What's Inside?
- Rogers "Remembers One" During Their Memorial Day Ceremony
- Scooter Meets Freddie - A Spokespet Contest Meet Up
- Burton 4th Grade Learns STEM Lessons at Lawrence Tech
- Pattengill Students Experience Justice 101 Program
- Norup International Raises Thousands During May-hem Basketball Tournament
- Angell Students Showcase Their Talent at the Angell Idol
- Burton 4th Graders Perform for Their Talent Show
- Construction Begins on New Maintenance Building Week of June 3 - Parking Lot Access Impacted
- Rogers Hosts Annual Ice Cream Social
- Berkley Summer Learning Programs - High School Registration Begins in June
- Summer Program Offering: eSports Camp
- Summer Drama Camp Registration is Open
- Berkley Robotics, DaBears, Now Accepting New Members
- Oak Park Invites the Community to Family Fun Fest
- 2025 Travel Opportunities
- How to Subscribe to the District Calendar
- Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring
- Sign Up for Text Messages
Rogers Elementary "Remembers One" During Their Memorial Day Ceremony & Parade
On Friday, May 24, Rogers students and staff honored fallen soldiers at its annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony. The event began with a parade around the school block, led by Berkley Public Safety.
“Remember One,” the theme of the day, connected throughout the morning. The students, wearing red, white and blue, wore a ‘dog tag’ of a fallen soldier around their neck. Teachers shared with students that Memorial Day is not just a day for a parade and barbecue, it is a day to take the time to remember at least one soldier’s name who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. During the ceremony, students performed poems, passages and songs to honor Memorial Day.
The student body pledged to never forget the person on their dog tags and honor them on Memorial Day. Ann Redmond, BHS senior, ended the ceremony with a rendition of Taps on the trumpet.
Scooter Meets Freddie - a Spokespet Contest Meet Up
On Thursday, May 30, Scooter, Angell’s Library turtle met Freddie, a golden retriever from Troy. Why would a turtle and a dog need to meet, you ask? Because they are united through a local contest and a Berkley connection.
During the week of May 20, Scooter and Freddie were both finalists in the Channel 4 Click on Detroit All 4 Pets Spokespet contest. Among the top 12, out of 900 submissions, the two were encouraging their communities to vote throughout the week. As the week came to a close, Scooter and Freddie were neck and neck in the polls, and when the voting ended, Freddie just edged out Scooter. When Freddie’s owner learned he had won, she noticed that Scooter was from Angell Elementary School, where she went to school as a kid! She also attended Anderson and Berkley High.
Michelle, Freddie’s mom, reached out to Angell last week and arranged a visit to see her alma mater and have the two animals meet. While at Angell, Channel 4 interviewed both Michelle and Julie McKeeman, Angell’s Media Specialist (and Scooter’s mom), for an upcoming special about All 4 Pets. Some kindergarten friends had a chance to visit with Freddie, too.
Freddie and Scooter took some photos together and had a brief sniff, and everyone walked out with smiles on their faces.
Burton 4th Grade Learns STEM Lessons at Lawrence Technological University
On Friday, April 26, Burton 4th graders traveled to The Marburger STEM Center at Lawrence Technological University (LTU) and experienced an exciting day of hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) learning. This visit is part of the LTU STEM Scholars Visits program, a K-12 educational outreach program. Students started their day in small groups and each student created a "lava lamp" demonstrating liquid density, cube bubbles to better understand surface tension and an air cannon to help explain air movement. Each group was led by a Lawrence Tech student who also shared information about their specific program at LTU. Students also enjoyed a demonstration centered around liquid nitrogen and discussions based on temperature, air, molecule movement and science safety. Students even had a chance to create and sample "frozen" marshmallows!
In addition to enjoying a field trip, students learned that every student who attended received the “STEM Scholars Award” which is an $80,000 scholarship (a 50% tuition discount) if they attend LTU for college and choose one of 16 STEM majors!
This trip was planned by the Burton Social Worker Lexi Ball based on the Michigan Career Development Model for Career Awareness for Grades 4-6. A terrific day was had by all learning about STEM career awareness.
Pattengill Students Experience the Justice 101 Program
Judge Derek Meinecke, a judge for the 44th District Court, spent time with Pattengill fifth graders on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 28 and 29. Judge Meinecke visited students at school to discuss aspects of the judicial branch of government, including explaining legal terminology. He was also there to prepare the students for their courthouse visit the following day. As part of the lessons, Judge Meinecke assigned the students homework.
The next day students visited the 44th District Court and observed the Court's misdemeanor probation docket in person. After observing the docket, students visited the new Royal Oak Police Station. Judge Meinecke also made sure to call on each student during court to report on their homework assignment.
This visit is part of the Justice 101 program which was started by the local 44th District Court for Royal Oak and Berkley students. The goal of this program is to teach students about the court system and to provide context and understanding for the field trip to the 44th District Court.
Norup International School Raises Thousands During May-hem Basketball Tournament
Norup International School hosted its annual May-hem 3-on-3 basketball tournament finals on May 17, 2024. May-hem is a building-wide fundraising initiative in support of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Jack’s Place for Autism. Students can enter the tournament with their team of three and compete in a March Madness bracket style competition. In year’s past, this event has been a March Miracles tournament held during the college basketball tournament month.
Over the years, March Miracles and May-hem have averaged over $10,000 in yearly donations. Over the last 23 years, donations have reached over $255,000. Funds are raised through tournament entry fees, sponsors, donors and concessions.
Students in the audience enjoyed cheering on their peers in skill competitions and in the basketball championships. The Norup pep-band kept the crowd engaged, too.
Retired teacher Corrine McCarthy and current Norup physical education teacher Tom Whinham started the program in 2000. Mr. Whinham shared, “I was training for an endurance skate race with a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society sponsored group known as Team in Training. The motivation for my involvement was then 4 year old patient Marissa Marzec. Marissa’s dad and I met at Benedictine High School, where we both taught and coached basketball.” In year’s past, Kids Kicking Cancer and the V Foundation have also received donations from the basketball tournament proceeds.
Angell Students Showcase Their Talent at the Angell Idol Show
On Friday, May 24, Angell Students showcased their skills at the annual talent show: Angell Idol. Students performed dances, songs, played instruments and much more. Congratulations students, on being so brave and performing your talents for the Angell community.
Burton 4th Graders Perform for Their Talent Show
On Friday, May 24, Burton 4th graders showcased their skills in their annual talent show. Students performed their show outside on the field for their classmates and family members. Students performed songs, danced, played the keyboard, told jokes, shared science experiments and more. Some students volunteered to be the stage crew and others took on the role of emcee. Congratulations students, on your performances!
Construction Begins on New Maintenance Building Week of June 3 - Parking Lot Access Impacted
The new Maintenance building, funded by the Sinking Fund, will be located at the Administrative Offices site in Oak Park, at the end of the parking lot, just north of the Norup playground. The jobsite trailer, restrooms and temporary fencing will be installed starting on June 3.
What this means for Norup & BBB Families
- The construction site will take a large portion of the current Administrative Offices parking lot.
- Families who use the Admin lot for drop off may have to adjust their drop off locations, and/or have their children use the paved path to the west of the lot to reach their school.
- A portion of the Norup field will be blocked off with fencing to ensure a safe construction site.
- Construction vehicles will begin working once the site preparation is complete.
The new building is scheduled to be completed by the end of December 2024.
Rogers Hosts Annual Ice Cream Social
The Rogers Community gathered at the annual ice cream social on Thursday, May 30, 2024. Students met with classmates in the gaga ball pit, playground and soccer field. Rogers PTA members served ice cream and pizza to the attendees. This event celebrates the end of another successful school year.
Berkley Summer Learning Programs - High School Registration Opens In June
The Berkley Summer Difference high school summer options will be held in person, for students in current grades 9-12. Classes will focus on Credit Recovery.
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
- July 1 - August 1 (no class July 4)
- All classes held at Berkley High School
- Monday - Thursday, 8-10:15 am or 10:20 am - 12:30 pm
- Fee - $100 per credit recovery class for students attending Berkley Schools. Any Berkley Schools student who is eligible for free/reduced meals will receive a reduced rate of $25/class.
- Additional details are available in the High School Summer Learning & Credit Recovery document
Registration
- June 10-28, 2024
- Families will register via the MISTAR Parent Portal
- Follow these instructions on how to register via the Parent Portal
Summer Program Offering: eSports Camp
This summer, Berkley High School will be offering an eSports Camp for students entering grades 7-9 in the fall. During the 4-day camp students will create team names and logos, learn the rules for competitive varsity high school eSports, learn and practice eSports skills, and compete in several mini tournaments!
This camp focuses on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Brothers Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch. All skill levels are welcome! Students will need to bring a positive attitude and a desire to game, compete, and learn.
Space is limited to the first 20 people who sign up and pay via MISTAR Parent Portal.
Camp Details
- Berkley High School
- June 24-27
- 9 am - 3 pm (with a 45 minute lunch period)
- $250 per student
- Students may bring their own lunch OR receive a free "brown bag" lunch (Choice of yogurt or sandwich w/ a fruit, vegetable, juice and milk).
Summer Drama Camp Registration is Open
Summer Drama Camp, led by Berkley High School Drama Coordinator John Hopkins, consists of multiple classes in different dramatic and performance techniques. The focus of the camps will be on musical theater and acting. The cost is $175 per session or $150 per session if you book more than one session in one transaction. Drama Camp will be held in the Berkley High School Auditorium, 2325 Catalpa, Berkley, MI 48072.
Session One: General Musical Theater Camp
- For students entering 6-8 grade
- June 24 - 28, 2024
- Mon-Fri, 10 am - 3 pm including a 45 minute “brown-bag” lunch
Session Two: Acting Camp
- For middle and high school students entering grades 6-12
- August 5-9, 2024
- Mon-Fri, 10 am - 3 pm including a 45 minute “brown-bag” lunch or off-campus lunch for high school students only
Session Three: Musical Theater Camp
- For middle and high school students entering grades 6-12
- August 12-16, 2024
- Mon-Fri, 10 am - 3 pm including a 45 minute “brown-bag” lunch or off-campus lunch for high school students only
Questions? Contact District Drama Coordinator, John Hopkins at john.hopkins@berkleyschools.org
For additional information and to register visit this link.
Berkley Robotics, DaBears, Now Accepting New Members
The Berkley High School Robotics Team, DaBears Team 247 is now accepting 8th-12th graders interested in joining the 2024-25 robotics season!
Team 247 competes in the FIRST Robotics Competition every year. During the season, mentors and coaches help to expand student knowledge on engineering, machining, programming and marketing. Robotics also allows students to engage with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning.
By building robots and competing against other schools, students learn the following skills:
- Programming
- Engineering
- 3D Modeling
- Media
- Business
ANY QUESTIONS?
Email Coach Kinney at coachdabears@gmail.com
Oak Park Invites the Community to Family Fun Fest
The Oak Park Corridor Improvement Authority is thrilled to announce the inaugural Family Fun Fest on 9 Mile, taking place on Saturday, June 1st from 1-4 pm.
This FREE event will be held along the scenic 9 Mile Linear Park and from Scotia to the Sherman pocket park (on 9 Mile, east of Coolidge), offering a vibrant space for families to enjoy a variety of activities.
Activities for all ages:
- Local daycare facilities will showcase interactive activities within their designated spaces.
- Live music, captivating puppet shows, and energetic face painting will keep the little ones entertained.
- Unleash your inner artist with vibrant chalk art stations.
- And much more!
Adding to the festive atmosphere, businesses along the 9 Mile corridor will be hosting sidewalk sales and special events. This is a fantastic opportunity to support local shops and restaurants while enjoying the family-friendly activities.
Learn more on the event’s Facebook page.
2025 Travel Opportunities
Panama - Spring 2025
Students in grades 6-9 (during the time of travel) and their families are invited to travel to Panama on our upcoming trip: From Pirates to the Present in Panama: Spring 2025! On this tour to one of the most diverse countries in the world, have lunch with Indigenous people, snorkel along the country’s Caribbean coast, and explore bustling Panama City. Also discover how, long before the canal was built, Panama’s central location attracted pirates like Sir Francis Drake and Henry Morgan.
Check out the presentation to learn more! Panama Enrollment Meeting Presentation
Click on the following link to visit the tour enrollment page: Panama Enrollment Site
If you have any other questions contact Liz Reynolds at elizabeth.reynolds@berkleyschools.org
France & Spain - Spring 2025
Students in Grades 6-12 are invited to travel to France & Spain during Spring 2025! This stunning trip will explore cultural experiences, local immersion, and iconic sights of this stunning country. See the itinerary online.
Contact Athena Troher athena.troher@berkleyschools.org for more information.
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!
View the itinerary on the EF Tours website.
If you have any questions, contact Athena Troher at athena.troher@berkleyschools.org
Japan - 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 or would like to attend the trip, 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:
- Athletic Director - Berkley High School
- High School Math Teacher - Berkley High School
- Special Education Teacher of Students with Cognitive Impairments - Pattengill
- Special Education Teacher of Students with Emotional Impairments - Norup
- Special Education Teacher of Students with Autism - Location TBD
- Secondary Instructional Coach - Berkley High School
- Family Consumer Science Teacher - Anderson Middle School
- Special Education Teacher Consultant for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) - Multiple Buildings
- School Social Worker - Norup International
- Community Education Secretary - BBB
- Campus Monitor - BHS
- GSRP and Head Start Substitute Teacher - Berkley Building Blocks
- GSRP and Head Start Associate Teacher - Berkley Building Blocks
- Assistant Teacher(s) - 6 Open Positions - Berkley Building Blocks
- Early Childhood Special Education Substitute Paraeducator - Berkley Building Blocks
- Kids’ Zone Assistant Teacher - Pattengill
- Lunch Aides - Pattengill
- Midnight Custodian(s) - 2 Open Positions - Berkley High School
- Permanent Substitute Custodian - District
- Middle School Girls Swim and Dive Head Coach
- High School Girls Diving Coach
- High Schools Boys Tennis Program Assistant
- 8th Grade Boys Basketball Coach - Norup
- 8th Grade Girls Basketball Coach - Norup
- 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.