Berkley Ranks Among America's Most Challenging High Schools

The school came in at No. 9 in Michigan on The Washington Post's 2013 list.

The Washington Post recently ranked Berkley High School at No. 9 in Michigan on its 2013 America's Most Challenging High Schools list. The school's state ranking was up from No. 21 in 2012 and No. 13 in 2011. Nationally, Berkley High School ranked at No. 954, up from 1,448 in 2012 and 1,072 in 2011. "America's Most Challenging High Schools ranks schools through an index formula that's a simple ratio: the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Advanced International Certificate of Education tests given at a school each year, divided by the number of seniors who graduated that year," The Washington Post says. The ranking included the following statistics about Berkley High School. "We're pleased to be ranked among the …

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All-City Band Packs the House at Berkley High School

If you missed the show, find out when the Berkley School District's middle and high school bands will perform this spring.

Berkley High School Class of 1963 Reunion Committee Seeks Addresses

The event's organizers want to hear from former classmates who'd like to be updated on the 50th reunion that will be held Aug. 25 in Royal Oak.

The Berkley High School Class of 1963 Reunion Committee is seeking the addresses of former classmates. The committee is collecting e-mail or street addresses of those who'd like to be updated on the 50th reunion that will be held Aug. 25 in Royal Oak. Your e-mail address may be sent to bhsclassof1963@gmail.com; those who don't have e-mail can send their street address here: BHS Reunion c/o 1424 Ashover Dr. Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304-1215 The committee will send detailed reunion information when your address has been received.

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Berkley High School's Angela Church Wins Oakland County Teacher of the Year Award

The 37-year-old Berkley resident was among 18 nominees for the Oakland Schools recognition.

Berkley High School educator Angela Church received the 2013 Oakland County Outstanding High School Teacher of the Year Award during a surprise visit to her classroom Tuesday. A crowd of students, administrators and Oakland Schools representatives burst in the door of Church's ninth grade United States history class with a colorful bunch of balloons and a check for $2,000 to inform her of the honor. "This is very cool. Thank you all for coming," said Church, smiling ear-to-ear. "This is the most famous I've ever felt." The 37-year-old Berkley resident was among 18 nominees for the Oakland Schools recognition, which is given each year to a teacher who excels in the following areas. "Mrs. Church is a fantastic teacher, cares an incredible …

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'David and Lisa' Takes the Stage This Weekend at Berkley High School

“Our purpose for doing such an important play is to raise awareness about mental health issues and acceptance of those who suffer from these issues," BHS Drama Coordinator John Hopkins says.

Save the Date: Berkley High School Bands to Perform Free Concert

The Concert, Symphony and Jazz bands will play May 8.

What Do Coney Dogs, Vegemite Have in Common?

Both were among the new things students from Ringwood Secondary College in Australia and Berkley High School tried during a recent exchange program visit, writes BHS ninth-grader Delaney Molander, whose family hosted an Australian student.

'Competition Breeds Success,' Berkley High School's New Varsity Football Coach Says

BHS special education teacher Chris Sikora – who said he will stress academic achievement, as well as a competitive spirit, among his players – has set his sights on the state playoffs.

Berkley High School's new varsity football head coach Chris Sikora has big plans for the team, both on and off the field. The BHS special education teacher – who recently took over after former head coach Jeff Burnside left to take the head coaching position at Novi High School – said he will stress academic achievement, as well as a competitive spirit. "Competition breeds success," Sikora said. "I don't just want competitors on the field; I want them in the classroom and in life." The mantra is one Sikora, of Rochester Hills, has applied in his own life. "This school is incredible," Sikora said. "I'm really blessed everything has really worked out for me." The coach said he would like to improve the varsity squad's 5-4 record from last …

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Berkley High School Orchestra Places First at WorldStrides Heritage Inaugural Music Festival

The group also received the "Spirit of Washington, D.C." award for exemplifying the highest ideals in character and performance during the recent competition in the nation's capital.

With a Heavy Heart, Football Coach Jeff Burnside Leaves Berkley

"I hope the kids understand it was not an easy decision," to accept the head coaching job at Novi High School; the move will allow him to spend more time with his family.

Football coach Jeff Burnside is leaving Berkley High School after just two years – sooner than he expected – to take a position at Novi High School that will allow him to spend more time with his family. Burnside has been a teacher in the Novi High School science department for the past 14 years and served there as an assistant football coach for more than 10 years before coming to Berkley to take his first head coaching gig. "So, it just makes sense for me," to take the head coach position in Novi, said Burnside, who lives in South Lyon. "But, it was not an easy choice. It was tough to leave Berkley. Those kids are outstanding." Burnside, who said he expected to be with the Berkley team for at least 5 or 6 years when he was hired, held a …

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