January 7, 2022

January 7, 2022: Berkley Beat

January 7, 2022: Berkley Beat

  • Thank you, Berkley School Board Members for Serving Our Community
  •  BHS Students Excel at DECA District Competition
  • Berkley African American Parent Network Announces Essay Contest
  • Berkley and Royal Oak Partner to Honor Dr. King on MLK Day
  • Watch the Berkley Bears Live for Free - Through March 3
  • Registration is now open for the 2022 African American Read-In: Courage in OUR Stories 
  • Starting Next Week: Kindergarten Information Nights
  • Important Remind 101 Update - Phone Number Change
  • Help the BEF Fund the #BerkleyDifference and Give to the Dollars for the District Campaign
  • Berkley School District is Hiring 
  • Sign Up for Text Alerts

Thank you, Berkley School Board Members for Serving Our Community

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Meade

January is Board of Education Recognition Month, and we are grateful for our Board’s dedication and service to the Berkley Schools.

  • Keith Logsdon, President, re-elected to a 6 yr term November 6, 2018 (term expires 12/31/24)
  • Sheryl Stoddard, Vice President, re-elected 6 yr term November 8, 2016 (term expires 12/31/22)
  • Roger Blake, Secretary, elected 6 yr term November 3, 2020 (term expires 12/31/26)
  • Mitchell Moses, Treasurer, re-elected 6 yr term November 8, 2016 (term expires 12/31/22)
  • Ron Justice, Trustee, re-elected 6 yr term November 6, 2018 (term expires 12/31/24)
  • Sarah Mountain, Trustee, elected 6 yr term November 3, 2020 (term expires 12/31/26)
  • Mike Tripp, Trustee, elected 6 yr term November 8, 2016 (term expires 12/31/22)
  • BHS Students Excel at DECA District Competition

On Friday, December 17, 2021, at Lawrence Technological University, Berkley DECA students spent the day competing in 46 different events and medaled in 22 of those events. Advisor and BHS teacher Jenna Haener said, “[The students] have been working hard the last two months, coming in during lunch and after school to prepare. I am very proud of everyone who stepped out of their comfort zone and competed.” 

DECA is organized around an ambitious goal: to improve education and career opportunities for students interested in careers in marketing, management and entrepreneurship. 

The following students medaled in the competition - congratulations to all!

Principles of Hospitality and Tourism

  • Lily Hesano, state qualifier
  • Shayna Mouradian, highest test, top role play, state qualifier
  • Natalie Richter, top role play, state qualifier

Principles of Business Management

  • Zeke Bakeman, top role play, state qualifier 
  • Quinn O'Shea, top role play, state qualifier

Principles of Marketing

  • Riley Aughton, state qualifier
  • Alexa Figlak, highest test, top role play, state qualifier

Entrepreneurship

  • Reagan Berryman, state qualifier

Food Marketing

  • Jaida Domin-Zurek, state qualifier
  • Freddie Greenfield, state qualifier

Hotel and Lodging

  • Denis Davydov, state qualifier
  • Shakanah Harlan, top role play, state qualifier

Quick Serve Restaurant

  • Lynnsey Hauger, top role play, state qualifier
  • Gerik Wolak, highest test score, top role play, state qualifier

Restaurant and Food Service

  • Jacob Wienczewski, top role play, state qualifier

Retail Merchandising

  • Dominique Ware, top role play, state qualifier

Sports and Entertainment Marketing

  • Ben Clous, top role play, state qualifier
  • Josh Lawrence, top role play

Buying and Merchandising Team

  • Isaac Dawkins, state qualifier
  • John Pasanen, state qualifier
  • Noah Niskar, state qualifier
  • Max Victor, state qualifier

Entrepreneurship Team

  • Sophia Dines, top role play, state qualifier
  • Arielle Wittenberg, top role play, state qualifier

Travel and Tourism Team

  • Francesca Haley, state qualifier
  • Hailey Serlin, state qualifier

 Berkley African American Parent Network Announces Essay Contest

The Berkley African American Parent Network (BAAPN) is hosting an essay contest for Black History Month. Middle and high school students are welcome to apply.

Essay Details

In celebration of Black History Month, students should identify a notable African American and write an essay on how they have impacted their life due to their significant contributions to history.

  • The essay contest is open to all Berkley middle and high school students.
  • The essay does not have a minimum number of words but should be typed and double-spaced.
  • Interested students should submit their essay via email to baapninfo@gmail.com by Friday, January 21, 2022.
  • Students should include their full name, the name of their school, and grade with their essay entry.
  • The BAAPN will select three middle school and three high school winners from the submitted entries. The first place prize is $100.00, second $50.00, and third $25.00.
  • Winners may be referenced in a future BAAPN email blast in February 2022 highlighting our BAAPN Black History Month essay contest and winners.

For more information please contact: baapninfo@gmail.com

Follow the BAAPN on Facebook: www.facebook.com/baapn

Berkley and Royal Oak Partner to Honor Dr. King on MLK Day

The cities and school districts of Royal Oak and Berkley are proud to announce its joint MLK Day event for the entire community to remember, participate, and honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Virtual Keynote & Presentation

On Monday, January 17, 2022, the community is invited to honor Dr. King through learning and action. The commemoration, “A Day On, Not a Day Off,” will begin with a virtual presentation hosted on the Berkley Schools and Royal Oak Schools Facebook pages at 9:30 am. The virtual event will include a keynote speech by Dr. Kim Martin, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator for Royal Oak Schools, a performance by the Detroit Youth Choir, messages from both school superintendents, and more.

Freedom Walk

At 10:30 am, the community is invited to gather at Royal Oak Middle School (ROMS), 709 N Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI, for a freedom walk in the ROMS neighborhood as well as a donation drive. The walk will kick off at 11 am. The first 200 guests will receive an event t-shirt. All ages and members of the community are invited to attend.

Donation Drive

The event committee will also be collecting the following donations prior to the freedom walk to support the Redford Brightmoor Initiative, Cass Community Social Services, the Judson Center, and Gleaners Community Food Bank: Toiletries & Cleaning Supplies (toilet paper, paper towel, soap, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, cleaning products, baby wipes, deodorant, feminine products), DVDs (new or used), non-perishable foods (including canned meat and fish), diapers (newborn to size 6), baby wipes, and laundry detergent.

Watch the Berkley Bears Live for Free - Through March 3

Effective Immediately, any and all friends and families are able to live stream all sporting events that take place in Berkley High School's main (West) gym free of charge. This includes girls and boys basketball and wrestling. You can live stream the game through Pixellot by following the directions below. All games will be free to view via live steam until March 3rd, which is the end of the winter regular season. Tune in tonight to watch boys basketball face off against Royal Oak at 7 pm!

Instructions

Registration is now open for the 2022 African American Read-In: Courage in OUR Stories 

Oakland Schools is proud to host author Andrea Davis Pinkney and illustrator/author Brian Pinkney as guests for this year's African American Read-In on February 15, 2022. These award winning authors have a vast collection of books for readers of all ages. The first 500 Oakland County students who register will receive one of the Pinkney's books.

Save the Date

  • Tuesday, February 15, 2022
  • 6:45 - 8 pm   
  • Presented via Zoom 

Register for the Event

The National African American Read-In is a groundbreaking effort to encourage communities to read together, centering African American books and authors. It was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. This initiative has reached more than 6 million participants around the world.

Starting Next Week: Kindergarten Information Nights

It’s time to start thinking about Kindergarten for Fall 2022. If you have an incoming Kindergarten or Transitional Kindergarten student mark your calendar for an upcoming Kindergarten Information Night to learn about kindergarten curriculum, how to prepare for the big first day, enrollment options, and kindergarten/transitional kindergarten readiness. Masks will be required, and we ask that only one parent/guardian per household attend the event, if possible.

During the evening, families will be able to ask Principal questions, learn more about each school and hear about the #BerkleyDifference.

  • Pattengill Elementary School: Tuesday, January 11, 2022 | 6:30 pm
  • Angell Elementary School: Wednesday, January 12, 2022 | 6:30 pm
  • Burton Elementary School: Tuesday, January 18, 2022 | 6:30 pm
  • Norup International School: Wednesday, January 19, 2022 | 6:30 pm
  • Rogers Elementary School: Tuesday, January 25, 2022 | 6:30 pm

Questions? 248.837.8026

www.berkleyschools.org/enrollment

Important Remind 101 Update - Phone Number Change

Over Winter Break, Berkley Schools received notice from Remind 101 about an important change in how our Remind users receive messages from their teachers and coaches.

All numbers that were assigned in Remind were reassigned for users who receive Remind text notifications during Break. This means that the phone number students and parents receive Remind messages from have changed. The purpose of this change was to comply with new requirements from mobile carriers. If you have been receiving messages from your teachers/coaches this week, you may have noticed a phone number change.

For users who receive text messages from Remind, a new number will be assigned automatically to any communication they receive following the update. Teachers, students, and parents can download the mobile app or update their notification preferences in their account settings. Otherwise, our SMS users will be notified from their new number(s) the next time they receive a message.

Help the BEF Fund the #BerkleyDifference and Give to the Dollars for the District Campaign

The BEF has raised 14% or $2,193 of its $15,000 goal. Can you help them reach their next milestone of $5,000? Every dollar raised supports the BEF's efforts to enrich the lives of all Berkley students.

The Berkley Education Foundation is proud to say that over the last three years it has raised $387k from generous donors in the community.

Attendance at Off to the Races, contributions to honor loved ones, and end-of-year giving has raised a record amount for the BEF. Last year, during a pandemic the BEF raised over $60,000! That money has been invested throughout the years in elementary enrichment programs, teacher grants, college tours and student scholarships.

This year, the BEF is asking for support once again to reach the 2021 Dollars for the District goal of $15,000. Give the gift that keeps on giving to Berkley Schools students. The BEF supports our schools through staff innovation-grants, free elementary enrichment programs, Maxfield Science Symposium scholarships and 8th grade college tours.

The BEF is committed to funding the #BerkleyDifference, and with the community’s help, it can continue to do so.

Please consider giving today to help the BEF reach its $15,000 goal.

Berkley School District is Hiring 

The Berkley School District is hiring multiple positions including building substitute teachers, school social workers, speech pathologist, coaches, 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!