Berkley Beat April 19, 2024

What's Inside?

  • BHS Choirs Perform at Carnegie Hall
  • Occupation Day at Angell
  • Norup Elementary Students Host the Pistons Extreme Team
  • BHS Culinary Students Learn from Guest Instructor
  • BHS Celebrates Inclusion Week
  • BHS Baseball Team to Play at Comerica Park
  • Berkley Summer Learning Programs - Registration Opens April 22
  • Tickets on Sale for BHS Spring Musical: Legally Blonde - This weekend!
  • Save the Dates for Food Truck Fridays
  • City of Oak Park Hosts Juneteenth Competition for Oak Park residents
  • Travel to Australia & New Zealand June 2025
  • Calling All Student Musicians: Perform at Concert in the Park this Summer
  • Submit Videos for National Teacher Appreciation Week
  • Tri-Community Coalition Update: Vaping 101 Seminar & Substance Use Survey
  • Join the Hurricane Swim Team - Openings for Summer 2024
  • Community is Invited to Huntington Woods Men’s Club Service Auction - Last Day to Buy Tickets
  • April Calendar Highlights - Autism Acceptance Month, National Arab American Heritage Month, Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, Eid al-Fitr, Passover
  • How to Subscribe to the District Calendar
  • Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring
  • Sign Up for Text Messages

BHS Choirs Perform at Carnegie Hall

The Berkley High School A Cappella and Belle Tones choirs performed at Carnegie Hall in New York on April 15 at the Octavo Festival Chorus. The students performed on the Isaac Stern Auditorium stage. This prestigious invitation was extended by Dr. Brandon Johnson, the Director of Choral Activities at Eastern Michigan University.

35 A Cappella and Belle Tones students performed the following pieces of literature with 235 singers combined. The whole program theme was 'Singing the Darkness to Light,’ based on the Amanda Gorman poem “The Hill We Climb.”

  • Hope Lingers On, Lissa Schneckenburger
  • Where the Light Begins, Susan LaBarr
  • Fire, Katerina Gimon
  • By Night, Elaine Hagenberg
  • Can We Sing the Darkness to Light, Kyle Peterson
  • Children, Go Where I Send Thee, arr. Kevin Phillip Johnson

Carnegie performance highlights included the students having the opportunity to work with the By Night composer Elaine Hagenberg, students Reagan Berryman and Brooke Boatman making it to the finalists round for solos in the concert and having guest conductor Dr. Linda Hassleler from Capital University in Ohio conduct the concert.

While in New York for the three-day trip students had the opportunity to attend Hadestown on Broadway and meet the cast after the show for pictures and autographs, and explore the city in between rehearsals.

Choir Director Julie Smith shared, “Our students have earned this rare and exciting opportunity through their commitment to choir and their passion for learning.”

Congratulations to both the student vocalists and teachers Julie Smith and Sarah Noble for this rare and special opportunity.

Occupation Day at Angell Elementary

Students at Angell Elementary participated in Occupation Day featuring members of the Angell community on April 12, 2024. This event was organized by Angell School Counselor, Kezziah Chudler with the goal of introducing elementary students to the many types of careers.

18 parents/guardians attended representing a variety of careers such as a registered nurse, a sports medicine doctor, an emergency doctor, a video and graphic designer, an employment specialist, fundraiser, instructional designer, chemical engineer and an orthotist.

Norup Elementary Students Host the Pistons Extreme Team

On Friday, April 12, the Pistons Extreme Team visited Norup elementary students for a fun assembly. During the month of March, the elementary school set a school-wide reading goal for students to read 1000 books during March is Reading Month. Because the students met that goal, their reward was a visit from the dunking, jumping, twisting and motivating Extreme Team. While in the Norup gym, the Extreme Team showed off their acrobatic and athletic skills with trampolines and basketballs. The team also arranged a staff vs student basketball game and encouraged the school to cheer for their peers. The atmosphere was high energy and a fun way to end the week.

BHS Culinary Students Learn from Guest Instructor

During testing week at Berkley High School, Joe Fredal, Intro to Foods and Bake Shoppe teacher, invited a guest instructor, Heather Landau, to come and teach students new skills. Ms. Landau is the owner of Heather's Homemade Cakes & Catering and is a 2004 BHS graduate. She connected to the classes through her niece, Zapiex Falcon, a student of Mr. Fredal’s.

In each of Mr. Fredal's three Bake Shoppe classes, Ms. Landau demonstrated how a baker would properly frost a multi-layer cake, starting with crumb coating, then finish frosting and decorating using piping bags and frosting tips. She gave the students insider tips on which tools to use for all parts of the decorating process so they could execute professional looking multi-layer cakes. The students followed up by frosting their own cakes. Mr. Fredal shared, “These skills are going to be used later in the semester when the students' teams compete with each other in the Great Cake Bake Competition. They'll also be able to use the frosting skills when they decorate cupcakes in a Cupcake Wars competition.”

During the Intro to Foods class, Ms. Landau provided a knife use and cutting demonstration. She taught the students the proper way to dice and julienne cut vegetables including carrots, celery and onions that will be used to make a mirepoix that goes into chicken noodle soup that students were preparing to make. She also brought in a set of knives to show the students what different knives are used by chefs and explained what types of foods that each of the knives is primarily used to cut. Ms. Landau also gave an explanation about how to properly sharpen knives and knife safety.

Mr. Fredal said, “All in all, it was a great learning experience for the students, who ultimately enjoyed eating the foods they created with their new skills! Ms. Landau expressed how much she enjoyed her guest instructing and we hope to have her back again during future semesters to share her professional knowledge with our students.”

BHS Celebrates Inclusion Week

From April 15-19, Berkley High School celebrated Inclusion Week led by Peer-to-Peer/Links and the Diversity Council. The focus of this Inclusion Week was “Spread The Word.” Inclusion is a global campaign working towards inclusion for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The week consisted of activities such as signing a banner to commit to being inclusive, a talent show, signing a pledge to spread the word about inclusivity and sharing how each student will commit to being inclusive, gym activities for students to play games together, and more. The week was designed to bring the student body together to celebrate the neurodiverse community at BHS and to highlight how powerful inclusion can be.

BHS Baseball Team to Play at Comerica Park

The Berkley Schools community is invited to watch the Berkley High Baseball team play Country Day at Comerica Park on Sunday, May 5th, at 7 pm. The game is also a fundraiser for the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation in its battle against pediatric cancer. Both teams agreed to donate a portion of ticket proceeds to ChadTough. Tickets are $25 and they include a ticket to the Detroit Tigers game vs. the Washington Nationals on Tuesday, June 11 at 6:40 pm.

Tickets can be purchased via cash, check or Venmo. Checks can be made payable to Berkley Schools, and the Venmo is @Berkley-Baseball. For additional information please contact Coach Rawlik at matthew.rawlik@berkleyschools.org

Berkley Summer Learning Programs - Registration Opens April 22

The Berkley Summer Difference program details are now available for students TK-12. High School summer options will be held in person, for students in current grades 9-12. Classes will focus on Credit Recovery.

Registration for K-8 students will open on Monday, April 22, in the MISTAR Parent Portal. Registration for high school students will open June 10.

See program descriptions and registration instructions, below.

Elementary Program - Math & Language Arts + STEM

The Berkley Summer Difference Math & Language Arts program is intended for students currently in Grades TK-5 who need to maintain or grow in their academic achievement from the 2023-24 school year. Students who enroll in the program will have both math and language arts instruction throughout the summer program.

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

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

Program Details for Math & Language Arts

Program Details for Elementary STEM

  • June 17-21 (No class June 19)
  • All classes held at Rogers Elementary School
  • 8:30-11 am
  • Breakfast will be available daily at 8 am for a fee, or free/reduced price for those who qualify for free/reduced meals

Additional details are available in the Elementary STEM Program document

Registration

Middle School Program

Students who just completed their 6th - 8th grade school year can participate in the Berkley Summer Difference program. All classes will be offered in-person. Students have the option to take three types of classes: Math, English Language Arts and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Availability of sections will be determined based upon registration.

The middle school summer English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics school programs are intended for students currently in Grades 6-8 who need to maintain or grow in their achievement.

The middle school summer STEM program is intended for any students interested in exploring STEM topics which could include Coding/Robotics.

Classes will be taught by certified, highly-qualified middle school teachers. Depending on enrollment, multi-grade sections may be organized to better meet staffing needs.

Program Details for Math & English Language Arts Classes

Program Details for the STEM Class

Registration

High School Program: Credit Recovery

The high school summer program will be focused on Credit Recovery Courses. Credit Recovery Courses should be selected in consultation with each student’s school counselor. Credit Recovery coursework will be delivered through the APEX online learning system, assisted, facilitated, and overseen by certified teachers. Students will complete the coursework in person. These courses are tailored to each student and are mastery-based, which means the length of time students must spend in Credit Recovery will vary and is dependent upon mastery of course objectives.

Program Details for Credit Recovery

Registration

Tickets on Sale for the BHS Spring Musical: Legally Blonde - This Weekend!

The Berkley High School Berkley Drama students are proud to present Legally Blonde, the Spring 2024 musical.

Musical Theatre International described the musical as follows:

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.

Save the Dates for Food Truck Fridays

Food Truck Fridays are back! The District is hosting Food Truck Fridays at ArtSpace, the plaza located on Coolidge at the corner of Coolidge and Catalpa south of the gas station. The following food trucks will be set up for students and the community to enjoy for lunch.

City of Oak Park Hosts Juneteenth Competition for Oak Park Residents

The City of Oak Park is sponsoring a student self-expression contest to recognize the Juneteenth holiday. This year, the City of Oak Park Juneteenth Sub-Committee has increased the number of scholarships being offered to ten $500 scholarships. The contest welcomes various forms of expression, including music, poems, paintings and more. The City encourages all K-12 students who either live in Oak Park and/or attend schools in Oak Park to submit a piece of self-expression to highlight what Juneteenth means to them.

Submissions are due by April 22 and can be made electronically or turned in at Oak Park City Hall. Along with submissions, students must also submit a contact form. The Juneteenth Sub-Committee will serve as the judging body and students selected as winners will be notified in advance of the Sunday, June 16 event.

Submit an entry online.

Travel to Australia & New Zealand June 2025

Students in grades 6-12 (during the time of travel), and family members are invited to join an educational travel experience to Australia and New Zealand!

Learn more about the trip at a meeting on May 1 at 6:30 pm on Zoom. RSVP to the meeting to make sure you learn the most up to date information about the trip.

View the itinerary on the EF Tours website.

If you have any questions, contact Athena Troher at athena.troher@berkleyschools.org

Calling All Student Musicians: Perform at Concerts in the Park this Summer

The City of Huntington Woods is looking for elementary, middle school and high school students who would like to be part of an opening act this summer for the city’s annual “Concerts in the Park” series. The City is looking for both instrumentalists and singers who would like to perform as soloists, duos, trios and/or quartets.

Concerts will be held at Burton Field and Scotia Park in Huntington Woods on Tuesdays: June 24, July 9, July 16, July 23, and July 30 and the opening acts will perform from 6:30-6:55 pm. Students would need to bring their own instrument(s), however microphones and a full sized Yamaha digital keyboard will be available.

The concert planners will make every effort to group players at similar proficiency levels. Interested students should contact Harvey Colombo at 248-837-5414.

Tri-Community Coalition Update: Vaping 101 Seminar & Substance Use Survey

Vaping 101 Seminar

On Tuesday, April 30, the Tri-Community Coalition, in partnership with Oakland County Health Coalition, is hosting a Vape 101 Free Training session for families. Oakland County Health Division Health Educators will share how e-cigarettes operate, and health and safety consequences of vaping. Learn why youth are using these products and gain access to prevention resources. For more information, contact Nadli Arabo at 248-328-5177 or Melanie Stone at 248-408-5322.

Vape 101: Prevention Training

  • Tuesday, April 30, 2024
  • 6:30 pm
  • Berkley Public Library

Survey: Substance Use Prevention

The Tri-Community Coalition encourages Berkley Schools residents who are 18 years and older to complete a survey regarding substance use issues among youth and adults in Oakland County. They are partnering with the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities (The Alliance). Completion of this survey will help create a better understanding of the problems happening in the community. The Alliance will use this information to inform the planning of future coalition efforts. The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 5 - 10 minutes to complete. If you have any questions about the survey or are interested in learning more about the Alliance, please contact Mary Ann Vergith, Prevention Program Director, at mavergith@achcmi.org. Take the survey online.

Join the Hurricane Swim Team - Openings for Summer 2024

The Hurricane Swim Team has openings for the Summer 2024 season. The Hurricane Team is a competitive swim team that swims out of the Huntington Woods Aquatic Club (HWAC). The Team is open to any student in the Berkley School District, 5-18 years old, who can swim at least one length of the pool unassisted. The team holds daily practices from May - July competing in the Northwest Suburban Swim League. Pre-season practice for all swimmers begins in late May and meets begin in June.

Fees

  • HW Resident - $304 ($274 + $30 team fee)
  • Non-Resident/BSD student - $381 ($274 + $50 facility fee + 10% surcharge + $30 team fee)
  • Addl. non-res. family member - $331 ($274 + 10% surcharge + $30 team fee)

Community is Invited to Huntington Woods Men’s Club Service Auction - Last Day for Ticket Sales

Tickets are on sale for the 43rd annual Huntington Woods Men’s Club Service Auction on April 20 at the Gillham Recreation Center at 5 pm.

The Men’s Club generously has donated to many Berkley School District projects through the years, including playground equipment, club and team uniforms, athletic facility upgrades and in-classroom enrichment.

This year’s auction features more than 200 items (big and small), live music (including BHS students!) and all-inclusive food and refreshments.

Visit the Huntington Woods Men’s Club website to purchase tickets for a night of fun with your Berkley, Oak Park and Huntington Woods neighbors! If you can’t make it in person, you also can bid on silent auction items online, beginning April 17.

Calendar Highlights - April

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.

Autism Acceptance Month

Wait? Is it Autism Awareness or Autism Acceptance??

Awareness was the start many years ago but we are now moving on from awareness to acceptance. Most people you ask, will now tell you that they are aware of Autism and probably even know an autistic person.

“Acceptance and awareness come from vastly different mindsets. Awareness is all about the problems and the difficulties, usually as experienced by the neurotypical majority of folks who are wanting to make everyone know. Awareness makes sure the world knows how difficult we make it for those around us. Acceptance looks at commonalities we share and at the strength inherent in diversity. Acceptance says “you are you, and that’s pretty awesome. I am me, and that’s pretty awesome.”” -Kassiane S.

Want to read more on awareness vs acceptance?

Acceptance vs. Awareness Article

As we hear from the Autistic community we are evolving our thinking:

Then: Puzzle piece as the symbol for Autism

Now: Rainbow colored infinity symbol

Then: "Light it up blue" for Autism

Now: Gold, Red, Rainbow - anything but blue

Then: Autism Awareness

Now: Autism Acceptance

What’s wrong with the puzzle piece?

  • The puzzle piece creates the impression that autism is a riddle to be solved or that those with autism are incomplete.
  • In February 2018, the puzzle piece was changed to a rainbow colored infinity symbol to represent a spectrum, diversity, and difference.

Want to read more on the puzzle piece?

What's wrong with “Light it up blue?”

  • “Light it up blue” was started by the organization, Autism Speaks, many years ago. There has been backlash with Autism Speaks for being an organization looking to “cure” or “end” Autism and very little of their budget actually goes to helping autistic people.
  • “Light it up blue” also gives the impression that Autism is a “boys” disorder when in fact, girls can have Autism as well.
  • Article: 5 Shocking Reasons NOT to Light it Up Blue for Autism Day - Autistic Mama

More Resources

Arab American Heritage Month

The Arab America Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative in 2017. In 2021, President Biden recognized the month nationally to recognize the 3.5 million Arab Americans that exemplify “so much of what our country stands for: hard work, resilience, compassion, and generosity.”. For National Arab American Heritage month, across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations issue proclamations and engage in special events that celebrate the Arab American community’s rich heritage and numerous contributions to society.

Did you know that the first and only museum in the United States devoted to documenting and sharing Arab American contributions that shaped the economic, political and cultural landscapes of American life is a 20 minute drive from the Berkley Schools? The Arab American National Museum (AANM) is located in Dearborn. The Museum brings to light the shared experiences of immigrants and ethnic groups, paying tribute to the diversity of our nation.

The museum tells the Arab American story through the voices and experiences of Arab Americans.

Learn more about the museum on their website, or go for a visit at 13624 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126.

Paraprofessional Appreciation Day - April 3

Paraprofessional Appreciation Day is celebrated annually on the first Wednesday of April each year as a way to say thank you to the staff members who work tirelessly to support our students. In the 1960s, paraprofessionals were first hired to work in schools around the U.S. It is unknown when April 3 became the official date to celebrate and honor paraprofessionals.

Eid al-Fitr - Begins at Sundown on April 9 through April 10

Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Breaking Fast) is the Muslim festival marking the end of the fast of Ramadan and is celebrated worldwide by the Muslim community. The holiday is known under various other names in different languages and countries around the world. Eid al-Fitr has a particular salat (Islamic prayer) that consists of two units generally performed in an open field or large hall.

Passover - Begins at Sundown on Monday, April 22

Passover, Pesach in Hebrew, is one of the Jewish religion’s most sacred holidays. Passover commemorates the Hebrew liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. Passover begins at sundown on April 22 and ends on April 30. The first two evenings of Passover are often celebrated with a feast known as a seder.

You can learn more about Passover on the History.com website as well as on the chabad.org website.

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)
  • Community Programs Secretary - Berkley Building Blocks
  • Permanent Building Substitute Teacher - Rogers
  • Special Education Paraeducator - BHS
  • 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
  • Head Custodian - Pattengill
  • Head Custodian - Angell
  • Afternoon Custodian Positions (2) - Norup
  • 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)

Food Service Positions: Aramark Careers

  • Food Service Worker at Anderson Middle School 10:15-1:15 (3hr position)
  • Food Service Worker at Norup International 10:15-1:15 (3hr position)
  • Kitchen Manager at Anderson Middle School 7:00-1:30 (6.5hr position)
  • Kitchen Manager at Norup International 7:00-1:30 (6.5hr position)
  • Kitchen Manager at Pattengill Elementary 7:00-1:30 (6.5hr position)
  • Food Service Worker at Norup International 8:30-1:45 (5.25hr position)

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.

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