May 22, 2023

Berkley Beat: May 19, 2023

What’s inside:

Norup 8th Grader Selected for Aspiring Young Journalist Award
BHS Student Athletes Participate in Signing Day
Berkley Building Blocks Student Becomes Jr. Custodian for a Day
BHS Zoology Class Visits Burton
District Art Show Displays 300 Student Art Pieces
BHS Students Honored by the Detroit News
Culture Fest at Burton Elementary
Special Services Field Day at BHS
Did you know Berkley School District has a Bond proposal on the August 8 ballot?
Berkley High School Track & Field Wins two OAA Gold Division Championships
Burton Students Visit Ford Rouge Factory
Angell Students Enjoy STEAM Assembly
Norup Students Explore Outdoor Adventure Center
Kids’ Zone Enrollment for 2023-24 School Year
Summer Drama Camp Registration is Open
Travel to Spain in Spring 2024
May is Jewish American Heritage Month
May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring!
Sign Up for Text Alerts

Norup 8th Grader Selected for Aspiring Young Journalist Award

In January, Journalism II students in 8th grade at Norup International School compiled a media portfolio showcasing their finest work from the two years they spent in class. The portfolios included podcast episodes, blog posts, and advertising created for The Dailey Dose, Norup's student-led podcast. Additionally, they included a photo, introductory letter, resume, letters of recommendation, and a written response to the question: "What is the importance and benefit of middle school journalism programs?" Creating these portfolios prepared students to enter a contest at Norup for the Journalism Education Association Aspiring Young Journalist Award.

A panel of judges comprised of staff members from the Berkley School District evaluated the portfolios. The judges selected one portfolio to be submitted for the Aspiring Young Journalist award, and 8th grader Theo Grose was unanimously selected for this honor.

Norup Journalism teacher, Prima Dailey, shared, "Theo is a phenomenal journalist who deserves this award. He keeps his team on track and advocates for himself when he needs to be heard. He accomplishes all of this with grace and kindness."

Theo’s portfolio moved on to judging at the national level.

Congrats, Theo!

BHS Student Athletes Participate in Signing Day

On Friday, May 5 and Friday, May 12, BHS senior student athletes gathered in the West Gym for college signing day. Students and their families listened to coaches share highlights and well wishes for the athletes as students prepare to embark on their collegiate careers. At the conclusion of the event all athletes signed their letters of intent to play at their college/university. Below is a list of athletes and where they will be attending school and playing college sports this fall.

Football

Nolan Wesner - Siena Heights University
David Rolands - University of Pennsylvania
Isaac Dawkins - Wayne State University
Cameron Knight - Alma College
Hunter Robertson - Clarion University

Boys Soccer

Neven Essenmacher - University of St. Francis (Fort Wayne)
Andriy Bilous - Pennsylvania Western University

Baseball

Aiden Russel - Sault College

Girls Basketball

Jillian Gomes - Oakland Community College
Mya Jones - Heidelburg University

Volleyball

Ava Beard - Saginaw Valley State University
Hannah Roddis - Walsh University
Jordan Budzinski - Trine University
Sawyer Jones - Butler University

Track & Field

Johnny Coleman - Trine University
Matthew Short - Carnegie Mellon
Robert Belf - Albion College
Oliver Wisniewski - Lake Superior State University
Dakya Cunningham - Florida A&M

Berkley Building Blocks Student Becomes Jr. Custodian for a Day

At the annual Berkley Education Foundation fundraising event, Off to the Races, District custodians donate 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 3, 2023, Berkley Building Blocks (BBB) student, Oliver, spent the morning with BBB Head Custodian Harry Jemkort doing various projects around the school. Oliver lent a helping hand putting away gloves and tissues, assembling a cart for the building, greeting students and helping classes as needed.

BHS Zoology Class Visits Burton

Scott Doty, Berkley High School Zoology teacher, and three BHS students currently enrolled in the class, spent time with Pam Henry’s second grade class at Burton Elementary this week. They brought the animals they care for and study to share with the students. Students had the opportunity to interact with animals such as a bearded dragon, Madagascar hissing cockroaches, rats and snakes.

This unique experience is a silent auction prize at the Berkley Education Foundation’s annual fundraiser, Off to the Races, and was won by a parent of one of Ms. Henry’s students.

District Art Show Displays 300 Student Art Pieces

On Monday, May 8, prior to the Board of Education meeting, the Berkley Schools Art Department hosted the District-wide Vision Art Show. On display at the Administrative Offices were 300 pieces of student art representing a wide range of mediums and materials: charcoal, yarn, paint, ceramics, etc. Art teachers from each school selected 30 pieces to bring from their school. Families and friends were invited to visit the art show after school and students had the opportunity to show off their work. As part of the show, each art teacher raffled off a stool, decorated by students, to raise funds for the department. The Art Show was well attended for the two hours it was open.

BHS Students Honored by the Detroit News

The Detroit News has an annual program to honor a group of Michigan’s best and brightest high school seniors, called the Outstanding Graduates program.

Students are selected on the basis of grades, test scores, honors, community involvement and a demonstrated ability in one of the academic areas.

Final selections were made by panels of judges that included teachers, counselors and other academic specialists. Two Berkley High School seniors are included in this year’s Detroit News Outstanding Graduates.

Congratulations to Lillith Fleischauer, BHS senior, for being honored by the Detroit News’ Outstanding Graduates Program. Lillith was the recipient of the honor in the Journalism category. She plans on attending the University of Michigan or University of Colorado Boulder next year to study environmental/nuclear engineering, and is planning on pursuing a job in nuclear engineering.

Congratulations to Iris Macaulay, BHS senior, for being honored by the Detroit News’ Outstanding Graduates Program. Iris was the recipient of the honor in the Science category. She plans on attending Michigan State University next year to study genetics and genomics and is planning on pursuing a job in orthodontics.

You can see all the honorees in this Detroit News Article.

Culture Fest at Burton Elementary

Burton Elementary held its first Culture Fest on March 17, 2023. Burton’s Diversity Alliance Club and PTA planned this event together with the goal of sharing and celebrating the cultural heritages of Burton families.

Participating families set up booths representing India, Mexico, New Zealand, Odawa Tribe, Israel, South Korea, Slovenia, France, Italy, Poland, and a booth on immigration and migration. Families shared facts and stories, along with their displays featuring a flag, map, information, photographs and videos, artifacts, and treats.

Participants were given passports to take to each table, earning stickers as they learned about each culture. Families could also place stickers on a large world map showing where their families are from, which will be on display at Burton.

Special Services Field Day at BHS

The Berkley Schools Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) in partnership, with the Berkley Area PTSA Council, held a Special Services Field Day at Berkley High School on March 11, 2023. Families from across the District gathered in the West Gym to participate in a variety of activities. These activities included a large-scale Connect 4 and Tic-Tac-Toe, scooter races and more. Participants concluded the event by enjoying a healthy snack.

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

The ballot measure calls for $88 million to 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.

Learn More About: Classroom Upgrades & Building Improvements

The Bond proposal includes the following scope of work:

Replace classroom furniture District-wide to include flexible and adaptable furniture for all learners, including specialized furniture where needed to support students with special needs
Replace media center furniture, to include flexible and adaptable furniture for all learners, in all buildings except Berkley High School and Anderson Middle School, which received new furniture in the 2015 Bond
Renovate Berkley High School science labs to include new work stations, plumbing, gas, classroom flow and storage. Science labs have not been updated since 1994.
Complete renovation of BHS Performing Arts Center (auditorium)

Watch this video to find out more about the Bond, and view all the details on the Bond website: www.berkleyschools.org/bond

Video link

Berkley High School Track & Field Wins Two OAA Gold Division Championships

On Thursday, May 11, the Berkley High School Track and Field team competed at the Oakland Athletics Association (OAA) Blue and Gold Division championships, and both the boys and girls team took top place in the OAA Gold Division! In addition, both teams also went undefeated in dual meets this year!

Coach Jared Purcell shared the following highlights from the championship meet.

BOYS HIGHLIGHTS

Senior Matthew Short won the 1600 meter and set a new school-record with the time of 4:16.41! The time shattered the old school record of 4:18.7 set by Shawn Dupuis in 1993! Matthew now owns the 3200 and 1600 school records. Matthew also finished 2nd in the 800 (1:56.89) and won the 3200 with a time of 9:34.32. All three finishes earned Matthew All-League status.
Junior Quinn O'Shea earned All-League status for the following events: Placing 5th in the 1600 meter with a PR of 4:42.50, 5th in the 800 with a PR of 2:06.90 and 6th in the 3200.
Senior David Rolands earned the shot put league title by tying his personal-best of 51-feet-2.5 inches. He won by 2.5 feet! David also took 5th in the discus with a throw of 125-feet-0.
Senior Nolan Wesner earned All-League status in the shot put by finishing 7th with a toss of 41-feet-7 inches.
Senior Johnny Coleman finished 2nd in the 200 meter dash with a PR of 22.41.
Senior Marvin Slappy won his heat and ran a 54.12 in the 400 meter and recorded his best FAT time of his career.
Junior Mohamed Erreghaoui won his 300 meter hurdles heat with a new PR of 45.21.
Coach Purcell gave a shout out to senior Jacob Sheriff, who stepped in to run the 4x200 meter relay after being injured all season and ran a very strong opening leg.
Sophomore Christopher Lofton jumped a PR of 19-feet-3.25 in the long jump and just missed the finals by one place.

GIRLS HIGHLIGHTS

Senior DaKya Cunningham finished in 2nd place and All-League in both the 100 and 200 meter dashes.
Freshman Blessing Nweke finished in 6th place and All-League in both the 100 and 200 meter dashes. She ran a new PR in the 100 at 13.30.
Freshman Karai Jackson earned a PR in the 100 meter dash prelims with a 14.05.
Freshman Lece Shoulders ran a PR in the 200 meter dash prelims with a 29.24.
Junior Sophie Owens placed 5th in the 1600 meter with a new PR of 5:43.32 (a 25-second PR) and placed 6th in the 800 meter with a new PR of 2:34.97. Sophie earned All-League status for both races.
The 4x800 meter Relay Team (freshman Rachael Wychuyse, freshman Lydia Binelli, sophomore Abby Short, junior Sophie Owens) earned All-League honors by finishing in 3rd place.
Junior Lilly Tuite took All-League honors in the 3200 meter, placing 5th with a PR of 13:02.92.
Senior Christian Sanders, earned All-League status in discus with an 8th place finish.

Burton Students Visit Ford Rouge Factory

On May 15, 2023, 3rd graders at Burton Elementary went on a field trip to the Ford Rouge Factory Tour in Dearborn. This field trip is an extension of the “Global Connections” social studies curriculum that introduces economic concepts such as trade, specialization, globalization and interdependence. Students explored how Michigan is connected to the global community through what is produced and consumed in our state.

While at the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, students were immersed in the modern manufacturing process. They observed the production of the Ford F150 on the assembly line and through a 4D experience in the Manufacturing Innovation Theater. The students also toured the bee hives and orchards on the factory grounds to explore the relationship between nature and the factory.

Angell Students Enjoy STEAM Assembly

On Thursday, May 18, the Angell gym was transformed into a STEAM Museum. The STEAM (Science, Teachnology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) museum inspired students to learn through hands-on experiences.

Students visited many stations including virtual reality expeditions, a 3D printer, pedaling a bike to create energy to power a lightbulb, programmable robots, archeology, building an arch and more! Students were empowered to try all the stations and work with friends to achieve some of the tasks.

Norup Students Explore Outdoor Adventure Center

On May 11, Norup K-8 students accompanied by teachers Kristi Metz, Carolyn Schall, and Galina Mednik embarked on an educational excursion to the Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) located in Detroit.

This outing allowed the students to explore Michigan's diverse habitats, learn about local wildlife, and gain knowledge about Michigan’s natural resources through a variety of engaging activities. Students had the opportunity to participate in simulated outdoor adventures such as kayaking, fishing, snowmobiling, and bicycling. An OAC educator provided insight into the native mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles that call Michigan home. Students were even introduced to a live snake that is housed at the OAC.

The trip concluded with lunch on the Detroit Riverwalk and Milliken State Park. This location provided the perfect backdrop for the students as they took in unique views of the city and reflected on what they learned.

Kids’ Zone Enrollment for 2023-24 School Year

The Kids’ Zone Latchkey application window for the 2023-24 school year began on Wednesday, May 17 and runs through June 1st, 2023. Families with children attending Angell, Norup, Pattengill or Rogers, who will be entering grades TK-5 for the 2023-24 school year are welcome to apply.

Students will be considered in order of their scheduled days, with 5 days/week students first, after all applications are received. Signing up for 5 days/week and changing to fewer days at a later date may result in families going on the waiting list. Families are encouraged to only sign up for the days needed, so Kids’ Zone can try to accommodate everyone that turned in applications during the application window. If availability allows throughout the school year, Kids’ Zone will accept new students on a first come first served basis until maximum capacity is reached

Completed forms can be returned online, in person at Berkley Building Blocks, by fax 248.546.9238, or via email by June 1 , 2023. Families will receive notice of acceptance into the Kids’ Zone program by mid-June, and the first month’s tuition will be due in September.

Once the program is full, students will be placed on a waiting list and contacted when space becomes available. If you are placed on the waitlist for Kids' Zone you will be notified when ANY day you have requested becomes available.

For any questions reach out to BBB Secretary Andrea Megroet at andrea.megroet@berkleyschools.org

Application forms are available on the Kids' Zone website.

Summer Drama Camp Registration is Open

Summer Drama Camp, led by Berkley High School Drama Coordinator John Hopkins, consists of multiple classes in different dramatic and performance techniques. The focus of the camps will be on musical theater and acting. The cost is $175 per session, or $150 per session if you book more than one session in one transaction. Drama Camp will be held in the Berkley High School Auditorium, 2325 Catalpa, Berkley, MI 48072.

Session One: General Musical Theater Camp
For students entering 6-8 grade
June 26 - 30, 2023
Mon-Fri, 10 am - 3 pm including a 45 minute “brown-bag” lunch

Session Two: Musical Theater Camp
For middle and high school students entering grades 6-12
August 7-11, 2023
Mon-Fri, 10 am - 3 pm including a 45 minute “brown-bag” lunch or off-campus lunch for high school students only

Session Three: Acting Camp
For middle and high school students entering grades 6-12
August 14-18, 2023
Mon-Fri, 10 am - 3 pm including a 45 minute “brown-bag” lunch or off-campus lunch for high school students only

Camp will conclude with a final showcase featuring the work of students from all three sessions on Friday, August 18, 2023 at 1:30 pm. Families are encouraged to attend.

Questions? Contact District Drama Coordinator, John Hopkins at john.hopkins@berkleyschools.org

For additional information and to register visit this link.

Travel to Spain in Spring 2024

BHS Teachers Tracy Burroughs and Saundra Rathburn are collaborating with EF Tours on a tour to Spain during Spring Break 2024. The group will visit Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, Costa del Sol, Seville, Córdoba, Puerto Lápice, and Madrid. This trip is open to incoming 9-12th grade students at Berkley High School.

Students and their families are invited to attend an informational meeting on June 1, 2023 at 6 pm in the BHS Collaborative Center. Visit this link to register. ( https://bit.ly/3BiJrYo )

If you have any questions, contact Saundra Rathburn at saundra.rathburn@berkleyschools.org.

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:

Contemporary Jewish Books in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month
Kid-friendly arts and crafts inspired by Jewish traditions
The First Jewish Americans: New-York Historical Society
Tour the DIA with the Jewish Historical Society of Michigan

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:

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)
Middle School Wrestling Head Coach - Anderson Middle School
Permanent Building Substitute Teacher - Anderson Middle School

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!

Berkley Beat: May 19, 2023

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