What's Inside
- It’s Giving Season - Opportunities to Support Berkley Schools and District Families this Holiday Season - Caring & Sharing Ends Today - only 71% raised toward goal!
- Rogers Students Give Back to Oxford Park Towers Residents
- Tom and Cornucopia Turkey Visit Burton
- Norup Thanksgiving Parade
- Berkley Orchestra Students Create Thanksgiving Message
- Anderson Hosts Cupcake Wars
- ATP Students Launch Microbusiness with Community Partners
- Elementary Teachers Observe and Review Pilot Math Curriculum
- Pattengill Students Learn Upstander Lessons
- Unified Basketball to Play at Little Caesars Arena Before Pistons Game
- Camp Invention Registration Open Now
- Berkley High School Dance Team to Perform at Pistons Game
- Berkley Schools Announces Varsity Tutors - Free for Students
- Have a Cool Job? Tell Our Students About It!
- Autism Alliance of Michigan Partners with Berkley Schools
- What is the Oakland County Parent Advisory Committee?
- December Calendar Highlights - International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
- How to Subscribe to the District Calendar
- Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring
It’s Giving Season - Opportunities to Support Berkley Schools and District Families this Holiday Season
Here in the Berkley School District, there are three organizations that are raising funds to give back to our school community: BHS Student Leadership, the Berkley Area PTSA Council and the Berkley Education Foundation. Read on to see how you can support these organizations, directly impacting Berkley Schools students and families.
Help Support BHS Holiday Family Adoption with Gift & Monetary Donations
Berkley High School and the BHS Student Leadership students are working together to provide gifts to BHS students and their families across the District who need a little extra support this holiday season. To help BHS fulfill the children’s wishes, they will be accepting monetary donations.
In addition, BHS has a SignUpGenius list filled with gifts that can be purchased. To sign up, click the link and find an item/s you wish to purchase. Click the sign up button and add your information. BHS is asking for all donations and gifts to be purchased and delivered by Thursday, December 12th.
Gifts can also be dropped off at the BHS Main Office 8 am - 4:30 pm. There will be boxes labeled with the wishlist number in the office. Or, you can ship the items directly to Berkley High School Student Leadership. Please address the packages as the following:
- Berkley High School
- HFS Wishlist # _
- 2325 Catalpa Dr
- Berkley, MI 48072
A note from Student Leadership: Thank you for all of your help and continuous support of our Berkley High students and families. We are thrilled to organize our 8th year of Holiday Family Adoption, and we appreciate your generosity to help make these children’s wishes come true!
Caring & Sharing Donations Support Berkley Schools Families & Veterans - Last Day - Only 71% of Goal Reached
Caring & Sharing is a Berkley Area PTSA Council annual event that provides holiday gift cards to families in the Berkley School District and local Veterans. Historically, this event has been a partnership inside schools through non-perishable food drives and PTAs purchasing turkeys, extra food & fresh produce to distribute holiday baskets.
Since 2020, the PTSA Council has collected funds through online fundraising, hoping to raise as much money as possible to give families generous gift cards to purchase groceries to meet their needs.
In 2023, Caring & Sharing raised $20,420, fed 85 families and gave over $1,000 to the American Legion. In addition to monetary donations through Memberhub, substantial donations were also received as part of the Berkley Cares Days at each school.
If you know of a family in need, or your family is in need this holiday season, please complete the Caring & Sharing 2024 Referral Form. All referral information will be used confidentially to provide families in need with a gift card this holiday season.
We are asking for your support as we come together to help our friends & neighbors this holiday season. Please make a donation today and spread the word within our Berkley School Community!
If you would like to make a monetary donation, please visit the Caring & Sharing donation site. As of noon on December 6, Caring and Sharing only raised $14,201 out of their $20,000 Goal, or 71%.
Any questions? Contact this year’s Caring & Sharing Chair Abby Watteny
Support the BEF this Giving Season & Support Berkley Schools Students
The Berkley Education Foundation is in its annual Dollars for the District giving campaign season. Read below to learn how the BEF supports all Berkley Schools students and how you can help.
Through the generosity of our community and the efforts of many dedicated volunteers, the BEF has invested more than $445,000 into the Berkley School District since 2010. These funds have gone directly into the classroom through teacher innovation-grants, supporting STEM activities with the annual Maxfield Science Symposium scholarships and enrichment programs in every school. The BEF also sends every 8th grade student on a college tour annually. This spring, the BEF will send 8th grade students from both Anderson and Norup to Oakland University to tour their campus and to Oakland Schools Technical Campus to tour programs that support career technical education. This tour allows students to begin to envision their post-Berkley options for their future careers and education.
Every gift, whether $25, $2,500 or something in-between, helps provide the fuel and energy to keep these programs moving forward. The community can make gifts safely online or by texting the word BEF to the phone number 41444.
Every dollar the BEF raises impacts Berkley Schools students and staff:
- $500 = One teacher innovation-grant.
- $150 = Sends five 8th graders on college tours.
- $100 = One Honorable Mention student scholarship for the Maxfield Science Symposium.
- $50 = One free enrichment course for an elementary student.
Rogers Students Give Back to Oxford Park Towers Residents
At Rogers Elementary, third grade and Kindergarten students participate in a buddies program and a fourth grade and the TK class are buddies, too. Each week the buddies meet (Mrs. Halas & Mrs. Rubis, Mrs. Capuano & Mrs. Kregear, Mrs. Mustonen & Ms. Bronoel, and Ms. Berry & Mrs. Kwas). During the buddy meet up, students work on an activity together and socialize together.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the buddies decided to complete a service learning project to give back to the community by asking their neighbors at Oxford Park Towers if they were in need of anything. The Oxford Park Towers residents responded with a list that included puzzles, blankets, paint by number kits, yarn, sewing materials and much more. Students helped around their houses to earn money to help pay for the wish list items and on Thursday, November 21 the buddies packed up the items and walked down Oxford Road to hand deliver the gifts.
Tom and Cornucopia Turkey Visit Burton
On Friday, November 22, 2024, Burton Elementary welcomed special guests, Tom, an adult male turkey, and Cornucopia, a female baby turkey, who visited to interact with Kindergarten students and help them learn more about turkeys. The turkeys were from Bowers School Farm in Bloomfield Hills and were accompanied by four farmers to offer an engaging hands-on learning experience. The farmers helped the students learn more about the unique parts of the turkey's head and body, highlighting features such as the turkey’s beard, wattle, ears and snood.
One fun fact about turkeys that the farmers shared with students is that turkeys "burp." They explained that turkeys puff up their chests with air to appear larger, but with a gentle press, the air is released which makes the burping sound. The students found this fact hilarious. During the final portion of the visit, students had a chance to touch Tom and Cornucopia and pet their fluffy feathers. This event was a fun learning experience and a unique way to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday.
Norup Thanksgiving Parade
On November 26, 2024, Norup elementary students participated in a Thanksgiving Parade. Students worked to create their own mini balloon floats, showcasing some of their favorite characters and paraded their floats around the building. The hallways were filled with cheers by teachers and their fellow students. The parade also featured special appearances from the Norup Hawk, the 7th & 8th Grade band and journalism students from The Daily Dose podcast, who provided commentary on the parade. This festive event spread joy for the holidays and highlighted the creativity of Norup students and staff.
Berkley Orchestra Students Create Thanksgiving Message
Heading into the Thanksgiving Holiday, Orchestra teacher Ben Moy asked his students at Berkley High School and Norup International School to record a message sharing what they are thankful for related to the orchestra program.
Mr. Moy created a compilation from Soundtrop projects submitted by the students, showcasing all their words. Mr. Moy shared with Orchestra families, “It's a beautiful reminder of the joy and sense of community that music brings into our lives. I hope you find this message as uplifting and inspiring as I do.”
Watch and listen to the video below.
Anderson Hosts Cupcake Wars
On Friday, November 22, Anderson Middle School Family and Consumer Science 7th grade students participated in their culminating day of Cupcake Wars. Throughout the weeks leading up to the big day, groups of students worked in groups to develop a theme, flavor profile for both the cupcakes and frosting and think through how the final product would be displayed. Then, during the week of November 22, students baked and decorated, getting ready to present to a panel of judges, just like the TV show. The themes and displays included, under the sea, chess, holiday, fast food, at the beach, seasons, superhero Oreo and many more.
Guest judges, including Anderson administrators, Berkley Schools District administrators, AMS staff, and chefs Matt Schellig, Director of Culinary and Baking & Pastry Arts for Dorsey Schools, and celebrity chef and culinary expert Michelle Bommarito, tasted and evaluated the cupcakes based on creativity, taste, and presentation.
After the judging was complete, students shared their cupcakes with AMS staff, friends and family.
Teacher Heather Torrente shared, “I am so proud of all the students and their hard work!”
ATP Students Launch Microbusiness with Community Partners
Hoppy Puppy is a new microbusiness collaboration between Berkley Schools’ Adult Transition Program (ATP), Dog & Pony Show Brewery in Oak Park, and Our Neighborhood Academy in Berkley. Students make/bake the treats using “spent grain” provided by Dog & Pony Show Brewery, which is a nutritious byproduct of the beer brewing process. Students bake the treats in their kitchen at ATP, package and market the product at Our Neighborhood Academy in Downtown Berkley and sell the dog treats at Monarch Market Cafe in Huntington Woods. Hoppy Puppy will soon start selling at Dog & Pony, as well!
Follow along on the Hoppy Puppy journey on the students’ Facebook, Instagram pages and on their website.
Elementary Teachers Observe and Review Pilot Math Curriculum
The Berkley Schools Teaching and Learning Department is piloting new elementary math curriculum this year with teachers across the District. The Elementary Math Pilot Team participated in Learning Labs on November 14th and November 21st where they saw math lessons from the math pilot programs, Bridges in Mathematics and Eureka Math Squared.
Elementary Math Coach Melissa Miller shared, “The intent of this learning was to collaborate around the shared vision and see the curricular resources in action. The teachers had an opportunity to observe and reflect on how the overarching vision is being put into practice utilizing the pilot curricular resources. Members of the team discussed how the resources impacted student engagement and achievement. Team members also analyzed the instructional methods and tools used from both pilot curricular resources.”
Teachers on the pilot team will participate in these labs again in January.
Pattengill Students Learn Upstander Lessons
During the week of October 7-11, in recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month and Defeat the Label’s Stand4Change Day, Alyssa Klein, Pattengill’s General Education Social Worker, pushed into classrooms to lead sessions with students on bullying prevention. These sessions focused on teaching students how to become Upstanders, individuals who recognize when something isn’t right and take action to create positive change.
Defeat the Label, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating bullying and promoting an inclusive, judgment-free society, works with artists, athletes, and celebrities to provide valuable resources for students, parents, and educators. To learn more, visit the Defeat the Label website.
Unified Basketball to Play at Little Caesars Arena Before Pistons Game
On March 13, 2025, the Berkley High School Unified basketball team is playing at LCA as part of the Unified Showcase. Berkley High School plays at 12 pm and tickets include a ticket for the Pistons game that evening vs the Washington Wizards.
All tickets include:
- Access to the Pistons game
- Access to Unified games
- Unified Showcase Winter Beanie
- A donation to the Berkley High School Unified Program
Schedule of Events
- 11:30 am - Doors Open
- 12:00 pm - Berkley vs Clarkston
- 12:55 pm - Northwestern vs Avondale
- 1:45 pm - Walled Lake Northern vs Livonia Churchill
- 2:35 pm - Northville Unified vs Hartland Unified
- 7:00 pm - Pistons Game
Buy tickets and learn more on the ticketing website.
Unified sports joins people with and without disabilities on the same team. It is dedicated to promoting social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experience. It was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.
Camp Invention Registration Open Now
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
Current Offer: $35 off with code GIFT35 if you sign up by 12/31.
Berkley High School Dance Team to Perform at Pistons Game
The Berkley High School Dance Team will perform on the court at Little Caesars Arena before the Pistons game on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 7 pm. The Dance Team invites the Berkley Schools community to support their program while also enjoying a Detroit Pistons game vs the Toronto Raptors.
Dancers, parents, family and friends receive exclusive ticket savings for the game if tickets are purchased through the Dance Team’s ticket website. Ticket includes: Access to the performance, a free Pistons item and post-game free throw on the Pistons court!
Section 101 tickets are $60 each, and section 208 tickets are $35 each.
Tickets are mobile tickets and details will be emailed to you immediately after purchase.
To access mobile tickets you must log into the Pistons App. Details can be found on the Pistons website.
Berkley Schools Announces Varsity Tutors - Free for All Students
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!
Have a Cool Job? Tell Our Students About It!
Berkley Schools is seeking community members willing to share their time and expertise in their career fields with our students! There are a variety of ways to share your journey and knowledge:
- Speak with a group of students or class about your job/career field (in-person or virtual)
- Serve on an Advisory Committee (ex. BHS Marketing Program, etc.)
- Host a student tour/field trip of your workplace
- Host a student job shadow experience at your workplace
- Conduct a student informational interview at your workplace
- Present at Career Fairs and/or Parent Nights
- Participate in other career-related activities (mock interviews, judging career-based projects, etc.)
- Receive emails about any future opportunities or needs
- Participate in an audio and/or video recorded interview with students
Counselors and select teachers will have access to this database of Berkley community contacts from a variety of different professional backgrounds to plan career exploration and readiness experiences with Berkley students.
Share your cool job with us by filling out this form.
Autism Alliance of Michigan Partners with Berkley Schools
Berkley Schools and Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAOM) are pleased to announce a 2024-25 partnership! This partnership strives to elevate neurodivergent students' experiences and increase opportunities across the spectrum. Both groups are committed to continuing to better their resources and experience to best serve the Berkley Schools community.
To learn more about the Autism Alliance of Michigan and the services they provide, visit the AAOM website.
What is the Oakland County Parent Advisory Committee?
The Oakland County Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is comprised of parents of students with an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP) within Oakland County. The Oakland Schools PAC typically meets on the first Wednesday of the following months: October, November, December, February, March, May and June at Oakland Schools or Virtually from 7-9 pm. Meetings include membership work, legal updates, and training on various topics related to special education, and are open to the public.
Two Berkley Schools parents serve on the Oakland County PAC and are available to support Berkley Schools families with questions or to collaborate in celebrating and advocating for all students with IEPs. Reach out to the Berkley Schools PAC reps, below.
- Natasha Hamilton: natashakhamilton@gmail.com
- Carolyn Durant-Blair: cnaomidb@gmail.com
Calendar Highlights: December
The Berkley Schools printed calendar highlights heritage months, holidays, days of observances and recognition days. In the Berkley Beat, we’ll highlight these days with more information for community learning to help us achieve the District goal of creating an environment where all staff, students and community members feel a sense of belonging.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities - December 3
The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons (now called International Day of Persons with Disabilities) was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly. It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
The United Nations shared the following Facts & Figures about persons with disabilities.
- Over 1 billion people in the world have some form of disability.
- More than 100 million disabled persons are children
- Children with disabilities are almost four times more likely to experience violence than non-disabled children
- 50% of disabled persons cannot afford health care
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day - December 7
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is celebrated on December 7 annually, remembering those who were lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II. In this year’s Presidential Proclamation, President Biden shared, “On this day 82 years ago, 2,403 service members and civilians were killed in a painful and unprovoked attack on our Armed Forces. On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we remember these women and men, who gave their last full measure of devotion to our Nation. We honor the brave service members who — with the horrors of Pearl Harbor weighing on their hearts and the hopes of humanity resting on their shoulders — answered the call to defend freedom against the forces of fascism during World War II.”
Subscribe to the District and School Calendars
Did you know you can subscribe to our school and District online calendars?
Sync the online calendar to your personal device to ensure you won’t miss a thing!
The District’s online calendar system uses iCal Feeds. To access all the iCal links, visit the District’s Calendar page, and click on the red and white calendar link to the top right of the calendar that’s displayed on the page.
Use this Foxbright tutorial to walk you through connecting our calendars to yours.
Be sure to subscribe to both the District AND your school calendar to ensure you have all important dates in your device.
Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring!
The Berkley School District is hiring! We are looking for talented individuals to fill a variety of positions. Visit our website to apply and share our postings with your networks!
Open Positions
- Technology Integration Specialist - Admin Offices
- Permanent Building Substitute Teacher - Norup
- Long-Term Guest Teacher 1st Grade - Angell
- Elementary/Middle School Orchestra Teacher - Grades 5-8 - Full Time
- Campus Monitor - Berkley High School
- Special Education Paraeducators (6 Positions) - Angell, Anderson, BHS, Burton, Norup
- Lead Teacher - GSRP Extended Program Teacher - BBB
- Assistant Teacher(s) - 6 Open Positions - BBB
- Afternoon Custodian Shift Leader - Norup
- Afternoon Custodian - Norup
- Permanent Substitute Custodian - District
- Lunch Aides - Burton & Pattengill
- Food Service Worker Lead Position
- Intervention Assistant - Full Time Position
- Kids’ Zone Assistant Teachers (3 Positions) - Angell, Pattengill, Rogers
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