What's Inside
- AMS Hosts Veterans Day Event Honoring Guest Speakers
- Veteran Reads to Norup Kindergarten Students
- Comfort Crew at Work
- Board of Education Recognizes Students and Staff at November Meeting
- Screenagers: Elementary School Edition - Free Showing Tomorrow
- BHS Performing Arts Holds Talent Showcase at Huntington Woods Recreation Center
- Norup Families Celebrate Multicultural Night
- The BEF Open Raises over $11,000 for Berkley Schools Students
- It’s Caring & Sharing Season
- Unified Basketball to Play at Little Caesars Arena Before Pistons Game
- Camp Invention Registration Open Now
- Berkley High School Dance Team to Perform at Pistons Game
- 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?
- November Calendar Highlights - Native American Heritage Month, Veterans Day
- How to Subscribe to the District Calendar
- Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring
AMS Hosts Veterans Day Event Honoring Guest Speakers
On November 11, 2024, in honor of Veterans Day, Anderson Middle School teachers invited veterans to present to and make connections with students. Twelve veterans, representing different branches of the military, shared personal experiences with Anderson students, covering topics like training, deployments, job, 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 family members of student and/or friends of staff:
- Ziggy Glaser - Army
- Howard Sherman - Navy
- Mike Frontera - Navy
- Kurt Czapp - Marine Corps
- Lorrena & Clarence Black - Army
- Ken Anderer - Army
- Jim Smith - Air Force
- Michael Morgan - Army
- Troy Van Pelt - Marine Corps
- Dennis Basierbe - Air Force
- William Isenhour - Marine Corps
In addition to the Veterans Day guest visits, teachers shared a presentation explaining why we pledge allegiance to the flag, touching on discussion topics such as why Americans hold their hands over their hearts when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, other ways Americans show their patriotism, what the stars and stripes on the American flag represent and why is freedom so important to Americans. There was also a video shared explaining why the United States celebrates Veterans Day on November 11.
Veteran Reads to Norup Kindergarten Students
On November 11, Norup Kindergarteners in Kristina Scholl's class were visited by Marine veteran Ms. Falcon. Students sat attentively as Ms. Falcon read “Hero Mom” a book that shares how mothers who are in the military may not be superheroes out of a comic book but they are heroes, doing what they can to create a safer world for their country. After reading, Ms. Falcon answered various questions from students ranging from what military branch she represents and what type of work she did, as well as questions about favorite types of cookies and much more. This was an opportunity for students to learn more about the importance of Veterans Day and to share their gratitude for Ms. Falcon and the dedicated service of all our U.S. veterans.
Comfort Crew at Work
The Berkley Schools Comfort Crew have been keeping busy. Here are some photos of the Crew in our buildings: Parker reading with a child at Burton and Korra visiting a third grade class at Norup as a Fun Run Prize.
In addition, the Berkley High School Sources of Strength class created a video tutorial of how to interact with the Comfort Crew. It’s full of great reminders on how to interact with our Crew while they’re at work.
Board of Education Recognizes Students and Staff at November Meeting
At the November 11 Board of Education Regular Meeting, the Board recognized student athletes and a staff member for their accomplishments.
BHS Girls Golf
The Board recognized Ella Hesano, BHS Senior, for qualifying for and competing at the State Golf Tournament. Ella is only the second girls’ golfer to reach the State Finals in BHS history and the first in 7 years. Ella also placed 5th at the Regional Tournament and was the OAA Blue Individual Champion.
BHS Boys Varsity Soccer Team
Under the guidance of coach Steve Wloszek, the BHS Soccer Team finished the season ranked #9 in the state and achieved All-State Academic status for having a combined GPA average over 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.
Students were also honored for their individual accomplishments:
All-State Academic Honors
- Ephraim Ball
- Case Bishop
- August Cumming
- Zoran Djordjevic
- Nate Neuser
- Kai Nielsen
- Sam Niyo
- Mac Sperl
All-State Athletic Honors
- Spencer Bajcz, BHS senior, All-State Honorable Mention
- Brody Cain, BHS junior, All-State Honorable Mention
- Nate Neuser, BHS senior, 3rd Team All-State
- Kai Nielsen BHS senior, 1st Team All-State
- Mac Sperl, BHS senior, 3rd Team All-State
BHS Tennis Team
The BHS Tennis Team was honored for qualifying and participating in the State Tennis Tournament. The team finished in 15th place at States. Under the guidance of head Coach Sam Subia, the team qualified for States for the first time since 2020 and earned their ticket to the State Meet at Regionals.
Individually, Evan Weber, BHS Freshman, was recognized for qualifying for and competing at the State Tennis Tournament. Evan won his flight at the #1 Singles position at the Regional Tournament, qualifying him for States.
Berkley School District Communications Department
The Berkley Schools Communications Department was honored for receiving a Gold Medallion award from the Michigan School Public Relations Association for its 2023 bond proposal campaign: “What if Berkley Schools facilities matched our award-winning programming?” Dan Durkin, Walled Lake’s Director of Community Relations, presented the plaque to Berkley Schools Communications Director Jessica Stilger on behalf of the MSPRA Awards Committee.
MSPRA’s Gold Medallion Award recognizes outstanding programs or projects that advance education through responsible communication. MSPRA’s panel of experts judged the entries on the clarity of concept, good writing and evidence of using the four-step Public Relations process known as RPIE: Research, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation.
In addition, the Communications Team also received a Golden Achievement Award from the National School Public Relations Association for the same project in May 2024.
Screenagers: Elementary School Edition - Free Showing Tomorrow
Berkley/Huntington Woods Youth Assistance, Ferndale Youth Assistance and Southeast Oakland Coalition are partnering to host a community showings of the documentary, “Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition,” the new version of the original Screenagers movie that addresses issues that elementary school aged kids, families and educators are facing – smartwatches in class, unhooking from and monitoring video gaming, social media pressures and exposure too young. This screening is intended for parents and caregivers to learn about existing research around these topics and potential solutions to these and other challenges in order to address and support mental well-being in the digital age. This event is free and open to the public. This movie is suitable for all ages but anyone under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Runtime Original Version: 55 Minutes
Date and time
Saturday, November 16 · 11am - 12:30pm EST
Location
MJR Troy Grand Cinema 16
100 East Maple Road Troy, MI 48083
BHS Performing Arts Holds Talent Showcase at Huntington Woods Recreation Center
On November 8, 2024, BHS students held a talent showcase at the Huntington Woods Recreation Center for senior citizens to enjoy. This event was put together by the newly founded Performing Arts student committee within the high school National Honors Society.
At the performance, students showcased various musical talents from singing theatrical hits to playing different musical selections. The Performing Arts Committee shared, “We are so happy the event was a success as well as seeing our fellow students play so beautifully.”
Norup Families Celebrate Multicultural Night
On November 7, Norup hosted a Multicultural Night. Students and families enjoyed food and activities and learned about Norup families from different cultures by visiting stations around the school. Students earned stamps on their passports at each station.
Members of the Norup community prepared dishes from all over the world. Families sampled foods from Mexico, Japan, Iraq, Hong Kong, Cuba, and more. They also participated in group arts and crafts activities at different stations, such as Korea where there was a game of Yut Nori and coloring and Day of the Dead where students colored and decorated their own calaveras on paper at the Mexico table.
Norup Principal Paul Yowchuang shared his appreciation for the event, “Norup Spanish teacher Samantha Morey put on a wonderful Multicultural Night which was very well attended. This night is an annual tradition and a wonderful celebration of our very diverse population at Norup,” he said.
The BEF Open Raises over $11,000 for Berkley Schools Students
On Friday, November 8, the Berkley Education Foundation held its annual golf tournament, The BEF Open. This X-Golf tournament included 10 teams competing for a big prize, food, sponsors, golf games and spectators enjoying the event. In total, The BEF Open raised $11,317. The BEF funds four large giving initiatives: Teacher Innovation-Grants, FREE student enrichment programs and clubs, 8th grade college tours and student scholarships for the Maxfield Science Symposium. All funds raised made these giving initiatives possible.
Congratulations to Team EDSI for taking home the prize pack - a round of golf at the Cardinal golf course, medals and swag!
Congratulations to the individual Golf Game winners, too!
- Closest to the Pin: Chad Poling
- Putting Challenge: Larry Fons
- Longest Drive: Tyler Perpich
Each Golf Game winner took home a $50 X-Golf gift certificate and bonus prizes like an indoor putting mat, a driver fitting from Club Champion and a driving range gift certificate to Carl’s Golfland.
The BEF would also like to thank their sponsors for making this event successful.
Event Sponsor: EDSI
Hot Dog Sponsor: Interior Environments
Closest to the Pin Sponsor: McCarthy & Smith, Inc.
Longest Drive Sponsor: Huntington Bank
Prize Donors: Carl’s Golfland, Club Champion, Kevin Schnieders, Royal Oak Golf Center, X-Golf Royal Oak, Rocket Mortgage Classic, TGA of Southeast Michigan
It’s Caring & Sharing 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 schools through non-perishable food drives and PTAs purchasing 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 2023, Caring & Sharing raised $20,420, fed 85 families and gave over $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 2024 Referral Form. All referral information will be used confidentially to provide families in need with a gift card this holiday season.
We are asking for your support as we come together to help our friends & neighbors this holiday season. Please make a donation today and spread the word within our Berkley School Community!
If you would like to make a monetary donation, please visit the Caring & Sharing donation site.
Any questions? Contact this year’s Caring & Sharing Chair Abby Watteny
Unified Basketball to Play at Little Caesars Arena Before Pistons Game
On March 13, 2025, the Berkley High School Unified basketball team is playing at LCA as part of the Unified Showcase. Berkley High School plays at 12 pm and tickets include a ticket for the Pistons game that evening vs the Washington Wizards.
All tickets include:
- Access to the Pistons game
- Access to Unified games
- Unified Showcase Winter Beanie
- A donation to the Berkley High School Unified Program
Schedule of Events
- 11:30 am - Doors Open
- 12:00 pm - Berkley vs Clarkston
- 12:55 pm - Northwestern vs Avondale
- 1:45 pm - Walled Lake Northern vs Livonia Churchill
- 2:35 pm - Northville Unified vs Hartland Unified
- 7:00 pm - Pistons Game
Buy tickets and learn more on the ticketing website.
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.
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.
2025 Program: Discover
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 online or call 800-968-4332
- Grades: K - 6th
- Location: Norup International School
- 14450 Manhattan Street, Oak Park, MI 48237
- Date: June 23 - 27, 2025
- Time & Cost: 9 am - 3:30 pm | $275 (before discount)
- Camp Director: Kimberly Ternus | kimberly.ternus@berkleyschools.org | (248) 837-8655
Current Offer: $35 off with code GIFT35 if you sign up by 12/31.
Berkley High School Dance Team to Perform at Pistons Game
The Berkley High School Dance Team will perform on the court at Little Caesars Arena before the Pistons game on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 7 pm. The Dance Team invites the Berkley Schools community to support their program while also enjoying a Detroit Pistons game vs the Toronto Raptors.
Dancers, parents, family and friends receive exclusive ticket savings for the game if tickets are purchased through the Dance Team’s ticket website. Ticket includes: Access to the performance, a free Pistons item and post-game free throw on the Pistons court!
Section 101 tickets are $60 each, and section 208 tickets are $35 each.
Tickets are mobile tickets and details will be emailed to you immediately after purchase.
To access mobile tickets you must log into the Pistons App. Details can be found on the Pistons website.
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: November
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.
Native American Heritage Month
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
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.
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:
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
- Technology Integration Specialist - Admin Offices
- Permanent Building Substitute Teacher - Norup
- Long-Term Guest Teacher 1st Grade - Angell
- Campus Monitor - Berkley High School
- Early Childhood Special Education Paraeducator - BBB
- Special Education Paraeducator - Rogers
- Lead Teacher - GSRP Extended Program Teacher - BBB
- Assistant Teacher(s) - 6 Open Positions - BBB
- Afternoon Custodian Shift Leader - Norup
- Afternoon Custodian - Norup
- Assistant Teachers - BBB
- Permanent Substitute Custodian - District
- Lunch Aids - Pattengill & Burton
- Food Service Workers - 5 Open Positions
- Intervention Assistant - Full Time Position
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