Berkley Beat January 10, 2025

What's Inside

  • Guy Louis Presents “Activate Your Heart” at Angell
  • Burton 3rd Grade Donates Toys for the Holidays
  • BHS Unified Basketball Team Plays Groves
  • BHS Fall eSports Season Wrap-Up
  • Caring & Sharing Raised Over $26,000 in 2024
  • Kindergarten Information for All: Information Nights, Registration and Schools of Choice
  • Berkley, Clawson & Royal Oak Partner to Honor Dr. King on MLK Day - January 20th
  • Save the Dates for Superintendent Community Chats
  • 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?
  • January Calendar Highlights - Orthodox Christmas Day, Orthodox New Year
  • How to Subscribe to the District Calendar
  • Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring

Guy Louis Presents "Activate Your Heart" at Angell

On January 7, 2025, Guy Louis visited Angell Elementary for sessions of music and mindfulness. Classes throughout the week had the opportunity to enjoy the “Activate Your Heart” presentation that introduced essential relaxation techniques tailored for elementary-aged children in a fun, musical format. Mr. Louis demonstrated various breathing techniques and guided meditation, using instruments such as a six-string guitar and ukulele. He also spoke about the different emotions students may experience in their hearts, focusing on themes like peace, kindness, love and gratitude. Additionally, he incorporated a variety of stretches, songs and other engaging activities to help students better understand these concepts. Mr. Louis concluded the presentation with a puppet show, using characters to demonstrate the breathing techniques discussed and helping students calm themselves in various situations.

Burton 3rd Grade Donates Toys for the Holidays

Prior to Winter Break, the Burton third grade classes collected toys for The Bottomless Toy Chest as part of their winter party. Students also made Get Well cards to send along with the gifts.

The Bottomless Toy Chest is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization that delivers toys, crafts, and hands-on activities to children with serious blood disorders and cancer. Toys are distributed throughout hospitals in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Georgia, Texas, Kansas, New York, Vermont, and Kentucky.

Berkley High School Unified Basketball Team Plays Groves

Berkley High School Unified Basketball Team is in its second season. This year, their schedule includes 11 games, with the final game at Little Caesars Arena. On Tuesday, January 7, the Bears played Birmingham Groves Unified Team between the boys JV and Varsity games. Many students scored points and assisted their teammates on the court.

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.

BHS eSports Fall Season Wrap-Up

The BHS eSports Fall season wrapped up in December. This season, over 40 students were on the team and two new games were added to the competition schedule, Madden and Chess. eSports advisor Frank Guglielmetti shared that the team also had enough players to run both JV and Varsity teams. While all groups did well this season, two teams excelled at the State and National level.

The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Team, including Shira Mendelson (senior, captain), Kathryn Frazier (senior), Pierce Manter (sophomore), Rocco Cusumano (senior), Legend Brooks (sophomore) and Dominic Caramagno (freshman), finished in the top 16 of the state.

The Chess Team competed in the Eastern Time Zone of the United States Region (all or part of 22 states) and finished 2nd overall. The team consisted of Braedon Golarz (senior, captain), Luke Demerre (senior) and Sage Krysiak (sophomore). A second chess team including Ephraim Ball (senior), Aidan Freeman (Junior) and Jackson Falenski (Freshman) finished in the top 16 of that same eastern time zone region as well!

Mr. Guglielmetti shared, “We are looking forward to following up this success with even bigger things come the spring season!”

Congratulations!

Caring & Sharing Raised Over $26,000 in 2024

The Berkley Area PTSA Council’s Caring & Sharing program in November and December 2024 was a success. The community came together to raise $26,500 to support 130 local families and $300 was donated to the American Legion.

130 families were gifted Hollywood Market Gift Cards for the holiday season. In addition, each school received a large bag of gloves, mittens and hats to share with families in need and a large stack of cards was delivered to the first responders in Berkley.

Kindergarten Information for All: Information Nights, Registration and Schools of Choice

While it might be hard to believe, it’s time to start thinking about Kindergarten for Fall 2025. In the Berkley School District, Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten information nights, enrollment and the Schools of Choice application windows happen in January and February each year. Starting early allows the District to plan staffing, class sizes and support for students before the year ends. If you have an incoming Kindergarten student this is important information to save. If you know someone who has a child who will be five years old by September 1, 2025, please share this information with them!

TK & Kindergarten Information Nights

Learn about the kindergarten curriculum, how to prepare for the big first day, enrollment options, and Kindergarten/Transitional Kindergarten readiness. All TK and Kindergarten students need to be five years old by September 1, 2025.

During the evening, families will be able to ask the Principal questions, learn more about each school and hear about the #BerkleyDifference. You do not have to be a resident to attend the Kindergarten Information Nights, they are open to all who are interested in the Berkley School District. Learn more about Kindergarten enrollment and readiness by visiting our Enrollment webpage.

  • Angell Elementary School: Wed, Jan 22, 2025 | 6:30 pm
  • Burton Elementary School: Thurs, Jan 16, 2025 | 6:30 pm
  • Pattengill Elementary School: Tues, Jan 21, 2025 | 6:30 pm
  • Rogers Elementary School: Thurs, Jan 23, 2025 | 6:30 pm
  • Norup International School: Wed, Jan 15, 2025 | 6:30 pm

Kindergarten Registration for Berkley School District Residents

Berkley School District resident registration for both Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten begins February 3 and runs through February 14, 2025. Registration takes place entirely online, including the required document uploads. Visit the enrollment webpage to begin your registration, verify your residency through our District boundaries document and see what paperwork you need to upload to complete your registration. We can’t wait to meet our new students!

Schools of Choice Window for TK-Grade 5

The Berkley School District Board of Education has approved limited Schools of Choice (Section 105) openings (up to 150 slots) in Kindergarten through 5th grade for Oakland County residents for the 2025-26 school year. Those who are interested in attending the Berkley School District, but who do not live within District boundaries may apply.

Important Schools of Choice details include:

  • Schools of Choice application period is February 10-28, 2025
  • Completed applications must be submitted online
  • No applications will be accepted after the deadline of 5:00 pm, February 28, 2025
  • Applicants will receive email notification of their student's Schools of Choice status mid to late April following the lottery
  • On the application, families will select which school they’d prefer to attend: Angell, Burton, Norup, Pattengill or Rogers
  • For current Schools of Choice families, if you have an incoming TK or Kindergarten student, please be sure to fill out this year’s application as well. Priority is given to siblings.

Questions

If you have any questions regarding the upcoming Kindergarten Information nights, please reach out to school secretaries and/or principals.

If you have any questions regarding the enrollment process, please contact the Enrollment Office at 248-837-8026 or visit the Enrollment website.

If you have any questions regarding Schools of Choice, please contact Stephanie Helterbran, Pupil Accounting and Central Enrollment Supervisor, at 248-837-8045 or visit the Schools of Choice website.

Berkley, Clawson & Royal Oak Partner to Honor Dr. King on MLK Day - January 20th

The cities and school districts of Berkley, Clawson and Royal Oak announce their joint MLK Day event for the entire community to remember, participate, and honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

On Monday, January 20th, 2025, the community is invited to celebrate A Day On, Not a Day Off, with the three school districts and municipalities. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy breakfast together, participate in a Freedom Walk, complete volunteer activities such as donation sorting and blanket making.

This year’s event takes place at Berkley High School (2325 Catalpa, Berkley MI 48072) and begins at 9 am.

The event committee will also be collecting donations to support the following groups:

  • Redford Brightmoor Initiative
  • Cass Community Social Services
  • Judson Center
  • Royal Oak First United Methodist Church
  • Welcome Inn

Guests are encouraged to bring donations with them to the event or order donations on the event’s Amazon Wishlist.

Requested Donations

  • Non-perishable food: Canned goods, pasta, peanut butter, jelly, granola bars, boxed food items
  • Home items: Toilet paper, dish soap, paper towels, laundry detergent
  • Toiletries: Shampoo/conditioner (including the following brands: Shea moisture, As I Am, Curls, Aunt Jackie's), deodorant, shaving cream, feminine products
  • Diapers and pull-ups: All sizes, no opened packages
  • New children's books: Infant through middle school age
  • Clothing: Socks (all sizes), underwear (men and children), winter hats (adult)

See a list of requested donations and additional event information on the City of Royal Oak website.

Save the Dates for Superintendent Community Chats

Superintendent Scott Francis will host community chats on Wednesday, January 22 from 8:30-9:30 am and Monday, May 19 from 5:30-6:30 pm.

At the January event, Superintendent Francis will share an update on the District's progress on the Strategic Plan. A topic for the May event will be announced at a later date.

Community members are invited to share thoughts about the Berkley School District at this informal community forum at the Berkley Schools Administrative Offices, 14501 Talbot, Oak Park. Refreshments will be provided.

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: January

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.

Orthodox Christmas Day - January 7

Many Orthodox Christians in the United States celebrate Christmas Day on or near January 7 in the Gregorian calendar. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the son of God.

Orthodox Christians are estimated to number between 250 and 300 million people. The largest number of Orthodox Christians live in eastern and southeastern Europe, including Russia and Ukraine. There are also significant Orthodox Christian populations in the Middle East and in Ethiopia.

The difference in the timing of the Christmas celebrations stretches back to 1582, when Pope Gregory XIII, ruled that the Catholic Church should follow a new calendar – called the Gregorian calendar, as it was closer to the solar calendar than the Julian calendar.

Orthodox New Year - January 14

The Orthodox New Year, otherwise known as the Old New Year, is a traditional holiday, celebrated as the start of the New Year in the Julian calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, this holiday falls on January 14th every year. This holiday is observed by Orthodox Christians in the U.S., and all around the world. Learn more on the Holidays Calendar 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

  • Permanent Building Substitute Teacher - Norup
  • Long-Term Guest Teacher 1st Grade - Angell
  • Long-Term Substitute Middle School Language Arts/Speech Teacher - Norup
  • Special Education Paraeducators (5 Positions) - Anderson, BHS, Burton, Pattengill
  • Head Custodian - Berkley High School
  • Afternoon Custodian Shift Leader - Norup
  • Afternoon Custodian - Burton
  • Permanent Substitute Custodian - District
  • Lunch Aides - Angell, Burton, Pattengill
  • Food Service Worker Lead Position
  • Kids’ Zone Assistant Teachers (3 Positions) - Angell, Pattengill, Rogers
  • Varsity Baseball Assistant Coach - Berkley High School
  • Varsity Girls Golf Head Coach - Berkley High School
  • JV Head Baseball Coach - Berkley High School
  • Intervention Assistant - District

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