What's Inside
- BHS Peer-to-Peer Hosts Halloween Event
- Anderson Students Learn About Hispanic Heritage Month and Day of the Dead
- Berkley Schools Staff Engage in Two Days of Professional Learning
- The BEF Open is Tonight - Spectators Invited to a Fun Night Out
- 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
- Register Today for Saturdays for Success
- Berkley Schools PTAs Sponsoring Reflections Art Contest
- 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
BHS Peer-to-Peer Hosts Halloween Event
On October 31, the BHS Peer-to-Peer club hosted a Halloween Party during lunch in the East Gym. Students were encouraged to dress up in costumes and participate in a variety of activities, including cookie decorating, arts/crafts, and Halloween-themed games. Students had a great time hanging out and enjoying Halloween with many new friends!
Anderson Students Learn About Hispanic Heritage Month and Day of the Dead
In honor of Hispanic Heritage month (September 15-October 15), Anderson students who take the Introduction to Spanish class had the educational opportunity to go and explore cultural exhibitions at the Detroit Institute of Arts in October. The DIA gallery guides used student-centered strategies to facilitate learning about Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo and a variety of Peruvian artists. In addition, students viewed the Dia de los Muertos ofrenda and took this experience to build an actual ofrenda at AMS.
On Friday, November 1st, the Introduction to Spanish students created an “ofrenda” in one of their lobby display cases. An ofrenda is an altar honoring loved ones who have passed. Students colored skulls, skeletons, and made paper picados to celebrate El Día de los Muertos. El Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is dedicated to remembering friends and family who have passed away and to celebrate their life. The Introduction to Spanish classes collaborated with some of the art students to celebrate this holiday. During lunch, students had the opportunity to get face jewels and small hand paintings that reflect the importance of this Mexican holiday. El Día de los Muertos is a holiday that originated in Mexico and is now celebrated throughout the world.
Berkley Schools Staff Engage in Two Days of Professional Learning
On November 4th and 5th, Berkley Schools staff engaged in two days of professional learning. Elementary staff spent time analyzing data and engaging in learning about evidence based instructional practices in literacy and math in order to make instructional shifts. Secondary staff also analyzed test data and spent time editing local assessments. Additionally, secondary teachers participated in training about recognizing mental health cues and researched equitable grading practices. Special education staff focused on best practices for inclusion. Every Berkley Schools staff member engaged in learning around building initiatives and had collaborative inquiry time within their grade levels/departments. All learning focused on the District mission: Student engagement, learning and growth are at the center of all we do.
Supervisor of Instructional Services, Jen Wilcox, shared, “The impact of this time together is two fold. First, staff had the chance to connect with peers, share experiences, and learn from each other's perspectives. This collaboration strengthens the sense of community and educator growth. On a practical level, the tools, strategies and frameworks staff explored will help improve our day-to-day practice, making us more efficient, more innovative and more responsive. Beyond the technical skills, this professional learning has inspired staff to think differently—challenging us to step outside our comfort zones, reflect on our current practices and find new ways to approach challenges.”
Professional learning days show the importance of continuous learning. Ms. Wilcox said, “Professional growth isn't a one-time event; it's an ongoing process that we are committed to in order to stay adaptable, relevant and impactful in our roles. These two days have been a powerful reminder of the value of professional learning, not just for staff development, but for the benefit of the students we serve.”
The BEF Open is Tonight - Spectators Invited to a Fun Night Out
The Berkley Education Foundation is hosting its annual fall fundraiser tonight, The BEF Open. This fun golf tournament at X-Golf in Royal Oak pits teams against each other to win big prizes. Spectators are welcome to come cheer the teams on and enjoy a night out. X-Golf has couches, tables and a bar. Dinner and appetizers will be provided for all guests. Spectator tickets are only $25. Spectators can hand out sabotages and play in the individual golf competitions.
Everyone at the event can enter the Longest Drive contest, Closest to the Pin contest and Putting Challenge. Winners take home big prizes.
Coming to the Event?
Buy Golf Game Tickets, Drink Tickets, Mulligans and Sabotage Tickets at the event!
Sabotage options you could receive: Switch Hitter, Tiny Club, Child’s Play, Hard Pass, You Choose, Driver Time, Putt Much?, My Turn and so much more.
Who do you think will win?
- McCarthy & Smith
- M3 Investment Services
- Dude, Where’s My Par?
- The Champions
- Grip It and Sip It
- Hutch’s Shin
- Golden Bears
- Pools and Fools for Schools
- Board of Education + Todd
- Team EDSI
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.
Register Today for Saturdays for Success
The Saturdays for Success Program (S4S) is sponsored by the Berkley African American Parent Network (BAAPN) in partnership with the Berkley School District. The purpose of S4S is to help all Berkley students have a successful K-12 academic experience by providing educational opportunities in literacy and math, and developing study skills that will ensure long-term success. The S4S Program builds on concepts students are currently learning in their classes.
S4S Schedule
- November 9, 16, 23
- 9:30-11:00 am
- Berkley High School
The cost of the program is $20 per child (fee covers all 6 sessions). If your family is eligible for free and/or reduced meals the cost is $10 per child.
Register for Saturdays for Success today!
Berkley Schools PTAs Sponsoring Reflections Art Contest
All Berkley Schools PTAs are participating in the 2024-25 National PTA Reflections art contest. The Reflections program was founded in 1969 and since its founding, millions of students have participated in the program. The goal of the program is participation in and appreciation for the arts.
This year’s Reflections theme is “Accepting Imperfections.” Students of all ages are invited to create visual art, dance, photography or literature connected to the theme. Berkley PTAs will judge all entries and choose up to four winners in each age range and category. Those winners then move on to be judged at the state level. Top winners at the state level go on to national judging.
General Rules
- Only new pieces of artwork inspired by the theme may be submitted.
- Students may only submit one entry per category.
- Each entry may only be submitted by one student. For example, if more than one student appears in an entry (like for dance choreography), only the person who is responsible for creating the concept and leading the project can enter their name on the entry form.
- The work must be the child’s. Parents or other grown-ups may not help. (Exceptions apply for the Accessible Arts division.)
- To keep the judging anonymous, do not include the student’s full name on the work. That means no signatures on visual arts pieces and no full names written or spoken in other pieces.
- Use of copyrighted material is prohibited, except for background music in dance choreography and specific exceptions in visual arts entries. See category guidelines for details.
- Digital technology and/or software can be used to develop, enhance and/or present an entry but may not provide the primary design and/or concept.
- Each entry must have an entry form. This form will include an artist statement, which tells the judges how the project fits with the theme of “Accepting Imperfection.”
- Artists must include a consent form for any person whose face or voice is included in an entry.
Artist Statements
Artist statements must be between 10 and 100 words and must describe what the work is and how it relates to the theme. Artists can share how they got the idea for the project or what “Accepting Imperfection” means to them. Artist statements are an important part of the judging - make sure they are student words – not grown-up words.
How to Enter - Due November 11
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.
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
- Kindergarten Teacher - Norup
- Special Education Teacher - Autism Spectrum Disorders - BHS
- Long-Term Guest Teacher - 1st Grade - Angell
- Permanent Building Substitute Teacher - Norup
- Paraeducator - Five positions (BHS, BBB, Pattengill, Rogers)
- Afternoon Custodian Shift Leader - Norup
- Afternoon Custodian - Norup
- Permanent Substitute Custodian - District
- Assistant Teachers - BBB
- Intervention Assistant - Full Time Position
- Lunch Aids - Pattengill & Burton
- Food Service Workers - 5 Open Positions
- Varsity Competitive Cheer Coach - BHS
- JV Wrestling Head Coach - BHS
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