Berkley Beat May 9, 2025

What's Inside

  • Board of Education Recognizes Student Athletes and Marketing Students at May Study Session
  • 110 Berkley High School Students Earn National Community Service Awards
  • Celebrating Staff Appreciation Week with an Employee Health and Wellness Fair at Berkley High School
  • Berkley Schools Staff Host Coaches to Deepen Phonics Learning
  • Community is Invited to a Community Chat with Superintendent Francis
  • Summer Program Registration Now Open
  • 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
  • How to Subscribe to the District Calendar
  • Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring

Board of Education Recognizes Student Athletes and Marketing Students at May Study Session

At the May 5 Study Session, the Board of Education recognized students for their accomplishments for academics, athletics and participating in the DECA state conference.

All-State Academics

The Board recognized both the 2024-25 Boys and Girls Varsity basketball teams for achieving all-state academic status. The Boy’s team had a cumulative GPA of 3.35 and the Girl’s team had a cumulative GPA of 3.8227.

Figure Skating

The Board recognized Berkley High School skaters on the BROU (Berkley, Royal Oak Unified Team with Ferndale and Lamphere). For the 3rd consecutive year, the BROU Intermediate Team was District Champions. They, along with the BROU C Team qualified for states.

At States, the Intermediate team came in second place overall, and the C Team finished in eighth place.

Individually, the following skaters competed at States.

  • Lillian Garska, 12th gr, Placed 2nd in Intermediate Plus Freestyle
  • Madeline Gold, 12th gr, Placed 4th in Intermediate Freestyle and 6th in Pre-Gold Ice Dance
  • Rosabelle Moody, 11th gr, Placed 4th in Pre-preliminary Freestyle
  • Claire Dijkers, 9th gr, Berkley C Team, Placed 2nd in Aspire 3

DECA

The Board also recognized students in the DECA club who qualified and competed at the State Development Conference. 48 students qualified for States, and of those 22 were overall finalists, 1 received a role-play medal, 1 received a test medal, and 12 qualified to represent Michigan at the International Conference.

The following students were recognized for their accomplishments.

  • Adalyn Brzezinski, Business Innovation Plan - International Qualifier
  • Alex Conti, Sports and Entertainment Team Decision Making Event
  • Alex Sims, Community Giving Project Management Event - International Qualifier
  • Andy Wright, Integrated Marketing Campaign - Service
  • Annabel Sturtz, School Based Enterprise - International Qualifier
  • Autumn Good, Restaurant Food Service Management Series
  • Ava Guerra, Financial Literacy Project Management Event
  • Ben Kacin, Automotive Management Series
  • Ben Sanborn, Integrated Marketing Campaign - Event
  • Ben Wine, Marketing Management Team Decision Making Event
  • Brayden Kubicki, Integrated Marketing Campaign Event - Overall Finalist
  • Caleigh Tracey, Business Innovation Plan - Overall Finalist
  • Collin Richardson, Business Law and Ethics Team Decision Making Event
  • Ella Hesano, School Based Enterprise - International Qualifier
  • Emma Gonda,Quick Serve Restaurant Management Series
  • Greyson Scalzi, Restaurant Food Service Management Series - Role-play medal
  • Jack Fouts, Sports and Entertainment Team Decision Making Event
  • Jake Ingber, Marketing Management Team Decision Making Event
  • Kate Pollock, Integrated Marketing Campaign Product - Overall Finalist
  • Kayla Childress, Professional Selling Event
  • Laney Reich, Business Innovation Plan - Overall Finalist
  • Leif Schoof, Career Development Project Management Event - International Qualifier
  • Lexi Gross, Business Innovation Plan - International Qualifier
  • Lily Rogers, Independent Business Plan - Overall Finalist
  • Lola Burns, Start-up Business Plan - International Qualifier
  • Madelyn Grzegorczyk, Business Service Operations Research Event - International Qualifier (Aspire Academy)
  • Madi Schindler, Community Giving Project Management Event - International Qualifier
  • Mari Strat, Sports and Entertainment Operations Research Event - Overall Finalist
  • Marlen Toma, Business Service Operations Research Event
  • Marni Levine, Start-Up Business Plan
  • Mia Mracna, Financial Literacy Project Management Event
  • Mitchell Paykin-Steiger, International Business Plan
  • Nick Ceresnie, Finance Operations Research Event - International Qualifier
  • Niklas Gustafson, Integrated Marketing Campaign Event - Overall Finalist
  • Noah Dean, Integrated Marketing Campaign Service - Overall Finalist
  • Noah Golembiewski, Sports and Entertainment Operations Research Event - Overall Finalist
  • Phinn Moore, Business Law and Ethics Team Decision Making Event
  • Riley Gutman, Integrated Marketing Campaign Product - Overall Finalist
  • Robert Anantharam, Integrated Marketing Campaign Event Test Medal
  • Salman Abdella, Finance Operations Research Event - International Qualifier
  • Sophie Farquhar, Integrated Marketing Campaign Service - Overall Finalist
  • Stephanie Hornak, Financial Consulting Event
  • Tali Dines, Independent Business Plan - Overall Finalist
  • Tatum Saltsman, Start-Up Business Plan
  • Tayla Steczek, Career Development Project Management Event - International Qualifier
  • Will Qualman, Integrated Marketing Campaign - Event

110 Berkley High School Students Earn National Community Service Awards

110 BHS students were recognized by the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) and InnerView in the eighth Annual Community Service Impact Awards. This program, open to all U.S. students, has been designed to connect student community service activities, skill development, and commitment to the Global Goals to transform our world. Michigan Community Service Commision is recognizing outstanding youth volunteers addressing community needs.

Schools with a collective student impact above 2,000 hours of service, the equivalent of a full time employee, are recognized with a School Impact Award. Students from Berkley High School have invested 9,948+ hours in community needs: earning the Emerald Award. Student volunteers from Berkley High School delivered the most impact for the issue of Quality Education.

Through the Award Program, students develop a digital service resume for use in job and college applications to demonstrate personal commitment, 21st century skills and key areas of interest.

The three-tier award program recognizes a range of student achievement: Merit for 30 hours, Honor for 60 hours and Ambassador for 100 hours of service this school year and special recognition for a focus on Zero Hunger and Zero Waste. The following students earned awards from UNA-USA.

Ambassador Awardees: Isaiah Ali, Lydia Binelli, Emily Castone, Lilah Conger, Patrick Deighton, Audrey Horner, Violet Karp, Rosabelle Moody, Kendal Reid, Leah Wine

Honor Awardees: Willem Allen, Eleanor Baker, Lily Bernstein, Scarlett Buick, Jessie Burns, Lucas Carter, August Cumming, Luke Demerre, Caroline Egnotovich, Samuel Feiler, Justin Findling, Samuel George, Autumn Goodspeed, Madelyn Grzegorczyk, Eli Khoury, Je’da Kyles, Shoshana Loomer, Shira Mendelson, Madison Newton, Danielle Nodler, Sophia Novell-Regester, Delaney Reed, Eliana Reiter, Taylor Ricks, Leah Rizak, Ethan Roth, Madeleine Schindler, Cecilia Shaw, Ruqaya Siddiqi, Sabiya Siddiqi, Alexandria Sims, Noreen Sleeman, Annabel Sturtz, Alana White, Zachary Whitmore, Bryn Wightman, Sophia Yunker, Isabella Zammit

Merit Awardees: Case Bishop, Morgan Black, Nicole Charlton, Owen Church, Ava Cohen, Jordan Coleman, Madeline Collins, Trey Davis, Ava Dijkers, Nadia Fobbs, Ella Francis, Ethan Frank, Molly Frankel, Kathryn Frazier, Jacob Friedman, Jessica Gleason, Madeline Gold, Evan Haenick, Margo Hartzell, Ella Hesano, Ava Hickok, Alana Horwitz, Chloe Hunt, Rebekah Kim, Amelia Kinnen, Le'la Kyles, Elena Lane, Quinn Loree, Sloane McEvoy, Amelia Mlutkowski, Samuel Niyo, Ramari Nolan, Claire O'Connell, Lucia Pietraszewski-Tesolin, Ella Pochron, Charles Price, Lucy Pugh, Lex Quisling, Addison Rebori, Ann Redman, Molly Remeika, Reed Reynolds, Ashley Rolands, Jack Saltsman, Leif Schoof, Sloan Scully, Abigail Short, Alyssa Skoczylas, Claudia Smith, Jada Smith, Julia Smith, Ruby Spurgeon, Tegan Stone, Marlen Toma, Emerson Warner, Evelyn Watts, Talia Wittenberg, Justin Wolfe, Rachael Wychuyse

Zero Hero Awardees: Morgan Black, My'elle Davis, Samuel George, Emile Jenkins, Sloane McEvoy, Shira Mendelson, Heather Mrosewske, Leif Schoof, Ruqaya Siddiqi, Sabiya Siddiqi, Alexandria Sims

Michigan Awardees: XiXi Alexander, Isaiah Ali, Willem Allen, Eleanor Baker, Lily Bernstein, Lydia Binelli, Case Bishop, Morgan Black, Scarlett Buick, Jessie Burns, Lucas Carter, Emily Castone, Jordan Coleman, Lilah Conger, August Cumming, Patrick Deighton, Luke Demerre, Caroline Egnotovich, Samuel Feiler, Justin Findling, Ethan Frank, Kathryn Frazier, Jacob Friedman, Samuel George, Autumn Goodspeed, Madelyn Grzegorczyk, Evan Haenick, Audrey Horner, Alana Horwitz, Violet Karp, Eli Khoury, Je’da Kyles, Le'la Kyles, Shoshana Loomer, Quinn Loree, Shira Mendelson, Rosabelle Moody, Aram Mouradian, Madison Newton, Samuel Niyo, Danielle Nodler, Ramari Nolan, Sophia Novell-Regester, Lucia Pietraszewski-Tesolin, Addison Rebori, Delaney Reed, Kendal Reid, Eliana Reiter, Reed Reynolds, Taylor Ricks, Leah Rizak, Ashley Rolands, Ethan Roth, Madeleine Schindler, Leif Schoof, Cecilia Shaw, Abigail Short, Ruqaya Siddiqi, Sabiya Siddiqi, Alexandria Sims, Noreen Sleeman, Annabel Sturtz, Marlen Toma, Evelyn Watts, Alana White, Zachary Whitmore, Bryn Wightman, Leah Wine, Talia Wittenberg, Justin Wolfe, Sophia Yunker, Isabella Zammit

Celebrating Staff Appreciation Week with an Employee Health and Wellness Fair at Berkley High School

The Berkley School District hosted an Employee Health and Wellness Fair on May 6, 2025 in celebration of Staff and Teacher Appreciation Week. Over 600 staff members met with vendors that promoted physical, financial, emotional and social well-being. Staff members also enjoyed lunch from The Lunch Cafe, cookies from Detroit Cookie Company and socializing with their peers from other buildings. Thank you to all Berkley Schools staff members who go above and beyond every day for our students.

Berkley Schools Staff Host Coaches to Deepen Phonics Learning

In April and May, Berkley Schools elementary schools hosted coaches from 95 Percent Group, the District’s phonics program, across multiple grade levels and buildings. The phonics teacher labs gave educators time and space to observe one another, reflect on best practices and deepen their understanding of effective phonics instruction. The Teaching and Learning Team shared the following highlights and outcomes from the teacher labs:

  • Coaches highlighted the power of simple tweaks to help students stay engaged and successful in phonics.
  • Teachers explored ways to support students, from using sound-spelling cards and manipulatives to building small groups around specific needs.
  • There is growing evidence that students are starting to apply phonics strategies across reading, writing and content areas like social studies and science.
  • Consistent lesson structures, the use of visuals and gestures and clear scope and sequence help create smoother lessons and stronger student independence.
  • Teachers across schools shared strategies, wondered aloud together and offered each other encouragement.

Cait Seguin, Instructional Support Specialist, shared, “To our dedicated phonics lab hosts, thank you for leading the way with professionalism, warmth, and a shared commitment to high-quality instruction for all students. This kind of professional collaboration strengthens our entire learning community! We look forward to continued implementation of our phonics program and continued growth in literacy for our students!”

Community is Invited to a Community Chat with Superintendent Francis

Superintendent Scott Francis will host his final community chat of the school year on May 19, 2025. Community members are invited to hear about the Berkley School District Strategic Plan progress at this informal community forum on Monday, May 19, 5:30-6:30 pm, at the Berkley Schools Administrative Offices, 14501 Talbot, Oak Park. Refreshments will be provided.

Summer Program Registration Now Open

Elementary Program - Math & Language Arts + STEM

The Berkley Summer Difference Math & Language Arts program is intended for students currently in Grades TK-5 who need to maintain or grow in their academic achievement from the 2024-25 school year. Students who enroll in the program will have both math and language arts instruction throughout the summer program.

The elementary Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program will focus on problem solving, engineering design and offer hands-on opportunities.

All classes will be taught in-person by certified, highly-qualified elementary teachers. Depending on enrollment, multi-grade sections may be organized to better meet staffing needs. The summer program will be educational and enjoyable!

Program Details for Math & Language Arts

Program Details for Elementary STEM

Middle School Program

Students who just completed their 6th - 8th grade school year can participate in the Berkley Summer Difference program. All classes will be offered in-person. Students have the option to take three types of classes: Math, English Language Arts and Computer Science. Availability of sections will be determined based upon registration.

The middle school summer English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics school programs are intended for students currently in grades 6-8 who need to maintain or grow in their achievement.

The middle school summer Computer Science program provides foundational skills and includes: Encryption, Animation, Machine Learning (pre-AI), Magic School, and Game Design.

Classes will be taught by certified, highly-qualified middle school teachers. Depending on enrollment, multi-grade sections may be organized to better meet staffing needs.

Program Details for Math & English Language Arts Classes

Program Details for the Computer Science Class

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

Elementary and Middle School

High School

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.

Subscribe to the District and School Calendars

Did you know you can subscribe to our school and District online calendars?

Sync the online calendar to your personal device to ensure you won’t miss a thing!

The District’s online calendar system uses iCal Feeds. To access all the iCal links, visit the District’s Calendar page, and click on the red and white calendar link to the top right of the calendar that’s displayed on the page.

Use this Foxbright tutorial to walk you through connecting our calendars to yours.

Be sure to subscribe to both the District AND your school calendar to ensure you have all important dates in your device.

Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring!

The Berkley School District is hiring! We are looking for talented individuals to fill a variety of positions. Visit our website to apply and share our postings with your networks!

Open Positions

  • Permanent Building Substitute Teacher - Norup
  • Long-Term Substitute Middle School Language Arts/Speech Teacher - Norup
  • Special Education High School Social Worker - BHS
  • Payroll Coordinator - Administrative Offices
  • Lead Teacher - GSRP Extended Program Teacher - BBB
  • Afternoon Custodian (2 positions) - Angell, Burton
  • Afternoon Custodian Shift Leader - Norup
  • Permanent Substitute Custodian - District
  • Kids’ Zone Assistant Teachers (3 positions) - Angell, Pattengill, Rogers
  • Lunch Aides - Angell, Burton, Pattengill
  • Middle School Football Coach - Anderson
  • 7th Grade Boys Basketball Coach - Norup

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