takes place every Monday in Room 113 during 6th and 7th Grade Lunch.

School meals (breakfast and lunch) will be free again this year. The cafeteria is open from 7:30-8:05 a.m. for breakfast and early drop-off (entry cut off at 7:55) and students must enter through the cafeteria door off the parking lot.

Click to view the November Lunch Menu

Food Allergen Information can be found below

Breakfast Allergen Information

Lunch Allergen Information

PLEASE NOTE: AMS does not allow food delivery services such as GrubHub or DoorDash. Any order that is attempted to be delivered to AMS will be refused.

Additionally, AMS also offers A La Carte snack items which include soft pretzels, cookies, chips, and drink options. Purchases can be made by either adding money to a student's MISTAR account or with cash. Cash purchases receiving change will have change applied to their MISTAR account for future purchases. Other payment options such as debit cards, Venmo, Apple Pay, or Google Pay are NOT accepted at this time.

In accordance with State of Michigan Law signed into law in February, 2026, and Berkley School District Board Policy, AMS enforces an Away for the Day electronic device policy to reduce distractions and irresponsible use of technology. From 8:15-3:15, including lunch time, cell phones and personal devices must be put away. Cell phones brought into a classroom must be put in the cell phone caddy in each class. Additionally, students may not use personal devices such as laptops or tablets for classroom use or any other part of the school day, including lunch, and must use their school issued Chromebook for all school use during the school day.

Students who violate these guidelines will be issued the following consequences:

• 1st and 2nd offense - the staff member will take the device and give it to the office to be returned to the student at 3:15. A Parent will be notified each time the device is taken.

• 3rd and 4th offense - the staff member will take the device and give it to the office and a parent or guardian will be notified to pick up the device.

• 5th offense or thereafter - The student will be required to turn their device into the office from 8:15-3:15 or they can leave the phone at home.
  

• Cell Phone Misuse - Any student who takes a picture or video of another student or staff member, during the school day or outside of the school day, without that student or staff member’s consent, and shares the picture or video with others through group chats or social media may be issued school discipline if it impacts the school environment.

• 30 or more tardies in a semester.
• 18 or more absences from school (10% or more of the school year).
• 2 or more suspensions from school or persistent behavior issues will result in removal from attending the optional 7th Grade UP trip or the optional 8th Grade Washington DC Trip.

Please take the time to review the designated pick up and drop-off zones below. Some things to highlight include:

• 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

Want to have lasting memories of your time at AMS? Purchase an AMS yearbook. The current price to purchase a yearbook is $50.00 and the price will increase throughout the year, so purchase one earlier to get the best price. To purchase a yearbook, please click on AMS Yearbook 2026-27. Also you can follow the AMS Yearbook class on the following social media platforms:

TikTok:@amsyearbook27

Facebook: Ams Yearbook (with a viking as the profile photo)

Did you know that students from the BHS National Honor Society offer free peer tutoring? If you child is in need of tutoring, please contact me for the list of available 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.

Berkley Schools has partnered with Varsity Tutors for Schools, an online platform with access to free learning tools. The Varsity Tutors Platform gives students more opportunities to learn at their own pace, to get support on subjects they might be struggling with, to explore subjects they are learning in class and to support their curiosities.

The platform includes the following:

• 24/7 on-demand chat tutoring and on-demand essay review to help students with any questions about homework, classwork or test prep.
• Live group classes, recorded classes and celebrity-led StarCourses allow students to learn more about the subjects they’re interested in and add a touch of fun.
• Assessments and self study practice problems provide opportunities to drill skills towards mastery.
• College prep & admissions resources ensure that students have the best resources available.

How to Access Varsity Tutors

Sign into the Varsity Tutors platform through the student Clever portal. To learn how to log into Clever with your child’s Berkley Schools Google account, follow these directions.

Learn More & Get Started!

• Varsity Tutors Berkley Schools Launchpad
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Michigan Child Protection Registry is a do-not-contact service that families can easily and quickly sign up for at www.ProtectMIChild.com in order to keep their children safe while on their devices at school and at home. This is a free Registry offered through the State of Michigan that stops adult advertisements from reaching kids through e-mail, text, Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Discord, Twitch and TikTok. This Registry is an excellent resource for making sure kids aren’t being exposed to ads for alcohol, tobacco/vaping, online gambling, pornography or marijuana.

All parents, guardians, or family members interested in volunteering, chaperoning, and/or driving other students for school-sponsored functions or field trips must complete the appropriate forms prior to the event or activity. To access volunteer information, please click on BSD Volunteer Information and Forms.

For both MISTAR and Schoology, there is a specific site for the Berkley School District. To ensure that you are logging into the correct sites, please use the following links below:

Schoology

MISTAR Parent Portal

For any tech related issues, parents and students should put in a tech ticket and it will be routed to the appropriate department to get resolved ASAP.

To view the AMS event calendar for the 2026-2027 school year, please click on AMS Event Calendar 2026-2027. Please keep in mind that due to various circumstances, event times and dates are subject to change and events may be added or removed.

Anderson spiritwear is available in a variety of colors and designs along with a variety of products. To shop for spiritwear , please visit the AMS Online Spirit Wear Store. There is currently a promotion to save 20% off all Anderson spiritwear for the month of November . Grab some new Anderson gear for the cooler months ahead.

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Michael Ross

AMS Principal

Email: michael.ross@berkleyschools.org
Website: https://www.berkleyschools.org/schools/anderson/
Location: 3205 Catalpa Drive, Berkley, MI, USA
Phone: 248-837-8200