What's Inside?
- Off to the Races Recap - BEF $100 Shy of $70,000 Goal
- BHS Unified Basketball Team Played at LCA in Detroit
- Burton Hosts Glow in the Dark Art Show
- Congratulations to the Berkley Schools Teachers of the Year
- Students from Across the District Take Trips to the Detroit Institute of Arts
- Berkley Unified Figure Skating Team Competes at State Championship
- Norup Students Reduce Heat in Dog Crates Through Thermal Energy Unit
- ATP Explores Ford Field
- Rogers Students Parade as Favorite Book Characters
- Pattengill Celebrates Women’s History Month with Women in the Workforce Showcase
- Berkley Schools Winter Athletics Newsletter for Grades 6-12
- March Calendar Highlights: Women's History Month, National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Ramadan, St. Patrick’s Day, International Women’s Day, Purim, World Down Syndrome Day, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Easter, Cesar Chavez Day, International Transgender Day of Visibility
- Tickets on Sale for BHS Spring Musical: Legally Blonde
- Travel Opportunities for 2025: The South Pacific, Japan, France and Spain
- How to Subscribe to the District Calendar
- Join the Berkley Schools Family
- Sign Up for Text Messages
Off to the Races Recap - Berkley Education Foundation $100 Shy of $70,000 Goal!
At the March 16, 2024, Off to the Races event, the Berkley Education Foundation (BEF) raised just a hair under $70,000 to support the Berkley School District.
Off to the Races is the annual fundraiser for the BEF that is centered around simulated horse racing and a silent auction. Guests watch races, "bet" on the horses running in the races and win prizes. The event also includes an expansive silent auction (powered by mobile bidding), vacation give-away (the winner of the Golden Race took home a $2,500 vacation), connection with friends and colleagues, and most importantly, funding the #BerkleyDifference.
In its recap message to supporters, the BEF shared, “Thank you for attending, donating, buying horses, sponsoring, betting on horses, bidding on auction items and believing in what we do. With all your support we can continue to fund the #BerkleyDifference and provide enriching experiences for all Berkley Schools students. Thank you for being the #BerkleyDifference.”
Silent Auction - Flash Sale Is Open
This year’s silent auction has closed, but the Off to the Races Flash Sale is open! The last few items that didn’t sell in the Off to the Races auction are now back on the site with discounts applied. The Flash Sale will stay open until Thursday, March 28! Help the BEF hit their $70,000 goal by bidding on items or making a small donation!
The BEF would also like to thank the event sponsors:
- Silver Sponsor: EDSI, Stantec, Star Trax
- Golden Race Sponsor: M3 Investment Services
- OTTR Bucks Sponsor: Clark Hill
- Bronze Sponsors: Eagle Rock Insurance Agency, Green Lantern Pizza, Holiday Market, Jim Shaffer & Associates, McCarthy & Smith, Plasti-Fab, Inc., Stifel
- Crystal Race Sponsor: Faro Imaging
- Race Sponsors: Dog & Pony Show Brewing, Galloway & Collens, Gayle & David Heller, Huntington Woods Pools & Spas, Imperial Dade, McCourt’s Music, Meijer Woodward Corner, Strategic Energy Solutions, Inc, The Wedding Shoppe, Thrun Law Firm, Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Business Consultants
- Golden Horse Owners: Aero/Pacific Drapery, Berkley Athletics Boosters, Britta Anderson, Foresite Design, Gayle Aprill, Glen Goldberg, Gregory Kreiner, McCarthy & Smith, Phoenix Performance Partners, Stransky & Company
BHS Unified Basketball Team Played at LCA in Detroit
On March 17, 2024, the Berkley High School Unified Basketball team had the opportunity to play their last game of the season at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit! The team, led by BHS teacher Amy Sarris, played against Hartford after a Detroit Pistons game. The evening was part of the LCA Unified Night, where three Unified Games took place after the pros played. Tickets included access to both the Pistons and Unified Game, a Unified Showcase t-shirt and proceeds from each ticket went back to the Berkley Unified Program. The athletes had a great time playing on the professional court in such a big arena.
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.
Burton Hosts Glow in the Dark Art Show
On Thursday, March 14, Burton held a Glow in the Dark Art Show from 5-7 in the Burton gym. This year’s Glow in the Dark theme was Michigan. To prepare for the show, artists learned about and worked on artwork connected to various Michigan animals, artists, products and even fungi! To create their pieces, students worked with glow in the dark art materials like paints, chalk pastels, oil pastels, construction paper, and colored pencils. Each student had at least one piece of artwork on display.
Congratulations to the Berkley Schools Teachers of the Year
During the week of March 18, Berkley Schools administrators surprised District teachers of the year. With flowers, certificates and signs in hand, teachers were surprised while they were teaching. Principals and colleagues joined in on the fun, too. During the surprises, Superintendent Francis asked students to share one word they would use to describe their teachers. Students were eager to share their love for their teachers sharing words like: caring, loving, funny, kind, and smart.
Congratulations to the following Berkley Schools building teachers of the year!
Berkley Building Blocks: Sarah Currie, GSRP 4 Year Old Preschool
On the nomination form, Early Childhood Supervisor Katie Fotiu shared the following about Ms. Sarah: She is an amazing early childhood educator who is dedicated to providing the best educational environment for our highest need students. She greets children and families with excitement and joy, ready to meet each child at their individual level.
Angell: Lauren Wexler, 1st Grade
On the nomination form, a colleague shared this about Ms. Wexler: Her dedication, enthusiasm, organization and knowledge of our profession is truly a gift to our school and our community. She is a leader in our school and our district, serving as Thinc Team Leader, Yearbook Manager, Talent Show Producer and a member for other District committees. And even with all of the hats she wears here at Angell, she is someone who is always willing to sacrifice her time to help her students, parents and colleagues in any way she can.
Burton: Courtney Emery, Kindergarten
On the nomination form, Burton Principal Lauren Fragomeni shared: She is patient when listening to her students, and she helps guide them when trying to understand one of the most challenging concepts in kindergarten: working together. Ms. Emery can be seen helping students unpack their items in the cafeteria to ensure each student has a place to sit, working with a small group of students to help meet their needs, or engaging in conversations with her littles.
Norup Elementary: Kayla Mazur, K-5 Resource Room Teacher
On the nomination form, a parent shared the following about Ms. Mazur: When any teacher tells you stories your child has told to them, you can be sure that your teacher is listening to your child. And really hearing them. It was a delight to hear Ms. Mazur tell us news from our son. Her whole demeanor radiates hope. We are so, so, so thankful for Ms. Mazur.
Pattengill: Sarah Lazorka, K-5 Resource Room Teacher
On the nomination form, Principal Shamika Womble shared the following about Ms. Lazorka: Sarah embodies the qualities of an exceptional educator – compassionate, dedicated, and continuously striving for excellence. Her contributions to our school have been invaluable and she has positively impacted the lives of our students and colleagues. Sarah’s leadership skills, passion for education and unwavering commitment to her students’ success make her an invaluable asset to the Pattengill school community.
In addition to being the Pattengill elementary teacher of the year, Sarah is also the Berkley Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year and will be honored at an Oakland Schools event in May.
Rogers: Carolyn Smarjesse, 4th Grade
On the nomination form, a colleague shared the following about Ms. Smarjesse: Carolyn cares deeply about her students and does a very nice job of advocating for their needs while also implementing any suggested interventions or strategies, as well as accommodations and modifications. She goes above and beyond to help create a collaborative environment amongst the staff and students.
Anderson: Ari Alderman, 7th Grade ELA & 8th Grade Media
On the nomination form, a colleague shared the following about Ms. Alderman: She is fully dedicated to the success of every one of her students. Ari structures every assignment with all learners in mind; she challenges all to perform to the best of their abilities while building in supports and tools that will ensure success. She incorporates technology into her lessons to both assist with and enhance learning. Her energy brings enthusiasm for learning and her caring personality encourages students to do their best work.
Norup Middle School: Prima Dailey, 7th & 8th Grade ELA & Journalism
On the nomination form, students shared the following about Ms. Dailey: Ms. Dailey always goes above and beyond the curriculum to make a connection with her students and help them be the best they can be. Ms. Dailey always helps us acquire knowledge of the current material and makes sure that we flourish through the years. We are forever grateful for Ms. Dailey’s effort and patience in helping us learn. We hope that you understand how much of an impact her specialty has made on our lives and everyone else who has had the opportunity to learn from her.
In addition to being the Norup Middle School teacher of the year, Prima is also the Berkley Schools Middle School Teacher of the Year and will be honored at an Oakland Schools event in May.
BHS: Lenny Waldman, Social Studies & Academic Strategies
On the nomination form, a student shared the following about Mr. Waldman: Mr. Waldman has not only taught me so much about sociology but has demonstrated how to be curious, empathetic, a team player, absurdly open-minded and patient. He has helped me shape a better perspective on the people and world around me, and most importantly helped me become the best version of myself and I couldn’t have done it without hearing all of the time he said, “I’m proud of you.” I am thankful for Mr. Waldman for not only being a great teacher to all of his students but also an amazing role model.
In addition to being the BHS teacher of the year, Lenny is also the Berkley Schools High School Teacher of the Year and will be honored at an Oakland Schools event in May.
Students from Across the District Take Trips to the Detroit Institute of Arts
The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) was recently named by USA Today as “the best art museum” in America (March 9, 2024, Detroit Free Press). Berkley art teachers couldn’t agree more!
Not only is the DIA a world-renowned museum housing works from Kahlo to Van Gogh it also allows teachers to expose students to wide ranges of culturally important visual communication throughout history, giving students opportunities to experience a world of possibilities from diverse viewpoints, skill levels and perspectives.
Over the last few months many Berkley Schools students have visited the DIA! See details below from Pattengill, BHS, Burton, Angell and Rogers field trips.
4th grade Pattengill students visited the DIA on February 7th for the "thinking through art" docent-led tour. Alysson Carr, Pattengill art teacher shared, “Students enjoyed building on our visual thinking skills & discussing pieces by Andy Warhol, Romare Bearden, Kehinde Wiley and Grecian artifacts.” Students also spent some time in Rivera court studying the "Detroit in Industry" mural by Diego Rivera.
Stefanie Coburn from Berkley High School shared that she loves taking her 9-12th grade art students to the DIA because she gets to experience them finding something new every time they visit. This year on the trip, students participated in a docent-led Shaping Identity Tour focusing on Ancient World Art which many students connected to their social studies classes. “Whether it's their first or their 20th time being at the museum, it’s awesome seeing them get excited about the new (or very very old) artworks. It’s a fantastic way for them to see history they’ve learned about but in a new and visibly compelling format,” Ms. Coburn shared.
Every year, Burton art teacher Dorota Jakuc takes all 5th grade students on a field trip to the DIA in the winter/early spring. For this year’s trip, students participated in the Shaping Identity Tour, with a focus on Diego Rivera. After taking the guided tour for an hour, students were able to visit the museum with their chaperone in small groups. Small group visits included the mummies and artwork made by artists students have studied in earlier grades, like Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Andy Warhol and Kehinde Wiley.
At Angell, art teacher Samantha Letvin takes all the fourth grade students to the DIA with their teachers. Ms. Letvin shared the first part of the field-trip was dedicated to social emotional learning and the second half of the day was self guided touring.
Rogers 4th graders traveled to the DIA with art teacher Nicole Stone. Students brought sketch books with visible thinking activities and blank pages to sketch interesting things they noticed after spending time in the museum and studying the murals in Diego Rivera hall. This year, students participated in the Shaping Identity Tour as well. On the way to the museum, students drove past the Heidelberg Project in Detroit so they could see the work of local artist Tyree Guyton. Ms. Stone shared, “Students asked good questions and got a ton of new ideas. During classroom reflections, artists were torn about their favorite pieces: the suits of armor, the mummies and "Sorting out Andy" by Hernan Bas.
Berkley Unified Figure Skating Team Competes at State Championship
The Berkley, Royal Oak, Ferndale Unified Figure Skating Team (BROU) had another fantastic high school figure skating season, ending with the students skating at the State Championships. Following are highlights from the team.
The Level C Team came in 3rd place at District Finals. Skaters include Elena Keenan (Senior), Ally Pollock (Senior), Rosa Moody (Sophomore), Theresa Solomon (Sophomore) and Clarice Thielbar (Freshman).
The Level B Team won 1st place at District Finals, making them back-to-back District 6 Champions and earning a trip to the State Championships. Skaters include Maggie Day (Senior), Lily Garska (Junior), Maddie Gold (Junior) and Hannah Wardrope (Junior).
On March 9 and 10, BROU members competed at the State Championship. During Saturday’s individual competitions the skaters placed as follows:
- Rosa Moody placed 4th in Excel Pre-Preliminary Freestyle.
- Theresa Solomon placed 6th in Excel Pre-Preliminary Freestyle.
- Hannah Wardrope placed 4th in Excel Pre-Preliminary Freestyle and 8th in Pre-Bronze Swing Ice Dance.
- Maddie Gold placed 5th in Excel Intermediate Freestyle and 9th in Pre-Silver Fourteen Step Ice Dance.
- Lily Garska placed 8th in Excel Intermediate Plus Freestyle.
- Maggie Day placed 2nd in Pre-Bronze Swing Ice Dance and 7th in Excel Intermediate Plus Freestyle.
Congratulations to all of the Berkley Bears BROU skaters on an excellent season!
Norup Students Reduce Heat in Dog Crates Through Thermal Energy Unit
Norup 7th graders finished a Thermal Energy Unit in science recently where they were tasked with creating a solution to cooling dog crates. Science teacher Brett Greer shared the scenario students worked from on this two-month unit, below. Students were challenged to construct, test, and improve potential solutions to this problem.
Scenario: The Humane Society knows the importance of maintaining a good quality of life for their shelter animals. If the shelter would ever need to take in additional animals for a similar reason, they are not prepared. This is especially true if the overcrowding occurs when it is hot outside. The shelter is not air conditioned and the outdoor space that they have is not currently suitable as a place of shelter. A group of area citizens is determined to develop a better solution for the future. Their plan involves placing extra dogs in individual crates outside of the main building. Since the shelter is most concerned about the heat, the dogs must be kept cool. The Society’s director has also stressed that any additional shelters should be easy to use, reliable, and inexpensive.
Over the two months of the unit, students learned about heat, temperature, thermal energy, the ways that mass and thermal energy are related, and the way thermal energy moves in our world. As students were learning these ideas, they would apply their new knowledge to create models of potential crate solutions. Students then got into groups to compare their ideas and to design, build and test their prototype designs for the Humane Society challenge. The primary objective was to have a crate that, under a heat lamp for 5-minutes, regularly kept the container at 3-degrees Celsius lower than the air around it.
ATP Explores Ford Field
On Friday, March 15, students in the Adult Transition Program visited Ford Field for a behind the scenes tour. A student in the program organized the field trip with her sister, Amanda Moss, who works at Ford Field. Ms. Moss described the tour as a sensory friendly tour for students with disabilities.
ATP teacher Jennifer Plater shared, “This community based instruction opened up the possibility for students to come back in the future to attend an event because of the prior sensory friendly tour, helping them curb their anxiety and have a great time.”
On the tour, students learned about the different jobs that take place throughout the facility, including Ms. Moss’s own position as a data analyst in the war room! Students toured the press box on the 7th floor and saw the aerial view of the stadium. Next, students toured the war room and learned how the analysts look at video and data monitors in the stadium to see how many people are in their seats, how many people are at concession stands and what is being purchased the most at the concession stands, among other things. Next on the tour, students visited the team locker room and the Lions locker room. Finally, students were able to walk through the tunnel and run onto the field like the Lions do. Students had the opportunity to run the full length of the field and take photos at the 50 yard line.
Throughout the presentation, students were able to ask questions like, what is the favorite food of the stadium? Answer: pizza!
At the end of the tour, Ms. Moss provided gift bags to the students to memorialize the experience.
Rogers Students Parade as Favorite Book Characters
On March 14, 2024, Rogers Elementary continued its celebration of March is Reading Month with its annual character parade. Students decorated paper bags as their favorite book character and held them up, bringing the characters to life as they paraded down Rogers’ halls. Some of the characters included Bluey, Pikachu, Hello Kitty and Cat In The Hat.
Pattengill Celebrates Women’s History Month with Women in the Workforce Showcase
On March 14, 2024, in honor of Women's History Month, the Pattengill DEI committee and the School Counselor, Joan Lynch, hosted a Women in the Workforce Career Showcase. Pattengill solicited the help of Pattengill parents as well as community members to showcase non-traditional jobs to Pattengill students such as but not limited to designers, architects, art conservators and chemical compliance workers. Each teacher was able to sign up for a guest speaker who highlighted their careers, informing students of the details of the industry as well as their roles and the impact they have in their business or profession. There was a wide variety of different occupations students were able to learn about, providing them with a glimpse into the options they have after graduation and highlighting the importance and impact women have in the workforce.
Berkley Schools Winter Athletics Newsletter for Grades 6-12
Middle and high school families - did you see the new Berkley Athletics Newsletter the week of March 6?
Check out the newsletter for Winter season recaps, upcoming try out information and important information to know if your child is involved in athletics.
Calendar Highlights - March
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.
Women’s History Month
Women's History Month is an annual observance to highlight the contributions of women to events in history. Celebrated during March in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, corresponding with International Women's Day on March 8.
In 1987, after being petitioned by the National Women's History Project, Congress passed a bill designating the month of March 1987 as Women's History Month. Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women's History Month.
Today, the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history through a Women’s History Month website.
Learn more about Women’s History Month on the following sites:
American Women: A guide to Women's History Resources at the Library of Congress A major new online research guide highlights hundreds of sources that tell the stories of women through a wide variety of perspectives and media in the Library of Congress collections.
Celebrate Women’s History at The Henry Ford
National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is observed in March in the U.S. NationalToday.com shares, “The campaign seeks to raise awareness about including people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life. It also creates awareness of the difficulties that people with disabilities still face in fitting into the communities in which they live.”
Here are resources to learn more about National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, as well as resources to learn more about disabilities and equity.
- Visit the NationalToday website to learn more.
- ASD 365: Inclusion & Equity Every Day
- The Arc Michigan - The mission of The Arc Michigan is to ensure that people with Developmental Disabilities are valued in order that they and their families can participate fully in, and contribute to, their community.
Ramadan
Ramadan, in Islam, is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the holy month of fasting. It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon. Because the Muslim calendar year is shorter than the Gregorian calendar year, Ramadan begins 10–12 days earlier each year, allowing it to fall in every season throughout a 33-year cycle.
Islamic tradition states that it was during Ramadan, on the “Night of Power” (Laylat al-Qadr)—commemorated on one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, usually the 27th night—that God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad the Qurʾān, Islam’s holy book, “as a guidance for the people.” For Muslims, Ramadan is a period of introspection, communal prayer (ṣalāt) in the mosque, and reading of the Qurʾān.
Source: Britannica
Here’s a helpful resource to learn more about the facts and traditions of Ramadan.
- Visit the Britannica article about Ramadan to learn more
International Women’s Day - March 8
Wednesday, March 8 is International Women’s Day. International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. Learn more about International Women’s Day on their website.
St. Patrick’s Day - March 17
St. Patrick's Day was originally celebrated in Ireland with religious services and feasts in honor of St. Patrick, one of Ireland's patron saints. Born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century, St. Patrick was kidnapped at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave. He escaped, but returned about 432 CE to convert the Irish to Christianity. By the time of his death on March 17, 461, he had established monasteries, churches, and schools. Many legends grew up around him—for example, that he drove the snakes out of Ireland and used the shamrock to explain the Trinity. Ireland came to celebrate his day with religious services and feasts. Source: Britannica
Today's Saint Patrick's Day celebrations have been greatly influenced by Irish people who live outside of Ireland, especially in North America. Until the late 20th century, Saint Patrick's Day was often a bigger celebration among those that had left Ireland, than it was in Ireland. Celebrations generally involve public parades and festivals, Irish traditional music sessions, and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks.
Here’s a helpful resource to learn more about the history and celebrations of St.Patrick’s Day.
- Visit the Britannica article about St. Patrick's Day to learn more
World Down Syndrome Day - March 21
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The date for WDSD, the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. The day was created to lift a single global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome. The 2024 theme was “End the Stereotypes.” Learn more about World Down Syndrome Day on the WDSD website.
Purim - March 23, begins at sundown
Purim, a Jewish holiday, is celebrated every year on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar (late winter/early spring). It commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian empire from annihilation at the hands of an official of the Achaemenid Empire named Haman, as it is recounted in the Book of Esther. This event dates back to the 5th century BCE. Purim is celebrated as a joyous festival, by telling and hearing the story of Purim, sending gifts of food and drink to loved ones, giving to those less fortunate and enjoying a meal.
Learn more on the chabad.org website.
Palm Sunday - March 24
Palm Sunday, in the Christian tradition, is the first day of Holy Week and the Sunday before Easter, commemorating Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It is associated in many churches with the blessing and procession of palms (leaves of the date palm or twigs from locally available trees). These special ceremonies were taking place toward the end of the 4th century in Jerusalem and are described in the travelogue The Pilgrimage of Etheria. Source: Britannica
Good Friday - March 29
Good Friday is a Christian holiday observing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary, and takes place the Friday before Easter. It is also known as Holy Friday and Great Friday. Members of many christian denominations observe Good Friday as a day of sorrow, penance and fasting.
Easter - March 31
Easter, the main festival of the Christian church, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion. The earliest recorded observance of an Easter celebration comes from the 2nd century. Easter is immediately preceded by Holy Week, which includes Maundy Thursday, the commemoration of Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples; Good Friday, the day of his Crucifixion; and Holy Saturday, the transition between Crucifixion and Resurrection. Souce: Britannica
The most prominent secular symbol of the Easter holiday is the Easter bunny, which was reportedly introduced to America by the German immigrants who brought over their stories of an egg-laying hare. The decoration of eggs is believed to date back to at least the 13th century, while the rite of the Easter parade has even older roots. Other traditions, such as Easter candy, are among the modern additions to the celebration of this early springtime holiday. Source: History.com
International Transgender Day of Visibility - March 31
Each year on March 31, International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is celebrated to honor the joy and resilience of trans and non-binary people everywhere. According to Glaad.org, “International TDOV was created in 2010 by trans advocate Rachel Crandall. Crandall, the head of Transgender Michigan, created TDOV in response to the overwhelming majority of media stories about transgender people being focused on violence. She hoped to create a day where people could re-focus on celebrating the lives of transgender people, empowering them to live authentically, while still acknowledging that due to discrimination, not every trans person can or wants to be visible.”
Cesar Chavez Day - March 31
Cesar Chavez Day is a U.S. Federal commemorative holiday, proclaimed by President Barack Obama in 2014. The holiday celebrates the birth and legacy of the civil rights and labor movement activist Cesar Chavez on March 31 every year. Cesar Chavez was an American farm worker, labor leader and civil rights activist, who, with Dolores Huerta, co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (later the United Farm Workers union, UFW). Learn more about Cesar Chavez on the Cesar Chavez Foundation website.
Tickets on Sale for the BHS Spring Musical: Legally Blonde
The Berkley High School Berkley Drama students are proud to present Legally Blonde, the Spring 2024 musical.
Musical Theatre International described the musical:
Based on the movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Warner dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school. While there, she struggles with peers, professors and her ex. With the support of some new friends, though, Elle quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.
The show will run Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 18-20 at 7 pm and Sunday, April 21 at 3 pm, in the Berkley High School Auditorium. Staff, seniors (60+), and students tickets are $10 and adults are $15.
- To buy tickets, and view photos and bios for the cast, crew and band, visit the Berkley Drama website.
- The show is two hours and 20 minutes with a 15 minute intermission
- "Legally Blonde: The Musical" is rated PG-13 due to some mature themes and language. The show is not recommended for students in elementary school or younger.
Travel Opportunities for 2025
Travel to France & Spain in Spring 2025
Students in grades 6-12 (during the time of travel) are invited to travel to France and Spain during Spring Break 2025. This trip will explore cultural experiences, local immersion, and iconic sights.
If you have any questions, contact Athena Troher at athena.troher@berkleyschools.org
Travel to The South Pacific & Fiji in June 2025
Students in grades 6-12 (during the time of travel) and family members are invited to join an educational travel experience to The South Pacific and Fiji in June 2025! The trip includes visits to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. View the itinerary on the EF Tours website.
If you have any questions, contact Athena Troher at athena.troher@berkleyschools.org
Travel to Japan in Summer 2025
Students in grades 9-12 (during the time of travel) are invited to travel to Japan during the Summer of 2025. This trip will explore cultural experiences, local immersion and iconic sights of the country.
If you have any questions, contact Saundra Rathburn at saundra.rathburn@berkleyschools.org or Tracy Burroughs at tracy.burroughs@berkleyschools.org
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!
Now Hiring:
- School Social Worker - AMS (2024-25 school year)
- Permanent Building Substitute Teacher - Rogers
- GSRP and Head Start Substitute Teacher - Berkley Building Blocks
- GSRP and Head Start Associate Teacher - Berkley Building Blocks
- Lead Teacher: GSRP/Head Start Blend - Berkley Building Blocks
- Assistant Teacher(s) - 6 Open Positions - Berkley Building Blocks
- Kids’ Zone Assistant Teacher - Pattengill
- Lunch Aides - Pattengill
- Permanent Substitute Custodian - District
- Afternoon Custodian Split Position - Norup & Pattengill
- Food Service Worker - 5 Positions
- High School Varsity Cheer Head Coach (Sideline and Competitive)
- High School Varsity Ice Hockey Head Coach
- High School Girls Swim and Dive Program Head Coach
- High School Girls Swim and Dive Program Assistant
- High School Boys Tennis Program Assistant
- Middle School Girls Swim and Dive Head Coach - Anderson Middle School
- Middle School Football Coach - Anderson
- School Social Worker Long Term Substitute - Berkley High School (Beginning of the 2024-25 School Year)
- School Social Worker Long Term Substitute - Berkley Building Blocks/Beth Jacobs (Beginning of the 2024-25 School Year)
Sign Up for Text Alerts
Quick Steps to Receive Text Alerts from Berkley Schools
In order to receive text messages from the District or your school, you must opt-in. Text messages will be sent out when the District closes or there is an emergency situation. Texts may also be sent from the District and schools for reminder messages during the day that are not urgent.
In order to receive text messages, every parent/guardian must opt-in each cell phone listed in MISTAR.
Steps to Opt-In
- Text the word YES (in the message field) to the phone number 67587 (in the To field). Then you are all set!
District News Online
Want to keep up with the latest District news stories? Visit our new News page to see stories, messages from principals, weekly reminders and more. News articles posted on the District News page will also populate each respective school’s News page. Articles that don’t make it into the Beat will also be posted on our News pages, Facebook and Twitter.