April 8, 2022: Berkley Beat
April 8, 2022: Berkley Beat
- Congratulations to the Berkley Schools Teachers of the Year
- Director of Teaching and Learning Returns to the Classroom
- Berkley High School Diversifies Book Collection
- Rogers Science Fair Sparks Creativity & Curiosity
- Norup Robotics Compete at Robofest 2022
- Burton Community Enjoys Disney Day
- BHS Students Launch a Podcast - The BearPod
- DTE Energy Shares Safety Tips and more with Norup 4th Graders
- Spoonman Visits Building Blocks
- Berkley African American Parent Network - April Meeting with Representative Weiss
- April is Arab American Heritage Month
- BHS Presents its Spring Musical, Cinderella
- Oakland County 4-H Discovery Day
- BEF Off to the Races - Tickets & Horses on Sale Now
- 2022 General Fund Operating Millage Renewal FAQ
- Berkley School District is Hiring
- Sign Up for Text Alerts
Congratulations to the Berkley Schools Teachers of the Year
During the week of March 21, the Berkley Schools administrators surprised District Teachers of the Year. With flowers, giftcards, certificates and signs in hand, teachers were surprised while they were teaching. Principals and colleagues joined in on the fun, too. During the surprises, Superintendent Francis asked students to share one word they would use to describe their teachers. Students were eager to share their love for their teachers sharing words like: caring, loving, funny, kind, and smart.
Congratulations to the following Berkley Schools building Teachers of the Year!
Berkley Building Blocks: Marie Fisher-Dowell, Older Toddlers
- On the nomination form, a colleague shared this about Ms. Marie: As an older toddler teacher, Marie provides her students with enriched activities and lessons that allow her students to show and express their creativity. Marie continuously demonstrates professionalism, knowledge, high-quality ideas and offers support to her students which helps them to become the very best they can be inside the classroom and within their community.
Angell: Laurie Ovies, Transitional Kindergarten
- On the nomination form, a parent shared this about Mrs. Ovies: Mrs. Ovies has provided more than an academic instruction to our son this year. Her mindfulness techniques and social/emotional instruction has provided our son a complete and holistic educational experience. Mrs. Ovies has been a rock of stability during a most uncertain year and time. Her caring, educational communication with not just her students but also the community as a whole has gone above and beyond any reasonable expectation. In addition to being the Angell Teacher of the Year, Laurie is also the Berkley Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year and will be honored at an Oakland Schools event in May.
Burton: Pam Henry, 2nd Grade
- On the nomination form, Principal Beth Krehbiel shared the following about Mrs. Henry: Pam Henry is an outstanding teacher. She takes on any additional roles that are asked of her and often volunteers her services for building and district committees. She differentiates learning for her students and works collaboratively with parents to address behaviors that need attention. She supports her fellow colleagues and will go above and beyond to assist them in any way she can.
Norup PYP: Valerie Mace, 5th Grade
- On the nomination form, a student shared the following about Mrs. Mace: Ms. Mace is very understanding. When I was in her class she made an effort to get to know me and be my friend as well as my teacher. Now when I'm having a bad day or when I'm struggling with something I turn to Ms Mace. She was my fifth grade teacher. I'm in 8th grade now and I still talk to her everyday.
Pattengill: Tai Kimmerly, Music
- On the nomination form, two students shared the following about Mrs. Kimmerly: I love when Ms. Kimmerly spins her wheel and it lands on my name and I get to pick a song I love! I love that when we are a good class she lets us pick a dinosaur piece to go towards our big dinosaur Lego. And most of all I love dancing with her in class! - TK Student. Ms. Kimmerly is a great music teacher. She is very nice and she is very funny. She cares for us, and she always makes class fun by letting us pick songs that we like, and she pretends like we don’t know she is Patty the penguin which is super funny because we all know! - 2nd Grade student
Rogers: Jessica Stark, 4th Grade
- On the nomination form, Principal Beth Meacham shared the following about Mrs. Stark: Jessica has a natural ease in the classroom setting that leads observers to believe she has been in this occupation for well beyond her seven years of teaching at Rogers. Regardless of her skill set, she is always open to new learning and continuously reflects on and refines her professional practice. In addition, Mrs. Stark is a true team player, committed to collaborating with her teaching team as well as administration and other staff.
Anderson: Lauren Jergovich, Family and Consumer Sciences
- On the nomination form, Principal Michael Ross shared the following about Mrs. Jergovich: What makes Lauren’s classes unique is that she teaches students skills that serve as life long skills. Students learn health and nutrition, kitchen safety, food preparation, recipe adjustments for different quantities, cooking techniques and safety, sewing, cake decorating and health and wellness, just to name a few.
Norup MYP: Emilee Moseley, English Language Arts
- On the nomination form, Principal Paul Yowchuang shared the following about Ms. Moseley: Ms. Moseley loves and supports students. She advocates relentlessly for what is best for each and every individual child she comes in contact with. Emilee individualizes instruction and constantly conferences her students as she embodies the workshop model to a tee. She celebrates and rewards students for their successes and shows concern for their downfalls. In addition to being the Norup MYP Teacher of the Year, Emilee is also the Berkley Schools Middle School Teacher of the Year and will be honored at an Oakland Schools event in May.
BHS: Amy Sarris, Special Education
- On the nomination form, a student shared the following about Mrs. Sarris: I would describe Mrs. Sarris as friendly because you always see her in the hallway saying “hi” to kids during passing time. I would also describe Mrs. Sarris as supportive because she never lets anyone struggle and she encourages you and helps you see the brighter side of things. She has supported me with situations inside and outside of the classroom. I do not think that I would be where I am today without her support. In addition to being the BHS Teacher of the Year, Amy is also the Berkley Schools High School Teacher of the Year and will be honored at an Oakland Schools event in May.
Director of Teaching and Learning Returns to the Classroom
During the Berkley Schools staff opening day celebration on August 24, 2021, Superintendent Scott Francis and Director of Teaching and Learning Meghan Ashkanani raffled off “Guest Teacher of the Day” for two staff members - that meant those leaders would take the place of the lucky winner for the day and the staff member would get a vacation day. Paraeducator Nikki Sanom from Pattengill was one of the lucky winners!
On March 18, 2022, Mrs. Ashkanani returned to Pattengill to serve as a TK Paradeducator. Mrs. Ashkanani was the principal at Pattengill from 2017-2021 and shared, “It was great going home to Pattengill for the day…giving Nikki a day off and giving me a day to go to art class, recess and learn right along with the TK kiddos was priceless.”
Berkley High School Diversifies Book Collection
As part of Berkley Schools commitment to diversifying book collections across the District, eleventh and twelfth-grade teachers are adding student choice, book clubs and independent reading units to this year’s curriculum.
On April 7, 2022, teachers and staff enjoyed unpacking hundreds of books that will be used during these units later this Spring. The book delivery day was the culmination of over a year of planning and professional learning. Teachers evaluated numerous titles and selected texts that not only meet the instructional goals of the unit but also provide diverse perspectives. Stacie Angel, Supervisor of Instructional Services, shared, “A primary goal of the units is to increase student engagement by providing students a choice about which books they want to read and this new collection will certainly meet that goal.”
Teachers and students are excited for these units to get underway later this Spring. Some of the titles include: Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas, The Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe, Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez and more.
Rogers Science Fair Sparks Creativity & Curiosity
Rogers students participated in the annual Science Fair on Wednesday, April 6. Using the Scientific Method, students planned, executed and reported on an experiment of their choosing. Students in all grades participated in the fair whether viewing peer work or creating their own project. Rogers' families were also invited to view their students' work. Some experiments included: Which battery lasts longer? Which liquid evaporates the fastest? And which liquid best keeps flowers alive?
Norup Robotics Compete at Robofest 2022
Students in Lydia DiVito’s Robotics class at Norup competed in the State 2022 Robofest competition sponsored by Lawrence Tech University. Robofest is a festival of competitions and events with autonomous robots that encourages students to have fun while learning principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and Computer Science.
The state competition’s game focused on sea turtles. The scenario: A garbage barge has spilled trash into the turtle’s habitat and the researchers need to see if the turtles are injured and to clean up the trash.
Students had to build and program an autonomous robot that will find the turtles (blue LEGO blocks), bring some onboard the robot, deliver others to the researchers on the beach (green target) AND find the trash objects (red LEGO blocks) and deliver them back to the garbage barge (black target) while avoiding the pilings (water bottles) without human help in 2 minutes.
Students designed, constructed, and programmed the robots getting ready for the competition.
Congratulations to following teams on their work at the State Robofest competition:
The Wallee’s: Placed 2nd, qualifying for the World competition in May:
- Edgar Wardowski, Zach Brenzweig, Tommy Shelp and Finn Moore
Penguin Squadron: Owen Chudler & Julian Klose
Team J.A.S.: Jackson Reynolds, Alex Conti & Sage Krysiak
The Golden Turtles: Kate Meretsky, Abby Hirschhorn, Leela Hahabra, Claire Levingston
Burton Community Enjoys Disney Day
Members of the Burton school community participated in Disney Day on April 6, 2022. The Burton leadership team wanted to sprinkle fun into the week by encouraging students and staff to dress up as their favorite Disney characters. Some characters were Buzz Lightyear and Woody, Maleficent, Bruno from Encanto, and more!
BHS Students Launch a Podcast - The BearPod
A group of Berkley High School students have launched a new podcast: The BearPod! Their goal is to share student voices on relevant issues in the community. The community is invited to tune in to get the scoop on teenage thoughts and stay informed on recent events!
Episode 1 is all about Snapchat. Listen to the 20 minute episode and learn what BHS students think about the app Snapchat along with special guest BHS Principal Andy Meloche.
Follow the BearPod @bearpodbhs on Instagram.
DTE Energy Shares Safety Tips and more with Norup 4th Graders
On Thursday, April 7, Norup 4th graders enjoyed DTE Energy’s “Think! Energy” presentation. Students learned about energy sources, what’s needed to conduct electricity, electrical hazards and safety, energy saving tips and more! This presentation is in correlation with the Energy unit the students covered in class.
Spoonman Visits Building Blocks
On Thursday, April 7, the Spoonman visited Berkley Building Blocks for three fun shows. During each 45 minute interactive program, Jim Cruise, the Spoonman, played two household spoons along to music, had the students participate in a sing-along contest, created a mountain band with students and staff and played the spoons on the hands of happy and giggling kids. Fun was had by all during this in-house field trip.
Berkley African American Parent Network - April Meeting with Representative Weiss
All are welcome to join the Berkley African American Network (BAAPN) on Thursday, April 21 at 7 pm at Norup International. State Representative Regina Weiss (27th House District) will join the meeting as well for an engaging discussion.
April is Arab American Heritage Month
Arab America and the Arab America Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative in 2017. For National Arab American Heritage month, across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations issue proclamations and engage in special events that celebrate the Arab American community’s rich heritage and numerous contributions to society.
Did you know that the first and only museum in the United States devoted to documenting and sharing Arab American contributions that shaped the economic, political and cultural landscapes of American life is a 20 minute drive from the Berkley Schools? The Arab American National Museum (AANM) is located in Dearborn. The Museum brings to light the shared experiences of immigrants and ethnic groups, paying tribute to the diversity of our nation.
The museum tells the Arab American story through the voices and experiences of Arab Americans.
Learn more about the museum on their website, or go for a visit at 13624 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126.
BHS Presents its Spring Musical, Cinderella
Berkley Drama proudly presents its spring musical, Cinderella in April. Tickets are now on sale!
- Thursday, Friday and Saturday
- April 21, 22 and 23, 2022
- 7 PM
- Berkley High School Auditorium
- 2325 Catalpa, Berkley, Michigan 48072
Buy Tickets Today
- $15 for adults
- $10 for students, staff and seniors
- https://our.show/cinderellabhs
CINDERELLA is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization
- Music by Richard Rogers
- Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
- New Book by Douglas Carter Beane
- Original Book by Oscar Hammerstein II
- Orchestrations by Danny Troob
- Music Adaptation & Arrangements by David Chase
- Additional Lyrics by Douglas Carter Beane,
- David Chase and Bruce Pomahac
Oakland County 4-H Discovery Day
The Michigan State University Extension programs presents 4-H Discovery Day on Saturday, May 7, 2022. This free family event will provide educational hands-on experiences in a friendly atmosphere. Information will be available about joining 4-H and exhibiting at the Oakland County Fair (July 8-22).
4-H Discovery Day activities include:
- Live animals
- Crafts
- Activities
- Rock Wall
- Horse Show
- Food Trucks
BEF Off to the Races - Tickets & Horses on Sale Now
It’s time to buy tickets and horses for the Berkley Education Foundation’s annual fundraiser Off to the Races. The event takes place on Saturday, May 14, from 6:30-10 pm at Club Venetian in Madison Heights.
All the fun from previous years is back - simulated horse racing, owning & naming horses, silent auction (powered by mobile bidding), vacation give-away, connecting with friends, and most importantly, funding the #BerkleyDifference.
Horses on sale now.
Buy and name a horse that will race during Off to the Races! 70 regular horses ($50) and 10 golden horses ($250) are available.
Tickets on sale.
Don’t miss out on all the fun. Buy tickets for Off to the Races today. $30/person. Bundle event tickets with OTTR Bucks for a discount. Bucks pay for horse betting and drinks at the event. $20/10 Bucks at the event, or add them on to an event ticket for a $10 discount.
Win a vacation.
This year the Golden Race is a big one - the winner will take home a $2,500 vacation, courtesy of the BEF. The prize is bigger so the stakes are higher: bet on this race with a Golden Ticket!
Add a $50 Golden Ticket to an event ticket or buy at the door. Don’t miss out on a chance for a $2,500 vacation of your choice!
Silent Auction - something for everyone.
This year’s silent auction has big prizes (including an autographed Kobe Bryant photo) and small prizes (gift certificates to local restaurants). There is something for everyone. The BEF will announce all silent auction items soon! Watch the BEF’s Facebook page where items will be announced as they come in! Prepare for the event - watch this video on how to use mobile bidding.
Thank you, sponsors!
- Silver sponsors: EDSI and Artichoke Garlic Foundation
- Bronze Sponsors: McCarthy & Smith, Eagle Rock Insurance, Stantec, Jim Shaffer & Associates
- Golden Race Sponsor: M3 Investment Services
- Race Sponsors: Meijer Woodward Corner Market, Yeo & Yeo CPAs and Business Consultants, Clark Hill, NOVA Environmental, Michigan Educational Credit Union
Sponsorships available!
- Event sponsorships, race sponsorships and prize sponsorships available for all budgets, ranging from $100 - $5,000.
- Investing in Off to the Races includes a variety of incentives from social media shoutouts to tickets to the event.
Interested in sponsoring?
Email berkleyfoundation@berkleyschools.org
Every dollar raised funds the #BerkleyDifference
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for May 14! Every dollar the BEF raises during Off to the Races supports teacher innovation-grants, the elementary enrichment program, student scholarships and the 8th grade college tour. Help us support the Berkley School District by supporting Off to the Races.
Visit our website for more details.
2022 General Fund Operating Millage Renewal FAQ
On May 3, 2022, the Berkley School District will place a General Fund Operating Millage Renewal on the ballot, calling for a 19.4937 mills renewal for taxes that are levied on business and non-primary residences. The District would, however, only levy 18 mills. This would not be a levy (tax) on primary household residences. This is also known as a Non-Homestead Millage.
The revenue generated from the General Fund Operating Millage is considered by the State when calculating the District’s per pupil amounts, and generated approximately $3.8 million in 2021. Without this millage, the District would be facing more than a $640 per pupil loss – out of the $8700 per pupil rate in 2022.
This millage was previously approved by Berkley School District voters in 2013, and again with a Headlee Restoration Millage in 2019, and will expire in May 2023. The 18 mills are levied 100% within the summer tax bill.
General Fund Operating Millage dollars are used to support the District’s every day expenses including classroom supplies, teacher salaries and technology.
The full list of Frequently Asked Questions are posted on the District’s website. A couple are listed below.
If the General Fund Operating Millage is not passed by voters, will my tax rates go down if I’m a primary homeowner?
No. The General Fund Operating Millage is a tax on non-homestead properties, not primary residences.
What happens if the General Fund Operating Millage is not approved?
The revenue generated from the 18 mills totals approximately $3.8 million annually. If this millage does not pass, the Berkley School District would be forced to reduce or cut programs to offset the $3.8 million loss.
What is the last day to pick up an absentee ballot from my City Clerk’s Office?
The last day an absentee ballot can be requested to be mailed is 5 pm on April 29, 2022. Absentee ballots can be picked up at the City Clerk’s Office up to 8 pm on Election Day (May 3, 2022).
Berkley School District is Hiring
The Berkley School District is hiring multiple positions including building substitute teachers, school social worker, speech pathologist, coaches, custodians, GSRP/Head Start 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!
