Berkley Beat August 29, 2024

What's Inside

  • #BSD1stDay Video
  • Welcome Back, Everyone! First Week of School Photos
  • Berkley Schools Staff Kick-Off School Year
  • BHS Welcomes 9th Graders at Orientation
  • AMS Welcome 6th Graders at Orientation
  • Drama Camp Recap
  • Berkley Schools New Communications System - Alert Test Next Week
  • Breakfast and Lunch are FREE for All Students for the 2024-25 School Year
  • Important Food Service Updates
  • Important Back to School Packet - Due August 30
  • How to Log Into Schoology
  • Visitor & Volunteer Protocols in the Berkley School District
  • Have a Cool Job? Tell Our Students About It!
  • Board of Education Seeks Applicants
  • Autism Alliance of Michigan Partners with Berkley Schools
  • Introducing the Little Bears Book Club
  • What is the Oakland County Parent Advisory Committee?
  • August Calendar Highlights: Women’s Equality Day
  • How to Subscribe to the District Calendar
  • Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring
  • Follow Us on Social Media

#BSD1stDay Video

Thank you to everyone who shared your first day of school photos with us and used #BSD1stDay in your social media posts. Here is an updated first day video filled with smiling faces from all the submissions! Welcome back to school, everyone!

Welcome Back!

The Communications Office visited buildings during the first week of school to capture everyone's excitement! The photos below show students finding their classrooms, opening lockers for the first time, saying hello to friends and getting started with their learning.

Have a great school year, Berkley Schools!

Berkley Schools Staff Kick-Off School Year

On Thursday, August 22, Berkley Schools staff gathered for the annual Kick-Off meeting. Staff began their day in the BHS Auditorium to welcome new staff, celebrate 25 year employees, listen to an update and hear Superintendent Francis’ vision for the school year and to be inspired by a guest keynote, Charles Fonbuena from Franklin Covey.

Berkley Schools welcomed over 40 new staff members this year - teachers, custodians, paraeducators, secretaries, administrators and support staff. During the morning, to add to the fun atmosphere, all staff names were entered into a spin-o-rama raffle to give away a day off to eight staff members (a BBB staff member, teacher, paraeducator, custodian, secretary, administrator and two additional staff members from the All-Staff list). District administrators will take the lucky winners’ jobs for the day.

Employees who have been with the District for 25 years were recognized with a small gift. Thank you to the following staff members for your 25 years of dedication to students in the Berkley School District!

  • Laure Agbay, Paraeducator, AMS & Burton
  • Tracy Burroughs, World Language Teacher, BHS
  • Scott Doty, Science Teacher, BHS
  • Brett Greer, Science Teacher, Norup
  • Kris Maten, Kindergarten Teacher, Angell
  • Jessica Sandtveit, Math Teacher, BHS
  • Fawn Schraffenberger, Paraeducator, BHS
  • Lisa Soffa, Preschool Teacher, BBB
  • June Wiley, Paraeducator, AMS

Superintendent Scott Francis shared what he is excited to get started this school year, an update about the Bond, and that collaboration, a characteristic of our Portrait of a Learner, is his focus for the school year. Superintendent Francis encouraged staff to find time for collaboration amongst their teams and buildings and to model collaboration throughout the school year for students.

Following Superintendent Francis’ message, Charles Fonbuena took the stage.

Charles inspired four staff members, Julie McKeemen, Sarah Mahoney-Yallum, Lauren Rentrop and (retiree) Angie Church, who requested he speak at the District Kick-Off. They heard him speak as part of their Galileo training and were each inspired when he spoke about personal leadership. Their request to District leadership was that Charles present on the topic: How might we build school culture so that all members are supported to identify and explore their personal leadership?

During the morning, Charles encouraged staff to infuse leadership in their classrooms. He gave examples of how teachers can pose more questions and give less answers to empower students to take ownership of their own learning. By putting yourself first, and focusing on a “to-be” list, rather than a “to-do”list, Charles shared that all would find better balance and less stress in life. His uplifting message was received with a round of applause and standing ovation from the full auditorium.

From his bio: Charles Fonbuena began his leadership journey with Franklin Covey in 1991. He has worked with thousands of leaders in various private, public, and education industries across the US and Canada. Throughout his vast experience, Charles has learned and relearned what Albert Einstein said: “The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.”

BHS Welcomes 9th Graders at Orientation

Incoming Berkley High School freshmen and new students participated in Freshmen Orientation on Monday, August 19. Students started the day by gathering in the Auditorium and were greeted by BHS Principal, Andy Meloche. As part of the orientation, students learned and practiced the BHS fight song with the Marching Band. After spending time in the Auditorium learning more about Berkley High School, students split up into small groups and went on a tour of BHS. These tours were led by Student Leadership students and various other club leaders in order to become familiar with the building before school started.

AMS Welcomes 6th Graders at Orientation

On Monday, August 19, Anderson Middle School 6th graders were invited to come to school to get to know their new building and take part in an orientation. During the orientation, students received their schedules, toured the building and walked their schedule, took school pictures, received a school issued Chromebook, reviewed building rules and expectations, and attended other sessions geared at helping 6th graders with the transition to middle school.

Drama Camp Recap

Every summer, the Drama Department hosts Summer Drama Camp for students in grades 6-12. Led by District Drama Coordinator John Hopkins, Dramp Camp runs in three sessions: General Musical Theatre Camp, Musical Theatre Camp and Acting Camp. These week-long sessions consist of lessons in different dramatic and performance techniques for students interested in the dramatic arts. This summer’s sessions were full of passionate students who worked on their craft and prepared for this year’s musical and dramatic productions.

Berkley Schools New Communications System - Alert Test Next Week

Berkley Schools has purchased new communications software, Finalsite, for the 2024-25 school year. This new system will be used by building principals, secretaries and the Communications Office to send out notifications via email, phone and text. Finalsite is synced to MISTAR and will use the primary adult contact information in MISTAR Parent Portal to message our families.

As families complete the Annual Back to School Packet, be sure adult phone numbers and email addresses are current, as well as labeled correctly. For example, all cell phone numbers should be labeled as “adult cell” in MISTAR, and adult numbers should be listed in the parent/guardian area of the Packet NOT under the student contact information. By ensuring your information is correct in MISTAR, you can ensure you will be reached by the new communications system.

Testing the Communications System - September 4

Next week, the District will run a test on Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm, by sending a phone call, email and text message to all families so you know what the messages will look and sound like. If you do not receive our messages on September 4, please email communications@berkleyschools.org and let us know.

Important - Save the District Contact Number

The phone number that will call and text you is: 1-855-504-1667. Save this in your contact list, so you know when Berkley Schools is calling or messaging you!

Breakfast and Lunch are FREE for all students for the 2024-25 school year.

Thanks to the State of Michigan including Michigan School Meals in the 2024-25 budget, Berkley Schools students will receive free breakfast and lunch throughout the 2024-25 school year once again.

For families that may have qualified to receive free/reduced meals or may qualify now, it is important to continue to fill out the Education and Nutrition Benefits Form to find out if you’re eligible. Being eligible provides many more benefits such as reduced athletics, AP testing and summer program fees and expanded funding from the State and Federal Government. Find the Education and Nutrition Benefits Form in the Back to School Packet - student section - and on the Food Service webpage.

Berkley Schools and ARAMARK have teamed up to provide students with the fuel that they need to have a successful academic year. ARAMARK provides nutritious meals in accordance with the USDA standards. Visit the Berkley Food Service webpage for menus, updates and more!

Important Food Service updates for the 2024-25 School Year:

School cafeterias have a new cash policy this year. While students will be able to purchase a la carte items with cash, our cafeterias will not be able to make change for those purchases. For example, if a student purchased a $3 item with a $5 bill, they will not receive their change in cash. However, the $2 change will be applied to their meal account to use for another transaction. This adjustment will help increase the speed of the lunch lines so students have more time to eat.

Updated Food Allergy Policy: Visit the Food Services webpage for important food allergy information. And see all food allergens for each meal on our Nutrislice website.

The Annual Back to School Packet is open in the MISTAR App and MISTAR Parent Portal.

The Annual Packet must be completed for each child registered with the Berkley Schools.

Please allow approximately 15 minutes to complete the Packet per child. For optional online payments in the Packet (pictures, school lunch, PTA Memberships, etc.) you will need your credit card ready.

PACKET DEADLINE: August 30, 2024

Complete your packet by the end of the day on August 30, 2024. Completing the packet is important so we know your preferences for the year and so we know how to reach you in the event of an emergency.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER

  • Read the directions in each section to ensure each step is completed.
  • Verify Information: You will verify information brought over from last year’s Packet or from when you registered if you are new to the Berkley Schools.
  • Phone Type is Important: Make sure to choose the correct phone type per number listed and update your email address to ensure you don’t miss any District and school communications. If your phone number is a cell number, please choose “adult cell” in the packet.
  • Child’s Phone Number: Be sure to enter ONLY child’s phone number (if you wish to share it) in this section and your phone numbers in the parent/guardian section.
  • Recommended Platform: It is recommended to use a personal computer (desktop or laptop) rather than a phone or tablet to complete the Packet, unless you are using the Parent Portal App.
  • Outside Website: Some steps require you to leave the Parent Portal and visit an outside website (PTA membership, photo packages, etc). When you click on these links, a new window will open on top of the Parent Portal window.
  • The State of Michigan continues their free meal program. This means all students are eligible for a free breakfast and free lunch daily. A la Carte items are not included in the free meal program. For families that may have qualified to receive free/reduced meals, it is important to continue to fill out the Child Nutrition and Education Benefit Application to find out if you’re eligible. Being eligible provides many more benefits such as reduced athletics, AP testing and summer program fees. The Food Service Important Information section of the packet has detailed information.
  • Remember to mark each step in the Packet as complete.

HOW DO I FIND THE PACKET IN THE MISTAR PARENT PORTAL?

Once you are logged-in to Parent Portal, click on the bright red text in the upper right that says: Back to School packet.

You can also find the Packet in the MISTAR App. To download the app, follow these directions:

  • In your mobile device app store, download Q ParentConnection.
  • Inside the app, select the State, County and District.
  • Select Enter ParentConnection.
  • In the upper right, select Log In.
  • Enter your MISTAR Parent Portal Pin and Password.
  • The App can be used to complete the packet as well as add to the food service accounts, track attendance and grades.

QUESTIONS?

If you are having problems logging in, have questions about completing information online or are experiencing technical difficulties, please put in a ticket with the Tech Department. Be sure to include your name, the name of your child and a phone number where you can be reached.

How to Log Into Schoology: Parents/Guardians

For the 2024-25 school year, Berkley Schools will continue to use Schoology as an online Learning Management System. Schoology will be used by all teachers. Secondary teachers will use the software for assignments, notes to students, and grades. Elementary teachers will have a page ready to go and will use it as they see fit.

If you have not logged into Schoology, or haven’t done so in a while, here are reminders on how to access the information. You can also subscribe to a weekly summary and Schoology will email you your child’s Schoology status, including assignment grades.

Parent/Guardian Schoology Logins

  • Visit the Schoology Parent Login page
  • Your username is the same PIN that you use in MISTAR Parent Portal
  • If you need your password reset, or are requesting your password from Schoology, click on Forgot My Password. You’ll need to use the EMAIL you have on file in MISTAR.
  • If you need to verify which email address is on file, you can either reach out to the building secretary who can help or you can login to the MISTAR Parent Portal to review your information.

Visitor & Volunteer Protocols in the Berkley School District

Visitors

Berkley School District uses the Raptor Visitor Management System in all our buildings to strengthen the safety of our students and staff. All visitors are required to check in at the office. Visitors will be asked to present a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or state ID. The photo ID scan will happen the first time you visit the building. After the first visit, you will check in using the Raptor system, but will not have to scan your ID.

The Raptor System does the following:

  • Screens visitors, contractors and all volunteers in our schools.
  • Keeps an electronic record of who is in each building.
  • Checks the visitor's name and date of birth for comparison with a number of national databases to identify anyone on the database of registered sex offenders. No other data from the ID is gathered and the information will not be shared with any outside agency.
  • Once approved, Raptor will issue a visitor ID badge that contains the visitor's photo, the date, and the purpose/location of the visit.

When leaving the building, guests are required to return to the office to be signed out.

Volunteers

Parents and Guardians are encouraged to volunteer in classrooms, chaperone field trips, and be a volunteer driver. In order to volunteer in the classroom or on school-sponsored functions, all parents/guardians must complete the Volunteer Release Form and be approved through the District process prior to any activities. Please allow up to 2 weeks for processing.

  • Volunteer forms will be completed online. There is an option to fill out the Chaperone Section within the online Volunteer form.
  • Driver forms must be completed using the usual paper copy format. Remember to submit a copy of your current driver's license and proof of insurance with ALL Driver Forms even if you submitted your driver's license online.

Volunteer forms must be completed every year. If you were an approved volunteer last year, you still must complete the process again for the 2024-25 school year.

Have a Cool Job? Tell Our Students About It!

Berkley Schools is seeking community members willing to share their time and expertise in their career fields with our students! There are a variety of ways to share your journey and knowledge:

  • Speak with a group of students or class about your job/career field (in-person or virtual)
  • Serve on an Advisory Committee (ex. BHS Marketing Program, etc.)
  • Host a student tour/field trip of your workplace
  • Host a student job shadow experience at your workplace
  • Conduct a student informational interview at your workplace
  • Present at Career Fairs and/or Parent Nights
  • Participate in other career-related activities (mock interviews, judging career-based projects, etc.)
  • Receive emails about any future opportunities or needs
  • Participate in an audio and/or video recorded interview with students

Counselors and select teachers will have access to this database of Berkley community contacts from a variety of different professional backgrounds to plan career exploration and readiness experiences with Berkley students.

Share your cool job with us by filling out this form.

Cool Jobs Form

Board of Education Seeks Applicants

At the August 12, 2024, Board of Education meeting, Board Trustee Ron Justice submitted his resignation effective September 4, 2024, just shy of his term ending December 31, 2024. Mr. Justice served as a Board member for the last 13 years and is moving outside of the Berkley School District boundaries in September. We are grateful for his years of service.

The Board has an obligation to fill the vacant position within 30 days of a resignation and is now seeking applicants for an open seat on the Board of Education.

The new Board trustee will finish Mr. Justice’s term through December 31, 2024, approximately three months. Mr. Justice did not have plans to run for re-election.

Applications for the position are being accepted until Thursday, September 5 at 5 pm. Interviews for the candidates will be held on Thursday, September 26 at 7 pm, and the new trustee will be appointed and sworn in that same evening. The appointed member will begin their term immediately which will end on December 31, 2024.

Applicants for the Board position must be residents of the Berkley School District which includes Berkley, Huntington Woods, and the northern portion of Oak Park. The School District boundaries can be found on the District website. Board members must also be US Citizens and a qualified and registered elector of the Berkley School District. A list of Board member responsibilities and minimum expectations is posted on the Board of Education webpage.

Interested candidates should fill out and submit an application form, including letter of interest, available on the District website. In addition to completing the application form, interested candidates should forward their resume to Lori Suarez at lori.suarez@berkleyschools.org. Applications and resumes must be received by 5 pm on Thursday, September 5.

Autism Alliance of Michigan Partners with Berkley Schools

Berkley Schools and Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAOM) are pleased to announce a 2024-25 partnership! This partnership strives to elevate neurodivergent students' experiences and increase opportunities across the spectrum. Both groups are committed to continuing to better their resources and experience to best serve the Berkley Schools community.

To learn more about the Autism Alliance of Michigan and the services they provide, visit the AAOM website.

Introducing the Little Bears Book Club

Berkley School District is excited to announce the Little Bears Book Club - a way for the District to connect with our youngest District residents and provide them books for their home library.

Four times per year the Berkley School District will mail Little Bears Book Club (LBBC) members an age-appropriate book plus a bonus book for their birthday.

Children who live in the Berkley School District, ages 0-5, who are not yet enrolled in TK/Kindergarten are eligible to participate.

To register, fill out the LBBC Google Form.

Any questions? Call the Berkley Schools Communications Office at 248-837-8095.

We hope our future Book Club members love reading just as much as we do!

What is the Oakland County Parent Advisory Committee?

The Oakland County Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is comprised of parents of students with an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP) within Oakland County. The Oakland Schools PAC typically meets on the first Wednesday of the following months: October, November, December, February, March, May and June at Oakland Schools or Virtually from 7-9 pm. Meetings include membership work, legal updates, and training on various topics related to special education, and are open to the public.

Two Berkley Schools parents serve on the Oakland County PAC and are available to support Berkley Schools families with questions or to collaborate in celebrating and advocating for all students with IEPs. Reach out to the Berkley Schools PAC reps, below.

Natasha Hamilton: natashakhamilton@gmail.com

Carolyn Durant-Blair: cnaomidb@gmail.com

August Calendar Highlights

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.

August 26: Women’s Equality Day

Adopted by Congress in 1971, Women's Equality Day is celebrated in the United States on August 26 to commemorate the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex. The U.S. Department of the Interior shares, “This historic event was the culmination of the decades-long struggle of courageous suffragists determined to shape the course of our Republic. On Women's Equality Day, we commemorate the efforts of those groundbreaking activists, celebrate the remarkable achievements of women, and reaffirm our commitment to equality under the law.”

Learn more on the Britannica website.

Subscribe to the District and School Calendars

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!

Open Positions

  • Special Education Teacher - Autism Spectrum Disorders - BHS
  • Permanent Building Substitute Teacher - Norup International School
  • English Language Development Teacher
  • School Social Worker - BBB
  • Paraeducator - Four locations
  • Afternoon Custodian - AMS
  • Permanent Substitute Custodian - District-wide
  • Assistant Teachers - BBB
  • Kids’ Zone Assistant Teacher - Pattengill
  • Food Service Workers
  • Coaches: Varsity Softball, Varsity Baseball, Diving Coach, Middle School Girls Swim, High School Boys Tennis Assistant

Follow us on Social Media

Did you know the District has Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube pages? Follow us to see the latest news and photos!

Visit our website!