Principal's Post

Good Morning! I hope this message finds you enjoying this beautiful weekend. Besides crazy, unpredictable weather May also brings a flurry of activities that will keep us busy. I want to extend a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all of our Angell moms. We appreciate all that you do to make a positive impact on our students and community. I hope your day is filled with love, laughs and great memories. Our Kindergarten team celebrated with an early Mother's Day Tea Friday afternoon. Please enjoy some pictures of the event below.

We will begin our Spring Assessment process as our NWEA Testing window opens on Monday, May 12th. Our testing schedule is outlined below so you can do your best to avoid conflicts with other appointments. The NWEA is a nationally normed test that helps us gauge how students have progressed compared to same-age peers across the nation. NWEA helps us measure student growth and target areas for additional emphasis as we plan for instruction for the remainder of the year. Please encourage your student to approach the assessment with a positive/growth mindset and to put forth their best effort. Results will be shared through the MiStar Parent Portal after all district wide testing is complete.

Kindergarten - Morning Testing Sessions

Monday, May 12th: Reading

Tuesday, May 13th: Math

1st Grade - Morning Testing Sessions

Monday, May 12th: Reading

Tuesday, May 13th: Math

2nd grade - Afternoon Testing Sessions

Monday, May 12th: Reading

Wednesday, May 14th: Math

3rd Grade - Afternoon Testing Sessions

Monday, May 12th: Reading

Wednesday, May 14th: Math

4th Grade - Morning Testing Sessions

Monday, May 12th: Reading

Tuesday, May 13th: Math

5th Grade - Morning Testing Sessions

Monday, May 12th: Reading

Tuesday, May 13th: Math

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly or to your child's classroom teacher.

We are excited to host our annual TK/Kindergarten Round Up sessions on Thursday, May 15th. We will have four small sessions (8:30am, 9:30am, 10:30 am and 1:00pm) to welcome our newest families and students for the 2025-2026 school year. There is nothing like the excitement of this day as our students enter Angell for the first time to begin their educational journey as an Angellfish.

On the opposite of the educational continuum, we are equally excited to welcome back our Angell alum who are graduating from Berkley High School this year. We will host a special SENIOR CLAP OUT on Monday, May 20th at 2:30 pm to send them off in grand fashion. This event is one of our favorites. We are so proud of our graduates.

Last Friday also marked the end of Staff Appreciation Week. On behalf of the Angell Staff I wanted to thank you for all the wonderful gifts, recognition and Mr. Kabob luncheon throughout the week. We are grateful to be a part of such a thoughtful community. THANK YOU!!!!

Please join me in welcoming our newest Angell staff child. Daniel Joseph Pruse was born on May 1st at 6:04pm. Congratulations to Mrs. Pruse, 5th grade Band teacher, and her family.

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 . . . . . .

• Kindergarten Mother's Day Tea

• Senior Clap Outs

• Angell Network News

• Respect Circle Honorees

• Superintendent Community Chat

• Reproductive Health Information: 4th and 5th Grade

• Summer Difference Program

• 1st Day School Supplies

• Future Bears Girls Basketball Camp Opportunity

• Upcoming Events

• PTA Updates

• Angells Around the World

• Spirit Wear

• When to Exclude a Child from School

• Important Safety Reminders

• PTA Information

• Class Funds

• PTA Membership Link

• Varsity Tutors

• Volunteer Release Form

• Nuts and Bolts

• Music Concert Schedule

Superintendent Scott Francis will host his final community chat of the school year on May 19, 2025. Community members are invited to hear about the Berkley School District Strategic Plan progress at this informal community forum on Monday, May 19, 5:30-6:30 pm, at the Berkley Schools Administrative Offices, 14501 Talbot, Oak Park. Refreshments will be provided.

The links below will take you to the letters that were sent out to our 4th and 5th grade families regarding our Reproductive Health Units. In case you missed the information the letters are linked below for your convenience.

Elementary Program - Math & Language Arts + STEM

The Berkley Summer Difference Math & Language Arts program is intended for students currently in Grades TK-5 who need to maintain or grow in their academic achievement from the 2024-25 school year. Students who enroll in the program will have both math and language arts instruction throughout the summer program.

The elementary Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program will focus on problem solving, engineering design and offer hands-on opportunities.

All classes will be taught in person by certified, highly-qualified elementary teachers. Depending on enrollment, multi-grade sections may be organized to better meet staffing needs. The summer program will be educational and enjoyable!

Program Details for Math & Language Arts

• June 23 - July 17, 2025
• All classes held at Norup International School
• Monday - Thursday, 8:30 am - 11:30 am
• Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle and light snack
• Additional details are available in the Elementary Berkley Summer Difference Program document
  
  

Program Details for Elementary STEM

• July 21 - July 24, 2025
• All classes held at Norup International School
• Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 11:00 am
• Students may bring water bottles and a light snack
• Additional details are available in the Elementary STEM Program document
  
  

Registration

• April 21 - May 16, 2025
• Families will register via the MISTAR Parent Portal
• Follow these instructions on how to register via the Parent Portal

ANGELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL parents, this year, skip the chaos and order everything in one click with 1st Day School Supplies.

Attention Future Berkley Ballers! Get ready for an exciting opportunity to share the gym with the

Berkley Girls Basketball Team at the 3rd Annual Future Bears Girls Basketball Camp!

This fun and exciting camp is for girls entering 2nd through 8th grade! Hosted by Berkley High

School’s Girls Basketball staff and players, this camp runs Monday through Wednesday June

23-25 and focuses on skill development, confidence building, and fun!

● 2nd–5th Grade: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

● 6th–8th Grade: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

● Cost: $80 (includes a t-shirt)

● Location: Berkley High School - West Gym

Bring a basketball (if possible) and a water bottle.

Register online: https://tinyurl.com/BerkleyBears25

Questions? Email: berkleygirlsbball@gmail.com

Come find out why it’s such a GREAT time to be a Berkley Bear!!!

Monday, May 12

Pledge Leaders: Wexler

4th and 5th Grade Upstander Club

3rd Grade Helmet Safety Presentation from RO Optimist Club

4th Grade Fitting

Tuesday, May 13

Pledge Leaders: Wexler

Visiting Author Assemblies (3rd-5th at 1:00pm and Tk-2nd at 2:00pm)

PTA Meeting - Special Guest: Mr. Matt Provost

Wednesday, May 14

Pledge Leaders: Wexler

1st Grade field Trip to Detroit Zoo

Thursday, May 15

Pledge Leaders: Wexler

8:15am: Respect Circle

7:00pm BAAPN Meeting at NIS

TK/K Round Up (8:30, 9:30, 10:30, 1:00)

BHS Prom Night

Friday, May 16

Pledge Leaders: Wexler

Week of May 12, 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! Mr. Matt Provost, new Angell principal for the 2025-2026 School Year will be our special guest.

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

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 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:

• 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