What's Inside
- BHS Students Perform Fall Play at Middle Schools
- Teachers Engage in ‘Beyond the Core’ Labs
- The BEF Open Raises over $12,000 for Berkley Schools Students
- Caring & Sharing Season is Here
- Unified Basketball to Play at Little Caesars Arena
- Travel Opportunities: Visit Spain in 2027
- Camp Invention Registration Now Open
- November Calendar Highlights - Native American Heritage Month, Dia de los Muertos, Veterans Day, Transgender Day of Remembrance, Thanksgiving
- How to Subscribe to the District Calendar
- Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring
BHS Students Perform Fall Play at Middle Schools
This week, the BHS Fall Play, "Frankenstein Vs. The Horrendous Goo" by Treanor Wooten Baring, was performed at both Anderson Middle School and Norup International School. The Fall Play is traditionally held at the BHS Auditorium, but due to construction, the show hit the road. In addition, students at both middle schools had the opportunity to see the play during an afternoon show. “Frankenstein Vs. The Horrendous Goo” is a one-act play, made for middle school audiences. The characters in the play are students, parents and staff at John Dalton School. As a result of a chemistry experiment gone wrong, the school is taken over by a mysterious, green slime where the characters end up stuck to the floor with their most prized possession stuck to them. To help solve the situation, the company they call for help sends Frankenstein to investigate. As the plot unfolds, Frankenstein falls in love with the school secretary, students try to foil the relationship, and in the end, love wins and the gooey situation gets resolved. Congratulations to the students on their performances.
Teachers Engage in ‘Beyond the Core’ Labs
On November 6th, the Fall ‘Beyond the Core’ Disciplinary Literacy Teacher Labs wrapped up. Middle and high school teachers from world language, art and music departments engaged in a morning of targeted, discipline-specific learning designed to deepen their understanding of literacy practices unique to their content areas. Following the learning session, participants visited host classrooms to observe these practices in action. During the visits, teachers identified key disciplinary literacy strategies, reflected on how students interacted with content, and after, engaged in rich conversations about instructional choices. The observation experience allowed educators to see authentic examples of disciplinary literacy embedded in creative, performance-based environments. These teacher labs are an important part of the District’s ongoing commitment to professional growth and are directly aligned with Strategic Plan Goal 1: Thinking & Learning—including Excellence in Teaching & Learning, Equitable Opportunities for All Students, and fostering a Collaborative Learning Culture. By bringing ‘Beyond the Core’ teachers together to study, observe and discuss instructional practices, the District continues to support high-quality teaching that meets the diverse needs of all learners. Participants left energized with new strategies, fresh ideas and a strengthened network of colleagues dedicated to advancing disciplinary literacy across elective and enrichment classrooms.
The BEF Open Raises over $12,000 for Berkley Schools Students
On Friday, November 14, the Berkley Education Foundation held its annual golf tournament, The BEF Open. This X-Golf tournament included 10 teams competing for a big prize, food, sponsors, golf games and spectators enjoying the event. In total, The BEF Open raised $12,365. The BEF funds four large giving initiatives: Teacher Innovation-Grants, FREE student enrichment programs and clubs, 8th grade college tours and student scholarships for the Maxfield Science Symposium. All funds raised made these giving initiatives possible. Congratulations to The Champions for taking home the prize pack - a round of golf at Shepherd’s Hallow, medals and swag! Congratulations to the individual Golf Game winners, too! • Closest to the Pin: Rob Robertson • Putting Challenge: Chris Marshall • Longest Drive: Chris Marshall Each Golf Game winner selected a prize from the prize table which included a new golf bag, gift certificates to X-Golf and Carl’s Golfland, summer camp discounts and more. The BEF would also like to thank their sponsors for making this event successful. • Event Sponsor: EDSI • Hot Dog Sponsor: McCarthy & Smith, Inc • Closest to the Pin Sponsor: PFM Financial Advisors LLC • Longest Drive Sponsor: Willoway Day Camp • Putting Challenge: Stifel Public Finance • Staff Team Sponsor: Huntington Bank • Prize Donors: Carl’s Golfland, Kevin Schnieders, Mother Handsome, Red Run Pro Shop, Royal Oak Golf Center, Srixon/Cleveland Golf, X-Golf Royal Oak, Willoway Day Camp
Caring & Sharing Season is Here
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 purchased 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. Caring & Sharing is now open through December 8, 2025.
In 2024, Caring & Sharing raised $26,500, fed 130 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 2025 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 Schools Community!
If you would like to make a monetary donation, please visit the Caring & Sharing donation site.
Any questions? Contact this year’s Caring & Sharing Chair Abby Watteny
Unified Basketball to Play at Little Caesars Arena
Support the Team through Donations or Ticket Purchase
On Friday, March 20, 2026, the Berkley High School Unified basketball team is playing at LCA as part of the Unified Showcase. Berkley High School plays at 12 pm against Royal Oak and tickets include admission for the March 25th Pistons game vs the Atlanta Hawks.
All tickets include:
- Access to the Pistons game
- Access to Unified games
- A donation to the Berkley High School Unified Program
- A Unified Showcase t-shirt
Pricing for the Tickets. Sections below are for the Pistons game:
- Section 201 (All you can eat and drink): $40.65 per ticket
- Section 103: $40.65
- Section 217: $25.66
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.
Travel Opportunities: Visit Spain in 2027
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.
Information from the enrollment meeting can be found here: Spain Spring Break 2027 Presentation
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.
Calendar Highlights: November
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.
Native American Heritage Month
November is nationally recognized as Native American Heritage Month. The month-long celebration highlights the culture, achievements and contributions of Native Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society. Share in the learning about Native American Heritage Month with your family by visiting these resources:
- Bring a Bit of Native America to Your Table!
- National Museum of the American Indian: Hands-on Activities
- Living Nations, Living Words: An Interactive Story Map
- U.S. Department of the Interior Indian Affairs: A History of National Native American Heritage Month
Dia de los Muertos - November 1
According to the Smithsonian Museum of the American Latino, El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a day of celebration, particularly for the people in Mexico and Central America, and for many Mexican Americans in the United States. It is a day to honor and commemorate the lives of the dearly departed and to welcome the return of their spirits. Dia de los Muertos traditions include honoring the deceased with marigold flowers, building home altars called ofrendas with photos and favorite foods and beverages of the departed.
Dia de los Muertos Resources to Learn More
Smithsonian Museum of the American Latino National Geographic Kids PBS Article
Veterans Day - November 11
Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. US Department of Veteran Affairs shared the following on the history of Veterans Day: World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
Transgender Day of Remembrance - November 20
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. It serves as a solemn occasion to raise awareness about the challenges faced by transgender people and advocate for a more inclusive and accepting society. Transgender Day of Remembrance was founded by transgender activist Gwendolyn Ann Smith in 1999 to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman murdered in 1998. Learn more:
Thanksgiving - November 27
Thanksgiving Day, according to Britannica, is an annual national holiday in the United States and Canada celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the past year. Americans generally believe that their Thanksgiving is modeled on a 1621 harvest feast shared by the English colonists (Pilgrims) of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people. In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued a proclamation designating the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. Learn more: • Britannica website • History.com website
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
- 1st Grade Teacher - Burton
- BBB Lead Teacher - Tuition Program
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) - 2 Positions
- BBB Assistant Teacher - 2 Open Positions
- Special Education Paraeducator (4 positions) - Angell, BBB, Norup, Pattengill
- Family and Community Liaison for English Language Development
- Permanent District Substitute Custodian
- Midnight Custodian - BHS
- Afternoon Custodian - BHS
- Lunch Aides - Burton, Norup, Pattengill
- Middle School Wrestling Head Coach - Anderson
- Boys Varsity Swim and Dive Head Coach - BHS
- Varsity Head Football Coach - BHS
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