January 14, 2022: Berkley Beat
January 14, 2022: Berkley Beat
- Berkley and Royal Oak Partner to Honor Dr. King on MLK Day
- AMS Students Put Their Book Knowledge to the Test
- Board of Education Appoints New Officers
- AMS Students Learn About Online Safety and Substance Abuse Prevention
- Congratulations to Gary Shea on your Retirement!
- Berkley Schools Hosts Vaccine Clinic January 20
- Save the Date for ‘Concert for the Dramatic’
- Berkley African American Parent Network (BAAPN) News
- Off to the Races - NEW Date for the 2022 Event
- 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
- Kindergarten Information Nights
- 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
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.
Testimonials
How has Dr. King's legacy affected you? Feel free to record a testimonial about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his legacy, or his speeches in our Testimonials Tent. These will be included in our program after the event.
Donation Drive
The event committee will also be collecting the following donations prior to the freedom walk to support the following groups:
- Redford Brightmoor Initiative
- Cass Community Social Services
- Judson Center
- Gleaners Community Food Bank
Items that the committee will be collecting are listed below:
- 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
- Laundry detergent
Items will be collected through 1 PM and then delivered that day by volunteers.
AMS Students Put Their Book Knowledge to the Test
Anderson Middle School hosted its annual 8th Grade Battle of the Books on Friday, January 14th. Teams engaged in preliminary rounds for most of the morning and finished the half day of school with a final round. Students answered questions about the following books, earning points for correct answers.
Battle of the Books selections:
- The Giver by Lois Lowry
- Scythe by Neal Shusterman
- Unwind by Neal Shusterman
- Legend by Marie Lu
- Icebreaker by Lian Tanner
- Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix
- Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Team Kermit the Frog took home the trophy! Congratulations to all students who participated and dedicated their time to learning all they could about these books.
Board of Education Appoints New Officers
At the Monday, January 10 Board of Education Organizational Meeting, the Board of Trustees appointed new officers for 2022. The new officers are:
- Roger Blake, President
- Keith Logsdon, Vice President
- Sarah Mountain, Secretary
- Mike Tripp, Treasurer
- Sheryl Stoddard, Trustee
- Mitchell Moses, Trustee
- Ron Justice, Trustee
January is Board of Education Recognition Month, and we are grateful for our Board’s dedication and service to the Berkley Schools. Thank you to our Board members for serving our community and congratulations to the new officers.
AMS Students Learn About Online Safety and Substance Abuse Prevention
On Wednesday, January 12, students at Anderson Middle School (AMS) participated in a virtual presentation on online safety and substance abuse prevention. Presenters included Kevin Gross, Youth & Family Caseworker for the Oakland County Circuit Court, Heather Dixon, teacher at Holmes Middle School in Flint, MI and Brittany Kalso, Caseworker for Berkley/Huntington Woods Youth Assistance.
During the presentation, students learned about social media responsibility and the ramifications of cyberbullying, making safe choices while texting friends and interacting on social media and making threats online. Students also learned about legal consequences and the health risks related to long term substance use. The presentation ended with a Q&A session led by Michael Ross, AMS Principal.
If you would like to view the presentation, visit this link.
Congratulations to Gary Shea on your Retirement!
Congratulations to Gary Shea, AP Psychology teacher at the Center for Advanced Studies and the Arts (CASA) on his retirement!
Mr. Shea is retiring at the end of this semester after teaching at CASA for 18 years, inspiring over 1,000 students. He served on the CASA Faculty Advisory Committee, helping guide new initiatives and programming for the school. Jennifer Gebbie, Director of CASA shared, "He is an irreplaceable force at CASA, and we will miss him greatly."
Berkley Schools Hosts Vaccine Clinic January 20
Mark your calendar for a COVID-19 vaccine clinic held at Berkley High School on January 20, 2022, from 4-6 pm in the West Gym.
This clinic is hosted by Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) and will be for staff, students and parents/guardians ages 5 and older who need a first, second or booster dose. They will have both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines available.
Register on the Oakland County Vaccine website OaklandCountyVaccine.com or contact the Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533.
Save the Date for ‘Concert for the Dramatic’
On January 26, at 7 pm the community is invited to enjoy a Concert for the Dramatic at Berkley High School, 2325 Catalpa, Berkley MI. The first 100 guests to buy tickets will hear songs from "Tick, Tick ... Boom," "Heathers," "Chicago," "Sister Act," "Into the Woods," "Hadestown," and more! Additional works by Kander and Ebb, Pasek and Paul and Stephen Sondheim will also be included. The evening’s performers include Berkley Schools Drama Director John F. Hopkins, 2016 BHS Grad Alex Morrison (performing under the name J. Renssalaer), BHS/Norup Teacher Sarah Noble and 2021 BHS Grad Olivia Bath.
The purpose of the concert is to raise funds to boost the Be Drama budget for staffing and crew equipment for the BHS April 2022 musical production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella."
Buy tickets before they sell out: https://our.show/concertforthedramatic
Berkley African American Parent Network (BAAPN) News
Ski Program
Anderson Middle School Assistant Principal Jim Cowdrey has partnered with SOS Outreach to host a five-week learn to ride program at Mt Brighton. Students grades 6th-12th are eligible to register to take ski or snowboard lessons that incorporate core values. Transportation will be provided from Berkley Schools to Mt. Brighton on Wednesdays immediately after school and will return at approximately 9:00 p.m. Limited slots are available so please sign up quickly!
On-Hill Program 2022 Dates:
- Day 1: Courage- February 2nd
- Day 2: Discipline- February 9th
- Day 3: Integrity- February 16th
- Day 4: Wisdom- February 23rd
- Day 5: Compassion- March 2nd
The deadline to register is Friday, January 14, 2022,
please click here to complete registration.
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
January Meeting
The January BAAPN General meeting is going virtual! Save the date for the next meeting: Thursday, January 20th at 7 pm.
Off to the Races - NEW Date for the 2022 Event
The Berkley Education Foundation is excited to announce Off to the Races has a new date for the spring for an in-person event - May 14, 2022.
Off to the Races is a simulated horse racing event and is the biggest fundraiser for the Berkley Education Foundation.This event funds free elementary enrichment programs, 8th grade college tours, teacher innovation-grants and student scholarships for the BHS Maxfield Science Symposium.
What is Off to the Races?
At the event, guests will enjoy a silent auction (using a mobile bidding platform) as well as appetizers, a cash bar and a chance to win a $2,500 vacation. Guests will also enjoy the simulated horse racing that allows guests to “bet” on horses to win prizes. Wear your derby hats and come ready for some fun!
Mark Your Calendars
- May 14, 2022
- 6:30-10 pm
- Club Venetian, Madison Heights
Tickets on sale soon!
COVID-19 Protocols for Off to the Races
In order to keep guests safe, and to mitigate risk, Off to the Races may require safety protocols such as masks or requiring guests to be fully vaccinated. At this time, those protocols will be determined closer to the event.
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.
Instructions
- Go to https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/users/sign_up
- Type in your name, email address, and a password
- Search your School
- Follow
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
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.
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 the Principal questions, learn more about each school and hear about the #BerkleyDifference.
- 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
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.
Add button in the Spark here, too.
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, GSRP/Headstart associate teachers, paraeducators, childcare assistants and lunch aides and kitchen support. 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!
