May 15, 2023

Berkley Beat: May 12, 2023

Berkley Beat: May 12, 2023

What’s inside:

  • BHS Unified Bocce Ball Team Compete at Hurley Field
  • Varsity Baseball Plays at Comerica Park
  • Norup 8th Grade Visits Washington DC
  • Bond Community Information Meeting: May 15, 2023
  • Pattengill Girl Scout Troop Donate to Children Oncology Unit
  • 12 Berkley Students Received Large Scholarships from Huntington Bank
  • Norup 8th Grader Theo Grose Selected for Aspiring Young Journalist Award
  • Pattengill Students Learn Economics Through Desk Sale
  • Deputy Superintendent Larry Gallagher Announces Retirement
  • Board of Education Recognizes Student Artists, Athletes, and Academic Honors at May Meeting
  • Pattengill Student Becomes Jr. Custodian for a Day
  • Trophy Fundraiser in Support of Berkley High School Athletic Department
  • Join the BHS Sideline Cheer Team - Open to 8th-12th Graders
  • Join the BHS Dance Team - Open to 8th-12th Graders
  • Visit the BHS Robotics Team at Berkley Days
  • May is Jewish American Heritage Month
  • May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
  • May is Mental Health Awareness Month
  • Berkley Summer Learning Programs - Registration is Now Open
  • City of Oak Park Presents Juneteenth Student Expression Contest - Deadline Extended
  • Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring!
  • Sign Up for Text Alerts

BHS Unified Bocce Ball Team Compete at Hurley Field 

The Berkley High School Unified Bocce Ball team held its first match on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Hurley Field. Spectators cheered the team on as they played against each other and showcased all they have learned so far.  Leading up to the event, the team held three practices at the North Catalpa Field where they learned techniques and rules of bocce ball from paraeducators and parent volunteers. 

The next match will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023,  from 4 - 5 pm at Hurley Field. All are welcome to attend. In addition, eight players will be competing on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at the United Wholesale Mortgage Athletic Complex for a Unified Champion Schools Bocce Ball Tournament.

The Special Olympics defines a Unified Sport as, “A sport that joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. It was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.”

Varsity Baseball Plays at Comerica Park

On Sunday, May 7, 2023, the Berkley varsity baseball team had the opportunity to play a game at Comerica Park. Coach Matt Rawlik shared, “It was an inspiring experience for these young athletes to get the opportunity to compete on a Major League field.”

The Bears lost a tight game to Utica Eisenhower, 8-7 but made a lifetime of memories.

Norup 8th Grade Visits Washington DC 

From May 1-5 2023, 108 Norup International School 8th graders traveled to Washington DC for an annual visit. While in DC, students visited the Supreme Court, US Capitol Building, the Holocaust Museum, the International Spy Museum and many monuments and memorials. 

Norup teacher Prima Dailey shared, “Students got the opportunity to apply what they learned in their Individual and Societies course, therefore, they experienced the curriculum within the context of their own lives. This trip is also a time to connect with friends and solidify the community they built over the years before they head off to high school! For some, this trip was a once and a lifetime opportunity and I'm glad we were able to provide that for them.”

Bond Community Information Meeting: May 15, 2023

Did you know Berkley School District has a Bond proposal on the August 8 ballot? 

The ballot measure calls for $88 million that would invest in District-wide classroom furniture, multi-purpose additions at all elementary schools, performing arts upgrades and additions, athletics upgrades and additions, district-wide technology upgrades, and more.

Come to the Bond community information meeting on Monday, May 15 at 7 pm, at Rogers Elementary School (2265 Hamilton, Berkley) to learn more.

If you can't make it, visit the Bond website to learn more: www.berkleyschools.org/bond or email communications@berkleyschools.org with any questions.

Pattengill Girl Scout Troop Donate to Children Oncology Unit 

This week, Pattengill’s Girl Scout Troop #77845 donated items to the Children's Oncology Unit at Corewell Health Royal Oak. The troop made cards, put together wellness bags and donated the remainder of the troop's cookie supply to families who are visiting their children.

Troop leader Erin Boedeker shared, “We are proud of their kind hearts, hard work, and generous nature.”

12 Berkley Students Received Large Scholarships from Huntington Bank

On Wednesday, May 10, 2023, 12 Berkley High School seniors were presented with scholarships from Huntington Bank. These scholarships were a collaboration between Huntington Bank and Berkley Schools. Earlier this year, Berkley School Superintendent Scott Francis and Huntington Bank Chairman of the Board of Directors Gary Torgow, met to plan ways the two organizations could collaborate and support Berkley Schools students. Mr. Torgow is a Norup alumni and is known for his generous support of local communities. Out of those meetings emerged a $50,000 scholarship opportunity for BHS seniors. 

The scholarship requirements included, among other things, students who exemplified leadership, were involved in their school community and were planning on attending a college, university or trade school upon graduation.

After conducting interview with student scholarship candidates, Mr. Torgow committed an additional $10,000 to Berkley High School students, totalling a $60,000 commitment. 

Congratulations to the following students, who were surprised with their scholarship amounts at a small celebration on May 10.

$2,500 Scholarships

  • Maya Cokley
  • Miron Dover
  • Saha Ferguson
  • Natalie Richter
  • Tamir Runinkevich
  • Mya Wallace

$5,000 Scholarships

  • Derrius Hallman
  • Jordyn Monblatt
  • Mercedes Sjogren

$10,000 Scholarships

  • Brooklyn Duncan
  • Jillian Gomes
  • Savannah Moncrief

Pattengill Students Learn Economics Through Desk Sale

As part of their economics unit, Pattengill Elementary 4th graders organized a desk sale. During the desk sale, students decorated their desks and brought items from home to sell. Students brought homemade items such as slime and bracelets and others brought used items like books and toys. This activity encompassed various economic concepts such as supply and demand, budgeting, advertising and incentives.

Pattengill 4th grade teacher Lillie Zech shared, “Having the kids participate in something real-world and hands-on made their learning come to life. The feedback that was received from them as well as their parents was excitement mixed with positivity!”

Deputy Superintendent Larry Gallagher Announces Retirement

Deputy Superintendent of Finance, Facilities and Operations, Larry Gallagher, announced he will retire at the end of this calendar year. Larry has been with the Berkley Schools for the last 28 years. And for all of those years, he has focused his work on centering the needs of our students all the while keeping our finances balanced, receiving solid audit reports and ensuring all bond and sinking fund projects were completed with fidelity. 

Superintendent Scott Francis shared, “We will miss Larry’s dedication to forward-thinking budgeting, attention to detail, and his jokes, but we know he will enjoy his retirement and full-time Papa and family life.”

Board of Education Recognizes Student Artists, Athletes, and Academic Honors at May Meeting

On Monday, May 8, the Berkley Schools Board of Education honored many students for their recent accomplishments. The Board honored students who received Scholastics Art Awards and MAEA art show recognition, DECA marketing students who competed at the State and International competitions, BHS figure skaters who performed at the State competition, BHS debate team members and a 5th grader who qualified for the National and International competition for the International Geography Bee.

Art Awards - Scholastic

Robert Belf, BHS 12th grade student. His artwork ‘!En Fuego!’ a blown glass bottle, achieved a national Gold Medal in the Scholastics Art & Writing Awards. This Gold Medal includes an invitation to be recognized at Carnegie Hall and a photo of his work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. At the regional level, Robert received a Gold Key, Silver Key and Honorable Mention for his glass portfolio.

Bryn Hazen, BHS 12th grade and CASA art student. Her painting portfolio achieved “Best in Show” and Gold Key recognition from the Southeast Michigan & Thumb Region of the Scholastic Art Awards. Bryn also received a Silver Key award for her fashion portfolio.

Art Awards - MAEA

Every year the Michigan Arts Education Association hosts at Young @ Art competition. Schools can submit student work for local, regional and state adjudication. The following students had their artwork reach the state level adjudication:

  • Parker Fritz, BHS 12th grade student, artwork ‘The Little Things,’ a painting
  • James Fisher, BHS 11th grade student, artwork ‘Friend,’ a digital painting 
  • Kat Perreman, BHS 12th grade student, artwork ‘A Salesman,’ a digital painting
  • Brooke Blevins, BHS 12th grade student, artwork ‘Reflection,’ an acrylic painting

Morgan Newby, BHS 12th grade student, artwork ‘Self-Portrait,’ made out of graphite, placed in the Top 100 pieces in Michigan in the MAEA Young @ Art competition. 

DECA 

Marketing students who are members of the Berkley High School DECA club were honored by the Board for participating in DECA State Career Development Conference, held in downtown Detroit's Huntington Center from March 9-11, 2023. Students were also honored for qualifying for the international conference. 

The following students qualified for and competed at the State Conference:

  • Noah Niskar - Business Services Operations Research Paper
  • Maxwell Victor - Business Services Operations Research Paper
  • Thomas Dauphin - Franchise Business Plan Paper
  • Alexandre Fernandes - Franchise Business Plan Paper
  • Reagan Berryman - Independent Business Plan Paper
  • Gerik Wolak - Independent Business Plan Paper
  • Jaxon Cain - Start-up Business Plan Paper
  • Liam Chudler - Start-up Business Plan Paper
  • Logan Field - Start-up Business Plan Paper
  • Shakanah Harlan - Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research Paper
  • Lynnsey Hauger - Integrated Marketing Campaign: Event Paper
  • Gabriel Sugarman - Career Development Project Paper
  • Quinn O'Shea - Career Development Project Paper
  • Shayna Mouradian - Project Management Community Giving Paper
  • Natalie Richter - Project Management Community Giving Paper
  • Samantha Withrow - Sports and Entertainment Operations Research Paper
  • Katherine Qualman - Sports and Entertainment Operations Research Paper
  • Jessica Gleason - Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making, Role Play
  • Madeleine Schindler - Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making, Role Play
  • Marlen Toma - Marketing Management Team Decision Making, Role Play
  • Madelyn Grzegorczyk - Marketing Management Team Decision Making, Role Play

The following student participated in the State Conference and received a medal:

  • Samuel George - Principles of Finance, Role Play

The following student were finalists in their activity at the state conference, including receiving a medal on stage.

  • Maeve Nolan - Innovation Plan Paper
  • Carson Litvin - Innovation Plan Paper
  • Jack Kwartowitz - Innovation Plan Paper
  • Seth Davidson - Integrated Marketing Campaign:  Product Paper
  • Jameson Hertzberg - Integrated Marketing Campaign: Product Paper
  • Owen Stone - Integrated Marketing Campaign: Product Paper

The following students won their flight at the state conference, received a medal on stage and qualified for the international conference. At the conference, students presented their 20 page research paper on specific marketing topics.

  • Audra Bergman - Buying and Merchandising Operations Research Paper
  • Rikki Newman - Buying and Merchandising Operations Research Paper
  • Madeline Welsh - Buying and Merchandising Operations Research Paper
  • Luke Winter - Business Services Operations Research Paper
  • Jonah Wolfe - Business Services Operations Research Paper
  • Francesca Haley - Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research Paper
  • Hailey Serlin - Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research Paper
  • Sophia Dines - Community Awareness Project Paper
  • Lily Hesano - Community Awareness Project Paper
  • Arielle Wittenberg - Community Awareness Project Paper
  • Johnathon Pasanen - Sales Project Paper
  • Benjamin Clous - Sales Project Paper
  • Fredrick Greenfield - Sales Project Paper
  • Grace Debbrecht - School Based Enterprise Paper
  • Kaytlyn McPherson - School Based Enterprise Paper

BHS Figure Skating

Berkley High School students who are members of the Berkley Royal Oak Unified Figure Skating Team were honored for qualifying for and competing at the State championship. Students competed as the Level B or Level C teams, both named District 6 Champions, qualifying them for states. At the State meet, the B Team finished in 5th place and the C Team finished in 2nd place.

Congratulations to the B and C Teams:

B TEAM:

  • Grace Garska, senior
  • Maggie Day, junior
  • Lily Garska, sophomore
  • Maddie Gold, sophomore
  • Emma Pollock, freshman

C TEAM:

  • Elena Keenan, junior
  • Ally Pollock, junior
  • Hannah Wardrope, sophomore
  • Rosabelle Moody, freshman
  • Theresa Solomon, freshman

Skaters were also recognized for their individual accomplishments at States:

  • Grace Garska: 7th in Excel Intermediate Free Skate
  • Maggie Day: 2nd in Pre Bronze Solo Dance & 8th in Excel Intermediate Free Skate
  • Lily Garska: 3rd (initial round) and 6th (final round) in Excel Intermediate Plus Free Skate
  • Hannah Wardrope: 6th in Excel Preliminary Free Skate (initial round)
  • Rosabelle Moody: 3rd (initial round) and 6th (final round) in Excel Pre-Preliminary Free Skate
  • Theresa Solomon: 7th (initial round) in Excel Pre-Preliminary Free Skate and 4th in Preliminary Solo Dance
  • Elena Keenan: 9th (initial round) in Excel Pre-Preliminary Free Skate

BHS Debate Team

The BHS Debate Team was honored for qualifying for and participating in the State Debate Championships.

The following students finished in a tie for third place at the Novice State Championships:

  • Monica Liverance
  • Niko Witek
  • Nadia Fobbs
  • Max Naulo
  • Lydia Binelli

The following students finished in second place at the Varsity State Championships:

  • Zachary Wagner
  • Ava Cohen

Nadia Fobbs and Lydia Binelli also participated in the National Qualifying Tournament, finishing 2nd in Michigan, qualifying to compete at the National Championship Tournament.

National Geography Bee  

Angell 5th grader, Lucas Alessandri was honored for winning the Detroit Metro Regional Finals in the International Geography Bee, Elementary School Division. The International Geography Bee is a worldwide geography quiz competition for primary and secondary school students.

By winning the Regional event, Lucas qualified for the national competition in Washington DC in June. By finishing in the top 25% of the region, Lucas also qualified for the International Geography Championships!

Pattengill Student Becomes Jr. Custodian for a Day 

At the annual Berkley Education Foundation fundraising event, Off to the Races, District custodians donated a Jr. Custodian for a Day package for the silent auction. This package includes an opportunity for students to spend part of a day learning what custodians do to keep buildings safe and clean for students and staff, while forming a deeper relationship with our custodial team.

On May 12, 2023, Pattengill student Nolan Hosmer spent the afternoon with Pattengill Head Custodian, Gary Chamberlain doing various projects around the school. Nolan lent a helping hand while learning lessons of teamwork and perseverance.

Trophy Fundraiser in Support of Berkley High School Athletic Department

On Wednesday, May 17, 2023, from 4-8 pm, the Berkley High School Athletic Department will be hosting a trophy and BHS gear fundraising event open to the community. Attendees can donate any amount of money to take home one of hundreds of BHS athletic trophies from past invitationals, local tournaments, and other events.

The funds raised at the event will be used to establish a jersey storage area equipped with clothing racks to hang team uniforms during the off-season. This new area will help keep team uniforms organized and ensure the materials remain in good condition.

Join the BHS Sideline Cheer Team - Open to 8th-12th Graders

The BHS Sideline Cheer Team will host tryouts on May 22-23, 2023, from 4-6:30 pm in the BHS East Gym. All are welcome to try out and no cuts will be made!

If you have any questions, contact Shelby Roy at cheer.berkley@gmail.com

Join the BHS Dance Team - Open to 8th-12th Graders

Calling all 8th grade and high school students who love to dance! The BHS Dance Team will host tryouts on May 24-25, 2023, from 3:30-5 pm in the BHS West Gym. All are welcome to try out for an opportunity to perform at halftime of varsity basketball games, Homecoming and pep assemblies.

If you have any questions, contact Morgan Rawlik at morgan.rawlik@berkleyschools.org or visit @BerkleyDanceTeam on Instagram. 

May is Jewish American Heritage Month

May is Jewish American Heritage Month – On April 20, 2006, President George W. Bush proclaimed that May would be Jewish American Heritage Month. Jewish American Heritage Month is a celebration of the contributions and experiences of Jewish Americans and highlights how America’s Jewish communities have shaped and been shaped by the cultural, social, and economic fabric of the United States.

Learn more about Jewish American Heritage Month:

May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month

May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month – a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. A broad term, Asian/Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island).

The following information on the history of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month is provided by https://asianpacificheritage.gov:

Like most commemorative months, Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month originated with Congress. In 1977 Reps. Frank Horton of New York introduced House Joint Resolution 540 to proclaim the first ten days in May as Pacific/Asian American Heritage Week. In the same year, Senator Daniel Inouye introduced a similar resolution, Senate Joint Resolution 72. Neither of these resolutions passed, so in June 1978, Rep. Horton introduced House Joint Resolution 1007. This resolution proposed that the President should “proclaim a week, which is to include the seventh and tenth of the month, during the first ten days in May of 1979 as ‘Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week.’” This joint resolution was passed by the House and then the Senate and was signed by President Jimmy Carter on October 5, 1978 to become Public Law 95-419 (PDF, 158kb). This law amended the original language of the bill and directed the President to issue a proclamation for the “7 day period beginning on May 4, 1979 as ‘Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week.’” During the next decade, presidents passed annual proclamations for Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week until 1990 when Congress passed Public Law 101-283 (PDF, 166kb) which expanded the observance to a month for 1990. Then in 1992, Congress passed Public Law 102-450 (PDF, 285kb) which annually designated May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.

The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.

Resources to learn more about Asian/Pacific Heritage Month:

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health refers to our emotional and social well-being and impacts how we think, feel and behave. It plays a role in connecting with others, making decisions, handling stress, and many other aspects of daily life.

The Berkley School District has many resources available for families on our Emotional Support and Wellness Resources webpage. https://www.berkleyschools.org/parents/emotional-health--wellness/ From emergency hotlines to community resources, to mindfulness, to grief and loss resources, our mental health professionals have built a comprehensive site for the community to use.

New resources added! Additional resources include:

Berkley Summer Learning Programs - Registration is Now Open

The Berkley Summer Difference program details and registration are now available for Berkley Schools students TK-12. High School summer options will be held in-person, for current students in grades 9-12. Classes will focus on Credit Recovery.

Registration for all students is now open in the MISTAR Parent Portal.

See program descriptions and registration instructions, below.

Elementary Program - Math & Language Arts + STEM

The Berkley Summer Difference Math & Language Arts program is intended for students grades TK-5 currently enrolled in the Berkley School District who need to maintain or grow in their academic achievement from the 2022-23 school year. Students who enroll in the program will have both math and language arts instruction throughout the summer program.

The elementary Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program will focus on problem solving, engineering design and offer hands-on opportunities.

All classes will be taught in person by certified, highly-qualified elementary teachers. Depending on enrollment, multi-grade sections may be organized to better meet staffing needs. The summer program will be educational and enjoyable!

Program Details for Math & Language Arts

Program Details for Elementary STEM

Registration - Now Open!

Middle School Program

Students who just completed their 6th - 8th grade school year at Norup or Anderson may participate in the Berkley Summer Difference program. All classes will be offered in-person. Students have the option to take three types of classes: Math, English Language Arts and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Availability of sections will be determined based upon registration.

The middle school English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics summer school programs are intended for students currently in grades 6-8 who need to maintain or grow in their achievement.

The middle school STEM summer school program is intended for any students interested in exploring STEM topics which could include Coding/Robotics.

Classes will be taught by certified, highly-qualified middle school teachers. Depending on enrollment, multi-grade sections may be organized to better meet staffing needs.

Program Details for Math & English Language Arts Classes

Program Details for the STEM Class

Registration - Now Open!

High School Program: Credit Recovery

The high school summer program will be focused on Credit Recovery Courses. Credit Recovery Courses should be selected in consultation with each student’s school counselor. Credit Recovery coursework will be delivered through the APEX online learning system, assisted, facilitated, and overseen by certified teachers. Students will complete the coursework in person. These courses are tailored to each student and are mastery-based, which means the length of time students must spend in Credit Recovery will vary and is dependent upon mastery of course objectives.

Program Details for Credit Recovery

Registration - Now Open!

City of Oak Park Presents Juneteenth Student Expression Contest - Deadline Extended 

The City of Oak Park is sponsoring a student self-expression contest to recognize the Juneteenth holiday. The contest has expanded by welcoming various forms of expression, including music, poems, paintings and more. All K-12 students who either live in Oak Park and/or attend Oak Park schools are encouraged to submit a piece that highlights what Juneteenth means to them. Prizes and scholarships will be awarded to students. The winners will be recognized at the City of Oak Park’s Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration on Sunday, June 18, 2023. 

Submissions are due by May 19, 2023 and can be made at bit.ly/OP23JuneteenthExpression or brought to Oak Park City Hall (14000 Oak Park Blvd, Oak Park, MI).

If you have any questions, please contact Juneteenth Sub-Committee Chair Carla Wallace at sweetc248@gmail.com or Oak Park Communications Director Courtney Flynn at cflynn@oakparkmi.gov. 

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:

  • Special Education Teacher of Students with Autism Elementary Level (K-5) 
  • Early Childhood Special Education Teacher (ECSE) and Tuition Playgroup - Berkley Building Blocks
  • Early Childhood Education Lead Teacher (GSRP/Headstart)
  • K-5 Learning Specialist - Burton Elementary School
  • High School Social Studies Teacher - Berkley High School
  • High School Science Teacher - Berkley High School
  • High School Math Teacher - Berkley High School
  • High School English Teacher - Berkley High School
  • Early Childhood Special Education Paraeducator - Berkley Building Blocks
  • Elementary Instructional Secretary - Pattengill Elementary School
  • Lead Young Toddler Teacher - Berkley Building Blocks
  • GSRP/Head Start Associate Teacher - Berkley Building Blocks
  • Assistant Teacher(s) - 6 Open Positions - Berkley Building Blocks
  • Afternoon Custodian - Norup International School
  • Swim Instructor - Berkley High School Kids' Zone Program
  • Lunch Aide(s) - Burton Elementary School
  • Hurley Field Stadium Manager - Hurley Field (AMS) 
  • Permanent Building Substitute Teacher - Anderson Middle School

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!

 

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