Berkley Beat May 10, 2024

What's Inside?

Inside:

  • 12 Berkley Students Receive Large Scholarships from Huntington Bank
  • Board of Education Honors Students and Teachers at May Study Session
  • Angell Celebrates Angells Around the World
  • Grandparents Day Provides Opportunity to Practice Literacy at Rogers
  • Pattengill Student Becomes Jr. Custodian for a Day
  • Rogers Students Showcase Their Talents
  • Employee Health & Wellness Fair at Berkley High School
  • Save the Date for the Vision 2024 Student Art Showcase
  • Community Chat with Superintendent Francis
  • Berkley Summer Learning Programs - Registration Opens April 22
  • Summer Drama Camp Registration is Open
  • 2025 Travel Opportunities
  • May Calendar Highlights - Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, Orthodox Easter, Cinco De Mayo, National Teacher Appreciation Day
  • How to Subscribe to the District Calendar
  • Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring
  • Sign Up for Text Messages

12 Berkley Students Receive Large Scholarships from Huntington Bank

On Tuesday, May 7, twelve Berkley High School seniors were presented with scholarships from Huntington Bank. These scholarships were a collaboration between Huntington Bank and Berkley Schools. In the second year of this program, Huntington Bank Chairman of the Board of Directors Gary Torgow continued the collaboration and support with Berkley Schools. Mr. Torgow is a Norup alumni and is known for his generous support of local communities.

The scholarship requirements included, among other things, students who exemplified leadership, were involved in their school community and were planning on attending a college, university or trade school upon graduation.

After conducting interviews with student scholarship candidates, Mr. Torgow committed $60,000 to Berkley High School students.

Congratulations to the following students, who were surprised with their scholarship amounts at a small celebration on May 7.

$2,500 Scholarships

  • Ian Burmeister
  • Austin Daugherty
  • Sophia Mauad-Lima
  • Anniya Mcwhorter
  • Michael Onuoha
  • Jayla Pantoja

$5,000 Scholarships

  • Ava Long
  • Maya Sermo

$7,500 Scholarships

  • Jordan Rowan
  • Shamis Salih

$10,000 Scholarships

  • Mariah Jones
  • Courtney Walker

Board of Education Honors Students and Teachers at May Study Session Meeting

At the May 6, 2024 Board of Education Study Session, the Board honored and recognized students and teachers for their outstanding accomplishments.

DECA

The Board recognized 27 Berkley High School students who are members of the BHS DECA Club. These students qualified and participated at DECA State Career Development Conference where 12 students finished in 2nd place in their flight, and one received a test medal.

In addition to qualifying for States, four students finished in first place in their flight and qualified for the international competition.

Congratulations to the following students for their participation in the DECA State Career Development Conference: Salman Abdella, Audra Bergman, Reagan Berryman, Matt Bugbee, Nick Campbell, Owen Danaher, Samuel George, Jessica Gleason, Madelyn Grzegorczyk, Francesca Haley, Ella Hesano, Monica Liverance, Finn Moore, Rikki Newman, Will Qualman, Collin Richardson, Daniel Richmond, Madeleine Schindler, Leif Schoof, Hailey Serlin, Alexandria Sims, Tayla Steczek, Annabel Sturtz, Marlen Toma, Bryn Wightman, Niko Witek, Sophia Yunker.

BHS Boys Varsity Basketball

The Board recognized the 2023-24 BHS Varsity Boys Basketball Team for achieving All-State academic status as a team for having a combined GPA average over 3.4. Under the guidance of Coach Joe Sermo the team had another outstanding season academically and on the court.

BHS Hockey Players

At the Study Session, the Board honored two BHS Varsity Hockey players who are members of the M1 Griffins Unified Varsity Team with both Royal Oak and Berkley students. Nolan Emmons, BHS Senior, was honored for earning All-State Academic status as issued by the Michigan High School Hockey Coaches Association. Nolan was also named Bear of the Year. Charlie Price, BHS Junior, was recognized for being named All-State Second Team as a forward by the Michigan High School Hockey Coaches Association. Charlie was also named OAA All-League.

Teachers of the Year

The 2024 Berkley Schools Teachers of the Year were invited to the Board meeting to be honored for all they do for the students and community. Congratulations to the following teachers of the year: Berkley Building Blocks: Sarah Currie, GSRP 4 Year Old Preschool; Angell: Lauren Wexler, 1st Grade; Burton: Courtney Emery, Kindergarten; Norup Elementary: Kayla Mazur, K-5 Resource Room Teacher; Pattengill: Sarah Lazorka*, K-5 Resource Room Teacher; Rogers: Carolyn Smarjesse, 4th Grade; Anderson: Ari Alderman, 7th Grade ELA & 8th Grade Media; Norup Middle School: Prima Dailey*, 7th & 8th Grade ELA & Journalism; BHS: Lenny Waldman*, Social Studies & Academic Strategies.

* Also nominated for the Oakland County Teacher of the Year program.

Angell Celebrates Angells Around the World

On May 2, 2024, Angell Elementary School celebrated their cultural festival, Angells Around the World. The event, sponsored by the Angell PTA DEI Committee, turned the playground into a global adventure for students and families. Angell families were invited to host a table to share their heritage, culture, artifacts and/or food. Families were able to experience various cultural treats, play games, join in activities and view an assortment of items from countries such as Germany, Lebanon, Ireland, Bulgaria, and many more. This interactive journey highlighted Berkley's rich cultural diversity while encouraging students to embrace and learn about different traditions.

Grandparents Day Provides Opportunity to Practice Literacy at Rogers

On May 8, 2024, Rogers kindergarten and transitional kindergarten classes invited grandparents for a morning of reading and discovery. Students displayed what they have been learning through Readers Workshop, a program that teaches students to apply literary skills while reading at their individual level. After hearing a story read by the teachers, students and their grandparents discussed the story using skills students have learned throughout the year. Students also read books to their grandparents, sang songs, danced, and presented them with a handmade bookmark.

Pattengill Student Becomes Jr. Custodian for a Day

At the annual Berkley Education Foundation fundraising event, Off to the Races, District custodians donate a ‘Jr. Custodian for a Day’ package for the silent auction. This package includes an opportunity for students to spend part of a day learning what custodians do to keep buildings safe and clean for students and staff, while forming a deeper relationship with the custodial team.

On May 8, 2024, Pattengill student Mr. Reese spent the afternoon with Pattengill Head Custodian, Gary Chamberlain doing various projects around the school. Mr. Reese lent a helping hand while learning lessons of teamwork and perseverance. Mr. Reese had a wonderful afternoon spending time with Mr. Gary.

Rogers Students Showcase Their Talents

On Friday, May 3, Rogers students showcased their talents for the school community at their annual talent show. Students put on a variety of performances throughout the day. Some of the acts included singing, skits, playing instruments, dancing, gymnastics, and more. Each act was unique and highlighted the skills, talents and creativity of the students.

Congratulations, students on your performances!

Employee Health and Wellness Fair at Berkley High School

The Berkley School District hosted an Employee Health and Wellness Fair on May 7, 2024 in celebration of Staff and Teacher Appreciation Week. Over 600 staff members met with vendors that promoted physical, financial, emotional and social well-being. Staff members also enjoyed lunch from The Lunch Cafe and socializing with their peers from other buildings. Thank you to all Berkley Schools staff members who go above and beyond every day for our students.

Save the Date for the Vision 2024 Student Art Showcase

The Berkley Schools community is invited to attend the District’s Vision 2024 Student Art Showcase at the District Administrative Offices. The showcase will take place on Monday, May 13, from 5-6:30 pm. This wonderful exhibit showcases the artistic vision of Berkley Schools students. The many works of art include various media and views of the world, produced by students from TK-12. This year will feature over 200 pieces of student art from all grades and all schools.

Art Showcase Details

  • May 13, 2024, 5-6:30 pm
  • Administrative Offices
  • 14501 Talbot, Oak Park, MI 48237
  • Art show will remain on display at the Administrative Offices through Monday, May 20.

Community is Invited to a Community Chat with Superintendent Francis

Superintendent Scott Francis will host a community chat this semester. Community members are invited to share thoughts about the Berkley School District at this informal community forum on Monday, May 20, 5:30-6:30 pm, at the Berkley Schools Administrative Offices, 14501 Talbot, Oak Park. Refreshments will be provided.

Berkley Summer Learning Programs - Registration Now Open

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 is now open for all students in the MISTAR Parent Portal.

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

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.

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

Calendar Highlights - May

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.

May is Jewish American Heritage Month

May is Jewish American Heritage Month. On April 20, 2006, President George W. Bush proclaimed that May would be Jewish American Heritage Month to honor the contributions and achievements of Jewish Americans and to educate all Americans. It’s been continued every year since then by Presidential Proclamation. Jewish American Heritage Month is a celebration of the contributions and experiences of Jewish Americans and highlights how America’s Jewish communities have shaped, and been shaped, by the cultural, social, and economic fabric of the United States.

Learn more about Jewish American Heritage Month:

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month is a celebration of people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent in the United States. A broad term, Asian/Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island).

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week was first signed into law by President Carter on October 5, 1978. During the next decade, presidents passed annual proclamations for Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week until 1992 when Congress annually designated May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.

The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese person to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.

Source: Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month website

Resources to learn more about Asian/Pacific Heritage Month:

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Since its inception in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. Mental health refers to our emotional and social well-being and impacts how we think, feel and behave. It plays a role in connecting with others, making decisions, handling stress, and many other aspects of daily life.

The Berkley School District has many resources available for families on our Emotional Support and Wellness Resources webpage. From emergency hotlines to community resources, to mindfulness, to grief and loss resources, our mental health professionals have built a comprehensive site for the community to use.

Additional resources to learn more about Mental Health Awarness Month:

Cinco De Mayo - May 5

Cinco de Mayo, which translates to the fifth of May and is celebrated on May 5, is a holiday recognizing when the Mexican army claimed victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War on May 5, 1862, according to History. Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day (September 16), a popular misconception. Instead, it commemorates a single battle. Today, Cinco De Mayo celebrations are more popular in the United States than Mexico.

Learn more on the National Geographic Kids website and Britannica website.

Orthodox Easter - May 5

Eastern Orthodox and Greek Orthodox believers celebrate Orthodox Easter, the Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Greek Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar, not the Gregorian calendar that most other Christian believers use, which is why Orthodox Easter and Easter are on separate days. Orthodox Easter is also dictated by the Hebrew calendar because it always falls after Passover.

History shares, “Although it is observed as the holiest day by both Orthodox Christians and non-orthodox Christians, it is a movable feast, and is recognized on different days by both religions each year. Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter later than most Christians in the western world because the churches calculate the holiday by different calendars.”

National Teacher Appreciation Day - May 7

National Teacher Appreciation Day is on the Tuesday during first full week in May as a reminder to show appreciation for teachers everywhere. The National Education Association describes National Teacher Appreciation Day, "as a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives."

In Berkley Schools, it allows the District to say thank you to all our outstanding teachers for all they do for their students.

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:

  • 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
  • Community Education Secretary - BBB
  • Campus Monitor - BHS
  • Executive Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent of Finance, Facilities and Operations
  • 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
  • Afternoon Custodian Positions (2) - Norup
  • Middle School Girls Swim and Dive Head Coach
  • High Schools Boys Tennis Program Assistant
  • 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.

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