Berkley Beat: January 13, 2023
Berkley Beat: January 13, 2023
- Berkley and Royal Oak Partner to Honor Dr. King on MLK Day - Join Us On Monday!
- Kindergarten Information for All: Information Nights - Beginning Next Week
- Rogers Students Explore Sustainability
- Pattengill Students Connect with Students in Thailand
- Angell Students Visit Royal Oak's 44th District Court
- BAAPN Presents Special Guest Charla Adams: The Epidemic of Anxiety Among Today’s Students
- M1 Unified Hockey Team Hosts Charity Game: BHS Players Raise Funds for ChadTough Foundation
- Tickets on Sale for Middle School Musical, “High School Musical, Jr.” Tonight & Tomorrow
- Tickets on Sale for Off to the Races 2023
- Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring!
- Sign Up for Text Alerts
Berkley and Royal Oak Partner to Honor Dr. King on MLK Day - Join Us on Monday!
The cities and school districts of Royal Oak and Berkley are proud to announce their joint MLK Day event for the entire community to remember, participate, and honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Virtual Keynote & Presentation
On Monday, January 16, 2023, the community is invited to honor Dr. King through learning and action. The commemoration, “A Day On, Not a Day Off,” will include a virtual presentation hosted on the Berkley Schools and Royal Oak Schools Facebook pages at 9:30 am. The virtual event will include a keynote, student musical performances and messages from local elected officials.
Freedom Walk
At 9:30 am, the community is invited to gather at Berkley High School, for a freedom walk in the BHS neighborhood. After the walk, the community is invited to participate in service projects: blanket making and sorting donations to deliver to local nonprofits. The first 250 guests will receive a commemorative button. All ages and members of the community are invited to attend.
Donation Drive
The event committee will also be collecting the following donations prior to the Freedom Walk to support the following groups:
- Redford Brightmoor Initiative
- Cass Community Social Services
- Judson Center
- Gleaners Community Food Bank
Items that the committee will be collecting are listed below:
- Non-perishable food: Canned goods, pasta, peanut butter, jelly, granola bars, boxed food items
- Home items: Toilet paper, dish soap, paper towels, laundry detergent
- Toiletries: Shampoo/conditioner (including the following brands: Shea moisture, As I Am, Curls, Aunt Jackie's), deodorant, shaving cream, feminine products
- Diapers and pull-ups: All sizes, no unopened package
- New children's books: Infant through middle school age
- Clothing: Socks (all sizes), underwear (men and children), winter hats (adult)
Items will be collected through 12 pm and then delivered that day by volunteers.
Kindergarten Information Nights
While it might be hard to believe, it’s time to start thinking about Kindergarten for Fall 2023. In the Berkley School District, Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten information nights, enrollment and the Schools of Choice application windows happen in January and February each year. Starting early allows the District to plan staffing, class sizes and support for students before the year ends. If you have an incoming Kindergarten student this is important information to save. If you know someone who has a child who will be five years old by September 1, please share this information with them!
Kindergarten Information Nights
If you have an incoming Kindergarten or Transitional Kindergarten student, mark your calendar for an upcoming Kindergarten Information Night to learn about the kindergarten curriculum, how to prepare for the big first day, enrollment options, and Kindergarten/Transitional Kindergarten readiness. All TK and Kindergarten students need to be five years old by September 1, 2023.
During the evening, families will be able to ask the Principal questions, learn more about each school and hear about the #BerkleyDifference. You do not have to be a resident to attend the Kindergarten Information Nights, they are open to all who are interested in the Berkley School District. Learn more about Kindergarten enrollment and readiness by visiting our Enrollment webpage.
- Angell Elementary School: Wednesday, January 18, 2023 | 6:30 pm
- Burton Elementary School: Thursday, January 19, 2023 | 6:30 pm
- Norup International School: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 | 6:30 pm
- Pattengill Elementary School: Tuesday, January 17, 2023 | 6:30 pm
- Rogers Elementary School: Tuesday, January 24, 2023 | 6:30 pm
Kindergarten Registration for Berkley School District Residents
Berkley School District resident registration for both Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten begins February 6 and runs through February 17, 2023. Registration takes place entirely online, including the required document uploads. Visit the enrollment webpage to begin your registration, verify your residency through our District boundaries document and see what paperwork you need to upload to complete your registration. We can’t wait to meet our new students!
Schools of Choice Window for TK-Grade 5
The Berkley School District Board of Education has approved limited Schools of Choice (Section 105) openings (up to 120 slots) in Kindergarten through 5th grade for Oakland County residents for the 2023-24 school year. Those who are interested in attending the Berkley School District, but who do not live within District boundaries may apply.
Important Schools of Choice details include:
- Schools of Choice application period is February 13 - March 3, 2023
- Completed applications must be submitted online
- No applications will be accepted after the deadline of 5:00 pm, March 3, 2023
- Applicants will receive email notification of their student's Schools of Choice status mid to late April following the lottery
- On the application, families will select which school they’d prefer to attend: Angell, Burton, Norup, Pattengill or Rogers
- For current Schools of Choice families, if you have an incoming TK or Kindergarten student, please be sure to fill out this year’s application as well. Priority is given to siblings.
Questions
- If you have any questions regarding the upcoming Kindergarten Information nights, please reach out to school secretaries and/or principals.
- If you have any questions regarding the enrollment process, please contact the Enrollment Office at 248-837-8026 or visit the Enrollment website.
- If you have any questions regarding Schools of Choice, please contact Stephanie Helterbran, Pupil Accounting and Central Enrollment Supervisor, at 248-837-8045 or visit the Schools of Choice website.
Rogers Students Explore Sustainability
Fourth grade students at Rogers Elementary explored sustainability, the impact humans have on the environment, and what they can do to help. This information was shared during the “Processes that Shape the Earth” science unit and the “Natural Resources of the Earth” social studies unit.
The science curriculum teaches students to use the engineering process of design-test-and redesign, while working in teams to solve a problem. The "problem" for this unit was to inform the public about sustainability and its impact on the environment. The new inquiry-based social studies curriculum had students discover what sustainability is and then figure out ways to teach others.
After completion of the unit, Rogers 4th grade teachers organized a school wide sustainability initiative that was led by the students. The 4th graders could choose from six different activities such as researching what makes Rogers a Green School, labeling recycling bins, making posters about sustainable practices at school, writing letters to Berkley School District administrators about District sustainability efforts and more. Rogers 4th grade teacher Carolyn Smarjesse shared, “Students have been very focused and engaged in this whole project, from choosing the topics to brainstorming and working with small groups to the final execution of finished products.”
Pattengill Students Connect with Students in Thailand
At the start of the school year, Pattengill Principal Shamika Womble was contacted by Kate Isley, an aunt of a Pattengill student who teaches 4th-6th grade at Anuban Surat Thani School in Surat Thani, Thailand. Ms. Isley expressed interest in starting a pen pal program with the 5th graders at Pattengill Elementary. Pattengill teachers jumped on the opportunity and the students excitedly began preparing for their pen pals by researching Thailand and filling out “getting to know you” surveys.
The surveys were mailed to Thailand and Ms. Isley matched the students based on common interests. The Thai students then wrote and mailed their first letters. Pattengill students responded in December and received the latest letters from Thailand this week along with Thai treats such as snacks, candy and key chains reflecting the Thai currency.
Pattengill 5th grade teacher Meredith Wloszek shared, “This fits the curriculum by allowing our students an opportunity to work on handwriting and writing conventions. Letter writing also is a nice opportunity to hone both our narrative and information writing skills, as the kids find themselves telling personal stories and teaching their pen pals about many aspects of their lives in America.”
Angell Students Visit Royal Oak's 44th District Court
On January 11, 2023, Angell 5th graders from Gale Tosto's class visited the 44th District Court as part of Judge Derek Meinecke’s “Justice 101” program. This program was designed to help students understand the judicial system, to see what court looks like and how it functions. Prior to the students visiting the court, Judge Meinecke stopped by Mrs. Tosto’s classroom to prepare them for what they would encounter. Each child was then assigned a word to study and memorize that they would recite in court.
On the day of the field trip, students toured parts of the courthouse and observed an open court session from the jury box. Students saw a variety of cases such as drunk driving, shoplifting/retail fraud and assault. Judge Meinecke shared with the students that all citizens are good people and good people can make bad choices. After court, students joined Judge Meinecke in his chambers for a tour and to ask questions. Students also toured the new Royal Oak police department facility. Mrs. Tosto shared, “This trip is truly a favorite for me - it's so perfect as we ready these young minds for middle school.”
BAAPN Presents Special Guest Charla Adams: The Epidemic of Anxiety Among Today’s Students
On Thursday, January 19, 2023, the Berkley African American Parent Network (BAAPN) will host special guest Charla Adams at their regular monthly meeting.
Charla Adams, a Professional Licensed Counselor, will give a special presentation and facilitate a discussion about the importance of addressing our students' needs surrounding their mental health. Guests will learn and gain tools to help their students heal and experience a sense of hope during a time of anxiousness.
The BAAPN shared, “Charla Adams is the owner and director of Brugmansia Counseling Group. She has a heart for children and much of her clinical career has focused on treating behavioral health disorders, including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, anger, grief, and post-traumatic stress disorders.”
Join the meeting on Thursday, January 19, 2023, 7 pm, Anderson Middle School (3205 Catalpa, Berkley - parking is behind the building). All are welcome!
M1 Unified Hockey Team Hosts Charity Game
BHS Players Raise Funds for ChadTough Foundation
The M1 Griffins Unified Varsity Hockey team is hosting a charity hockey game benefitting the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation on Friday, January 13, 2023 at the John Lindell Ice Arena (1403 Lexington Blvd, Royal Oak) at 7:30 pm. The MI Griffins Unified Varsity Hockey team is comprised of players from Berkley, Royal Oak and Ferndale High Schools.
The MI Griffins will take on the Birmingham Unified Kings in an OAA League game. Both teams are equally excited to work together for the opportunity to give back to the community.
“It is a great honor to lead a team of athletes and to work with them to develop skills that will help them achieve their hockey goals, but also to help form them into well rounded young men,” said Paul Fox, Head Coach of the Griffins. “In addition to some great hockey, we get to raise money for a tremendous organization in memory of Lucy Sieck. This is something these young men will never forget.”
Lucky Sieck is the cousin of Griffins player Kyle Paswater and BU Kings alumni Brian Paswater. Lucy passed away from DIPG in 2020.
Tickets are not required for the event, however, all monies raised at the gate, shirt sales, donations and silent auction items will go directly to the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation. For more information about Lucy and ChadTough, visit www.chadtough.org/meet-the-kids/lucy-sieck/ or follow @lucylove on Facebook.
Order a LucyLove t-shirt ahead of the game for $20. Venmo the Griffins @Griffins-HockeyBooster to order. Include your last name, size and quantity in the Venmo comments. Pick up your shirt on game day, doors open at 6:30 pm.
Tickets on Sale for Middle School Musical, “High School Musical, Jr”
The Berkley Drama Department invites the community to attend this year’s Middle School musical, "High School Musical, Jr." The show will feature students from both Norup and Anderson middle schools. The cast and crew will hold their performances on January 13 and 14 at 7 pm on the Berkley High School stage, 2325 Catalpa, Berkley. "High School Musical, Jr." is perfect for any age.
Show Summary, from MTI Shows:
Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High must deal with issues of love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extracurricular activities. The show’s infectious, danceable songs are sure to engage performers and audiences alike.
It’s the first day after winter break at East High. The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes all find their cliques. Basketball team captain and resident jock, Troy, discovers that the brainy Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. The couple cause an upheaval when they decide to audition for the high school musical. Although many students resent the threat posed to the "status quo," Troy and Gabriella’s alliance might just open the door for others to shine as well.
Tickets
- Adults: $10.00
- Students: $5.00
- Seniors (60 years awesome and beyond): $5.00
- BSD Staff: $5.00
Tickets are on sale online on the BeDrama website.
Disney’s High School Musical JR. is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International, New York, NY. (212) 541-4684 mtishows.com
Tickets on Sale 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!
Buy Tickets, Horses, Sponsorships online!
Visit the BEF’s new Off to the Races website to buy tickets, horses, OTTR Bucks, sponsorships and Golden Tickets. Tickets are $40 per person.
Buy tickets today: https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/sf-001C000001dlvdzIAA/events/vevt:a48411c7-5789-4514-8b56-f1252505d520/home/story
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:
- Berkley Building Blocks Assistant Teachers
- Custodians
- Elementary Study Skills Teacher
- GSRP/Head Start Associate Teacher
- Lunch Aides
- Learning Specialist
- Long Term Substitute Teacher
- Special Education Paraeducator
- Speech Pathologists
- Varsity Head Volleyball Coach
- Middle School Football Coach
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!
