What's Inside
- BHS Senior Receives Full Scholarship to Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Burton Students Create Balloon Floats for School Parade
- Rogers Youngest Students Create Parade Floats
- Pattengill Students and Teacher Launch Popcorn Pals
- Board of Education Recognizes Athletes and Eagle Scout at December Meeting
- Norup 6th Grade Students Strengthen Geography Skills
- AMS Robotics Team Competes, Finishes in 10th Place
- Introducing Christopher Smallwood, Director of Operations and Facilities
- Unified Basketball to Play at Little Caesars Arena Before Pistons Game
- Camp Invention Registration Open Now
- Berkley Schools Announces Varsity Tutors - Free for Students
- Have a Cool Job? Tell Our Students About It!
- Autism Alliance of Michigan Partners with Berkley Schools
- What is the Oakland County Parent Advisory Committee?
- December Calendar Highlights - International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
- How to Subscribe to the District Calendar
- Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring
BHS Senior Receives Full Scholarship to Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Berkley High School senior Emile Jenkins was recently notified from QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship program that not only had he been admitted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), but that he also received a full scholarship to attend. The Match Scholarship is made up of a generous financial aid package provided by the college partner that covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, housing and food, books and supplies and travel expenses.
QuestBridge connects high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds with a thriving community and transformative educational, career, and life opportunities that help propel them to lives of fulfillment, meaning and purpose.
Emile’s BHS counselor Robyn Weiss shared, “Emile’s accomplishments are impressive, especially given the context of this year’s application cycle. Out of over 25,500 applicants, QuestBridge selected 7,288 Finalists to be considered for the QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship.” This year, QuestBridge’s 52 college partners matched with 2,627 Finalists, who are recognized as Match Scholarship Recipients.
Emile shared his reaction to the exciting news, “To be completely honest, I didn’t even think I would actually be a QuestBridge National College Match finalist, let alone actually match to a university. On the day where they announced the results, I was constantly checking my email at school and playing through different scenarios in my head… When I did come home to find out that I had matched with MIT, I was in shock, but also relieved. All in all, despite getting accepted into a prestigious institution, the most important part of this scholarship for me is the money. Given my family’s financial status, going to college was pretty up in the air, and even if I did go to college, I would most likely incur quite a bit of debt. This scholarship was the light for me that I didn’t have to go through those struggles.”
Emile is planning on majoring in mathematics, focusing on pure mathematics, and plans on taking classes to learn the Japanese language.
Emile also shared that his scholarship and achievement hasn’t been afforded to him by pure hard work and dedication. “I’m white, born male, and live in a relatively comfortable middle-class suburb. Though I may not have gone to a private high school …and hired experts in creating the best college applications, luck and privilege still has been a pretty important factor in obtaining the QuestBridge scholarship. Just because I found success in applying to a near-Ivy institution while not being made of money, that doesn’t mean this system isn’t rigged for the people in the upper echelon of society. With that in mind, I want this achievement to not be seen as part of some greater rags to riches story, but a small part of my life that I hope one day to be seen as a common occurrence in a much greater society,” Emile said.
Visit the QuestBridge website to learn more about this scholarship program.
Burton Students Create Balloon Floats for School Parade
On Friday, November 23, Burton 3rd grade students paraded through the halls showcasing balloon float designs they created. Earlier in the week, teachers read the book Balloons Over Broadway, about puppeteer Tony Sarg who invented the first balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
After learning about the story and the parade, students participated in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) challenge to design their own balloon that would “float” in a parade.
During the parade, all three third grade classes walked through the halls of Burton to cheers from their classmates.
Rogers Youngest Students Create Parade Floats
Rogers TK and Kindergarten students held a Thanksgiving Day parade on Tuesday, November 26. Students learned the history of parades and built their own parade floats and sculptures. Some students worked together to build a float. Students paraded around the building to showcase their creations to the entire student body.
Pattengill Students and Teacher Launch Popcorn Pals
Pattengill Elementary launched a new program, Popcorn Pals, on Wednesday, December 4th. This initiative is led by teachers Samantha Selik and Katie Mcgowan, where their students have the opportunity to make and sell popcorn to staff members throughout the building.
Through this program, students gain valuable hands-on experience in teamwork, communication and entrepreneurship, all while contributing positively to the school community. By making and selling popcorn, students practice social and practical skills in a fun and engaging way.
Every week, students take staff orders, make the popcorn and deliver the treats.
Ms. Selik shared, “The response from our staff has been incredible with many already participating by ordering popcorn each Wednesday. The school's support helps make a significant impact, and we are excited to continue this weekly tradition. We encourage all staff members to join in, enjoy a tasty treat, and support our students as they grow and learn.”
Board of Education Recognizes Athletes and Eagle Scout at December Meeting
At the December 9 Board of Education Regular Meeting, the Board recognized the BHS Girls Swim Team State Qualifiers and a BHS senior who recently earned her Eagle Scout award.
Girls Swimming
Members of the Girls Swim Team were honored for qualifying for and participating in the State swim meet. The girls swim in Division II and OAA White divisions. Below are highlights of their accomplishments.
Team Highlights
- Coach Brian McNeff: OAA White Coach of the Year
- Finished in 13th place at States
- Finished in 2nd place at OAA White League Meet
Individual Highlights
- Jessica Gleason, Senior: Qualified for and swam in the 500-yard Freestyle event
- Alana Horwitz, Senior: Finished in 14th place in the 200-yard Individual Medley and 15th in the 100-yard Breaststroke
- Lucy Pugh, Senior: Qualified for and swam in the 100-yard Freestyle & 200-yard Freestyle
- Maddie Collins, Junior: Finished in 10th in the 100-yard Butterfly and 7th in the 50-yard Freestyle, earning her All-State status. Maddie was also the OAA White Champion in the 50-yard Freestyle & 100-yard Butterfly
- Mia Mracna, Sophomore: Finished in 7th place in the 200-yard Individual Medley and 3rd in the 100-yard Breaststroke, earning Mia All-State status for both events. Mia was also the OAA White Champion in 100-yard Breaststroke.
- Tessa Moleski, Junior: Finished in 2nd place in the 50-yard and 100-yard Freestyle in the Paralympic events at the State meet.
- Sloan Scully, Junior: Sloan was the alternate state swimmer for the relay teams. Teams always bring an alternate swimmer who is prepped and ready to join an event in case of an illness or injury to a teammate.
Relay Highlights
- 400-yard Freestyle Relay: The following swimmers qualified for and swam at the State meet for their relay: Jessica Gleason, Ava Guerra, Annalia Rayo, Ruby Spurgeon
- 200-yard Freestyle Relay: This relay team finished 10th in the state with the following swimmers: Maddie Collins, Mia Mracna, Lucy Pugh and Alana Horwitz. This relay team was also the OAA White Champions.
- 200-yard Medley Relay: This relay team finished 10th in the state with the following swimmers: Maddie Collins, Mia Mracna, Lucy Pugh and Alana Horwitz.
Eagle Scout
The Board recognized Junior Autumn Tuite, for achieving an Eagle Scout Award. Autumn joined an all-girls Boy Scouts of America troop in 2020 and continued through the ranks until achieving Eagle Scout this year. Autumn focused her Eagle Scout project on raising funds for Oak Park Youth Assistance (OPYA) by supporting the OPYA staff to fundraise for and donate gift baskets for the 4th of July pancake breakfast raffle. Proceeds benefited at-risk youth and families in Oak Park.
Norup 6th Grade Students Strengthen Geography Skills
On Wednesday and Thursday, Dec 4 & 5, Norup 6th grade social studies students in Ms. Karas and Mr. Lyskawa's social studies classes had a great experience with a giant 20 x 23-foot map of Africa! Not only did they strengthen their geographic literacy skills - they got to walk across it, travel through its regions, and see the continent in a whole new way.
From figuring out scale and spotting capitals to exploring physical and human features, students dove into topics like ways to travel, map symbols and population patterns. They even went on a treasure hunt and used longitude and latitude to navigate! This experience gave students a new perspective and improved their spatial thinking.
AMS Robotics Team Competes, Finishes in 10th Place
On Saturday, November 23, the AMS First Robotics Team traveled to Rochester High School for the First Robotics Team competition. The Vikings Robotic team, led by student captain Ben Strobel, had an outstanding performance and had many firsts in the team’s history. The team competed in five events, finishing with four wins and one loss. In that one loss, the Vikings scored all 30 points in that event which was a first in Viking history. The team finished in 10th place out of 35 teams. The following teams comprise the Vikings Robotics:
- Build Team who make the Robots - Niko Wekerle, Otis Rhodes, Nathan Shelby, Mac Sanborn, Grayson Garman, Charlie Bateman, Artem Zhukovskyi, Alex Calvano, Adele Barry (who also performed the final Engineering and Safety Checklist that allowed the Robot to pass the inspection so the robot can compete)
- Course Build Team so the Robot can be tested and the drive team to practice - Alex Burnham, Andre Harris Jr., Henry Thomas, Kristopher Trice
- Team Board, Awards, Photographers During the Competition - Hope Trelfa, Allison Collar
- Team Shirts and Banners - Hayden McClure
- Powerpoint Presentation and Engineering Portfolio - Ben Strobel, Cole Thompson, and all the Viking team members contributing
Introducing Christopher Smallwood Director of Operations and Facilities
During Summer 2024 Christopher Smallwood was appointed as the Director of Operations and Facilities for Berkley School District. Mr. Smallwood has been with Berkley Schools for 14 years, beginning his career as a custodian where he found his passion for enhancing school facilities and grounds. As a custodian, Mr. Smallwood was also prepared for his current leadership position, as he oversees daily maintenance and facilities operations, Bond projects, new construction and ensuring a clean and safe environment for staff, students and the community.
The Communications Office recently sat down to hear more about his journey and goals. Watch the video, below, to learn more about Christopher Smallwood!
Support the BEF this Giving Season & Support Berkley Schools Students
The Berkley Education Foundation is in its annual Dollars for the District giving campaign season. Read below to learn how the BEF supports all Berkley Schools students and how you can help.
Through the generosity of our community and the efforts of many dedicated volunteers, the BEF has invested more than $445,000 into the Berkley School District since 2010. These funds have gone directly into the classroom through teacher innovation-grants, supporting STEM activities with the annual Maxfield Science Symposium scholarships and enrichment programs in every school. The BEF also sends every 8th grade student on a college tour annually. This spring, the BEF will send 8th grade students from both Anderson and Norup to Oakland University to tour their campus and to Oakland Schools Technical Campus to tour programs that support career technical education. This tour allows students to begin to envision their post-Berkley options for their future careers and education.
Every gift, whether $25, $2,500 or something in-between, helps provide the fuel and energy to keep these programs moving forward. The community can make gifts safely online or by texting the word BEF to the phone number 41444.
Every dollar the BEF raises impacts Berkley Schools students and staff:
- $500 = One teacher innovation-grant.
- $150 = Sends five 8th graders on college tours.
- $100 = One Honorable Mention student scholarship for the Maxfield Science Symposium.
- $50 = One free enrichment course for an elementary student.
Unified Basketball to Play at Little Caesars Arena Before Pistons Game
On March 13, 2025, the Berkley High School Unified basketball team is playing at LCA as part of the Unified Showcase. Berkley High School plays at 12 pm and tickets include a ticket for the Pistons game that evening vs the Washington Wizards.
All tickets include:
- Access to the Pistons game
- Access to Unified games
- Unified Showcase Winter Beanie
- A donation to the Berkley High School Unified Program
Schedule of Events
- 11:30 am - Doors Open
- 12:00 pm - Berkley vs Clarkston
- 12:55 pm - Northwestern vs Avondale
- 1:45 pm - Walled Lake Northern vs Livonia Churchill
- 2:35 pm - Northville Unified vs Hartland Unified
- 7:00 pm - Pistons Game
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.
Camp Invention Registration Open Now
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.
2025 Program: Discover
This year’s brand-new program will illuminate imaginations, inspire curiosity and help kids build essential STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills through collaboration and problem solving. Campers explore hands-on challenges and open-ended adventures designed to unlock creativity and help them shine their brightest!
Secure Your Spot Today
- Register online or call 800-968-4332
- Grades: K - 6th
- Location: Norup International School
- 14450 Manhattan Street, Oak Park, MI 48237
- Date: June 23 - 27, 2025
- Time & Cost: 9 am - 3:30 pm | $275 (before discount)
- Camp Director: Kimberly Ternus | kimberly.ternus@berkleyschools.org | (248) 837-8655
Current Offer: $35 off with code GIFT35 if you sign up by 12/31.
Berkley Schools Announces Varsity Tutors - Free for All Students
Berkley Schools has partnered with Varsity Tutors for Schools, an online platform with access to free learning tools.
The Varsity Tutors Platform gives students more opportunities to learn at their own pace, to get support on subjects they might be struggling with, to explore subjects they are learning in class and to support their curiosities. The platform includes the following:
- 24/7 on-demand chat tutoring and on-demand essay review to help students with any questions about homework, classwork or test prep.
- Live group classes, recorded classes and celebrity-led StarCourses allow students to learn more about the subjects they’re interested in and add a touch of fun.
- Assessments and self study practice problems provide opportunities to drill skills towards mastery.
- College prep & admissions resources ensure that students have the best resources available.
How to Access Varsity Tutors
Sign into the Varsity Tutors platform through the student Clever portal. To learn how to log into Clever with your child’s Berkley Schools Google account, follow these directions.
Learn More & Get Started!
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.
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.
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
Calendar Highlights: December
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.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities - December 3
The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons (now called International Day of Persons with Disabilities) was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly. It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
The United Nations shared the following Facts & Figures about persons with disabilities.
- Over 1 billion people in the world have some form of disability.
- More than 100 million disabled persons are children
- Children with disabilities are almost four times more likely to experience violence than non-disabled children
- 50% of disabled persons cannot afford health care
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day - December 7
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is celebrated on December 7 annually, remembering those who were lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II. In this year’s Presidential Proclamation, President Biden shared, “On this day 82 years ago, 2,403 service members and civilians were killed in a painful and unprovoked attack on our Armed Forces. On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we remember these women and men, who gave their last full measure of devotion to our Nation. We honor the brave service members who — with the horrors of Pearl Harbor weighing on their hearts and the hopes of humanity resting on their shoulders — answered the call to defend freedom against the forces of fascism during World War II.”
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
- Technology Integration Specialist - Admin Offices
- Permanent Building Substitute Teacher - Norup
- Long-Term Guest Teacher 1st Grade - Angell
- Elementary/Middle School Orchestra Teacher - Grades 5-8 - Full Time
- Campus Monitor - Berkley High School
- Special Education Paraeducators (6 Positions) - Angell, Anderson, BHS, Burton, Norup, Pattengill
- Afternoon Custodian Shift Leader - Norup
- Afternoon Custodian - Norup
- Permanent Substitute Custodian - District
- Lunch Aides - Burton & Pattengill
- Food Service Worker Lead Position
- Intervention Assistant - Full Time Position
- Kids’ Zone Assistant Teachers (3 Positions) - Angell, Pattengill, Rogers
- Varsity Baseball Assistant Coach - Berkley High School
- JV Head Baseball Coach - Berkley High School
- Middle School Wrestling Head Coach - Anderson Middle School
- Intervention Assistant - Full Time Position (Grant-Funded)
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