May 6, 2022: Berkley Beat

May 6, 2022: Berkley Beat 

• Thank You, Voters! General Fund Operating Millage Renewal Passes
• Off to the Races - In 8 Days!
• BHS Named a Best High School from U.S. News & World Report
• Rogers Green Team Recycling Club Makes a Difference (with video)
• Burton Celebrates Autism Acceptance Month
• Superintendent Francis Returns to the Classroom
• AMS 8th Grade Visits Washington DC
• Science Alive Visits Angell
• Rogers Students Learn Essential Skills Through a Coffee Cart (with video)
• Students in the Adult Transition Program Attend a Tigers Game
• Berkley Students Recognized at BHWYA Youth Recognition Ceremony
• Rogers Got Talent!
• Burton Student Council Plants Tree for Arbor Day
• May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
• May is Mental Health Awareness Month
• BHWYA Bike Safety Poster Contest
• Berkley School District is Hiring 
• Sign Up for Text Alerts

Thank You, Voters! General Fund Operating Millage Renewal Passes

We are deeply thankful to have received the support of the community for this General Fund Operating Millage Renewal. This millage renewal continues the 18 mill levy on business and non-primary residences and allows us to continue to collect the full state per pupil allotment for our students, approximately $3.8 million next year alone. That money will be used to support the great teaching and learning going on every day in our schools across the District.

The unofficial General Fund Operating Millage Renewal election results have been posted by Oakland County:

86.37% voted in favor of the proposal.

See the unofficial General Fund Operating Millage Renewal voting results

We are also very grateful that this vote demonstrates the community's ongoing support for the direction of the Berkley School District. We are very fortunate to be in a community that believes in and supports great public schools. We'll continue to work hard every day to inspire, empower and lead our students while providing them with great learning experiences.

Thank you to the community for your continued support.

Off to the Races - 8 Days Away

Support the Berkley Education Foundation & Make an Impact on Student Experiences in the District

The Berkley Education Foundation (BEF) has been supporting Berkley Schools for 21 years, and continues to give generously with the support of community members. Over the last five years alone, the BEF has infused $175,000 back into the District. The BEF funds outstanding experiences for Berkley Schools students and staff, including teacher innovation-grants, free elementary enrichment classes, student scholarships and sending all 8th grade students on college tours.

You can help the BEF continue to give back by attending Off to the Races, the BEF’s biggest fundraiser of the year!

What is Off to the Races?

This fun social event and party is centered around simulated horse racing. Guests watch races, "bet" on the horses running in the races and win prizes. The event also includes an expansive silent auction (powered by mobile bidding), vacation give-away (the winner of the Golden Race will take home a $2,500 vacation), connecting with friends and colleagues, and most importantly, funding the #BerkleyDifference. You can even “buy” and name a horse!

Event Details

• May 14, 2022
• 6:30-10 pm
• Club Venetian, Madison Heights
• $35/person
• Buy event tickets here
• See details below on how you can support the event by attending, buying horses or participating in the silent auction from home.

Horses - SOLD OUT

Horses are sold out! The BEF thanks everyone for purchasing horses!

Tickets on sale.

Don’t miss out on all the fun. Buy tickets for Off to the Races today. $35/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.

Buy event tickets here

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!

Learn More

Silent Auction - something for everyone.

This year’s silent auction has big prizes (including an autographed Kobe Bryant photo, a gold and diamond bracelet and suite tickets to see Swedish House Mafia at the LCA) and small prizes (gift certificates to local restaurants, gift baskets and more). 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.

If you can't attend the event, you can still participate in the auction from home. Register on the Off to the Races site and receive notifications when the auction opens!

Every dollar raised from Off to the Races supports teacher innovation-grants, the free elementary enrichment program, student scholarships and the annual 8th grade college tour. Support teachers and students by supporting Off to the Races.

Questions?

Reach out to the BEF - berkleyfoundation@berkleyschools.org

www.berkleyedfoundation.org

BHS Named a Best High School from U.S. News & World Report

Congratulations to Berkley High School, once again named a Best High School in the 2022 Rankings from U.S. News & World Report. BHS Ranked #2023 nationally, #61 in Michigan and #27 in Metro Detroit area high schools. This puts BHS in the top 8% of high schools in the Nation. U.S. News and World Report’s comprehensive rankings methodology reflects how well high schools serve all of their students, not just those who are planning to go to college.

We know that this success is because of the dedication and commitment of all teachers and staff in the District who support and love our students. It is also a result of our community and parent support of BHS and all of our schools. You can view the complete listing of this honor on the U.S. News & World Report website.

Rogers Green Team Recycling Club Makes a Difference

The Rogers Green Team Recycling Club, led by 5th grade teacher Kristy Watkins-Visnaw, makes a difference at Rogers daily. During lunch, 30 fifth grade volunteers go into classrooms to recycle all recyclable material and collect unopened food from the free lunch program. The Green Team students encourage and help fellow Rogers Raccoons recycle. These students volunteer their time while the rest of the school is eating. All of the uneaten food is collected and donated to a local food pantry.

Mrs. Watkins-Visnaw shared, “Though I have done this for several years, this year is especially challenging since all lunches are free. Because there is so much food that would be literally thrown out, we were able to obtain one amazing parent volunteer who comes twice a week to take this food to the pantry.”

The Rogers Green Team is one way the Rogers community cares for the environment. Rogers recently earned an “emerald” status from the Michigan Green Schools program. To achieve emerald status, schools must participate in 15 total activities from two of the four categories: Reduce/Reuse/Recycle, Energy, Environmental Protection and Miscellaneous.

Watch the video below to see the Rogers Green Team in action.

Burton Celebrates Autism Acceptance Month

April is Autism Acceptance Month and Burton Elementary School ASD Teacher, Stacey Reynolds planned a whole month of activities for the school community to provide understanding and acceptance of autism and students with autism. 

Autism Acceptance Month at Burton kicked off with a building-wide pajama day fundraiser. The money raised was used to purchase books about autism for every classroom. During the first week of April, Mrs. Reynolds spoke with classes during their Media Center time about autism. For students in grades 3-5, Mrs. Reynolds also shared a virtual simulating spelling test. This test helped provide a better understanding of what it might be like to be autistic and have sensitive hearing. During the second week, students decorated infinity symbols with messages of acceptance. These symbols were used to create blue jay wings on a larger art installation.

Students experimented with sensory stations during their gym class in week three. They had the opportunity to use materials such as balancing boards, fidgets, noise cancelling headphones, scooters and blankets to regulate their emotions. Mrs. Reynolds shared with the students that all of the items in the stations are tools students with autism use to help them be more successful students.

During the final week of Autism Acceptance Month, Burton held a Spirit Week which included dress like a superhero day, tye-dye, wacky hair, sports team and a hat day and a music therapy concert put on by Mrs. Reynolds students.

In addition to the activities Mrs. Reynolds planned for the month, Burton Student Council members educated the whole school family about autism during morning announcements. Tips included how to be a good classmate and friend. The Burton Diversity Alliance Club also participated running a Guess Who? game featuring neurodiverse celebrities. Students heard a clue each morning on the announcements and read the posters hung near the office to figure out who the clue was about. As club members told fellow students on the announcements, it’s not winning that’s important - it’s learning about how people think, learn, and do things differently and making sure that everyone feels understood, celebrated, and included.

Superintendent Francis 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 - those leaders would take the place of the lucky winner for the day and the staff member would get a vacation day. BHS and Norup Director of Orchestras Benjamin Moy was one of the lucky winners!

On April 25, 2022, Superintendent Francis spent his day in the high school and Norup orchestra rooms with the student musicians. During the lessons, students reviewed and practiced pieces that they have been working on all semester. At the end of the lesson, students had the opportunity to ask questions. 

Superintendent Francis shared, “Spending the day with Mr. Moy's orchestra students was one of my favorite moments of the year. The students were inspiring, thoughtful, and kind. The students helped lead the class, and they played beautifully.”

AMS 8th Grade Visits Washington DC

From April 28 to May 1, 120 Anderson Middle School 8th graders traveled to Gettysburg and Washington D.C. for an annual visit with seven staff members and 13 chaperones. While in D.C. students visited the Gettysburg Battlefield, the Smithsonian Museums, the National Archives, Ford's Theater, and a tour of Embassy Row at Arlington National Cemetery. At the cemetery, they watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They also made stops at the Capitol, White House and toured all of the major monuments and memorials.

This trip is open to all 8th grade students on a first come first served basis and supplements the US History class from the formation of the nation through the Civil War.

Science Alive Visits Angell Elementary

During the month of April, the Science Alive staff and their animal friends visited each class at Angell Elementary. They brought a large variety of animals to visit the students. The Science Alive staff shared with students about each animals’ climate, what they eat, how old they are and fun facts about them. In addition, students had an opportunity to touch and pet each animal including a python, armadillo, crocodile, sloth, kangaroo and more!

Rogers Students Learn Essential Skills Through a Coffee Cart

Rogers Elementary School Social Worker Becky Smith was inspired to engage student learning in a new and fun way - a coffee cart! The coffee cart provides students with the opportunity to learn a multitude of skills while providing a service to the Rogers staff. Every Monday, students stock up the cart with coffee, hot chocolate and tea and visit each teacher to collect orders. 

Students then prepare and deliver every order. Ms. Smith said the goal of the coffee cart is to strengthen students’ skills in social engagement, reciprocal conversation, listening, customer service, problem solving, teamwork and to develop confidence and responsibility.

Watch the video below for an inside look at the Rogers Coffee Cart in action!

Students in the Adult Transition Program Attend a Tigers Game

On April 21st students in the Berkley Schools Adult Transition Program had the opportunity to go to Comerica Park for Career Day and a Detroit Tigers Game. The pre-game workshop focused on careers in professional sports including media relations, marketing, sponsorship, broadcasting, stadium operations, graphic design, marketing and volunteer workshops for the corporation. There was a diverse line-up of featured speakers that shared their real life, day-to-day experiences working in professional sports. ATP teacher Jennifer Plater shared, “Students were able to practice functional skills such as how to navigate a large arena, expectations in a large group, purchasing items from vendors, reading environment signs and finding seats in an area, how to stay safe and have fun, etc.”

Students had a great time enjoying their day.

Berkley Students Recognized at BHWYA Youth Recognition Ceremony 

Congratulations to the following Berkley Schools students who were recognized at the 2022 Berkley/Huntington Woods Youth Assistance Youth Recognition Ceremony on May 2. These students were nominated by staff members, neighbors and teachers for being outstanding citizens. BHS Senior, Branden Peacher was presented with the Mel Ross Scholarship. Congratulations to all these students for representing Berkley Schools well!

Angell Elementary

• Jack Guglielmetti
• Mayka Lyko
• Elliott McKeema
• Lucy Russell
• Aniya Yzaguirre

Burton Elementary

• Oscar Allen
• Jack Bauer
• Sofia Carbonell
• Harper Giltinan
• Keira McEvoy
• Lucy Meloche
• Naomi Watt

Pattengill Elementary

• Libby Knapp
• Ella McNamara
• Averie Passalacqua

Rogers Elementary

• Ella Brazeau
• Khloe Hammond
• Isabella Riddle
• Layla Johnsto
• Hayley Krauskoff
• Jayda Lawson
• Anna Rittenbery
• Serena Warns
• Nolan White

Norup International School

• Mekhi Harris
• Mouhamadou “Fadel” M’Backe

Anderson Middle School

• Autumn Mockeridge
• Claudia Smith
• Cameron Thomas

Berkley High School

• Hannah Fairman
• Jack Quinn
• Aryana Rhoades

Rogers Got Talent!

On Friday, April 29, Rogers Students showcased their talents for the school community. Students performed in two shows throughout the day. Some of the acts included singing, playing the guitar, dance, gymnastics and piano. Congratulations, students on your performances!

Burton Student Council Plants Tree for Arbor Day

Members of the Burton Elementary Student Council celebrated the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day by planting a tree near the school. The City of Huntington Woods invited students to participate in a tree planting on LaSalle Boulevard near Scotia on Friday, April 29.

May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month

May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month – a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders 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).

The following information on the history of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month is provided by https://asianpacificheritage.gov:

Like most commemorative months, Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month originated with Congress. In 1977 Reps. Frank Horton of New York introduced House Joint Resolution 540 to proclaim the first ten days in May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. In the same year, Senator Daniel Inouye introduced a similar resolution, Senate Joint Resolution 72. Neither of these resolutions passed, so in June 1978, Rep. Horton introduced House Joint Resolution 1007. This resolution proposed that the President should “proclaim a week, which is to include the seventh and tenth of the month, during the first ten days in May of 1979 as ‘Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week.’” This joint resolution was passed by the House and then the Senate and was signed by President Jimmy Carter on October 5, 1978 to become Public Law 95-419 (PDF, 158kb). This law amended the original language of the bill and directed the President to issue a proclamation for the “7 day period beginning on May 4, 1979 as ‘Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week.’” During the next decade, presidents passed annual proclamations for Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week until 1990 when Congress passed Public Law 101-283 (PDF, 166kb) which expanded the observance to a month for 1990. Then in 1992, Congress passed Public Law 102-450 (PDF, 285kb) which annually designated May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.

The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese 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.

Resources to learn more about Asian/Pacific Heritage Month:

• Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center: http://smithsonianapa.org/
• A Care Package: The Asian Pacific American Center's online exhibition curated with love in difficult times. This exhibition includes short films, poems, music, and meditations. https://smithsonianapa.org/care/
• Learning Together Resources: Educators and students making a difference, raising awareness, building connections and sharing stories https://smithsonianapa.org/learn/learn-archives/raising-awareness/

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

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. https://www.berkleyschools.org/parents/emotional-health--wellness/ 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 include:

• Mental Health America: https://www.mhanational.org/
• National Alliance on Mental Illness https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Health-Awareness-Month
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration https://www.samhsa.gov/programs/mental-health-awareness-month

BHWYA Bike Safety Poster Contest

The Berkley/Huntington Woods Youth Assistance (BHWYA) invites children grades PreK-5 to participate in a Bike Safety Poster Contest. Posters will be on display and decorate the Berkley Community Center for everyone to enjoy during Berkley Days. BHWYA will award prizes to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each grade.

BHWYA has provided a list of bike safety tips to use as inspiration for poster designs. These tips include: always wear a helmet when riding your bike, walk your bike across streets, children under 10 should ride on sidewalks or paths and don’t ride your bike after dark. 

Additional details:

• Posters should not measure more than 11x14 inches.
• Student's first and last name, school, grade and teacher must be included on the back of the poster.
• Entries must be delivered to the Berkley Community Center (2400 Robina Ave., Berkley) no later than Thursday, May 12th by 6 p.m. 

Berkley School District is Hiring 

The Berkley School District is hiring multiple positions including building substitute teachers, custodians, GSRP/Head Start associate teachers, paraeducators, childcare assistants and lunch aides and kitchen support. Custodial and Child Care positions include bonuses after completing 60 days of work! 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!