Berkley Beat May 30, 2025

What's Inside

  • Student Email Phishing - Important Information for BHS Families
  • Rogers Elementary "Remembers One" During their Memorial Day Ceremony & Parade
  • Angell Students Remember Fallen Soldiers for Memorial Day
  • 13 Berkley Students Received Large Scholarships from Huntington Bank
  • BEF Sends All 8th Graders on College + Career Tour
  • Bond Work & Sinking Fund Project Update: May 2025
  • Rogers Second Graders Participate in Community Walk
  • Students Select Burtonbery Medal Winner
  • Rogers TK Students Curate Art Show
  • Pattengill Kicks Off 100th Year Anniversary with School-Wide Photo
  • Burton 4th Graders Perform at the Annual Talent Show
  • Angell Students Showcase their Talent
  • Anderson Hosts Cupcake Wars
  • Summer Drama Camp Registration is Open
  • High School Summer Program Registration
  • 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?
  • May Calendar Highlights - Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, Cinco De Mayo, National Teacher Appreciation Day, Memorial Day
  • How to Subscribe to the District Calendar
  • Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring

Student Email Phishing - Important Information for BHS Families

This morning, Berkley High School students received an email from Meghan Ashkanani, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning and Technology, explaining that a spam/phishing email made it to student accounts. Students were directed to reset their passwords while the technology department continues its investigation to ensure the security of the District network. Berkley High School students are the only students in the District that can receive emails from outside the District domain. Families, please remind your high school student to read their email and reset their passwords. The email Mrs. Ashkanani sent is below.

Dear BHS Students,

We want to inform you that a phishing scam recently made its way into our school email system through a very official-looking message. While the email may have appeared legitimate, it has been confirmed as a phishing attempt.

Our IT team has taken steps to address the situation and is working to secure the network.

Here’s what we need from you:

  1. Delete the phishing email immediately if it is still in your inbox. (subject: General System Maintenance 5.29.2025)
  2. Change your school account password as soon as possible.
  3. If you clicked the link and entered any information, please report it to a staff member right away. You are not in trouble — we just need to make sure your account is secure and can help take the right steps.

Your digital safety is important to us. Thank you for your attention and for helping us keep our school community secure.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Ashkanani

Rogers Elementary "Remembers One" During their Memorial Day Ceremony & Parade

On Friday, May 23, Rogers students and staff honored fallen soldiers at its annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony. The event began with a parade around the school block, led by Berkley Public Safety.

“Remember One,” the theme of the day, connected throughout the morning. The students, wearing red, white and blue, wore a dog tag of a fallen soldier around their neck. Teachers shared with students that Memorial Day is not just a day for a parade and barbecue, it is a day to take the time to remember at least one soldier’s name who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. During the ceremony, students performed songs and showcased the number of fallen soldiers as a reminder of the lives lost and the importance of remembering them on this day. In addition, students learned about honoring fallen soldiers with the missing man table - and that across the country on Memorial Day restaurants and families dress a table for the fallen.

The student body pledged to never forget the person on their dog tags and honor them on Memorial Day. A BHS student ended the ceremony with a rendition of Taps on the trumpet.

Angell Students Remember Fallen Soldiers for Memorial Day

For the past several years, students at Angell Elementary School have been creating dog tags to remember fallen soldiers on Memorial Day. The students learn that while it would be hard to remember and honor all of the soldiers lost in the course of our country’s history, it is possible to remember one. If each of them remembers one, then together they remember many.

The program was started years ago by long-time Berkley Schools teacher Chris Kuhl. When Mrs. Kuhl retired in 2022, Gale Tosto, fifth grade teacher at Angell, continued the tradition. Each May, Mrs. Tosto spends hours gathering data, printing information and cutting accessories and ribbon so that each student and staff member receives a different soldier to honor.

Each dog tag includes the soldier's picture, their date of birth, the date they died, how old they were and the circumstances around their death, their hometown and which part of the Armed Forces they served in.

In addition to the Dog Tag, three paper cut out symbols are included to add to the ribbon: a heart, star and anchor. The heart represents the soldiers’ compassion, joy, and charity and love for their country. The star represents life and guidance. The anchor represents a symbol of hope of a promise for tomorrow.

After assembling and learning about the dog tags and their meaning, students hold their tag in their hand as they perform a civilian salute: crossing their hand over their heart. Students are encouraged to bring their soldiers with them during Memorial Day weekend.

13 Berkley Students Received Large Scholarships from Huntington Bank

On Thursday, May 22, thirteen Berkley High School seniors were presented with scholarships from Huntington Bank. These scholarships were a collaboration between Huntington Bank and Berkley Schools. In the third year of this program, Huntington Bank Chairman of the Board of Directors Gary Torgow continued the collaboration and support with Berkley Schools. Mr. Torgow is a Norup alumni and is known for his generous support of local communities.

The scholarship requirements included, among other things, students who exemplified leadership, were involved in their school community and were planning on attending a college, university or trade school upon graduation.

After conducting interviews with student scholarship candidates, Mr. Torgow committed $65,000 to Berkley High School students.

Congratulations to the following students, who were surprised with their scholarship amounts at a small celebration on May 22.

$2,500 Scholarships

  • Owen Burmeister, Oakland University
  • Kathryn Frazier, Michigan Tech
  • Lilliana Kusmirek, Schoolcraft College
  • Lily Larson-Wolbrink, Michigan State University
  • Kendal Reid, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • Cecilia Shaw, Michigan State University

$5,000 Scholarships

  • Je’da Kyles, Loyola University Chicago
  • Johonne Lucas, Washtenaw Community College
  • Josephine Samson, Michigan State University

$7,500 Scholarships

  • Jessica Mack, Central State University or Oakland University
  • Taylor Ricks, Loyola University Chicago

$10,000 Scholarships

  • Angel Harris, Eastern Michigan University
  • Margo Hartzell, Michigan State University

BEF Sends All 8th Graders on College + Career Tour

On May 14th and 28th, the Berkley Education Foundation sent all 8th graders at Anderson and Norup on a College + Career Tour. Students visited both Oakland Schools Technical Campus (OSTC) Southeast and Oakland University to learn about possibilities for their futures. Students were split into two groups each day, and switched locations halfway through the day.

While at OSTC, students learned about programs offered in high school, visiting each area of the school and learning from student ambassadors about each program. OSTC programs are designed for any student who wants to graduate high school with industry certifications, on-the-job experiences and college credits in programs like culinary, automotive technology, criminal justice, marketing, engineering, computer programming and health sciences. Students have the opportunity to take courses at OSTC while attending Berkley High School.

While at Oakland University students learned about admission requirements, college prep and life on a college campus. Students toured the campus grounds and buildings, learned about dorm life, scholarship opportunities and facts about the campus from student guides.

The Berkley Education Foundation provides this annual trip free of cost for students. The Berkley Education Foundation's mission is to help maintain and enhance educational opportunities and programs for all Berkley students and has been funding the #BerkleyDifference since 2000.

The BEF accepts donations to continue to fund the 8th grade college tours - every $150 raised sends 5 students on a tour. You can donate online, if you would like to support this initiative.

Bond Work & Sinking Fund Project Update: May 2025

With the passing of the August 2023 Bond, Berkley Schools teams are busy planning for upcoming construction projects. In addition to the Bond projects, the District has a list of Sinking Fund projects that are also in the works to improve and update our facilities. The Sinking Fund was approved by voters in 2018. Because both Bond and Sinking Fund projects are ongoing, these monthly updates will include details on both.

The May update includes construction updates on the new maintenance building, Burton and Pattengill, Berkley High School’s Performing Arts & Pool construction projects, updates on parking changes at BHS and updates on Phase II projects and technology updates.

These monthly Bond & Sinking Fund updates will be maintained on the District’s website. See below for updates on the Phase I projects that are taking place in 2025-2026.

Bond & Sinking Fund Projects - Phase I Timeline

The following is an estimated Phase I timeline for the 2025 projects. These dates may change due to the nature of construction including weather delays, supply chain delays, etc. Many of these projects will impact parking throughout the high school campus.

  • Underway: Black Box Theatre Construction
  • Underway: Pool Construction
  • Underway: The BEAR Complex Construction
  • Underway: The Den Construction
  • Underway: Auditorium Construction
  • June 2025: Science Construction Begins After School Ends
  • Summer 2025 Construction: Burton & Pattengill - Gym Remodel, Playgrounds, Parking Lots
  • Fall 2025: Pool Grand Opening
  • Start of School 2025: Science Classrooms Open
  • Fall 2025: Burton & Pattengill Multi-Purpose Addition Grand Opening, plus
  • October 2025: Science Labs Grand Opening
  • Early Winter 2026: Performing Arts Center Grand Opening (Auditorium, Black Box Theatre, Instrument Commons, Band/Orchestra Rooms)
  • Fall 2026: The BEAR Complex Grand Opening

Project Updates

Maintenance Building - Sinking Fund

The new Maintenance building is located at the Administrative Offices site in Oak Park, at the end of the parking lot. Just a few items remain for the punch list and the building will be fully complete. The Maintenance Team is moved in, the construction fencing has been removed and the parking lot is back to full size.

Currently, the area right outside the new fence is being used to store four storage trailers for items from the BHS Auditorium and Robotics team supplies.

District-wide Furniture Purchase - Bond - Phase II

The design process for Phase II(B) is complete. The Board of Education approved the purchase of furniture for elementary media centers plus Norup, music room furniture, art room furniture, science lab furniture and furniture for the Adult Transition Program and Robotics at the Den. All furniture orders have been placed and installation will take place over the summer.

Phase I: Burton & Pattengill Multi-Purpose Additions - Bond - Fall 2024

Burton & Pattengill multi-purpose/cafeteria additions are underway. Both additions are scheduled to open in late August 2025. See the latest aerial footage of both Burton and Pattengill’s additions on Superintendent Francis’ Instagram.

Burton

Burton’s new multi-purpose/cafeteria addition will be attached to the building at the northeast corner of the playground by the gym. It will house a new lunchroom, a new kitchen, storage rooms, restrooms and will be a wonderful space for collaboration.

Construction Update:

  • Interior and exterior masonry walls are complete. The floor slabs will be installed the first week of June.
  • Steel continues to be installed in the high bay of the new addition to form the roofline. Steel installation will continue through the end of May.
  • Electrical and plumbing work continues.
  • The new playground area inside of the track is nearly complete. As the new area was being completed, the old concrete tunnels were added temporarily, and they have since been removed. The District insurance carrier did not approve those to return to the playground. Instead, additional stepping/climbing equipment will be installed to complete the path that was started. As soon as the new pieces arrive and are installed, the new playground will fully open.
  • The City of Huntington Woods has determined that Nadine Ave between Scotia and Henley will remain as a “No Thru Traffic” zone through the construction project. Families will not be able to drop off and pick up on Nadine for the rest of this school year to keep students safe.

Pattengill

Pattengill’s new multi-purpose/cafeteria addition will be attached to the building at the north doors, in the current concrete area. It will house a new lunchroom, a new kitchen, storage rooms, restrooms and will be a wonderful space for collaboration.

Construction Update:

  • Interior and exterior masonry wall construction should be complete the week of June 2
  • Steel will be installed as the masonry work wraps up.
  • Electrical and plumbing work continues.
  • The street tie-in work is complete.
  • In addition to the multi-purpose addition, the District is adding parking spaces near the baseball field on Royal as part of the construction.

Phase I: BHS Performing Arts Wing - Bond - Spring 2025

Black Box Theatre/Choir Room

Construction Update:

  • Demolition work has begun for the area of the new Black Box Theatre/Choir Room and instrument storage commons.
  • The city of Berkley approved the final water retention plan.
  • The building pad for the new addition will be installed soon.

Performing Arts Center

Construction Update:

  • The Auditorium, Auditorium lobby and the student drop off loop are closed for construction.
  • Upgrades to both the Band and Orchestra rooms, as well as upgrading practice rooms, will begin once school is out in June.
  • Auditorium demolition is ongoing.
  • Auditorium asbestos abatement is complete.
  • Electrical work has begun in the auditorium and backstage.

Phase I: BHS Science Wing - Bond - Summer 2025

The BHS Science Wing work includes a complete renovation and redesign for the lab spaces, updates to chemical storage rooms and creating new lab spaces. The Science Wing project timeline includes work beginning once school is complete in June 2025 and the labs reopening in October 2025. Science classrooms will open to students before the labs are complete. Staff will pack up their classrooms and have them ready to move out as soon as school is done.

Phase I: BHS BEAR Complex - Bond - Spring 2025

The District Field House project is now named The BEAR Complex (The Berkley Education, Athletics and Recreation Complex). The BEAR Complex includes a 60-yard indoor fieldhouse that includes a new weight room, team room and trainer room, an outdoor 120-yard turf performance field with lights, parking lot expansion and new configuration and a grass field north of the turf field.

Construction Update:

  • Asbestos abatement is complete in both buildings on the property.
  • Tree removal has begun on the site where the trees interfere with construction. Some trees along the perimeter will remain.
  • The demolition of the fields and buildings will begin on June 2. At this time, the parking lot will close.
  • Construction fencing installation is ongoing around the perimeter of the site.
  • The new Catalpa crosswalk designs to make it safer for pedestrians are complete and are awaiting permit approval to schedule the work.

Parking adjustments: The BHS parking lot across from the BHS main entrance will close on June 2. On May 30, the east section of the parking lot will close for tree removal. The parking lot will remain closed until the BEAR Complex is complete. Families will be asked to drop students off on side streets, not Catalpa, for the last 10 days of school. As a reminder, no dropping off or picking up is allowed on Catalpa.

Phase I: BHS Pool - Bond - Spring/Summer 2025

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

Construction Update:

  • The new pool roof is complete and steel reinforcement is in progress.
  • Painters are working to finish painting the ceiling and walls (leaving the student artwork intact).
  • Once painting is complete, electrical and plumbing work will resume, including installing new lighting fixtures and the new scoreboard system.
  • The Crow’s Nest area will be decommissioned and a new scorers table will be installed next to the bleachers on the north side once the pool is complete.

The Den - ATP and Robotics - Sinking Fund - Spring 2025

The former Cana Lutheran Church has a new name - The Den! The Den will house The Adult Transition Program (ATP) and Robotics programs.

Construction Update:

  • Lead paint abatement is complete and steel reinforcement is underway.
  • Asbestos abatement is complete.
  • Demolition is complete and wall framing is underway.
  • HVAC and electrical work have begun.
  • Fireproofing is nearly complete.
  • All new furniture has been selected and ordered.

Phase II: 2025-2026

Angell & Rogers Multi-Purpose Additions - Bond - Fall 2025

Both multi-purpose additions will resemble the Burton and Pattengill designs and function, and will have playground or outside space adjustments to accommodate the new additions. The Board of Education approved the critical services trades at the May meeting and the rest of the bid pack divisions will go to the Board in June for approval. Work will begin this summer in hallway ceilings and a few classrooms to prep for the larger project.

Norup, AMS & Hurley Field - Bond - Spring 2026

The design phase for the Norup, AMS and Hurley Field work that will take place in 2026 will begin soon for updating the gyms, team rooms at Hurley Field, as well as lighting and expanding the parking lot at Hurley.

Burton & Tyler Park Fields - Sinking Fund - 2026

Burton Field

The District project to improve Burton’s field with its professional partners is solidified. The work will include fixing the ponding, replacing the dirt infields with grass infields and preparing the site to have a multi-purpose use, as well as include two diamonds to host t-ball games. The plan is to have this work begin in Fall 2025, once the Burton playground is reopened. This project is being funded by Berkley Schools, Huntington Woods Men’s Club as well as the City of Huntington Woods and supported by the Berkley Dads Club.

Tyler Park - Softball Field Update

The District Bond/Sinking Fund team is working to finalize the plans for updating Tyler Park with City of Oak Park officials. On the District side, a new Varsity softball field will be built with lights, permanent fence, dugouts, stands, scoreboard, bullpens and batting cages. On the Oak Park side, a multipurpose field will be updated to fix the drainage issues. A cement walking path will also be added to both properties to allow for a full path connecting the parking lots to the fields and for the community to enjoy. On the District side of the property a small restroom facility will be built as well. Details are nearing finalization so that work can begin in the Spring of 2026.

Technology - Bond

The new staff laptop distribution plan has begun and will continue through the end of the school year. While working through the technology Bond projects, the team is working to secure E-Rate Matching Fund Grants to offset District cost.

Team Meetings

The District teams participate in Steering Committee meetings twice a month with Stantec (architecture, engineering, design), McCarthy & Smith (construction management), and SES (engineering and mechanical systems) to plan timelines of construction, prepare bid documents, as well as pour over details of the scopes of work. Each project has a standard sequence of work: design phase, project cost estimating, bidding for contractors, awarding contracts, construction phase (demolition and building) and finally, project completion.

Rogers Second Graders Participate in Community Walk

On Friday, May 16, Rogers second grade students explored local businesses during their annual Community Walk. This year, 25 businesses welcomed students and chaperones to show their goods, services and contributions to the community. Students learned about long-time businesses, as well new ones that have recently opened. Students also stopped for lunch and enjoyed ice cream at Clark's Ice Cream.

The second grade team would like to thank the following businesses for their participation:

  • Amici's
  • Aqua Tots
  • Articipate
  • Balanced Health and Wellness
  • Berkley Historical Museum
  • Berkley Music
  • Berkley Public Library
  • Biggby Coffee
  • Chop Shop
  • Clark's Ice Cream
  • Core LP Fitness
  • Flipside Records
  • Have You Any Wool?
  • Healthquest Physical Therapy
  • Jewel’s Pet Cuisine
  • June and December
  • Matthew Gross Jewelers
  • Mongers Provisions
  • Munro's Crafts
  • Naka
  • Oddfellows Antiques
  • Reforming Foundations
  • The Lunch Cafe
  • The Neighbor's Shoppe
  • Toadvine Books

Students Select Burtonbery Medal Winner

In November 2024, Burton Media Specialist Rachel Smith introduced 20 books that she chose for the annual Burtonbery reading challenge. Burtonbery is designed for 4th and 5th graders and is modeled after the Newbery award for best children's literature. This list of books Mrs. Smith chooses are believed to be front-runners for the real Newbery.

Students read and review the books of their choosing and reviews are completed using a digital book review form. If the students read a set number of books, they can participate in the selection process and receive prizes as follows:

  • 5 books: Eligible to vote for the student favorite book and earn a 5-book token
  • 10 books: Eligible to be on the final selection committee and earn a 10-book token
  • 15 books: Eligible for a golden certificate and 15-book token
  • 20 books: Earns a reading token and copy of the winning Burtonbery or Newbery book

This year students read over 1108 books. 56 students made it to the committee meeting with 30 of those students reading all 20 books!

At the final committee meeting on Friday, May 23, students discussed their favorite book with the group, doing their best to persuade other committee members to vote with them. After deliberation and votes tallied, The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Choldenko was awarded the 2025 Burtonbery Medal.

The 2024-25 Burtonbery selections:

  • Basil & Dahlia by Joy McCullough
  • Continental Drifter by Kathy Macleod
  • The Enigma Girls by Candace Fleming
  • Ferris by Kate DiCamillo
  • The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly
  • Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
  • Lion Dancers by Cai Tse
  • The Lonely Below by G. Haron Davis
  • The Mystery of Locked Rooms by Linsay Currie
  • The Night Librarian by Christopher Lincoln
  • The Night War by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
  • Not Quite A Ghost by Anee Ursu
  • Olivetti by Allie Millington
  • Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol
  • A Strange Thing Happened In Cherry Hall by Jasmine Warga
  • Telephone of the Tree by Alison McGhee
  • The Tenth Mistake Of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Choldenko
  • They Call Me No Sam! by Drew Daywalt
  • Timid by Jonathan Todd
  • Tree. Table. Book. by Lois Lowry

Rogers TK Students Curate Art Show

On Thursday, May 15, Rogers Transitional Kindergarten students presented an art show for their families. Student art from the year was displayed in the Rogers courtyard and students took their loved ones on a tour, pointing out all the pieces they had created. This end-of-year tradition was well attended.

Pattengill Kicks Off 100th Year Anniversary with School-Wide Photo

Pattengill turns 100 this year, and to start the celebration, the whole school gathered on the front lawn to form a 100 with the students. Pattengill will continue to celebrate its anniversary next school year with the community.

Burton 4th Graders Perform at the Annual Talent Show

On Friday, May 23, Burton 4th graders showcased their skills in their annual talent show. The students performed in the Huntington Woods Rec Center for classmates and family members. They sang songs, danced, played the piano, demonstrated yo-yo skills, shared science experiments and more. Some students volunteered as stage crew, while others took on the role of emcee. Congratulations to all the students on your wonderful performances!

Angell Students Showcase their Talent

On Friday, May 23, Angell students showcased their skills at the annual Talent Show, Angell Idol.

Students performed dances, songs, played instruments and much more. Congratulations, students, on being so brave and performing your talents for the Angell community.

Anderson Hosts Cupcake Wars

On Friday, May 23, Anderson Middle School’s Family and Consumer Science 7th grade students participated in their culminating day of Cupcake Wars. Throughout the weeks leading up to the big day, groups of students worked in groups to develop a theme, flavor profile for both the cupcakes and frosting and think through how the final product would be displayed. Then, during the week of May 23, students baked and decorated, getting ready to present to a panel of judges, just like the TV show. The themes and displays included, Monsters, Inc, earthlings, cupcake campout, beaches, the dealers hand and more.

Guest judges, including Anderson administrators, Berkley Schools District administrators, AMS staff, and Principal Shamika Womble from Pattengill.

Congratulations to the following teams:

  • 4th Place: Monsters, Inc.
  • 3rd Place: Earthlings
  • Tied for 2nd Place: Cone Crusherz and Cupcake Campout
  • 1st Place: Wild Bites — who took home the top prize with their outstanding cupcakes!

After the judging was complete, students shared their cupcakes with AMS staff, friends and family.

Teacher Heather Torrente shared, “I am proud of every student who participated, showing not only baking skills but also collaboration, enthusiasm, and school spirit. Thank you for supporting our students and making this event a great success.”

Summer Drama Camp Registration is Open

Summer Drama Camp, led by Berkley High School Drama Coordinator John Hopkins, consists of multiple classes in different dramatic and performance techniques. The focus of the camps will be on musical theater and acting. Cost is $175 per session or $150 per session if you book more than one session in one transaction. Drama Camp will be held in the Berkley High School Little Theatre/Choir Room, 2325 Catalpa, Berkley, MI 48072.

Session One: Musical Theatre

  • For students entering 6-8 grade
  • June 23-27, 2025
  • Mon-Fri, 10 am - 3 pm including a 45 minute “brown-bag” lunch

Session Two: Acting Camp

  • For middle and high school students entering grades 6-12
  • August 4-8, 2025
  • Mon-Fri, 10 am - 3 pm including a 45 minute “brown-bag” lunch or off-campus lunch for high school students only

Session Three: Advanced Musical Theatre

  • For middle and high school students entering grades 6-12
  • August 11-15, 2025
  • Mon-Fri, 10 am - 3 pm including a 45 minute “brown-bag” lunch or off-campus lunch for high school students only

Questions? Contact District Drama Coordinator, John Hopkins at john.hopkins@berkleyschools.org

For additional information and to register visit this link.

High School Summer Program Registration Information

At this time the elementary and middle school summer programs are closed. Below is the information for the high school summer program.

High School Program: Credit Recovery

The high school summer program will be focused on Credit Recovery Courses. Credit Recovery Courses should be selected in consultation with each student’s school counselor. Credit Recovery coursework will be delivered through the APEX online learning system, assisted, facilitated, and overseen by certified teachers. Students will complete the coursework in person. These courses are tailored to each student and are mastery-based, which means the length of time students must spend in Credit Recovery will vary and is dependent upon mastery of course objectives.

Program Details for Credit Recovery

Registration

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: May

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.

May is Jewish American Heritage Month

May is Jewish American Heritage Month. On April 20, 2006, President George W. Bush proclaimed that May would be Jewish American Heritage Month to honor the contributions and achievements of Jewish Americans and to educate all Americans. It’s been continued every year since then by Presidential Proclamation. Jewish American Heritage Month is a celebration of the contributions and experiences of Jewish Americans and highlights how America’s Jewish communities have shaped, and been shaped, by the cultural, social, and economic fabric of the United States.

Learn more about Jewish American Heritage Month:

May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month is a celebration of people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent in the United States. A broad term, Asian/Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island).

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week was first signed into law by President Carter on October 5, 1978. During the next decade, presidents passed annual proclamations for Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week until 1992 when Congress annually designated May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.

The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese person to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.

Source: Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month website

Resources to learn more about Asian/Pacific Heritage Month:

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Since its inception in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. Mental health refers to our emotional and social well-being and impacts how we think, feel and behave. It plays a role in connecting with others, making decisions, handling stress, and many other aspects of daily life.

The Berkley School District has many resources available for families on our Emotional Support and Wellness Resources webpage. From emergency hotlines to community resources, to mindfulness, to grief and loss resources, our mental health professionals have built a comprehensive site for the community to use.

Additional resources to learn more about Mental Health Awareness Month:

Cinco De Mayo - May 5

Cinco de Mayo, which translates to the fifth of May and is celebrated on May 5, is a holiday recognizing when the Mexican army claimed victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War on May 5, 1862, according to History. Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day (September 16), a popular misconception. Instead, it commemorates a single battle. Today, Cinco De Mayo celebrations are more popular in the United States than Mexico.

Learn more on the National Geographic Kids website and Britannica website.

National Teacher Appreciation Day - May 6

National Teacher Appreciation Day is on Tuesday during the first full week in May as a reminder to show appreciation for teachers everywhere. The National Education Association describes National Teacher Day, "as a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives."

In Berkley Schools, it allows the District to say thank you to all our outstanding teachers for all they do for their students.

Memorial Day - May 26

Memorial Day is a Federal holiday, held on the last Monday in May to honor fallen U.S. soldiers. It is a day of remembrance to honor those who served the country and made the ultimate sacrifice.

Memorial Day began as Decoration Day after the Civil War, when flowers were placed on graves of the fallen, with the first national celebration held at Arlington National Cemetery, May 30, 1868. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act which moved several federal holidays, including Memorial Day, to designated Mondays—creating three-day weekends for federal workers. The change officially took effect in 1971, establishing the final Monday in May as Memorial Day.

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

  • Full Time Elementary Teachers - Multiple Positions
  • School Psychologist - 2025-26 School Year
  • School Social Worker - Early Childhood Education
  • Early Childhood Special Education Teacher - BBB
  • Lead Teacher - GSRP Extended Program Teacher - BBB
  • Permanent Substitute Custodian - District
  • Kids’ Zone Assistant Teachers (3 positions) - Angell, Pattengill, Rogers
  • Lunch Aides - Angell, Burton, Pattengill
  • Middle School Football Coach - Anderson
  • JV Girls Golf Coach - BHS
  • 7th Grade Boys Basketball Coach - Norup

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