Category: Uncategorized

Dear WCCUSD Community,

I just want to thank you for continuing to work with us through the school closures due to the coronavirus crisis that is gripping the world. Today, six Bay Area counties announced that schools would remain closed through May 1 in order to help reduce the spread and transmission of COVID-19. More on the joint county announcement can be found in this release from Contra Costa County Office of Education.

This news has been expected and we have been working under the assumption that an extended closure would be likely and would need a strategy to support the long-term needs of the students and families we serve. At this time, we plan to implement a more permanent remote learning program by April 13 that will be mandatory for all district students. 

While the details are still being worked out, we do know that it will be led by District teachers and staff and meet the academic needs of students. While we are excited for the expanded distance learning, we still encourage students to remain engaged in the opportunities and resources that have already been provided.

Tentatively, the timeline is as follows:

Week of March 23: Expectations for students, teachers, and administrators will be outlined.

Week of March 30: Teachers and administrators will be trained and preparing for a more robust distance learning curriculum.

Week of April 6: Spring Break. This is a non-instructional week.

Beginning Monday, April 13: Mandatory distance learning begins for all grades at all schools.

By April 13, we also hope to have the answers to many of the lingering questions around subjects like graduation, grades and class credits. This is a new endeavor for us all and I am asking for your continued patience as we embark on this uniquely new challenge of delivering instruction remotely.

Please remember that everyone is expected to adhere to the “Shelter in Place” Orders issued by the Contra Costa County Health Office on March 16 and stay home except for essential activities. In addition, all residents are urged to keep practicing the guidance provided including: 

• Social distancing
• Washing hands often with soap and water
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Staying home if you are feeling sick
• Contacting your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. 
• Engage in regular exercise or physical activity

We will also continue student meal pick up at the 17 locations during the extended closure. Meals can be picked up Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., unless noted, at the 17 locations for children, ages 18 years and younger. 

For all the District Closure news, please check the District’s web page at www.wccusd.net/districtclosure. Lastly, if you are not receiving updates for the District, make sure we have your correct contact information by completing this Google Form.

Thank you for continuing to work with us through this crisis.

In Partnership,

Matthew Duffy
Superintendent

Dear WCCUSD Families,

As students remain at home and schools remain closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak affecting our community and the globe, we know many people have a number of unanswered questions. I want you to know that District staff is hard at working coming up with definite answers and we will have them soon.

Graduation, AP testing, credits, learning and grades are just a few of the issues we have been grappling with over the last two weeks. We are also working on expanding our distance learning program to provide all students an empowering, engaging and challenging curriculum. This is taking some time because it is important that we get it right. Districts across the state are undergoing similar work, so we are not alone.

In WCCUSD, we are working with our teachers and staff to create a system that makes sense and works for all students, including those who may need extra support as we transition to a remote learning model. We also want to align with the guidance from the California Department of Education and other districts as much as possible. Once we finalize these plans, we will share them with you and explain them thoroughly so there are no surprises. We should have more information for you in the next few days.

As we work out the details, please be sure that you are accessing the resources that have already been made available. We encourage students and families to access the distance learning materials already made available by your child’s teachers and on the District website (www.wccusd.net/districtclosure). 

Additionally, we also want to make sure students are well nourished during the closure. Last week, we served more than 43,000 meals to children in this community. Yesterday, more than 12,000 meals were served, putting us on a pace to distribute more than 70,000 meals this week. In order to serve more children, the District has expanded its food service program to eight additional locations. Breakfast and lunch can now be picked up Monday through Friday at these locations:

• Ephesians COGIC
  • 2887 Foothill Ave., Richmond, CA 94804
  • Noon – 2 p.m.
• GRIP Family Housing
  • 165 22nd St.,  Richmond, CA 94801
  • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Independent Holiness Church
  • 605 S. 16th St., Richmond, CA 94804
  • Noon – 2 p.m.
• McGlothen Temple COGIC
  • 1443 Fred Jackson Way, Richmond CA 94801
  • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Pilgrim Rest MBC
  • 831 S. 43rd St., Richmond, CA 94804
  • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Sion Miracle Temple COGIC
  • 1320 Sanford Avenue, San Pablo, CA 94806
  • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Richmond Roadrunners
  • 492 A Street, Richmond, Calif 94804
  • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Zion Hill MBC
  • 5150 Bayview Ave., Richmond, CA 94804
  • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Meals will continue to be served Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at De Anza, Kennedy, Richmond and Pinole Valley high schools, DeJean and Helms middle schools, Montalvin K-8 and Nystrom and Riverside elementary schools. Remember, the meals are available to any child 18 and under, regardless of socio-economic status or the school they attend. You can pick up the meals at any of the 17 locations.

Additional food resources can be found at www.wccusd.net/districtclosure. If you know of someone in need of additional help during the crisis, please have them call 211.

As always, we want to ensure that families are receiving the most up-to-date information from the District. District information and resources can be found online at www.wccusd.net/districtclosure. If there are any District families who are not receiving messages from the District, please share this link so they can make sure we have their updated information. 

Thank you for continuing to work with us through this crisis.

In Partnership,

Matthew Duffy
Superintendent

Dear WCCUSD Families,

Thank you for a successful distance learning distribution today. We were able to get more materials and technology into the hands of our students and that’s a good thing. We know that there are additional needs such as musical instruments, textbooks, and other supplemental instructional resources and we will work to provide additional opportunities to access our schools and get those resources distributed. If you still have needs or questions, please contact us at (510) 243-3901 or at parent@wccusd.net.

First, there hasn’t been any new information from federal, state, or local agencies today to change our current position around the closure caused by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak affecting our community. But we want to continue encouraging WCCUSD students to engage with the distance learning opportunities that have been made available. As there is more discussion about extended school closures, we believe that it is imperative that students remain connected to learning. More information and additional supports will be made available in the upcoming days and weeks.

Second, while there isn’t any new information to share, we do want to remind all of our families about the 2020 Census. Households should have received an invitation to complete the 2020 Census  Once the invitation arrives, you should respond for your household in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail. The Census determines the amount of federal funding distributed to states for programs that impact schools, students and families. For more information on the 2020 Census, please visit Be Counted, California!

Finally, we want to ensure that families are receiving the most up-to-date information from the District. District information and resources can be found online at www.wccusd.net/districtclosure. If there are any District families who are not receiving messages from the District, please share this link so they can make sure we have their updated information. 

As always, thank you for your continued patience and support.

In Partnership

Matthew Duffy
Superintendent

Dear WCCUSD Families,

The situation with the coronavirus has continued to evolve and I am sure your concerns have continued to grow.  Thank you all for your continued patience and support as we manage this outbreak. 

Today, the Contra Costa County Health Officer issued a “shelter in place” order (https://cchealth.org/coronavirus/pdf/HO-COVID19-SIP-0316-2020.pdf) for residents through April 7. Similar orders were issued in six other Bay Area counties. The order starts Tuesday  March 17, 2020, at 12:01 a.m. and advises people to leave their homes only for essential activities, including shopping for food and household supplies and to seek medical care or to care for relatives or pets.

Meal distribution at the nine WCCUSD schools is considered an essential service and will continue from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday at the following schools: De Anza, Kennedy, Pinole Valley, and Richmond high schools; DeJean and Helms middle schools; and Montalvin, Nystrom and Riverside elementary schools.

We want to encourage students to continue learning by engaging in the activities (paper or online) that were prepared by their teachers as much as possible. The assignments are not mandatory, but we believe it is essential that students remain connected to instruction to prevent learning loss during the closures. We have compiled a number of learning resources and schedules on our website for all grade levels. We had hoped to reopen schools briefly this week for families to obtain technology if they had not previously done so, but due to the new order from the county health officer, we will be unable to do so.

We are also moving Spring Break back to the Week of April 6 and adding an additional school closure week for the week of March 30. School is now scheduled to resume on Monday, April 13. We will keep you informed of any changes. 

You can stay up to date on the District’s website www.wccusd.net and more specifically www.wccusd.net/districtclosure. 

Please continue to follow the county’s shelter in place order and follow the social distancing guidelines if you must go out. Stay safe and take care of yourself and your family. We are in this together.

In community,

Matthew Duffy
Superintendent

WE’LL SEE EVERYONE STARTING TOMORROW

7125 Donal Ave

El Cerrito

MPR:  Tuesday and Wednesday

GYM:  Thursday

August 7, 8, 9, 2018

DON’T FORGET IMMUNIZATION RECORDS!

If you can’t make the registration dates, don’t worry.  

Come in during the week of August 13th and we will take care of you!

PACKETS ARE IN THE MAIL!

Packets containing registration materials are in the mail.

Here is a link to what is included in the packet.

If you need to print something, print in black and white because these pages are ink-intensive!

Link to Registration Documents

Got a question?  We’ve got an answer!  

Check out our Frequently-asked Question Sheet!

FAQ Sheet

PLEASE RESPECT THE NEIGHBORHOOD 

WHEN VISITING THE CAMPUS!

Parking

To alleviate some neighborhood congestion, please consider parking a few blocks from the school and walk to the campus. 

Except for one or two lonely short-term parking spots, there is no parking on the school side of Donal Avenue. Please park legally on Lawrence, Gladys or Norvell Streets.

Please respect our neighborhood and our neighbors.  Please refrain from blocking any driveways …. even for a minute … and always follow traffic rules and regulations.

HELP WANTED FOR WALK-THROUGH REGISTRATION!

A few helping hands are needed and appreciated for walk-through registration.

Whatever time you can afford is appreciated!

Please sign up in the link!

Volunteers for Walk-through Registration

Contact:  tiffany.jamison@wccusd.net

SAVE THE DATE!

PTSA-SPONSORED

ICE CREAM SOCIAL!

JOIN OUR PTSA!

We are a PTSA….a Parent Teacher STUDENT Association.

That’s right!

Students can join our unit and have an active voice

and vote in determining the direction and actions of our Association.

By becoming a member, you show support for your community middle school, provide funds to the PTSA to pay for valuable programs on campus, and make your voice heard by attending and voting at PTSA meetings.  A large and active PTSA membership generally indicates a high level of parent and community involvement in the school.  We have a GREAT unit!  Last year, we were #1 in membership out of the  30+ schools that make up the Bayside Council of PTAs, and it has grown over 200% over the last five years!

SIGN UP ONLINE!    

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!

MORE HERE! 

VOLUNTEERS WANTED (AND APPRECIATED)!

We’ve got lots of ways for you to be involved in our school.

Read on, and if anything interests you, please contact us at korematsuptsa@gmail.com and we’ll tell you all about it!

Here are a few featured spots…..

Teacher Treat Day Coordinator

This is THE MOST LOVED teacher and staff activity at the school.   

Coordinate the once-monthly teacher and staff luncheon.

The position involves publishing and maintaining a spreadsheet of food donations and volunteers.

It is helpful if you can be there (second Friday of most months), but this is not required.

Donations are plentiful and volunteers always help out.  

We just need someone (or two) to head it up.

FUNDRAISING CHAIR

Head up the PTSA’s fundraising efforts.

Coordinate our Annual Giving campaign,

restaurant nights and assemble our Celebrate Korematsu team.

Have you worked on an auction for one of our elementary schools?

You are perfect!

Other projects can be added as well.

REFLECTIONS CHAIR

Reflections is PTA’s visual and performing arts contest.

The Reflections chair assembles a team to promote the Reflections contest,

communicates rules and due dates, and works to coordinate the arts showcase.

This is a great opportunity to work with students and encourage and showcase their artistic creativity!

INTERESTED IN ANY OF THESE THREE?

Contact us!   korematsuptsa@gmail.com

Does your student use the public library?

Would they like to start?

Librarians from the Contra Costa County public library system will be at the Korematsu library at lunch on Monday to share information about the public library and the summer reading program.

If students don’t have library cards yet, they should get an application from the library or their English teacher before Monday, and then they can get a card on Monday.

Ask Ms. Bogie if you have any questions.

Jazz+Art+Dance Under the Stars

Monday June 4th, 2018 Amphitheater outside MPR

6 p.m. Art Show opens
6:30 p.m. Dance performance followed by Girls’ Jazz Workshop, Jazz Band & Jazz Ensemble

8TH GRADE PROMOTION CEREMONY

ATTENTION 8TH GRADE STUDENTS AND PARENTS. CONGRATULATIONS 8TH GRADE STUDENTS (and Parents)!

The year is almost over and the Promotion Ceremony is coming up.

Crucial information is contained below; please call (510) 231-1449 if you have questions.

Eighth Grade Picnic
Tuesday June 5th, 2018
12:30 – 2:25 PM

Promotion Rehearsal
Tuesday June 5th, 2018
Period 7 and 1

Promotion Ceremony
Wednesday June 6th, 2018
6:00 PM Sharp

ATTIRE
Dressy attire (e.g. suitable for church/synagogue/mosque) is recommended; however, tuxedos, long gowns, and other formal attire are inappropriate.

Clothing with spaghetti straps or that exposes bare shoulders and/or torsos will NOT be acceptable.

We caution against shoes with tall heels since students will be going up and down stairs.

PRACTICE / TICKETS / LOCATION
Student practice will take place June 5th during periods 7 and 1.

Students will receive two tickets only due to the size of the class.

There will be space for more audience members but we cannot guarantee seating.

There will be standing room. The ceremony will be outside on our upper-yard area.

Parents will be able to sit on the short concrete walls/steps, at the picnic tables and in all the available chairs we can provide, and we are requesting and encouraging parents to bring camp/portable chairs.

The setting is stunning and should provide our students with a great outdoor promotion experience, but you may want to dress warm.

ARRIVAL / STUDENTS
Parents: Drop off students at Korematsu. Students must arrive at 5:30 PM and report to the gym.

This is very important.

Students who are not in their area when they begin lining up will not be allowed to participate in the processional.

Students must be lined up by 5:45PM.

Students should take all personal belongings with them or give them to their parent/guest to hold before reporting to the line-up area.

ARRIVAL / PARENTS
After dropping your student off, parents/guests should present their tickets at the Lawrence street gate above the upper-yard.

We will be accepting tickets from 5:15 – 5:55 PM.

Many areas of the school will be cordoned off.

The Lawrence gate entrance is the only place that parents/ guests should be gathered.

NO one may enter the upper-yard through a different door.

There will be NO parents / guests allowed near the “line-up” area while students are lining up.

Parents/guests must present a ticket to gain admission to the ceremony.

PROCESSIONAL
Parents and guests must be seated when the processional starts (6:00 PM Sharp).

NO one will be allowed to enter once the processional starts.

Please remain within the designated seating areas during the processional and for the remainder of the ceremony.

While students are in line or in their seats, PLEASE DO NOT DISTRACT THEM by calling out names or other cheers until all of the certificates have been given out.

We are all looking forward to the Promotional Ceremony.

We need the cooperation of both Parents and Students for the ceremony to run smoothly.

PARKING
Parking is limited at Korematsu and the upper parking lot will be closed accommodate guests.

Please park along the school and next to the park. Please carpool if possible.

Please exercise the utmost care and respect for our neighbors when visiting.
Please use your best parking and driving behavior, observe all rules and regulations, never block a driveway.

Consider parking a few blocks away and walking to campus.

** STUDENTS ON ACTIVE SUSPENSION ON 6/6/18 ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES PER WCCUSD BASIC COMMITMENT- DISCIPLINE POLICY

VOLUNTEER 8TH GRADE PROMOTION CEREMONY

Thank you to all who have already signed up to help at the 8th Grade Promotion Activities. We need a few more volunteers at the Promotion Ceremony. Sign up on the Promotion Ceremony tab. Your help will be greatly appreciated!

CLICK HERE TO HELP!

Dear Korematsu Families,

8th Grade Promotion to High School is fast approaching, and so are our celebration events! Attached is a flyer that explains the remaining activities.

For those who have already signed up to help, thank you! For those who haven’t, there are still a few open slots that need your assistance. In particular, help is still needed tying ribbons to fake diplomas (we need to make 300 or so “fake” certificates this coming weekend), as well as a few volunteers to help pass out certificates after the ceremony. Contact Jenny Han (jentohan@gmail.com) if you have questions regarding either tasks.

Please note there will be a light reception immediately following the Promotion Ceremony. This will be a great opportunity for students to say farewell and take memorable pictures in a decorated photo area.

Please contact either Rula Craner at rula_craner@yahoo.com OR Negar Souza at thesouzafamily@comcast.net with any questions.

CLICK HERE TO HELP!

Thank you,
Rula & Negar

NO SCHOOL MEMORIAL DAY

We’ll see everyone Tuesday, May 29th

ARE YOU HEADED TO EL CERRITO HIGH? COME CHECK US OUT!!

El Cerrito High School’s Leadership Class invites you to…

El Cerrito High School’s SPRING FEST

Thursday, May 24, 2018
3:40 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
El Cerrito High School Quad
540 Ashbury Avenue El Cerrito, CA 94530

Let’s celebrate SPRING!

Join us at this free community-centered event!

Entertainment and Performances by our school’s classes and clubs!

Light food and beverage will be sold. Tickets will be available day of on the Quad.

This is the perfect opportunity to find out what’s happening at your local high school.

We’ll see you there!

Sponsored By ECHS Leadership
Questions? Please contact us at: gaucholeadership@gmail.com, or by phone at (510)-231-1437 ext. 26520 or Pat Jimenez at 510-381-1092

ONE MORE CHANCE TONIGHT TO COME TO THE FIRST ANNUAL KOREMATSU DANCE PERFORMANCE!

Who: Level Two dance students
When: Wednesday 5/23 & Thursday 5/24
Time: 7:00 pm show (doors open at 6:30)
Where: Korematsu MPR
Tickets: Suggested $4.00 donation at the door

Jazz & Art Under the Stars

Monday June 4th 2018
7:00 p.m.
Korematsu Amphitheater

The Korematsu Girls’ Jazz Workshop, Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble will play at 7pm on Monday, June 4 in the amphitheater outside the MPR. Korematsu Art Program students will showcase their work as well.

8th Grade Promotion Activities : June 5th & 6th 2018

Dear Korematsu Families,

8th Grade Promotion to High School is fast approaching, and so are our celebration events!

Promotion Rehearsal
Tuesday June 5, 2018 10 a.m.

8th Grade Picnic at Castro Park
Tuesday June 5, 2018 12:30 – 2:30 p.m

Promotion Ceremony Amphitheater outside Korematsu MPR
Wednesday June 6, 2018 6:00 p.m.

For those who have already signed up to help, thank you!
For those who haven’t, we still need you!
We have included a link to a google doc that you can sign up.

Please note there are 3 tabs on the sign up sheet.

You can contact either Rula Craner at rula_craner@yahoo.com OR Negar Souza at thesouzafamily@comcast.net for more info, clarification or questions.

CLICK HERE TO HELP!

Thank you,
Rula and Negar

All Year- End events are on our calendar

Click below to view them, or subscribe!

TUESDAY, OCT. 31, IS MINIMUM DAY

Happy Halloween! Students may wear Halloween costumes to school, but strictly no masks or weapons. Please note that this is a minimum day for K-8 in our district.

TEACHER LUNCHEON

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO CONTRIBUTED TO AND HELPED PUT TOGETHER THE TEACHER LUNCHEON. THE TEACHERS APPRECIATE IT VERY MUCH!

PTSA ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN

You have 5 days left to make your contribution to the PTSA Annual Giving Campaign. Let’s come together to support our Korematsu students’ education! Please click that button or write that check today to help pay for the many programs that support all our students. Thank you to the over 120 families who have already donated! For more information, please see our flyer. Every donation is gratefully appreciated, so donate now!

Help Raise $1000 for Korematsu at Golden Gate Fields Racetrack November 12

Korematsu’s PTSA and Band Programs have a great fundraising opportunity from Golden Gate Fields. We provide volunteers for hot dog, beer and mimosa sales at the horse races and we get $1000 and tips in exchange. The PTSA and Band will jointly recruit volunteers and will split the proceeds 50/50.

Our date is Sun, November 12th and we need to fill 20 volunteer slots. If you can work one/both shifts that day
(10 am -1 pm or 1 pm – 4 pm), just click here to sign up:
KMS Golden Gate Fields Fundraiser Nov 12

Golden Gate Fields Fundraiser — Sun., Nov 12
Sheet1 Golden Gate Fields Fundraiser to benefit Korematsu PTSA& Band Sunday, Nov 12, 2017 No experience nece…

It’s really a lot of fun and an easy way to make some money to support programs at Korematsu!

PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARDS OPPORTUNITY AWAITS! APPLY!

Prudential Financial and the National Association of Secondary School Principals seeks students in grades 5-12 to apply for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Two students from California will be selected as the Top Youth Volunteers of 2018 and received $1,000, a medallion, and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. Prudential will award two students that have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. Applications and more details are available here, and the Tuesday, October 31st 2:30 p.m.

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,
PLEASE SEE THE FORMS ATTACHED BELOW!
​
NEW! HRF Brochure.pdf
​​
Korematsu Middle School.pdf
​​
Korematsu Middle School Order Form.pdf
​
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 9THAFTERSCHOOL 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!

MOVIE NIGHT – BOOK OF LIFE

Korematsu Staff, Students and Families:
The Hispanic and Chicano Committee will be hosting our
SECOND 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.

VOLUNTEER FINGERPRINTING

Flyer