November 12, 2021

November 12, 2021: Berkley Beat

November 12, 2021: Berkley Beat

  • Berkley High School Hosts HBCU Night
  • BHS US History Class Honors Veterans through Letter Writing Campaign & Leaving Flags at Gravesites
  • Berkley Schools Hosts COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for Students 5 and Older - New Slots Added
  • BHS Bands Perform Marching Band Concert
  • BHS Student Competes in 2021 Junior World Championships
  • BHS Varsity Volleyball Closes Out Season
  • Berkley Board of Education Honors Berkley Rite Aid
  • BHS Alumni Receives Athlete of the Year Award
  • Share Your Thoughts to Inform the Strategic Plan
  • It’s time for the Annual Caring & Sharing Program
  • Berkley African American Parent Network Meetings
  • Save the Date for the BHS Fall Play
  • Calling all BHS Swim & Dive Alumni
  • Native American Heritage Month
  • New Food Pantry Opens in Berkley
  • Open Hands Food Pantry Distribution for Families
  • Berkley School District is Hiring 
  • Sign Up for Text Alerts

Berkley High School Hosts HBCU Night

On Tuesday, November 9, the Berkley School District community was invited to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) night hosted by Berkley High School and the Berkley African American Parent Network. Inspired by a similar event at Norup last year, BHS Assistant Principal Evelyn Coleman, along with BHS College & Career Counselor Christina Belsky, organized and facilitated this event.

HBCU night included an open house with five colleges and four youth programs. Students and families were able to meet with representatives from these groups and learn more about what they offer. After the open house, families and students were welcomed into the library media center for a question and answer panel consisting of panelists from seven different HBCUs. Mrs. Coleman (proud Tennessee State University Tiger alumni) was the moderator for the panel.

Panelists included Erin Williams (Southern University alumni), Daren Mosely (Tuskegee University alumni), Sharise Crumley (Howard University alumni), Cedric Stokes (Tennessee State University alumni), Shamika Womble (Jackson State University alumni), QuanTez Pressley (Morehouse College alumni) and Eric Rayford (Rust College alumni). 

To kick off the panelist portion of the event, Mrs. Coleman shared the following about HBCUs. “HBCUs have cultivated a space and place for people of all races to obtain an education for all over the last two centuries. Today 101 HBCUs remain. And they continue to nurture and develop the top scientists, scholars, politicians, and educators. You name it, we produce it,” she said.

Mrs. Coleman then asked the panelists to share about their HBCU experiences including why they chose to attend an HBCU, what campus life was like, what they say to people who question whether an HBCU experience would be “diverse enough,” and why students should choose to attend today. Here are a few quotes from the evening:

  • “I was a minority everywhere I went… I never had the experience of a Black teacher. I wanted to go to school with and be taught by people who looked like me,” shared Ms. Crumley.
  • “Black people are diverse in and of themselves. I went to school with Black people from France, from Senegal, Cape Verde, South America. You’ll get a diverse experience [at an HBCU],” said Mr. Pressley. 
  • “An HBCU will prepare you for whatever obstacles you may face in the world,” said Mr. Rayford.

Quick Facts About Historically Black Colleges & Universities

  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were established to serve the educational needs of Black Americans. Prior to the time of their establishment, and for many years afterwards, Blacks students were generally denied admission to traditionally white institutions. As a result, HBCUs became the principle means for providing postsecondary education to Black Americans.

  • As of 2021, there are 101 HBCUs located in 19 states, the District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands that enroll almost 300,000 students.
  • Over half of all Black American professionals are graduates of HBCUs with more than half of Black public school teachers and 70% of Black dentists having earned degrees at HBCUs.
  • Some of the first HBCUs were established to train teachers, preachers and other community members.
  • HBCUs significantly contribute to the creation of African American science degree holders: agriculture (51.6%), biology (42.2%), computer science (35%), physical science (43%) and social sciences (23.2%).
  • Nine of the top ten colleges that graduate most of the African American students who go on to earn Ph.Ds are HBCUs.
  • Notable HBCU graduates include Vice President Kamala Harris (Howard), Oprah Winfrey (Tennessee State), Samuel L. Jackson (Morehouse) and Stacey Abrams (Spelman).

BHS US History Class Honors Veterans through Letter Writing Campaign & Leaving Flags at Gravesites

Berkley High School’s US History classes participated in the Thank a Veteran letter writing campaign on Veterans Day. Each student received background information on a Veteran and wrote to them to thank them for their service and the many sacrifices they made while serving our nation. 

The US History teachers hoped the students see the connection between the historical events the students have studied and the people they express gratitude for. BHS History teacher Angie Church shared, “We also hope that students will think about the experiences of others. We offer the opportunity for the Veterans to write back and correspond with us regarding their service and experiences.”

In addition to the letter writing campaign, students visited Roseland Park Cemetery in Berkley on November 10 to plant flags at the headstones of Veterans and visited the graves of military members that were killed in action.

Berkley Schools Hosts COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for Students 5 and Older - New Slots Added

The Berkley School District is pleased to announce a partnership with the Judson Center to offer three on-site, COVID-19 vaccine clinics for students in the Berkley School District community. The Pfizer vaccine will be available to all students in the Berkley School District 5 years and older at no cost.

Since this initial announcement was sent, additional slots have been added.

The Pfizer vaccine is a two-dose vaccine and will be administered from 3:30-6 PM at the following three schools:

Rogers Elementary School

Norup International School

Angell Elementary School

The vaccine is available to all Berkley School District students and you may register at any of the three locations. You do not have to register for dose #2. You’re time and location for dose #1 is the same as dose #2, on the dates listed above.

Registration is by appointment only and is first-come, first served. The registration forms will close once all of the spots are taken. Those who schedule an appointment will receive a follow up email with additional details about the clinic.

Please fill out the required consent form and bring it with you to your appointment. Information about the vaccine can be found on the Pfizer website. 

BHS Bands Perform Marching Band Concert

On Tuesday, November 9, the BHS Marching and Jazz Bands performed their first indoor concert since the pandemic began. The Jazz Band kicked off the event with two songs, “In the Mood” and “Suit and Tie.” The Marching Band marched into the Auditorium in full uniform playing the BHS Fight Song, the Star-Spangled Banner, crowd favorites like “All of the Lights,” “Seven Nation Army,” “Let’s Go Bears,” and “Thriller.” 

The band also played their songs from their 2021 halftime show. Every few songs the band members rotated in the Auditorium, giving each instrument section time on the stage. For the audience, the sound was all around them, with Marching Band members lining the Auditorium walls.

BHS Student Competes in 2021 Junior World Championships

Congratulations to BHS student Hayden Groves who recently competed with Team USA in the 2021 Inline Speed Skating World Championships for the Junior Men's Division in Bogota, Columbia. Hayden has been dedicated to the sport since he was young. Hayden competed in both the 3000m relay and 1000m individual sprint. After many races and heats, Hayden finished in 10th place!

Watch as Hayden shares who he looks up to and what advice he would give to future skaters in this USA Roller Sports Speed Skating Team video.

BHS Social Worker Katy Levinson said, “For those who don't knoq, skating is Hayden's passion...the thing that drives him daily. He has overcome so many obstacles to get here, and I am SO SO SO PROUD of this young man.”

AMS Teacher Nancy McChesney shared, “[Hayden’s story] is an amazing story and he is quite a dedicated athlete! He hasn't quit - ever and has many cheerleaders throughout the district (of which I am just one).”

Congratulations, Hayden!

BHS Varsity Volleyball Closes Out Season

Congratulations to the BHS Girls Varsity Volleyball team on a great season. The team finished with a 34-6 record. They were District champions and lost to the Divine Child Falcons in the Regional finals game this week - finishing among the top 16 teams in the state!

Congratulations on a great season and Go Bears!

Berkey Board of Education Honors Berkley Rite Aid

On Monday, November 8 at their regular meeting, the Berkley Schools Board of Education honored Berkley Rite Aid for their continuous support of the Berkley School District. 

During the pandemic, Rite Aid hosted three COVID-19 vaccine clinics in the Berkley School District, one for staff, one for staff and their family members, and one for students ages 12 and older. In addition, they set aside time at their store to host vaccine booster clinics for Berkley Schools staff this fall. The Rite Aid team also hosts annual Flu Shot clinics in nine of our schools, averaging 200 flu shots each year.

Pharmacist Alvin Ng was in attendance with his family to receive the resolution. The resolution read in part, “Berkley Rite Aid has been an outstanding community partner, incredibly supportive of Berkley Schools staff, easy to work with, and always willing to put in extra time to make the clinics successful. Thank you for being an exceptional partner in staff and student wellness.”

BHS Alumni Receives Athlete of the Year Award

Congratulations to former Berkley Schools student Margaret Beaudoin. She was awarded the 2021 BOOM Athlete of the Year by the organization MI Re:con.

BOOM (Be Our Own Motivation) is a statewide award ceremony recognizing individuals with a disability who have excelled. The goal of the BOOM Awards is to provide stereotype-busting role models for people with disabilities.

Each year they celebrate 3 individuals – an employee, an entrepreneur and an athlete – who have ignored doubters and pursued their dreams, in order to live the life they desire.

Watch Margaret talk about her athletic journey and the awards she has received along the way in this BOOM Awards video.

Share Your Thoughts to Inform the Strategic Plan

In 2019, the Berkley administrative team began working to revitalize the District’s Strategic Plan. The current plan, Vision 2020, expired in 2020. It was time to develop a plan that would not only reflect who we are as a District, but also continue to pull us forward. As the team was ready to launch the research portion of the plan (community and staff surveys), the pandemic arrived, and the focus shifted to pandemic learning rather than strategic planning.

Fast forward to Fall 2021. It is now time to revisit the plan that was started two years ago, and continue the process with the goal of establishing new guiding principles to lead the District into the future.

As part of this plan, the team has created a new draft Vision, Mission, and Tagline as well as Goals, Focus Areas and Strategies. These new guiding principles will set the path for the Berkley Schools for the next five to ten years. As with any new plan, the plan is only good if the people who support the plan are engaged with it.

Starting this week, we are sending short surveys, one a week for six weeks, to gather responses from all stakeholders.

Surveys will provide an opportunity for hundreds of ideas and reflections on this new set of principles to engage the entire community in our plan for the future. Online surveys may not appeal to all, and once the survey window is complete, the District will host a community meeting on January 11, 2022, at 7 pm in the Berkley High School Collaborative Center (2325 Catalpa, Berkley).

After all the feedback has been evaluated and considered, the final Vision, Mission, Tagline, Goals, Focus Areas and Strategies will be presented to the Board of Education for approval. The goal is to launch into the new plan for the 2022-23 school year.

Please take a moment to view our proposed Goals, Focus Areas and Strategies on the Strategic Plan webpage.

The current guiding principles are available on our website, too.

Survey one is now open - please take 5-10 minutes to complete your thoughts on our proposed guiding principles.

It’s time for the Annual Caring & Sharing Program

Caring & Sharing is a Berkley Area PTSA Council annual event that provides holiday meals to families in the Berkley School District and local Veterans. Historically, this event has been a partnership inside our schools through non-perishable food drives and PTAs purchased turkeys, extra food & fresh produce.

 This year, like last year, the PTSA Council is collecting funds through a GoFundMe account, hoping to raise as much money as possible so that they are able to give families generous Hollywood Market gift cards to purchase groceries to meet their needs.

In 2020, Caring & Sharing raised $27,900, fed 125 families, and gave $1,000 to the VFW and $1,000 to FLAG frontline workers.

We are asking for your support as we come together to help our friends & neighbors this holiday season. Please make a donation today!

To make a donation between now and December 4, visit the Caring & Sharing GoFundMe website.

If you know of a family in need, or your family is in need this holiday season, please complete the Caring and Sharing referral form.  All referral information will be used confidentially to provide families in need with a gift card to purchase food this holiday season.

Berkley African American Parent Network Meetings

Did you know the Berkley African American Parent Network meets monthly at Norup International? All are welcome to join! The next meeting is Thursday, November 18, in the Norup cafeteria at 7 pm.

Save the Date for the BHS Fall Play

Berkley High School’s BeDrama is proud to announce a return to the BHS stage! This fall, students will present the play All In The Timing: a collection of six one-act plays by David Ives. Performances will take place in the BHS Auditorium November 18-20, 2021, at 7 pm. 

Tickets are on sale now at the Fall play ticketing site.

Calling all BHS Swim & Dive Alumni

All former swimmers and divers are invited to the Berkley Swim and Dive Alumni Meet! 

On Saturday, November 27, 2021, alumni will have the chance to throw on their suits, hop back in the pool and compete once again!  Coaches will run as many heats as necessary, including some standard stroke events, relays and choice events.  

Donations to fund the program will be accepted.  Check-in will begin at 8:30 am, warm-ups from 8:30-9 am, with the meet from 9-11 am with breakfast food available after. 

If you want to visit with alumni, but have no desire to get in the pool that is completely fine too!  Alumni spectators and family are asked to donate a $5 admission fee which can be collected at the door. 

Questions can be sent to the team e-mail at bhsswimminganddive@gmail.com. 

Please complete the on-line Registration form by Monday 11/22/21. 

American Indian Heritage Month 

November is nationally recognized as American Indian Heritage Month. The month-long celebration highlights the culture, achievements and contributions of these Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society. 

Share in the learning about American Indian Heritage Month with your family by visiting these resources:  

New Food Pantry Opens in Berkley

Berkley Cares Food Pantry was established to help address the growing need for food assistance in Oakland County. What began as a small pantry is now housed in Berkley First: A United Methodist Church, located at 2820 12 Mile Road. Every Saturday the community is welcome to visit the drive-through food distribution from 10 am - 12 pm. Berkley Cares Food Pantry provides perishable and non-perishable goods to anyone who is experiencing an emergency or who needs food assistance.

The Pantry shares, “We serve individuals and families, adults, seniors, the displaced community, the unemployed and working poor; and treat all with integrity and compassion. No questions. No judgment. We’re a humble pantry with a large heart and believe we’re all here to be of service to one another.”

Learn more on the Berkley Cares Food Pantry website and their Facebook page. 

Open Hands Food Pantry Distribution for Families

Open Hands Food Pantry in Royal Oak offers a mobile drive-through pantry distribution every week.

If you are in need of food assistance, visit the Open Hands Food Pantry at St. John's Episcopal Church, (26998 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, corner of 11 Mile and Woodward - enter at 11 Mile) on Saturdays from 9-11 am.

For the safety of the mobile pantry guests and our volunteers, food will be placed in the trunk / back hatch of a vehicle.

Learn more on the Open Hands Pantry website.

Berkley School District is Hiring 

The Berkley School District is hiring multiple positions including building substitute teachers, custodians, special education paraeducators, childcare assistants and lunch aides. If you or someone you know are interested in these positions, visit the employment page on our website. On this page you will find more information on the positions and how to apply.

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!

 

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