Berkley Beat March 21, 2025

Bond Work & Sinking Fund Project Update: March 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 March update includes construction updates on the new maintenance building, Burton and Pattengill, Berkley High School’s Performing Arts & Pool construction projects, a timeline for the Phase I work, a new name for the ATP & Robotics space, update on BHS neighbors parking meeting and updates on Phase II projects and technology updates.

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 2025-2026.

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 17, 2025: Black Box Theatre Construction Began
• March 17, 2025: Pool Construction Began
• April 2025: The BEAR Complex Construction Begins
• May 1, 2025: Auditorium Construction Begins
• June 2025: Science 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 Addition Grand Opening, plus Science Classrooms Open
• October 2025: Science Labs Grand Opening
• January 2026: Performing Arts Center Grand Opening (Auditorium, Black Box Theatre, Instrument Commons, Band/Orchestra Rooms)
• October 2026: The BEAR Complex Grand Opening

Project Updates

Berkley Schools is Designing a New Website - Share Your Feedback

The Berkley School District is in the process of redesigning the District’s website and the Communications Office is seeking feedback from the community as the design process takes place. This short survey will allow you to share your thoughts and suggestions on your current website usage and what you'd like to see change in the new design. Our goal is to create a user-friendly and engaging online platform that serves the needs of our community.

This short survey should take no more than 5-7 minutes to complete. The survey will remain open until Friday, April 4.

Take the survey today!

Berkley School District Refunds Bonds, Saves $1,976,169

The Berkley School District Board of Education announces the successful sale of its 2025 Refunding Bonds. The Bonds will be used for the purpose of refunding the School District’s outstanding 2015 Bonds and to pay the costs of issuing the bonds. When taking into account factors such as principal, interest and bond premium/discounts the District refunded bonds with a present value of $40,983,043 for new bonds with a present value of $37,606,874. The District also made an additional transfer of $1,400,000 from current debt service reserves for a net savings of $1,976,169. With the 2025 Refunder savings considered, the District will have saved $5,070,000 in cumulative savings from the 1999, 2005, 2009 and now 2015 refundings.

In preparing to sell the 2025 Refunding Bonds, the School District requested that Standard & Poor’s Rating Services ("S&P") evaluate the School District's credit quality. S&P assigned the School District the long-term rating of 'AA' and an 'A+' underlying rating. The rating agency cited the School District's strong per capita market value and income levels, stable enrollment trends and good reserve levels in their rationale for rating the School District at this level.

The School District's financing was conducted by the Michigan investment banking office of the brokerage firm, Huntington Securities, Inc., the financial advising firm, PFM, and the law firm serving as bond counsel, Thrun Law Firm, P.C. The School District's 2025 Refunding Bonds were sold at a true interest rate of 3.56% with a final maturity date of 2040.

Employee Health and Wellness Fair Vendor Application

The Berkley School District is hosting an Employee Health and Wellness Fair on May 6, 2025 from 11 am - 12:30 pm at Berkley High School. Businesses that offer a service or product that promotes a healthy lifestyle are welcome to attend.

This is an opportunity to promote your business for free and interact with over 600 Berkley School District employees. If your business is interested in participating, register at this link (https://bit.ly/bsdfair)

BHWYA Announces Child Safety Fair

Berkley Huntington Woods Youth Assistance is partnering with CARE House of Oakland County to bring a Child Safety Fair to the Berkley Schools community. This interactive event is designed to help children and families learn valuable tools and techniques for protecting children in various unsafe situations, such as bullying, cyberbullying and digital safety.

Event Details

• Tuesday, April 8th at 6 pm
• BHS Collaborative Center, 2325 Catalpa, Berkley
• For elementary aged students and their families
• Pizza, snacks and giveaways provided

The event will be centered around activity stations where families will discuss safety themes, make crafts and play games. Please note: the conversations around safety will be high level and age appropriate.

The Safety Fair introduces children and families to five essential safety rules:

1. Know What’s Up – Knowing what’s up means you are aware of your environment and people around you, both online and in other parts of your life.
2. Spot Red Flags – Help children understand boundaries, personal safety, and recognizing signs of potential dangers, whether online or in person.
3. Make a Move – To stay safe, teach children how to move away and stay away from unsafe situations. Take action if a child reports unsafe behaviors, including notifying relevant authorities to ensure safety.
4. Talk it Up – Teach children to use their voice to talk to a safe adult. Reinforce safety concepts through frequent, everyday conversations to keep these practices top-of-mind.
5. No Blame / No Shame – Emphasize that children are never at fault for unsafe situations, promoting a supportive, open environment for discussing concerns.

Huntington Woods Men’s Club Invites Community to Annual Auction Benefiting Berkley Schools - Tickets on Sale!

A message from our community partners, The Huntington Woods Men’s Club:

The Huntington Woods Men’s Club’s 44th annual Service Auction is coming up and, this year, it is raising money to improve Burton Community Field, adjacent to Burton Elementary School.

The plan includes improving the field’s drainage and grading, removing the south baseball field, upgrading the north T-ball field and putting up new fencing. The changes would make the green space so much better for students and would drastically decrease the number of indoor-recess days because of mud and puddles!

The Berkley School District also plans to contribute to the project and will continue to manage the field, as the owner of the land. The HWMC contribution helps offset District costs allowing more projects to take place across the District through the Sinking Fund.

You can help by supporting the Huntington Woods Men’s Club Service Auction on April 26 at the Gillham Recreation Center. Tickets are on sale now and there will be online bidding for those who can’t make it to the event.

Find more information on the Huntington Woods Men’s Club 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!

• Varsity Tutors Berkley Schools Launchpad
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Varsity Tutors Video Overview

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: March

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.

Ramadan - February 28 - March 30

Ramadan, in Islam, is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the holy month of fasting. It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon. Because the Muslim calendar year is shorter than the Gregorian calendar year, Ramadan begins 10–12 days earlier each year, allowing it to fall in every season throughout a 33-year cycle.

Islamic tradition states that it was during Ramadan, on the “Night of Power” (Laylat al-Qadr)—commemorated on one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, usually the 27th night—that God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad the Qurʾān, Islam’s holy book, “as a guidance for the people.” For Muslims, Ramadan is a period of introspection, communal prayer (ṣalāt) in the mosque, and reading of the Qurʾān.

Source: Britannica

Here’s a helpful resource to learn more about the facts and traditions of Ramadan

• Visit the Britannica article about Ramadan to learn more

Women’s History Month

Women's History Month is an annual observance to highlight the contributions of women to events in history and currently. Celebrated during March in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, corresponding with International Women's Day on March 8.

In 1987, after being petitioned by the National Women's History Project, Congress passed a bill designating the month of March 1987 as Women's History Month.Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women's History Month.

Today, the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history through a Women’s History Month website.

Learn more about Women’s History Month on the following sites:

• American Women: A guide to Women's History Resources at the Library of Congress A major new online research guide highlights hundreds of sources that tell the stories of women through a wide variety of perspectives and media in the Library of Congress collections.
• Celebrate Women’s History at The Henry Ford

National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is observed in March in the U.S. NationalToday.com shares, “The campaign seeks to raise awareness about including people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life. It also creates awareness of the difficulties that people with disabilities still face in fitting into the communities in which they live.”

Here are resources to learn more about National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month as well as resources to learn more about disabilities and equity.

• Visit the NationalToday website to learn more.
• ASD 365: Inclusion & Equity Every Day
• The Arc Michigan - The mission of The Arc Michigan is to ensure that people with Developmental Disabilities are valued in order that they and their families can participate fully in and contribute to their community.

Mardi Gras - March 4, 2025

Mardi Gras (also known as Shrove Tuesday) is the final day of Carnival or Shrovetide before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday," reflecting the practice of the last night of consuming rich, fatty foods in preparation for the fasting season of Lent.

In countries such as the United Kingdom, Mardi Gras is more usually known as Pancake Day or (traditionally) Shrove Tuesday (the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday).

In the United States the principal Carnival celebration is in New Orleans, Louisiana. This period is filled with elaborate parades, both day and night, building up to Mardi Gras. Beads of yellow, gold, green, and purple are commonly distributed, and the eating of king cake is an iconic part of the celebration.

Source: Britannica

Ash Wednesday - March 5, 2025

Ash Wednesday, in Western Christianity, is the first day of Lent, occurring six and a half weeks before Easter. For those who observe the Christian faith, Ash Wednesday is a solemn reminder of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God and marks the beginning of the penitential Lenten season. It is commonly observed with the distribution of ashes and with fasting. Eastern Orthodox churches begin Lent on Clean Monday and therefore do not observe Ash Wednesday.

It was the practice in Rome for penitents and grievous sinners to begin their period of public penance on the first day of Lent in preparation for their restoration to the sacrament of the Eucharist. They were sprinkled with ashes, dressed in sackcloth, and obliged to remain apart until they were reconciled with the Christian community on Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter. When these practices fell into disuse (8th–10th century), the beginning of the penitential season of Lent was symbolized by placing ashes on the heads of the entire congregation.

Today, in the Roman Catholic Church, the ashes are applied in the shape of a cross on the forehead of each worshiper on Ash Wednesday. These ashes are obtained by burning the palms used in the previous year’s Palm Sunday service.

Source: Britannica

International Women’s Day - March 8

Wednesday, March 8 is International Women’s Day. International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. Learn more about International Women’s Day on their website.

Holi - March 14

Every spring, people across India and around the world celebrate the Hindu festival Holi, throwing colored water and powders on one another in joyous celebration. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, celebrating love, rebirth, and the victory of good over evil. The festival is rooted in Hindu mythology, particularly the story of Prahlada and Holika, and the divine love between Radha and Krishna.

Learn more on the Britannica website.

St. Patrick’s Day - March 17

St. Patrick's Day was originally celebrated in Ireland with religious services and feasts in honor of St. Patrick, one of Ireland's patron saints. Born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century, St. Patrick was kidnapped at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave. He escaped but returned about 432 CE to convert the Irish to Christianity. By the time of his death on March 17, 461, he had established monasteries, churches, and schools. Many legends grew up around him—for example, that he drove the snakes out of Ireland and used the shamrock to explain the Trinity. Ireland came to celebrate his day with religious services and feasts. Source: Britannica

Today's Saint Patrick's Day celebrations have been greatly influenced by Irish people who live outside of Ireland, especially in North America. Until the late 20th century, Saint Patrick's Day was often a bigger celebration among those that had left Ireland, than it was in Ireland. Celebrations generally involve public parades and festivals, Irish traditional music sessions, and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks.

Here’s a helpful resource to learn more about the history and celebrations of St.Patrick’s Day

• Visit the Britannica article about St. Patrick's Day to learn more

World Down Syndrome Day - March 21

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The date for WDSD, the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. The day was created to lift a single global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome. The 2025 theme is “We call on all Governments to Improve Our Support Systems.” Learn more about World Down Syndrome Day on the WDSD website.

International Transgender Day of Visibility - March 31

Each year on March 31, International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is celebrated to honor the joy and resilience of trans and non-binary people everywhere. According to Glaad.org, “International TDOV was created in 2010 by trans advocate Rachel Crandall. Crandall, the head of Transgender Michigan, created TDOV in response to the overwhelming majority of media stories about transgender people being focused on violence. She hoped to create a day where people could re-focus on celebrating the lives of transgender people, empowering them to live authentically, while still acknowledging that due to discrimination, not every trans person can or wants to be visible.”

César Chávez Day - March 31

César Chávez Day is a U.S. Federal commemorative holiday, proclaimed by President Barack Obama in 2014. The holiday celebrates the birth and legacy of the civil rights and labor movement activist César Chávez on March 31 every year. César Chávez was an American farm worker, labor leader and civil rights activist, who, with Dolores Huerta, co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (later the United Farm Workers union, UFW). Learn more about César Chávez on the César Chávez Foundation website.

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

• Director of Student Services - Administrative Offices
• Permanent Building Substitute Teacher - Norup
• Long-Term Substitute Middle School Language Arts/Speech Teacher - Norup
• Afternoon Custodian Shift Leader - Norup
• Afternoon Custodian - Burton
• Permanent Substitute Custodian - District
• Lunch Aides - Angell, Burton, Pattengill
• Kids’ Zone Assistant Teachers (3 Positions) - Angell, Pattengill, Rogers
• Varsity Girls Golf Head Coach - Berkley High School
• Middle School Football Coach - Anderson
• 7th Grade Boys Basketball Coach - Norup
• 8th Grade Girls Basketball Coach - Anderson

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