Berkley Beat September 26, 2025

What's Inside

• Budget Update from Superintendent Francis - Important Information
• AMS Start with Hello Week
• Announcing a New Elementary Math Curriculum: Bridges, Part 2
• Bond Work & Sinking Fund Project Update: September 2025
• Angell Families Enjoy Fall Festival
• Pattengill Families Celebrate Together at Fall Festival
• Angell Celebrates Peace Day
• Rogers Students Honor and Celebrate Peace Day
• Community Coffee with Superintendent Francis
• New Michigan Law on Secure Storage
• City of Berkley Parks & Rec Engagement Meeting
• Road Construction Coming to Greenfield Rd
• Flu Vaccine Clinic Available for Berkley Schools Students
• District Facebook Account Approaches 10,000 Followers
• Travel to Italy in Spring 2027
• Berkley Area PTSA Council Announces 2025 Reflections Art Program
• Ask Me Anything - Superintendent Francis Edition
• September Calendar Highlights - Labor Day, Grandparents Day, Patriot Day, National Hispanic Heritage Month, Constitution & Citizenship Day, International Day of Peace, Rosh Hashanah
• How to Subscribe to the District Calendar
• Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring

Budget Update from Superintendent Francis - Important Information

Dear Berkley Schools Community,

I’m writing to you today because the State of Michigan budget is still in limbo. While we know that the leaders in the House, Senate and Governor agreed to a framework for a budget, the details have not been released. This means, we do not know any details on special education funding, per pupil funding, school meals funding, school safety funding, etc... When I wrote my last message to you, I was hopeful that our elected officials would come together prior to the state deadline of September 30 to pass the budget. With the deadline just a few days away, no budget details released and no date on a vote, it’s still possible that the State of Michigan ends up in a government shutdown. This message highlights what the Berkley Schools administrative team has been preparing for, top-level details about the budget and what you can do to encourage the legislative members to finalize and pass a budget before the September 30 deadline.

Contingency Plan

Our administrative team has been preparing a contingency plan if the State enters a shutdown. If we do not receive our first state aid payment on October 20, we will have to borrow funds from our fund balance (emergency savings account) in order to cover payroll and pay our bills. We have funds to get us through approximately the next 60 days before we would have to borrow funds from a bank to continue to cover payroll and pay our bills to keep our doors open. With talks about a budget framework, we are hoping our contingency plan does not need to be used.

Important Budget Details

Preserving the School Aid Fund

One of the biggest debates in Lansing right now is whether to leave the School Aid Fund alone, or take money from it for higher education and road repairs. The School Aid Fund is legally required to fund K-12 schools. Tax dollars are dedicated to that fund. The public school community believes, and I agree, that the School Aid Fund should not be raided to support any initiative that does not directly benefit students K-12.

Free Meals May Go Away

Currently, school meals are free through September 30. If the government shuts down, or if school meals are left out of the budget, Berkley Schools students will have free meals through October 3 only.

To help you prepare for this possible change, we are asking our families to fill out the Free and Reduced Meal Application PDF or fill out the application in MISTAR ParentConnection. If you qualify, meals will be free or significantly reduced for your children. Students who receive government programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, etc. are “directly certified” by the State and do not need to fill out the application. If you do not qualify for free meals, please consider adding funds to your child’s account through MISTAR ParentConnection by following these steps:

• Log in to MISTAR ParentConnection
• Click on your child
• Click on Cafeteria
• View the current balance
• Add funds to your child’s account using “Click here to access online food service payments”
• Or, send in cash with your child to school to turn in to their school office. While cash will be accepted in our lunch lines, change will be added to their account, rather than be given back to the child.

We pride ourselves on being fiscally responsible as a District. We pass our budget before July 1, as required by law, often while not having a state budget to rely on. I have been in contact with our local legislators asking them to do the same - embrace fiscal responsibility and pass a budget before a shutdown. Being fiscally responsible means funding the School Aid Fund in full and making our students and your children a priority.

If you are concerned about our K-12 funding being diverted to other areas of the State budget, the best way to express that concern is through contacting your representatives and Governor Whitmer. You can find your Senator and find your Representative on their websites.

I will be in touch next week, hopefully with news of a state budget passing.

Sincerely,

Scott

Phase I: BHS Science Wing - Bond

The BHS Science Wing work includes a complete renovation and redesign for the lab spaces, updates to chemical storage rooms and creating new lab spaces.

Construction Update:

• The construction work in the science labs and classrooms is complete. Teams are working on punch list items (small issues and repairs) and students are using their new spaces.
• New furniture was installed in the science labs over the Rosh Hashanah break.

Phase I: BHS Pool - Bond

The pool scope includes: a new HVAC system, new starting blocks, new diving board, updating tile areas, redoing the pool office and restroom and updates to the chemical system. In addition to this work, the team is adding a new filter system, a new timing system and scoreboard, upgrading lighting and additional plumbing work including replacing the water main leading to the pool. Additional mechanical work (filtration and chemical systems) will be completed in Spring/Summer 2026.

Construction Update:

• The pool work is complete and the BHS Varsity and JV swim teams are practicing and hosting meets.
• Next summer, the pool will receive upgrades for the mechanical systems.

Angell & Rogers Multi-Purpose Additions - Bond

Both multi-purpose additions will resemble the Burton and Pattengill designs and function, and will have playground or outside space adjustments to accommodate the new additions.

Construction Update:

• Pre-construction meetings took place with the City of Berkley and the District construction team mid-September.
• Angell’s playground has been removed, the construction fencing is up and the District is working with DTE to relocate utilities. The location of the addition calls for extensive sitework (relocating utilities, removing playground equipment, building underground systems, regrading the site) before the addition can be built.
• Rogers courtyard has been cleared and leveled for construction. The construction fencing is up and the building pad is done. The location of the addition calls for building the new addition before working on the site. Walls will likely go up at Rogers before Angell, but that's because the construction plans differ. Both have a target end date of early Fall 2026.

Norup, AMS & Hurley Field - Bond

The design phase for the Norup, AMS and Hurley Field work has begun. The project includes updating the school gym floors, paint and equipment and renovating the locker rooms and team rooms at all three facilities. Hurley Field work includes updating team rooms, restrooms, field lighting, flow and fence lines, a new scoreboard and expanding the parking lot to improve available spaces as well as traffic flow. This work is nearing completion and will go out to bid in October.

Burton & Tyler Park Fields - Sinking Fund

Burton Field

The District project to improve Burton’s field with its professional partners is underway. The work will include fixing the ponding, replacing the dirt infields with grass infields and preparing the site to have a multi-purpose use as well as include two diamonds to host t-ball games.

Construction Update:

• The field demolition has been completed and the construction fencing is up.
• Crews are working on preparing the site for the underground water retention system.

Tyler Park - Softball Field Update

The District Bond/Sinking Fund team is working to finalize the plans for updating Tyler Park with City of Oak Park officials. On the District side, a new Varsity softball field will be built with lights, permanent fence, dugouts, stands, scoreboard, bullpens and batting cages. The District property will also have a practice softball/baseball field for middle school students. On the Oak Park side, a multipurpose field will be updated to improve the drainage issues. A walking path will also be added to both properties to allow for a full path connecting the parking lots to the fields and for the community to enjoy. On the District side of the property a small restroom facility will be built as well. The plan is to have construction begin in Spring of 2026.

Furniture Upgrades

Work continues on the Phase 2 punch list and the District team is working closely with professional partners to schedule delivery of items, repair, etc. on all Music, Art, Media, Science Labs (including NIS & AMS) and Resource Room furniture installed during this past summer.

Technology

The Technology Team is upgrading the PA systems using Bond dollars. Anderson is complete, BHS will be scheduled soon and Burton and Pattengill are in a pre-test. As each site gets underway, plans are created to install structured cable and fiber to bring the new parts of the buildings online.

New Michigan Law on Secure Storage

According to MCL Section 380.1313b of Michigan Law, school districts are required to share information regarding the State of Michigan’s new informational notices on best practices for storage of firearms.

The State of Michigan created a Safe Storage Law webpage with information on the new legislations, resources in a variety of languages, resources for kids and the parent guide to home firearm safety.

Specifically, districts are required to share the following resources:

• What is the Secure Storage Law in Michigan
• Safe Storage Notice

Questions may be directed to MDE’s Office of Health and Safety.

City of Berkley Parks & Rec Engagement Meeting

Share your ideas and help plan future offerings from Berkley's Parks and Recreation Department. Join the City of Berkley for their second public engagement meeting to update the 5-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan on Thursday, October 23, at 7 pm at the Berkley Community Center. If you have any questions, please call Parks & Recreation at 248-658-3470.

Berkley residents are also encouraged to take a short survey regarding Parks and Recreation through October 12.

Road Construction Coming to Greenfield Rd

The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) is planning to resurface Greenfield Road between Lincoln and 12 Mile Road during the Spring of 2026. The work will include milling, repaving, reconstruction of concrete side-street approaches, repairing curbs and gutters, upgrading pedestrian crosswalks and upgrading SMART bus stops, modernizing traffic signals at the Greenfield Road mall entrance and Greenfield and Catalpa intersection. The project is anticipated to be completed in the summer.

If you have any questions please reach out to the RCOC via phone 877-858-4804 or email their Customer Service department.

Flu Vaccine Clinic Available for Berkley Schools Students

Berkely Schools has partnered with Bloom Pediatrics to offer a Flu Vaccine Clinic on Monday, October 27 from 3:30-6 pm in Anderson Middle School cafeteria. Children 6 months and up are welcome to attend.

Register online with Bloom Pediatrics. When selecting your appointment time, select one slot for the entire family. During registration families will be asked to upload a parent/guardian ID and insurance card.

Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome.

Any questions? Call 248-645-1740 or email Bloom Pediatrics.

District Facebook Account Approaches 10,000 Followers - 10 away!

The Berkley Schools Facebook Page is approaching 10,000 followers. As of Friday, September 26, the District has 9,990 followers.Help us get to the 10,000 mark.Not following along? Visit our Facebook page and click the follow button!

Travel to Italy in Spring 2027

Berkley Schools students in grades 6-12 are invited to attend an international trip to Italy in Spring 2027, organized by Anderson English teacher Athena Troher.

To learn more about the trip, attend an upcoming information session on Tuesday, September 30 at Anderson Middle School at 6:30 pm.

At the meeting, students and families will learn about trip details, hands-on learning activities, academic opportunities, trip costs, and how to secure a spot.

• Tuesday, September 30
• 6:30-7:30 pm
• Anderson Middle School
• Media Center

RSVP for the information session

Berkley Area PTSA Council Announces 2025 Reflections Art Program

The Berkley Area PTSA Council invites all students to enter the 2025 Reflections Art Contest, I Belong.

What Is Reflections?

The Reflections program is the National PTA’s cornerstone art program. It was founded in 1969 and since its founding, millions of students have participated in the program. The goal of the program is participation in and appreciation for the arts. The Reflections program provides students with an opportunity to express themselves creatively and receive positive recognition for original works of art.

How Does Reflections Work?

Students make projects that are inspired by a theme. This year’s theme is “I Belong.” Students can make a project in as many of the categories as they wish. (It’s free to enter!) This is a national competition. The PTSA Council will judge all entries from Berkley Schools. The judges choose up to four winners in each age range and category and then send those winners on to the state level for judging. Top winners at the state level go on to national judging.

Art Categories

• Visual Arts: 2D or 3D art
• Literature
• Dance Choreography
• Photography

How do I Submit an Entry?

Entry Form

Deadline

All artwork and entry forms are due by November 10, 2025. Students should turn in their projects to the Reflections chair at their school and complete the Google entry form.

Ask Me Anything - Superintendent Francis Edition

Scott Francis is entering his 5th school year as Superintendent. He's a dad, husband and District resident. This school year, the District is launching an Ask Me Anything series, Superintendent Francis Edition. What questions might you have for Superintendent Francis?

Submit your questions in this Google Form and he'll choose a few each month to answer via video. Follow the District on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to see the answers, or see them in the Berkley Beat.

Calendar Highlights: September

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.

Labor Day - September 1

Labor Day is observed on the first Monday in September. On June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday.

According to the Department of Labor, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.

Read more on the Department of Labor’s website

Grandparents Day - September 7

Grandparents day began in 1978 when the United States Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. A presidential proclamation was signed by President Jimmy Carter and thus began the observation of this special holiday. The proclamation stated, “I urge each citizen to pause and to reflect on the influence his grandparents have had in shaping [their] own destiny, and on the legacy bestowed upon our contemporary society by [their] grandparents' generation.”

Patriot Day - September 11

Patriot Day, a holiday observed in the United States on September 11 to commemorate the lives of those who died in the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Virginia and those who perished when the hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania. The holiday also recognizes those who died attempting to rescue people trapped by the attacks.

By a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress on Dec. 18, 2001, September 11 was designated as Patriot Day. The resolution calls for the president of the United States to issue a yearly proclamation requesting that all U.S. flags be flown at half-staff.

There are resources and memorials dedicated to remembering those who lost their lives. Visit the 911 Memorial website,the Pentagon Memorial website and the National Park Service website to learn more.

National Hispanic Heritage Month - September 15 - October 15

September 15th - October 15th is nationally recognized as Hispanic Heritage Month. The month-long celebration highlights the culture, achievements and contributions of Hispanic Americans who enrich our nation and society.

Learn about Hispanic Heritage Month with your family by visiting these resources:

• PBS: All About the Holidays Hispanic Heritage Month Video
• Library of Congress: National Hispanic Heritage Month Website with Events
• PBS: 11 Picture Books Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month
• Learning for Justice: Unmaking “Hispanic”: Teaching the Creation of Hispanic Identity
• Learning for Justice: Honoring LGBTQ Voices During Hispanic Heritage Month

Constitution Day & Citizenship Day - September 17

Constitution Day is an American federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens. It is observed on September 17, the day in 1787 that delegates to the Constitutional Convention (the Founding Fathers) signed the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia. To learn more, visit the Constitution Day website.

International Day of Peace - September 21

The International Day of Peace (“Peace Day”) is observed around the world each year on September 21.

Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, the General Assembly declared this as a day devoted to “commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples.”

The 2025 theme is Act Now for a Peaceful World. Learn more on the United Nations website.

Rosh Hashanah - September 22-24

Rosh Hashanah, a Jewish High Holiday, begins at sundown on Monday, September 22, and ends at sundown on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

This two-day Jewish celebration of the New Year literally translates to “head of the year” in Hebrew and is the beginning of the Jewish New Year. It is observed on the first and second days of the Jewish month of Tishrei, the first month in the civil calendar and is marked by the blowing of the shofar (ram's horn).

Rosh Hashanah is a religious and festive time when family and friends gather together for meals and worship. It’s a time for looking forward to a new year with anticipation and reflecting on the past year to improve for the next. A traditional greeting for Rosh Hashanah is "Happy New Year" or "Shanah Tovah."

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

• Special Education Leveled Resource Teacher Elementary Level (K-5) - Pattengill
• Part-Time Elementary (K-5) Music Teacher - Pattengill
• Permanent Building Substitute Teacher - Pattengill
• BBB Lead Teacher - Tuition Program
• BBB Assistant Teacher - 8 Open Positions
• BBB GSRP Associate Teacher
• Community Education Secretary - Building Blocks
• Special Education Paraeducator - Pattengill
• Permanent District Substitute Custodian
• Kids’ Zone Latchkey Assistant Teachers
• Lunch Aides - Burton, Norup, Pattengill
• High School Varsity Wrestling Coach

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