West Maple, Birmingham Schools Staff Share Harry Berkowitz's Impact

The staff at West Maple Elementary School had a difficult day as students returned Wednesday following the devastating news of beloved teacher Harry Berkowitz's death. Yet the building and district staff, the students and school family are helping each other through it, Birmingham Public Schools spokeswoman Marcia Wilkinson said.

"(They) have pulled together to support one another during this very sad time," she said late Wednesday afternoon.

The district had grief counselors and additional support staff at the building and will continue to do so this week.

Berkowitz, 72, was shot multiple times by his roommate Thomas Ian Matthews  in the Franklin home they shared on Charles Lane Tuesday, police confirmed. Matthews, 33, later ended his own life during a standoff with police in a Royal Oak home that afternoon. Autopsies were scheduled Wednesday and the Franklin-Bingham Farms Police Department continues to investigate what happened.

Berkowitz worked in the Birmingham Public Schools for nearly 47 years, and most recently was a specialist for students at West Maple Elementary School.

Wilkinson said that many staff members and former students continued to share fond memories of Berkowitz, and that she expected that to continue. Funeral arrangements are still pending.

Birmingham Public Schools Public Schools administrators and an officer with the Bloomfield Township Police Department were parked outside the school Wednesday morning, in an effort to ensure the students got in the building without distraction.

"The staff and families have joined together to support the children and make sure they feel safe and nurtured," Wilkinson said. "The West Maple shines as a loving and caring community."