May 23, 2022

May 20, 2022: Berkley Beat

May 20, 2022: Berkley Beat 

  • Off to the Races - Over $53,500 Raised & Flash Sale Now Open
  • Rogers 1st Grade Students Celebrate Mother’s Day
  • Norup Students Raise and Release Salmon
  • Grandparents Day Provides Opportunity to Practice Literacy at Rogers
  • BHS Senior Vocalist Performs at All State Festival 
  • Rogers Community Welcomes New Gaga Pit Built by BHS Student 
  • Berkley Students Visit Belle Isle & RenCen
  • Board of Education Honors Students
  • Elementary Students Visit the Detroit Zoo
  • Director of Student Services Wins County Award
  • Rogers Second Graders Participate in Community Walk
  • Burton Hosts Glow Show
  • Berkley Summer Program Registration Now Open
  • Dell Summer Sale for Berkley Schools Families
  • May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
  • May is Mental Health Awareness Month
  • Berkley School District is Hiring 
  • Sign Up for Text Alerts

Off to the Races - Over $53,500 Raised & Flash Sale Now Open

The Berkley Education Foundation is so grateful to everyone who attended Off to the Races, participated in the silent auction and made donations over the weekend. Off to the Races 2022 raised over $53,500 thanks to the support of the Berkley Schools community.

This money will fund 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.

Silent Auction Flash Sale - Discounted Items!

Off to the Races is over, but the Silent Auction has re-opened with a flash sale! All items that are still available have been discounted - take a look today! All proceeds fund the #BerkleyDifference. The Flash Sale will stay open through Sunday, May 22, 2022 at 6 pm: https://bit.ly/3vXmEiB

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.

Rogers 1st Grade Students Celebrate Mother’s Day

On Friday, May 6, Rogers students celebrated Mother’s Day with tea and a dance. Mothers and caregivers visited Rogers to be celebrated as Mother’s Day approached. Students began the celebration by singing special songs they were practicing in class (and keeping a secret). After the concert, students found their special visitor and spent time dancing together before enjoying a snack and sharing gifts. It was an event full of smiles and happiness. 

Norup Students Raise and Release Salmon

On Monday May 9th, Norup 7th grade students released salmon they raised into the Clinton River in Rochester Hills. Beginning in November, students in Sarah Carwright’s classes received salmon eggs as part of the Michigan Salmon in the Classroom program. As part of this program, students tested water quality daily before school and fed the salmon throughout the day. Weekly, salmon were recorded for a livestream and students helped with the maintenance of the tank. At the end of the project, students helped remove the salmon from the classroom tank into buckets for transport to the release in the river. 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources website shared, “Salmon in the classroom provides countless opportunities for students to connect with Michigan's natural resources. Teachers are equipped with professional development, a classroom activity guide, a program manual and video playlists to support the program in their classrooms.”

Norup has raised and released over 500 Chinook Salmon since 2017.

Grandparents Day Provides Opportunity to Practice Literacy at Rogers

On Wednesday, May 11, 2022, Rogers kindergarten and transitional kindergarten classes invited grandparents for a morning of reading and discovery. Students displayed what they have been learning through Readers Workshop, a program that teaches students to apply literary skills while reading at their individual level. After hearing a story read by the teachers, students and their grandparents discussed the story using skills students have learned throughout the year. Students also read books at their individual level to their grandparents and presented them with a handmade bookmark.

BHS Senior Vocalist Performs at All State Festival 

Grace Watson, a BHS Senior and member of the BHS A Cappella choir, performed at the Michigan Schools Vocal Music Association (MSVMA) Michigan Youth Arts Festival on May 13, 2022. Grace was chosen from the State Solo Ensemble as one of the top 12 vocalists in the state of Michigan to sing at the MSVMA festival at Michigan State University. 

Grace will continue her musical career next year at the Boston Conservatory at the Berklee College of Music, majoring in Classical Vocal Performance. Grace shared,  “I am very grateful for all my teachers, mentors and the Berkley School District for supporting the arts.” 

Congratulations, Grace! 

Rogers Community Welcomes New Gaga Pit Built by BHS Student 

On Monday, May 16, the Rogers community held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the latest addition to the playground, a Gaga pit. Gaga is a fast paced sport played in an octagonal pit. The game is played with a soft ball, and combines the skills of dodging, striking, running, and jumping, while trying to hit opponents with a ball below the knees. Players need to keep moving to avoid getting hit by the ball. 

Owen Burmeister, BHS student and a member of Boy Scout Troop 1085, built the Gaga pit for his Eagle Scout project and helped break in the new pit by playing a game with Rogers students. 

Berkley Students Visit Belle Isle & RenCen

Students in middle and high school who work with Mrs. Mednik went on a field trip to Belle Isle, the Renaissance Center and downtown Detroit on Friday, May 13. Students explored the Belle Isle Aquarium and the effect of plastic waste on marine life, walked through the botanical gardens of the Conservatory and learned about the history of the James Scott fountain. Students also took a trip to the Renaissance Center and saw the cars of the future, walked along the Detroit Riverfront to Hart Plaza to talk about the role of Detroit in the Underground Railroad and took pictures with the Spirit of Detroit.

Board of Education Honors Students

At the May 9, 2022 Regular Board meeting, the Board of Education honored students from across the District for art awards, academic achievements and for participating in the DECA state championship. 

Art Awards

The following students were chosen as part of the Top 15 and Top 100 in the MAEA Youth Arts Month Program, and were honored the Board of Education:

Michigan Art Education Youth Arts Month - Top 15 

  •  Layla Tramontin, 2nd grade, Burton

Michigan Art Education Youth Arts Month - Top 100

  • Josiah Alls, 1st grade, Pattengill
  • Angeline Ameloot, 12th grade, BHS
  • Ayden Dilworth, 5th grade, Angell
  • Emerson Frayer, 2nd grade, Burton
  • Courtney Goodwin, 4th grade, Rogers
  • Evan Hart, 2nd grade, Pattengill
  • Emily Slezak, 2nd grade, Angell
  • William Solner, TK, Rogers

Congratulations to the following Berkley High School students for receiving Scholastic Awards: 

Gold Key

  • Robert Belf, Ceramics & Glass
  • Olivia Forte, Painting
  • Elliott Hall, Photography

Silver Key

  • Robert Belf, Ceramics & Glass
  • Oliver Wisniewski, Photography

Honorable Mention

  • Skyler Hale, Photography

DECA Recognition

The following students were honored by the Board for competing at the State DECA competition. At the State competition, students either participated in the role play division, wrote and presented on in-depth papers or completed a test. Their accomplishments are as follows:

Top Role Play Model

Principles of Hospitality and Tourism

  • Natalie Richter
  • Shayna Mouradian

Principles of Marketing

  • Alexa Figlak - also received Top Test honor

Quick Serve Restaurant Management

  • Gerik Wolak

Sports and Entertainment Marketing

  • Ben Clous
  • Thomas Dauphin

Top 10 in the State

Franchise Business Plan

  • Zach Bienenfeld
  • Nathan Green
  • Alex Fasbender
  • Josh Kiesling
  • Ben Maurice

Innovation Plan

  • Jonah Wolfe

Sales Project

  • Madison Aprill - also received International Leadership Position
  • Kaitlyn Aprill - also received International Leadership Position
  • Allison Mann - also received International Leadership Position
  • Isaac Schulz
  • Zach Maurice

1st Place in the State

Innovation Plan

  • Kaytlyn McPherson - also an International Qualifier 

Community Giving Project

  • Grace Debbrecht - also an International Qualifier 
  • Linnah Stevens - also an International Qualifier

International Qualifier

School Based Enterprise

  • Ellie Kubicki
  • Alexa Philko

Student Athlete Recognition

Both the BHS boys and girls basketball teams were honored for receiving Academic All-State honors for the team. In addition, BHS senior Ashley Loon was recognized by the Board for being the first player in the BHS girls basketball program to achieve 1,000 career regular season points. 

Elementary Students Visit the Detroit Zoo

Students who work with Mrs. Metz and Mrs. Celini spent a day together on a field trip to the Detroit Zoo! After learning new vocabulary and reading books about animals, habitats, and adaptations, students got to see the animals first-hand at the zoo. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade enjoyed this experience together with their teachers & support staff.

Director of Student Services Wins County Award

Congratulations to Heather Lackey, Berkley Schools Director of Student Services, for receiving the Gwisdalla Award from the Special Education Administrators of Oakland County (SEAOC). Heather was selected by her peers for this prestigious award, and was surprised at a meeting on Friday, May 13, with the announcement. 

This award has been given annually since 2001 at a SEAOC meeting to a Special Education administrator who has made significant contributions to, and on behalf of, special education in Oakland County, practiced quality service in the field of special education, exhibited integrity in daily work and relationships, has a diverse involvement in both the community and educational areas, demonstrates leadership both in, and beyond, the scope of their position and displays visionary practices. 

Heather shared, “Receiving this recognition from my peers is humbling and surprising. I feel that by accepting this award, I am representing my colleagues across the county for everyone's dedication and fearless leadership during this challenging school year. I am honored to work with educators who have continued to keep students first in everything we do.”

Congratulations, Heather!

Rogers Second Graders Participate in Community Walk

On Friday, May 13th, Rogers' second grade students explored local businesses during their annual Community Walk. This year, 34 businesses welcomed students and parent chaperones to show their goods, services, and contributions to the community. Students learned about long-time businesses as well new ones that have recently opened. Every student visited at least 10 different businesses. Students also stopped for lunch and enjoyed an ice cream at Clark's. 

Rogers' second grade teacher Jen Rogers shared, “This event is a wonderful opportunity for students to experience many places they've never been before!” 

The second grade team would like to thank the following businesses for their participation:

  • Amici's
  • Articipate
  • Balanced Health and Wellness
  • Berkley Collision
  • Berkley Common
  • Berkley First Church
  • Berkley Historical Museum
  • Berkley Music Company
  • Berkley Public Library
  • Biggby Coffee
  • The Chop Shop
  • Clark's Ice Cream
  • The Fresh Collective Kitchen and Market
  • Gatekeeper Games
  • June and December
  • Matthew Gross Jewelers
  • McCourt's Music
  • Monger's Provisions
  • Munro’s Crafts
  • The Neighbor’s Shoppe
  • NOVA Chiropractic
  • Oddfellows Antiques
  • Peninsulas
  • Perfect Corners Frame Shop
  • Pinspiration
  • Reforming Foundations
  • The Stamp Stop
  • SumGirls Boutique
  • TLC – The Lunch Café
  • Toadvine Books
  • TruFit
  • Vitrine
  • Ullman's Health and Beauty
  • Yellow Door Art Market

Burton Hosts Glow Show

On Monday, May 9 and Wednesday, May 11, Burton Art teacher Dorota Jakuc hosted a glow in the dark art show at Burton for all students.

The work for the show began back in October, when the school hosted a hat day to raise funds to buy a canvas for each Burton student. In addition, Ms. Jakuc sold water at the annual Fun Run to help fund supplies. Students worked on custom art pieces with glow in the dark paint and during the Glow Show were able to see their masterpieces on display under black lights. Students painted jellyfish, trees, seahorses, bridges, abstract shapes, bugs and more!

Berkley Summer Program Registration Now Open

Berkley K-8 Summer School has a new name--the Berkley Summer Difference! The program is free for all K-8 students and will be held in-person this year. High School summer options will be held in person, for students in current grades 9-12. Classes will focus on Credit Recovery. Registration for all students is now open in the MISTAR Parent Portal.

See program descriptions and registration instructions, below.

Elementary Program - Math & Language Arts + STEM

The Berkley Summer Difference Math & Language Arts program is intended for students currently in Grades TK-5 who need to maintain or grow in their academic achievement from the 2021-22 school year. Students who enroll in the program will have both math and language arts instruction throughout the summer program.

The elementary Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program will focus on problem solving, engineering design and offer hands-on opportunities.

All classes will be free and taught in person by certified, highly-qualified elementary teachers. Depending on enrollment, multi-grade sections may be organized to better meet staffing needs. The summer program will be educational and enjoyable!

Program Details for Math & Language Arts

Program Details for Elementary STEM

Registration - Now Open!

Middle School Program

Students who just completed their 6th - 8th grade school year can participate in the Berkley Summer Difference program. All classes will be free and offered in-person. Students have the option to take three types of classes: Math, English Language Arts and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Availability of sections will be determined based upon registration.

The middle school summer English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics school programs are intended for students currently in Grades 6-8 who need to maintain or grow in their achievement.

The middle school summer STEM program is intended for any students interested in exploring STEM topics which could include Coding/Robotics or Fossils & Rocks.

Classes will be taught by certified, highly-qualified middle school teachers. Depending on enrollment, multi-grade sections may be organized to better meet staffing needs.

Program Details for Math & English Language Arts Classes

Program Details for the STEM Class

Registration - Now Open!

High School Program: Credit Recovery

The high school summer program will be focused on Credit Recovery Courses. Credit Recovery Courses should be selected in consultation with each student’s school counselor. Credit Recovery coursework will be delivered through the APEX online learning system, assisted, facilitated, and overseen by certified teachers. Students will complete the coursework in person. These courses are tailored to each student and are mastery-based, which means the length of time students must spend in Credit Recovery will vary and is dependent upon mastery of course objectives.

Program Details for Credit Recovery

  • June 27 - July 28, 2022 (no class July 4 & 5)
  • All classes held at Berkley High School
  • Monday - Thursday, 8-10:15 am or 10:20 am - 12:30 pm
  • Fee - $100 per credit recovery class for students attending Berkley Schools. The fee is $220 per class for out of district students.  Any Berkley Schools student who is eligible for free/reduced meals will receive a reduced rate of $25/class.
  • Additional details are available in the High School Summer Learning & Credit Recovery document

Registration - Now Open!

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:

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.

New resources added! Additional resources include:

Dell Summer Sale for Berkley Schools Families

Dell has announced a Summer Sale for all Berkley Schools students, parents, faculty, and staff. Visit their website to check out exclusive deals on laptops, desktops, electronics, accessories and more! The Dell Summer Sale will end on June 1, 2022.  Check out some of the deals below and at www.dell.com/berkleyschools

  • Save $550 on XPS 17 Laptop
  • Save $500 on Alienware Aurora R10 Gaming Desktop
  • Save $200 on XPS Desktop 
  • 18% off Dell Premier Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard & Mouse

Berkley School District is Hiring 

The Berkley School District is hiring multiple positions including building substitute teachers, head custodians, 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!

 

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