Berkley Beat April 17, 2025

What's Inside

  • Mad Science Visits Pattengill
  • Introducing Berkley Schools Athletics Administrators
  • Board of Education Recognizes Student Athletes
  • Berkley Building Blocks Student Becomes Jr Custodian for a Day
  • Berkley Schools Adopts New Elementary Math Resource
  • Tickets on Sale for the BHS Spring Musical: The Prom
  • Berkley High Senior All Night Party Information 2025
  • Huntington Woods Men’s Club Invites Community to Annual Auction Benefiting Berkley Schools
  • Information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
  • Child Protection Registry Available to Families
  • 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?
  • April Calendar Highlights - Autism Acceptance Month, Arab American Heritage Month, Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, Passover, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Easter, Orthodox Easter
  • How to Subscribe to the District Calendar
  • Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring

Mad Science Visits Pattengill

On April 11, 2025, Mad Science visited Pattengill Elementary for a fun-filled assembly. Students had the chance to participate in a variety of science demonstrations featuring elements like liquid nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide. The experiments led to some fun moments with fiery flash paper, giant balloons and beakers filled with liquids that changed colors and bubbled over with mist. Students were also showered with bubbles full of fog. The students were fully engaged throughout the presentation, which allowed them to explore scientific concepts they had already learned in class while expanding their understanding of science through interactive learning experiences.

Introducing Berkley Schools Athletics Administrators

This year, the District has a new athletics team of administrators. Matt Rawlik is the Athletic Director and Lori Stone is the Middle School Athletic Coordinator. Together, they oversee athletics for grades 6-12, club sports and Unified sports. The two work hand in hand to support our athletes, coaches and families throughout the school year. The Communications Team sat down with both Mr. Rawlik and Ms. Stone to learn how this year is going, what goals they have for the department and how they are sharing the roles and responsibilities. Watch the video to learn more about Mr. Rawlik and Ms. Stone.

Board of Education Recognizes Student Athletes

At the April 14 Regular Meeting, the Board of Education recognized student athletes who either qualified and participated in a State-level tournament or received academic all-state honors. BHS Powerlifting team, a diver, a gymnast and the wrestling team were honored.

Powerlifting

Both the Berkley High School JV and Varsity Powerlifting teams had students qualify for and compete at the State Meet. During the meet, powerlifters complete a squat, bench press and dead lift. The combined weight lifted for all three exercises is the athlete’s total score at States. The following students qualified for States.

Junior Varsity

  • Austin Giltinan, Sophomore. Austin lifted a combined 940 pounds at States: 325 lb squat, 180 lb bench press and 435 lb dead lift, earning 2nd place in the state in his weight class.
  • Violet Melkonian, Freshman. Violet lifted a combined 460 pounds at States: 150 lb squat, 85 lb bench press and 225 lb dead lift, a personal best for all three lifts.

Varsity

  • Brooke Schall, Senior. Brooke lifted a combined 620 pounds at States: 230 lb squat, 135 lb bench press and 245 lb dead lift.
  • Mackinley Howard, Junior. Mackinley lifted a combined 1185 pounds at States: 405 lb squat, 255 lb bench press and 525 lb dead lift.
  • Alexandra Valencia Arcila, Senior. Alexandra lifted a combined 625 pounds at States: 240 lb squat, 120 lb bench press and 265 lb dead lift, earning 8th place in the state in her weight class.
  • Isaiah Ali, Junior. Isaiah lifted a combined 1165 pounds at States: 425 lb squat, 275 lb bench press and 465 lb dead lift, earning 8th place in the state in his weight class.
  • Collin Richardson, Junior. Collin lifted a combined 1240 pounds at States: 460 lb squat, 245 lb bench press and 535 lb dead lift, earning 10th place in the state in his weight class.

Diving

The Board honored Ethan Weber, BHS Freshman, for qualifying for and competing at the State Diving Tournament. Ethan captured 8th place at Regionals, qualifying him for states with a score of 302.20. At States, Ethan placed 36th in the State in the preliminary diving round.

Gymnastics

The Board honored Alyse Muscat, BHS Junior, for qualifying for and competing at the State Gymnastics Tournament. Alyse qualified to attend Regionals for all four apparatuses and at Regionals, qualified for states in the floor exercise. At States, Alyse scored a 8.725 on the floor exercise, one of her best routines of the season.

Wrestling Team

The 2024-25 BHS Varsity Wrestling Team was honored for achieving All-State Academic status for having a cumulative GPA of 3.47 on a 4.0 scale.

In addition, Alyse Muscat, BHS Junior, was honored for qualifying for and competing at the MHSAA Girls State Wrestling Tournament. Alyse placed 4th at the MHSAA girls Regional tournament to earn her spot at the State Meet. Alyse finished her state tournament 1-2, one match away from earning All-State.

Berkley Building Blocks Student Becomes Jr. Custodian for a Day

At the annual Berkley Education Foundation fundraising event, Off to the Races, District custodians have the option to 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 our custodial team.

On April 15, 2025, Berkley Building Blocks (BBB) student George spent the morning with BBB Head Custodian, Harry Jemkort doing various projects around the school. George lent a helping hand taking the recycling out, assembling a rolling shelf and helping Mr. Harry clean up the playground.

Berkley Schools Adopts New Elementary Math Resource

Aligned with the District’s Mission that student engagement, learning and growth are at the center of all we do, the Teaching and Learning Department completed a two-year pilot program for a new elementary math curricular resource. This pilot involved 16 teachers from across all grade levels and buildings, including Learning Specialists and Resource Room staff. These teachers received professional training and participated in individual coaching sessions, as well as two learning labs that allowed them to observe classroom implementation of resources aligned with the team’s shared vision.

Throughout the pilot, the team collected evidence which culminated in a final evaluation led by an Oakland Schools Continuous Improvement and Mathematics consultant. This process helped guide the team’s recommendation of a new math resource.

At the March Board of Education meeting, the Board approved the adoption of Bridges in Mathematics as the new elementary math curricular resource for the 2025-26 school year and beyond. The Teaching and Learning Department believes Bridges in Mathematics will better equip Berkley Schools students to develop the foundational skills and problem-solving abilities necessary for success in mathematics.

The new curricular resource is designed to:

  • Balance conceptual understanding with practical application.
  • Offer differentiated learning opportunities to meet the needs of all students.
  • Include interactive, engaging content that fosters curiosity and a growth mindset in mathematics.
  • Emphasize visual models, reasoning, and discourse to make math engaging and accessible.

Jen Wilcox, Supervisor of Instructional Services shared, “Bridges in Mathematics is a dynamic curriculum that combines direct instruction, structured investigations and hands-on activities to build both conceptual and procedural fluency. This resource aligns perfectly with our vision for students to engage in thinking, sense-making and problem-solving – skills essential for communicating and thinking like mathematicians. The program is fully aligned to the Michigan K-12 Standards for Mathematics.”

Recently, elementary principals participated in a learning day focused on the new resource. They explored the program’s components, observed its use in classrooms, and discussed how to best support teachers in its implementation. Staff training for the new curricular resource will begin in May and will continue throughout the next school year and beyond.

Ms. Wilcox said, “We look forward to the positive impact this new resource will have on our students’ mathematical growth and success.”

Tickets on Sale for the BHS Spring Musical: The Prom

The Berkley High School BeDrama students are proud to present The Prom: School Edition, the Spring 2025 musical. The Prom will be the final production on the current Auditorium stage. The new Performing Arts Center will reopen in February 2026.

Theatrical Rights Worldwide described the musical as follows:

Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage. So when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue… and themselves. The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow—but when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest join forces with a courageous girl and the town’s citizens and the result is love that brings them all together. Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, The Prom School Edition expertly captures all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy.

The show will run Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 24-26 at 7 pm and Sunday, April 27 at 3 pm, in the Berkley High School Auditorium. Staff, seniors (60+), and students tickets are $10 and adults are $15.

  • To buy tickets, and view photos and bios for the cast, crew and band, visit the Berkley Drama website.
  • The show is two hours with a 15 minute intermission.

Berkley High Senior All Night Party Information 2025

On June 5th, 2025 over 300 students will graduate from Berkley High School. To celebrate and recognize this memorable day, a community-sponsored, volunteer-led party will be held at Berkley High School the night of commencement. This annual event, known as the Senior All Night Party (SANP) provides a fun, safe, and secure environment for graduating seniors to celebrate with all of their classmates. The SANP committee is seeking support from the BHS community to run a successful event.

Fundraisers

Volunteer

This event is successful due to the team of volunteer parents from ALL grade levels!

Senior Families Only

Purchase by graduation rehearsal on June 3, 2025 for the $75 advance purchase price. Tickets at the door are $100 (sign free with purchase, if any remain) - No physical ticket will be provided, graduates will check-in with their student ID. Please include your student's full name and contact info during purchase.

Purchase your tickets by Monday, June 2, for your chance to have priority seating reserved for your entire group at Commencement 2025

If you have any questions please reach out to Melissa Bajcz - melbajcz@gmail.com

Follow the SANP Committee to stay up to date:

Huntington Woods Men’s Club Invites Community to Annual Auction Benefiting Berkley Schools - Tickets on Sale!

A message from our community partners, The Huntington Woods Men’s Club:

The Huntington Woods Men’s Club’s 44th annual Service Auction is coming up and, this year, it is raising money to improve Burton Community Field, adjacent to Burton Elementary School.

The plan includes improving the field’s drainage and grading, removing the south baseball field, upgrading the north T-ball field and putting up new fencing. The changes would make the green space so much better for students and would drastically decrease the number of indoor-recess days because of mud and puddles!

The Berkley School District also plans to contribute to the project and will continue to manage the field, as the owner of the land. The HWMC contribution helps offset District costs allowing more projects to take place across the District through the Sinking Fund.

You can help by supporting the Huntington Woods Men’s Club Service Auction on April 26 at the Gillham Recreation Center. Tickets are on sale now and there will be online bidding for those who can’t make it to the event. Ticket prices increase on April 21.

Find more information on the Huntington Woods Men’s Club website.

Information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

For help finding a food pantry, assistance in applying for SNAP benefits or referrals to other resources, call Food and Other Resources F.O.R. HELPLINE: 1-888-544-8773

Operated by the Food Bank Council of Michigan, funded in part by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Child Protection Registry Available to Families

The State of Michigan offers a Child Protection Registry available for all families to protect their children online. Modeled after the national Do-Not-Call legislation it is a “Do-Not-Contact” program that allows families to prevent adult product solicitations to their electronic contact points. This registry blocks advertisements or promotions of products that minors are prohibited from purchasing, including alcohol, tobacco/vaping, gambling, pornography and illegal drugs/marijuana. The Michigan Child Protection Registry is administered under the Michigan Secretary of State Office.

Why is a registry like this important?

Children as young as two are spending more time on computers, tablets and cell phones than ever before. Marketers, selling adult-oriented products, are also using technology more and more to promote their brands and services. Unfortunately, the solicitations these companies are sending are falling in front of the eyes of minors through their email, text messages, and certain apps.

How does it work?

Individuals interested in not receiving adult product solicitations can register their email addresses, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Discord, Twitch, YouTube and cell phone numbers on the Child Protection Registry website. Adult-oriented solicitors will then scrub their contact lists against the registry. Registered emails and other “contact points” will then be removed. The marketers will NOT have access to the actual contact point information. The registry does not store in its database a list of identifiable subscribers.

Do children still use email?

Social media sites and mobile apps require an email address to register for their service. Many schools require children to have email addresses to correspond with their teachers. Email is still a preferred form of communication and will continue to be into the future.

How is the registry enforced?

Violations will be reported by recipients, at which point fines may be assessed. Marketers have 30 days to scrub registered contact points from their lists before complaints may be filed.

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: April

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.

Arab American Heritage Month

The Arab America Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative in 2017. In 2021, President Biden recognized the month nationally to recognize the 3.5 million Arab Americans that exemplify “so much of what our country stands for: hard work, resilience, compassion, and generosity.”. For National Arab American Heritage month, across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations issue proclamations and engage in special events that celebrate the Arab American community’s rich heritage and numerous contributions to society.

Did you know that the first and only museum in the United States devoted to documenting and sharing Arab American contributions that shaped the economic, political and cultural landscapes of American life is a 20 minute drive from the Berkley Schools? The Arab American National Museum (AANM) is located in Dearborn. The Museum brings to light the shared experiences of immigrants and ethnic groups, paying tribute to the diversity of our nation.

The museum tells the Arab American story through the voices and experiences of Arab Americans.

Learn more about the museum on their website, or go for a visit at 13624 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126.

Autism Acceptance Month

Autism Acceptance Month, previously named Autism Awareness Month, aims to celebrate and promote acceptance for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which occurs in one in every 54 children as of 2020 in the United States. Autism, a complex developmental condition affecting the person's ability to interact, communicate, and progress, has not one but many subtypes. First held in the year 1972 by the Autism Society, Autism Acceptance Month emphasizes the need for public awareness to promote acceptance, celebrate the differences and be more inclusive towards autistic individuals around us.

To learn more about Autism and Autism awareness, the START project is a great place to begin. The START project is housed in the Grand Valley State University Autism Education Center, supported by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. It is funded by the Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education to provide evidence-based training, technical assistance and coaching support and resources to school-based teams in Michigan that support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). START is a statewide collaborative effort to make systems level changes to improve the educational programming and quality of life for students with ASD.

START developed an Autism Acceptance, Advocacy and Action webpage as part of the ASD 365: Equity and Inclusion Every Day campaign to promote autism acceptance and advocacy through action in April and the months after. START encourages the community to use these resources to assure everyone is using practices focused on equity and inclusiveness that value the voices and perspectives of the autistic community. An active, collaborative approach that involves listening, understanding and taking action will help everyone grow into a truly diverse, equitable community where all perspectives and people are heard and valued.

Want to read more on awareness vs acceptance?

Acceptance vs. Awareness Article

Then: Puzzle piece as the symbol for Autism

Now: Rainbow colored infinity symbol

Then: "Light it up blue" for Autism

Now: Gold, Red, Rainbow - anything but blue

Then: Autism Awareness

Now: Autism Acceptance

More Resources

• ASAN’s Autism Acceptance Page

Paraprofessional Appreciation Day - April 3

On Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, Berkley Schools says thank you to all our Paraprofessionals for going above and beyond every day to support our students. We are so grateful for all of you!

Passover - Begins at Sundown on Saturday, April 12

Passover, Pesach in Hebrew, is one of the Jewish religion’s most sacred holidays. Passover commemorates the Hebrew liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. Passover begins at sundown on April 12 and ends on April 20. The first two evenings of Passover are often celebrated with a feast known as a seder, where the story of the Exodus from Egypt is recounted and Matzah, an unleavened bread, is eaten.

You can learn more about Passover on the history.com website as well as on the chabad.org website

Palm Sunday - April 13

Palm Sunday, in the Christian tradition, is the first day of Holy Week and the Sunday before Easter, commemorating Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It is associated in many churches with the blessing and procession of palms (leaves of the date palm or twigs from locally available trees). These special ceremonies were taking place toward the end of the 4th century in Jerusalem and are described in the travelogue The Pilgrimage of Etheria. Source: Britannica

Good Friday - April 18

Good Friday is a Christian holiday observing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary, and takes place the Friday before Easter. It is also known as Holy Friday and Great Friday. Members of many christian denominations observe Good Friday as a day of sorrow, penance and fasting.

Easter - April 20

Easter, the main festival of the Christian church, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion. The earliest recorded observance of an Easter celebration comes from the 2nd century. Easter is immediately preceded by Holy Week, which includes Maundy Thursday, the commemoration of Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples; Good Friday, the day of his Crucifixion; and Holy Saturday, the transition between Crucifixion and Resurrection. Souce: Britannica

The most prominent secular symbol of the Easter holiday is the Easter bunny, which was reportedly introduced to America by the German immigrants who brought over their stories of an egg-laying hare. The decoration of eggs is believed to date back to at least the 13th century, while the rite of the Easter parade has even older roots. Other traditions, such as Easter candy, are among the modern additions to the celebration of this early springtime holiday. Source: History.com

Orthodox Easter - April 20

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 often 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.”

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

  • Special Education High School Social Worker - BHS
  • Permanent Building Substitute Teacher - Norup
  • Long-Term Substitute Middle School Language Arts/Speech Teacher - Norup
  • Afternoon Custodian Shift Leader - Norup
  • Afternoon Custodian (3 positions) - Angell, Burton, Norup
  • Permanent Substitute Custodian - District
  • Lunch Aides - Angell, Burton, Pattengill
  • Kids’ Zone Assistant Teachers (3 positions) - Angell, Pattengill, Rogers
  • Middle School Football Coach - Anderson
  • 7th Grade Boys Basketball Coach - Norup
  • Varsity Basketball Coach - BHS

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