Principal's Post

We enjoyed our week long music residency with Guy Louis. Guy led with the theme of activate your heart. His message and methods helped our students learn and practice self-regulation strategies. He used music as a vehicle to find peace in all the things we do day to day. We are excited to share that Guy will return to present a family night event during reading month. Please take the time to ask your children about their time with Guy and what their takeaways were from his lesson.

It is hard to believe but we are starting to plan for next year. Our enrollment department has prepared a lot of details about registration and school of choice information for you to review. Please feel free to pass this information on to your neighbors, friends and family who may have an incoming student for the 2025-2026 school year, are living outside district lines, and have a desire to be a part of the Berkley School District.

Kindergarten Information for All: Information Nights, Registration and Schools of Choice

While it might be hard to believe, it’s time to start thinking about Kindergarten for Fall 2025. In the Berkley School District, Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten information nights, enrollment and the Schools of Choice application windows happen in January and February each year. Starting early allows the district to plan staffing, class sizes and support for students before the year ends. If you have an incoming Kindergarten student, this is important information to save. If you know someone who has a child who will be five years old by September 1, 2025, please share this information with them!

TK & Kindergarten Information Nights

Learn about the kindergarten curriculum, how to prepare for the big first day, enrollment options, and Kindergarten/Transitional Kindergarten readiness. All TK and Kindergarten students need to be five years old by September 1, 2025.

During the evening, families will be able to ask the principal questions, learn more about each school and hear about the #BerkleyDifference. You do not have to be a resident to attend the Kindergarten Information Nights, they are open to all who are interested in the Berkley School District. Learn more about kindergarten enrollment and readiness by visiting our Enrollment webpage.

• Angell Elementary School: Wed, Jan 22, 2025 | 6:30 pm

• Burton Elementary School: Thurs, Jan 16, 2025 | 6:30 pm

• Pattengill Elementary School: Tues, Jan 21, 2025 | 6:30 pm

• Rogers Elementary School: Thurs, Jan 23, 2025 | 6:30 pm

• Norup International School: Wed, Jan 15, 2025 | 6:30 pm
  
  

Kindergarten Registration for Berkley School District Residents

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.

Berkley, Clawson & Royal Oak Partner to Honor Dr. King on MLK Day - January 20th

It has become annual tradition to partner with our neighboring districts to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. The cities and school districts of Berkley, Clawson and Royal Oak announce their joint MLK Day event for the entire community to remember, participate, and honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On Monday, January 20th, 2025, the community is invited to celebrate A Day On, Not a Day Off, with the three school districts and municipalities. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy breakfast together, participate in a Freedom Walk, complete volunteer activities such as donation sorting and blanket making.

This year’s event takes place at Berkley High School, (2325 Catalpa, Berkley MI 48072) and begins at 9 am.

The event committee will also be collecting donations to support the following groups:

• Redford Brightmoor Initiative

• Cass Community Social Services

• Judson Center

• Royal Oak First United Methodist Church

• Welcome Inn
  
  

Guests are encouraged to bring donations with them to the event or order donations on the event’s Amazon Wishlist.

Requested Donations

• Non-perishable food: Canned goods, pasta, peanut butter, jelly, granola bars, boxed food items

• Home items: Toilet paper, dish soap, paper towels, laundry detergent

• Toiletries: Shampoo/conditioner (including the following brands: Shea moisture, As I Am, Curls, Aunt Jackie's), deodorant, shaving cream, feminine products

• Diapers and pull-ups: All sizes, no opened packages

• New children's books: Infant through middle school age

• Clothing: Socks (all sizes), underwear (men and children), winter hats (adult)
  
  

See a list of requested donations and additional event information on the City of Royal Oak website.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend and see you on Monday.

Take care,

Vince Gigliotti

Angell Principal

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

• Angell Network News
• Superintendent Community Chat
• Respect Circle Honorees
• Vision Screening Information
• Angell's in the Alley SignUp and Payment Link
• 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

FYI . . . All local county health departments throughout the state of Michigan provide vision screening services under Act No. 368, Public Acts of 1978, Part 93, Hearing and Vision. Michigan schools work collaboratively with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Local Health Departments (LHD) to allow Vision Screening Technicians to perform screenings in all public, private, and charter schools as well as formal preschool programs. A Vision Technician from the Oakland County Health Department will be at Angell on January 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th to screen all TK, 1st, 3rd and 5th graders. Please complete this Opt Out Vision Screening Form below if you would prefer your child NOT have a vision screening performed.

Here is a quick reminder of a special event that is coming up soon. Our Angell Dad's Club has worked hard over the last few years to design activities to bring families together. Last year they hosted their first ever Angell's in the Alley Bowling event that was a great success. They are excited to announce their 2nd annual Angell's in the Alley scheduled on Sunday, February 2 from 1-3 pm at 5 Star Lanes in Sterling Heights (2666 Metro Pkwy, Sterling Heights, MI 48310). The cost is $20 per bowler which includes pizza, pop, rental shoes, and two hours of bowling! This event is open to all Angell students and their families. Please use the Angell's in the Alley Signup and Payment Link Button below to join other Angell families for an afternoon of fun.

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

Third BOTB lunch meeting - January 29th (2nd book must be read)

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 January 13th, 2025

Upcoming Events!

PTA Meeting

Our next PTA meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 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

What is Camp Invention?

A STEM summer camp where kids build creative inventions. Led by certified local educators, Camp Invention offers new and exciting hands-on activities every year for kids entering grades K-6.

2025 Program: Discover

This year’s brand-new program will illuminate imaginations, inspire curiosity and help kids build essential STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills through collaboration and problem solving. Campers explore hands-on challenges and open-ended adventures designed to unlock creativity and help them shine their brightest!

Secure Your Spot Today

• Register online or call 800-968-4332
• Grades: K - 6th
• Location: Norup International School
• 14450 Manhattan Street, Oak Park, MI 48237
• Date: June 23 - 27, 2025
• Time & Cost: 9 am - 3:30 pm | $275 (before discount)
• Camp Director: Kimberly Ternus | kimberly.ternus@berkleyschools.org | (248) 837-8655
  

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, January 13

Pledge Leaders: Mrs. Hoerner's class

4th and 5th grade Upstander Club

Tuesday, January 14

Pledge Leaders: Mrs. Hoerner's class

OCHD Vision Screening

Wednesday, January 15

Pledge Leaders: Mrs. Hoerner's class

OCHD Vision Screening

Thursday, January 16

Pledge Leaders: Mrs. Hoerner's class

8:15 am: Respect Circle

OCHD Vision Screening

Friday, January 17

1/2 Day of school for students - Dismissal at 11:20 am.
Records Day, end of first semester

Pledge Leaders: Mrs. Hoerner's class

OCHD Vision Screening

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. @ AMS (with Pattengill, Rogers, & AMS)

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