Berkley Beat May 24, 2024

What's Inside?

  • Berkley Schools Celebrates the Class of 2024 with Clap Outs
  • Rogers Second Graders Participate in Community Walk
  • May Bond & Sinking Fund Update: Hurley Field, Maintenance Building, Furniture & More
  • Building Blocks Students Enjoy Ice Cream Social
  • BHS Seniors Gather to Watch the Sunset
  • BHS Students Capture Memories Before Prom
  • Vote for Scooter
  • Pattengill Families Enjoy Ice Cream Social
  • Legislative Update from Superintendent Francis
  • BHS Students Attend Detroit News Awards Ceremony
  • Kids’ Zone Enrollment for 2024-25 School Year
  • Berkley Summer Learning Programs - High School Registration Begins in June
  • Summer Program Offering: eSports Camp
  • Summer Drama Camp Registration is Open
  • Berkley Robotics, DaBears, Now Accepting New Members
  • Oak Park Invites the Community to Family Fun Fest
  • 2025 Travel Opportunities
  • May Calendar Highlights - Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, Orthodox Easter, Cinco De Mayo, National Teacher Appreciation Day
  • How to Subscribe to the District Calendar
  • Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring
  • Sign Up for Text Messages
  • Sunny Kadlitz - Albion College

Berkley Schools Celebrates the Class of 2024 with Clap Outs

The Berkley High School Seniors said goodbye to BHS and to their teachers by walking the halls one last time during the Senior Clap Out on May 21, 2024. Seniors started by gathering in the auditorium to watch the Senior Video, a collection of photos and videos from their time in Berkley Schools. They then exited the auditorium and were greeted by their friends, teachers, and beloved staff members cheering them on. This emotional final lap is an annual tradition.

Seniors were also invited for a final clap out at their elementary and middle schools. During the afternoon of May 21, seniors gathered at their elementary schools to walk through the halls one last time, greeted by clapping students and teachers. The seniors found their former teachers and gave hugs and high fives and enjoyed looking at the buildings to see what was different and what remained the same. After the elementary clap out, seniors were encouraged to then visit their middle schools and enjoy a clap out there as well. This tradition began last year and will continue!

To see a Reel of clapouts from around the District, visit the District’s Instagram account @BerkleySchools.

Rogers Second Graders Participate in Community Walk

On Friday, May 17, Rogers' second grade students explored local businesses during their annual Community Walk. This year, 32 businesses welcomed students and chaperones to show their goods, services, and contributions to the community. Students learned aboutlong-time businesses as well new ones that have recently opened. Every student visited at least 10 different businesses. Students also stopped for lunch and enjoyed ice cream at Clark's Ice Cream.

The second grade team would like to thank the following businesses for their participation:

  • Amici's
  • Aqua Tots
  • Articipate
  • Balanced Health and Wellness
  • Berkley Historical Museum
  • Berkley Music
  • Berkley Public Library
  • Biggby Coffee
  • Clark's Ice Cream
  • Coffee & Bark
  • Core LP Fitness
  • Flipside Records
  • Garden Central
  • Gatekeeper Games
  • Have You Any Wool?
  • Healthquest Physical Therapy
  • Jewel’s Pet Cuisine
  • June and December
  • Liss, Shapero and Mitnick
  • Matthew Gross Jewelers
  • Mongers’ Provisions
  • Munro Crafts
  • NOVA Chiropractic
  • Oddfellows Antiques
  • Origins Gaming / Collectible Investments
  • OSS Detroit
  • Peninsulas
  • Reforming Foundations
  • Reware Vintage
  • The Neighbor's Shoppe
  • The Wedding Shoppe
  • Toadvine Books

Bond Work & Sinking Fund Project Update: May 2024

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.

This month’s update includes important details on the new maintenance building construction for Norup and Berkley Building Blocks families, construction update for Hurley Field, ATP & Robotics construction update at the former Cana property, information about the new furniture replacement schedule and updates on all Phase I construction plans (Burton, Pattengill, BHS).

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 2024 and 2025.

Project Updates

New Maintenance Building site plan

Maintenance Building - Sinking Fund - June 2024

The new Maintenance building will be located at the Administrative Offices site in Oak Park, at the end of the parking lot, just north of the Norup playground. The work on the new maintenance building will begin shortly. The jobsite trailer, restrooms and temporary fencing will be installed the first week in June.

What this means for Norup & BBB Families

  • he construction site will take a large portion of the current Administrative Offices parking lot.
  • -Families who use the Admin lot for drop off may have to adjust their drop off locations, and/or have their children use the paved path to the west of the lot to reach their school.
  • A portion of the Norup field will be blocked off with fencing to ensure a safe construction site.
  • Construction vehicles will begin working once the site preparation is complete.
  • Additional details will be shared as the project begins.

The new building is scheduled to be completed by the end of December 2024.

Hurley Field Turf and Track Update - Sinking Fund - Summer 2024

New turf is being installed at Hurley Field!

Due to rain and some soggy conditions, some of the work at Hurley Field was postponed during the month of April. To get the plan back on schedule, the turf installation is now moving ahead of the new track completion. The new turf rolls were delivered this week, and installation has begun. It is anticipated the turf and track will be completed by the first week in August in time for fall sports.

District-wide Furniture Purchase - Bond - Summer 2024

The summer schedule for TK-12 classroom furniture replacement is nearly complete. This summer, District vendor Interior Environments, along with the District’s maintenance team, will remove all student and teacher desks as well as some storage units to get ready for the new furniture. The new furniture has been sent to production and includes student desks, student chairs, teacher desks, teacher chairs, multiple classroom storage options and flexible seating. All of the old furniture will be packaged and distributed to students and families who need it using The Reuse Network. The Teaching and Learning team has been working to finalize Phase II plans for specialized spaces. Some spaces will receive their new furniture in August, some will have their new items delivered over Winter Break.

Phase 1: Burton & Pattengill Multi-Purpose Additions - Bond - Fall 2024

Burton & Pattengill Multi-Purpose additions plans are nearing completion. The District Bond team and professional partners have refined the scope of work and will have final meetings regarding the projects during the month of May. Current discussions include planning for the construction staging and blocking off parts of the property for construction. As soon as these details are finalized, we will share them with the respective communities. The projects will go out to bid in June/July. With this work, both schools will have additional work done on their gymnasiums and playgrounds. Both projects should break ground in October 2024.

Phase 1: BHS Performing Arts Wing - Bond - Spring 2025

Berkley High School’s Performing Arts Bond meetings continue while the team refines the plans, finishes and timelines for the work. The team is working on the new look and feel of the Auditorium and backstage areas, details and technology for the Black Box Theatre/Choir room, selections for the instrument storage commons and refining the new auditorium lobby addition. The team will continue to work on the plans during May-July in preparation for the BHS projects to go to bid in October.

Phase 1: BHS Science Wing - Bond - Summer 2025

The architects have refined the drawings for the BHS Science Wing work and are working with the Bond team to refine finishes and details. The Science Wing will be packaged along with the rest of the BHS projects and will go to bid in early October. The Science Wing project timeline includes work beginning once school is complete in June 2025 and the labs reopening in September 2025.

Phase 1: BHS BEAR Complex - Bond - Spring 2025

The District Field House is now named The BEAR Complex (The Berkley Education, Athletics and Recreation Complex). The District Bond team has had many meetings in May to finalize the work for The BEAR. Architects have refined the drawings and renderings for the field house and the Bond team has chosen finishes for the space. The team has also met to discuss details for the outside spaces. The new outdoor field will be ready for smaller athletic events and will include bleachers and lights. The team will continue to refine details to keep a close eye on the project budget and goals. The BEAR Complex will go to bid in September. Work will begin during the month of April 2025.

Phase 1: BHS Pool - Bond - Spring/Summer 2025

The professional teams are working on plans and drawings for the space and will meet with the BHS Pool Design Team to refine the work during upcoming meetings. Pool updates will take place during Summer 2025.

ATP & Robotics at former Cana Lutheran Church - Spring 2025

The District has now closed on the purchase of Cana Lutheran Church at 2119 Catalpa, adjacent to the Berkley High School campus. The District took possession on April 30, 2024. The Bond and Sinking Fund team is now working with the District’s architects and construction management team to plan the construction for the new Adult Transition Program (ATP) and Robotics spaces. The work for both of these projects will be bundled with the BHS Bond projects and will go to bid in October 2024. The goal is to have ATP in their new space by August 2025 for the start of the school year and Robotics soon after and prior to their 2025 build season.

Work on the site has begun and includes working with the Cana congregation to remove stained glass, the organ, lights and additional materials that are being donated to various congregations in the metro area.

Baseball/Softball Fields - Sinking Fund - Timeline TBD

The District is planning to add a new home varsity softball field on the Tyler Field, just north of Berkley Building Blocks. The design team, along with Foresite Design, is working on design details. This new varsity field would include lights, dugouts, concession area and a permanent outfield fence. The work is also being planned to include an outdoor restroom location near the field. Update: The planning work for the softball field and collaboration with the City of Oak Park for park improvements continues.

Planning and discussions are continuing for baseball field upgrades.

Technology - Bond

New interactive flat panels and new classroom sound systems have been installed in all classrooms at Angell, Burton, Pattengill and Rogers along with new clocks. Next up, the flat panels will be installed at Norup and Anderson prior to the school year ending.

Bond Financing

On May 8, Superintendent Francis and Assistant Superintendent of Finance, Facilities and Operations Kathy Konon participated in the pricing of the $78 Million Bond (Phase II of Bond sales) with the guidance and expertise of District financial advisor PFM and the underwriting skills and experience of Stifel Nicolaus. The District team was able to secure a 4.11% interest rate and a shorter term of 24 yrs. 10.8 months. With all criteria met, Superintendent Francis formally executed the Bond Purchase Agreement on May 9, 2024 with Stifel Nicolaus. At the Regular Meeting on May 13, 2024, the Board of Education affirmed Superintendent Francis’ action and approved the Ratification Resolution to finalize the sale of the Bond.

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 finally, project completion.

Building Blocks Students Enjoy Ice Cream Social

On Thursday, May 16, Berkley Building Blocks students enjoyed their annual Ice Cream Social. At the event students enjoyed a dance party, drew with sidewalk chalk and played on the playground equipment. Building Blocks teachers handed out ice cream to families as they enjoyed a warm spring evening.

BHS Seniors Gather to Watch the Sunset

To kick off the start of their senior year, the class of 2024 gathered at Hurley Field for the annual Senior Sunrise. On May 20, 2024, the seniors celebrated the conclusion of their time at Berkley High School with the Senior Sunset at the parking lot across from the high school. Students painted their cars with the universities and schools they will be attending and posed for photos. They then joined together in the courtyard where staff members served hot dogs, chips, drinks and candy as they enjoyed one of their last festivities as Berkley students.

BHS Students Capture Memories Before Prom

On Thursday, May 16, Berkley High School students carried on the tradition of meeting at Mary Kay Davis Park in Huntington Woods ahead of Prom. Students descended upon the park, lovingly known as Prom Park, to capture photos with their friends and classmates. This year, Prom was held at The Meridian in Farmington Hills.

Vote for Scooter

Scooter, Angell's Media Center turtle, has made it to the final round of the Channel 4 Click on Detroit All 4 Pets Spokespet contest! Out of over 900 applicants, Scooter has emerged as one of the top 12 finalists.

You can help Scooter clinch the victory!

Voting is simple and doesn't require any registration or personal information. You can cast your vote for Scooter once per device by visiting the Click on Detroit website. Voting closes on Friday, May 24.

Pattengill Families Enjoy Ice Cream Social

On May 16, 2024, Pattengill held its annual Ice Cream Social. Carnival games, an inflatable obstacle course, face painting, toy ax throwing, crafts and more were available on the playground. Students enjoyed a water station, too, and for two game tickets, students tossed a beanbag to try and dump a bucket of water on Principal Shamika Womble, teacher Jim McKelvey and Speech Pathologist Jennifer Connelly! An ice cream truck was at the event, too, for all to enjoy. This event is a celebration of another great school year for the entire Pattengill community!

Legislative Update from Superintendent Francis

Dear Berkley Schools Community,

Recently, I had the privilege of representing our District at the state Capitol in Lansing, advocating for crucial funding and support for our schools, staff, and students.

During my time at the Capitol, I met with legislative members to emphasize the importance of prioritizing public education funding in our state. Specifically, our discussions centered around a formal request to the legislature and Governor to reduce district payments for retirement benefits because those funds are overfunded. We could then use the savings for our students, staff, and schools. We are also asking for the State to eliminate the 3% teacher healthcare contribution. Visit the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators website for more detailed information. We also presented a letter from many public education organizations that outlines our request and emphasizes the importance of investing the money in such a way that will support our elementary through high school students.

Budgets are heading into final discussions at the State’s legislative level and I urge you to contact your legislators and tell them to keep the money allocated for our schools with our elementary through twelfth grade students. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every student in our community receives the education they deserve.

I hope you have a happy Memorial Day weekend, and as always, I am grateful for our school community and to be a part of the community.

Scott Francis, Superintendent

BHS Students Attend Detroit News Awards Ceremony

On Tuesday, May 21, two BHS seniors attended the Detroit News Outstanding High School Graduate Awards along with BHS Principal Andy Meloche. Lauren Schnieders was honored in the Visual Arts category and Sophia Baron was honored in the Science Education category. Students from all around the state are nominated with only 24 winners in total. Each of the students received a $1000 scholarship for winning. Teachers Tracy Francis and Emily Olsen were also in attendance.

You can see all the honorees in this Detroit News Article.

Kids’ Zone Enrollment for 2024-25 School Year

The Kids’ Zone Latchkey application window for the 2024-25 school year begins on Thursday, May 23 and runs through Friday, May 31. Families with children attending Angell, Burton (AM only), Norup, Pattengill or Rogers, who will be entering grades TK-5 for the 2024-25 school year are welcome to apply. Students must be 5 years old to participate.

Students will be considered in order of their scheduled days, with 5 days/week students first, after all applications are received. Signing up for 5 days/week and changing to less days at a later date may result in families going on the waiting list. Families are encouraged to only sign up for the days needed, so Kids’ Zone can try to accommodate everyone that turned in applications during the application window. If availability allows throughout the school year, Kids’ Zone will accept new students on a first come first served basis until each class reaches maximum capacity.

Completed forms can be returned online, in person at Berkley Building Blocks, by fax 248.546.9238 or via email by May 31, 2024. Families will receive notice of acceptance into the Kids’ Zone program by mid-June, and the first month’s tuition will be due in September.

Once the program is full, students will be placed on a waiting list and contacted when space becomes available. If you are placed on the waitlist for Kids' Zone care you will be notified when ANY day you have requested becomes available.

Registration fee is $60 or $100 max per family.

Each location must have 18 students register in order for the program to operate.

For any questions reach out to BBB Secretary Andrea Megroet at andrea.megroet@berkleyschools.org

Application forms are available on the Kids' Zone website.

Berkley Summer Learning Programs - High School Registration Opens In June

The Berkley Summer Difference high school summer options will be held in person, for students in current grades 9-12. Classes will focus on Credit Recovery.

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

Registration

Summer Program Offering: eSports Camp

This summer, Berkley High School will be offering an eSports Camp for students entering grades 7-9 in the fall. During the 4-day camp students will create team names and logos, learn the rules for competitive varsity high school eSports, learn and practice eSports skills, and compete in several mini tournaments!

This camp focuses on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Brothers Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch. All skill levels are welcome! Students will need to bring a positive attitude and a desire to game, compete, and learn.

Space is limited to the first 20 people who sign up and pay via MISTAR Parent Portal.

Camp Details

  • Berkley High School
  • June 24-27
  • 9 am - 3 pm (with a 45 minute lunch period)
  • $250 per student
  • Students may bring their own lunch OR receive a free "brown bag" lunch (Choice of yogurt or sandwich w/ a fruit, vegetable, juice and milk).
Registration Form

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. The 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 Auditorium, 2325 Catalpa, Berkley, MI 48072.

Session One: General Musical Theater Camp

  • For students entering 6-8 grade
  • June 24 - 28, 2024
  • 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 5-9, 2024
  • Mon-Fri, 10 am - 3 pm including a 45 minute “brown-bag” lunch or off-campus lunch for high school students only

Session Three: Musical Theater Camp

  • For middle and high school students entering grades 6-12
  • August 12-16, 2024
  • 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.

Berkley Robotics, DaBears, Now Accepting New Members

The Berkley High School Robotics Team, DaBears Team 247 is now accepting 8th-12th graders interested in joining the 2024-25 robotics season!

Team 247 competes in the FIRST Robotics Competition every year. During the season, mentors and coaches help to expand student knowledge on engineering, machining, programming and marketing. Robotics also allows students to engage with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning.

By building robots and competing against other schools, students learn the following skills:

  • Programming
  • Engineering
  • 3D Modeling
  • Media
  • Business

ANY QUESTIONS?

Email Coach Kinney at coachdabears@gmail.com

Visit the Team’s website.

Oak Park Invites the Community to Family Fun Fest

The Oak Park Corridor Improvement Authority is thrilled to announce the inaugural Family Fun Fest on 9 Mile, taking place on Saturday, June 1st from 1-4 pm.

This FREE event will be held along the scenic 9 Mile Linear Park and from Scotia to the Sherman pocket park (on 9 Mile, east of Coolidge), offering a vibrant space for families to enjoy a variety of activities.

Activities for all ages:

  • Local daycare facilities will showcase interactive activities within their designated spaces.
  • Live music, captivating puppet shows, and energetic face painting will keep the little ones entertained.
  • Unleash your inner artist with vibrant chalk art stations.
  • And much more!

Adding to the festive atmosphere, businesses along the 9 Mile corridor will be hosting sidewalk sales and special events. This is a fantastic opportunity to support local shops and restaurants while enjoying the family-friendly activities.

Learn more on the event’s Facebook page.

2025 Travel Opportunities

Panama - Spring 2025

Students in grades 6-9 (during the time of travel) and their families are invited to travel to Panama on our upcoming trip: From Pirates to the Present in Panama: Spring 2025! On this tour to one of the most diverse countries in the world, have lunch with Indigenous people, snorkel along the country’s Caribbean coast, and explore bustling Panama City. Also discover how, long before the canal was built, Panama’s central location attracted pirates like Sir Francis Drake and Henry Morgan.

Check out the presentation to learn more! Panama Enrollment Meeting Presentation

Click on the following link to visit the tour enrollment page: Panama Enrollment Site

If you have any other questions contact Liz Reynolds at elizabeth.reynolds@berkleyschools.org

France & Spain - Spring 2025

Students in Grades 6-12 are invited to travel to France & Spain during Spring 2025! This stunning trip will explore cultural experiences, local immersion, and iconic sights of this stunning country. See the itinerary online.

Contact Athena Troher athena.troher@berkleyschools.org for more information.

Australia & New Zealand - June 2025

Students in grades 6-12 (during the time of travel), and family members are invited to join an educational travel experience to Australia and New Zealand!

View the itinerary on the EF Tours website.

If you have any questions, contact Athena Troher at athena.troher@berkleyschools.org

Japan - Summer 2025

Students in grades 9-12 (during the time of travel) are invited to travel to Japan during the Summer of 2025. This trip will explore cultural experiences, local immersion and iconic sights of the country.

If you have any questions or would like to attend the trip, contact Saundra Rathburn at saundra.rathburn@berkleyschools.org or Tracy Burroughs at tracy.burroughs@berkleyschools.org

Calendar Highlights - May

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.

May is Jewish American Heritage Month

May is Jewish American Heritage Month. On April 20, 2006, President George W. Bush proclaimed that May would be Jewish American Heritage Month to honor the contributions and achievements of Jewish Americans and to educate all Americans. It’s been continued every year since then by Presidential Proclamation. Jewish American Heritage Month is a celebration of the contributions and experiences of Jewish Americans and highlights how America’s Jewish communities have shaped, and been shaped, by the cultural, social, and economic fabric of the United States.

Learn more about Jewish American Heritage Month:

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month is a celebration of people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent in the United States. A broad term, Asian/Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island).

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week was first signed into law by President Carter on October 5, 1978. During the next decade, presidents passed annual proclamations for Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week until 1992 when Congress annually designated May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.

The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese person to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.

Source: Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month website

Resources to learn more about Asian/Pacific Heritage Month:

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Since its inception in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. Mental health refers to our emotional and social well-being and impacts how we think, feel and behave. It plays a role in connecting with others, making decisions, handling stress, and many other aspects of daily life.

The Berkley School District has many resources available for families on our Emotional Support and Wellness Resources webpage. From emergency hotlines to community resources, to mindfulness, to grief and loss resources, our mental health professionals have built a comprehensive site for the community to use.

Additional resources to learn more about Mental Health Awarness Month:

Cinco De Mayo - May 5

Cinco de Mayo, which translates to the fifth of May and is celebrated on May 5, is a holiday recognizing when the Mexican army claimed victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War on May 5, 1862, according to History. Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day (September 16), a popular misconception. Instead, it commemorates a single battle. Today, Cinco De Mayo celebrations are more popular in the United States than Mexico.

Learn more on the National Geographic Kids website and Britannica website.

Orthodox Easter - May 5

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 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.”

National Teacher Appreciation Day - May 7

National Teacher Appreciation Day is on the Tuesday during first full week in May as a reminder to show appreciation for teachers everywhere. The National Education Association describes National Teacher Appreciation Day, "as a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives."

In Berkley Schools, it allows the District to say thank you to all our outstanding teachers for all they do for their students.

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!

Now Hiring:

  • District Athletic Director - Berkley High School
  • High School Math Teacher - Berkley High School
  • Special Education Teacher of Students with Cognitive Impairments - Pattengill
  • Special Education Teacher of Students with Emotional Impairments - Norup
  • Special Education Teacher of Students with Autism - Location TBD
  • Secondary Instructional Coach - Berkley High School
  • Family Consumer Science Teacher - Anderson Middle School
  • Special Education Teacher Consultant for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) - Multiple Buildings
  • School Social Worker - Norup International
  • Community Education Secretary - BBB
  • Campus Monitor - BHS
  • Executive Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent of Finance, Facilities and Operations
  • GSRP and Head Start Substitute Teacher - Berkley Building Blocks
  • GSRP and Head Start Associate Teacher - Berkley Building Blocks
  • Assistant Teacher(s) - 6 Open Positions - Berkley Building Blocks
  • Early Childhood Special Education Substitute Paraeducator - Berkley Building Blocks
  • Kids’ Zone Assistant Teacher - Pattengill
  • Lunch Aides - Pattengill
  • Head Custodian - Anderson Middle School
  • Afternoon Part-Time Custodian - Angell
  • Permanent Substitute Custodian - District
  • Middle School Girls Swim and Dive Head Coach
  • High School Girls Diving Coach
  • High Schools Boys Tennis Program Assistant
  • School Social Worker Long Term Substitute - Berkley High School (Beginning of the 2024-25 School Year)
  • School Social Worker Long Term Substitute - Berkley Building Blocks/Beth Jacobs (Beginning of the 2024-25 School Year)

Sign Up for Text Alerts

Quick Steps to Receive Text Alerts from Berkley Schools

In order to receive text messages from the District or your school, you must opt-in. Text messages will be sent out when the District closes or there is an emergency situation. Texts may also be sent from the District and schools for reminder messages during the day that are not urgent.

In order to receive text messages, every parent/guardian must opt-in each cell phone listed in MISTAR.

Steps to Opt-In

  • Text the word YES (in the message field) to the phone number 67587 (in the To field). Then you are all set!

District News Online

Want to keep up with the latest District news stories? Visit our new News page to see stories, messages from principals, weekly reminders and more. News articles posted on the District News page will also populate each respective school’s News page. Articles that don’t make it into the Beat will also be posted on our News pages, Facebook and Twitter.

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