What's Inside?
- AMS Hosts Veterans Day Event Honoring Guest Speakers
- Burton 4th Grades Build Earthquake-Proof Structures
- Berkley High Students Explore Chemical Reactions with Science Honor Society
- Angell Students Learn to Fuel Up Their Future
- Pattengill 4th Grade Learns STEM Lessons at Lawrence Technological University
- Board of Education Recognizes National Merit Semifinalists & All-State Cross-Country Runner
- Berkley Schools Staff Engage with Job-Embedded Professional Learning
- Caring & Sharing Kicks of Community Giving Season
- BHS Be Drama Presents: The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 - This Weekend!
- Calendar Highlights: Native American Heritage Month, Veterans Day, Diwali/Deepavali, Transgender Day of Remembrance, Thanksgiving
- Camp Invention Registration Open
- Travel Opportunities for 2024 & 2025: Rome, Spain & The South Pacific
- How to Subscribe to the District Calendar
- Join the Berkley Schools Family
- Sign Up for Text Messages
AMS Hosts Veterans Day Event Honoring Guest Speakers
On November 10, 2023, in honor of Veterans Day, Anderson Middle School teachers invited veterans to share their stories with students. Nine veterans, representing different branches of the military, shared personal experiences with Anderson students, covering topics like training, deployments, jobs and wartime experiences. Students engaged with their guests by asking questions. The goal of the event was to help students comprehend the true meaning of Veterans Day through firsthand accounts.
The following veterans attended the event at Anderson, who are AMS staff members, family members of students and/or friends of staff:
- Ken Anderer - United States Army
- Dennis Basierbe - United States Air Force
- Kurt Czapp - United States Marines
- Ben Davis - United States Army
- William Isenhour - United States Marines
- Scott LaPointe - United States Air Force
- Michael Morgan - United States Army
- Howard Sherman - United States Navy
- Troy Van Pelt - United States Marines
In addition to the Veterans Day guest presentation, teachers shared a video and information with students on why the United States celebrates Veterans Day on November 11. In his weekly email to families, AMS Principal Michael Ross shared, “Anderson Middle School extends its sincere gratitude to all veterans, past and present, for their service.”
Burton 4th Graders Build Earthquake-Proof Structures
During the week of November 6, 4th graders at Burton Elementary School engaged in a hands-on science lesson about plate tectonics. After learning about how the shifting of tectonic plates causes earthquakes, students created their own "earthquake-proof" structure as part of the Earth Systems Science unit. Students worked in pairs to use toothpicks and marshmallows to create an earthquake-proof structure on top of a paper plate. Each structure had to be eight inches tall. The plate simulated the Earth’s crust and the classes used a tray of jello for Earth’s mantle.
While planning their designs, students looked at examples of buildings from around the world that are designed to withstand earthquakes. While researching, students noticed concrete walls with steel cross beams for support and pyramid shapes, for example, are common among solid structure design. Students also learned that scientists test structures using giant shake plates.
To finish out the project, students moved their structures onto the tray of jello while their teacher tested the structure under distress. A back massager was used to simulate the earthquake for ten seconds. Students watched with anticipation and hope that their structures would stay together during the test.
Teacher Keely Galdes shared, “Students were engaged in developing their designs, and proud of their accomplishments when their structure withstood the shaking.”
Berkley High Students Explore Chemical Reactions with Science Honor Society
On Wednesday, November 15, students in the BHS Science National Honor Society held a flame test lab after school where 30 students identified elements based on how chemicals burned. The flame test showed the identity or chemical fingerprint of each element.
Students added wooden sticks to beakers filled with chemicals and then set the end of the stick on fire. Science teacher Scott Doty shared, “The color (spectrum emitted when electrons absorb the flame's energy, go away from the nucleus and fall back down emitting light photons with the energy lost) gives identity. This is called atomic emission spectra and allows scientists to determine what elements are burning in stars thousands of light years away.”
Science National Honor Society students have to attend three events per year. Students host labs after school, take care of animals in the Zoology classroom, tutor students in science and host guest scientists for a speaker series.
Angell Students Learn to Fuel Up Their Future
This Fall, Sara Piatt, MSA, RDN and Christy Scott, Certified Yoga Instructor brought nutrition education and yoga to Angell students through Fueling Up Our Future, LLC. This is the second year of hosting the “Fuel Up with Friends Program” at both Angell and Burton elementary schools. The business was formed to bring science-based nutrition education to the community and to inspire lifelong healthy habits for our future generation.
Ms. Piatt is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and mom to two daughters in the Berkley School District and Ms. Scott is a Certified Yoga Instructor and mom to two children in the Royal Oak School District, who infused interactive storytelling with yoga into the afterschool program this year. The “Fuel Up with Friends Program” was funded by the Berkley Education Foundation as part of their Free Enrichment Program for Berkley Schools elementary and middle school students, and funding was also provided by Woodward Corner Market. In the fall, Angell students in grades TK-5 had the opportunity to join the program. The program at Burton will begin in 2024.
During the six sessions, students enjoyed taste testing a variety of the food groups, learned about eating all colors of the rainbow, discussed different types of protein, whole grain, dairy foods and why they are good for health. Each session started out with 20 minutes of yoga which tied into the food group theme for the session. For example, one of the weeks, the focus was on fruits and vegetables and Ms. Scott took the students on an interactive yoga adventure with the book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The students played a mystery fruit and vegetable game and had the opportunity to taste a few new foods like rambutan, gooseberries and jicama sticks.
The students’ favorite part of the program was smoothie bikes. Students got some exercise on a stationary bike blending apple cider and pumpkin pie smoothies while at Woodward Corner Market. During the final week, students took a trip to Woodward Corner Market in Royal Oak for a grocery safari, looking for the rainbow of colors and calcium rich foods. In addition, the store manager took the kids on a “behind the scenes” tour of the grocery store and showed them how to scan and check out with a fruit of their choice.
Learn more about Fueling Up Our Future on their website.
The Berkley Education Foundation (BEF) 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.
Pattengill 4th Grade Learns STEM Lessons at Lawrence Technological University
On Friday, November 10, Pattengill 4th graders traveled to The Marburger STEM Center at Lawrence Technological University and experienced an exciting day of hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) learning. Students started their day in small groups and each student created a "lava lamp" demonstrating liquid density, cube bubbles to better understand surface tension and an air cannon to help explain air movement. Each group was led by a Lawrence Tech student who also shared information about their specific program at LTU.
After lunch, students gathered for a demonstration centered around liquid nitrogen and discussions based on temperature, air, molecule movement and science safety. Students even had a chance to create and sample "frozen" marshmallows!
This trip was planned by the Pattengill Counselor Joan Lynch based on the Michigan Career Development Model for Career Awareness for Grades 4-6. A terrific day was had by all learning about STEM career awareness.
Board of Education Recognizes National Merit Semifinalists & All-State Cross Country Runner
At the November 13, 2023 Board of Education Regular Meeting, the Board recognized four students for being National Merit Semifinalists and one student for competing in the State Cross Country meet.
National Merit Semifinalists
The Board recognized Berkley High School seniors Leo Benner, Riordan McGee, Lillian Tuite and Oliver Moss, who received the distinction of National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists.
These four students are included in the more than 16,000 Semifinalists in the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program, representing less than 1% of the nation’s high school graduating seniors. These high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,140 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.
All-State Cross Country Runner
The Board honored BHS Senior Oliver Moss, for qualifying for and participating in the Division 1 Cross Country State Meet at the Michigan International Speedway on November 4, 2023. Oliver finished in 25th place with All-State status and set a school record with a time of 15:37.9 besting the old school record of 15:38.0. Oliver also finished 3rd in the Regional Championship, took first place in the OAA Blue Division meet and was a member of the OAA Blue Division championship team. They were also named OAA All-League.
Berkley Schools Staff Engage with Job-Embedded Professional Learning
As part of the Cultivating Continuous Improvement series, Berkley Schools elementary principals, elementary coaches, Teaching and Learning Team members and Oakland Schools consultants participated in a day of job-embedded professional learning. The group used classroom observations and the Math and Literacy Essential Instructional Practices to consider ways to build coherence within the District’s system.
Caring & Sharing Kicks Off the Giving Season
Caring & Sharing is a Berkley Area PTSA Council annual event that provides holiday gift cards to families in the Berkley School District and local Veterans. Historically, this event has been a partnership inside our schools through non-perishable food drives and PTAs purchased turkeys, extra food & fresh produce to distribute holiday baskets.
Since 2020, the PTSA Council has collected funds through online fundraising, hoping to raise as much money as possible to give families generous gift cards to purchase groceries to meet their needs.
In 2022, Caring & Sharing raised $19,580, fed 85 families, and gave $1,000 to the American Legion. In addition to monetary donations through Memberhub, substantial donations were also received as part of the Berkley Cares Days at each school.
If you know of a family in need, or your family is in need this holiday season, please complete the CARING & SHARING REFERRAL FORM - DUE 12/1/23. All referral information will be used confidentially to provide families in need with a gift card this holiday season.
Anyone can make a Donation online. If you would prefer to donate via check, please make a check payable to Berkley Area PTSA Council and mail to 14501 Talbot St., Oak Park, MI 48237 no later than 12/1/23. Attn: Berkley Council PTSA - Caring & Sharing.
Any questions? Contact this year’s Caring & Sharing Chair Abby Watteny
Berkley High School Be Drama Presents: The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 - This Weekend!
Berkley High School’s Be Drama presents its fall play, “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” by John Bishop to the community on November 16, 17 and 18 at 7 pm. The play will be performed on the Berkley High School Auditorium stage.
“The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” is, according to Stage Agent, a delightful slapstick for audiences of all ages. The play includes blizzard conditions, secret passageways, and some musical snippets to create an Agatha-Christie-meets-Clue formula of whodunnit parody.
Location: Berkley High School Auditorium, 2325 Catalpa, Berkley, MI 48072
Tickets are on sale and available for purchase on the Be Drama website:
- Adults: $15
- Students: $10
- Staff: $10
- Seniors: $10
Cast Members
- Charley Burns (Helsa Wenzel)
- Stella Krzysiak (Elsa Von Grossenkneuten)
- Owen Chudler (Michael Kelly)
- Nathan Raimi (Patrick O’Reilly)
- Jacob Gonzales (Ken De La Maize)
- Jordan Rowan (Nikki Crandall)
- Montgomery Smith (Eddie McCuen)
- Aria Gassman (Marjorie Baverstock)
- Sebastian Hames (Roger Hopewell)
- Heiress Brame (Bernice Roth)
Berkley Schools is hosting the Berkley Chamber of Commerce Chamber Chat on Friday, November 17th, 9-10:30 am. Stop by to get to know your local school district.
Calendar Highlights: Native American Heritage Month
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.
November is nationally recognized as Native American Heritage Month. The month-long celebration highlights the culture, achievements and contributions of Native Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.
Share in the learning about Native American Heritage Month with your family by visiting these resources:
- Bring a Bit of Native America to Your Table!
- National Museum of the American Indian: Hands-on Activities
- Living Nations, Living Words: An Interactive Story Map
- U.S. Department of the Interior Indian Affairs: A History of National Native American Heritage Month
Veterans Day - November 11
Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
US Department of Veteran Affairs shared the following on the history of Veterans Day:
World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
Diwali/Deepavali - November 12
Diwali, or Dipawali, is India's biggest and most important holiday of the year. Diwali is a “festival of lights” that celebrates the triumph of light over dark, good over evil, and the blessings of victory, freedom, and enlightenment. The name comes from Sanksrit dipavali, meaning “row of lights.” On the night of Diwali, celebrants light dozens of candles and clay lamps (called diyas), placing them throughout their homes and in the streets to light up the dark night.
In most of India, Diwali consists of a five-day celebration that peaks on the third day with the main celebration of Diwali.
Followers of the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths primarily celebrate Diwali. However, the holiday is celebrated throughout India, Singapore, and several other South Asian countries as a national holiday, meaning that people outside these religions may participate in Diwali celebrations, too. Source: Almanac.com
Learn more:
Transgender Day of Remembrance - November 20
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. It serves as a solemn occasion to raise awareness about the challenges faced by transgender people and advocate for a more inclusive and accepting society. Transgender Day of Remembrance was founded by transgender activist Gwendolyn Ann Smith in 1999 to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman murdered in 1998.
Learn more:
Thanksgiving - November 23
Thanksgiving Day, according to Britanicca, is an annual national holiday in the United States and Canada celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the past year. Americans generally believe that their Thanksgiving is modeled on a 1621 harvest feast shared by the English colonists (Pilgrims) of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people.
In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued a proclamation designating the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day.
Learn more:
Camp Invention Registration Open Now
What is Camp Invention?
A STEM summer camp where kids build creative inventions. Led by certified local educators, Camp Invention offers new and exciting hands-on activities every year for kids entering grades K-6.
2024 Program: Illuminate
This year’s brand-new program will illuminate imaginations, inspire curiosity and help kids build essential STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills through collaboration and problem solving. Campers explore hands-on challenges and open-ended adventures designed to unlock creativity and help them shine their brightest!
SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY
- Register at INVENT.ORG/CAMP or 800-968-4332
- Grades: K - 6th
- Location: Burton Elementary School
- 26315 Scotia Road, Huntington Woods, MI 48070
- Date: June 24 - 28, 2024
- Time & Cost: 9 am - 3:30 pm | $270 (before discount)
- Camp Director: Kimberly Ternus | kimberly.ternus@berkleyschools.org | (248) 837-8655
Travel Opportunities for 2024 & 2025
Travel to Rome & Pompeii, Spring Break 2024!
Norup Middle School is collaborating with EF Tours on a guided tour of Rome and Pompeii! Italy is a feast for the senses. Whether you’re sampling mozzarella on a farm in Naples or becoming a gladiator for a day in Rome, you’ll experience the culture and traditions of this Mediterranean country through hands-on activities. Spots are still available! This trip is open to all Berkley students, ages 11-15, and their families. Click here to view the slideshow or contact Liz Reynolds elizabeth.reynolds@berkleyschools.org for more information.
Travel to Spain in Spring 2024
BHS Teachers Tracy Burroughs and Saundra Rathburn are collaborating with EF Tours on a tour to Spain during Spring Break 2024. The group will visit Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, Costa del Sol, Seville, Córdoba, Puerto Lápice, and Madrid. This trip is open to incoming 9-12th grade students at Berkley High School. Visit this Spain trip website to learn more.
If you have any questions, contact Saundra Rathburn at saundra.rathburn@berkleyschools.org.
Travel to The South Pacific & Fiji in June 2025
Students in grades 6-12 (during the time of travel), and family members are invited to join an educational travel experience to The South Pacific and Fiji in June 2025! The trip includes visits to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. View the itinerary on the EF Tours website.
If you have any questions, contact Athena Troher at athena.troher@berkleyschools.org
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!
Now Hiring:
- School Psychologist - AMS & Pattengill
- Long Term Substitute Counselor - BHS
- Special Education Paraeducator(s) - Various Locations
- Assistant Teacher(s) - 6 Open Positions - Berkley Building Blocks
- Kids' Zone Assistant Teacher(s) - Various Locations
- Lunch Aides - Pattengill
- Permanent Substitute Custodian - District
- High School Varsity Football Head Coach
- High School Girls Swim and Dive Program Assistant
- High School Boys Tennis Program Assistant
- High School JV Girls Tennis Head Coach
- Middle School Football Coach
- Middle School Softball Coach
- Middle School Wrestling Head Coach
Sign Up for Text Alerts
Quick Steps to Receive Text Alerts from Berkley Schools
In order to receive text messages from the District or your school, you must opt-in. Text messages will be sent out when the District closes or there is an emergency situation. Texts may also be sent from the District and schools for reminder messages during the day that are not urgent.
In order to receive text messages, every parent/guardian must opt-in each cell phone listed in MISTAR.
Steps to Opt-In
- Text the word YES (in the message field) to the phone number 67587 (in the To field). Then you are all set!
District News Online
Want to keep up with the latest District news stories? Visit our new News page to see stories, messages from principals, weekly reminders and more. News articles posted on the District News page will also populate each respective school’s News page. Articles that don’t make it into the Beat will also be posted on our News pages, Facebook and Twitter.