What's Inside?
- Rogers Students Learn Chess Courtesy of the BEF
- Author Ruth McNally Barshaw Visits Angell
- Kindergarten Information for All: Information Nights, Registration & Schools of Choice (Starts next week!)
- Berkley, Clawson & Royal Oak Partner to Honor Dr. King on MLK Day - January 15 - This Monday!
- Travel Opportunities for 2025: The South Pacific & Japan, Panama, France & Spain
- Did You Know Breakfast is Free for All Students?
- Burton 3rd Graders Donated Toys for the Holidays
- Blue Jay Coffee Cart Makes its Debut at Burton
- Berkley Education Foundation’s 15th Annual Off to the Races Tickets On Sale
- BHS Unified Basketball to Play at LCA - Tickets on Sale Now
- How to Subscribe to the District Calendar
- Join the Berkley Schools Family
- Sign Up for Text Messages
Rogers Students Learn Chess Courtesy of the BEF
On December 21, the Rogers Chess Club met for their weekly session to learn and play chess. This club is free to students and sponsored by the Berkley Education Foundation’s Enrichment Program.
Students filled the room, enthusiastic and ready for their chess matches. The session began with a brief lesson about how to plan ahead in chess and then students applied their newfound knowledge in their matches.
In addition to their club advisors, Berkley High School students offered helping hands, guidance and participated in friendly matches with the younger players. The atmosphere was vibrant, and the younger students' determination to outplay the high schoolers brought a spirited competitiveness to the event. This after-school club provides an opportunity for 70 students to share their love for the game and create memorable experiences for all involved.
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.
Author Ruth McNally Barshaw Visits Angell
On December 20, children's author Ruth McNally Barshaw visited Angell Elementary, where she not only read from her works but also shared insights into her creative process, discussing her books, art, and some of her storytelling best practices. Barshaw involved students in the presentation, having them help craft an exciting and suspenseful short story with a "to be continued" ending. This activity encouraged students to embrace their creativity. Barshaw's personal anecdotes about how creativity guided her through tough times resonated with the students. As the visit concluded students were eager to share their stories and artworks they worked on throughout the presentation. This experience not only enriched students’ artistic skills but also nurtured their creative writing.
Kindergarten Information for All: Information Nights, Registration and Schools of Choice
While it might be hard to believe, it’s time to start thinking about Kindergarten for Fall 2024. 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, 2024, please share this information with them!
Kindergarten Information Nights
Learn about the kindergarten curriculum, how to prepare for the big first day, enrollment options, and Kindergarten/Transitional Kindergarten readiness. All TK and Kindergarten students need to be five years old by September 1, 2024.
During the evening, families will be able to ask the Principal questions, learn more about each school and hear about the #BerkleyDifference. You do not have to be a resident to attend the Kindergarten Information Nights, they are open to all who are interested in the Berkley School District. Learn more about Kindergarten enrollment and readiness by visiting our Enrollment webpage.
- Angell Elementary School: Wednesday, January 17, 2024 | 6:30 pm
- Burton Elementary School: Thursday, January 18, 2024 | 6:30 pm
- Norup International School: Wednesday, January 24, 2024 | 6:30 pm
- Pattengill Elementary School: Thursday, January 25, 2024 | 6:30 pm
- Rogers Elementary School: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 | 6:30 pm
Kindergarten Registration for Berkley School District Residents
Berkley School District resident registration for both Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten begins February 5 and runs through February 16, 2024. 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 2024-25 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 12 - March 1, 2024
- Completed applications must be submitted online
- No applications will be accepted after the deadline of 5:00 pm, March 1, 2024
- 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 upcoming Kindergarten Information nights, please reach out to school secretaries and/or principals.
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.
Berkley, Clawson & Royal Oak Partner to Honor Dr. King on MLK Day - January 15
The cities and school districts of Berkley, Clawson and Royal Oak announce their joint MLK Day event for the entire community to remember, participate, and honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
On Monday, January 15th, 2024, the community is invited to celebrate A Day On, Not a Day Off, with the three school districts and municipalities. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Freedom Walk, complete volunteer activities such as donation sorting and blanket making, as well as enjoy a video about service created by high school students from each participating district.
This year’s event takes place at Royal Oak Middle School (709 N Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067) and begins at 8:30 am.
The event committee will also be collecting donations to support the following groups:
- Redford Brightmoor Initiative
- Cass Community Social Services
- Judson Center
- Royal Oak First United Methodist Church
- Teen Clean Closet
Guests are encouraged to bring donations with them to the event or order donations on the event’s Amazon Wishlist.
More information is located on the City of Royal Oak website
Travel Opportunities for 2025
Travel to France & Spain in Spring 2025
Students in grades 6-12 (during the time of travel) are invited to travel to France and Spain during Spring Break 2025. This trip will explore cultural experiences, local immersion, and iconic sights. Come to an informational meeting on January 22 at 6:30 pm via Zoom to learn more.
In the informational meeting guests will learn:
- What we’ll see and experience on our trip
- How this opportunity will benefit your child
- Why now is the right time to start planning
- How your investment will be protected
- How your child can earn academic credit
- How we’re keeping this safe and affordable
Can’t make the meeting but want more information? Register and select “No but send info.” If you have any questions, contact Athena Troher at athena.troher@berkleyschools.org
Travel to Panama, Spring Break 2025!
Students in grades 6-12 (during the time of travel) and families are invited to travel to Panama during Spring Break 2025, sponsored by Norup teacher, Liz Reynolds.
In this EF-guided tour to one of the most diverse countries in the world, have lunch with Indigenous people, snorkel along the country’s Caribbean coast, and explore bustling Panama City. Also discover how, long before the canal was built, Panama’s central location attracted pirates like Sir Francis Drake and Henry Morgan.
You are invited to attend an informational meeting on Tuesday, January 23 at 6 pm in the Norup Media Center. RSVP to the informational meeting.
Can’t make the meeting but want more information? Register and select “No but send info”. If you have any other questions, contact Liz Reynolds elizabeth.reynolds@berkleyschools.org for more information.
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
Travel to Japan in Summer 2025
Students in grades 9-12 (during the time of travel) are invited to travel to Japan during the Summer of 2025. This trip will explore cultural experiences, local immersion and iconic sights of the country. Come to an informational meeting on Thursday, January 25 at 6 pm to learn:
- What students will see and experience on the trip
- How this opportunity will benefit your child
- Why now is the right time to start planning
- How your investment will be protected
- How your child can earn academic credit
- How we’re keeping this safe and affordable
Register for the informational meeting. Can’t make the meeting but want more information? Register and select “No but send info.”
If you have any questions, contact Saundra Rathburn at saundra.rathburn@berkleyschools.org or Tracy Burroughs at tracy.burroughs@berkleyschools.org
Did You Know Breakfast is Free for All Students?
The State of Michigan has implemented a new free meal program. This means all students are eligible for a free breakfast and free lunch daily. Check with your school to find out when doors open in the morning.
NEW - Breakfast menus are now on the Food Service website. Check in to see what is for breakfast.
Burton 3rd Graders Donated Toys for the Holidays
For the holidays, the third grade classes at Burton participated in a Toy Drive for The Bottomless Toy Chest, which is a non-profit organization that delivers toys, crafts, and hands-on activities to children with serious blood disorders and cancer. Students also made Get Well cards to send along with the gifts.
The Bottomless Toy Chest distributes the toys throughout hospitals in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Georgia, Texas, Kansas, New York, Vermont, and Kentucky.
Blue Jay Coffee Cart Makes its Debut at Burton
Just before Winter Break, the Blue Jay Coffee Cart made its debut at Burton Elementary School. This Cart, funded by the Berkley Education Foundation’s Innovation-Grant program, is not just about serving great coffee; it’s a testament to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Students will serve coffee to staff while learning about supply, demand, customer service and independence, fostering valuable skill development. The Cart also empowers students with diverse abilities while creating a warm and welcoming space.
The Blue Jay Coffee Cart is run by teacher Madison Stinebaugh and Social Worker Emily Sroka.
The Berkley Education Foundation funds staff innovation-grants twice a year to enrich students' experiences, to enhance their learning and to open opportunities for Berkley Schools staff outside of the traditional school budget. To learn more about the BEF, visit their website. To support the BEF and the grants program, visit the BEF’s donation site.
Berkley Education Foundation’s 15th Annual Off to the Races Tickets On Sale
- March 16, 2024
- 7-11 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 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 16, from 7-11 pm at The Kingsley, Bloomfield Hills, a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Join the BEF 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.
Tickets on sale.
Don’t miss out on all the fun. Tickets are on sale now: $50/person.
- Bundle event tickets with Off to the Races (OTTR) Bucks for a discount.
- OTTR Bucks pay for horse “betting” and beverages at the event.
- Buy 10 Bucks for $20 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 ($250) are available. Horses can be purchased through the “Buy Horses” section of the website. Horses can also be added onto ticket orders! For those who can’t attend the event, buying a horse is an easy way to support the BEF.
Win a vacation.
Don’t miss the Golden Race - the last race of the night. The winner will take home a $2,500 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? Email berkleyfoundation@berkleyschools.org
BHS Unified Basketball to Play at LCA - Tickets on Sale Now
The Berkley Unified Basketball team is excited to invite the community to come watch the team play at Little Caesars Arena on March 17. The BHS team will play after the Detroit Pistons play their game against the Miami Heat as part of the LCA Unified Night, where three Unified Games take place after the pros play. Tickets include access to both the Pistons and Unified Game, a Unified Showcase t-shirt and proceeds from each ticket will go back to the Berkley Unified Program.
Unified sports joins people with and without disabilities on the same team. It is dedicated to promoting social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experience. It was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.
Details
- Sunday, March 17, 2024
- Detroit Pistons Game: 3-5 pm
- Unified Night at LCA: 6-8:30 pm
- Berkley Unified (Game #3) - 8 pm
- Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
- Guests can attend the Unified Game only, if they choose
Tickets
- $34/person
- Buy tickets to the March 17 activities today - tickets are limited!
- For any questions please contact Andy Myers at amyers@pistons.com or (313) 771-7588.
Tickets are mobile tickets and details will be emailed to you immediately after purchase. To access mobile tickets you must login to the Pistons App. Details can be found here: www.Pistons.com/mobileticket
The Fine Print
This offer cannot be redeemed at LCA Box Office. All tickets are subject to availability and handled on a first-come, first-served basis. All prices on orders received after the indicated deadline are subject to change. Refunds or exchanges will not be issued. Please provide an accurate cell phone number and email address in order to access your tickets. All tickets purchased will be available on your Pistons Account. You will receive an email once they are available.
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:
- Special Education Paraeducator - Pattengill & Norup
- Assistant Teacher(s) - 6 Open Positions - Berkley Building Blocks
- Lunch Aides - Pattengill
- Food Service Workers - 5 positions
- Permanent Substitute Custodian - District
- Afternoon Custodian - 2 Positions - Angell & BHS
- Afternoon Custodian Split Position - Norup & Pattengill
- 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 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.