Principal's Post

A big thank you to our PTA for organizing a great Black History Month assembly last Tuesday. Mrs. Madelyn Porter, from the Detroit Historical Society did a one person show about the Underground Railroad. She was entertaining and informative and captivated all of our students and staff. Below are some pictures from the event.

This Friday is Valentine's Day. Each classroom celebrates in their own unique ways so if you have any questions please reach out to your child's classroom teacher. It is also a half day and students will be dismissed at 11:20 am. Our staff will work with Mr. Abe Leaver from Leader in Me, during the afternoon to sort through our MRA survey results to begin the process of setting goals for the 2025-2026 school year and beyond.

More about the MRA Survey . . . . . Each year it is important for us to reach our to our community to get feedback about how you view Angell Elementary Schools overall progress. Over the last few years, we have had several focus areas that have driven our work such as phonics, social emotional learning (trauma informed learning), small group learning, executive function, math progressions with concrete, representational and symbolic strategies, social emotional learning (2nd Step, Respect Circle, Family Circles), Leader In Me and more. All of this work has been done with objective of empowering students and equipping out students with the necessary skills to productive citizens.

We are now at the point in the year where we would like some feedback from our parents/guardians to help drive our work into the future. Please use this MRA SURVEY link below to share your insights on how Angell has helped support your student and family and to provide us areas that we can continue to focus on in order to make our overall educational plan more effective for all students. We will use the survey feedback at our next professional development session scheduled for the afternoon of February 14th to establish some goals for next year and beyond. Please complete the survey by February 10th, 2025. We appreciate your cooperation and participation.

At the conclusion of our professional development session we will begin our Mid-Winter Break that will be from Monday, February 17th - Friday, February 21st. School will resume on Monday, February 24th.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and see you on Monday!

Take care and stay warm,

Vince Gigliotti

Angell Principal

Also, included in this edition of the Principal’s Post . . . . . .

• PTA Founders' Day Winners
• Angell's in the Alley
• Counselor's Corner
• Angell Network News
• Spirit Wear Sale
• Intent to Return
• When to Exclude a Child from School
• Important Safety Reminders
• Black History Month Calendar
• Kindergarten Information
• Schools of Choice Information
• Battle of the Books Information
• Cold Weather Notice
• PTA Information
• Class Funds
• PTA Membership Link
• Camp Invention
• Varsity Tutors
• Upcoming Events
• Volunteer Release Form
• Nuts and Bolts
• Music Concert Schedule

Sincerely,

Mr. Gigliotti

Angell Principal

Congratulations to our very deserving Founders' Day winners and runners up. They are incredibly dedicated and passionate people. Angell is a better place because of them.

Teacher of the Year Winner: Mrs. Watkins

Runners Up: Mrs. Daniels, Mrs. Hoerner and Mrs. Ovies

Supper Staff of the Year Winner: Mrs. Lister

Runners Up: Mrs. Simcina and Mrs. Smith

PTA Member of the Year Winner: Kristi Devine

Runner Up: Aileen Snyder

On Sunday, February 2nd, over 70 Angell students enjoyed an afternoon of bowling at 5 Star Lanes. A big thank you to Mr. Alan Posner, the Dad's Club and the PTA for organizing and hosting such a wonderful event. Posted throughout the Principal's Post are pictures of the event.

We missed you all in January so it was a pleasure to return to the PTA meeting this month. We always love to share the latest calendar from Action for Happiness and this month the theme is Friendly February.

As you will see from the slide show, anxiety was our topic this month. Anxiety can be divided into different categories including separation anxiety, social phobia/anxiety, generalized anxiety, phobias, and panic. Anyone who saw the movie, Inside Out 2 was reminded that anxiety serves the important functions of keeping us safe and also motivating us to solve problems. The challenge occurs when anxiety takes over and prevents us from accomplishing or enjoying everyday tasks and activities. In the past we have mentioned the circle of control as we remember we only really control our own thoughts, words, and actions. While we may not be able to control how our children think or behave, the good news is we are able to provide a positive influence as they continue to grow and develop skills. While it is only natural to want to reduce our children’s discomfort, when we work to support and encourage them they build confidence in their ability to navigate challenges and discomfort.

I recently read the book, Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD: A Scientifically Proven Program for Parents, by Eli Lebowitz, and was compelled by his research-based approach. This book is not endorsed by the school or the district, it is simply a tool that resonated with me. Lebowitz talks about the accommodations we unknowingly put in place to reduce our children’s anxiety symptoms. With all the love and best intentions we try to prevent things that may cause anxiety, or provide extreme comfort at the first hint of discomfort. In order to build skills and resilience, we instead need to work to validate feelings while demonstrating confidence in our children’s ability to work through challenges. “I understand that you find birthday parties overwhelming. I also know you have great strategies to work through difficult moments. What might you use this time?” All of our children have experienced big feelings (even meltdowns) at some point and at times these big feelings may seem unreasonable. It’s important to remember that during moments of heightened emotions, the “thinking brain” goes offline so we limit our words and support emotion re-regulation. Once regulated we do not want to explain to our children why their feelings were wrong or out of proportion, instead we validate their feelings and celebrate their ability to work through discomfort. “I’m so proud of you for taking a break/taking some deep breaths, I can see you were really upset.” As difficult as it is to watch our children struggle, we are filled with pride and admiration seeing their accomplishments as they navigate symptoms of anxiety.

Many illnesses do not require exclusion. However, children may be excluded if the illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in school activities or if there is risk of spread of harmful disease to others. Criteria include:

1. Severely ill: A child that is lethargic or less responsive, has difficulty breathing, or has a rapidly spreading rash.

2. Fever: A child with a temperature of 100.4°F or greater AND behavior changes or other signs or symptoms (e.g., sore throat, rash, vomiting, or diarrhea). The child should not return until 24 hours of no fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications.

3. Diarrhea: A child has two loose or watery stools. The child should have no loose stools for 24 hours prior to returning to school. Exception: A healthcare provider has determined it is not infectious. Diarrhea may be caused by antibiotics or new foods a child has eaten.

4. Vomiting: A child that has vomited two or more times. The child should have no vomiting episodes for 24 hours prior to returning.

5. Abdominal pain: A child with abdominal pain that continues for more than two hours or intermittent pain associated with fever or other symptoms.

6. Rash: The child with a rash AND has a fever or a change in behavior. Exclude until the rash subsides or until a healthcare provider has determined it is not infectious.

7. Skin sores: A child with draining sores on an exposed area that cannot be covered with waterproof dressing.

8. Certain communicable diseases: Students and staff diagnosed with certain communicable diseases (e.g strep throat, norovirus, influenza, hand foot mouth, pinkeye, etc. ) may have to be excluded for a certain period of time. Please call the office and report if your child has been diagnosed with a communicable disease.

9. Covid- We are still no longer contract tracing for covid and do not need to quarantine for 5 days. Everyone is able to return when they are "well," meaning fever free for 24 hours, without fever reducing medications. It is left up to the individual when they feel well. Also, masks are optional and not required per Oakland County Health Department.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Nurse Rose or the school office.

1. ROLLING THROUGH THE STOP SIGN NEAR CROSSING GUARDS: I have noticed that several drivers are not coming to a COMPLETE STOP at our designated crossing areas. This is not only unsafe but illegal. Please slow down, come to a complete stop and wait for our crossing guard to completely clear the traffic area before moving forward.
   
   
2. PARKING AND DROPPING OFF IN THE STAFF PARKING LOT: The staff parking lot located near the south end of the school between the school and the tennis courts is reserved for staff only. We have one family (due to a temporary medical issue) that has permission to use the lot for drop off and pick up. Without specific permission absolutely no other community members should enter the staff parking lot with their vehicle. For many this may seem convenient but for our students and staff this creates a very serious safety and access issue. I am directing anyone who is currently using our parking lot to wait for students or to get closer to drop off points to stop this practice immediately. If you have relatives helping with drop-off and pick-up please make sure you pass this information along.

Please be advised that I will work with public safety to encourage tickets for anyone who continues to create these safety issues. Your cooperation is both appreciated and expected moving forward.

Berkley School District resident registration for both Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten begins February 3 and runs through February 14, 2025. Registration takes place entirely online, including the required document uploads. Visit the enrollment webpage to begin your registration, verify your residency through our District boundaries document and see what paperwork you need to upload to complete your registration. We can’t wait to meet our new students!

Schools of Choice Window for TK-Grade 5

The Berkley School District Board of Education has approved limited Schools of Choice (Section 105) openings (up to 150 slots) in kindergarten through 5th grade for Oakland County residents for the 2025-26 school year. Those who are interested in attending the Berkley School District, but who do not live within District boundaries may apply.

Important Schools of Choice details include:

• Schools of Choice application period is February 10-28, 2025

• Completed applications must be submitted online

• No applications will be accepted after the deadline of 5:00 pm, February 28, 2025

• Applicants will receive email notification of their student's Schools of Choice status mid to late April following the lottery

• On the application, families will select which school they’d prefer to attend: Angell, Burton, Norup, Pattengill or Rogers

• For current Schools of Choice families, if you have an incoming TK or Kindergarten student, please be sure to fill out this year’s application as well. Priority is given to siblings.
  
  

Questions

• If you have any questions regarding the upcoming Kindergarten Information nights, please reach out to school secretaries and/or principals.

• If you have any questions regarding the enrollment process, please contact the Enrollment Office at 248-837-8026 or visit the Enrollment website.

• If you have any questions regarding Schools of Choice, please contact Stephanie Helterbran, Pupil Accounting and Central Enrollment Supervisor, at 248-837-8045 or visit the Schools of Choice website.

Welcome to Angell's thirteenth annual Battle of the Books! The Battle of the Books is a reading challenge for all 4th and 5th grade students in which students are placed on a team, read from a selected list of books and then compete against other teams by answering questions about those books. The Battle encourages students to read various genres of books to enhance their reading. Families are encouraged to read with your students and to help prepare them for the Battle. The Battle is a reading challenge above and beyond the regular school work and curriculum. Because of this, both the parents and students are required to sign a permission slip. Information was sent home with students that included permission slips, book information and general expectations.

Feel free to reach out to Julie McKeeman, Media Specialist with any questions.

Julie McKeeman, julie.mckeeman@berkleyschools.org

Important Dates

Fourth BOTB lunch meeting - February 12th (3rd book must be read)

Fifth BOTB lunch meeting - March 12th, ALL books need to be read by today.

BATTLE will be held at 8:30 am on Thursday, March 13th

As we enter into winter months we will experience some colder weather which will impact our students. We will invite students inside for an inside line-up no earlier than 7:45 am whenever the temperature is 9 degrees or less with the windchill. We have an organized system that allows students to line up in the hallways. However, if the weather is above 9 degrees (factoring in the windchill) we will have students wait outdoors each morning and go outside for recess each day. Please have your children dress appropriately for the weather in the event we do remain outside. Proper winter attire may include winter coats, gloves, hats, snow pants and boots. Although we have some extras in the office we do not have enough to outfit each child.

If you need any assistance with winter clothing please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly as we are fortunate to have anonymous donors who have provided funds and winter clothing to help our Angell families during the winter months.

Week of February 10th, 2025

Upcoming Events!

PTA Meeting

Our next PTA meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4th at 7:00pm in the Angell Media Center. All are welcome!

PTA Sponsored Events

See the fliers below about Class Funds.

PTA Membership

Please consider joining. Get involved and help support our Angell Community.

Printable Membership Form: PTA Membership Form
Join the PTA online: https://angellpta.memberhub.com/store
Volunteer / Chair Opportunities: Angell PTA Committees

Angell Dad’s Club

Know any dads who want to get involved? They are absolutely welcome to join our PTA but we also have an Angell Dad's Club!
Meetings: 3rd Thursday of the month at 7pm at Dog and Pony Show Brewing
Facebook: Angell Dad's Club
Contact: Rob Herman

Email: rob.herman@outlook.com

Social Media
Follow us on our social media pages to get important information and updates!
Facebook: Angell PTA Facebook Page
Instagram: angellfishpta

*2024- 2025 Angell PTA Board*

Bridget Rock - PTA President
Nicole Feys and Erin Steinger - PTA Co -Vice Presidents
Kelsey Cole- PTA Secretary
Tara Samson - PTA Treasurer

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

• Varsity Tutors video overview

Monday, February 10

Pledge Leaders: Ozanich

4th and 5th Grade Upstander Club

Judge Meinecke visits Mrs. Shifman's Class

School of Choice Application Period Opens

Tuesday, February 11

Pledge Leaders: Ozanich

Wednesday, February 12

Pledge Leaders: Ozanich

4th Battle of the Books Meeting at Lunch

Count Day

Justice 101 Field Trip to 44th District Court for Mrs. Shifman's Class

Thursday, February 13

Pledge Leaders: Ozanich

8:15 am: Respect Circle

Friday, February 14

Pledge Leaders: Ozanich

Valentine's Day

1/2 Day for Students

PM: Professional Development for Staff

Monday, February 17 - Friday, February 21

Mid-Winter Break

Monday, February 24

School Resumes

Parents are encouraged to volunteer in classrooms, chaperone field trips, and be a volunteer driver. In order to volunteer in the classroom or on school-sponsored functions, all parents or guardians must complete the Volunteer Release Form and be approved through the district process prior to any activities. Please allow up to 2 weeks for processing.

New this year - Volunteer forms will be completed online (see button below). There is an option to fill out the Chaperone Section within the online Volunteer form. Driver forms must be completed using the usual paper copy format. Remember to submit a copy of your current driver's license and proof of insurance with ALL Driver Forms even if you submitted your driver's license online.

Volunteer forms must be completed every year. If you were an approved volunteer last year, you still must complete the process again for the 2024-2025 school year.

By clicking on the Nuts and Bolts button below you will be able to access information about:

• Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
• Traffic Patterns
• Health Forms
• Food Free Policy
• Snack Ideas
• Daily Schedule Information
• Bell Times
• Specials Schedules
• Wednesdays Rotations
• Lunch Information
• Breakfast Information
• Spiritwear
• iCalendar Updates

We are fortunate to have two talented music educators leading our music program this year. Mrs. Kathy Manuel and Ms. Maiuri. Mrs. Manuel also teaches at Burton Elementary and Ms. Maiuri teaches at Rogers Elementary, as well. We have made some adjustments to our performance calendar this year so please disregard any published dates that may appear on the district calendar. Moving forward please reference the dates below:

• 2nd Grade - February 27, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. @ Angell
• 3rd Grade - February 27, 2025 at 6:45 P.M. @ Angell
• 4th Grade - February 27, 2025 at 7:30 P.M. @ Angell
• Kindergarten - May 8, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. @ Angell
• 1st Grade - May 8, 2025 at 6:45 P.M. @ Angell
• 5th Grade Choir - May 22, 205 at 7:00 P.M. @ Norup International School (with Pattengill, Rogers, & AMS) - THIS IS A NEW LOCATION

Please take note that all but the 5th grade concert will be in the Angell Gymnasium due to construction projects across the district. We look forward to seeing all of our families at the performances later in the year as we showcase our students' talents.

Email: vincenzo.gigliotti@berkleyschools.org
Website: https://www.berkleyschools.org/schools/angell/
Location: 3849 Beverly Boulevard, Berkley, MI, USA
Phone: (248) 837-8501
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Angell-Elementary-School/688122847952184
Twitter: @GigliottiVince