Berkley Beat: November 11, 2022

Berkley Beat: November 11, 2022

What’s inside:

• Veterans Day at Anderson Middle School 
• Norup Families Celebrate Multicultural Night
• Guy Louis Presents Relaxation and Mindfulness at Angell
• Berkley Volleyball Wins Districts & Regionals
• Students Embrace Imagination through New Play Materials
• Berkley High School Hosts Fall Choir Concert
• Federal Funding Alert for Parents - Child Tax Credit Information
• New Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Number - 988
• 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
• Join the Berkley Schools Family- Now Hiring!
• Sign Up for Text Alerts

Veterans Day at Anderson Middle School 

Anderson Middle School students spent part of Friday, November 11 - Veterans Day - listening to Veterans share stories and experiences about their time serving in the armed forces. During the presentations, veterans discussed basic training, where they were deployed, their job descriptions and overall experience while serving. A question and answer session was held at the end of each presentation. 

Thank you to the following members of the U.S. Armed Forces for their participation in Anderson’s Veterans Day event and for serving our country. 

• Captain David Sokol, United States Army
• Howard Sherman, United States Navy
• Sergeant RJ Danescu, United States Army
• Marc Robinson, United States Army
• Elizabeth Crampton, United States Navy
• Lorrena Black, United States Army
• Clarence Black, United States Army
• Jim Smith, United States Air Force
• Rob Hunyor, United States Air Force

Norup Families Celebrate Multicultural Night

On November 10, Norup PTSA, in conjunction with the school’s IB program, hosted a Multicultural Night. Students and families experienced food, games, and lessons from Norup families who are from different cultures by visiting stations around the school. Students earned stamps in a passport at each station. 

Members of the Norup community prepared dishes from all over the world. Families sampled foods from Nigeria, Norway, France, India, Mexico and more. Dreidel and mancala stations were set up in the hallway. Students sampled Argentinian Mate Tea and Scottish Irn-Bru soft drink. Hungarian garments and Japanese origami were displayed in the media center.

Norup IB Coordinator, Samantha Morey, shared the importance of events like these. “Multicultural Night is an event that highlights the importance of developing global citizens. Families get the opportunity to share and learn about all the diverse cultures that make up our Norup community,” she said.

Guy Louis Presents Relaxation and Mindfulness at Angell

On November 3, 2022, Guy Louis visited Angell Elementary for a day of music and mindfulness. Guy Louis’ “Introducing Relaxation Through Music” presents essential relaxation skills appropriate for PreK and Elementary age kids in a fun, musical video format. He demonstrated various breathing techniques and practiced meditation through the use of various instruments such as a six string guitar and mandolin. Students were selected to try out different instruments and dance to original songs such as “Attention is My Friend” and “Light in the World.”

Berkley Volleyball Wins Districts & Regionals

Congratulations to the BHS Varsity Volleyball team for winning both the District (a three-peat) and Regional championships. The Berkley Bears Girls’ Volleyball Team won Regionals by defeating the Grosse Pointe South Blue Devils, 3-1 (25-15, 25-14, 21-25, 25-17) on November 10. 

The team now moves on to the State Quarterfinals on November 15 at Royal Oak Middle School, facing the Northville Mustangs. Come cheer on the team, the match starts at 7 pm.

Congratulations!

Students Embrace Imagination through New Play Materials

Transitional Kindergarten students at Angell are enjoying their new learning materials supplied by the Berkley Education Foundation. Teacher Laurie Ovies submitted for a BEF Innovation-Grant earlier this fall and was awarded the grant for a Rainbow Pegboard. 

In her grant application, Ms. Ovies shared, “The Rainbow Pegboard will be available for play each day during our workshop/free play time. Playing on a vertical space is integral to children's development. Vertical play helps develop children's shoulder and elbow stability, bilateral coordination, crossing the midline, establishing hand dominance, wrist extension and pencil grasp, visual attention and hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and core strength and posture. This is important work in an early childhood classroom.”

Every day, students in TK have the opportunity to explore the classroom during workshop/free play time. The Rainbow Pegboard is a student favorite. When the Communications Office visited this week, students were making a rainbow flower, sorting the pegs by color, creating shapes and objects by lumping the pegs together and noticing what happens to the pegs when you shine a flashlight through them.

Berkley High School Hosts Fall Choir Concert

On Thursday, November 3, the Berkley High School choirs performed at their Fall concert. The A Cappella Choir, Concert Choir, Belle Tones and Encore! groups performed under the direction of teachers Julie Smith and Sarah Noble as well as student teacher Angelina Mason and pianist Joe Walters.

Thank you to Suanne Zager for sharing these photos!

Federal Funding Alert for Parents - Child Tax Credit Information

Did you know, families could get thousands of dollars in federal money by filing a federal tax return. If you have not filed taxes in 2022, you should file to claim your money as soon as possible. You can file even if you have low income or no income. You can get this money even if you have never filed taxes or have not filed in the last few years. 

See below for some Frequently Asked Questions from GetCtC.org:

What could I get? 

• Up to $3,600 per child with the 2021 Child Tax Credit, 
• Any missed stimulus payments for you and your children/dependents - up to $1,400 per person 
• Other payments if you had earnings last year 

Am I eligible? 

• You could be eligible even if you have low or no income or don’t usually file taxes.  More people are eligible to get this money than in other years.  Sign up if you have not already filed a 2021 tax return.  

How do I get this money? 

• It’s easy to apply!  Apply by November 15 with a simple form: GetCTC.org 

Does this money count for benefits I get? 

• This money does not count for most benefits, like SNAP, WIC, TANF, MEDICAID, CHIP, SSI, and most types of public and subsidized housing. 

What if I am an immigrant? 

• Even if you do NOT have a Social Security Number, you can get payments for your children who have Social Security Numbers. Under current law, receiving the Child Tax Credit or other tax credits will not affect your immigration status, ability to get a Green Card, or future immigration plans. 

Had a baby in 2020 or 2021? You should sign up!

• Did you get monthly money from the IRS in 2021 for your kids ($250 or $300 per month per child)? 

Sign up again in 2022 to get the rest of your money. 

Sign up by November 15: GetCTC.org 

New Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Number - 988

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has a new nation wide three digit code: 988. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a 24/7 toll-free nationwide hotline, made up of a network of independently operated and funded local call centers (200+) across the country. Anyone in crisis or distress can connect via phone, text, or chat with suicide prevention, mental health, and substance misuse support specialists by dialing 988. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

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:  

• Bring a Bit of Native America to Your Table!
• National Museum of the American Indian: Hands-on Activities
• Living Nations, Living Words: An Interactive Story Map 
• U.S. Department of the Interior Indian Affairs: A History of National Native American Heritage Month 
• Native American Heritage Month: National Congress of American Indians
• 16 Facts to Learn for Native American Heritage Month

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

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!