School will be closed on Friday, October 13. Official District communication.
WCCUSD SCHOOLS CLOSED TODAY THURSDAY OCTOBER 12TH
Here’s the link to read the email from Matthew Duffy WCCUSD Superintendent.
GIVING CAMPAIGN
We only have 14 days left to meet our goal. Please donate to enable our school to offer the best possible programs for our students. We offer our sincerest thanks to those families who have already contributed.
Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted, and donations of $100 or more will receive a Korematsu car magnet. Please give now to help us reach our goal! Also, please consider copying this message into an email to friends and family members. Or, share our flyer with others. Every donation helps!
KOREMMATSU SCHOOL’S 2017 GARAGE SALE
Your gently used items can make a difference for our kids!!!!! How?
Korematsu School’s 2017 Garage Sale
This Saturday Oct. 14, 9am – 3pm
(EC citywide garage sale)
How can you help?
Donate your gently used, sellable goods to our school! Ask your family and neighbors too!
When and Where?
Bring your donations to the Parents Room, just inside the orange gates, at Korematsu on: October 13 Friday, 5pm – 9pm
Volunteers needed for Friday Oct. 13, 5-9pm & Saturday during the sale, contact: Cindy Spade 415 596 1851 email verunicafashion@gmail.com
ANNOUNCING COOKIE DOUGH SALES JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
This is a tradition at Korematsu and an amazing way to earn funds to support our enrichment programs!
This cookie dough is one of the best out there AND it lasts 1 year in the freezer! Just in time for the holidays!
Your student SHOULD be bringing a packet home for you to order. IF it did not make it home, Orders CAN NOT be placed online and MUST be returned TO THE OFFICE with ALL MONEY ENCLOSED (checks made payable to KOREMATSU PTSA) NO LATER THAN THURSDAY OCTBER 26th.
ALL ITEMS WILL BE READY FOR FAMILIES TO PICK UP NOVEMBER 9TH AFTERSCHOOL IN THE PTA ROOM!!
For any questions OR to help volunteer for this event please contact Negar Souza thesouzafamily@comcast.net
Thank you AND happy selling!
P.S. Please see you earn free cookie dough if you sell 10 items or more!
TEACHER LUNCHEON!
THEME: CROCK POT MEALS!
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20th!!!
SIGN UP!
The last teacher luncheon was a hit! Let’s do it again! This month it will be on October 20th. It’s time for a crock pot extravaganza. If no crock pot, no problem! Your favorite stew or salad will be appreciated as well. As always, vegan and vegetarian options are also appreciated. Any questions email: Astrid Broberg liissaUSA@aol.com
Please sign up by clicking on the link below:
Oct. 20th Teacher Luncheon
Saturday October 21, 2017 SUPPORT ECHS BANDS!
The El Cerrito High School Band Program will present a 12-hour music marathon aimed to raise $10,000 for new instruments, equipment, and support various musical activities that include band festivals, clinics, and travel opportunities. Here’s the link to make a donation. All are welcome to JAZZ CONCERT IN THE QUAD at 12pm and CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT at 6pm. You can get more information HERE
El Cerrito Arts Day — Celebrating the City’s History Through Music!
This year’s Arts Day celebration will honor El Cerrito’s many musical heritages. The event is at the EC Community Center, 2:00-5:00pm, on Saturday, October 21. Free! All ages are welcome.
The event’s program will include songs, dances, and stories of Ohlone Indians, Spanish colonists and Mexican ranchers, the Issei generation of Japanese Americans, and the thousands of war industry workers who came here during World War II.
For more information, go to: http://www.el-cerrito.org/751/Arts-Day
THE HISPANIC AND CHICANO COMMITTEE 2ND MOVIE NIGHT
Korematsu Staff, Students and Families:
The Hispanic and Chicano Committee will be hosting our
2nd Movie Night on Thursday, November 2, 2017 @ 6:15pm in the Multipurpose Room.
We will watch
The Book Of Life.
We will have traditional Latin American snacks & drinks Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and pillows. Pajamas are acceptable!
NO SCHOOL ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 9 (STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY).
SEE YOU TUESDAY!
PTSA ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN
The Korematsu PTSA Annual Giving Campaign is in full swing! Between now and October 31, 2017, please donate to enable our school to offer the best possible programs for our students. We only have 20 days to go so please make your contribution now!
Flyers with more details are going home with your student today, so please look for them. Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted. Please give now to help us reach our goal! . Also, please consider copying this message into an email to friends and family members. Or, share our flyer with others. Every donation helps!
FRIGHT WRITE STORY AND ART CONTEST
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 10
Unleash your creative spirit! All students are invited to participate in “Fright Write,” an annual story, art, and comic strip contest sponsored by the PTSA. Submissions must be given to the office or English teacher by Tuesday, October 10 (new deadline).
KOREMATSU BENEFIT YARD SALE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 9-4 PM
DROP OFF FRIDAY OCTOBER 6th, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11 6 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Your gently used items can make a difference for our kids!!!!! How?
Korematsu School’s 2017 Garage Sale
Oct. 14, 9am – 3pm (EC citywide garage sale)
How can you help?
Donate your gently used, sellable goods to our school! Ask your family and neighbors too!
When and Where?
Bring your donations to the Parents Room, just inside the orange gates, at Korematsu during these scheduled donation sessions:
*October 6, Friday, 6pm – 8pm
*October 11 Wednesday, 6pm – 8 pm
*October 13 Friday, 5pm – 9pm
Volunteers needed for Friday Oct. 13, 5-9pm & Saturday during the sale, contact:
Cindy Spade 415 596 1851 email verunicafashion@gmail.com
TEACHER LUNCHEON!
THEME: CROCK POT MEALS!
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20th!!!
SIGN UP!
The last teacher luncheon was a hit! Let’s do it again! This month it will be on October 20th. It’s time for a crock pot extravaganza. If no crock pot, no problem! Your favorite stew or salad will be appreciated as well. As always, vegan and vegetarian options are also appreciated. Any questions email: Astrid Broberg liissaUSA@aol.com
Please sign up by clicking on the link below:
Oct. 20th Teacher Luncheon
DONATE MS. PULLEY
El Cerrito Arts Day
Celebrating the City’s History Through Music!
This year’s Arts Day celebration will honor El Cerrito’s many musical heritages. The event is at the EC Community Center, 2:00-5:00pm, on Saturday, October 21. Free! All ages are welcome.
The event’s program will include songs, dances, and stories of Ohlone Indians, Spanish colonists and Mexican ranchers, the Issei generation of Japanese Americans, and the thousands of war industry workers who came here during World War II.
For more information, go to: http://www.el-cerrito.org/751/Arts-Day
MOVIE NIGHT
Korematsu Staff, Students and Families:
The Hispanic and Chicano Committee will be hosting our
2nd Movie Night on Thursday, November 2, 2017 @ 6:15pm in the Multipurpose Room.
We will watch
The Book Of Life.
We will have traditional Latin American snacks & drinks Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and pillows. Pajamas are acceptable!
ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN
Please make your contribution today! The PTSA needs your support to run all of its programs this year. Many thanks to the 60 Korematsu families who have already donated! Please join them with your donation in any amount. If you donate $100 or more, you will receive a Korematsu car magnet! Click here to donate now! See our flyer for more details.
ANNUAL STORY AND ART CONTEST OPEN TO KOREMATSU STUDENTS
All Korematsu students are invited to participate in “Fright Write,” an annual story, art, and comic strip contest sponsored by the PTSA. Submissions must be given to the office or English teacher by Thursday, October 5th.
- Every participant will be entered into a raffle for a Basket of Halloween Goodies
- The writers of stories that have been selected for publication will each receive a copy of “Fright Write.”
Rules & Guidelines:
- Each student may submit ONE original entry on a Halloween-related theme in EACH of the following categories.
- Story/Poetry Category— Length: One-page MAX.Format: Typed on 8-1/2” x 11” paper, no smaller than 10 pt. font size.
- Comics Category— Length: One-page MAX. Format: Must be on 8-1/2” x 11” paper, with original hand-drawn artwork in BLACK INK. NO pencils or computer-generated graphics.
- Art Category — Materials/Media: Must be on 8-1/2” x 11” paper, with original hand-drawn artwork in BLACK INK. NO pencils or computer-generated graphics. Format: a) Front cover: artwork must fill up a page of 8-1/2” x 11” and include the title “Fright Write 2017-18.” b) Back cover : artwork must fill up a page of 8-1/2” x 11”.
KOREMATSU BENEFIT YARD SALE
SATURDAY OCTOBER 14 , 9 am- 4 pm
NEXT DROP OFF DATE FOR DONATIONS IS
TOMORROW, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29th!
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
We need donations of gently-used household items, toys, sports gear, small furniture, ETC. PLEASE BE DISCERNING. PLEASE ONLY GIVE US THINGS YOU YOURSELF WOULD BUY.
Please drop off items at our Parent’s Room in Building A, right across the main office.
The next drop-off time is Friday Sept 29th donation drop off 6-9 pm. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!!
FREE Volunteer Fingerprinting Parties For Parents Saturdays!
The fingerprinting parties are designed for parents and community members who want to volunteer in WCCUSD. This is a drop-in day, no appointment needed. The online application must be completed BEFORE the date of the event. Please use the link below to complete the online application.
http://www.beamentor.org/now
12th Annual Parents as Partners & Leaders Conference
Families are cordially invited to the 12th Annual Parents as Partners and Leaders Conference, Saturday, October 21st, 2017! This conference draws hundreds of parents every year and provides parents with information through interactive and engaging workshops that will help them support their child’s academic career. Paper registrations for the conference will be sent out this week via interoffice mail. Please help us distribute the flyers as soon as you get them.
Paper Registration Flyer (Bilingual)
Marín Trujillo
Community Engagement Coordinator
West Contra Costa USD
1108 Bissell Ave
Richmond, CA 94801
510-307-4526-office
510-970-7963-fax
WCCUSD Highlights
Join the WCCUSD Mailing List
Click on link to see a video about Parent University
Teachers’ Wish Lists
Our Librarian, Ms. Bogie
Check out my Wish List. Wish Lists are great for keeping track of things you’d like to have and for helping your family and friends buy gifts you really want. Thanks for taking a look.
English teacher, Mr. Vedder
GIVING CAMPAIGN
Please help us support our students! Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted, and donations of $100 or more will receive a Korematsu car magnet. Thank you to everyone who has already donated! Please donate now! To learn more see our flyer.
ART AND WRITING CONTEST: OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS
All Korematsu students are invited to participate in“Fright Write,” an annual story, art, and comic strip contest sponsored by the PTSA. The contest starts this week and ends on Thursday, October 5th 2017. Flyer and rubric here
Rules & Guidelines:
Each student may submit ONE original entry on a Halloween-related theme in EACH of the following categories.
Story/Poetry Category— Length: One-page MAX.Format: Typed on 8-1/2” x 11” paper, no smaller than 10 pt. font size.
Comics Category— Length: One-page MAX. Format: Must be on 8-1/2” x 11” paper, with original hand-drawn artwork in BLACK INK. NO pencils or computer-generated graphics.
Art Category — Materials/Media: Must be on 8-1/2” x 11” paper, with original hand-drawn artwork in BLACK INK. NO pencils or computer-generated graphics. Format:
a) Front cover: artwork must fill up a page of 8-1/2” x 11” and include the title “Fright Write 2015-16.” b) Back cover : artwork must fill up a page of 8-1/2” x 11”.
OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS: KOREMATSU LIBRARY
Here is the library schedule:
- M: 8:20-3:45
- Tues: 8:10-3:30 (mostly RATS, limited space after school)
- W: 8:10-3
- Th: 8:10-3:45
- F: 8:10-3
Students are welcome to come any day of the week during class with a pass from teacher and during lunch. All students must have their ID to come to the library. They will need to scan their IDs so that the library can record library usage and keep track of room capacity at lunch. Students may check up to 4 books, and loan period is 3 weeks with renewals available. Library catalog is at WCCUSD.follettdestiny.com, then choose “Korematsu.”
For Banned Books Week (Sep. 24-30, 2017), the ACLU of Northern California is organizing a series of free events reflecting on the life and work of Fred Korematsu and the importance of speaking out against forces that would seek to silence and censor you. There will be a :
BOOK READING & DISCUSSION
Friday, Sep. 29 at 6:30 p.m.
Laurel Book Store
1423 Broadway
Oakland, CA
This event is free of charge, but please RSVP via laurelbookstore.com. For more information, email ACLU.AlamedaCounty@gmail.com To learn more click here
Speakers Series Richard Rothstein
Monday, September 25, 7:00 pm
El Cerrito High School Auditorium
540 Ashbury Ave
West Contra Costa Unified School District and the El Cerrito Family of Schools presents Richard Rothstein, author of The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America.
Join us for a great discussion with Richard Rothstein, author and Research Associate at the Economic Policy Institute. Rothstein will offer insights into how residential segregation in America—the incessant kind that continues to dog our major cities and has contributed to so much ongoing social strife—is the intended result of racially explicit government policies at the local, state, and federal levels.
This event is free to all.
LUPINE HILLS SATURDAY!
WCCUSD welcomes and encourages your volunteer work at school sites! But, get screened first!
Two steps to the process: First, follow the link and instructions for the BeAMentor process.
https://www.wccusd.net/domain/93
Next, come out to any site for free fingerprinting!
Saturday Sept 23 Lupine Hills
Saturday Sept 30 DeJean
FLIER HERE!
KOREMATSU YARD SALE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 9 AM – 4 PM
We need donations of gently-used household items, toys, sports gear and equipment, small furniture, etc. Many volunteers are needed to sort out items on Friday, Oct. 13, 5-9 PM & on Saturday during the sale itself.
TODAY, THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 14, IS A MINIMUM DAY.
School is out at 1:25 PM.
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 6:30-8 PM
Note from Principal Burnham:
Dear Parents and Guardians,
You are cordially invited to “Back-to-School Night,” an orientation for parents. You will follow an abbreviated daily schedule, meet your child’s teachers, become familiar with the scope and sequence of standards-based curricula, and see classrooms and displays. Students should not come to this event.
It is essential that you bring your child’s schedule with you so that you know where to go. Please take a few minutes to write the schedule on the paper below (LETTER ATTACHED). Your visit in each class will be ten minutes in length and there will be a few minutes in between each period (passing period).
Physical education classes will convene in the gymnasium or dance studio. During your student’s lunch period, please take the opportunity to walk around the campus or visit the Korematsu Library in Room B220. Come see the library space, find out what we have to offer and meet Ms. Bogie.
We are looking forward to a spectacular evening. See you there!
Matt Burnham, Principal
ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN 2017
California K-12 public schools are still underfunded. At our school, your contribution will help pay for much-needed extras such as a math tutor for enrichment, remedial, and after school homework help, classroom grants for our teachers, library books, paper, assemblies, and more. Please give to our Annual Giving Campaign 2017! For 50 days, from now to October 31, our goal is to raise $50,000. Every little bit counts. 55 cents a day would amount to almost $100 over the course of our school year. If every family donates $100 or more, we would surpass our fundraising goal. Please contribute what you can! For more details, see our flyer, and donate now!
THE CENTENNIAL “BIG BASH WEEKEND” IS THIS WEEKEND!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 – FAMILY NIGHT AT CERRITO VISTA PARK
Bring a picnic dinner and your own blanket or low-back chairs and enjoy a free screening of Pixar’s TOY STORY followed by the 1917 Charlie Chaplin film, THE IMMIGRANT. Movie starts at dusk at Cerrito Vista Park (950 Pomona Ave). Snacks will be available for purchase.Co-sponsored by Soroptimist International of El Cerrito
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 – EL CERRITO SHOWCASE PARADE
Watch one of El Cerrito’s largest parades featuring outstanding citizens, businesses, clubs, organizations, schools, city representatives, pioneer families and more! Great viewing opportunities along Richmond Avenue or in Cerrito Vista Park.
Parade starts at the Safeway/PetFood Express parking lot at 10am, travels along Hill Street > Elm Street > Richmond Street > Moeser Lane and into Cerrito Vista Park.
After the parade, stay and enjoy free entertainment from noon to 3pm including live music, bounce houses and chalk art for the kids, free sandwiches and cupcakes for the first 1,000 people, as well as food for sale by:
- Plaza Girabaldi – offering nachos, tacos, burritos, quesadillas
- Fillmore West Vineyards – serving Pinot and Pinot Rose
- Kiane’s Shaved Ice – with a rainbow of topping choices!
We are looking for students and families who want to walk with the Korematsu community in the El Cerrito Centennial Parade on Saturday. We will meet Saturday morning about 9:40 am in the Safeway parking lot with the other parade participants. We hope to have a loud and cheerful group as we walk in the parade from 10 am – 12:30 pm on Saturday. Come out and support our school and the City of El Cerrito!
Thanks,
Matt Burnham, Principal
Fred T. Korematsu Middle School
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 – EL CERRITO’S YOUTH DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
Middle school students (grades 6–8) are invited to an all-school mixer at the Community Center for games and dancing from 6 to 9 pm. Free admission, but pre-registration is required. Register to Attend Now!
KOREMATSU SITE COUNCIL
If you would like to serve on Korematsu’s School Site Council click on the link below for more information.
Korematsu 2017 SSC Declaration To Run Form.pdf
OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS: KOREMATSU LIBRARY
Students are welcome to come any day of the week during class with a pass from teacher; during lunch, after checking in with the security guard; and after school until 2:55 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (may be closed on some days without advance notice).
All students must have their ID to come to the library. They will need to scan their IDs so that the library can record library usage and keep track of room capacity at lunch. Students may check up to 4 books, and loan period is 3 weeks with renewals available. Library catalog is at WCCUSD.follettdestiny.com, then choose “Korematsu.”
LIBRARY RATS RETURNS SEPTEMBER 19!
Ms. Bogie’s LibraryRATS Club is coming back! Library RATS starts Tuesday, September 19, from 2:30 to 3:30 PM. In that hour, club members will play games and work on book projects, as well as technology and engineering-related projects (e.g. building circuits). The club is open to ALL students. Interested students must register with Ms. Bogie at the library.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SCHOOLS: BECOME A WRITERCOACH CONNECTION VOLUNTEER
WriterCoach Connection brings teams of trained volunteers to help students one-on-one with their classroom writing assignments. Coaching is a low time commitment (only once or twice a month for 1-2 hours) but very fun and rewarding. Watch a two-minute video intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxewKjDID60
We provide all the training you’ll need to be a terrific coach! Register for a free training at http://www.writercoachconnection.org.
SEND SHIVERS DOWN SPINE: “FRIGHT WRITE” ART AND WRITING CONTEST STARTS SOON
“Fright Write,” an annual story and art contest open to ALL Korematsu students will start next week and end on Thursday, October 5. Details will be sent out soon.
We need volunteers to review the submissions. Please sign up to serve as judge for the contest! You can do this work at home on your own time. Your only requirement is a healthy interest in reading. Email korematsuptsa@gmail.com, if you are interested.
CALLING FOR FRIGHT EXPERTS!!!
Is Halloween your favorite holiday? Consider becoming the Fright Fest facilitator! It involves coordinating Halloween-related activities such as mummy-wrapping contest and pumpkin weight guessing. Please email korematsuptsa@gmail.com if you are interested.
SAVE THE DATE: KOREMATSU YARD SALE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 9 AM – 4 PM
We need donations of gently-used household items, toys, sports gear and equipment, small furniture, etc. Many volunteers are needed to sort out items on Friday, Oct. 13, 5-9 PM & on Saturday during the sale itself.
Speakers Series – Richard Rothstein
Monday, September 25,
7:00 pm
El Cerrito High School Auditorium
540 Ashbury Ave
West Contra Costa Unified School District and the El Cerrito Family of Schools presents Richard Rothstein, author of The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America.
Join us for a great discussion with Richard Rothstein, author and Research Associate at the Economic Policy Institute. Rothstein will offer insights into how residential segregation in America—the incessant kind that continues to dog our major cities and has contributed to so much ongoing social strife—is the intended result of racially explicit government policies at the local, state, and federal levels.
This event is free to all.
COLLINS ELEMENTARY SATURDAY!
WCCUSD welcomes and encourages your volunteer work at school sites! But, get screened first!
Two steps to the process: First, follow the link and instructions for the BeAMentor process.
https://www.wccusd.net/domain/93
Next, come out to any site for free fingerprinting!
- Saturday Sept 16 Collins
- Saturday Sept 23 Lupine
- Saturday Sept 30 DeJean
THANK OUR TEACHERS: LUNCH TOMORROW FRIDAY SEPT. 8th IS ON US!
Let’s thank our teachers and staff for all the hard work they’ve put in to get school ready for our kids. Teacher Luncheons take place on the second Friday in most months in the Teacher’s Lounge (Room A220). Families participate by contributing dishes to the luncheon.
The first Teacher Luncheon, themed “Back-to-School! Easy-peasy, favorite go-to dishes,”is on Friday, September 8th. Bring your salads or stews. If it is pizza or sandwiches, bring it on! While there’s a theme, it’s always flexible, and you should contribute dishes that suit your schedule and budget.
We need 5 more Main Dishes.
To contribute dishes, please sign up here
Please email our Teacher Luncheon Coordinator Astrid Broberg at: liissaUSA@aol.com if you have any questions.
JOIN US FOR SCREENAGERS
We are thrilled to present SCREENAGERS: Growing Up in the Digital Age
Presented By Fred T. Korematsu Middle School PTSA, El Cerrito
When: Monday, Sept. 11, 7-8:15 p.m. followed by a discussion with special guest, Lisa Tabb, co-executive producer of the film.
Where: Korematsu Middle School multipurpose room, 7125 Donal Ave., El Cerrito
Tickets: $10 adults/$5 students and those with financial need
Purchase here: Presented By Fred T. Korematsu Middle School PTSA, El Cerrito
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 6:30 to 8 PM
Note from Principal Burnham:
Dear Parents and Guardians,
You are cordially invited to “Back-to-School Night,” an orientation for parents. You will follow an abbreviated daily schedule, meet your child’s teachers, become familiar with the scope and sequence of standards-based curricula, and see fabulous classrooms and displays. Students should not come to this event.
It is essential that you bring your child’s schedule with you so that you know where to go. Your visit to each class will be ten minutes in length and there will be a few minutes in between each period (passing period) to get to the next class. Physical education classes will convene in the gym.
You are also invited to visit the Korematsu Library. Come see the library space, find out what we have to offer, and meet Ms. Bogie.
We are looking forward to a spectacular evening. See you there!
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: LIBRARY RATS (READING AND TECHNOLOGY STARS)
Ms. Bogie’s LibraryRATS Club is coming back! Starts Tuesday, September 19, from 2:30 to 3:30 PM. In that hour, club members will play games and work on book projects, as well as technology and engineering-related projects (e.g. building circuits). The club is open to ALL students. Interested students must register with Ms. Bogie at the library.
The library will also have after-school hours, starting Monday, Sept. 11.
Here are the “closing times”
- Monday: 3:45
- Tuesday: Library Reading &Tech Stars (RATS) only, 2:30-3:30
- Wednesday (and any minimum day, such as Back to School Night on 9/14): 3 pm
- Thursday: 3:45
- Friday: 3:00
DONATE TO DIRECT APPEAL
California K-12 public schools are still underfunded. When compared to other states, California ranks about 42 in per pupil spending.
At Korematsu, your support helps us pay for much-needed extras such as a math tutor, math pull-outs for enrichment and remedial, classroom grants for teachers, books, assemblies, field trips and more.
Direct donations, AmazonSmile, and eScrip are just three of the many ways you can help raise money for our programs. For a full list of how to help, go to this link
WISH LIST!
Please consider buying something on English teacher Mr. Vedder’s Amazon Wish List for his classroom. It would be a great help towards getting his classes off on the right foot with both materials and book selections.
El CERRITO IS TURNING 100!
JOIN US IN CELEBRATION!
The “Big Bash” Celebration Weekend is mid September with many events and activities for families.
Centennial Celebration Weekend
- Thursday, September 14 – Centennial Celebration at the Rialto Cinemas, Cerrito Theater
- Friday, September 15 – Pixar’s “Toy Story” – Cinema in the Park (Cerrito Vista)
- Saturday, September 16 – El Cerrito Showcase Parade
- Saturday, September 16 – Youth Dance the Night Away (grades 6-8)
- Sunday, September 17 – Centennial Gala Dinner
El Cerrito’s Youth Dance the Night Away
Middle School Dance
El Cerrito Community Center
7007 Moeser Lane
El Cerrito, CA
Saturday, September 16, 2017 – 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Middle school students (grades 6–8) are invited to an all-school mixer at the Community Center for games and dancing from 6 to 9 pm.
DJ Kevin is dropping the beats!
Free admission. Pizza, Drinks and Snacks.
Opportunity Prize to one lucky attendant!
PRE-FILLED SUPER SOAKERS WANTED!
Sunday, September 10, Noon-2:00 p.m.
FREE EVENT
The El Cerrito Police and Fire Department will host its first annual “Super Soaker Water Battle” event.
The purpose of this event is to bring the community together while trying to stay cool in this summer heat. This will be a fun and safe environment for kids and families to play water games while interacting with local public safety employees.
The event will be held next Sunday, September 10th, from 12 -2pm @ Arlington Park in El Cerrito. We will have snow cones, hot dogs and a dunk booth!
The event is free, but please pre-register! Contact: Sarah Perez
WCCUSD FINGERPRINTING EVENTS
WCCUSD FREE Fingerprinting Dates Announced!
WCCUSD welcomes and encourages your volunteer work at school sites! But, get screened first!
Two steps to the process: First, follow the link and instructions for the BeAMentor process.
https://www.wccusd.net/domain/93
Next, come out to any site for free fingerprinting!
- Saturday, Sept 9 Harding
- Saturday Sept 16 Collings
- Saturday Sept 23 Lupine
- Saturday Sept 30 DeJean
SUPERINTENDENT DUFFY’S
NO SCHOOL MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2016
School is closed for LABOR DAY. Classes resume Tuesday, September 5, at 8:05 a.m.
PICTURE DAY IS FRIDAY!!!
Picture Day is Friday, Sept. 1, during PE classes. Students will check in at their PE class and then be led by their PE teacher to the A building lobby where the pictures will be taken.
IMPORTANT SCHOOL OFFICE REMINDERS
> Reminder to students: walk on the right side of the hall; throw trash in the trash cans; eating outside the MPR is not allowed.
> Reminder to parents: please drop off your students by the first bell. Students more than 5 minutes late must report to the main office and will receive detention.
> Schedule changes – We are still balancing classes and students may have their schedules changed.
> ID’s – If students have not obtained an ID yet they can stop by the office at lunch time to get one. The school will start to enforce the ID rule soon so students must make sure they have one.
FIRST PTSA and KOREMATSU MUSIC PARENTS MEETING OF THE YEAR!
TUESDAY, September 5, 2017
Korematsu Music Parents Association
Meets 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Band Room
PTSA
Meets 7:00
Multipurpose Room
INTERESTED IN THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AND DIRECTIONS AT KOREMATSU?
Everyone is invited to come out and hear the “State of the School” address by Principal Matthew Burnham. You can review the agenda here!.
If you are a band parent, the KOREMATSU MUSIC PARENTS ASSOCIATION (BAND PARENTS) MEETING will be held from 6 PM to 7 PM in the Band Room on the same evening.
These meetings as OPEN TO ALL. You do not need to be a member to come, but you’ll need to be a member to vote!. Check us out! See what we do!
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: LIBRARY RATS (READING AND TECHNOLOGY STARS)
Ms. Bogie’s LibraryRATS Club is coming back! Starts Tuesday, September 19, from 2:30 to 3:30 PM. In that hour, club members will play games and work on book projects, as well as technology and engineering-related projects (e.g. building circuits). The club is open to ALL students. Interested students must register with Ms. Bogie at the library.
The library will also have after-school hours, starting Monday, Sept. 11.
Here are the “closing times”
Monday: 3:45
Tuesday: Library Reading &Tech Stars (RATS) only, 2:30-3:30
Wednesday (and any minimum day, such as Back to School Night on 9/14): 3 pm
Thursday: 3:45
Friday: 3:00
FREE ON-CAMPUS AFTER SCHOOL MATH TUTORING IS HAPPENING NOW
The sessions for all grades will take place on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, in Room A201. Hours: Mon 2:30-3:30 Tues 2:30-3:30 Thurs 2:30-3:30. Wednesday and other minimum days 1:30-2:30. Come with math questions and math tutor Brad will help your student figure them out! Students are expected to abide by regular classroom behavior expectations or will be asked to leave. Sponsored and funded by the Korematsu PTSA.
THANK OUR TEACHERS: LUNCH ON FRIDAY SEPT. 8th IS ON US!
Let’s thank our teachers and staff for all the hard work they’ve put in to get school ready for our kids. Teacher Luncheons take place on the second Friday in most months in the Teacher’s Lounge (Room A220). Families participate by contributing dishes to the luncheon.
The first Teacher Luncheon, themed “Back-to-School! Easy-peasy, favorite go-to dishes,” is on Friday, September 8th. Bring your salads or stews. If it is pizza or sandwiches, bring it on! .. While there’s a theme, it’s always loose, and you should contribute dishes that suit your schedule and budget.
To contribute dishes, please sign up here
We also need helping hands to set up, re-stock, and break down. Scroll down the sign up sheet to sign up to volunteer on the day of the luncheon. Please email our Teacher Luncheon Coordinator Astrid Broberg at: liissaUSA@aol.com if you have any questions.
LOVE TO SING??
Want to be part of a fun & supportive community with other students who also love to sing? Up for the challenge of learning to sing in two and three-part harmony? Are you excited about performance opportunities?
If this sounds like you, come join Korematsu’s inaugural choir with Ms. Wu, a professionally trained music & voice teacher.
$150 Fall 2017 Session
15 Wednesday classes starting Sept. 6th
1:35-2:35pm in the band room
** Scholarships available, please ask! **
Questions? Reach out to parent coordinators Georgina & Mary at korematsusings@gmail.com
KOREMATSU PTSA GIVING CAMPAIGN
California K-12 public schools are still underfunded. When compared to other states, California ranks about 42 in per pupil spending. At Korematsu, your support helps us pay for much-needed extras such as a math tutor, math pull-outs for enrichment and remedial, classroom grants for teachers, books, assemblies, field trips and more.
Direct donations, AmazonSmile, and eScrip are just three of the many ways you can help raise money for our programs. For a full list of how to help, go to this link: https://korematsumiddleschool.org/fundraising-and-donations/
Mr. Vedder’s Amazon Wish List
Please consider buying something on English teacher Mr. Vedder’s Amazon Wish List (http://a.co/9yTCCns) for his classroom. It would be a great help towards getting his classes off on the right foot with both materials and book selections.
El Cerrito’s celebrating turning 100th!
The “Big Bash” Celebration Weekend is mid September with many events and activities for families.
Centennial Celebration Weekend
http://www.el-cerrito.org/2017events
- Thursday, September 14 – Centennial Celebration at the Rialto Cinemas, Cerrito Theater
- Friday, September 15 – Pixar’s “Toy Story” – Cinema in the Park (Cerrito Vista)
- Saturday, September 16 – El Cerrito Showcase Parade &
- Saturday, September 16 – Youth Dance the Night Away (grades 6-8)
- Sunday, September 17 – Centennial Gala Dinner
EL CERRITO’S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION!
Save the Date!
El Cerrito’s Youth Dance the Night Away
Middle School Dance
El Cerrito Community Center
7007 Moeser Lane
El Cerrito, CA
Saturday, September 16, 2017
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Middle school students (grades 6–8) are invited to an all-school mixer at the Community Center for games and dancing from 6 to 9 pm.
DJ Kevin is dropping the beats!
Free admission. Pizza, Drinks and Snacks.
Opportunity Prize to one lucky attendant!
PARENT CHECKLIST
Now that we are in the second week of school, let’s be sure that you have not missed any important information.
SIGN IN! BADGES!
Becoming actively involved in your child’s education can influence the direction and quality of learning for all students. Any time you are on campus, please come to the main office and sign in prior to starting your assignment.
If you plan to spend regular time in the classroom or assist in an activity on a routine basis, you are required to sign in go through the fingerprinting process. Usually, the WCCUSD hosts free fingerprinting sessions. While we are checking on the timing of those and will post them when more information is available. If you are in a rush to get started, visit www.Beamentor.org/now
HAVE YOU JOINED THE PTSA?
Sign up over our website. Go to www.KorematsuMiddleSchool.org. Click on the yellow Donate button, which will take you to our PayPal link. In the “Comments” field, enter “PTSA Membership” and we will do the rest! For more information, go to https://korematsumiddleschool.org/join/
HAVE YOU SUBSCRIBED TO THE GOOGLE CALENDAR?
How to subscribe:
1. Go to our Google Calendar. Click on this link. http://korematsumiddleschool.org/calendar/
2. *Click on the “+GoogleCalendar” button in the lower right hand corner.
3. Follow the Google prompts and the Korematsu events will now populate your calendar!
HAVE YOU SUBSCRIBED TO THE E TREE?
The e tree is the main way news and information is distributed on campus. You will receive mail every Thursday when school is in session, and occasionally, reminders. To subscribe, email korematsuptsa@gmail.com
HAVE YOU LIKED THE KOREMATSU FACEBOOK PAGE? TWITTER?
Join the online conversation on issues affecting our children’s lives! Post. Like. Share. Comment.Tag. Korematsu on Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PortolaMiddleSchool . Twitter: @GoKorematsu
SCREENAGERS
Sponsored by the Korematsu PTSA; screenagers.com
When: Monday, Sept. 11th, 7-8:15pm, followed by discussion with co-executive producer, Lisa Tabb
Where: Korematsu Middle School Multipurpose room
Tickets: $10; $5 for students and those with financial need
For more information or to purchase tickets: https://impactflow.com/event/presented-by-fred-t-korematsu-middle-school-ptsa-4687
Questions? Email jentreuting@yahoo.com
BACK TO SCHOOL PIZZA PICNIC!
TONIGHT!
WHAT’S FOR DINNER?….PIZZA!
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25th 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Korematsu Amphitheater (outside the Multipurpose Room)
Meet new families and reconnect with old, eat pizza, and learn more about school life at Korematsu. $5 per person (pizza, salad, drinks & dessert).
There are still a few more spots available where you can volunteer your time. Please sign up by clicking on this link
IT’S STILL NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN THE PTSA MEMBERSHIP OR MAKE DIRECT DONATIONS!
Sign up over our website. Go to KorematsuMiddleSchool.org. Click on the yellow “Donate” button, which will take you to our PayPal link. In the “Comments” field, enter “PTSA Membership” and we will do the rest!
FIRST PTSA and KOREMATSU MUSIC PARENTS MEETING OF THE YEAR!
TUESDAY, September 5, 2017
Korematsu Music Parents Association
Meets 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Band Room
PTSA
Meets 7:00
Multipurpose Room
INTERESTED IN THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AND DIRECTIONS AT KOREMATSU?
Everyone is invited to come out and hear the “State of the School” address by Principal Matthew Burnham. You can review the agenda here!.
If you are a band parent, the KOREMATSU MUSIC PARENTS ASSOCIATION (BAND PARENTS) MEETING will be held from 6 PM to 7 PM in the Band Room on the same evening.
These meetings as OPEN TO ALL. You do not need to be a member to come, but you’ll need to be a member to vote!. Check us out! See what we do!
ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN 2017
California K-12 public schools are still woefully underfunded. California ranks about #42 in per pupil spending.
At our school, your contribution helps to pay for much-needed extras such as:
A math tutor for enrichment, remedial, and after school homework help. This tutor is available to parents and guardians too!
Classroom grants for our teachers ( Read here….Not uncommon for teachers to pay for their own supplies! )
Library books, paper, assemblies, and more.
Please give to our Annual Giving Campaign 2017! For 50 days, from now to October 31, our goal is to raise $50,000. Every little bit counts. 55 cents a day would amount to almost $100 over the course of our school year. If every family donates $100 or more, we would surpass our fundraising goal. Please contribute what you can! For more details, See our Flyer and donate now!
FIRST DAY!
School begins Monday, August 21st
First Bell rings at 8:10 a.m. It is a Minimum Day. School ends at 1:25 p.m.
SCHEDULES & ID’s
Schedules given out at orientation were draft schedules. There could be changes. There will be lists posted around the school and also adults standing around campus holdings lists, directing students to their first period class. Once they are in their first period class, they will get a copy of their official schedule. If a student was unable to come and get their ID picture taken prior to the first day of school, they need to go to class and we will make an announcement letting them know when they can come to get their ID. This will NOT be done on the first day.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
- School ID on lanyard.
- Class schedule and map of campus.
- Sharpened pencils and erasers (mistakes OK!!).
- Lunch or meal card or cash to purchase.
- Binder with paper inside.
- Backpack to hold it all!
- Some returning students report they used a composition book for each class. You may need a 5-tab binder with pockets to hold handouts. Teachers will tell students what is required for class. If you buy ahead, save the receipt in case a teacher changes it up.
- You do not change for P.E. on the first day.
DROP OFFS AND PICK UPS
Drop off and pick up students at the marked, designated areas on Norvell and Lawrence. Drive around the school in a clockwise direction. For student safety, and to improve traffic flow, drop students on the school side of the street. Please do not drop off students directly in front of the school on Donal Avenue. In the mornings and afternoons, Donal Avenue is used by AC Transit and other buses, therefore, it must be kept clear so that the buses can make their stops.
PARKING
There is no parking on the school side of Donal Avenue. The school side of Donal Avenue must be kept clear for AC Transit and other bus use. Please park legally on Lawrence, Gladys or Norvell Streets.
Please respect our neighborhood and our neighbors. Please do not park in front of and block driveways …. even for a minute … and always follow traffic rules and regulations.