This is the final Berkley Beat of the 2025-26 school year. The District will send out emails and Bond updates a few times this summer. Be on the lookout for those emails, so you don't miss key information. Have a wonderful summer, everyone!
What's Inside
- Annual Clap Outs and Ceremonies Celebrate Students’ Last Years
- Angell: 5th Grade Clap Out & Car Parade
- Burton: 5th Grade Clap Out & Promotion Ceremony
- Norup: 5th Grade End of Year Presentations
- Pattengill: 5th Grade Clap Out & Promotion Ceremony
- Rogers: 5th Grade Clap Out & Graduation
- Anderson: 8th Grade Clap Out & Promotion Ceremony
- Norup: 8th Grade Clap Out & Promotion Ceremony
- Adult Transition Program Graduation
- Berkley High School Graduation
- It’s Field Day Season - Part 2
- Angell Field Day
- Norup Elementary Field Day
- Rogers Field Day
- AMS Field Day
- Norup Middle School Field Day
- BHS Students Connect Through History and Storytelling at Rogers
- Berkley Building Blocks End of Year Picnic
- Berkley High School Yearbook Supplement Available
- Physical Education in Berkley Schools - with Video
- BHS Yearbook Sale: New & Old
- District Community Survey: Share Your Thoughts on Culture & Equity Progress
- Oakland County Regional Enhancement Millage Informational Video
- Berkley Schools Impact
- Ask Me Anything - Superintendent Francis Edition
- Calendar Highlights: June
- Local Juneteenth Celebrations
- Website: Subscribe to our Calendars
- Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring!
- Follow us on Social Media
Annual Clap Outs and Ceremonies Celebrate Students’ Last Years
Elementary and middle schools ended their years with clap outs and ceremonies celebrating 5th and 8th graders as students transition to a new school. Berkley High School and Berkley Adult Transition celebrated their graduates. Clap outs are an opportunity for older students to say goodbye to classmates and teachers. Families often complete the event outside where many students can be found embracing friends and teachers before leaving for the summer.
Angell: 5th Grade Clap Out & Car Parade
On June 11, Angell 5th graders walked the halls one last time on their last afternoon of school. They paraded through Angell wearing their graduation caps, shaking hands, and giving high fives to their peers and staff members lined along the halls as they made their way out to their families who were cheering them on as they completed their last day as 5th graders and students of Angell. On June 12, Angell 5th grade families lined up in their cars to drive their 5th graders through the annual car parade. Angell students lined the sidewalks to wave and cheer for the 5th graders one last time. Families decorated their cars, honked their horns and waved to the audience, and the 5th grade teachers handed students their certificates for the year.
Burton: 5th Grade Clap Out & Promotion Ceremony
On Friday, June 5, Burton families gathered in their Multi-Purpose room for the annual Burton 5th grade promotion ceremony, the Wings of Wisdom. Principal Lauren Fragomeni wished the students well, the 5th grade choir performed and teachers called students up to receive their certificates. On Friday, June 12, Burton 5th graders walked the halls one last time during the annual clap out. Students and the 5th grade teachers enjoyed the high fives and hugs and were met with families outside to continue the celebration.
Norup: 5th Grade End of Year Presentations
Norup 5th graders ended their year with a final project that was named their Farewell Tour. On June 10, students presented poster boards or digital stories showcasing their growth through Norup, the moments that stood out to them as well as what their wishes are for the future. After presenting their stories to family and friends, 5th graders received their certificates from their teachers and watched an end of year slideshow highlighting all the fun and learning that took place.
Pattengill: 5th Grade Clap Out & Promotion Ceremony
On Friday, June 12, Pattengill 5th graders started their day with a clap out that merged right into their promotion ceremony. After walking the halls to cheers, high fives and hugs, students lined up inside and were called out to the ceremony one at a time to receive their certificates. Teachers and families celebrated the students, wishing them a farewell then students took photos with their Pattengill peers to end the morning.
Rogers: 5th Grade Clap Out & Graduation
On June 11, Rogers Elementary fifth graders and their families gathered outside the school for the graduation ceremony. Students were called up individually to receive their certificates and share a quote that was special to them. After receiving their certificates, students also honored retiree Kristy Watkins-Visnaw with a special musical presentation commemorating the 40 years she dedicated to the Berkley School District. On June 12, Rogers students celebrated their 5th graders with a clap out on the last day of school. Students and teachers lined the halls and families met their 5th graders outside with cheers.
Anderson: 8th Grade Clap Out & Promotion Ceremony
On June 11, Anderson 8th grade students were celebrated with a clap out and promotion ceremony. In the afternoon, students and staff lined the halls and clapped out their 8th grade friends along with the AMS retirees. Later on that evening, Anderson 8th grade students were honored for completing their middle school careers. Students arrived at school ready for their ceremony with family and friends, and celebrated on Hurley Field. Michael Ross, AMS Principal, addressed the 8th graders, sharing well wishes for the students. Special awards were given out with scholarships, students were recognized for special academic achievement and one student, Libby Knapp, addressed her classmates with a speech. When the recognition from the podium was complete, students had their names called one by one and were celebrated as graduates of Anderson Middle School.
Norup: 8th Grade Clap Out & Promotion Ceremony
Norup 8th graders gathered on the afternoon of June 11, to hear words of wisdom from Principal Paul Yowchuang and to receive their end of year certificates. Special recognition was given to students who spent their entire educational career at Norup (Kindergarten through 8th grade), to students who received the John Norup award, the Assistant Principal’s award and the Principal’s award. Each member of the class was called up individually, receiving certificates and a handshake from Assistant Principal, Kaitlin Eickemeyer and Principal Yowchuang. Norup 8th graders were treated to a clap out after their promotion ceremony. Families started the clap out tunnel outside and as the 8th graders entered the building one last time, students and teachers lined the halls to send well wishes with the soon to be 9th graders.
Adult Transition Program Graduation
On June 11, the Adult Transition Program held a graduation for two students who completed the program. During the ceremony, Director of Student Services Nic Farquhar and Special Education Supervisor Rebecca Skoczylas, spoke to the students and families as well as teachers Sarah Gerds and Joe Altizer. The graduates were presented with plaques as part of the ceremony. Everyone enjoyed a reception following the festivities.
Berkley High School Graduation
Berkley High School’s graduation is so big, we made a whole separate Berkley Beat to cover it. Visit this link to see photos, videos, quotes from speeches, the Class of 2026 facts and statistics, and even more photos.
It’s Field Day Season - Part 2
The end of the school year brings lots of outside fun for our students. During the last weeks of school, schools host field days and students play games, participate in competitions and enjoy popsicles.
Angell Field Day
On Friday, June 5, Angell students rotated through Field Day stations set up around the perimeter of the building. Students enjoyed water games, parachute games, tug-of-war, sack races, bubbles, and a variety of team-building games.
BHS Students Connect Through History and Storytelling at Rogers
On June 10, Berkley High School Psychology and AP World History students visited Rogers Elementary to read original books they created for K-5th grade students. The readings took place inside classrooms and hallways. The books the AP World History students wrote were developed to present key world history concepts in accessible and creative ways and were inspired by a recent visit to the Detroit Institute of Arts. This project highlighted critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills and allowed high schoolers to share their learning with younger students. Psychology students also created children's books and participated in the event by reading to Kindergarten classes, adding to a morning that highlighted learning and connection across grade levels.
Berkley High School Yearbook Supplement Available
The 2025-26 Berkley High School Yearbook supplement is now complete and available for download. Students worked feverishly the last few weeks of school to complete this document before school was let out for summer. Enjoy stories of spring sports, prom, Graduation and more. The supplement is published on the Students Page on the BHS website.
Physical Education in Berkley Schools - with Video
The Physical Education Department took time this year to film a video to showcase what happens during gym classes elementary through high school. Watch the video below to learn about the benefits of students taking physical education, the options that are available and what students focus on at each level.
BHS Yearbook Sale: New & Old
Berkley High School has an assortment of school yearbooks from 1945-present that are now for sale. Prices range from $50-100. Copies have been archived in the school library and main office, plus Berkley Public Library and the Berkley Historical Society. If you are interested in purchasing an old yearbook, reach out to Yearbook advisor Matt Breen to inquire on the year and cost. At this time, yearbook sales are cash only. Mr. Breen can be reached at matthew.breen@berkleyschools.org.
District Community Survey: Share Your Thoughts on Culture & Equity Progress
In 2022, the Board of Education approved a new Strategic Plan, the guiding document for our work as a District. As part of that plan, we updated our Vision, Mission and Tagline, created a Portrait of a Learner and established new goals for the next five years. In order for us to know if we are being successful with our work, we will be seeking feedback and input through this annual survey. We hope all families, students and community members take the time to share their thoughts. The annual survey addresses components of the Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan includes five goal areas. Embedded throughout the goal areas are a focus on culture and equity. Those are the areas we're focusing our survey on today. Your feedback will help inform programs, learning and investment. Over the last four years, the community has shared their thoughts with us that are now available to the public. We have developed a dashboard to show the results of what our community has shared. You can review the dashboard to see what progress the District is making and where we need to grow. Here are a few key results:
- 2,269 people took this survey in total over four years
- 3.9/5 overall satisfaction with the Berkley Schools culture
- 4.1/5 welcoming environment
- 80.5% on average feel diversity, equity and inclusion are valued in the Berkley School District
- 72.5% on average see evidence of Berkley Schools living into our Vision
Take the Survey
This survey should take no longer than 10-15 minutes and has both multiple choice and open response questions. Many of the questions may look familiar to you and that is purposeful. It allows the District to monitor progress on the related topics. You can take the survey online here. The survey will remain open until June 18, 2026.
Oakland County Regional Enhancement Millage Informational Video
The August 4th ballot will include a proposal for a county-wide Regional Enhancement Millage. If approved by Oakland County voters, the proposal would levy 1.5 mills for six years to provide additional funding to all public school districts and eligible public school academies in Oakland County. Watch the video below to learn more important facts about the Oakland County Regional Enhancement Millage. This video walks through questions like: Why now? What could the funds be used for? How was it decided to put this on the ballot? How is this different from a Bond or Sinking Fund? And more!
Berkley Schools Impact
If approved on the August 4, 2026 ballot, the top priority for Berkley Schools would be to invest the additional funds in attracting new staff members and retaining our outstanding staff. If the Millage passes, the Board of Education has committed to use 90% of the funding for staffing. Additional priorities include: maintaining small class sizes, supporting social and emotional well-being, closing special education funding gaps, and more. Additional information regarding the millage, including a tax calculator and a FAQ page, can be found on the Oakland County Regional Enhancement Millage website. If you have any questions regarding the Regional Enhancement Millage, please email communications@berkleyschools.org.
Ask Me Anything - Superintendent Francis Edition
Scott Francis is in the middle of 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 every couple of months 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: June
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.
Pride Month
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the United States. During this month, many pride events are held to recognize the impact LGBTQ+ people have had in the world. Pride Month is also celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots, and works to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) Americans. To learn more about Pride Month, and to see resources to share with your children, check out the list of resources below. Affirmations Detroit Affirmations LGBTQ+ community center has been the hub for southeast Michigan LGBTQ+ communities and its allies for the last 30 years. Affirmations provides a welcoming space where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities & expressions, and cultures can learn, grow, socialize and access the vital support they need. Celebrate Pride with Us - Human Rights Campaign The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. HRC envisions a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people are ensured equality and embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community. The HRC has developed a website full of Pride month activities, videos and resources. Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth Through Language and Community This post defines some common terms — and promotes the use of accurate, authentic and inclusive language — so that social workers, educators, foster parents and others are better equipped to support LGBTQ+ youth, serve as their advocates and help them thrive, from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. It Gets Better Project The It Gets Better Project’s mission is to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth around the globe. PFLAG: OUR CHILDREN OUR CHILDREN offers a fresh eye for families and others about what to do when a loved one comes out. Full of useful knowledge, helpful tips, expert opinions and first-person stories, OUR CHILDREN--which has a focus on sexual orientation and gender expression--is a must read for anyone looking to learn more about how to support LGBTQ loved ones...or looking for support for themselves. TrevorSpace TrevorSpace is a welcoming online social community for LGBTQ+ young people between the ages of 13-24 years old. With over 700,000 members across the globe, you can find support groups and make friends in a moderated online safe space intentionally designed for you.
Flag Day - June 14
Flag Day commemorates June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress determined the composition of the nation’s banner: “Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” President Woodrow Wilson issued a 1916 proclamation of June 14 as Flag Day and in 1949, President Harry S. Truman signed the formal observance into law. Learn more about Flag Day and American Flag history on the History website.
Juneteenth - June 19
Juneteenth remembers June 19, 1865, when enslaved Texans learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The celebration began in Texas and spread nationwide, becoming a federal holiday in 2021 to celebrate the end of slavery in the United States. Other names for the holiday include Emancipation Day and Juneteenth Independence Day. Learn more about Juneteenth by visiting these websites:
Local Juneteenth Celebrations
Oak Park - June 19, 2026 The City of Oak Park is hosting a Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 19 starting at 8 am and going through 8 pm. The events include a Freedom Walk, a Program in the Oak Park High School auditorium, a community block party and more. Details can be found on the Oak Park website. Huntington Woods: June 19th 4-6 pm, Gillham Recreation Center All are welcome to learn about, reflect, and commemorate Black Freedom. Keynote address will be given by Dr. Kenisha Coon, an equity-centered leadership consultant with 15+ years of experience across child welfare systems, organizational transformation, and accessibility advocacy.
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 Teacher for Students with Autism - Burton
- Special Education Teacher - Students with Cognitive Impairments (K-5) - Pattengill
- Special Education - Early Childhood Special Education Teacher - BBB
- Middle School Science Teacher - Norup
- High School Physical Education/Health Teacher - BHS
- Social Studies Teacher - Norup
- Elementary School Counselor/School Social Worker - Burton
- Special Education Paraeducator (10 positions) - Burton, ATP, Norup, AMS, Pattengill
- Executive Assistant to the Deputy Superintendent - Administrative Offices
- Learning Services Secretary - Administrative Offices
- Permanent Substitute Custodian - District
- Kids' Zone Lead Teacher - Norup
- Lunch Aides - Angell, Burton, Norup, Pattengill
- Berkley Middle School Robotics Coach
- High School Varsity Wrestling Associate Head Coach
- 7th Grade Boys Basketball Coach - Norup
- eSports High School Coach - Fall and Spring Season - Berkley High School
- Middle School Cross Country Coach
Follow us on Social Media
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