The Phoenix, April 13, 2017

SBAC TESTING STARTS ON APRIL 18

Students will sit for the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) tests over eight days starting Monday, April 18. Students will generally test in first period classes, from 8:30-11 AM.

Before Spring Break, students received a brochure that contains their test scores from the past two years. The school has asked students to set goals and share those with their parents.

Doing well on the SBAC tests is important. It will help teachers know how much a student has learned. If the scores indicate “Exceeded” or “Met Standard” then the student will know that he or she has mastered that subject area according to California’s standards. High enough scores can assure the student’s placement in appropriate courses that him or her you on track for future academic success and college acceptance.

A Message From Principal Matthew Burnham:

Beginning in April, all students at Korematsu Middle School will take the SBAC tests. You are probably familiar with these tests since you have been taking them for several years. This is the test you have been taking on computers or tablets.

What you might not know is why the tests are important. The SBAC measures how well students are learning compared to students in other schools in California.

Your SBAC scores are a reflection of yourself and your community. The scores of Korematsu students will be compared with other schools in the district.

The SBAC tests are the perfect opportunity to show off what you know.

The SBAC scores of all students at Korematsu are a big factor in determining our school’s overall performance. Every student counts and every correct answer counts. If every Phoenix gives 100% during SBAC testing, our group efforts will lead to success!

Matthew Burnham, Principal

What Can Students Do?

Everyone’s efforts count. As a student, you can do a number of things to help reach your goal.

Take a look at some of these ideas:
1. Make sure to get enough sleep before testing. Getting a good night’s sleep and being well-rested before testing can make a big difference in helping you give your best effort.

2. Eat a healthy, nutritious breakfast on the days you test. This will give you energy and help you think clearly.

3. Talk to your parents about the tests you will be taking. Share your personal testing goals and let them know how important your scores are for helping you succeed.

4. Make sure you study hard and ask your teachers if you have questions about what is likely to be on the test.

 

DESPERATELY SEEKING SPRING-INSPIRED DISHES: FRIDAY, APRIL 14

Let’s crowd the buffet table with favorite Easter or spring time dishes this Friday! Anything simple and delicious is welcome!! PLEASE CONTRIBUTE. Sign up here.

 

KOREMATSU AT THE 52ND WCCUSD ART SHOW RECEPTION: THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 5-7 PM

RICHMOND ART CENTER, 2540 BARRETT AVE, RICHMOND

There will be a reception celebrating the art show on Thursday, April 13. It is free and open to the public. Please come out with your friends and family to support students Emiko T., Sara H., Tristan M., Morgan L., Cecelia M., Honesty R., and Valerie W. who are exhibiting their art work.

JOIN US!

We are still actively recruiting! To look at all the other positions that we have to fill, please click here.

We hold elections in May, so please get in touch with our Nominating Committee Head Eowyn Mader as soon as you can. Her email is eowyn.mader@gmail.com .

 

HOLD THE DATE: EIGHTH GRADE PROMOTION CEREMONY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 6 PM, KMS

Promotion Ceremony happens because of 8th Grade Parent Volunteers

Please help if you can: Volunteers are meeting TUESDAY, APRIL 18TH, 6:00pm, KMS, MPR

Join us, with Mr. Burnham, at our ONLY Organizing Meeting

*7th Grade Parents, it is tradition to have 7th grade parents work the event so that 8th grade parents can enjoy the moment (and so you can learn how it all works for the following year). We could use a few more hands on promotion day to set up, take tickets and hand out flyers.

Click HERE to see what jobs are open. Please sign up for what you can.

Questions?

Call/text or email 8th grade parent, Kerry Radcliffe

kradcliffe@mac.com

415-225-2432

 

THIRD ANNUAL SPEECH AND DEBATE SHOWCASE
THURSDAY, APRIL 13, ECHS PERFORMING ARTS THEATER, 7 PM

Please join the El Cerrito Speech & Debate Team for an evening extravaganza! Debate will be demonstrating their talents, while Speech will provide laughter, heartache, and unbridled energy as team members perform their award-winning monologues and dialogues, concentrating classic and contemporary literature and plays to just a few minutes each. This will be our 3rdAnnual Speech Showcase, and the only public performance of these pieces!

For further information, please contact showcase@leonardoslab.net. Please find flyer attached.​
Speech&DebateShowcase2017_Flyer_d.pdf

 

FREE TICKETS TO “THE LOST YEARS” THIS WEEKEND

MESSAGE FROM CONTRA COSTA CIVIC THEATER:

Giving you some love to share, to come and to invite friends to enjoy THE LOST YEARS, our new show. You (and/or your friends, too) can have two complimentary tickets for this weekend.

In 1599, near Lancashire, England, the Thomas household is abuzz with elaborate wedding preparations for their only daughter, Isabelle. When a guest of the groom’s family becomes ill at the festivities and the renowned actor Richard Burbage shows up to provide the celebration’s entertainment, things quickly and hilariously spin out of control.

Let us know by Thursday 4/13 to reserve tickets (2 seats – adult and/or youth for either Fri. 4/14, 8pm or Sat. 4/15, 8pm or Sun. 4/16, 2pm).

FYI…We’re again partnering with Bay Area Rescue Mission collecting pantry items to help our community.

To reserve, contact Holly Winter, Patron Services Manager at ccct@ccct.org or 510-524-9012

More about the show:
http://ccct.org/the_lost_years/

WARRIORS GIRLS SKILLS CLINIC: REGISTRATION AVAILABLE

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Girls Skills Clinic @ Walnut Creek Intermediate School – May 6
Clinic to feature Olympic Gold Medalists – Ruthie Bolton & Jennifer Azzi
Warriors Basketball Camp, powered by Under Armour, will be offering a special one day Girls Skills Clinic at Walnut Creek Intermediate School on Saturday, May 6. The four hour clinic is for girls, ages 7-15, of all skill levels and abilities. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the game, improve their skills and hear from two WNBA Legends and Olympic Gold Medalists – Ruthie Bolton and Jennifer Azzi.
Warriors Basketball Camp – Girls Skills Clinic*
May 6, 2017
12:00 – 4:00 PM
Walnut Creek Intermediate School, Walnut Creek
Our special guests will lead demonstrations, assist with drills and share their knowledge & experiences with the young female athletes in attendance. Participants will also have the opportunity to take photos and receive an autograph from both Ruthie and Jennifer!
*In addition to instruction on the court, each participant will receive two (2) tickets to a 2017-18 Golden State Warriors preseason game.
To ensure that each camper receives ample individual attention from a knowledgeable and dedicated camp staff, a limited number of spots will be open for this session, so SIGN UP NOW. Sign up by April 12 and receive the early registration discount ($15 off the session). Multiple session and sibling discounts are also available. To see a list of all available sessions, click here.

 

4TH ANNUAL BEST PRACTICES CONFERENCE: APRIL 25

The West Contra Costa Unified School District will host the 4th annual Best Practices Conference on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 from 6 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at Dejean Middle School. Parents, teachers, administrators and community members will discuss issues affecting classrooms, and share best practices. Click here to see the flyer for more information.