Principal's Post

We are officially beginning the 4th term of the school year. That means we are entering the last ten weeks of the school year. Every year I am always surprised when we hit this part of the year. However, this does not mean we need to slow down or look to the summer break just yet. In fact, this is a time to roll up our sleeves and set some end of year goals. We have many learning experiences that will continue to help shape each and every student. It is also a time for us to reflect on our success throughout the year. I am so proud of all of our students and staff for their commitment to live each day at Angell trying to be kind, safe and productive. I am equally proud when we take risks and fail but use those moments as a springboard for future success. The ability to fail, regroup, exhibit resilience and a positive attitude are attributes that will help our students throughout their lives in immeasurable ways.

This is also a good time of year to take a step back and re-establish norms and expectations to look forward to some exciting events. In particular our 5th grade band and orchestra students will perform this week at Anderson Middle School at the Jr. String Extravaganza and the Jr. Band Jam (see details below). This is a great opportunity to see the difference between 5th grade skills that are practiced two times a week for fifty-one minutes versus our 6th graders who practice five days a week for 50 minutes each day. It is amazing to see how much growth our students make from one year to another.

Take care and enjoy the rest of the weekend! See you on Monday.

Sincerely,

Vince Gigliotti

Angell Principal

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

• Angell Network News

• Respect Circle Honorees

• MSTEP Testing Calendar

• Upcoming Events

• 5th Grade Orchestra Information

• 5th Grade Band Concert Information

• Spirit Wear

• When to Exclude a Child from School

• Important Safety Reminders

• PTA Information

• Class Funds

• PTA Membership Link

• Camp Invention

• Varsity Tutors

• Volunteer Release Form

• Nuts and Bolts

• Music Concert Schedule

Our 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students are scheduled to take the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP). The testing window is April 7 - May 16, 2025. The M-STEP is the state assessment used to assess student progress on Michigan’s standards since 2015. M-STEP has fewer multiple-choice questions than the previous MEAP assessment and more questions that require problem solving and critical thinking skills. M-STEP is aligned to Michigan’s challenging learning standards and is administered each spring to students in grades 3-8. M-STEP measures skills in English language arts (ELA), mathematics, social studies, and science. M-STEP assessments in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics use computer adaptive testing (CAT). CAT tests are customized for each student for a more accurate measurement of what students know.

Our testing schedule is posted below for your reference. Here are a few tips to consider as your child prepares for M-STEP:

1. Make sure they get a good night's sleep the night before each test.
2. Make sure they have a healthy breakfast, hearty lunch and protein-based snack for each testing day.
3. Encourage them to do their best and stay focused for each testing session.
4. Encourage them to take their time and double check their answers. M-STEP is not a timed test.
5. Encourage them to read all directions before beginning the test or answering any questions.
6. Encourage them to read the answer choices before reading the question.
7. Encourage them to take a break if they feel tired or overwhelmed.
8. Encourage them to have a positive attitude.

Monday, April 7

Pledge Leaders: Daniels

Start of 4th Term

4th and 5th Grade Upstander Club

Tuesday, April 8

Pledge Leaders:Daniels

Wednesday, April 9

Pledge Leaders:Daniels

TK/K Jeopardy with Nurse Rose

7:00pm: Jr. String Extravaganza at Anderson Middle School

Thursday, April 10

Pledge Leaders:Daniels

8:15am: Respect Circle

7:00pm: Jr Band Jam at Anderson Middle School

Friday, April 11

Pledge Leaders:Daniels

Our 5th grade Orchestra will have a combined concert with 6th graders on April 9th at 7:00pm at Anderson Middle School.

Our 5th grade Band will have a combined concert with 6th graders on April 10th at 7:00pm at Anderson Middle School.

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.

Week of April 7, 2025

Upcoming Events!

PTA Meeting

Our next PTA meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13 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

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:

• 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