Berkley Beat May 3, 2024

What's Inside?

Inside:

  • AMS 8th Grade Visits Washington D.C.
  • City of Oak Park Plants Trees with Norup Students
  • Representative Natalie Price Visits Angell
  • Norup & Anderson Students Visit Construction Career Day
  • Berkley Students Recognized at BHWYA Youth Recognition Ceremony
  • BHS Baseball Hosts Staff Appreciation Game
  • Save the Date for the Vision 2024 Student Art Showcase
  • BHS Senior All Night Party 2024 - Community Support Opportunities + Information for Senior Families
  • Save the Date for a Superintendent Community Chat
  • BHS Baseball Team to Play at Comerica Park
  • Berkley Summer Learning Programs - Registration Opens April 22
  • Save the Dates for Food Truck Fridays
  • Travel to Panama, Australia & New Zealand, Japan in 2025
  • May Calendar Highlights - Jewish American Heritage Month, Asian/Pacific 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

AMS 8th Grade Visits Washington D.C.

From April 24-27, 2024, 100 Anderson Middle School 8th graders traveled to Gettysburg and Washington D.C. for an optional visit. This trip has been made available for all 8th graders for the last two decades to connect to the 8th grade social studies curriculum. The first stop on the trip was the Gettysburg Civil War Museum and a guided tour of the Gettysburg Battlefield. Next, the students visited George Washington’s Mount Vernon, toured the US Capitol, stopped to see the White House, National Archives, Library of Congress and Supreme Court, and visited the Jefferson, FDR, MLK and WWI Memorials. Before heading home, students also visited Smithsonian Museums at the National Mall, visited the 911 Memorial at the Pentagon, stopped at the Lincoln, Vietnam and Korean War memorials, and toured Arlington Cemetery including watching the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. While driving through D.C., students also saw Embassy Row and the Vice President’s home.

City of Oak Park Plants Trees with Norup Students

On Friday, April 26, Arbor Day, the City of Oak Park visited Norup and planted trees with fifth grade students. The annual Arbor Day tree planting is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation. The City of Oak Park has been a part of this initiative for 41 years with the goal of maintaining and growing their tree coverage. Each year, in honor of Arbor Day, the city works with a local school and their students to help plant trees in that school's vicinity. The City shared, “Having the students involved is important to us because it provides us with an opportunity to highlight the importance of trees and tree coverage in our community.”

Joe Nissan, General Foreman for the City of Oak Park shared, “Our goal is to inform the students and residents alike of why tree planting and maintenance is vital to us. We hope that everyone cares for trees like we do, so our future here is cared for.”

Representative Natalie Price Visits Angell

On Monday, April 29, Michigan Representative Natalie Price visited Angell Elementary School to read with students. Rep. Price gave students an option to choose from a variety of books and one of the books selected was, "More Than Peach" by Bellen Woodard. This book follows the story of a young girl who becomes frustrated when she cannot find a crayon that matches her skin tone. She begins to question why there is no crayon for her and why she has to settle for a "peach" color. This story served as a catalyst for discussions around issues that students felt passionate about within their community.

Rep. Price also took this time to provide insight into the workings of the legislative process, explaining how laws are changed and how individuals, even young ones, can make a difference. Rep. Price concluded one of her reading sessions with a short interview conducted by 5th grade students for the Angell Network News. The interview provided students an opportunity to learn more about Rep. Price as a person, her position, and the responsibilities that come along with being a State Representative.

BHS Baseball Hosts Staff Appreciation Game

On Monday, April 29, Berkley High School’s baseball team held their annual Staff Appreciation Game before their matchup against Royal Oak. Staff appreciation is an opportunity for athletes to recognize staff members who have played an essential role in their educational careers. Prior to the game, athletes bring a staff member onto the field and honor them.

Norup & Anderson Students Visit Construction Career Day

On May 1, 2024, Norup and Anderson middle school students traveled to Michigan Construction Career Days (MICCD) with their school counselors. MICCD provides Michigan’s young people a chance to experience construction up-close, getting the chance to use real tools, materials and heavy equipment under the direct guidance of construction professionals from all sectors of the industry. Students have the opportunity to see what construction is and learn about the training and education paths to secure a career in construction.

Learn more on the MICCD website.

Berkley Students Recognized at BHWYA Youth Recognition Ceremony

The Berkley/Huntington Woods Youth Assistance (BHWYA) Youth Recognition Ceremony was held on April 25, 2024. Students were nominated by Berkley School District staff and community members for being outstanding citizens. In addition to honoring students with Youth Recognition awards, the following students received the BHWYA Mel Ross Scholarship: Michael Onuoha, Bryce Scully, Kali Wallace and Julia Watson.

Congratulations to the following Berkley Schools students who were recognized:

Angell Elementary

  • Payton Aardema
  • Tenley Bandy
  • Lily Barrus
  • Violet Barrus
  • Charlotte Buckley
  • Nicole Carlson
  • Charlie Converse
  • Etta Hurst
  • Kira Nevryueva
  • Della Nixon
  • Ellie Sehi
  • Nathan Shelby
  • Claire Thrasher
  • Amelia Thrasher
  • Abbie Wilson

Burton Elementary

  • Reese Bortman

Pattengill Elementary

  • Maxwell Huyghe

Rogers Elementary

  • Aiden Himes
  • Charlie Savage
  • Matylda Srugis
  • Millie Wagley

Norup International

  • Cooper Ingber
  • Melayah Lucas

Anderson Middle School

  • Denny Lambert
  • Elliott McKeeman
  • Reese Stamm

Berkley High School

  • John Seaton
  • Lucia Tesolin

The mission of the Berkley/Huntington Woods Youth Assistance is to strengthen youth and families, and to reduce the incidence of delinquency and neglect through community involvement. To learn more and support, visit their website.

Save the Date for the Vision 2024 Student Art Showcase

The Berkley Schools community is invited to attend the District’s Vision 2024 Student Art Showcase at the District Administrative Offices. The showcase will take place on Monday, May 13, from 5-6:30 pm. This wonderful exhibit showcases the artistic vision of Berkley Schools students. The many works of art include various media and views of the world, produced by students from TK-12. This year will feature over 200 pieces of student art from all grades and all schools.

Art Showcase Details

  • May 13, 2024, 5-6:30 pm
  • Administrative Offices
  • 14501 Talbot, Oak Park, MI 48237
  • Art show will remain on display at the Administrative Offices through Monday, May 20.

Berkley High School Senior All Night Party 2024 - Community Support Opportunities + Information for Senior Families

On June 6th, 2024, over 300 students will graduate from Berkley High School. To celebrate and recognize this memorable day, a community-sponsored, volunteer-led party will be held at Berkley High School the night of Commencement. This annual event, known as the Senior All-Night Party (SANP) provides a fun, safe and secure environment for our graduating seniors to celebrate with all of their classmates. The success of this exciting event requires the help of the entire BHS community and there are many options to help.

Donate

  • Become a SANP Sponsor - Visit the SANP website for the opportunity to donate to this annual celebration for the BHS Senior Class.
  • Participate in the year-round Bear Paws and Celebratory Yard Signs delivered to the front yard of your choice - information on booking can be found on the BHS website.
  • Flower Sale each Spring.
  • Well Dressed Prom Dress Resale shop.
  • Wishes Wall - during the month of May you can purchase a wish for a senior to be displayed at the SANP.
  • Party donations

Volunteer

This event continues to provide a wonderful celebration for the graduating seniors year after year due to the team of volunteer parents that make up the SANP Committee.

  • Volunteer to help at the event, with set up, or with take down. We especially need help with the 1:30-4 am shift to help ensure we are able to continue this event as an ALL-Night Party and not require us to end the party early due to lack of volunteer support!
  • Join the committee - we are primarily looking for parents of the class of 2027 and beyond to learn the ropes from our graduating senior parents!

Senior Families Only

  • Purchase a 2024 SANP Ticket. Purchase by graduation rehearsal on June 4, 2024, for $75 advance purchase price. Tickets at the door - $100 (sign free with purchase if any remain) - No physical ticket will be provided. Please include your student's full name and contact info during purchase.
  • Purchase your 2024 Graduate Yard Sign while supplies last.
  • Combo pricing is also available while supplies last.
  • Commencement reserved seating raffle for Senior families. Purchase your tickets by Monday June 3 for your chance to have priority seating reserved for your entire group at Commencement 2024!

If you have any questions please reach out to Melissa Bajcz - melbajcz@gmail.com

Please follow us to keep up to date:

Thank you,

BHS SANP 2024 Committee

Community is Invited to a Community Chat with Superintendent Francis

Superintendent Scott Francis will host community chats this semester. Community members are invited to share thoughts about the Berkley School District at this informal community forum on Monday, May 20, 5:30-6:30 pm, at the Berkley Schools Administrative Offices, 14501 Talbot, Oak Park. Refreshments will be provided.

BHS Baseball Team to Play at Comerica Park

The Berkley Schools community is invited to watch the Berkley High Baseball team play Country Day at Comerica Park on Sunday, May 5th, at 7 pm. The game is also a fundraiser for the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation in its battle against pediatric cancer. Both teams agreed to donate a portion of ticket proceeds to ChadTough. Tickets are $25 and they include a ticket to the Detroit Tigers game vs. the Washington Nationals on Tuesday, June 11 at 6:40 pm.

Tickets can be purchased via cash, check or Venmo. Checks can be made payable to Berkley Schools, and the Venmo is @Berkley-Baseball. For additional information please contact Coach Rawlik at matthew.rawlik@berkleyschools.org

Berkley Summer Learning Programs

The Berkley Summer Difference program details are now available for students TK-12. High School summer options will be held in person, for students in current grades 9-12. Classes will focus on Credit Recovery.

Registration for K-8 students opened on Monday, April 22, in the MISTAR Parent Portal. Registration for high school students will open June 10.

See program descriptions and registration instructions, below.

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 2023-24 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

Program Details for Elementary STEM

  • June 17-21 (No class June 19)
  • All classes held at Rogers Elementary School
  • 8:30-11 am
  • Breakfast will be available daily at 8 am for a fee, or free/reduced price for those who qualify for free/reduced meals

Additional details are available in the Elementary STEM Program document

Registration

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 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). 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 STEM program is intended for any students interested in exploring STEM topics which could include Coding/Robotics.

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

Program Details for the STEM Class

Registration

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

Save the Dates for Food Truck Fridays

Food Truck Fridays are back! The District is hosting Food Truck Fridays at ArtSpace, the plaza located on Coolidge at the corner of Coolidge and Catalpa south of the gas station. The following food trucks will be set up for students and the community to enjoy for lunch.

Travel to Panama, Australia & New Zealand in 2025

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.

Learn more about the trip at a meeting on May 9th at 6 pm on Zoom. RSVP to the Panama meeting to make sure you learn the most up to date information about the trip.

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

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 currently 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:

  • 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
  • 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
  • Kids’ Zone Assistant Teacher - Pattengill
  • Lunch Aides - Pattengill
  • Afternoon Custodian Positions (2) - Norup
  • Middle School Girls Swim and Dive Head 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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