Berkley Beat: October 28, 2022

Berkley Beat: October 28, 2022

What’s inside:

• Principals  Fulfill Fun Run Promises 
• Angell PTA Hosts Trunk or Treat
• Norup Students Enjoy Annual Color Fun Run
• Berkley Middle School Cross Country Team Competes at Championship Meet 
• October is National Principals Month
• Norup Community Gathers for Annual Trunk or Treat
• Boo!kley Nights Trick-or-Treat, Monster Mash Block Party and Road Closures This Weekend
• Berkley Middle School students are invited to Saturday Drama Day!
• Berkley High School Presents HBCU Night
• Be Drama Presents “The Laramie Project”
• Save the Date for Off to the Races 2023
• Travel Opportunities for Middle and High School Students
• 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

Principals Fulfill Fun Run Promises 

The Fun Run is the largest fundraiser that the PTA holds all year. To motivate students to participate, principals at some of our elementary schools announce rewards. This year, principals at Angell, Pattengill and Rogers volunteered to participate in a silly activity if fundraising goals were met. 

The Rogers Community exceeded their goal of $30,000. Principal Jack Gitler was made into a sundae as students lined up to decorate him in chocolate syrup, whipped cream, sprinkles and cherries. 

At Pattengill, Principal Shamika Womble relocated her office to the roof for a day. Students joined Mrs. Womble outside for a picnic lunch around the school grounds, too. The Pattengill community raised $28,211.

The Angell community met the $20,000 goal. Angell Principal Vince Gigliotti performed “We Don't Talk About Bruno” from Encanto for the whole school in the gym. 

Angell PTA Hosts Trunk or Treat

Angell PTA organized a Trunk or Treat for families to celebrate the Halloween season. Angell families gathered at the Berkley Community Center on October 21 to parade around the parking lot collecting treats at different decorated vehicles. Apple cider and donuts were also provided by the PTA.

Norup Students Enjoy Annual Color Fun Run

On Friday, October 21, Norup students enjoyed their annual Fun Run - with a twist. Students all received white Fun Run t-shirts from the Norup PTA and while students completed their laps, PTA volunteers squirted color corn-starch into the air. Students ended up with tie dye shirts when the dust settled. For students who did not want to run through the corn starch, a bubble lap was set up. The whole school came out in shifts and fun was had by all. The Fun Run is an annual and biggest fundraiser for the Norup PTA.

Berkley Middle School Cross Country Team Competes at Championship Meet 

On Tuesday, October 25th, the Norup International and Anderson Middle School combined Cross Country team competed in the Central Oakland Middle School Athletic Conference (COMSAC) Championship Meet. The boys team took 3rd place overall while the girls placed 4th in the 2 mile race. The team had a successful season winning 5 of 6 regular season meets. Congratulations to all who competed! 

The Berkley male runners placed as follows 

• Owen Rickard (NIS) 2nd place, 11:19
• Elias Schwarzer (NIS) 8th place, 12:02
• Chris Short (AMS) 17th place, 12:30 
• Gabe Van Gorder (NIS) 23rd place, 12:39
• Isaiah Dagle (NIS) 41st place, 13:02
• Josh Bhagwan (NIS) 42nd place, 13:03
• Ben Wine (NIS) 45th place, 13:11

The Berkley female runners placed as follows:

• Paige Rohda (AMS) 3rd place, 12:33
• Isabella Glibota (NIS) 20th place, 14:04
• Bridgette Conger (AMS) 23rd place, 14:05
• Maddy Bielecki (NIS) 32nd place, 14:22
• Jaden Reithel (AMS) 34th place, 14:25
• Violet Mlutkowski (NIS) 39th place, 14:34
• Lyla Anantharam (NIS) 46th place, 14:48

October is National Principals Month

October is National Principals Month, and we couldn't let the month conclude without giving a huge shoutout to our outstanding principals!

Principals set the tone and culture of their buildings while providing support and guidance to both students and staff. They are instructional leaders, coaches, helpers, cheerleaders, and confidants. They truly are the #BerkleyDifference.

• Katie Fotiu, Berkley Building Blocks
• Shamika Womble, Pattengill Elementary
• Vince Gigliotti, Angell Elementary
• Maribeth Krehbiel, Burton Elementary
• Jack Gitler, Rogers Elementary
• Paul Yowchuang, Norup International School
• Michael Ross, Anderson Middle School
• Andy Meloche, Berkley High School
• Jennifer Gebbie, CASA and Adult Transition Program

Norup Community Gathers for Annual Trunk or Treat

On Monday, October 24, the Norup community enjoyed their annual Trunk or Treat, sponsored by the Norup PTA. Cars were decorated with spooky and sweet things, candy was passed out and the students had a chance to dance to Halloween-themed music with a light show as the background. The event was packed and everyone of all ages enjoyed the event!

Boo!kley Nights Trick-or-Treat, Monster Mash Block Party and Road Closures this Weekend

On Saturday, October 29, the Berkley Downtown Development Authority (Berkley DDA), is hosting their last weekend of Boo!kley events. These events are free, family friendly and for all to enjoy!

Trick-or-Treat Stroll

12-3 pm

Little ghosts and goblins (or whatever you dress up as) are invited to trick-or-treating in Downtown Berkley! Follow the map that takes you along Coolidge Hwy and 12 Mile Rd and look for participating small businesses, pop in and shout your best trick or treat and fill your bags with candy and toys. Allergy-free treats and trinkets will also be available. Over 100 businesses are participating throughout the downtown. Coolidge will be closed from 12 Mile to Catalpa. This trick-or-treat experience is fun for the whole family to enjoy! Bring your own trick-or-treat bags.

Monster Mash Block Party

2-5 pm

After trick-or-treating, join the Berkley DDA at the Monster Mash Block Party from 2-5 pm. This party will feature a live DJ, Halloween crafts and activities, performances, and entertainment including a juggler, unicyclist, stilt walker, and aerialist, plenty of photo opportunities, and something suitable for all ages. This outdoor celebration will take place at Coolidge Highway and Dorothea.

Road Closure

To prepare for and to host the Boo!kley Nights events, the City of Berkley will be closing Coolidge Hwy on Saturday, October 29 from 7 am - 6 pm.

Learn more about the events at www.downtownberkley.com/bookley

Berkley Middle School students are invited to Saturday Drama Day!

This free event will take place Saturday, November 5, 2022, from 10:30 am - 3 pm at the Berkley High School Auditorium (2325 Catalpa, Berkley). Drama Day is hosted by the Berkley High School drama department and District Drama Coordinator John Hopkins. The focus of this Saturday Drama Day will be audition tips, information and requirements for the upcoming Middle School production of "High School Musical, Jr."  Auditions will be held on November 28-29 at 4 pm.

This free event is open to students at Anderson Middle School and Norup Middle School.

To register for Drama Day, fill out this form.

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.

Visit this link to register.

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
• Trip Details: Experience the culture and traditions of this Mediterranean country through hands-on activities.
• Informational Meeting Slideshow

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
• Berkley Building Blocks Assistant Teachers
• GSRP/Head Start Associate Teacher 
• JV Boys Tennis Coach
• Middle School Swim Coach
• Middle School Football 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!