What's Inside
- Safe Schools Week Wrap-Up
- Introducing Rogers Principal Katie Lewis
- Norup Students Show Up for Trunk or Treat
- Pattengill Students Enjoy Their Fun Run
- New to Berkley Schools Elementary Teacher Cohort Learning
- AMS Participates in Fat Bear Week
- Travel Opportunities: Visit Scotland, England and Spain in 2027
- Community is Invited to a Pocket Park Picnic
- BHS Drama Invites the Community to the Fall Play
- Calling All Golfers: Berkley Education Foundation Announces The BEF Open
- Camp Invention Registration Now Open
- Flu Vaccine Clinic Available for Berkley Schools Students
- Ask Me Anything - Superintendent Francis Edition
- October Calendar Highlights - LGBTQ+ History Month, National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Yom Kippur, National Custodial Worker’s Recognition Day, Sukkot, National Coming Out Day, Indigenous People’s Day + Columbus Day, Simchat Torah, Diwali/Deepavali
- How to Subscribe to the District Calendar
- Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring
Safe Schools Week Wrap-Up
October 20-24 is Safe Schools Week, a time the District shares with the community about safety protocols, systems, upgrades and practices as well as allows our schools a week to focus on drills and lessons about our safety protocols. In case you missed an email this week, every message is posted on the District website, and linked below.
- Safe Schools Week Day 1: Reminders on Safety Upgrades
- Safe Schools Week Day 2: New School Safety Terminology Required for 2026-27
- Safe Schools Week Day 3: Communications Test
- Safe Schools Week Day 4: Learning About ALICE
- Safe Schools Week Day 5: Community Resources & Mental Health
As a reminder, the District uses a comprehensive communications system to manage every day and emergency alerts. The system that may text you that a principal newsletter is online is the same one that will let you know if an emergency situation is happening. To be sure you don’t miss an alert, save 1-855-504-1667 in your phone as Berkley Schools. In addition, many of our schools utilize text messages to remind families of upcoming events, deadlines and that news has arrived in their inbox. Coming soon – the District will roll out a system later this year that will allow families to use a two-way chat system with staff.
If you did not receive the phone call, text or email from us during the Safe Schools Week communications test, please email communications@berkleyschools.org, so we can figure out what went wrong. If you reached out already, we are working on resolving your issue and will get back with you by early next week.
Introducing Rogers Principal Katie Lewis
Katie Lewis is the new Principal of Rogers Elementary. Prior to being named principal, Katie was an Elementary Literacy Coach for the District, working out of Rogers, supporting staff with professional learning opportunities. Prior to that, Mrs. Lewis was an Instructional Interventionist for nine years and an English Teacher/English Language Development Teacher for seven years, both with the Melvindale-Northern Allen Park Public Schools.
The Communications Office sat down with Mrs. Lewis to learn how the school year is going, what goals she has and what she looks forward to as the year progresses. Watch the video below to learn more about Katie Lewis.
Norup Students Show Up for Trunk or Treat
On Thursday, October 16, the Norup PTA hosted their annual Trunk or Treat. Students were wrapped around the building waiting to enter the trick or treating area, which was full of cars decorated in fun and spooky ways. The Norup PTA provided a DJ and halloween decorations to make the evening a memorable night. Fun was had by students of all ages.
Pattengill Students Enjoy Their Fun Run
Pattengill students enjoyed their annual Fun Run on Friday, October 17. Each grade came out one at a time, starting with a stretch session in the gym before lining up at the starting line, surrounded by cheering parents and upbeat music to match the excitement. Patty the Penguin sent students off as public safety led the way down the street.
The sidewalks were filled with parents cheering on students, and the front of the school was lined with colorful signs filled with words of encouragement. As students returned from their run, they were greeted with medals, healthy snacks and water.
Leading up to the event, students raise funds to earn prizes for top fundraisers and top classrooms. The Fun Run is the largest fundraiser the PTA holds each year.
New to Berkley Schools Elementary Teacher Cohort Learning
The New to Berkley Schools Elementary Cohort of educators has the opportunity to meet with the Elementary Math Coach, Melissa Miller, and Elementary Literacy Coach, Nicole Durand. These professional learning days guide teachers to improve student outcomes through the use of best practices.
The team met in early October, where teachers built a deeper understanding of the Essential Practices in math and literacy. The Essential Practices are research-based instructional strategies that provide educators with ways to support, develop, and enhance student thinking in math and literacy. The cohort explored examples of what high-quality instruction looks and sounds like in the classroom for both our math and phonics programs. This collaborative learning sets a strong foundation for effective instruction to support student success across our schools in Berkley.
AMS Participates in Fat Bear Week
Over the last 2 weeks, 8th Grade Science Students participated in Fat Bear Week. Fat Bear Week (FBW) is a celebration of success and survival and is a product of the National Parks Service. Bears are matched against each other in a tournament style competition and online visitors can vote on which bear is ultimately crowned the Fat Bear Week Champion.
The goal of this project is to take FBW and create a project based learning unit around it which incorporates 8th Grade science standards. Over the last 2 weeks, students learned about beneficial traits and how that affects populations of organisms as a springboard to lead into FBW.
FBW concluded with students learning about the salmon life cycle and migration. To connect the journey of migration, students coded robots to simulate salmon returning to their place of birth to lay eggs for the next generation of salmon. Students designed and built an obstacle course to have their robot run through with the task of going under, over, and avoid something, and when finished make a sound.
Travel Opportunities: Visit Scotland, England and Spain in 2027
Scotland & London STEM Trip
Students in grades 6-12 are invited to travel to Scotland and London for nine days in June 2027. This opportunity revolves around the world of STEM and how present and past experiences have shaped our world as we see it today. The group will tour Edinburgh as well as learn about the history of grave robbing, medical medieval practices and how the plague impacted the lives of thousands of people. The trip will also visit present day museums with artifacts of past and present medical instruments. In London, travelers will talk to historians in the field of forensics while walking the tour of Jack the Ripper, and visit various museums, including the Royal London Hospital. Students will also tour well known sites in London and get to view a theatrical performance.
Learn more at about the trip at a meeting on November 6th at 6pm at Anderson Middle School Media Center and use the RSVP link here; RSVP You're Invited | EF Educational Tours to sign up.
Spain Trip
Students ages 11-16 and their families are invited to experience the culture and traditions of Spain through hands-on activities. Spain is a storied land of renowned architecture, diverse historical influences and rich local cultures. Learn to dance flamenco, go ziplining with a view and taste fresh olive oil straight from the farm during Spring Break 2027.
Learn more at an informational meeting in the Norup Cafeteria on Tuesday, October 28th at 6 pm. Informational Meeting RSVP
Community is Invited to a Pocket Park Picnic
The city of Berkley invites the community to a picnic at the Dorothea Pocket Park next to Bombshell Treat Bar on November 1.
The event will run from 3-8 pm with activities for all ages:
- Toadvine Books pop-up sale
- Halloween candy swap
- Library staff story time at 3:30 pm
- Apple printing craft from 6-8 pm
- Yard games
Anyone who brings a non-perishable donation for the Berkley Cares Food Pantry will receive a tote bag full of Berkley goodies from local businesses.
BHS Drama Invites the Community to the Fall Play
Tickets are now on sale for the BHS fall play, "Frankenstein vs. The Horrendous Goo," by Treanor Wooten Baring. The show will run on November 17 at Norup and November 19 at Anderson, both at 7 pm.
The tickets can be purchased on the BeDrama website. Each show has its own ticket option.
Show Summary, by TheatreFolk:
A mix-up in the chemistry club creates a horrendous goo that takes over John Dalton School. Students, administrators and even parents get “goo-ed” by this mysterious green slime with a mind of its own.
Who is behind the attack of the mutant polymer? Can the students disentangle the clues from what they’ve learned in chemistry, theatre and psychology class? Why is Frankenstein brought in to save the day? And why is he writing love notes?
Calling All Golfers: Berkley Education Foundation Announces The BEF Open
Join the Berkley Education Foundation (BEF) for its annual BEF Open, an X-Golf Tournament, November 14, 7-10 pm. Guests will have the chance to support the BEF by playing a round of golf, being a spectator, playing golf-related games for prizes or sponsoring a game.
Golfers, in teams of four, will have the chance to play 18 holes at X-Golf on a world-renowned course. Teams will play an alternate ball scramble and enjoy hot dogs at the turn. The team with the lowest score will win the grand prize. Only 10 teams are available. Teams can utilize mulligans and sabotages to help their scores - add those at check out, or at the event.
Golfers can also enter the Longest Drive contest, Closest to the Pin contest and Putting Challenge. Winners take home big prizes.
Not a golfer? Come for a Friday night out!
Enjoy an evening out, courtesy of the BEF, as a spectator. Spectator tickets are $25/person and include appetizers and hot dogs and an opportunity to play in the individual golf competitions.
Mark Your Calendar
- Friday, November 14
- 7-10 pm
- X-Golf, Royal Oak
Price
- $500/team - 5 Teams Left
- $25/spectator
Buy your tickets & register your team today
Support the Event
Businesses and organizations have several opportunities to underwrite the event costs - there are many ways to be involved:
- Sponsor the Event: $1,700
- Sponsor Hot Dogs at the Turn: $1,100 - SOLD OUT
- Sponsor Longest Drive: $500 - SOLD OUT
- Sponsor Closest to the Pin: $500
- Sponsor Putting Challenge: $500 - SOLD OUT
Visit Sponsor options and The BEF Open website
Every dollar the BEF raises supports teacher innovation-grants, the enrichment program, student scholarships and the 8th grade college tour.
Camp Invention Registration Now Open
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.
2026 Program: Spark
This year’s exciting new program inspires curiosity and helps kids build essential STEM skills through collaboration with friends and one-of-a-kind creative problem-solving experiences. Campers explore hands-on challenges and open-ended adventures designed to encourage new discoveries and bring big ideas to life!
SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY
- Register online or call 800-968-4332
- Grades: K - 6th
- Location: Burton Elementary School
- 26315 Scotia Rd, Huntington Woods MI 48070
- Date: June 22-26, 2026
- Time & Cost: 9 am - 3:30 pm | $285 (before discount)
- Camp Director: Kimberly Ternus | kimberly.ternus@berkleyschools.org | (248) 837-8655
Current Offer: $30 off with code GIFT30 if you sign up by 12/31.
Flu Vaccine Clinic Available for Berkley Schools Students
Berkely Schools has partnered with Bloom Pediatrics to offer a Flu Vaccine Clinic on Monday, October 27 from 3:30-6 pm in Anderson Middle School cafeteria. Children 6 months and up are welcome to attend.
Register online with Bloom Pediatrics. When selecting your appointment time, select one slot for the entire family. During registration families will be asked to upload a parent/guardian ID and insurance card.
Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome.
Any questions? Call 248-645-1740 or email Bloom Pediatrics.
Ask Me Anything - Superintendent Francis Edition
Scott Francis is entering his 5th school year as Superintendent. He's a dad, husband and District resident. This school year, the District is launching an Ask Me Anything series, Superintendent Francis Edition. What questions might you have for Superintendent Francis?
Submit your questions in this Google Form and he'll choose a few each month to answer via video. Follow the District on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to see the answers, or see them in the Berkley Beat.
Calendar Highlights: October
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.
Down Syndrome Awareness Month - October
October was first designated as Down Syndrome Awareness Month in the 1980s by the National Down Syndrome Society and has been recognized every October since. It is a time to celebrate people with Down syndrome and make others aware of their abilities and accomplishments and to promote advocacy and foster inclusion through community.
Down syndrome is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome. Typically, a baby is born with 46 chromosomes. Babies with Down syndrome have an extra copy of one of these chromosomes, chromosome 21. According to the CDC, even though people with Down syndrome might act and look similar, each person has different abilities. Learn more on the National Down Syndrome Society website.
LGBTQ+ History Month - October
LGBTQ+ History Month is an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. It was started in 1994 by high school teacher Rodney Wilson of Missouri along with his fellow community members and was endorsed by GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the National Education Association and other national organizations. October was chosen for history month because October 11 is National Coming Out Day.
The LGBT History Month website celebrates the achievements of 31 lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender icons. Each day in October, a new LGBT Icon is featured with a video, bio, bibliography, downloadable images and other resources.
Yom Kippur - October 1-2
Yom Kippur, a Jewish High Holiday, begins on the evening of Wednesday, October 1 and ends at sundown on Thursday, October 2. Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish faith. This Day of Atonement takes place on the 10th day of Tishrei and is a time to atone for the sins of the past year. Yom Kippur traditions include fasting, refraining from work and attending services at a synagogue.
National Custodial Worker’s Recognition Day - October 2
National Custodial Worker's Recognition Day is celebrated annually on October 2 in honor of our custodial and maintenance teams!
Did you know...
- Berkey Schools has 37 members of the maintenance and custodial team
- On average, our custodians clean 33,000 sq ft every night each
- The Head custodians take care of the HVAC systems, the outside grounds including weed whipping, hedge trimming and flower bed care, snow removal of all sidewalks, and general maintenance in each of their buildings (plumbing, painting, drywall repair, lunchroom clean up)
- The 4-member Maintenance team is responsible for parking lot snow removal, mowing all District properties as well as adding field lines where needed for sporting events, and taking care of any needs at Hurley Field
- The custodial team sets up for and takes down events in every building
- The custodial and maintenance team has been incredibly flexible and adaptable during the construction projects throughout the District
- All of this while developing and maintaining relationships with their school families.
Sukkot: October 6 - October 13
Sukkot is a weeklong Jewish holiday that comes five days after Yom Kippur. Sukkot celebrates the gathering of the harvest. Sukkot is named after the booths or huts in which those who observe Judaism are supposed to dwell and/or eat during this week-long celebration. According to rabbinic tradition, the sukkot represent the huts in which the Israelites dwelt after the exodus from Egypt.
National Coming Out Day - October 11
October 11th is National Coming Out Day, an annual LGBTQ awareness day observed on October 11, to support anyone "coming out of the closet."
According to the Human Rights Campaign, the first National Coming Out Day was organized by Jean O’Leary and Dr. Robert Eichberg. It was first observed on October 11, 1988, the first anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.
For more information and resources, visit the American Psychological Association website on National Coming Out Day and the Human Rights Campaign website.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day & Columbus Day - October 13
Columbus Day, a federal holiday, is observed on the second Monday in October, in many placed in the country with parades that highlight Italian-American heritage and pride, according to the Smithsonian Magazine. However, many have criticized the holiday and protested it for decades because of the way Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer, treated Indigenous people.
Instead, many people celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day instead of Columbus Day, as an observance that celebrates and honors indigenous American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. It is celebrated across the United States on the second Monday in October, and is an official city and state holiday in various localities. In 2021, President Biden formally commemorated the holiday with a presidential proclamation, becoming the first U.S. President to do so. In 2019, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation in recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day, and has done so annually since then.
- Learn more about Columbus Day on the History website.
- Learn more about Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the History website.
Simchat Torah - October 14-15
Simchat Torah begins at sunset on October 14 and ends after nightfall on October 15. It is a celebration marking the conclusion of the annual cycle of the past year’s Torah (Hebrew bible) readings and the beginning of a new cycle. This Jewish holiday is often joyous with much singing and dancing. It is celebrated on the 23rd day of the month of Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar.
Diwali/Deepavali - October 20
Diwali, or Deepavali, is India's biggest and most important holiday of the year. Diwali is a “festival of lights” that celebrates the triumph of light over dark, good over evil, and the blessings of victory, freedom, and enlightenment. The name comes from Sanskrit dipavali, meaning “row of lights.” On the night of Diwali, celebrants light dozens of candles and clay lamps (called diyas), placing them throughout their homes and in the streets to light up the dark night.
In most of India, Diwali consists of a five-day celebration that peaks on the third day with the main celebration of Diwali.
Followers of the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths primarily celebrate Diwali. However, the holiday is celebrated throughout India, Singapore, and several other South Asian countries as a national holiday, meaning that people outside these religions may participate in Diwali celebrations, too. Source: Britannica
Learn more:
Website: Subscribe to our Calendars
Did you know, families can subscribe to our calendars to sync to your mobile device? Follow these instructions to get this set up.
In addition, if you download the Berkley Schools App, you can choose to see the school calendars that matter most to you. To do this, follow these steps:
- Click on Events at the bottom
- Click in the inverted triangle at the top right
- Uncheck the calendars you want to see
- See an event you’d like on your calendar? Click on it, and then select the “Add to calendar” button.
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
- Middle School Science Teacher - Norup
- BBB Lead Teacher - Tuition Program
- BBB Assistant Teacher - 2 Open Positions
- Special Education Paraeducator (3 positions) - Pattengill, Norup, Anderson
- Permanent District Substitute Custodian
- Lunch Aides - Burton, Norup, Pattengill
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