What's Inside
- Detroit Historical Museum Visits Angell
- BHS Students Learn Theatrical Skills with OpenSpot Theatre
- BHS Teachers Shadow Students: A “Day in the Life” Experience
- 54 Artists Participated In PTA Reflections Art Contest - 26 Advance to State Level
- HER Story - Driven to Success at BHS
- Angell Students Experience Justice 101 Program
- Small Group Instruction Professional Learning for 3rd-5th Grade Teachers
- Kindergarten Information for All: Registration and Schools of Choice
- Time to Fill Out an Intent to Return Form - For All Students Grades TK-11 - Due February 14
- Berkley Education Foundation’s Off to the Races Tickets on Sale - New Video
- Students Invited to Participate in Governor’s Art Contest
- 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?
- February Calendar Highlights - Black History Month, Groundhog Day, Student Count Day
- How to Subscribe to the District Calendar
- Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring
Detroit Historical Museum Visits Angell
On Tuesday, February 4, the Detroit Historical Museum visited Angell students as part of a Black History Month assembly. The visit began when someone escaping to freedom via the Underground Railroad stumbled into Angell Elementary’s gymnasium. Excited to be near Canada, the traveler shared information about the Underground Railroad with students, now recognized as fellow abolitionists. The presentation covered topics such as safehouses, techniques used to evade slave catchers, and songs containing valuable information about escaping, along with other essential details about how the Underground Railroad functioned. Students were also invited to participate in the presentation by playing instruments and dancing. This engaging and informative presentation not only reinforced what the students had already learned, but also introduced them to new aspects of the Underground Railroad.
BHS Students Learn Theatrical Skills with OpenSpot Theatre
Students in Mrs. Martinuzzi, Mrs. Sclafani, and Mr. Phillips classrooms at BHS are enjoying weekly theatrical skill sessions with OpenSpot Theater, formerly known as 4th Wall. Students are participating once a week for the next six weeks. Students are enjoying learning dancing, singing and acting and will likely have a final performance at the end of the six weeks.
OpenSpot partnered with Berkley High School when they were 4th Wall years ago, and Mrs. Martinuzzi connected the high school to the programming once again.
OpenSpot Theatre’s mission is to provide a fun, creative, and inclusive arts experience that is accessible to all people. Through the rehearsal and performance process, students will experience personal affirmation, empowerment, and build important skills.
BHS Teachers Shadow Students: A “Day in the Life” Experience
On January 30, 2025 seven BHS teachers shadowed students at Berkley High School. Each of the educators selected one student to follow throughout their day. The intention of this learning experience was to gain more insight into a “day in the life” of a student as well as develop greater empathy for our students.
Jennifer Plater, Jacob Charlip, Drew Thomas, Maram HannaKachl, Kate Navarro, Emma Farr and Brittney Vaughn donned their backpacks, navigated the crowded halls during passing time, attended each of their students’ classes, and participated in a variety of classroom activities throughout the day. The educators who participated gained valuable insight and the students who were involved were excited to share a little slice of their lives.
Reflections from teachers
After experiencing vertical whiteboards in math class, new BHS teacher, Jacob Charlip reflected that he, “...wants to find ways to provide more of that [movement] in his classroom.”
First year teacher, Maram HannaKachl shared her realization that, “Going from class to class can be a lot, since there's not much time to decompress in between classes.” She also noticed how, “...the various [classroom] environments play a part in students' mood.”
To that end, new BHS teacher, Jennifer Plater, discovered that, “Group work was both valuable and difficult, especially since it was a part of every class,” and that, “Balancing the academic and social demands of the day was more challenging than expected.”
English teacher Emma Farr summed up the day beautifully, stating, “This was an incredibly valuable experience, one that I believe every teacher should do at least once. A student's day is tiring, fast-paced and sometimes overwhelming. You will learn a lot about your student and about how different classes function. Can't recommend it enough!”
The following day, teachers gathered to reflect upon, debrief and discuss their experiences together, connected this experience to the design of their own classrooms and considered their next steps based on the ups and downs of a day as a BHS student. Secondary Instructional Coach Brittney Vaugh shared, “This was a powerful experience for all who were involved.”
54 Artists Participated in PTSA Reflections Art Contest - 26 Advance to State Level
On Wednesday, January 29th the Berkley Area PTSA Council held a celebration for all writers, dancers, artists and photographers that participated in this year's National PTA Reflections art contest. The 2024-25 Reflections theme was "Accepting Imperfections."
Students of all ages were invited to create visual art, dance, photography or literature connected to the theme. Berkley PTAs judged all entries and chose up to four winners in each age range and category. Those winners move on to judging at the state level. Top winners at the state level go on to national judging. In total, 54 Berkley Schools students participated in this year’s program with 26 going to the state for further judging, listed below.
Angell Elementary School
- Vivian Anderson, 2nd grade, Visual Arts, As I Look in the Mirror
- Vivian Anderson, 2nd grade, Literature, Popcorn
- River Lawson, 1st grade, Visual Arts, Nothing Is Perfect
- Abigail Wilson, 4th grade, Dance, Who I Am
Burton Elementary School
- Ilana Adler, 2nd grade, Visual Arts, Impurrfection
- Casey Jozlin, TK, Photography, The Mega Castle
- Lucas Krantz, 3rd grade, Visual Arts, Imperfection Is Perfect!
- Alexandra Mosko, 4th grade, Literature, Imperfections
Norup International School
- Delainey Fraccaro, 1st grade, Dance, It's Okay Not to Be Perfect
Pattengill Elementary School
- Lacey Eaton, 2nd grade, Visual Arts, Loving Hands
- Evelyn Huyghe, 1st grade, Photography, Elie
- Maxwell Huyghe, 5th grade, Photography, Edna
- Alan Layne, 1st grade, Photography, We See!
- Asher Layne, Kindergarten, Photography, Orange
Rogers Elementary School
- Sophia Banyai, 5th grade, Literature, A World Trade Moment
- Madeline Miller, 4th grade, Visual Arts, Different Sides Of The Mirror
- Carter Mynderse, 3rd grade, Photography, More Than A Rock
- Carter Mynderse, 3rd grade, Visual Arts, Butterflies Like Me
- Samantha Ribits, 5th grade, Visual Arts, Unique Beauty
- Samantha Ribits, 5th grade, Literature, Beauty
- Olivia Solner, 5th grade, Dance, Fight Song
- Audrey Walker, 5th grade, Photography, Nature's Own Creation
- Layla Watteny, 5th grade, Literature, Imperfect Imperfections
Anderson Middle School
- Riley Bluhm, 7th grade, Visual Arts, Don't Let Perfection Hold You Back
- Peyton Peasley, 6th grade, Dance, Try
Berkley High School
- Sophia Snell, 12th grade, Literature, My Anxiety And Me
HER Story – Driven to Success at BHS
On February 4, the HER Story – Driven to Success panel took place at BHS in the College and Career Center. The event aimed to provide students with an opportunity to meet inspiring women from the Automotive Women’s Alliance, all of whom are talented leaders in the automotive-mobility industry and STEM fields.
The panel consisted of:
- Riley Keehn – Government & Regulatory Affairs Consultant | STEM Chair
- Maya Makhlouf – High Voltage Battery Systems Engineer | STEM Chair
- Venetia Petteway – Director of STEM Diversity, Corporate & Community Engagement | Mentoring
- Shelly Nseir – Design Assurance Supervisor | STEM Kit Lead
- Sydni Williams – Business & Manufacturing Communications Lead
- C.J. Morrell – Design Assurance Specialist; Six Sigma Black Belt
These professionals shared their journeys, challenges, experiences, and wisdom, answering an array of student questions on topics such as diversity, work-life balance, and educational paths.
This event provided students with an invaluable opportunity to learn from some of the best in these industries, helping them feel more empowered about their professional futures.
Angell Students Experience Justice 101 Program
Judge Derek Meinecke, a judge for the 44th District Court, spent time with Angell fifth-graders on Monday, February 3. Judge Meinecke visited students at school to discuss aspects of the judicial branch of government, including explaining legal terminology. He was also there to prepare the students for their courthouse visit on Wednesday, February 5. As part of the lessons, Judge Meinecke assigned each student a word and definition to memorize.
At the 44th District Court visit, students observed the Court's misdemeanor probation docket in person. After observing the docket, students visited the new Royal Oak Police Station. Judge Meinecke also made sure to call on each student during court to report on their homework assignment.
This classroom and court visits are part of the Justice 101 program which was started by the local 44th District Court for Royal Oak and Berkley students. The goal of this program is to teach students about the court system and to provide context and understanding for the field trip to the 44th District Court. 5th grade students at Angell, Rogers and Pattengill all participate in this program during the school year.
Small Group Instruction Professional Learning for 3rd-5th Grade Teachers
3rd, 4th, and 5th grade teachers across the District recently completed a professional learning series focusing on the effective implementation of small group instruction. The series provided teachers with foundational knowledge, practical strategies and the support to apply research-based practices in their classrooms.
The learning sessions centered around the core principles of small group instruction, which emphasize differentiated approaches to meet the diverse needs of students. Teachers explored various grouping approaches and explored using student data to inform instruction. This will support educators to create customized learning experiences for students.
Teachers had rich discussions about challenges and solutions, and by the end of the series had actionable steps for incorporating small group instruction into their classrooms, with a clear understanding of how to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
Participants left feeling empowered to create more engaging and differentiated learning environments to support all students. Jen Wilcox, Supervisor of Instructional Services shared, “As teachers apply strategies in their classrooms, we anticipate a positive impact on student engagement and achievement.”
TK & Kindergarten Registration and Schools of Choice Information
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!
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 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.
Time to Fill Out an Intent to Return Form - For All Students Grades TK-11
It’s time to let us know if your children will be returning to the Berkley School District next year.
The District has created a simple form for all families with students in grades TK-11 to fill out inside of the MISTAR Parent Portal. Your responses will help us create our classroom communities and courses for next year. Follow the steps below to complete the form, once per child. Form entries are due Friday, February 14 at the end of the day.
How to fill out the form on a Computer:
- Log into MISTAR Parent Portal.
- In the top right corner click on Intent to Return in bold, red lettering.
- Click on your child’s picture.
- Answer the questions listed. If the question does not apply to you, please type n/a in the open fields.
- Click the Submit button at the top.
- Repeat for additional children.
Instructions for Mobile Devices & the MISTAR App:
- In your mobile device app store, download Q ParentConnection.
- Inside the app, select the State, County and District.
- Select Enter ParentConnection.
- In the upper right, select Log In.
- Enter your MISTAR Parent Portal Pin and Password.
- In the triple line menu, select My Information.
- Click the Edit button next to your child’s name.
- Answer the questions listed. If the question does not apply to you, please type n/a in the open fields.
- Click the Submit button at the top.
- Repeat for additional children.
Please fill out the form by Friday, February 14.
QUESTIONS?
If you are having problems logging in, have questions about completing information online or are experiencing technical difficulties, contact Oakland Schools Service Desk at 248.209.2060 or submit a ticket to the OS Help Desk.
Berkley Education Foundation’s 16th Annual Off to the Races Tickets On Sale
- March 8, 2025
- 7-10:30 pm
- The Kingsley, Bloomfield Hills, A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
- Tickets on sale now
The Berkley Schools community is invited to the Berkley Education Foundation’s 16th annual fundraising event Off to the Races to support the Berkley School District and fund the #BerkleyDifference.
Off to the Races will take place on Saturday, March 8, from 7-10:30 pm at The Kingsley, Bloomfield Hills, a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Join the BEF for all the fun: simulated horse racing, owning & naming horses, silent auction (powered by mobile bidding), vacation give-away, connecting with friends, and most importantly, funding the #BerkleyDifference. This year the food theme is desserts and late night snacks.
The Berkley Education Foundation (BEF) is a non-profit organization that raises funds to support all students in the Berkley Schools. Their purpose is to maintain and enhance educational opportunities and programs for Berkley Schools students. Every dollar the BEF raises during Off to the Races supports teacher innovation-grants, free enrichment programs, student scholarships and the 8th grade college tour program.
Tickets on sale.
Don’t miss out on all the fun. Tickets are on sale now: $60/person
- Bundle event tickets with Off to the Races (OTTR) Bucks for a discount.
- OTTR Bucks pay for horse “betting” and beverages at the event.
- Buy 10 Bucks for $40 at the event, or add them on to an event ticket for a $10 discount.
Horses on sale now.
Buy and name a horse that will race during Off to the Races! 100 regular horses ($30) and 10 golden horses ($300) are available. Horses can be purchased through the ticket section of the website. For those who can’t attend the event, buying a horse is an easy way to support the BEF.
Tables on sale for reserved seating.
Buy a table for 10 to guarantee the best seats of the night.
- VIP Tables: Includes 10 event tickets, $200 worth of OTTR Bucks, two bottles of wine at the table and reserved seating in a prime location. $1,200
- Reserved Table: Includes 10 event tickets and a reserved table to have guaranteed seating together. $800
Win a vacation.
Don’t miss the Golden Race - the last race of the night. The winner will take home a $3,000 vacation, courtesy of the BEF.
- The prize is bigger so the stakes are higher: guests can “bet” on this race with a Golden Ticket!
- $50 Golden Tickets can be added to event tickets or at the door.
- Must be present to win.
Sponsorships available!
Event sponsorships, race sponsorships and prize sponsorships available for all budgets, ranging from $500 - $10,000. Investing in Off to the Races includes a variety of incentives from social media shoutouts to tickets to the event. Visit the BEF’s Sponsorship Booklet for details.
Interested in sponsoring? Buy sponsorships online or Email berkleyfoundation@berkleyschools.org
Students Invited to Participate in Governor’s Art Contest
Governor Whitmer is challenging Michigan’s K-12 students to come up with a creative design for the 2025 State of the State program cover following the theme, “Think Michigan.”
Students should be as creative as possible and are welcome to use crayon, marker, paint, or any other material. To submit a design, please visit the State of Michigan website and follow the instructions on their webpage. Submissions will be accepted exclusively through the online system and must be received by no later than 11:59 PM on Friday, February 14.
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: February
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.
Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.
Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history. Read more on the origins of Black History Month on the History Channel website.
Take time to learn more about Black History and attend events by visiting the following resources:
- Check out the Oakland County blog for a number of programs, film screenings, and more taking place in person and virtually to explore Black history and culture
- PBS: Celebrating Black Leaders
- PBS: Teaching Your Child About Black History
- Common Sense Education: Free Learning Resources for Black History Month (and beyond)
Groundhog Day - February 2
Groundhog Day is a tradition observed in the United States and Canada on February 2 of every year. It derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den and winter will go on for six more weeks; if it does not see its shadow, spring will arrive early.
Since 1887 a groundhog in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, has been the center of a staged appearance each February 2. In what has become a media event, the groundhog “Punxsutawney Phil” is the center of attention of television weathermen and newspaper photographers.
Student Count Day - February 12
Counting every student is important for school funding - please make sure your children attend school on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
Count Day determines our state funding and is based on attendance for the day. If your child will not be in school, please make sure to call in their absence to the school office.
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 (3 positions) - Norup, BHS, Pattengill
- 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
- 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
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