Berkley Beat: June 2, 2023
Berkley Beat: June 2, 2023
- Rogers Elementary ‘Remembers One’ During Their Memorial Day Ceremony & Parade
- Norup 8th Grade Students Present IB Community Projects
- 85 BHS Students Take a Trip to Tree Runner
- Norup 5th Graders Present Their Learning at IB Exhibition
- Angell Students Showcase Their Talent at the Angell Idol Show
- Norup 6th Grade Visits Wildlife Habitat
- BHS Varsity Baseball OAA Blue Champs
- Burton 4th Grade Talent Show
- Norup Hosts Summer Reading Kickoff
- LGBTQ+ Pride Month Resources for Families
- Bond Update: Pilot Furniture is in Place Across the District & Take Our Survey
- Help the Tri-County Area Improve Access to High-Speed Internet
- Huntington Woods Juneteenth Celebration
- Summer Drama Camp Registration is Open
- Join the Berkley Schools Family - Now Hiring!
- Sign Up for Text Alerts
Rogers Elementary ‘Remembers One’ During their Memorial Day Ceremony & Parade
On Friday, May 26, Rogers students and staff honored fallen soldiers at its annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony. The event began with a parade around the school block, led by Berkley Public Safety.
‘Remember One,’ the theme of the day, connected throughout the morning. The students, wearing red, white and blue, wore a ‘dog tag’ of a fallen soldier around their neck. Teachers shared with students that Memorial Day is not just a day for a parade and barbecue, it is a day to take the time to remember at least one soldier’s name who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. During the ceremony, students performed poems, passages and songs. One group shared an original reflection written by Rogers student Reese Hambright. In addition, students heard from Stacey and Gary Becker. Their son, Maj. Andrew Becker was killed in a training accident while serving in the military. They shared about Maj. Becker’s childhood, his passions and how honored they were to be a part of the Rogers Memorial Day event.
The student body pledged to never forget the person on their dog tags and honor them on Memorial Day. Ella Mendelson, BHS senior, ended the ceremony with a rendition of Taps on the trumpet.
Norup 8th Grade Students Present IB Community Projects
As Norup eighth graders get ready to enter high school, they take part in the 8th Grade IB Exhibition. Exhibition is a capstone experience - during their final year of middle school, eighth graders take ownership of their learning and display what they have learned and who they have become.
On May 31, 8th graders presented their projects to family and friends. This final project process began in December when students formed groups and brainstormed issues that would be of interest to them. Topics covered a variety of issues such as food scarcity, animal neglect, homelessness, environmental issues and more.
85 BHS Students Take a Trip to Tree Runner
On Wednesday, May 31, 2023, 85 BHS freshmen who take physical education classes visited Tree Runner Adventure Park in West Bloomfield. The main goals of this trip were to help foster the educational, developmental and recreational goals of the group. Through the ropes course, zip line and obstacles, students worked on personal achievement, confronting fears and anxieties, challenging themselves physically and emotionally, building self-confidence, promoting empathy toward others, utilizing critical thinking skills and establishing an enhanced sense of teamwork.
BHS teacher Lenny Waldman shared, “Kids were truly amazing and literally fearless even 45 feet off the ground.”
Norup 5th Graders Present Their Learning at IB Exhibition
As Norup fifth graders get ready to enter middle school, they take part in the Fifth Grade Exhibition. Exhibition is a capstone experience - during their final year of elementary school, fifth graders take ownership of their learning and display what they have learned and who they have become.
On May 24, this year’s 5th graders presented their projects to family and friends. Students worked in groups with classmates from both 5th grade classes. For each topic, students reflected on responsibility, connection, change and reflection during their presentations. Students covered a wide range of topics such as banned books, bullying, vaping, littering and more.
Angell Students Showcase Their Talent at the Angell Idol Show
On May 26, Angell Students showcased their skills at the annual Talent Show: Angell Idol. Students performed gymnastics, songs, playing instruments, poetry and much more. Students also performed the National anthem - one student, Maddie, sang and her friend, Elise, signed the anthem. Congratulations, students on being so brave and performing your talents for the Angell community.
Norup 6th Grade Visits Wildlife Habitat
On May 23 and 24, Norup 6th graders took a science field trip to the Chesterfield Township Mini State Game Area in New Baltimore, MI. Sixth graders were split into two groups and attended the same field trip on separate days. While there, students worked on the Ground Junior Project, improving and enhancing wildlife habitat by creating brush piles and planting mast-
producing trees that will provide food and cover for a variety of wildlife for years to come. In addition, students participated in outdoor activities like archery and wildlife identification.
Michigan United Conservation Clubs paid for the program and provided pizza and transport.
BHS Varsity Baseball OAA Blue Champs
Congratulations to the BHS Varsity Baseball team on capturing a share of the OAA Blue Championship after defeating Southfield A&T 5-0 on Thursday, May 25. This is the first league championship for the baseball team since 2019. The Bears went 9-3 in league play this season.
Congrats and Go Bears!
Burton 4th Grade Talent Show
On Friday, May 26, Burton 4th graders showcased their skills in their annual talent show. Students performed two shows in the gym for their classmates and family members. Students performed songs, danced, played musical instruments, magic tricks, told jokes and more. Some students volunteered to be the stage crew and others took on the role of emcee. Congratulations, students on your performances!
Norup Hosts Summer Reading Kickoff
Norup Learning Specialists held a Summer Reading Kickoff event on May 31, 2023, aimed at inspiring students to keep up with their reading habits during the summer vacation. The event featured valuable advice to parents on sustaining and enhancing the skills their children developed throughout the school year. Students were presented with backpacks containing an assortment of books and literacy tools, ensuring their literary exploration continues throughout the summer.
Norup Learning Specialist Amy Semann shared, “Summer break is also an opportunity for families to really have nice quality time together and we wanted to provide our families with ideas on how to include literacy in that time.”
LGBTQ+ Pride Month Resources for Families
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the United States. During this month, many pride events are held to recognize the impact LGBTQ+ people have had in the world. Pride Month is also celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots, and works to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) Americans.
To learn more about Pride Month, and to see resources to share with your children, check out the list of resources below.
Affirmations LGBTQ+ community center has been the hub for southeast Michigan LGBTQ+ communities and its allies for the last 30 years. Affirmations provides a welcoming space where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities & expressions, and cultures can learn, grow, socialize and access the vital support they need.
Celebrate Pride with Us - Human Rights Campaign
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. HRC envisions a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people are ensured equality and embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community. The HRC has developed a website full of Pride month activities, videos and resources.
This collection of Key Concepts and Terms is designed to provide a basic understanding of words, phrases and ideas related to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and their experiences. All language is constantly evolving; new terms are introduced, while others fade from use or change their meaning over time.
The It Gets Better Project’s mission is to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth around the globe.
OUR CHILDREN offers a fresh eye for families and others about what to do when a loved one comes out. Full of useful knowledge, helpful tips, expert opinions and first-person stories, OUR CHILDREN--which has a focus on sexual orientation and gender expression--is a must read for anyone looking to learn more about how to support LGBTQ loved ones...or looking for support for themselves.
LGBTQ+ videos for kids! Host Lindsay and her best stuffed friend, Teddy, we'll be teaching you what gay means, what LGBT stands for, what's up with marriage equality and so much more!
A place where LGBTQ youth and their allies can find answers to frequently asked questions, and explore resources related to sexual orientation, gender identity and more!
Bond Update: Pilot Furniture is in Place Across the District & Take Our Survey
Berkley School District has a Bond Proposal on the August 8 Ballot. The ballot measure calls for $88 million to invest in District-wide projects, including new classroom furniture for all TK-12 classrooms.
As part of the Bond planning process, Berkley Schools enlisted four classrooms to pilot new furniture so teachers could learn what works best for student engagement.
The pilot classrooms are in place for each level - elementary, middle and high school. The new furniture is flexible and adaptable for all learners, and includes specialized furniture where needed to support students with special needs.
When the new pilot furniture was in place, we asked our students about their new classroom environments. Watch this video to hear what they had to say: https://youtu.be/aNrbNcF38dM
Election day is August 8. Learn more on the District website: www.berkleyschools.org/bond
Bond Survey - 5 Questions
Berkley School District has a five question survey regarding the upcoming August election. All community members, parents, guardians and students are invited to share their thoughts with the District. The survey should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete.
Help the Tri-County Area Improve Access to High-Speed Internet
Did you know more than 27% of students in Michigan have no access to high-speed Internet? Oakland, Wayne and Macomb (Tri-County Area) counties are partnering to conduct a high speed internet survey to better understand residents' access.
Broadband internet is an essential and crucial service to those who live, learn and work in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties. Unfortunately, reliable high-speed Internet access is unavailable county-wide. The Tri-County Area needs accurate information about connectivity to help bring high-speed Internet access to everyone in the Tri-County area.
Take a Survey
Tri-County residents can complete a 5-minute survey using your home’s primary internet connection. If you don’t have home internet service, visit the survey on a cell phone wireless network or text @moon to 1-855-613-1746. To request a paper survey, call 1-313-625-0029.
Huntington Woods Juneteenth Celebration
Join the City of Huntington Woods on June 19, 2023 from 6-8pm at the Gillham Rec Center as they gather to celebrate Junteenth. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865. Through this Juneteenth celebration, all are welcome to reflect on the past and look to the future.
This event will feature a keynote address from Dr. Ollie Johnson, Chair and Professor of the Department of African American Studies at Wayne State University. Dinner will be provided by Baobob Fare, a 2023 James Beard semi-finalist for Best Chef, Great Lakes category. Entertainment will be provided by Roots Vibration and there will be activities for all ages.
This event is sponsored by the Huntington Woods Anti-Racism Advisory Committee.
Interested in volunteering for the event or want to learn more about the anti-racism advisory committee? Contact hwantiracismadvisorycommittee@gmail.com
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.
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 - Berkley High School
- High School Art Teacher - Berkley High School
- High School Physical Education/Health Teacher - Berkley High School
- Special Education Teacher of Students with Autism Elementary Level (K-5)- Location TBD
- Early Childhood Special Education Teacher (ECSE) and Tuition Playgroup - Berkley Building Blocks
- Early Childhood Education Lead Teacher (GSRP/Head Start)
- Special Education School Social Worker - Berkley High 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
- Swim Instructor - Berkley High School Kids' Zone Program
- Lunch Aide(s) - Burton Elementary School
- Middle School Wrestling Head Coach - Anderson Middle School
- 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!
