What's Inside
- Letter from Superintendent Francis: Immigration Enforcement Changes Related to Schools
- Anderson Students Learn Lessons and Hear Personal Stories On Holocaust Remembrance Day
- Bond Work & Sinking Fund Project Update: January 2025
- Kindergarten Information for All: Registration and Schools of Choice
- Time to Fill Out an Intent to Return Form - For All Students Grades TK-11
- Norup Lego Club Celebration Courtesy of the BEF
- Indoor Bounce House Fun for District Families
- 37 BHS Students Earn National Credential in Customer Service
- Disciplinary Literacy Labs: Bringing Relevance and Authenticity to the Classroom
- Berkley Education Foundation’s Off to the Races Tickets on Sale
- Students Invited to Participate in Governor’s Art Contest
- Thank You, School Board Members for Serving Our Community
- 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?
- January Calendar Highlights - Orthodox Christmas Day, Orthodox New Year, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Lunar New Year
- How to Subscribe to the District Calendar
- Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring
Letter from Superintendent Francis: Immigration Enforcement Changes Related to Schools
Dear Berkley Schools community,
Today I am writing to you regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s action rescinding its policy that restricted immigration enforcement in schools and other previously protected areas. Many administrators including myself have received questions about what the District is planning to do if an Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) Federal agent visited one of our buildings and what your rights are. This message will provide resources you may find helpful and clarity on this issue.
We are committed to protecting the rights and privacy of our students and staff. This includes following our standard visitor protocols, only releasing students to adults on the emergency contact list and complying with the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) as defined by Board Policy 8330, which safeguards protected student information.
We have developed guidelines for our school administrators and secretaries if a Federal agent were to visit our schools. This protocol includes the following:
- Determine the reason for the visit.
- Ask for identification, log the visitor in the Raptor system and ask the agent to wait while administrators are contacted.
- Contact the Superintendent’s Office and the building administrator.
- The Superintendent and/or his designee will then review the situation with an attorney and the School Resource Officer to determine next steps.
To our families who are wondering what their rights are, Oakland Schools shared the following resource: Know Your Rights website. This website has many documents in multiple languages which I hope you find helpful.
If your child appears to be impacted by the news or has questions, I would encourage you to review this article - How to Talk to Your Child about the News by Kidshealth.org. In addition, our mental health staff are always available to talk to our students if they are having a difficult time.
Finally, I want to make it clear that we are committed to living into our District Vision. Creating an inclusive culture and a place of belonging for each and every one of our students and staff members will continue to be our priority.
Sincerely,
Scott Francis, Superintendent
Berkley Schools
Anderson Students Learn Lessons and Hear Personal Stories on Holocaust Remembrance Day
On Monday, January 27, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Anderson Middle School 8th graders heard a presentation from Linda Cohen, an author and daughter of Holocaust survivors.
Ms. Cohen shared her parents, Sarinka and Leon’s, story about how they escaped Yugoslavia and ended up in an internment camp in New York prior to settling in the United States.
Students were captivated by the story, sitting in silence as Linda told the details of her parents’ escape as Jews during World War II, their survival, their loss of family in concentration camps and how they escaped to the United States.
Ms. Cohen wrote a book about their journey to freedom called Sarinka: A Sephardic Holocaust Journey: From Yugoslavia To An Internment Camp in America and she was proud to tell the students her mother had a chance to read the manuscript before she passed away. She told students how she learned her mother’s story when she was a teenager and then continued to learn more as her mother aged.
In closing, Ms. Cohen told the students, “I hope if nothing else, you can walk away knowing what extreme hate can do.”
Here is a brief summary of Sarinka and Leon’s story:
In 1941, the German army invaded Yugoslavia. Sarinka was 23 and Leon was 34 and they were engaged to be married. After a quick wedding and help from neighbors, they went into hiding. Separated from their families, they eventually joined a resistance group called the Partisans, lived in the forest for months and ran and hid for three years, eventually finding shelter in southern Italy.
In 1944, President Roosevelt announced a program to take up to 1,000 refugees of war into the US with the mandate that they return to their country after the war was over. Her parents were lucky to get on the list and were transported to northern New York and lived in an internment camp in the town of Oswego. From 1944 to 1946, Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter served as the only shelter in the United States for Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust.
At the Emergency Refugee shelter, residents did not have free will in the US, but their quality of life did improve. Sarinka and Leon learned English and kindness, and had food and shelter. Linda’s mother met a local resident who brought her food and showed her kindness. “She saved her life in a different way,” Ms. Cohen shared.
In 1945, President Truman allowed the refugees to become immigrants. In 1946 they were allowed to leave the camp and they left for Baltimore to establish a new life with friends from the camp, who became their only family.
After the war, her parents learned that their families in Yugoslavia were murdered in the concentration camps and they had no one left. They shared their story of survival and of their loved ones' peril with their children and grandchildren so it would not be forgotten.
While the 8th graders were learning from Ms. Cohen, 6th and 7th graders learned more about the Holocaust in their homeroom class.
6th graders began by learning the definition of the Holocaust. They also learned about the timeline of the Holocaust and watched videos about Kristallnacht, the ghettos and stories from liberators and survivors. During these lessons students shared what they already knew about the Holocaust, what they wondered about, and at the end of the lesson each student wrote on a paper flame what they learned and why we should never forget the Holocaust.
7th graders learned the history of antisemitism and how propaganda was used to spread fear and prevent resistors during the Holocaust. Students participated in a gallery walk that focused on several groups/individuals whose efforts helped to save Jews in Europe during the war.
Bond Work & Sinking Fund Project Update: January 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 January update includes construction updates on the new maintenance building, construction updates for Burton and Pattengill, timeline for Berkley High School projects in Spring 2025 including the pool, fieldhouse, auditorium, science wing and black box theatre, timelines for the ATP & Robotics space, updates on Phase II projects and technology updates. Visit Superintendent Francis’ Instagram page to see drone footage of both Burton and Pattengill’s additions.
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 2024 and 2025.
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. More detailed information will be shared with the community and Berkley High School neighbors once the plans are finalized.
- March 1, 2025: Black Box Theatre Construction Begins
- March 1, 2025: Pool Construction Begins
- April 2025: BEAR Construction Begins
- May 1, 2025: Auditorium Construction Begins
- June 2025: Science Wing Construction Begins After School Ends
- Summer 2025 Construction: Burton & Pattengill - Gym Remodel, Playgrounds, Parking Lots
- August 2025: Pool Grand Opening
- Start of School 2025: Burton & Pattengill Multi-Purpose Additions Grand Opening, Science Classrooms Opening
- October 2025: Science Labs Grand Opening
- January 2026: Performing Arts Center Grand Opening (Auditorium, Black Box Theatre, Instrument Commons, Band/Orchestra Rooms)
- October 2026: BEAR 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 north of the Norup playground. Since December, the electrical transformer has been installed, the plumbing inspection has been passed, ceiling tiles are being installed, floor polishing is taking place and tile work is nearly complete. The fiber network team will complete their installation in early February. The building is anticipated to be completed by mid-February 2025.
Once the new building is cleared for occupancy, the District’s Maintenance Team will move in and prepare the current Annex building across from the high school for demolition.
District-wide Furniture Purchase - Bond - Phase II
Phase I of the furniture project is complete with a few punch list items to complete for the all new classroom furniture. The design process for Phase II(B) (art rooms, media centers, music rooms, science labs, etc.) has begun. The design development phase will continue through January 2025 to allow for installation to begin in June.
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.
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:
- The foundation work is complete and walls are going up on the addition. Parts of the addition site are inside of a bubble to allow the cement to dry in the cold weather.
- Work on underground plumbing has begun and a new gas meter was installed over Winter Break.
- Exterior abatement took place on the weekends in January where the new addition will connect to the existing building to remove asbestos containing materials.
- For the new playground area inside of the track, fencing is up and excavation has begun to prepare the site for the monkey bars, tubes, swings and shade sails.
- The street-side parking on Nadine plus the sidewalk will be closing soon to the public to accommodate the rest of the construction work. Burton Principal Lauren Fragomeni has communicated the new walking route and street crossing plans to the Burton community once the parking lot and sidewalk are completely closed.
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:
- The foundation is complete and the masons are working on building the exterior walls. Parts of the addition site are inside of a bubble to allow the cement to dry in the cold weather.
- The construction fence line was extended to enclose the grassy area between the building and playground facing Oakshire for additional underground work to take place. A new concrete area will be poured to the south of the playground as part of the later construction plans.
- Exterior abatement took place during weekends in January to remove asbestos containing materials in the roof areas.
- In addition to the multi-purpose addition, the District is adding parking spaces near the baseball field on Royal as part of the construction.
- During construction, both Royal and Oakshire will have short time periods where the streets will have construction to tie into the building projects. The community will be notified ahead of time when these projects are slated to begin.
Phase I: BHS Performing Arts Wing - Bond - Spring 2025
Berkley High School’s Performing Arts Bond team details were finalized and the bid divisions are approved. The Performing Arts wing updates include the Auditorium complete renovation, Auditorium lobby addition, the Black Box Theatre/Choir Classroom addition, a new instrument commons and upgrades to both the Band and Orchestra rooms as well as upgrading practice rooms. This work will begin in the Spring 2025 and is scheduled for completion in early 2026.
Phase I: BHS Science Wing - Bond - Summer 2025
The BHS Science Wing planning and drawings are complete and the bid divisions are approved. The science 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.
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. All contractors have now been approved by the Board of Education. Engineering reviews are taking place and planning for environmental remediation is in progress. Demolition will begin during the month of April 2025. Once demolition begins, the parking lot will be closed to the public.
Phase I: BHS Pool - Bond - Spring/Summer 2025
The original 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. Pool updates will take place starting as soon as the boys swim season is complete in March 2025. The additional mechanical work (filtration and chemical systems) will be completed in spring/summer 2026.
ATP & Robotics at former Cana Lutheran Church - Sinking Fund - Spring 2025
The Adult Transition Program (ATP) and Robotics programs will be housed at the former Cana Lutheran Church. The work for both of these projects was bundled with the BHS Bond projects and all bid divisions are approved. The goal is to have ATP in their new space by August 2025 for the start of the school year and Robotics soon after and prior to their 2025 build season. Some work has begun in the building and the work will ramp up in March 2025.
Phase II: Angell & Rogers Multi-Purpose Additions - Bond - Fall 2025
Design team meetings have begun to plan and shape the Bond work for Angell and Rogers multi-purpose/cafeteria additions, gym updates and any resulting playground adjustments. Design teams consist of building staff, District staff, architects and construction management team. These teams are led by Stantec, the District’s architects, and a core team of Berkley Schools Administrative staff. The team is in the Design Development phase of the project and is refining details and working with early cost estimates. Both multi-purpose additions will resemble the Burton and Pattengill designs and function.
Technology - Bond
New interactive flat panels and new classroom sound system installation is complete across the District. The District is working to improve the fiber network and has hired IDS as a technology consultant to assist with Bond project planning specific to technology needs. The new staff laptop distribution plan has begun and will continue through winter/spring 2025. 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.
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.
Norup Lego Club Celebration Courtesy of the BEF
On Thursday, January 23, Norup students in the Lego Club celebrated the completion of their first session with a final project. Students worked on the project for two weeks, and during the event, they displayed their creations to parents to celebrate the end of this session.
This is the third year of the Lego Club, with around 90 students participating in two cohorts held throughout the school year. The program is led by club advisors Kristi Metz and Danielle Crowder, both Norup teachers, whose goal is to encourage students' creativity, problem-solving and collaboration. The Lego Club is part of the Berkley Education Foundation’s Enrichment program to provide free enriching opportunities to elementary and middle school students.
Each week, students are given a new building challenge and work either independently or with others to build something without any instructions. Through this process, students learn new ways to build and how to collaborate. Every week, students have the opportunity to share what they've built and give "shout outs" to encourage each other.
Ms. Metz shared, “The first year we had 35 kids, the second year we had about 60. It's been really cool to see it grow each year.”
The Berkley Education Foundation funds enrichment courses free of charge to bring unique experiences to students and to enhance their learning. To learn more about the BEF, visit their website. To support the BEF and the Enrichment Program, visit the BEF’s donation site.
Indoor Bounce House Fun for District Families
The Berkley Schools Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) held an indoor event on Sunday, January 26. PAC representative Natasha Hamilton organized the event which was held in the BHS gym. Families were invited to get out of the cold and have some fun by getting energy out on an indoor bounce house and obstacle course. About 50 families and children attended. The next event will be a picnic in the spring.
37 BHS Students Earn National Credential in Customer Service
During the week of January 13, 2025, 37 Berkley High Schools students in the Marketing I class passed the Customer Sales and Service Certification Exam from the National Retail Federation earning them a nationally recognized credential. Below are the students who passed the exam.
Joshua Bhagwan, Jordan Blackmon, Adalyn Brzezinski, Maxwell Byars, Nicholas Ceresnie, Kayla Childress, Alexander Conti, Autymn Corizer, Matthew Derkowski, Aiden Dietz, Natalia Dines, Logan Elmore, Nolan Federspiel, Ian Filipp, Logan Fishman, Jack Fouts, Dominic Gigliotti, Noah Golembiewski, Autumn Good, Alexis Gross, Riley Gutman, Connor Hambright, Jalal Hannah, Stephanie Hornak, Marni Levine, Cayden Phillips, Kathleen Pollock, Laney Reich, Riely Robertson, Lily Rogers, Greyson Scalzi, William Schmidt, Samuel Sermo, Christopher Short, Kendall Sims, Caleigh Tracey, Benjamin Wine
The exam covered the following skills:
- Understanding the customer life cycle
- Developing effective strategies to engage customers
- Assessing customer needs and closing sales
- Reading customer body language
- Increasing customer satisfaction and retention
- Problem-solving and working in teams
Disciplinary Literacy Labs: Bringing Relevance and Authenticity to the Classroom
This fall and winter, all secondary (grades 6-12) core content area teachers participated in Disciplinary Literacy (DL) job-embedded labs, where learning takes place within the classroom as teachers observe other teachers. The goal of this professional learning was to foster an understanding of how elements of disciplinary literacy show up within instruction and to help teachers identify things they want to commit to in their own practice.
Disciplinary Literacy focuses on helping students to read, write, and think in a way that is specific to an academic field or a career. For example, students are challenged to think like mathematicians in Math, to read sources carefully like historians in Social Studies and to write like a poet in ELA.
The labs were structured so that District instructional coaches led small groups of teachers through a lesson on disciplinary literacy. Then, teachers had the opportunity to observe two lessons where DL practices were happening and debrief with the host teachers.
Cait Seguin, Instructional Support Specialist, shared, “It has been evident through the observations and conversations that teachers are gaining confidence in implementing disciplinary literacy through small, actionable changes. There is a strong emphasis on creating a "new culture" in classrooms, where literacy practices are intentionally taught within each discipline, promoting deeper student engagement and student-led learning. Ultimately, teachers see DL as a powerful tool for increasing student agency, improving literacy, and making thinking visible in ways that support diverse learners.”
The Teaching and Learning Department thanks all who participated in the teacher labs, and especially thanks teachers for opening their classroom and hosting their peers for valuable professional learning!
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. Last day of reduced pricing!
Don’t miss out on all the fun. Tickets are on sale now: $50/person through January 31 - increased to $60/person on February 1.
- 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.
Thank you, Berkley School Board Members for Serving Our Community
School board members connect essential pieces of the puzzle, bringing together the vision, expertise and passion needed to support public education.
January is Board of Education Recognition Month, and we are grateful for our Board’s dedication and service to the Berkley Schools.
- Mike Tripp, President, re-elected 6 yr term November 8, 2022 (term expires 12/31/28)
- Sarah Mountain, Vice President, elected 6 yr term November 3, 2020 (term expires 12/31/26)
- Keith Logsdon, Treasurer, re-elected to a 6 yr term November 5, 2024 (term expires 12/31/30)
- Barrie Frankel, Secretary, elected 6 yr term November 8, 2022 (term expires 12/31/28)
- Roger Blake, Trustee, re-elected 6 yr term November 3, 2020 (term expires 12/31/26)
- Jason Deneau, Trustee, elected 6 yr term November 8, 2022 (term expires 12/31/28)
- Jon Heger, Trustee, elected 6 yr term November 5, 2024 (term expires 12/31/30)
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: January
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.
Orthodox Christmas Day - January 7
Many Orthodox Christians in the United States celebrate Christmas Day on or near January 7 in the Gregorian calendar. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the son of God.
Orthodox Christians are estimated to number between 250 and 300 million people. The largest number of Orthodox Christians live in eastern and southeastern Europe, including Russia and Ukraine. There are also significant Orthodox Christian populations in the Middle East and in Ethiopia.
The difference in the timing of the Christmas celebrations stretches back to 1582, when Pope Gregory XIII, ruled that the Catholic Church should follow a new calendar – called the Gregorian calendar, as it was closer to the solar calendar than the Julian calendar.
Orthodox New Year - January 14
The Orthodox New Year, otherwise known as the Old New Year, is a traditional holiday, celebrated as the start of the New Year in the Julian calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, this holiday falls on January 14th every year. This holiday is observed by Orthodox Christians in the U.S., and all around the world. Learn more on the Holidays Calendar website.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - January 20
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (MLK Day) is a federal holiday and is observed in honor of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the third Monday in January. The day commemorates the life and legacy of Dr. King, who was a minister and leader in the modern American civil rights movement. Dr. King is the only non-president to have a national holiday. While Dr. King was assassinated in 1968, MLK Day was not signed into law until 1983 and was first observed in 1986. The official observance was written into all 50 states and federal law by 2000.
Learn more about Dr. King and the years-long process to honor him with a federal holiday in the links below.
- The 15 Year Battle for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - National Museum of African American History & Culture
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Britannica
- 2025 King Holiday - The King Center
- Martin Luther King Jr. - History.com
Holocaust Remembrance Day - January 27
The United Nations General Assembly designated January 27—the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau—as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in 2005. This day is a time to remember the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and the millions of other victims of Nazi persecution during World War II.
The UN resolution for Holocaust Remembrance Day includes the following statement: Reaffirming that the Holocaust, which resulted in the murder of one third of the Jewish people, along with countless members of other minorities, will forever be a warning to all people of the dangers of hatred, bigotry, racism and prejudice; Rejects any denial of the Holocaust as an historical event, either in full or part; Commends those States which have actively engaged in preserving those sites that served as Nazi death camps, concentration camps, forced labour camps and prisons during the Holocaust; Condemns without reserve all manifestations of religious intolerance, incitement, harassment or violence against persons or communities based on ethnic origin or religious belief, wherever they occur.
Learn more on the United State Holocaust Memorial Museum website: https://www.ushmm.org/remember/international-holocaust-remembrance-day
Lunar New Year - January 29, 2025
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, falls on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025, and celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival on February 12th, 2025.
Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is the most important holiday in China, and it is also widely celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam, and countries with a significant overseas Chinese population. While the official dates encompassing the holiday vary by culture, those celebrating consider it the time of the year to reunite with immediate and extended family.
Commonly known as the Spring Festival in China, Lunar New Year is a fifteen-day celebration marked by many traditions. At home, families decorate windows with red paper cuttings and adorn doors with couplets expressing auspicious wishes for the new year. Shopping for holiday sundries in open-air markets and cleaning the house are also beloved traditions. The Lunar New Year’s Eve reunion dinner is the highlight that kicks off the holiday, a feast with a spread of symbolic dishes, such as a whole fish representing abundance, that bring good luck and fortune. The fifteenth and final day of the holiday is the Lantern Festival, during which people have tangyuan, or sweet glutinous rice balls, and children carry lanterns around the neighborhood at night to mark the end of the celebration.
In the Chinese zodiac, 2025 is the year of the snake.
Source: The National Museum of Asian Art
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
- Head Custodian - Berkley High School
- 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
- Long-Term Substitute Elementary Intervention Specialist - Rogers
Follow us on Social Media
Did you know the District has Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube pages? Follow us to see the latest news and photos!