What's Inside
- Pattengill Students Showcase Talent
- Berkley ATP Students Recognized at Providence Hospital
- Board of Education Recognizes Retirees and Athletes (with video)
- Pattengill & Rogers Students Visit the DIA
- BHS Students Connect Through History and Storytelling at Rogers
- Norup Students Share Their Stories at Author Meet & Greet
- BHS Zoology Class Visits Pattengill
- Rogers Kindergarten Students Connect with Waste Management Crew
- Pattengill 5th Graders Prepare for Middle School
- Berkley Building Blocks Now Enrolling for Half Day Preschool
- Berkley Huntington Woods Youth Assistance Sponsors Little Yogis Summer Camp
- Summer Drama Camp Registration is Open
- High School Summer Difference Program Registration
- Berkley Schools Announces Varsity Tutors - Free for Students
- Have a Cool Job? Tell Our Students About It!
- What is the Oakland County Parent Advisory Committee?
- June Calendar Highlights - Pride Month
- How to Subscribe to the District Calendar
- Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring
Pattengill Students Showcase Talent
Pattengill held its annual talent show outside for family and friends on June 6, 2025. The Pattengill community gathered on the front lawn to watch musical performances, dance routines, comedy acts and more. Congratulations to all participants!
Berkley ATP Students Recognized at Providence Hospital
Berkley Adult Transition Program (ATP) students who volunteer at Providence Hospital in Southfield were recognized by the hospital recently. This end of year celebration was a combined celebration with Ferndale's ATP students that also volunteer at Providence. It was a great opportunity for families to see and hear about all of the great work and growth the students had there.
Board of Education Recognizes Retirees and Athletes
At the June 9, Board of Education Regular meeting, the Board honored this year’s District retirees and recognized student athletes for their recent accomplishments.
District Retirees
Watch the video honoring our retirees, below.
Administrative Offices
- Heather Lackey, Director of Student Services - 19 years of service
- Linette Zebracki, Payroll Clerk - 24 years of service
AMS & Elementary Schools
- Pam Kilbride, Orchestra Teacher - 27.5 years of service
Angell Elementary
- Emily Burns, 4th Grade Teacher - 27 years of service
- Vince Gigliotti, Principal - 29 years of service
- Mike Heroux, Head Custodian - 28 years of service
Berkley Building Blocks
- Cynthia Nichols, Assistant Supervisor of Early Childhood - 31 years of service
Berkley High School
- Caye Matthews, English & Video Production Teacher - 30 years of service
- Steve Weingarden, Math Teacher - 31 years of service
Norup International
- Julia Kettner, Science Teacher - 35 years of service
Rogers & Pattengill Elementary
- Terri Lubanski, Physical Education Teacher - 39 years of service
Shared Time
- Jerome Rochon, Art Teacher - 13 years of service
- Maria Ross, Kindergarten Teacher - 3 years of service
BHS Varsity Track and Field
Five Berkley High School students qualified for and participated in the State Track Meet. The Board recognized the following students for their accomplishments.
- Paige Rohda, 9th grade, placed 23rd in the 3200 Meter race with a time of 11:33.69. Paige was one of six freshmen to compete in the 3200 at States.
- Nicole DeCoster, 11th grade, competed in the 100 meter and 200 meter races, finishing 32nd and 14th respectively, in her first time competing at States.
- The 4x100 meter Relay team competed as states as well, beating their own school record to place 19th. Relay team members included: Nicole DeCoster, Lece Shoulders, 11th grade, Blessing Nweke, 11th grade, Sarah Lofton, 10th grade
BHS Girls Varsity Swim Team
The BHS Girls Varsity Swim Team was recognized for achieving All-State Academic Status with a team average GPA of 3.68. In addition, six senior swimmers received individual All-State Academic honors issued by the Michigan Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association for seniors who have a 3.65 GPA or higher: Ella Francis, Jessica Gleason, Alana Horwitz, Lucy Pugh, Annalia Rayo, Madi Schindler.
BHS Girls Varsity Tennis Team
The BHS Girls Varsity Tennis Team was honored at the Board meeting for qualifying for and competing at the State Meet. At the State Championships, the team finished in 17th place. Under the guidance of Coach Lenny Waldman, this team qualified for States for the fourth year in a row. In addition, the team finished 2nd at the Regional Championships.
The BHS Girls Varsity Tennis Team also earned Academic All-State with a team average of 3.98 GPA, surpassing the 3.25 GPA requirement.
Pattengill & Rogers Students Visit the DIA
Pattengill and Rogers fourth graders got to experience the Detroit Institute of Arts on their annual field trip. Art teacher Nikki Stone organized the trip for Rogers students on Wednesday, June 4th, followed by Pattengill students on Friday, June 6th. Both groups started their visit with the "Shaping Identity" tour led by DIA docents. The students had time to explore the Diego Rivera Murals and other parts of the museum. Artists returned to school and shared their favorite pieces and the sketches they made of the Diego Rivera Murals. Ms. Stone shared, “They're eager to go back to see more!”
BHS Students Connect Through History and Storytelling at Rogers
On June 9, Berkley High School World History students visited Rogers Elementary to read original books they created for 2nd–5th grade students. The readings took place both outdoors in the school’s courtyard and inside classrooms. These books were developed to present key world history concepts in accessible and creative ways and were inspired by a recent visit to the Detroit Institute of Arts. This project highlights critical thinking, creativity and communication skills and allowed the high schoolers to test their books with fellow students.
Additionally, high school Psychology students also created children’s books and participated in the event by reading to Kindergarten classes, adding to a vibrant morning that highlighted learning and connection across different grade levels.
Norup Students Share Their Stories at Author Meet & Greet
Sixth-grade students at Norup International School recently became published authors as part of a special writing project. Over the past several weeks, students worked hard to write, revise and edit a collection of personal narratives based on their real-life experiences.
The project culminated in an Author Meet & Greet event on Friday, June 6. Students proudly shared their finished anthologies, complete with cover pages, illustrations, and “About the Author” sections, with an audience of students, teachers and administrators.
The project emphasized the importance of storytelling, reflection and personal growth through writing, showcasing skills in narrative structure, dialogue, descriptive details and editing.
BHS Zoology Class Visits Pattengill
Scott Doty, BHS Zoology teacher, and Berkley High School National Science Honor Society students visited Pattengill first graders last week. Students were excited to learn about and meet animals, insects and reptiles. They even had a chance to hold and touch some of the visiting creatures.
This visit was arranged because it was a silent auction prize at the Berkley Education Foundation’s Off to the Races event in March and a Pattengill first grade parent won the item.
Rogers Kindergarten Students Connect with Waste Management Crew
Every Wednesday, Mrs. Mustonen and Mrs. Capuano’s Kindergarten classes stop what they are doing when the garbage truck comes. The Rogers students rush to the window, watch and wave. And every Wednesday, the Waste Management crew member beeps his horn and the children cheer. A few weeks ago, he told the teachers that this small moment is the highlight of his work week. So, on June 4th the students made signs and cards and went outside to watch the garbage get picked up. Mrs. Mustonen shared, “He got out of his truck to collect the cards and he was so sweet and so touched.”
Pattengill 5th Graders Prepare for Middle School
Pattengill 5th graders recently participated in a Middle School Prep Series designed to help them feel more confident and prepared for their next big step. The series focused on learning about middle school expectations, responsibilities, social-emotional changes and conflict resolution.
The sessions were led by School Social Worker, Alyssa Klein, alongside Anderson Middle School counselors Jessica Stone and Melissa Ng, with support from Emily Stephenson, an alumna of both Anderson Middle School and Berkley High School.
Berkley Building Blocks Now Enrolling for Half Day Preschool
Berkley Building Blocks is currently enrolling for Sunshine Club, a half day preschool program for the 2025-2026 school year.
Students are enrolled in the three day or two day program:
- Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 8:30 am - 12 pm
- Tuesday/Thursday: 8:30 am - 12 pm
Interested?
- Email: sarah.pinch@berkleyschools.org
- Call: 248-837-8904
Berkley Huntington Woods Youth Assistance Sponsors Little Yogis Summer Camp
Berkley Huntington Woods Youth Assistance (BHWYA) invites students ages 6-8 who are enrolled in the Berkley Schools to attend the free Little Yogis Summer Camp.
Camp sessions are Friday, July 18th 9:30 am - 12:00 pm or 1-3:30 pm at Bacon Park.
Camp includes breathing techniques with mindful poses and a fun craft.
Yoga mats, water and snacks provided.
The camp is sponsored by BHWYA.
To register, email info@BHWYA.org
Summer Drama Camp Registration is Open
Summer Drama Camp, led by Berkley High School Drama Coordinator John Hopkins, consists of multiple classes in different dramatic and performance techniques. The focus of the camps will be on musical theater and acting. Cost is $175 per session or $150 per session if you book more than one session in one transaction. Drama Camp will be held in the Berkley High School Little Theatre/Choir Room, 2325 Catalpa, Berkley, MI 48072.
Session One: Musical Theatre
- For students entering 6-8 grade
- June 23-27, 2025
- Mon-Fri, 10 am - 3 pm including a 45 minute “brown-bag” lunch
Session Two: Acting Camp
- For middle and high school students entering grades 6-12
- August 4-8, 2025
- Mon-Fri, 10 am - 3 pm including a 45 minute “brown-bag” lunch or off-campus lunch for high school students only
Session Three: Advanced Musical Theatre
- For middle and high school students entering grades 6-12
- August 11-15, 2025
- Mon-Fri, 10 am - 3 pm including a 45 minute “brown-bag” lunch or off-campus lunch for high school students only
Questions? Contact District Drama Coordinator, John Hopkins at john.hopkins@berkleyschools.org
For additional information and to register visit this link.
High School Summer Program Registration Information
At this time the elementary and middle school summer programs are closed. Below is the information for the high school summer program.
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
- June 13 - June 27
- Families will register via the MISTAR Parent Portal
- Follow these instructions on how to register via the Parent Portal
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.
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: June
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.
Pride Month
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the United States. During this month, many pride events are held to recognize the impact LGBTQ+ people have had in the world. Pride Month is also celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots, and works to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) Americans.
To learn more about Pride Month, and to see resources to share with your children, check out the list of resources below.
- Affirmations Detroit Affirmations LGBTQ+ community center has been the hub for southeast Michigan LGBTQ+ communities and its allies for the last 30 years. Affirmations provides a welcoming space where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities & expressions, and cultures can learn, grow, socialize and access the vital support they need.
- Celebrate Pride with Us - Human Rights Campaign The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. HRC envisions a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people are ensured equality and embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community. The HRC has developed a website full of Pride month activities, videos and resources.
- GLSEN: Terms and Concepts This collection of Key Concepts and Terms is designed to provide a basic understanding of words, phrases and ideas related to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and their experiences. All language is constantly evolving; new terms are introduced, while others fade from use or change their meaning over time.
- It Gets Better Project The It Gets Better Project’s mission is to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth around the globe.
- PFLAG: OUR CHILDREN OUR CHILDREN offers a fresh eye for families and others about what to do when a loved one comes out. Full of useful knowledge, helpful tips, expert opinions and first-person stories, OUR CHILDREN--which has a focus on sexual orientation and gender expression--is a must read for anyone looking to learn more about how to support LGBTQ loved ones...or looking for support for themselves.
- Trevor Support Center A place where LGBTQ youth and their allies can find answers to frequently asked questions, and explore resources related to sexual orientation, gender identity and 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
- Full Time Elementary Teachers - Multiple Positions
- Middle School English Teacher - Norup
- Early Childhood Special Education Teacher - BBB
- Lead Teacher - GSRP Extended Program Teacher - BBB
- School Psychologist - 2025-26 School Year
- School Social Worker - Early Childhood Education
- Permanent Substitute Custodian - District
- Head Custodian - Angell
- Kids’ Zone Assistant Teachers (3 positions) - Angell, Pattengill, Rogers
- Lunch Aides - Angell, Burton, Pattengill
- Middle School Football Coach - Anderson
- JV Girls Golf Coach - BHS
- Sideline Cheer JV Coach - BHS
Follow us on Social Media
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