Greetings Berkshire Families:
Please join us on Wednesday (11/14) from 1 – 4 pm & 5 – 8 pm and/or on Thursday (11/15) from 4 – 7 pm for Parent Teacher Conferences. Parents/guardians will have the opportunity on a first come first serve basis to meet with our teachers and support staff to discuss your child’s academic and social progress. We kindly ask that each conference be limited to five minutes so that everyone will have the opportunity to meet with our teachers.
In addition, on Wednesday (11/14) the Berkshire PTA will also meet at 7 pm in the media center. Please feel free to drop in and hear the latest PTA news.
We look forward to seeing you at Berkshire!

Stay Informed by …
…receiving and reading Mr. Clinkscale’s Berkshire Weekly Update email.
…signing up for Mr. Clinkscale’s Remind text messages by texting the message @berks to 81010 from your mobile device.
…visiting the Berkshire Middle School webpage (http://www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/Berkshire).
…following us on Twitter (@Berkshiremiddle) and FaceBook.

Upcoming Events: 
Monday (11/12)
Optional: NJHS Mentor Training (7:30 am, room 217)

Tuesday (11/13)
Optional: NJHS Mentor Training (lunch/rec or 3:15, room 217)
Spirit Club

Wednesday (11/14)
½ Day for Students (hours 1-6 will meet; dismissal at 11:25)
Conferences: 1-4 pm; 5-8 pm 
PTA Meeting (7 pm, Media Center)

Thursday (11/15)
Full day for students and staff
Conferences: 4-7 pm
Forensics’ Club Parent Night:

• 3:20- 4:45 Students practice their pieces/ perform for each other
• 4:45- 5:45 Pizza Party! (other food will also be provided as I know there are dietary restrictions for some students)
• 6:00- 7:00 Parent Performances *Parent, please arrive around 5:45, so we can begin performances no later than 6:00 

Friday (11/16)
Fun Friday
$1 - Purchase fake mustache to spread men’s health awareness (Movember)
Destination Imagination (every Friday, 3-5 pm, room 116)

Saturday (11/10)
Saturday School (9-11 am)
Forensics Ionia Tournament

Berkshire News

Office Update: The Things You Should Know
Please remember when dropping your students off in the morning, the door to the school DOES not open until 7:30am. This occurs all throughout the year neither there rain, sleet or snow.
*This week the school will be open until 7:30pm (so if your child left something important, come on back to get it…or not. Whatever you choose! But, it’s an option this week, so we thought we’d let you know!).

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBER: 248-203-3940 TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT

• Please put this number in your cell phone, your child’s cell phone and keep it handy at home.
• Please call Transportation directly when your child’s bus is late or any other questions you may have regarding your students transportation needs.

THE LUNCH CART

• When dropping off books, lunches, homework, etc. for your child, we now have a cart located in the vestibule when you walk into the school. Please place your child’s belongings on the cart with their name. It is your child’s responsibility to check the cart in between their classes.
• The office does not accept food deliveries to the school for a student’s lunch.  
• We also do not allow birthday pizza, cupcakes, etc. for large groups of students in the cafeteria. Please take the time to discuss this with your child.

BEF Grant Recipient: Thank you BEF!
After careful review and consideration of our application, the BEF Board of Trustees has awarded Berkshire with $250 for our grant proposal: Berkshire Garden Trellises, Cold Frame, and back bed replacement. Congratulations! Thank you, Pam Lucken, for initiating this request! We look forward to upgrading our community garden and producing more food to donate to ours and neighboring communities.

Thanksgiving Food Drive – Now through November 15^th

Some of our C3 classes are holding a Thanksgiving Food Drive for Lighthouse of Oakland County. If you would like to help with their efforts, please see below. We need food items to be at Berkshire (boxes by the front office) by 12pm Thursday, November 15.

COAT DRIVE! – Now through November 28^th – boxes located in respective grade-level locker areas (for grade-level competition)
Parents, Mr. Goeman's C3 is running a coat drive. If possible please send your students to school with new or gently used coats. We will donate them to Faith Community Coalition, an organization that helps and fosters, foster children. *There is a possibility we will make this a grade level competition, to have the kids become more engaged. Whichever grade donates the most coats will earn a special spirit day where the teachers dress up how they would in middle school and the students will have the option to dress up as the teachers. Thank you for your support

Pistons Fundraiser
The Berkshire students and staff had a fantastic Pistons assembly on Friday (10/26) where we welcomed Coach Aaron, DJ Hype Man, Hooper and Pistons power forward Henry Ellenson. This assembly brought to us by the Berkshire Proud Dads Club kicked off our Pistons fundraiser where students will be able to sell and buy tickets at a significantly discounted rate (100-Level seats $60 & 200-Level seats $30) for the Friday, December 7^th game against the Sixers. Students were given ticket sales forms on Monday to bring home and all sales/purchases must be online at the following link: pistons.com/BERKSHIRE.

Winter I Sports
Winter I sports start on Monday. 7^th and 8^th grade boys basketball tryouts will take place after school, while 6^th grade IM boys basketball will practice first thing in the morning at 7:00 am. Girls swim will have their first practice after school too. All physicals (dated after April 15, 2018) must be turned into the front office in order to practice or tryout on Monday. Additionally, students must be registered by using this link: https://registration.powerschool.com/family/gosnap.aspx?action=13397&culture=en . Any boys basketball player who does not make cuts will be refunded the full $135.00 participation fee.

Berkshire Japanese – Onigiri Action Table for Two – Now through November 20^th
Japanese students at Berkshire (6^th, 7^th, 8^th graders) began working on a project called “Onigiri Action Table For Two”.  Table For Two is a non-profit organization to promote healthy eating around the world.  It started in Japan and has spread to 14 countries.  Between now and November 20^th students will make rice ball called Onigiri and post the photos on their site.  Each photo posted will provide 5 meals to children in need around the world.  Japanese classes want to extend invitation to anyone in this community to join this project.  You can find more information in the website below including how to cook them.  We all hope you enjoy it.  After posting your photo please send the photo to Mrs. Cooper @ hcooper@birmingham.k12.mi.us as well.

Berkshire Snow Club 2018-2019 – Informational meeting Monday, Nov. 26^th @ 7 pm, room 119
With the cold weather now upon us, it’s time to think snow!  Berkshire Snow Club will provide transportation to Pine Knob each Tuesday from Dec 18^th – Feb 26^th.  Snow Club is designed to provide students in grades 6-8 a safe, supervised environment where students can learn to ski or board; or increase their current skills.   Club signup is underway now until Dec 4th.  Please visit  https://sites.google.com/bps-schools.com/berkshire-snow-club/home for more information or contact Diane Guzmán at dguzman@birmingham.k12.mi.us.  Parent meeting will take place Mon, Nov 26^that 7:00pm in room 119.  Parents new to Snow Club are encouraged to attend.

Society of Women Engineers – Kickoff event, November 28^th @ American Axle
What is SWE? Society of Women Engineers has recently developed a program called SWENext for girls under 18 interested in exploring engineering. There are many SWENext clubs throughout the country, but very few in Michigan. The club is geared towards middle school girls interested in exploring engineering & STEM.

Who is leading the club? Charlise Keck, a former Berkshire student, and current junior at Groves High School.
“I see SWENext as being a great opportunity for girls to explore engineering in a fun environment, as well as to learn about a field in which women are underrepresented. It is also a great way to get exposure to STEM with interactive activities and to make new connections”.
Who is the club for? The club is open to all middle school girls - please share this message with other educators and parents.
How can I attend the kickoff event? Students can sign up for the kick off from our social media pages, @swenextdetroit, or using the link below.
Sign Up: https://goo.gl/forms/uWbDeud8uMHO0B153.
Facebook: @swenextdetroit facebook.com/swenextdetroit
Instagram: @swenextdetroit
The club will be meeting monthly after the kick-off.  If you have any questions about the club please feel free to reach out to Charlise at charlisejk@gmail.com
Thank you, Charlise, for spearheading and sharing this opportunity with our students!

Berkshire Yearbook Orders 
The Berkshire Middle School 2018-2019 yearbooks are on sale now! All sales are online and the company managing all yearbook sales is Kaiser. Visit our website to place your yearbook order now (https://www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/Page/1606).   Here are other important details

• Order your YB online only
• We have 400 books to sell (192 sold in October)
• Any extra books printed after the 400 if available  will be sold through Kaiser Studio only!
• Price is $36 dollars until March 4, 2019
• After March 4^th the price goes up to $40
• All online sales must be completed by April 14, 2019
• Make sure to fill out the online order form completely
• Keep a copy of your receipt for your records and proof of purchase
• Check the website for Yearbook information
• Order early, books are going fast

Thanks for ordering your Berkshire yearbook to help preserve your Berkshire memories!

Media Center Check-outs
Check-outs will begin after student IDs are received and Media center Orientations are complete. REMEMBER: Parents should automatically receive emails on the status of your student’s library accounts (late books, fines, etc.). Questions, please email Ms. Jefferson cgreer-jefferson@birmingham.k12.mi.us

Berkshire Media Center Parent Note:
Did you know the Media center webpage https://www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/domain/729  has everything you need to know about:  

1. Wildcat Coders Club - starting October 23rd - Tuesdays
2. Crafter’s Club - starting October 12th -Fridays (lunch/recess)
3. Birbery Kick off - November
4. Hour of Code - December
5. Resource Links
6. Destiny Catalog - Students can log in and check their library accounts
7. Upcoming Events
8. Author Visits

Makerspace Workshops – starting October18th

Berkshire PTA Directory
Welcome back to school! If you would like your information in the Berkshire PTA Directory, please go to join.myschoolanywhere.com and enter the code Berkshire2016
All PTA members will be given access to this online directory. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Pam Lucken (plucken@birmingham.k12.mi.us).

Birmingham District News

Final Weekend For: HAIRSPRAY TICKETS ON SALE NOW!! – Groves High School – this weekend Follow this link to purchase your tickets, or you may come to Groves High School and purchase them in the front office during school hours, 7:15 am to 3:00 pm. https://tinyurl.com/GPAC-HAIRSPRAY-TICKETS
Tony Award winning HAIRSPRAY continues to be one of the most widely produced musicals today, not only because of its wit and charm, but also because of the beautiful message of acceptance and progress that it portrays.  The bright, energetic story of Tracy Turnblad teaches us all to fight for every human being’s equal rights.  With familiar songs such as “Good Morning Baltimore,” “I Can Hear the Bells,” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” you’ll be sure to be dancing in your seats!  (StageAgent). Tickets are $15 for Adults and $10 for those under 18.
Veterans Day Brunch Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. BPS Education and Administration Center 31301 Evergreen in Beverly Hills
Birmingham Public Schools invites veterans for food, refreshments, and student entertainment. RSVP by Monday, Nov. 8, 2018 248.203.3001 or jcrampton@birmingham.k12.mi.us. Breakfast is sponsored by BPS Community Councils.
November 24^th Seaholm Boys Basketball Skills Camp – third through eighth-graders welcome – Registration open
The camp led by Seaholm basketball coaches and varsity players will run from 9am until 3pm on the 24^th. The cost is $75 and includes a pizza lunch and t-shirt. Additional details are on the website. Register now @ seaholmmaplesbasketball.teampages.com

BPS District Code of Conduct
https://www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/cms/lib/MI01908619/Centricity/Domain/45/CODE%20OF%20CONDUCT.pdf

Community News

Open House Events 
Get to know Birmingham Public Schools at our Open House events this fall! Join us for any of our three upcoming open house events and learn how character education, rigorous academics and competitive athletics can lead to a wealth of opportunities for your child!

Open House events include:
BCS Districtwide 3-8 School Open House
Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018
1:00-3:00 p.m.
1525 Covington Rd., Bloomfield Hills 

 BBCC Parent Survey
Dear Parents of 6th - 12th grade students, 
Please take a moment to complete this brief survey (11 questions). Your input will provide local coalitions with important information about parental opinions and attitudes regarding underage substance use and mental health issues in our local communities.  
This parenting survey is anonymous and all of the responses will be aggregated.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/oaklandcountyps2018

SOAR ® STUDY SKILLS - Middle School Made Easy
The SOAR ®  Curriculum is a simple set of skills to help students organize and study efficiently. Our program teaches and develops the habits that lead to success. Our students learn how to:  manage time (planner provided), organize papers & backpack, work with teachers, read and understand textbooks, take notes, study for tests, and write papers.  We incorporated the Google Suite and Microsoft Office programs into our system. The program uses the SOAR  ® Study Skills book (each student gets a book, a student planner/calendar and a SOAR ® Organization binder). $40 materials fee is included in the class fee.  Presented by Above Grade Level. See ad on page 9! Location:  Seaholm High School, Room F108
#12317
Dates: 11/6/2018 - 12/11/2018
# of Sessions: 6    
Tue 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM
Fee:  $175.00
Register at Birmingham Community Education / www.communityed.net / 248.203.3800
As always, thanks for taking time to read the Berkshire Weekly Update. Please feel free to contact me with any important information that you would like to see included in our next Update!

Have a great week!
Jason Clinkscale
Principal
Berkshire Middle School

New Sports Registration  Procedure

BPS is happy to announce that PowerSchool Registration, powered by InfoSnap, is also being implemented for Athletic Registration.

You may find the link, by clicking here: https://registration.powerschool.com/family/gosnap.aspx?action=13397&culture=en

(As a reminder, this is an online student registration/data validation system, which allows the district to verify all student demographic, emergency and medical information, prior to the start of the athletic season. It is critical to ensure we have the most up-to-date contact and medical information for all students. The system is a secure and green process supporting our focus on safety and security.  Electronic registration platforms of all kinds engage parents to ensure that information is entered properly, significantly reducing errors. The system will also allow families to electronically sign the annual permission forms. Reminder: you must still submit a physical to the Athletic Offices prior to participating. All physicals must be dated after April 15, 2018.)