Greetings Berkshire Families:
I want to begin by saying how proud I am of our amazing Berkshire music program. This past week, I had the honor of attending our Orchestra, Band and Choir concerts and our student musicians and singers were absolutely phenomenal. It also goes without saying that the direction and leadership provided by Mrs. Carolyn Priebe (Choir), Paul Shawver, (Orchestra), Sean Smith (Orchestra and Band) and Mike Burkett (Band) plays such an integral role in the overall success of our music program. We are looking forward to hearing from our 8^th grade students in each of these programs one final time for the school year during the 8^th Grade Ceremony on Wednesday (6/12).

As this will be the final Berkshire Weekly Update for the school year, I also want to send a special shout out to all of you Berkshire families that have provided such wonderful support for our students and staff throughout the year. The partnership that we have created truly makes Berkshire a very special place to work, learn and grow. Please enjoy your summer as you all hopefully find time to unwind, slowdown and enjoy all that life has to offer with family and friends. Finally, please also encourage your children to read and do other learning activities (i.e. explore nature, go to the library, write a letter, visit museums, volunteer in the community, etc.) that will continue to stimulate and positively develop their minds.
Have a wonderful summer vacation and thank you for reading the following Berkshire Weekly Update!

Jason Clinkscale
Principal
Berkshire Middle School

Upcoming Events: 

Monday (6/10)
WL Zoo Trip
8^th grade FINAL locker cleanout

Tuesday (6/11)
7^th grade FINAL locker cleanout
Groves Orchestra Freshmen Orientation (7 pm, Groves)

Wednesday (6/12)
Last Day of School for 8^th graders
6^th grade FINAL locker cleanout
NJHS 8^th grade celebration – 4-6 hours @ Berkshire
Eighth-grade Dessert Reception, Promotion Ceremony and Dance (starting @ 6:30 pm)

Thursday (6/13)
8^th graders to Cedar Point
Wildcat Field Day

Friday (6/14)

Last Day of School for Seventh and Sixth Graders

Half-day of School

Berkshire News

Character at Berkshire and Beyond – Citizenship
We have spent the month of May and into June discussing citizenship – belonging to a country, culture, state, school, community, neighborhood, family. A significant part of our discussions have not only included belonging, but, perhaps more importantly, the importance of including others. Well, this month our students have done just that – worked hard to demonstrate character by including others! We know that we are far from perfect (as if it is every achievable!), and that at times our lack of frontal lobe development and life experience cause us to do things we probably shouldn’t, but, for the most part, these kiddos are GOOD kids. And, when given a directive and a “why”, they meet and/or exceed expectations!

• Washington D.C. Trip – Students included others by inviting people into rooming situations that were perhaps not their best friends, meeting new people from across the country they connected with, and, in both situations, rising to the occasion and creating new relevant long-lasting memories. From a grander viewpoint, I would say the DC trip gives students perspective on where they fit into the greater fabric of American culture and society through pure immersion into the history and culture built into our nation’s capital. ~ Mr. Babcock
• BAM Trip – Students were in groups with student leaders that supported other students.  I was complimented at two different restaurants for the exceptional behavior of a group that size (96 students). ~ Mr. Jackson
• D.I. Trip – The global tournament proved to be a great time because we were included by those who had previously been to the tournament; students showed us around to help us get to places we needed to be. And we were greatly appreciative of it! ~ Arshaan Bastani
• Pen Pals with Bingham Farms – Eighth-grade students “stepped up to the plate”; they wrote letters during the year to the elementary students and when we visited they ensured that all students were cared for; they chatted, played, and continued to impress with their leadership and relationship building! ~ Mrs. Jolokai
• Orchestra and Band in Chicago – Band and orchestra combined to receive the Esprit de Corps Award!  This award is given to the school that best demonstrates positive behavior, courtesy, and professionalism throughout the competition.  The reception of this award definitely speaks to Berkshire’s focus on character education!!! ~ Mr. Shawver, Mr. Burkett, Mr. Smith
• Bridge Builders group activity – Our students included each other in games and activities. They played on the basketball courts, the Gagaball pit, the fields…and they included each other. The smiles and laughter demonstrate the beauty of new relationships, of time and space for fun, and for the end of a successful inaugural year! ~ Mrs. Booth

Thank you, parents and guardians, for spending time talking with your child(ren) about character this year and for creating opportunities (or capitalizing on opportunities like those above) to continue to teach values. We hope that you and your families have a great summer spent not only creating family memories through vacations and fun but through service and outreach, too.
Sincerely,
The Berkshire Character-Education Committee

8th grade PSAT Information
8th grade students participated in PSAT 8 reading and math assessments this spring. Your student’s scores are now accessible through the College Board website. In order to access your student’s scores, you must create a College Board account for your student. This can be done by visiting the following link: https://cbaccount.collegeboard.org/iamweb/smartRegister. Once you create an account, you will be able to access your students 2018-2019 PSAT 8 spring scores. If you need help interpreting your students PSAT 8 score, this link may be helpful: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-8-9/scores/student-score-reports. The district will not receive hard copies of students PSAT 8 scores until later this summer. Hard copies of scores will be sent home this fall. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to Wendy Cummins at WCummins@birmingham.k12.mi.us
Please keep in mind the PSAT is a practice of the SAT test.  Your student will take another practice test in 9th and/ or 10th grade.  Their practice tests are meant to show areas of strengths and weakness so students can continue to work hard in such areas.  

Advanced Math Placement Testing
Advanced Math Placement tests will be administered in August for students who would like to enter the advanced math program at the middle school level. Students who were not recommended for advanced math for 6^th, 7^th, or 8^th grade who would like to be considered for placement in advanced math will need to take the Advanced Math Placement test. The test consists of an online NWEA assessment and a set of constructed response questions for which students write out their responses.

Testing dates:
Berkshire – August 7, August 14 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Derby – August 8, August 15 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Note: This placement test is not for students already in advanced math who wish to continue in the advanced math sequence.
Parents interested in having their student take the placement test should contact Debbie Prudhomme in the Teaching and Learning Department by phone at 248.203.3018 or by e-mail at dprudhomme@birmingham.k12.mi.us.  Please respond by July 9 with the following information:

• Student Name
• Parent Name
• Student grade level in 2019-2020
• Math test to be taken – Adv. Math 6^th, Adv. Math 7^th, Adv. Math 8^th
• Date of test
• Parent phone number
• Parent e-mail address

General Fines
Please make sure your child checks the general fines list that will be posted outside the main office. For students to attend many end of the year events such as Cedar Point (8th Grade) or Wildcat Games/Field Day (6th/7th Grade). Please contact the main office with any inquiries. 

Help in Berkshire’s Community Garden this summer!
Looking for summer family fun?  Berkshire has a community garden that feeds those in need.   Produce is donated to local soup kitchens and food banks.  We are inviting you to help out in the garden this summer.  Celebrating its 11^th year, the garden includes a drip irrigation system on a timer, so your family doesn’t need to water.  The raised beds and wood chip walking paths make the garden neat and low maintenance.  Sign up for one week (or more) and come at your convenience the week you sign up.  Usually we have 2-4 families signed up per week throughout the summer.  Garden equipment is provided in our storage shed, including garden gloves too.  This is a great way to participate in Berkshire’s Character Education opportunities over the summer.
NO EXPERIENCE necessary! 
What will you need to do?  There is always some weeding.  Also you may need to harvest when the veggies are ready—all the plants are labelled with color photos, nutrition and harvest information.  You will be provided with a list of potential donation sites. 
We are growing tomatoes, zucchini, summer squash, sweet peppers, eggplant, spring greens, green beans, cauliflower, broccoli raab, Brussel sprouts and more!
Sign up now and enjoy your experience in the Berkshire garden! More detailed instructions will be sent along to you in advance of your volunteer opportunity.

Wildcat Day Volunteers Needed! Thursday, June 13^th – 11:15 am – 3:00 pm
Calling All Parents!
Many volunteers needed for the annual Wildcat (Field) Day at Berkshire on June 13.  Sixth and Seventh Grade students take part in a variety of games, activities and general fun.  Parents are needed to oversee activity in several locations within the school and around school grounds.
We are looking for as many helping hands as we can get beginning at 11:15 AM.  Festivities end at 3:00 to allow for the normal release of students from school at 3:15.
There are two sessions: 6th graders go from 11:40 to 1:10.  7th graders start at 1:30 and go until 3:00.  You are encouraged to sign up for both sessions but single session volunteers are welcome and appreciated too.  USE COMMENTS FIELD TO INDICATE IF YOU ARE VOLUNTEERING FOR ONE OR BOTH SESSIONS AND IF ONE, WHICH ONE.
We need lots of help for this one so please see the signup sheet and let us know if, how and when you can participate.  Questions can be sent to yajpepper@gmail.com.
SEE YOU THERE!!
Please click on the following link to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f054facaa2ba6f94-wildcat

8^th Grade End of the Year – Information regarding upcoming events
Dear Berkshire 8th Grade Families,
Can you believe that your son/daughter will be in high school soon? As we enter the final stretch, we wanted to keep you informed about all of the great 8th grade activities that your child will be discussing with you soon. Below you will find a list of end-of-the-year activities, including the 8^th Grade Ceremony & Dance (6/12) & Cedar Point (6/13), that we would like your child to take part in. Please note that Wednesday (6/12) will be the last official day of school for 8^th graders. Thursday (6/13) will be the Cedar Point trip (those 8^th graders not attending should stay home) and there will be no school for 8^th graders on Friday (6/14).

Cedar Point
Date: Thursday, June 13^th
Cost: $72
8th grade students that would like to join the Berkshire staff on the end-of-the-year Cedar Point trip should be at Berkshire Middle School on June 13th by 8 am so we can leave promptly at 8:15 am and return at 9:00 pm. Please be prepared to pick up your child promptly at 9:00 pm.

8th grade Ceremony and Sweet Endings Dance (after 8th grade Ceremony)
Date: Wednesday, June 12th 
Reception Time: 6:30-7:00 pm
Ceremony Time: 7:00-8:00 pm
Dance Time: 8:00-9:30 pm
Cost: $10 if purchased through Tuesday, June 11^th, from ELA teachers. Then, tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the dance for $15 (*we really want students to purchase from their ELA teacher; please help your child remember this).
Please save the date of Wednesday, June 12th for the 8th Grade Dessert Reception to honor our 8th graders that will be leaving Berkshire. Wednesday, June 12^th will be the last day of school for 8^th grade students this year. The dessert and conversation will take place from 6:30 – 7:00 pm. The ceremony will immediately follow from 7:00 – 8:00 pm in the Berkshire gymnasium. Due to space limitations, we ask that each student have no more than two guests in attendance at this event.

Suggested Dress Code for our 8th Graders attending the event:
GIRLS: Dress, skirt and blouse or dressy pants. (Please, no jeans.) Shoulder straps should be at least one inch wide. Skirts must reach fingertips.
BOYS: Long pants. (Please, no jeans.) Dress shirt tucked in and tie or collared shirt, dress shoes. (Please, no athletic shoes.)
Following the ceremony, we will have the annual 8th Grade Sweet Endings Dance from 8:00 – 9:30 pm in the Berkshire cafeteria. Students need to be picked up at 9:30 pm sharp. All students that would like to attend need to purchase their ticket from Ms. Guckian, Mrs. Cummins, or Mrs. Sweeney. Tickets will go on sale on Monday, June 3^rd – Tuesday, June 11^th; tickets will then be sold at the dance for an increased rate (we want students to purchase tickets ahead of time!).  Please consider having your child come and celebrate their time at Berkshire with all their peers. 
Thanks in advance for all your support and dedication while we all try to make the last days of your child being an 8th grader memorable. Please encourage your child to finish the year off strong and take every opportunity to make their last days great as a Berkshire Wildcat!
David Brooks
Assistant Principal & Athletic Director

Attention 8^th grade Families: Summer School registration information
The 2019 Academic Summer School Brochure: https://birmingham.augusoft.net/customers/birminghamps/files/2019_HS-final.pdf

• While Personal Fitness and Computer Technology are the most popular and recommended for incoming 9th graders, World History is also an option for a student looking to make room in their 9th grade schedule.
• Students should remember that it is fast paced - one day equals one week of instruction, completed in 13 days.
• Any middle school students currently enrolled in Integrated Math may enroll in Academic Summer Integrated Math for recovery only.

Questions? Concerns? Contact Catherine Henne * Community Education Office * Seaholm High Direct: (248) 203-3816 * Email: chenne@birmingham.k12.mi.us

Birmingham District News  

Thank you, Ms. Shimoura – celebration on Wednesday, June 12^th, @ Greenfield 3:30-5:00 pmPlease join the Greenfield PTA and families in saying goodbye to Penny Shimoura as she starts the next chapter in her life.  On Wednesday, June 12^th a reception will be held in the Greenfield Media Center from 3:30-5:00pm.  Take a few short minutes out of your busy day to say THANK YOU to Mrs. Shimoura and the difference that she made.  Any questions can be directed to Cindy Sowle at  CSowle@birmingham.k12.mi.us

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

Community News and Summer Opportunities

Help Keep Michigan Kids Safe! From the MDHHS Abuse and Neglect Website MDHHS Child Abuse Reporting

Mandated Reporters
You Can Help Keep Michigan Kids Safe!
The Michigan Child Protection Law requires certain people to report their suspicions of child abuse or neglect to Children's Protective Services.
Learn more about your requirements to report suspected child abuse and/or neglect as a mandated reporter, by contacting your local MDHHS office for available training.

Find out if you're required to report and how: Review list of mandated reporters, their rights and what to do if they suspect abuse or neglect.
If you suspect abuse or neglect, report it any time day or night online or by calling 855-444-3911.
DHS-3200 for hotline reports: Report of Actual or Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect 
Complete this form within 72 hours of calling in a suspicion of abuse or neglect.  Do not report online if you have already reported to the hotline.
Reporting online eliminates the requirement to fill out a DHS-3200 form. If you call the hotline to report, please fax or email the completed DHS-3200 form to Centralized Intake within 72 hours. Do not use the Michigan Online Reporting System if you already called the hotline.
Report suspected child abuse and neglect online: Michigan Online Reporting System
Are you a State of Michigan employee?  Registration Guide for State of Michigan Employees

• Guide to Detailed Reporting (Downloadable) 
• Michigan Online Reporting System - Users Guide
• Michigan Online Reporting System - Downloadable Users Guide 
• FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about Online Reporting 
• Michigan Online Reporting System - User Video

Planet Lori Art Camp – August 19-23, 2019,
9 am – 3 pm @ Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center
The Planet Lori Art Camp is an art camp designed for children who had or have a parent or close relative with cancer. Art is often used to help children communicate, overcome stress, and heal from tragedy.
The Lori Haber Buckfire Foundation was created in memory of Lori Haber Buckfire who passed away from ovarian cancer at the age of forty-one. Lori was passionate about children and helping others fighting the battle against cancer.
The Lori Haber Buckfire Foundation is hosting the sixth annual Planet Lori Art Camp, run by the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center (BBAC), on a daily basis from August 19 – 23, 2019 from 9 AM – 3 PM. The Lori Haber Buckfire Foundation is providing full paid scholarships for children (ages 5-15) to attend the camp. Eligible applicants who have not previously attended the camp will have priority in receiving scholarships on a first-come basis before June 15, 2019. There is limited space in the camp, so we recommend that completed applications be submitted as soon as possible.
Please access the application here. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. You can also visit us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/LoriHaberBuckfireFoundation) or online at www.planetlori.com/planet-lori-art-camp.

Girls Skills and Drills Basketball Camp – Grades 2-8
Seaholm's Head Coach Chris Manchester and his staff bring knowledge, passion and fun filled instruction when teaching young players how to be the best they can be. 
Improve your game and join us this summer for some basketball fun! The Camp will feature fundamental instruction in ball handling, shooting form, footwork, and passing with an emphasis on communication and teamwork.  Girls will be divided by grade/age and participate in contests and a tournament where awards will be given. Our Varsity and JV Girls Team members will serve as coaching counselors.
Camp Dates:  Monday June 24 - Thursday June 27
Camp Times:  incoming 2d - 4th grades,  10am - 12:30pm incoming  5th-8thgrades,  1-3:30pm
Cost per player:  $120 includes camp T-shirt
*LUNCH WILL NOT BE PROVIDED
Deadline: Thursday, June 20
Questions:  Coach Manchester cmanchester@birmingham.k12.mi.us
Payment: Checks payable to Seaholm Girls Basketball Booster
Mail to: Sara Bell 31805 Evergreen Road Beverly Hills MI 48025

Registration at www.seaholmgirlsbasketball.com

Sign Up Now – Camp is limited to 70 Players!

Summer Volunteers Needed: Summer Day Camp @ Friendship Circle – June – August 9:30am – 3:15 pm

Looking for a meaningful way to spend your summer and gain volunteer hours? Experience the fun of daily field trips while making a difference in a child’s life by becoming their best friend. All sessions will be at Friendship Circle Meer Center, 6892 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322. Sign up at friendshipcircle.org/summer. Contact: Shelby@friendshipcircle.org, 248-788-7878 ext.244.

Summer Volleyball Opportunity!

Sign up at: https://goo.gl/forms/btIuvArnNXJphZNy1

Summer Forensic and Debate Opportunity in Birmingham

This summer, Courtney Bassett and Hayley McKinney will be running both Debate and Forensic workshops at Birmingham Covington School. This is a MIFA sanctioned event. The Forensics workshop will take place from June 17th to June 21st and students will have an opportunity to explore a variety of forensic categories and participate in a mini tournament. There will be a Debate workshop from August 19th to August 23rd where students will work on basic argumentative skills, learn the basics of public forum debate and begin researching the fall resolution.

Oakland Summer Writers’ Camp – July and August, writers entering grades 5 – 8 @ Clarkston Community Education Center – registration opens online 4/17; in-person/phone 4/22

The Oakland Summer Writers’ Camp is for those who love to write!  Each day is filled with opportunities to grow as a writer.  Campers will learn about the craft of writing, including how to draft pieces and work with fellow writers and teachers to find golden words and just right lines.  Returning students will learn how to add new layers to their writing, pushing it to the next level.  During our writing camp, we use popular children’s books as models in our mini lessons.  Each writer receives daily one to one attention as they develop each layer of their writing.  The camp also includes a walking field trip through historic, downtown Clarkston.  Friends and family are invited to attend an end-of-camp celebration where students share their writing as well as take home a published anthology of student work.  Campers bring a lunch and enjoy time outside each day (weather permitting).  Photographs may be taken.  All camp supplies are included in the registration fee along with a camp t-shirt.  We are looking forward to an awesome writing camp where we guide your child through a memorable writing adventure.  We have many years of experience in teaching young writers.  Instructors: Jim Haugh and Jan Finney

A limited number of scholarships are available. Contact Clarkston Area Youth Assistance (248.623.4313), your student’s school PTA, PTO, Clarkston Foundation or the Clarkston Optimist Club for more information.

Session One: M-F, July 8-19 (code: YS19-E11B)  9:00 – 2:00 pm - $275

Session Two: M-F, July 22-August 2 (code: YS19-E11A) 9:00 – 2:00 pm - $275

How to Register: Please make checks payable to Independence Township

Walk-In/Mail: Independence Township Parks, Recreation,  6483 Waldon Center Dr. Clarkston, MI 48346

Phone-In: 248-623-4326 and press 1 for a registration attendant.

Online: At www.indtwp.com 

Summer Chess Camps – July 15-19, Birmingham Covington School, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301

Join us this summer for tons of challenging chess lessons, exciting games, and cool prizes. You’ll improve your chess skills, meet new friends, and work out your most powerful muscle – your brain! Our camps will include fun team chess games (like bughouse), recess time (of course), snacks, tournaments, and puzzles. Each camper receives a Chess Wizards t-shirt, trophy, and puzzle folder. Unleash your brain power and spend some time of your break with Chess Wizards!

July 15-19: 9 am – 12 pm = 13778; 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm = 13779; 9 am – 3:30 pm = 13780

Sign up online at http://www.community.net/ or call 248-203-3800

Middle School Summer STEM Camp – incoming 6th graders: June 24-28; incoming 7th graders: July 8-12; incoming 8th graders: July 15-19 register at oaklandstem.com

This June and July, Oakland County middle schoolers can participate in hands-on, high-tech, project-based camps at Oakland Schools Technical Campuses. These camps will focus on STEM subjects: science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Have your child spend this summer with like-minded students eager to get involved in career and technical education.

Cost? Just $190 per week, including lunch, snack and aftercare! 

Questions? Contact Daphne Hoeft at cfe@oakland.k12.mi.us or call 248.209.2516.

Friendship Circle Summer Volunteers Needed

The Friendship Circle is seeking teenage volunteers (13 and up) who are looking for fun opportunities over the summer. Their opportunities include a summer day camp Monday-Friday, as well as Miracle League baseball Wednesday evenings. In both of these programs, teenage volunteers are paired one-to-one with a participant with special needs to have fun and form friendship. It is not only a fun way to spend the summer, but meaningful as well!

Sign Up to Volunteer: friendshipcircle.org/summer

Questions? Contact Shelby - shelby@friendshipcircle.org  248-788-7878j ext. 244

Oakland Summer Writing Camp

The Oakland Summer Writers’ Camp is for those who love to write!  Each day is filled with opportunities to grow as a writer.  Campers will learn about the craft of writing, including how to draft pieces and work with fellow writers and teachers to find golden words and just right lines.  Returning students will learn how to add new layers to their writing, pushing it to the next level.  During our writing camp, we use popular children’s books as models in our mini lessons.  Each writer receives daily one to one attention as they develop each layer of their writing.  The camp also includes a walking field trip through historic, downtown Clarkston.  Friends and family are invited to attend an end-of-camp celebration where students share their writing as well as take home a published anthology of student work.  Campers bring a lunch and enjoy time outside each day (weather permitting).  Photographs may be taken.  All camp supplies are included in the registration fee along with a camp t-shirt.  We are looking forward to an awesome writing camp where we guide your child through a memorable writing adventure.  We have many years of experience in teaching young writers. 

Instructors: Jim Haugh and Jan Finney

 A limited number of scholarships are available. Contact Clarkston Area Youth Assistance (248.623.4313), Clarkston Foundation or the Clarkston Optimist Club for more information.

Writers Entering Grades 5 thru 8 Session One: M-F, July 8-19 (Code: YS19-E11B) Session Two: M-F, July 22-August 2 (Code: YS19-E11A) 9:00-2:00pm ● $275 Clarkston Community Education Center Registration will open online on 4/17 and in person/phone on 4/22

How to Register???

Please make checks payable to Independence Township

Walk-In/Mail: Independence Township Parks, Recreation,  6483 Waldon Center Dr. Clarkston, MI 48346 Phone-In: 248-623-4326 and press 1 for a registration attendant.