AMS Principal's Weekly Update

Dear AMS Students and Families,

Next week is National Safe School's Week. As an extension of Safe Schools Week, Berkley School District Resource Officer, Sgt. Arney, and I did a two-day presentation on Online Safety and Responsibility. As part of that presentation, we covered a broad range of topics including cyberbullying, harassment, posting and/or sharing explicit pictures, and the dangers of online predators. In our complex online world, and now the addition of AI, it is more important than ever that we help our students navigate their online activity in a safe and responsible manner to keep them safe and reduce negative behaviors directed towards others. If you would like to see our presentation, please click on Online Safety and Responsibility Presentation.

This past Wednesday, October 14th, twenty-five 7th grade students kicked off the Journeys: World Religions of Metro Detroit program by visiting the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn. The Journeys program is an optional opportunity available to 7th grade students where they visit six houses of worship throughout the year in order to learn about major world religions. Students had to apply for the program and demonstrate strong communication skills, leadership qualities, and general open-mindedness.

At the Islamic Center of America, students learned about Islam as volunteers at the ICA taught about the meaning behind wearing a hijab, the importance of charity, and the various prayers and beliefs of Muslims. Dr. Harb, a member of the ICA's Board of Trustees, showed how the Islamic Center was built using materials from countries across the world, from Syria to Turkey. Our students were engaged and curious, asking questions and making connections throughout the day!

Monday - October 19

• Building Safety Overview During Advisory
• Peer-To-Peer Game Day During 6/7th Grade Lunch in Room 113
• Dungeons and Dragons Club 3:20-4:15 pm in Room 111
• Homework Club 3:20-4:15 pm in Room 115
• Girls Tennis Home v. Derby at 4:15 pm
• Volleyball at Derby at 4:30 pm (7th Grade) / 5:30 pm (8th Grade)
• Cross Country League Meet
  
  

Tuesday - October 20

• Scholastic Book Fair Begins
• Jazz Band 8:05-8:35 am in the Band Room
• Orchestra Performance Club 8:05-8:35 am in the Orchestra Room
• Building Safety Overview During Advisory
• Drama Club 3:20-4:15 in Room 113
• Middle School Football Away at Farmington East at 4:30 pm
• Bionic Bears 5:00-6:00 pm at The Den
• Middle School Girls Swim Parent Meeting 7:15 pm in the Norup Cafeteria

Wednesday - October 21

• 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
• Girls Tennis League Meet at 2:00 pm at Novi
• Volleyball Away v. West Bloomfield 4:30 pm (7th Grade) / 5:30 pm (8th Grade)
• Bionic Bears 5:00-6:00 pm at The Den

Thursday - October 22

• ALICE Overview in Extended Advisory Period
• 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

Friday - October 23

• Screen Free Friday
• End of Term 1

As mentioned above, next week is Safe Schools Week. To help cover a broad range of school safety measures, the following will take place next week during Advisory Period:

• October 19 and 20 - I will do a 2 day overview of general safety practices and procedures that pertain to severe weather, building fires, lockdown situations, and medical emergencies.
• October 22 - During an extended Advisory Period, I will do a more comprehensive overview of ALICE lockdown procedures. During this presentation, nonthreatening language will be used to discuss different scenarios. We will not be practicing any physical aspects of ALICE, but will discuss the appropriate applications of ALICE given some hypothetical situations.

Next week Vision Screening will be taking place for all 7th Graders and some special education students in grades 6-8. Below is the schedule for next week's vision screening:

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20

1ST HOUR, POST

2ND HOUR, POST

4TH HOUR, POST

5TH HOUR, POST

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21

2ND HOUR, MILLARD,

4TH HOUR, MUSTONEN

6TH HOUR, MUSTONEN

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22

2ND HOUR, MUSTONEN

MAKE UPS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23

MAKE UPS

The AMS Scholastic Book Fair will take place October 20-27. All ELA classes are scheduled to browse and shop. Ewallets are encouraged. Cash, Card, and Apple Pay are also accepted. We also need volunteers to if you are able to volunteer some time, we'd love the help. Please click on the volunteer Signup Genius for more information. For any questions about the Scholastic Book Fair, please contact Mrs. Aytes.

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 Zekelman Holocaust Center is sponsoring the Kappy Art and Writing Contest. Students in grades 6–12 can choose to create an original work of art or a piece of writing inspired by Anne Frank, Elie Wiesel, and this year’s theme is What We Carry. The Deadline to submit an entry is January 14, 2027. For contest submission and registration, please click on the Kappy Art and Writing Contest Submission/Registration Link.

The top three winners in each category will receive scholarship money. Every student who participates is also invited to our Kappy Art & Writing Showcase on Sunday, April 11, 2027, at 1:00 PM to display their work, share it with family and friends, and celebrate with other student artists and writers.

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

Each year, more than 800,600 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen® annual youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1 million in local and national awards. Each first place VFW Department (state) winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000!

The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300-400 word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. The 2026-2027 theme is: "What A Veteran Taught Me About America.” Students interested in participating must submit their essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed 2026-2027 entry form, to their local participating VFW Post. Find your sponsoring local VFW Post as applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.

Berkley High School Student Leadership is hosting a family game night fundraiser at the high school on Thursday, November 12th from 5:00-7:00 pm There will be games and crafts for all ages as well as food available for purchase.

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.

The BHS Cheer Team is offering a cheer clinic on October 20 and 21 with the opportunity to participate with the JV Cheerleaders at the JV Football game on October 22. To register, please click on Bear Cubs Cheer Clinic 2026

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

Middle School Cross Country is open to students from AMS and Norup in Grades 6-8. To view the calendar for Cross Country, click on 2026 Cross Country Calendar. For questions about Cross Country, please contact Coach Beth Hanna. Below is the schedule for the season with meets being away meets starting at 4:30 pm.

Middle School Girls Tennis is open to students from AMS and Norup in Grades 6-8. For questions about Middle School Girls Tennis, please contact Coach Sarah Brooks. Below is the schedule for the season with matches starting at 4:15 pm.

REMAINING SCHEDULE (Home Matches in Bold)

Volleyball is open to 7th and 8th Grade AMS Girls. For questions about Middle School Volleyball, please contact Coach Theresa Cabalum (7th grade) or Coach Steve Hanna (8th grade). Below is the schedule for the season. Home games for 7th Grade start at 4:15 pm and 8th Grade starts around 5:15 pm (immediately following the conclusion of the 7th Grade games) and away games start at 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm respectively.

REMAINING SCHEDULE (Home Games 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)

Attention 6-8th Grade girls interested in participating on the upcoming middle school girls swim team. There will be a swimmer and parent meeting on Tuesday, October 20 at 7:15 in the Norup cafeteria. For questions about the Girls Swim Team, please contact Coach Teri Falcon.

Tryouts for the 7th Grade Boys Basketball team will take place on November 5, 6, and 9 after school from 3:30-5:00 in the AMS. 8th Grade tryouts will likely take place during the same days, however we are currently in the process of hiring a new 8th Grade coach so we will finalize the 8th Grade tryout schedule once we have hired a coach. As a reminder, all students trying out must have a current physical dated on or after April 15, 2026 and uploaded into FinalForms prior to attending any tryouts.

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:

11/19/26

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 Ms. Girson or 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.

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 October 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

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 $10 on hooded tees and crewnecks. 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