Berkley Beat April 25, 2025

What's Inside

• BHS Hosts OpenSpot Theatre Performance
• Berkley Schools Partners with Care Solace to Offer Free Mental Health Referrals
• Berkley Students Recognized at BHWYA Youth Recognition Ceremony
• Bond Work & Sinking Fund Project Update: April 2025
• Two Student Artists Excel at State Level PTSA Reflections Contest
• Summer Program Registration Now Open
• Nurse Rose and Tri-Community Coalition Host Narcan Training for High School Students
• Tickets on Sale for the BHS Spring Musical: The Prom
• Huntington Woods Men’s Club Invites Community to Annual Auction Benefiting Berkley Schools
• 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?
• April Calendar Highlights - Autism Acceptance Month, Arab American Heritage Month, April Fool’s Day, Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, Passover, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Easter, Orthodox Easter, Earth Day, Administrative Professionals Day, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Take Our Child to Work Day and Beyond
• How to Subscribe to the District Calendar
• Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring

Burton

Burton’s new multi-purpose/cafeteria addition will be attached to the building at the northeast corner of the playground by the gym. It will house a new lunchroom, a new kitchen, storage rooms, restrooms and will be a wonderful space for collaboration.

Construction Update:

• Interior and exterior masonry walls continue to be built and are making great progress. The sides and front of the building are now formed.
• Steel is being installed
• Electrical and plumbing work continues.
• Underground storm pipes are being installed
• Site work continues, removing additional concrete sections to prepare for the additional site work around the addition.
• For the new playground area inside of the track, fencing is up and excavation is done to prepare the site for the monkey bars, swings and shade sails.
• The street-side parking on Nadine plus the sidewalk was closed on March 14, 2025.
• The City of Huntington Woods has determined that Nadine Ave between Scotia and Henley will remain as a “No Thru Traffic” zone through the construction project. Families will not be able to drop off and pick up on Nadine for the rest of this school year to keep students safe.

Pattengill

Pattengill’s new multi-purpose/cafeteria addition will be attached to the building at the north doors, in the current concrete area. It will house a new lunchroom, a new kitchen, storage rooms, restrooms and will be a wonderful space for collaboration.

Construction Update:

• Interior and exterior masonry wall construction has resumed now that the frost laws have lifted and the site is leveled.
• Electrical work continues.
• Site work now includes blocking off 9 parking spots from the staff lot to accommodate the construction work through the summer.
• On April 18, the construction team closed Oakshire to connect the addition to the city’s stormwater system. The District sent letters to Pattengill neighbors to keep them informed.
• In addition to the multi-purpose addition, the District is adding parking spaces near the baseball field on Royal as part of the construction.

Phase I: BHS Performing Arts Wing - Bond - Spring 2025

Black Box Theatre/Choir Room

Construction Update:

• The construction fencing is now up at Berkley High School in the Sunnyknoll lot. This worksite allows for trucks to deliver materials from Henley and exit onto Catalpa.
• Demolition work will begin soon for the area of the new Black Box Theatre/Choir Room and instrument storage commons.
• The work will continue once the city of Berkley approves the final water retention plan.

May 1 Parking Alert: After the BHS spring musical, the Auditorium, Auditorium lobby and the student drop off loop will close for construction to begin. Families will be asked to drop students off in the lot across from the high school. Students will be encouraged to park in the field across from the high school which has gravel to help with the spring dampness. As a reminder, no dropping off or picking up is allowed on Catalpa.

Upgrades to both the Band and Orchestra rooms, as well as upgrading practice rooms, will begin once school is out in June.

Phase I: BHS Science Wing - Bond - Summer 2025

The BHS Science Wing planning and drawings are complete and the bid divisions are approved. The science work includes a complete renovation and redesign for the lab spaces, updates to chemical storage rooms, and creating new lab spaces. The Science Wing project timeline includes work beginning once school is complete in June 2025 and the labs reopening in October 2025. Science classrooms will open to students before the labs are complete.

Phase I: BHS BEAR Complex - Bond - Spring 2025

The District Field House project is now named The BEAR Complex (The Berkley Education, Athletics and Recreation Complex). The BEAR Complex includes a 60-yard indoor fieldhouse that includes a new weight room, team room and trainer room, an outdoor 120-yard turf performance field with lights, parking lot expansion and new configuration, and a grass field north of the turf field.

Construction Update:

• Asbestos abatement is complete in the front building and will begin the week of April 28 for the back building.
• Tree removal has begun on the site where the trees interfere with construction. Some trees along the perimeter will remain.
• The demolition of the fields and buildings will begin during the month of May 2025. Once demolition begins, the parking lot will be closed to the public.
• The team is finalizing designs for redoing the crosswalks on Catalpa to make it safer for pedestrians.

Parking adjustments: The BHS parking lot across from the BHS main entrance will close in June. Until then, students have opportunities to park in the field across from the BHS main entrance until June.

Phase I: BHS Pool - Bond - Spring/Summer 2025

The pool scope includes: a new HVAC system, new starting blocks, new diving board, updating tile areas, redoing the pool office and restroom and updates to the chemical system. In addition to this work, the team is adding a new filter system, a new timing system and scoreboard, upgrading lighting and additional plumbing work, including replacing the water main leading to the pool. The new scoreboard and timing system has been ordered. Additional mechanical work (filtration and chemical systems) will be completed in spring/summer 2026.

Construction Update:

• The pool is drained and scaffolding has been installed.
• Prep work for paint is completed, work continues on the floor drain replacement, all finishes have been selected (tile, paint, starting blocks, sound baffling) and the new timing system and scoreboard have been ordered.
• The pool will have a new roof installed over the next few weeks, and once that is complete, the interior finishing work will continue.

The Den - ATP and Robotics - Sinking Fund - Spring 2025

The former Cana Lutheran Church has a new name - The Den! The Den will house The Adult Transition Program (ATP) and Robotics programs.

Construction Update:

• The work for both of these projects has begun.
• Demolition is complete in the upstairs space and HVAC work has started.
• The current parking lot at The Den is closed for construction.
• Plans have been adjusted to accommodate the Robotics equipment and code enforcement.
• Technology meetings and door hardware meetings have been completed and all furniture has been selected for both the upstairs and lower level spaces.

Phase II: 2025-2026

Angell & Rogers Multi-Purpose Additions - Bond - Fall 2025

Design team meetings are complete for Angell and Rogers multi-purpose/cafeteria additions, gym updates and any resulting playground adjustments. Both multi-purpose additions will resemble the Burton and Pattengill designs and function and will have playground or outside space adjustments to accommodate the new additions. The final drawings are out to bid and critical area contractor recommendations will go to the Board of Education in May for approval, with the rest going to the Board in June. Work will begin this summer in hallway ceilings and a few classrooms to prep for the larger project.

Norup, AMS & Hurley Field - Bond - Spring 2026

The Berkley Bond Team and professional partners walked the spaces at Norup, Anderson and Hurley Field, that are slated for 2026 construction. The team confirmed the scope and will move into the design phase soon for these spaces which include updating the gyms, team rooms at Hurley Field as well as lighting and expanding the parking lot at Hurley.

Burton & Tyler Park Fields - Sinking Fund - 2026

Burton Field

Berkley Schools is refining the project work to improve Burton field with its professional partners. The work will include fixing the ponding in the field, replacing the dirt infields with grass infields and preparing the site to have a multi-purpose use, as well as include two diamonds to host t-ball games. The plan is to have this work begin in the Fall, once the Burton playground is reopened after the current construction projects. This project is being funded by Berkley Schools, Huntington Woods Men’s Club, the City of Huntington Woods and supported by the Berkley Dads Club.

Tyler Park - Softball Field Update

The District Bond/Sinking Fund team is working to finalize the plans for updating Tyler Park with City of Oak Park officials. The first iteration of plans came in significantly over budget, so the team had to go back to the drawing board to reconfigure some of the site amenities. On the District side, a new Varsity softball field will be built with lights, permanent fence, dugouts, stands, scoreboard, bullpens and batting cages. On the Oak Park side, a multipurpose field will be updated to fix the drainage issues. A cement walking path will also be added to both properties to allow for a full path connecting the parking lots to the fields and for the community to enjoy. On the District side of the property, a small restroom facility will be built. Details are nearing finalization so that work can begin in the Spring of 2026.

Technology - Bond

The District is working to improve the fiber network and has hired IDS as a technology consultant to assist with Bond project planning specific to technology needs.

The new staff laptop distribution plan has begun and will continue through the end of the school year. While working through the technology Bond projects, the team is working to secure E-Rate Matching Fund Grants to offset District cost.

Team Meetings

The District teams participate in Steering Committee meetings twice a month with Stantec (architecture, engineering, design), McCarthy & Smith (construction management), and SES (engineering and mechanical systems) to plan timelines of construction, prepare bid documents, as well as pour over details of the scopes of work. Each project has a standard sequence of work: design phase, project cost estimating, bidding for contractors, awarding contracts, construction phase (demolition and building) and, project completion.

Two Student Artists Excel at State Level PTSA Reflections Contest

This year, the Berkley Area PTSA Council sponsored the National PTA Reflections art contest. The 2024-25 Reflections theme was "Accepting Imperfections."

Students of all ages were invited to create visual art, dance, photography or literature connected to the theme. Berkley PTAs judged all entries and chose up to four winners in each age range and category. Those winners move on to judging at the state level. Top winners at the state level go on to national judging. In total, 54 Berkley Schools students participated in this year’s program with 26 going to the state for further judging. The state judging process is now completed, and Berkley Schools had two students receive outstanding news.

• Payton Peasley, Anderson Middle School, took first place in the Middle School Dance Choreography Category. Payton's dance was advanced to the National Competition.
• Samantha Ribits, Rogers Elementary School, earned the Award of Excellence at the state level, in the Intermediate Visual Arts Category.

Summer Program Registration Now Open

Elementary Program - Math & Language Arts + STEM

The Berkley Summer Difference Math & Language Arts program is intended for students currently in Grades TK-5 who need to maintain or grow in their academic achievement from the 2024-25 school year. Students who enroll in the program will have both math and language arts instruction throughout the summer program.

The elementary Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program will focus on problem solving, engineering design and offer hands-on opportunities.

All classes will be taught in-person by certified, highly-qualified elementary teachers. Depending on enrollment, multi-grade sections may be organized to better meet staffing needs. The summer program will be educational and enjoyable!

Program Details for Math & Language Arts

• June 23 - July 17, 2025
• All classes held at Norup International School
• Monday - Thursday, 8:30 - 11:30 am
• Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle and light snack
• Additional details are available in the Elementary Berkley Summer Difference Program document

Program Details for Elementary STEM

• July 21 - July 24, 2025
• All classes held at Norup International School
• Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 11:00 am
• Students may bring water bottles and a light snack
• Additional details are available in the Elementary STEM Program document

Middle School Program

Students who just completed their 6th - 8th grade school year can participate in the Berkley Summer Difference program. All classes will be offered in-person. Students have the option to take three types of classes: Math, English Language Arts and Computer Science. Availability of sections will be determined based upon registration.

The middle school summer English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics school programs are intended for students currently in grades 6-8 who need to maintain or grow in their achievement.

The middle school summer Computer Science program provides foundational skills and includes: Encryption, Animation, Machine Learning (pre-AI), Magic School, and Game Design.

Classes will be taught by certified, highly-qualified middle school teachers. Depending on enrollment, multi-grade sections may be organized to better meet staffing needs.

Program Details for Math & English Language Arts Classes

• June 23 - July 17, 2025
• All classes held at Norup International School
• Monday - Thursday, 8:30 - 10:00 am or 10:15 - 11:45 am
• Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle and light snack
• Additional details are available in the Middle School Berkley Summer Difference Program document

Program Details for the Computer Science Class

• July 21 - 24, 2025
• All classes held at Norup International School
• Monday - Thursday, 8:30 - 11:00 am
• Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle and light snack
• Additional details are available in the Middle School Berkley Summer Difference Program document

High School Program: Credit Recovery

The high school summer program will be focused on Credit Recovery Courses. Credit Recovery Courses should be selected in consultation with each student’s school counselor. Credit Recovery coursework will be delivered through the APEX online learning system, assisted, facilitated, and overseen by certified teachers. Students will complete the coursework in person. These courses are tailored to each student and are mastery-based, which means the length of time students must spend in Credit Recovery will vary and is dependent upon mastery of course objectives.

Program Details for Credit Recovery

• June 30 - July 24, 2025
• Class location is to be determined due to Construction
• Monday - Thursday, 8:00 - 10:15 am or 10:20 - 12:30 pm
• Fee - $100 per credit recovery class for students attending Berkley Schools. Any Berkley Schools student who is eligible for free/reduced meals will receive a reduced rate of $25/class.
• Additional details are available in the High School Summer Learning & Credit Recovery document

Registration

Elementary and Middle School

• April 21 - May 16, 2025
• Families will register via the MISTAR Parent Portal
• Follow these instructions on how to register via the Parent Portal

High School

• June 13 - June 27
• Families will register via the MISTAR Parent Portal
• Follow these instructions on how to register via the Parent Portal

Nurse Rose and Tri-Community Coalition Host Narcan Training for High School Students

On Monday, May 12, from 5-6 pm in the BHS Collaborative Center, Nurse Rose and the Tri-Community Coalition are hosting a training on Narcan for high school students and their families.

This is a free class for all students (9th-12th grade), families, staff and anyone who wants a refresher course on Narcan. Those who are 14 and older will receive a free narcan kit. No registration needed.

Tickets on Sale for the BHS Spring Musical: The Prom

The Berkley High School BeDrama students are proud to present The Prom: School Edition, the Spring 2025 musical. The Prom will be the final production on the current Auditorium stage. The new Performing Arts Center will reopen in February 2026.

Theatrical Rights Worldwide described the musical as follows:

Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage. So when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue… and themselves. The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow—but when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest join forces with a courageous girl and the town’s citizens and the result is love that brings them all together. Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, The Prom School Edition expertly captures all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy.

The show will run Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 24-26 at 7 pm and Sunday, April 27 at 3 pm, in the Berkley High School Auditorium. Staff, seniors (60+), and students tickets are $10 and adults are $15.

• To buy tickets, and view photos and bios for the cast, crew and band, visit the Berkley Drama website.
• The show is two hours with a 15 minute intermission.

Huntington Woods Men’s Club Invites Community to Annual Auction Benefiting Berkley Schools - Tomorrow

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 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 will be for sale at the door for $60. If you can’t attend, ​​you can bid on the silent auction, online.

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: April

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.

Arab American Heritage Month

The Arab America Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative in 2017. In 2021, President Biden recognized the month nationally to recognize the 3.5 million Arab Americans that exemplify “so much of what our country stands for: hard work, resilience, compassion, and generosity.”. For National Arab American Heritage month, across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations issue proclamations and engage in special events that celebrate the Arab American community’s rich heritage and numerous contributions to society.

Did you know that the first and only museum in the United States devoted to documenting and sharing Arab American contributions that shaped the economic, political and cultural landscapes of American life is a 20 minute drive from the Berkley Schools? The Arab American National Museum (AANM) is located in Dearborn. The Museum brings to light the shared experiences of immigrants and ethnic groups, paying tribute to the diversity of our nation.

The museum tells the Arab American story through the voices and experiences of Arab Americans.

Learn more about the museum on their website, or go for a visit at 13624 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126.

Autism Acceptance Month

Autism Acceptance Month, previously named Autism Awareness Month, aims to celebrate and promote acceptance for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which occurs in one in every 54 children as of 2020 in the United States. Autism, a complex developmental condition affecting the person's ability to interact, communicate, and progress, has not one but many subtypes. First held in the year 1972 by the Autism Society, Autism Acceptance Month emphasizes the need for public awareness to promote acceptance, celebrate the differences and be more inclusive towards autistic individuals around us.

To learn more about Autism and Autism awareness, the START project is a great place to begin. The START project is housed in the Grand Valley State University Autism Education Center, supported by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. It is funded by the Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education to provide evidence-based training, technical assistance and coaching support and resources to school-based teams in Michigan that support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). START is a statewide collaborative effort to make systems level changes to improve the educational programming and quality of life for students with ASD.

START developed an Autism Acceptance, Advocacy and Action webpage as part of the ASD 365: Equity and Inclusion Every Day campaign to promote autism acceptance and advocacy through action in April and the months after. START encourages the community to use these resources to assure everyone is using practices focused on equity and inclusiveness that value the voices and perspectives of the autistic community. An active, collaborative approach that involves listening, understanding and taking action will help everyone grow into a truly diverse, equitable community where all perspectives and people are heard and valued.

Want to read more on awareness vs acceptance?

Acceptance vs. Awareness Article

Then: Puzzle piece as the symbol for Autism

Now: Rainbow colored infinity symbol

Then: "Light it up blue" for Autism

Now: Gold, Red, Rainbow - anything but blue

Then: Autism Awareness

Now: Autism Acceptance

More Resources

• ASAN’s Autism Acceptance Page

Paraprofessional Appreciation Day - April 3

On Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, Berkley Schools says thank you to all our Paraprofessionals for going above and beyond every day to support our students. We are so grateful for all of you!

Passover - Begins at Sundown on Saturday, April 12

Passover, Pesach in Hebrew, is one of the Jewish religion’s most sacred holidays. Passover commemorates the Hebrew liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. Passover begins at sundown on April 12 and ends on April 20. The first two evenings of Passover are often celebrated with a feast known as a seder, where the story of the Exodus from Egypt is recounted and Matzah, an unleavened bread, is eaten.

You can learn more about Passover on the history.com website as well as on the chabad.org website

Palm Sunday - April 13

Palm Sunday, in the Christian tradition, is the first day of Holy Week and the Sunday before Easter, commemorating Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It is associated in many churches with the blessing and procession of palms (leaves of the date palm or twigs from locally available trees). These special ceremonies were taking place toward the end of the 4th century in Jerusalem and are described in the travelogue The Pilgrimage of Etheria. Source: Britannica

Good Friday - April 18

Good Friday is a Christian holiday observing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary, and takes place the Friday before Easter. It is also known as Holy Friday and Great Friday. Members of many Christian denominations observe Good Friday as a day of sorrow, penance and fasting.

Easter - April 20

Easter, the main festival of the Christian church, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion. The earliest recorded observance of an Easter celebration comes from the 2nd century. Easter is immediately preceded by Holy Week, which includes Maundy Thursday, the commemoration of Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples; Good Friday, the day of his Crucifixion; and Holy Saturday, the transition between Crucifixion and Resurrection. Souce: Britannica

The most prominent secular symbol of the Easter holiday is the Easter bunny, which was reportedly introduced to America by the German immigrants who brought over their stories of an egg-laying hare. The decoration of eggs is believed to date back to at least the 13th century, while the rite of the Easter parade has even older roots. Other traditions, such as Easter candy, are among the modern additions to the celebration of this early springtime holiday. Source: History.com

Orthodox Easter - April 20

Eastern Orthodox and Greek Orthodox believers celebrate Orthodox Easter, the Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Greek Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar, not the Gregorian calendar that most other Christian believers use, which is why Orthodox Easter and Easter are often on separate days. Orthodox Easter is also dictated by the Hebrew calendar because it always falls after Passover.

History shares, “Although it is observed as the holiest day by both Orthodox Christians and non-orthodox Christians, it is a movable feast, and is recognized on different days by both religions each year. Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter later than most Christians in the western world because the churches calculate the holiday by different calendars.”

Earth Day - April 22

Earth Day was established on April 22, 1970, and has been celebrated every year since. According to National Geographic Kids, the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, when United States senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin organized a national demonstration to raise awareness about environmental issues. Rallies took place across the country and, by the end of the year, the U.S. government had created the Environmental Protection Agency. By 1990, Earth Day was an event celebrated by more than 140 countries around the globe.

Now, Earth Day activities are organized by earthday.org.

Administrative Professionals Day - April 23

National Administrative Professionals Day, also known as Secretaries Day or Admin Day, recognizes the work of secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists, and other administrative support professionals. Administrative Professionals Day falls on the Wednesday of the last full week in April of each year.

In Berkley Schools, it allows the District to say thank you to all our outstanding secretaries and executive assistants who go above and beyond every day for our students and staff.

Take a Child to Work and Beyond Day - April 24

Junior Achievement (JA), a leader in preparing young people for work and life, is proud to announce the next evolution of Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day to inspire participation by all kids and families. On April 24, 2025, the event becomes Take a Child to Work Day and Beyond by Junior Achievement. Junior Achievement assumed leadership of the groundbreaking work readiness initiative started three decades ago by the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation.

Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day was established originally as “Take Our Daughters to Work Day” in 1993, on the fourth Thursday in April. In 2003, the Day was officially expanded to include sons and in 2007, the Take Our Daughters and Sons Foundation (TODSF) was established to create programming for each annual day.

Holocaust Remembrance Day - April 24

The internationally recognized date for Holocaust Remembrance Day corresponds to the 27th day of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar. It marks the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and is a national day of commemoration in Israel, on which the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust are memorialized. This year, Holocaust Remembrance Day is Thursday, April 24, 2025.

In Hebrew, Holocaust Remembrance Day is called Yom Hashoah. When the actual date of Yom Hashoah falls on a Friday, the state of Israel observes Yom Hashoah on the preceding Thursday. When it falls on a Sunday, Yom Hashoah is observed on the following Monday. In the United States, Days of Remembrance runs from the Sunday before Yom Hashoah through the following Sunday.

In Israel, a two-minute siren will sound nationwide at 10 a.m. to honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust.

Learn more on the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum website: https://www.ushmm.org/remember/days-of-remembrance/resources

Sources: Holocaust Memorial Museum & Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center

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

• Special Education High School Social Worker - BHS
• Permanent Building Substitute Teacher - Norup
• Long-Term Substitute Middle School Language Arts/Speech Teacher - Norup
• Afternoon Custodian Shift Leader - Norup
• Afternoon Custodian (3 positions) - Angell, Burton, Norup
• Permanent Substitute Custodian - District
• Lunch Aides - Angell, Burton, Pattengill
• Kids’ Zone Assistant Teachers (3 positions) - Angell, Pattengill, Rogers
• Middle School Football Coach - Anderson
• 7th Grade Boys Basketball Coach - Norup
• Varsity Basketball Coach - BHS

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