Berkley Beat: October 21, 2022
Berkley Beat: October 21, 2022
- BHS Students Participate in Onsite College Admissions Day
- Alumni Spotlight: Austen Brantley
- AMS Students Visit Detroit Institute of Arts
- Pattengill Fun Run
- Oak Park Trunk or Treat - All Invited
- BHS Marching Band to Perform in the Glow Show
- Safe Schools Week - A Review
- Berkley High School Presents HBCU Night
- Attention Middle School Parents: Girls Swim Team Information
- BHS Marching Band to Perform in the Glow Show
- Be Drama Presents the Laramie Project
- Save the Date for Off to the Races 2023
- Travel Opportunities for Middle and High School Students
- BHS Students Selling Halloween Boo Bags
- October is LGBT History Month
- City of Oak Park Seeks Feedback on Street Closures & Pocket Park
- Join the Berkley Schools Family- Now Hiring!
- Sign Up for Text Alerts
BHS Students Participate in Onsite College Admissions Day
Berkley High School seniors participated in Onsite Admissions Day on Thursday, October 20. Students met with representatives from six colleges across the state to review their application and BHS transcript, and then received an admissions decision on the spot. 40 students participated with a total of 63 admissions offered from Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Oakland University, Lawrence Tech and Michigan Tech. Students celebrated being admitted to college with friends and staff inside the Library Media Center and posed for a photo with their new school’s logo.
College & Career Counselor Christina Belsky shared, “We are thrilled that so many BHS seniors participated in our first-ever Onsite Admissions Day! Receiving an admissions decision in October is such a confidence booster for students - it was wonderful to see the stress of college applications wash away as students were admitted!”
Alumni Spotlight: Austen Brantley
Berkley High School class of 2013 alum Austen Brantley is a professional sculptor. He got his start in ceramics while attending Berkley High School and his love for clay has continued to grow. He currently is based out of Detroit and has had his work featured all over the country. The Communications Department sat down with Austen recently to hear his story, what he is passionate about and how his time in the District influenced and inspired him.
In addition to watching and learning about Austen’s story, viewers will see a glimpse of the new sculpture Austen is working on for the Berkley School District, City of Berkley and Berkley Downtown Development Authority.
AMS Students Visit Detroit Institute of Arts
Students in Deanna McDermott and Briana Black’s classes went on a field trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts on October 6, 2022. This field trip is in connection to the daily living skills curriculum. While visiting, students practiced vocabulary, speaking with unfamiliar people, ordering food at the cafe and how to behave in a museum setting.
Ms. McDermott shared more about why the staff planned this field trip. “There is research between enriched life experiences and improved reading and listening comprehension,” she said. Students and staff had a great time!
Pattengill Fun Run
Pattengill students enjoyed their annual Fun Run on Friday, October 14. Students lined up at the starting line and were sent off by Principal Shamika Womble. They then ran around the block and were greeted by friends and family cheering them on.
Students raise funds leading up to the Fun Run, with the goal of earning prizes for the top fundraisers and top classrooms. The Fun Run is the largest fundraiser that the PTA holds all year. Pattengill students met their fundraising goal and along the way to their top goal, the students earned prizes. One of which was Principal Womble being sprayed with silly string!
Oak Park Trunk or Treat - All Invited
The City of Oak Park is hosting a Trunk or Treat event on Saturday, Oct. 22 in the Water Tower Social District, 14700 Kingston St. At 12:30 children are invited to participate in a costume parade. Trunk or Treating will take place from 1-3 pm.
This event will also have games, music and take home crafts as well as food and snacks for purchase.
BHS Marching Band to Perform in the Glow Show
On Wednesday, October 26, 2022, the Berkley High School Marching Band will join marching bands from Royal Oak, Clawson and Warren Cousino high schools to perform a Glow Show at 7:30 pm at Royal Oak High School. The students attach glow sticks to their instruments and uniforms and perform their halftime shows with the stadium lights turned off. The community is invited to this unique concert experience.
Safe Schools Week - A Review
During October 17-21, Berkley Schools participated in Safe Schools Week. Safe Schools Week was planned in collaboration with our three local public safety departments and shared information about District safety practices and systems in addition to practicing drills in our schools. The District also tested its communications system to ensure parents/guardians could be reached in the event of a real emergency. Every day during Safe Schools Week the District sent an email communication to families about a component of safety plans and protocols. A summary of each day’s message is below.
Safe Schools Week: District Safety Measures
The Berkley School District is always evaluating safety measures to ensure the District is doing everything it can to keep students and staff safe. Current safety measures include ALICE training, trauma kits, all secretaries, custodians and administrators have up to date training in CPR/AED, stop the bleed training, regular and random police visits, locked doors at all times during the school day, security cameras, secure entrances, social and emotional wellness programs, calming spaces in buildings and classrooms, and, most importantly, getting to know and love all students.
Learn more about recent safety measures, reunification process and watch safe schools videos on the District’s News page: https://bit.ly/3VrSS0c
Safe Schools Week: Learning about ALICE
Berkley School District is an ALICE trained institution. ALICE stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate. All Berkley Schools staff have been trained in ALICE for a number of years. ALICE Training says, “At the ALICE Training, we believe that individuals should be prepared for active shooter events and empowered to make their own life-saving decisions.“ Part of the training includes layering on the role of students during an incident that would require an ALICE response. Informing students about ALICE is important so the District crisis team worked to create a template and curriculum that focused on being educational and informative, but also sensitive to the worries that students have about this topic.
To view the complete message sent to families regarding ALICE and ALICE drills, visit our News page: https://bit.ly/3eoNWsx
Safe Schools Week: Testing the Communications System
On Wednesday, October 19, the Berkley School District tested its emergency communication system. All primary and secondary contacts as well as staff members received an email, phone call and text message during the Communications test.
If a crisis were to occur, families would receive information from the District via phone (phone number 248-837-8000), email and text (if you have signed up to receive text messages), on Facebook and on our website (www.berkleyschools.org).
Here are a few reminders about emergency situations:
- Any school that is experiencing an emergency situation will not be accessible to anyone from outside the building. During this time each school will follow our prescribed safety measures.
- Please refrain from visiting and calling your child's school during a time of crisis. It is important that phone lines be open so staff can communicate with each other and with public safety officials.
- The District will communicate with families as soon as possible, after securing the safety of the students and staff.
If you would like to sign up for text message alerts in addition to phone and email communications, text the word YES to the phone number 67587 to sign up.
Safe Schools Week: Social Emotional Learning
The Berkley School District knows that students need to feel safe and supported in order to be ready to learn, and that the idea of safety goes beyond the physical spaces of the building. Students need to feel emotionally safe and that they belong in order to fully engage in their learning as well. As a District we have focused a lot of attention on the social emotional well-being of our students, especially over the last few years.
Read more about our social emotional resources on our News page: https://bit.ly/3yFWHp0
Safe Schools Week: Community Resources
In the Berkley School District, we strive for our students to feel supported at all times, however, during a time of crisis, students might need extra support. Our school counselors, social workers and school psychologists are always available to help any student in crisis. Students also have options for help if they prefer anonymous support.
Please encourage your children to always talk to a trusted adult when something doesn't seem right or if they have any concerns about their safety or the safety of others.
In addition to the mental health component of student and school safety, it is also important for the community to participate in safe practices.
To read more about community resources, visit our news page: https://bit.ly/3Mr7k4J
-
TOMORROW: On Saturday, October 22, from 10 am - 2 pm, seven local law enforcement agencies, including Berkley Public Safety, and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners will be hosting gun buyback events at four locations throughout the county. Learn more about this buyback program from the Oakland County Commissioners website https://bit.ly/3CPJafT
Berkley High School Presents HBCU Night
Berkley High School presents Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) Night on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. Students will learn about the educational opportunities and the unique college experience of Historically Black Colleges & Universities. The night will start with an HBCU College Showcase in the BHS Library Media Center followed by a Q & A session with an HBCU Alumni Panel.
Evening schedule
- 6-6:30 PM: HBCU College Showcase
- 6:30-7:30 PM: Q&A with HBCU Alumni Panel
Students of all ages are welcome to attend.
Attention Middle School Parents: Girls Swim Team Information
Middle School students interested in joining the girls combined swim team can come to tryouts on Wednesday, November 2, at the Berkley High School pool:
- 8th Grade 4-4:30 pm
- 7th Grade 4:45-5:15 pm
- 6th Grade 5:30-6 pm
All swimmers must try out including last year swimmers, club swimmers and summer swimmers. Swimmers must bring the tryout rubric with them.
Requirements to be on the team:
- Have a physical on file that is dated after April 15, 2022
- Pay the Berkley athletic fee $90 (pay online via MISTAR)
- Must fill out the swimmer information form
Questions can be directed to the coaching staff at: bmsgirlsswim@gmail.com
Be Drama Presents the Laramie Project
Berkley High School’s Be Drama presents its fall play, “The Laramie Project'' to the community on November 17, 18 and 19 at 7 pm. The play will be performed on the Berkley High School Auditorium stage.
“The Laramie Project” by Moises Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project is based upon the true story of the murder of Matthew Shepard in the town of Laramie, Wyoming. Matthew was killed simply because he was gay. “The Laramie Project,” is set in 1998 after Matthew Shepard’s death.
The script was written by theater artists who traveled to Laramie after Matthew’s death and interviewed the people in the town. Those who were interviewed, as well as those doing the interviews, are characters in this play and the script is made up of direct quotes from those interactions.
“The Laramie Project” is a heavy show with heavy subject matter. It is NOT recommended for audience members and children who are not mature enough to understand the subject matter. Be Drama recommends elementary students do not attend this play. The disclaimer on the ticketing website states: “The Laramie Project” is a play about the results of hate. There is no polite way to be hateful. The play contains adult language and the description of violent situations. Viewer discretion is advised.
District Drama Director John Hopkins shared, “As we prepared for this serious, yet powerful show, we’ve discussed how we feel when portraying characters who display a level of hate that is personally uncomfortable to us. Additionally, I would like to note that students have been involved in any editing of the script, and have also had the autonomy to say, or not say, the words their characters speak. As we’ve worked through rehearsals, I have maintained an open door policy for group and individual discussion. Additionally, I am keeping a close eye on everyone so that each student feels a sense of safety and wellbeing throughout. As we’ve worked through this, I have to say that I’m blown away by the maturity, thoughtfulness and professionalism with which our students have approached ‘The Laramie Project.’”
Tickets are available for purchase on the Be Drama website: www.bedramatickets.com
- Adults: $15.00
- Students: $10.00
- Seniors (60 years young and beyond): $10.00
- BSD Staff: $10.00
"The Laramie Project" is a play in three acts with two ten minute intermissions.
Save the Date for Off to the Races 2023
The Berkley Education Foundation is excited to announce the date and new location for the 2023 Off to the Races fundraiser. Mark your calendar for the 14th annual Off to the Races, taking place on Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 6-10 pm at The Kingsley Hotel in Bloomfield Hills.
What is Off to the Races?
Off to the Races is an annual fundraiser for the Berkley Education Foundation. 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!
Additional details and ticket sales will be available soon.
Travel Opportunities for Middle and High School Students
Many Berkley Schools teachers are supporting international travel opportunities for students in 2023 and 2024. The details of all the trips as well as upcoming information meetings are below.
Costa Rica - Spring Break 2023
- Open to grade 9-12 students
- Trip Sponsor: Tracy Burroughs, BHS Spanish Teacher
Scotland - Spring Break 2023
Open to Berkley middle school students ages 11-15
Trip Sponsor: Liz Reynolds, Norup Kindergarten Teacher
Trip Details: Norup MYP will be collaborating with EF Tours on a guided tour of Scotland for Spring Break 2023! Go beyond seeing Scottish landmarks and experience the kingdom of the north through the stories of the Scots. This trip is open to all Berkley middle schoolers, ages 11-15. View the slideshow for more information.
Thailand - June 2023 (after school is out)
- Open to grade 9-12 students, parents and guardians
- Trip Sponsors: Andy Meloche, BHS Principal, & Adina Rubenstein, BHS Science Teacher
Next Informational Meeting:
-
November 15, 2022 at 7:00 PM
- Berkley High School Media Center
-
RVSP
Trip Details: Berkley High School and CASA are planning a trip to explore the wonders of Thailand! This 11-day trip to Thailand will include visits to the Grand Palace in Bangkok, the floating markets, national parks, UNESCO world heritage sites, an elephant sanctuary, famed temples, and more. Take a look at the tentative itinerary and the short slideshow about the tour!
Galapagos Islands - Spring Break 2024
- Open to grade 6-12 students
- Trip Sponsor: Athena Troher, AMS English Teacher
-
Trip Details: Families can learn more about the trip details by viewing this presentation. To guarantee a spot on the tour for students and receive a $200 travel discount, lock in one of the 35 spots available with a $95 deposit by October 21st (a new extended deadline). Space is limited, and is first-come, first-served. Enroll today on the ET Tour website.
Rome & Pompeii - Spring Break 2024
Open to Berkley middle school students, ages 11-15
Trip Sponsor: Liz Reynolds, Norup Kindergarten Teacher
Next Informational Meeting:
- October 25, 2022 at 6:30 pm
- Norup International School Media Center
- RSVP
- Trip Details: Experience the culture and traditions of this Mediterranean country through hands-on activities.
BHS Students Selling Halloween Boo Bags
Students in the BHS Work Skills class are selling Boo Bags for all staff in the Berkley School District this Halloween season. For $6, you can send a goodie bag filled with candy and snacks to a favorite staff member. Visit the BHS Peer 2 Peer website to order. All funds raised will go towards the Work Skills class.
October is LGBT History Month
LGBT History Month celebrates the achievements of 31 lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender Icons. Each day in October, a new LGBT Icon is featured with a video, bio, bibliography, downloadable images and other resources.
Visit the LBGT history month website to learn about each of the 31 icons being highlighted in 2022, including Amy Schneider, Jazz Jennings and Hans Christian Andersen.
October 11th is also National Coming Out Day. For more information and resources, visit the American Psychological Association website on National Coming Out Day.
Information on why we celebrate Pride Month in June and LGBT History Month in October - Why Do We Celebrate Pride Month in June and LGBT History Month in October?
City of Oak Park Seeks Feedback on Street Closures & Pocket Park
The City of Oak Park has shared the following information regarding a temporary street closure. They are seeking feedback on this as well as their pocket park in the Water Tower Social District.
Gardner Street at Kingston Street (just south of 11 mile) will be temporarily closed for the month of October for the installation of a temporary pocket park. This temporary closure and installation is part of the City's planning process for a potential permanent pocket park in the Water Tower Social District. The closure will begin on Friday, Sept. 30 during the workday and the city anticipates the road to re-open on either Monday, Oct. 31 or Tuesday, Nov. 1.
This temporary closure will allow the City to determine the impact a permanent closure could have on our road users; additional traffic studies in the area will be conducted in October to help determine the long-term impact.
The City would appreciate any feedback and concerns people have about this temporary closure or a potential permanent closure. Please send any feedback to kmarrone@oakparkmi.gov.
Those wishing to provide their input on the Water Tower Social District Parking Lot and Public Spaces Design Concept can also do so by taking the City of Oak Park’s survey. https://forms.office.com/r/UNsBbGujfi
Join the Berkley Schools Family- Now Hiring!
The Berkley School District is hiring! We are looking for talented individuals to fill a variety of positions. Visit our website to apply and share our postings with your networks!
Now Hiring:
- ECSE Long-term Substitute
- High School Counselor
- School Psychologist
- School Social Worker
- Berkley Building Blocks Assistant Teachers
- GSRP/Head Start Associate Teacher
- JV Boys Tennis Coach
- Middle School Swim Coach
- Interim High School Girls Diving Coach
- High School Assistant Wrestling Coach
- Middle School Football Coach
- Custodians
- Lunch Aides
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!
