Principal's Post
Sunday, March 31, 2024
Principal's Message
Dear Angell Community,
Happy Easter to all of our families that celebrate! We hope you have a joyful day with family and friends.
April 8th marks a rare event called a Total Solar Eclipse. There will not be another total eclipse for another twenty years so this is a significant learning opportunity for our students and staff. However, it is important to take some precautions as the eclipse can cause vision damage if the proper safety gear is not used. Fortunately, our district is providing safety glasses for all students and staff so we can safely witness the eclipse. We will also cancel all afternoon outdoor recess sessions as we recognize that students are not likely to keep their safety glasses on while running around. However, we will set up a schedule for all classes to go outdoors in a safe, structured setting.
It is important to note that the totality of the eclipse will happen right at dismissal. This means it will be dark. Each teacher will exit students in an orderly fashion and will have all students wear their glasses. It is recommended that you review your exit plan with your children so there is no additional confusion for students. Although we are not advocating for an early dismissal, if you choose to do so, please contact the main office prior to 1:00 pm on Monday, April 8th so we can plan ahead. Parents, unless you have safety glasses, it is not recommended to look directly at the eclipse otherwise it could cause damage to your vision. If you and your families would like to learn more please visit NSTA.
Our 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students are scheduled to take the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP) beginning on Wednesday, April 10th. 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:
- Make sure they get a good night's sleep the night before each test.
- Make sure they have a healthy breakfast, hearty lunch and protein-based snack for each testing day.
- Encourage them to do their best and stay focused for each testing session.
- Encourage them to take their time and double check their answers. M-STEP is not a timed test.
- Encourage them to read all directions before beginning the test or answering any questions.
- Encourage them to read the answer choices before reading the question.
- Encourage them to take a break if they feel tired or overwhelmed.
- Encourage them to have a positive attitude.
We appreciate you doing your part to help motivate your student to do their very best. Our staff will provide a safe and comfortable testing atmosphere for each session. They will also have all the necessary testing supplies. Our staff will also review all testing protocols, share sample questions and provide a well monitored, supportive testing environment for each student.
Wednesday, April 3rd is Paraeducator Professional's Appreciation Day. We are very fortunate to have so many wonderful paraeducators supporting our students at Angell. Please encourage your student to give a special shout out to our incredible paraeducators on Wednesday. We look forward to celebrating:
- Mrs. Amy Lister
- Mr. JP McCoy
- Mrs. Dawn Blair
- Mrs. Jess Worrall
- Mrs. Eryka Sonnenberg
I am excited to share our Heart Challenge Update. Congratulations to our entire community as we officially raised a grand total of $13,673.77! Here is a brief highlight of our accomplishments:
- Our top student fundraiser is Liam H. in 5th grade. He will receive a banner to display at school and a certificate.
- We will receive $500 in US Games as a giveback for more PE equipment.
- We will receive a check for $350 to also use to complement our PE program.
- We will receive a $25 Amazon gift card for achieving over 18 students completing Finn’s Missions
- Mrs. Zimcosky, Mrs. Sturtz and Mrs. Daniels will each receive a $25 Amazon gift card for 3+ student completing Finn’s Mission in their classes.
Angell has a long-standing tradition of success with the Heart Challenge Fundraiser. We are grateful for Mr. Price's leadership with the program and thank everyone for participating.
Also included in the Principal's Post this week is:
- Angell Network News
- Respect Circle Honorees
- M-STEP Testing Schedule
- Angells Around the World
- COVID Update from Nurse Rose
- PTA Updates
- Community Coffee Series
- Upcoming Events
- Fuel Up with Friends Summer Opportunity
- Food Service Information
- New Lunch Items
- Angell Calendar
Sincerely,
Vince Gigliotti
Angell Principal
Angell Network News
Respect Circle Honorees
MSTEP Testing Schedule: Grades 3-5 ONLY
Our 3rd - 5th graders are scehduled to test on the dates below. Please do your best to make sure your child is in school for each session so we can minimize make-ups. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out directly to Mr. Gigliotti.
Angells Around the World
Our wonderful PTA is planning a special event that will celebrate all the cultures represented at Angell Elementary School and need your help! Here is the PTA's special message and invitation to join:
Come and CELEBRATE your culture and country at Angell Elementary's FIRST cultural festival and dance, Angells Around the World! The PTA DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) Committee invites everyone to proudly show off who they are and where they are from.
Here is where we need YOUR help! Families have the option of hosting a table that represents their culture by sharing traditional clothes, providing a traditional dish to sample and/or presenting a trifold poster that highlights their country of origin. Families may also have other items that represent their country (home decor, painting, country flag, etc.).
Interested in hosting a table? Please use the link button below to sign up! The PTA will provide more details to families that sign up after April 1st.
COVID/Health Update from Nurse Rose
You may be aware the CDC has updated and simplified respiratory virus recommendations (including COVID-19). The Oakland County Health Division has followed suit. Please see OCHD website at https://www.oakgov.com/community/health/health-a-z/information-a-z/respiratory-virus-guidelines for updated respiratory guidance.
The takeaway is students and staff should stay home when sick. According to the Managing Communicable Disease booklet for Schools from MDHHS, do not report to school with a fever, vomiting x2, diarrhea x2, continuous abdominal pain, or rash and fever with behavior changes.
Per OCHD, If you develop a respiratory virus:
* Stay home and away from others.
* Use precautions to prevent spreading the illness like wearing a mask
* Seek health care promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness. Treatment may help lower your risk of severe illness.
For people with respiratory viral illnesses such as COVID-19, RSV, and influenza, they can return to normal activities when symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, has been gone for at least 24 hours without use of a fever-reducing medication.
PTA Updates
Week of April 1, 2024
Upcoming Events!
PTA Meeting
Our February PTA meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 2nd at 7:00pm in the Angell Media Center. All are welcome!
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: Scott Sehi
Email: sehisc@gmail.com
Social Media
Follow us on our social media pages to get important information and updates!
Facebook: Angell PTA Facebook Page
Instagram: angellfishpta
*2023- 2024 Angell PTA Board*
Caitlyn Thrasher, President, caitlyn.thrasher85@gmail.com
Bridget Rock, Vice President, bridget.a.rock@gmail.com
Kelsey Cole, Secretary, kelseyl_cole@yahoo.com
Tara Samson, Treasurer, ellorysmama@gmail.com
Lindsay Royce, PR Coordinator, say.royce@gmail.com
Community Coffee Series with Superintendent Scott Francis
Superintendent Scott Francis will host community chats this semester. Community members are invited to share thoughts about the Berkley School District at this informal community forum on the following dates:
Monday, May 20, 5:30-6:30 pm. Topic: TBD
All Community Chat events will be held at the Berkley Schools Administrative Offices, 14501 Talbot, Oak Park. Refreshments will be provided.
Upcoming Events
Weel of April 1 - April 5
Monday, April 1
Pledge Leaders: Riddle
Tuesday, April 2
Pledge Leaders: Riddle
Respect Circle
PTA Meeting
Wednesday, April 3
Pledge Leaders: Riddle
Paraeducator Appreciation Day
Thursday, April 4
Pledge Leaders: Riddle
Friday, April 5
Pledge Leaders: Riddle
Fuel Up with Friends Summer Opportunity
Are you looking for a unique summer experience for your kids? Sign-up has opened for a great summer camp located in Ferndale for ages 6-15! Below is the link to the google registration form and more information. Only 15 spots available per week.
Food Service Information
For all lunch information, INCLUDING LUNCH MENUS, please visit our Food Service page on the district website by clicking on the button below.
New Lunch Items
The Food Service Department is offering two NEW daily lunch options in addition to the three current available daily items at the Elementary Schools.
1. Wow Butter & Grape Jelly Jammer with string cheese and whole grain Cheez-its
(Contains milk, wheat, sesame, soy)
2. Chicken Popper Salad served with a graham cracker (salad includes popcorn chicken and shredded mozzarella cheese over a blend of spinach and romaine lettuce) Italian/ranch dressing available on the side.
(Contains milk, wheat, soy)
All school lunches also contain a choice of 1% chocolate or regular milk and an assortment of fresh or packaged fruit and vegetables. Daily offerings may include bananas, pears, apples, apple slices, orange slices, fruit cups, sliced cucumbers, carrot/celery sticks and more.
Calendar
Please use the button below to access all important Angell Elementary School dates for the 2023-2024 school year.
Subscribe to Angell iCalendar Updates
iCal Feeds
iCalendar (iCal, .ics) is a popular calendar data exchange format which allows you to subscribe to a calendar and receive updates as calendar data changes.
Read step by step instructions on adding an iCal feed to Google Calendars and your iPhone.
Nuts and Bolts
Click on Nuts and Bolts if you need information about:
Volunteering, Covid Protocols, Food Management/Allergens, Nut Free Safe Snacks, Daily Schedules, Bell Schedules, Specials Schedule, Lunch Information, Nutrislice, and Breakfast Information
Stay In Touch
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