Weekly Update

Greetings Berkshire Families:

As we head into the second card marking period, it is now time to schedule Parent-Teacher Conferences.  Berkshire Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held virtually next week on Wednesday, November 12;  1:00 — 7:00 pm, as well as on Thursday, November 13; 4:00 – 7:00 pm through Microsoft teams.  Specifically, we are going to use the link below for you to be able to sign up for appointments with your student's teachers. The system is very user-friendly and will ask for your name, your student's name, and your email address. You might notice that it is easier to do this from a computer rather than a mobile device. If you have more than one student at Berkshire, you can indicate that when you sign up for appointments.

Signup Link:
https://ptcfast.com/schools/Berkshire_Middle_School_4

Have a great week and thank you for reading the following Berkshire Family Update!

Jason Clinkscale
Principal
Berkshire Middle School

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Monday November 10
  • Girls in STEM Registration due 
  • IM Boys Basketball 6:45 - 8:00 AM
  • Boys Basketball Practice 
    • 8th grade 3:20-4:45
    • 7th grade 4:45-6:00 PM
• Tuesday November 11
  • IM Boys Basketball 6:45 - 8:00 AM
  • Boys Basketball Practice 
    • 8th grade 3:20-4:45
    • 7th grade 4:45-6:00 PM
• Wednesday November 12
  • Half Day
  • Parent Teacher Conferences 1:00 - 7:00 PM
• Thursday November 13
  • Show Choir 7:00 AM
  • Parent Teacher Conferences 4:00 - 7:00 PM
• Friday November 14
  • IM Boys Basketball 6:45 - 8:00 AM
  • Boys Basketball Practice 
    • 8th grade 3:20-4:45
    • 7th grade 4:45-6:00 P

Investing in the Stock Market Club: Meeting on Tuesday (11/11)
Ever wondered how people make, grow, and manage money? In World of Money, you’ll step into the role of an investor, entrepreneur, and financial expert. You’ll learn how the stock market works (and even get a fake $100,000 to invest!), explore how businesses are built from ideas, and discover smart ways to manage risk and grow your money safely. By the end, you’ll understand how money moves in the real world—and how you can make it work for you.
Look for a signup link to be sent out on Monday (11/10) for that that are interested in registering!

BIRMINGHAM UNITED KINGS HOCKEY UPCOMING GAMES, NOVEMBER 6 & 12
Your Birmingham Unified Kings take to the ice for their first game of the season this week!
Thursday, November 6th at 640pm, they will take on Cranbrook Kingswood Cranes at Cranbrook Wallace Ice Arena.
On Wednesday,  November 12th at 7pm, the Kings welcome Brother Rice for their home opener at Birmingham Ice Arena. This is a Black-out event, with the first 100 students who support BU Kings to receive a free "Kingdom" t-shirt.  The State Champs network will be televising this game. Don't miss the action! Let's pack the Kingdom with fans and support our team in this exciting home opener event!
Admission is FREE to home games for all Groves, Seaholm, and International Academy students with valid ID.

GROVES PERFORMING ARTS COMPANY PRESENTS - SISTER ACT, NOV. 7, 8, 9, 14, 15
The Groves Performing Arts Company proudly presents Sister Act, A Divine Musical Comedy that promises an evening of laughter, uplifting music, and show-stopping performances. Tickets are $12 for students and $15 for adults.  Show dates:
November 14th, 15th -  7:30 PM
November 9:  2:30 PM

SCOUTS FOOD DRIVE, NOVEMBER 8
Your local Scouts from Troop 1024 (Beverly) and 1049 (Franklin Community Church) will be collecting nonperishable food items throughout the Village of Beverly Hills on Saturday, November 8th for the annual Scouting for Food Drive.  Please place a bag of food donations on your doorstep or at the base of your mailbox by 9:00 AM this Saturday.  Your local Scouts will collect the donations and deliver them to Gleaners Food Bank to be distributed across the metro Detroit area.  Thanks for supporting local families in need in Michigan!

GIRLS IN STEM, REGISTRATION DUE NOVEMBER 10
All middle school girls have the opportunity to take part in two incredible STEM experiences:
Registration due Monday, 11/10 for the Seaholm Engineering Experiences - 
Girls will have the chance to drive an FRC robot, learn to use power tools, explore Computer Aided Design, learn about district STEM classes, and/or watch the Oakland County Competitive Robotics Association in action.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dZGdgkTzx7g7m6ITGAh2COy2hhpGFg
UsKavyFOv2ryA/edit?usp=sharing

These are amazing opportunities for hands-on learning and inspiration in STEM!

AUDITIONS FOR BERKSHIRE MUSICAL “NEWSIES JR.”, NOVEMBER 10 & 11
Auditions for the Berkshire musical "Newsies Jr." will take place on November 10 and 11 from 3:15 - 5:00 in room 124. Students should stop by the choir room to sign up for ONE of those days. Students should be prepared to sing 30 seconds of a Broadway song, learn a short dance and read from the script. Rehearsals will take place after school from 3:15 - 5:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays starting November 17. Performances will be January 29-31.

BERKSHIRE PTA
Dear Parents,  
Here’s the link to the PTA Newsletter. 
https://secure.smore.com/n/vbnkc
It contains helpful information regarding PTA events, programs, and volunteer opportunities. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out at: Berkshirepta@gmail.com.
Below is a link for the conference dinner donation signup.   
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0945AFA92DA3FBC52-60268912-2025

Thank you, 
Berkshire PTA

🌿 FREE COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITY!
Berkshire students in grades 5–9 are invited to participate in a free, hands-on biology workshop hosted by miRcore, a nonprofit organization that helps students explore genetics and computational biology through real research experiences.

🧬 Date: Friday, November 15
 🕐 Time: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM
 📍 Location Options: Online or at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
 💻 Learn more & register: miRcore Biology Workshop Details
 📝 Sign up by Wednesday, November 12 at 9:00 PM: Registration Form

No prior experience is needed—just curiosity! Students will collaborate in small groups with mentors from the University of Michigan to explore genes related to infectious diseases and discover the world of computational biology.

DISCOVER JIMIRI:  A YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM FOR CHANGE
Jimiri brings together middle-school students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds to build friendships, explore identity, and engage in meaningful dialogue through creative and leadership activities (art, digital photography, theater, sports journalism).Free to participate and designed for inclusive leadership development, Jimiri meets weekly and encourages ongoing connection and action beyond the program year. Applications for the 2025-26 middle-school cohort are now open (due December 31).
Jimiri Promotional Flyer 2025-26.
Jimiri Promotional Video (2-min)
Program FAQs.
Middle-School Application (due December 31)

FALL SPORTS SEASON WRAP-UP
As we close our fall athletic season, we want to thank all our student-athletes, coaches, and families for a fantastic few months of competition, growth, and school spirit!
As part of our season close-out, please ensure your athlete washes and returns their uniform promptly. Uniforms should be returned either to your child’s coach or to the main office at Berkshire.
Thank you for helping us keep our gear in great shape for future seasons!

Athletic Update:
The first bus for Snow Club 2026 has been filled and Final Forms is currently closed for new registrations.  We are now running a wait list for any open spots or a potential second bus.  Add your name here and Mrs. Guzmán will be in touch soon about potential options if you'd still like to ski this season.  Please reach out to dguzman@birmingham.k12.mi.us with any questions.

ATHLETICS UPDATE
Get ready for the Winter I Athletics season! We are sharing important information regarding registration, eligibility requirements, and the sports offered for our student-athletes.
The Winter I sports season features the following sports:

• Girls Swimming (6-8)
• Boys Basketball (7-8)
• IM Boys Basketball (6-8)
• Snow Club (6-8)
• E-sports (6-8)

Registration Checklist: Two Essential Steps
All students participating in interscholastic or intramural sports must complete the following steps through our online registration system, FinalForms, before participating in any tryouts, practices, or games.

Step 1: Complete All Forms & Upload Physical (REQUIRED for Participation)

• Online Forms: All registration information must be submitted through FinalForms. This must be done before your student can practice or tryout.
• Physical Exam: A current Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) or Birmingham Schools Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation is required.
  • The physical must be dated on or after April 15, 2025, to be valid for the entire 2025-2026 academic year.
  • The completed form must be uploaded and approved in FinalForms before the student's first day of participation.

Step 2: Pay to Participate Fee

• Payment Window:  The payment window for the Pay to Participate fee does not open until after the first week of the season.
• Deadline:  All rostered athletes are required to pay the appropriate fee by the end of the first month of the season.
• Financial Assistance:  If your family requires financial assistance, please email Athletic Director Allan LaVigne at alavigne@birmingham.k12.mi.us.

• Key Resources
  • Athletic Registration Link: Please visit FinalForms to complete your student's registration and upload their physical. All official athletic communications, including coach updates and team schedules, are sent through this system.
  • Transportation: Please note that the Birmingham Public School District (BPS) does not provide transportation for middle school athletic practices or contests. Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring their student-athlete has transportation to and from all sports-related events.

For more details on any sport, or to find the link to FinalForms, please visit the Berkshire Athletics website: Berkshire Middle School Winter 1
We look forward to a successful Winter I season!
Go Wildcats!

FOOD DRIVE FOR GLEANERS, NOVEMBER 3
Starting next week, Berkshire will be collecting donations for Gleaners to support neighbors in need! Bring items into your C3. We will tally items, and the winning C3 will win a Cider and Donuts party! Donations accepted November 3rd - November 12th.
Suggested donations are: Protein-rich foods (canned chicken, tuna, beans, peanut butter and protein drinks), soups, canned vegetables, canned fruits, oatmeal and healthy cereal, and baby formula.

BERKSHIRE FORENSIC TEAM
Forensic is an exciting academic competition where students showcase their public speaking, acting, and critical thinking skills! It’s like a sports team for kids who love to talk, perform, and tell amazing stories. No experience necessary. Tue & Thur after school starting Nov 6th. There will be a virtual parent meeting on 11/6 at 5:45pm for anyone who wants more information. Sign-up Here: https://forms.gle/cJujvzUoZYowqM6a7
You can also email Mrs. Gohl if you have any questions: agohl@birmingham.k12.mi.us
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nZ69DnPztJBD4Uw_ytsq4k3VVOzNg0hd/view?usp=sharing

GROVES PERFORMING ARTS COMPANY PRESENTS - SISTER ACT, November 14, 15
The Groves Performing Arts Company proudly presents Sister Act, A Divine Musical Comedy that promises an evening of laughter, uplifting music, and show-stopping performances. Tickets are $12 for students and $15 for adults.  Show dates:
November 14, 15:  7:30 PM

AUDITIONS FOR BERKSHIRE MUSICAL “NEWSIES JR.”, NOVEMBER 10 & 11
Auditions for the Berkshire musical "Newsies Jr." will take place on November 10 and 11 from 3:15 - 5:00 in room 124. Students should stop by the choir room to sign up for ONE of those days. Students should be prepared to sing 30 seconds of a Broadway song, learn a short dance and read from the script. Rehearsals will take place after school from 3:15 - 5:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays starting November 17. Performances will be January 29-31.

GIRLS IN STEM
A big thank-you to Backyard Birds for sponsoring Emerge – Extended Reality!
 Over 50 students benefited from this amazing high-tech experience, including participants from Girls in STEM at Derby, Berkshire, and BCS, as well as students from Engage and eSports at Derby.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1T3uSfg8PMUKStRG7?g_st=ipc      https://backyardbirdsbloomfield.com/
Girls in STEM at Seaholm for an Engineering Experience in November
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dZGdgkTzx7g7m6ITGAh2COy2hhpGFgUsKavyFOv2ryA/edit?usp=sharing

LUNCH TIME ACADEMIC SUPPORT:  TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS
Berkshire Counselors are working together to offer academic support for all students, including organizational skills, study skills, time management and more. Tuesdays during lunch and rec and Thursdays during C3 in Room 106. Please help remind your students! 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gzVpnTgme1UFHAW5LJh0AoWnFbBvLPgT/view?usp=sharing

BEF ANNOUNCEMENT
Please show your support of BPS students and teachers by donating to the BEF Annual Fund Campaign.  A donation of any amount will help provide exceptional education experiences that are BOLDLY POWERED BY POSSIBILITY!  Simply scan the QR code or click on the link to donate TODAY!
https://www.supportbef.org/make-a-gift.html
For more information or to volunteer with the BEF, please contact:
Kathy Zanolli, Executive Director
BEF@birmingham.k12.mi.us | (248)203-3030