November 8, 2022

Berkley Beat: November 4, 2022

Berkley Beat: November 4, 2022

What’s inside:

  • Berkley Schools Celebrates Halloween 
  • Berkley Education Foundation Sends 8th Graders on College Tour
  • Norup Students Present Their Personal Narratives
  • Berkley Building Blocks Celebrates Halloween at Trunk or Treat
  • Adult Transition Students Learn in the Community
  • Pattengill Community Gathers for Annual Trunk or Treat
  • Building Blocks Students Meet Mr. Wizard and Friends
  • BEF Awards 22 Fall Innovation-Grants
  • Angell 5th Graders Virtually Visit Plymouth Patuxet Museum
  • Native American Heritage Month
  • 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
  • City of Oak Park Seeks Feedback on Street Closures & Pocket Park
  • Join the Berkley Schools Family- Now Hiring!
  • Sign Up for Text Alerts

Berkley Schools Celebrates Halloween 

Berkley Schools ghosts and goblins celebrated Halloween on Monday, October 31, 2022. All schools showcased their Halloween spirit with Halloween parades and assemblies. Berkley Schools students had a wonderful Halloween!

Anderson

Anderson Middle School held its annual Halloween assembly on October 31, 2022. Principal Mike Ross kicked off the event with a greeting. Then students competed by grade level in various games such as mummy wrap (wrap staff members in toilet paper) and games pitting all grades against one another (tug of war, moving skittles with straws and collecting penne noodles with spaghetti noodles). The assembly concluded with a costume contest and the Spirit Week winner was announced. Congrats to the 6th graders on earning the Spirit Week trophy.

Angell

Weather moved the Angell Halloween parade inside, but the rain did not put a damper on the fun. Classmates greeted each other while parading through the school hallways. After the parade, the students participated in spooky arts and crafts, music and activities. 

Burton

The BHS Marching Band led the students through Huntington Woods in a Halloween-themed parade. Burton families and friends lined the streets as students showcased their costumes. The band was also dressed up and provided a fun atmosphere for the parade.

Norup

Norup Elementary students enjoyed an outside parade in their field during the afternoon. Classes came outside by grade and completed two laps around the field while families and classmates cheered them on.

Pattengill

Pattengill students celebrated Halloween with classroom parties and an indoor parade. All students were able to show off their costumes while parading through the hallway and gym. After the parade, Pattengill staff had various activities planned such as spooky crafts, music and snacks for each classroom.

Rogers

Rogers students celebrated Halloween with their annual parade, which includes a trip and parade through Oxford Towers. Students showed off their costumes to the residents and were given a bag of treats at the end of the route.

Berkley Education Foundation Sends 8th Graders on College Tour

On October 27 and November 1, 2022, the Berkley Education Foundation sent all 8th grade students from Norup and Anderson to college. During this trip, students toured the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor campus.

While on the campus tours students walked through a mock dorm room, visited libraries, toured the Diag, learned about the university’s history and culture, saw where classes are held, learned about study abroad programs, learned about campus life and the various schools within the university, and what to focus on in high school to help with college admissions. Students had the chance to ask questions throughout and learned more about the university through their inquiry.

Students returned to school and enjoyed a pizza lunch from the Berkley Education Foundation.

This annual trip to a college campus allowed students an early look toward a post-secondary future. The Berkley Education Foundation's mission is to help maintain and enhance educational opportunities and programs for all Berkley students, and has been funding the #BerkleyDifference since 2000.

The BEF accepts donations to continue to fund the 8th grade college tours - every $150 raised sends 5 students on a tour. You can donate online, if you would like to support this initiative.

Norup Students Present Their Personal Narratives

On Friday, October 28, Norup 6th graders presented their personal narrative stories during a 6th Grade Author Meet and Greet. Students in Ms. Talucci and Ms. Werber’s classes spent time in the Norup Media Center sharing with fellow students, teachers and administrators and family members. 

Prior to the meet and greet, each student wrote their personal narrative stories, which are true stories about something that happened to the students. While younger students and guests visited, they were encouraged to ask the authors questions like, “What are your stories about?” “What is your favorite part of your writing?” “What piece of advice would you give to someone who wants to write a narrative?” and “What was the biggest challenge writing these pieces?” The authors engaged with their guests and robust conversations took place throughout the day. All guests were also given a brochure with a QR code to access all author anthologies, to continue exploring the writing after their visit.

Berkley Building Blocks Celebrates Halloween at Trunk or Treat

Berkley Building Blocks (BBB) families gathered for a Trunk or Treat on Thursday, October 27. BBB staff and families passed out candy and decorated their vehicles in various themes such as Jurassic Park, Mario Kart, day at the beach and more! This year’s Trunk or Treat was a great opportunity for students to showcase their costumes and connect with friends.

Adult Transition Students Learn in the Community

During the month of October, students in the Adult Transition Program (ATP) went on many trips and participated in activities outside of their classroom to enrich learning. Students visited Westview Orchard, downtown Berkley during Boo!kley days and enjoyed a meet up with ATP alumni.

At the orchard, students picked pumpkins that we were later painted at their fall party. Students also enjoyed cider and donuts while practicing social awareness, reading environmental signs, and purchasing items. Jen Plater, ATP teacher, shared that students also had a chance to practice their social media skills by taking the perfect Instagram picture. 

During the morning of October 28th, ATP students visited Downtown Berkley during Boo!kley days to see the ghosts and skeletons at local businesses. Students had to complete a scavenger hunt to find different ghosts. 

Ms. Plater shared, “The students did an amazing job. We followed up our Boo!kley visit by inviting many past graduates of the program and some high school friends to CASA. Together we painted pumpkins, grouped together in a video game tournament, and danced the afternoon away.”

Pattengill Community Gathers for Annual Trunk or Treat

On Friday, October 28, the Pattengill community enjoyed their annual Trunk or Treat, sponsored by the Pattengill PTA. Cars were decorated with spooky and sweet things and candy was passed out to the students. Halloween music was played for families to enjoy.

Building Blocks Students Meet Mr. Wizard and Friends

Berkley Building Blocks students spent the morning of November 2, 2022, with Michigan based ventriloquist and magician, Mr. Wizard. Mr. Wizard brought his puppets Daisy the Unicorn, Spotty the Dinosaur, Hoppy the Bunny and more to Building Blocks for students to meet and interact with. Berkley Building Blocks brings in-house field trips to their building throughout the year for students to experience new things without having to travel far. 

BEF Awards 22 Fall Innovation-Grants

Congratulations to the following Berkley Schools staff members for receiving a Fall 2022 Berkley Education Foundation Innovation-Grant. The BEF funds innovative project requests, special materials to enhance lessons and educational technology. Innovation-Grants are for more than basic classroom supplies. They are an opportunity for staff members to be creative, push the envelope and expand learning for students. The BEF has an annual $15,000 allocation to support Innovation-Grants.

Adult Transition

  • Sharon Berke, BAT Microenterprise: Flannel Rag Blankets

Anderson Middle School

  • Jennifer Bajorek, Wipebook Flipcharts for Classroom
  • David Johnson, Wipebook Flipcharts for Classroom
  • Deanna McDermott, Learning at the Detroit Zoo

Angell Elementary School

  • Julie McKeeman, Busy Feet and Comfy Seats
  • Laurie Ovies, Vertical Play in TK!
  • Ashley Phillips, Music Technology Integration
  • Lauren Wexler, Mirrors and Windows: Finding Diverse Characters in Our Classroom Library

Berkley High School

  • Natalie Ford, Podcasting Equipment
  • Kaitlyn Hart, Psychology is Everywhere!
  • Mary Martinuzzi, Building Sensory Needs 
  • Saundra Rathburn, BHS Meditation Garden Expansion
  • Jacqueline Terbrack, Let's modernize the library!
  • Lenny Waldman, Catch Box (Throwable Microphone)
  • Kelley Yell, Ninja Blender Budget

Burton Elementary School

  • Stacey Reynolds, Power of Peers
  • Stephanie Williams, Sound Pouches
  • Norup International School
  • Kristina Scholl, Sensational Centers!

Pattengill Elementary School

  • Jen Vail, Flexible Seating for Third Grade

Rogers Elementary School

  • Sarah Berry, Andrea Halas, Amy Mustonen, Enhancing Fine Motor and Communication Skills through Sensory Experiences
  • Rebecca Smith, Rogers’ Coffee Cart
  • Nikki Stone, Create like a Pro!

If you’d like to donate to the BEF to support the Grant program, you can do so online.

Angell 5th Graders Virtually Visit Plymouth Patuxet Museum

Last month, Angell 5th graders were treated to a virtual tour of the Plymouth Patuxet Museum. The tour was led by Timothy Turner, a member of the Cherokee Nation. Mr. Turner spoke about the museum’s history and its focus on colonial life and the Massasoit Indigenous people. 

During the presentation, students learned about and saw examples of how the Massasoit used the land for food, shelter, clothing, and tools. They also learned about the daily life of children and adults within the tribe. Angell 5th grade teacher, Gale Tosto shared, “The focus of the field trip was to help us gain more insight on our driving question for our social studies unit, "How can we better honor the cultural heritage of this land?" in terms of the United States.” 

Native American Heritage Month 

November is nationally recognized as Native American Heritage Month. The month-long celebration highlights the culture, achievements and contributions of Native Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society. 

Share in the learning about Native American Heritage Month with your family by visiting these resources:  

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

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

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 surveyhttps://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!