The Phoenix, Thursday, May 28, 2020

CLOSING OUT THE YEAR
Dates and Times have been set to pick up and drop off of items

PICK UP Locker Contents  (Gym and Regular Locker)
DROP OFF TextbooksTeacher classroom library books Anything else belonging to classroomsSchool Library BooksInstruments (see below)
IF LEAVING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT Please return your tablet and cords. 

IF NOT LEAVING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT You may keep your tablet for the summer.
EVERYTHING WILL BE PACKED FOR YOU Stay in the carEveryone in the care must wear a mask. We will either hand you your things or place them in the trunk of your car

HOW
Drive around the school in a clockwise direction.Drive down Donal on the school side of the street. Items will only be given out on the school side of the street.

THE DATES AND TIMES
Tuesday, June 2, 20207th GRADERS 
 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
LAST NAMES A-F

12-2:00 p.m. 
LAST NAMES G-M

2:00 – 4:00 p.m. 
LAST NAME N-Z

Wednesday, June 3, 20208th GRADERS
9:00- 11:30 a.m.
LAST NAMES A-D
1:00 – 3 :00 p.m.
LAST NAMES E-L

Thursday, June 4, 20208th Graders
9:00- 11:30 a.m.
LAST NAMES  M-P
1:00 – 3 :00 p.m.
LAST NAMES Q-Z

There will be makeup times announced for Friday, June 5, 2020 or the following week. Please stay tuned. 

BAND RETURN ETC.

June 2, 20207th Graders
7th graders who are not signed up for band for 20-21 or are not going to Korematsu in 20-21 Come to the back gate on Lawrence by the Cafe ramp. Same times are aboveJust pull up and Tiffany will take the instruments/stands/drums/bells, etc.  Please stay in the car with masks, etc.

June 3, 2020
8th Graders
8th Graders who are not signed up for band at ECHS or are not going to ECHS in 20-21, please turn in your instruments/stands/drums/bells.
Please stay in the car with masks, etc.

If you ARE signed up for band at ECHS for 20-21, you can keep instruments for the summer ad there will be return dates set in early August.
If any of this timing does not work, there will be makeup days. Contact Tiffany scrappyslap@hotmail.com

Special note on trumpets:  You can contact Tiffany for instructions on how to clean, valve oil, or you can return next week for cleaning next week and Tiffany will contact you when they are done.  There can also be replacement instruments issued if broken. Please reach out to Tiffany directly. 

El Cerrito High School PTSA Meeting

Election of Officers and Special Guest Principal Crespo will join to give us updates and introduce herself.  Please consider getting involved in the PTSA.
All Welcome.

Agenda:

El Cerrito High School PTSANotice of Special MeetingThursday, June 4, 2020
6:00 PM
VIA ZOOM https://berkeley.zoom.us/j/92584165718


1.  Call to Order
2.  Review Zoom Meeting Protocols
3.  Elections
    President: OPEN
    Executive Vice President: OPEN
    Recording Secretary: Bhrett Lash
    Corresponding Secretary: OPEN
    Treasurer: OPEN   
Financial Secretary: OPEN   
Auditor: Leslie Reckler   
Historian: OPEN
4. Record Bank Signers
5.  Presentation: Principal Crespo, School Updates
6.  Announcements
7.  Appreciations
8.  Adjourn


Nominations for positions will also be taken from the floor. If you are interested, please volunteer!
Voting is restricted to those that are dues paying members, and have been members for 30 days or more.

EL Cerrito High School PTSA Needs You

DID YOU LOVE THE SENIOR YARD SIGNS?THE PTSA MADE THAT HAPPEN

DID YOU ATTEND AND GET BENEFIT FROM LESLIE COHEN’S FREE COLLEGE AND CAREER PRESENTATION?ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO SIMILAR WHEN YOUR CHILD IS READY?THE ECHS PTSA ARRANGED THAT

THESE YOUNG LADIES WENT TO SACRAMENTO AND MET WITH LEGISLATORS.THEIR ADVOCACY HELPED TO CHANGE A LAW ON SCHOOL START TIMESTHE PTSA LIFTED THEIR VOICES

We enrich the school and hold community together in so many ways.  We need your help. There are many positions open, and we especially need a president and a treasurer to continue our work. Some previous experience is helpful, but is not necessary. This need not take up a lot of your time. Training is available. You will be supported, and will find this to be a rich and rewarding experience.Please consider this opportunity to serve.

Contact: elcerritohighptsa@gmail.com

Website: El Cerrito High School PTSA

El Cerrito High School  Incoming 9th Grade Band Families


I would like to invite parents and students to attend ECHS Band Info Night on Wednesday, June 3rd at 6pm via Zoom. The purpose of the meeting is to provide you an overview of the band program at ECHS, discuss plans for next school year, instrument checkout procedures, what you can expect through online learning in the fall, hear from current band students and parents, and ask any questions you may have. To attend, simply click on the following link: https://wccusd.zoom.us/j/82649117013?pwd=TTFOSXdtQW1ZNXk3WTZJblNWWWo1dz09

Also, please consider joining us for our Virtual Recital and Band Awards this Friday, May 29th at 6pm. LIVE performances by members of the ECHS Wind Ensemble and All-Star Alumni. To get more information and register to attend, please visit http://echsbands.com/virtualrecital/
We hope you’ll join us for both events!
Keith

The Phoenix, May 21, 2020

8th GRADE MEETING / TOPIC: HIGH SCHOOL

Gail Simpson is inviting you to a scheduled 8th GRADE Zoom meeting.

Topic: HIGH SCHOOL meeting for 8th grade STUDENTS ONLY (no parents, siblings, etc)
TUESDAY May 26, 2020 12:00

HIGH SCHOOL MEETING FOR PARENTS

TOPIC: HIGH SCHOOL

Please come early. In the event the Zoom meeting runs out of room, more meetings will be scheduled.

Gail Simpson is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Parents’/guardians’ HIGH SCHOOL information meeting
Time: May 27, 2020 11:00 Pacific Time (US and Canada)

EMERGENCY RELIEF FOR KOREMATSU FAMILIES

The COST team has created a Go Fund Me with the goal of supporting families in our community during this difficult time. I wanted to shoot out the link in hopes that many of us could share it on social media and any other way you may deem appropriate.

The link for you to share/donate is available here.

Below I have also included what I wrote on my own social media when sharing the GFM if you would like to see an example.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about this. Thank you for taking the time to support our community!!

“Hey all, my school has created a Go Fund Me to support families that have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Any support you can provide (whether financial or by sharing this post) would be much appreciated!

My experience in the classroom has shown me how important mental health can be to student success. Financial resources for food and other personal necessities are crucial in this. With 43% of Korematsu families classified as low-income we know there is need in our community and we believe that by providing this much needed financial support we will, in turn, be better supporting the social, emotional and academic needs of our community.

If we meet our goal of $5,000, we will be able to provide 10 families with $500 gift cards to purchase food and other personal necessities. Recipients of this support will be determined by the COST (Coordination of Services Team) at Korematsu Middle School, using data collected through a survey that has been distributed to students and families through email and social media.

Thank you so much for your partnership!”

Alison Schmidt

Social Studies Teacher

Fred T. Korematsu Middle School

M.A. in Urban Education Policy and Administration

THE ARLINGTON

During this time of struggle, I’d like to take a moment to thank The Arlington and all that they’ve given to Korematsu and ECHS, and ask you to help show appreciation by supporting them.

The Arlington owners (who are also parents in our ECHS family) have been more than generous to our students and events. Throughout the years, they’ve gone above and beyond – supporting events at cost, and asking very little in return. As the co-chair of the Korematsu auctions, the 2019 Grad Night Committee, the Ultimate Crab Feed, and many others, I can honestly say these events couldn’t have happened without their generosity. We are forever grateful!

Please help show our gratitude by ordering a family dinner with them. I assure you it will be delicious!
https://269thearlington.com/

SCHOOL BUDGET ADVOCACY

(largely adapted from CA State PTA)CA State PTA is urging all members and (non-members) to take action right now to prevent school funding cuts. Use and share the links below. 
CALIFORNIA BUDGET: BAD NEWS FOR SCHOOLS
ADVOCACY NEEDED NOW

Despite efforts by Governor Newsom to minimize cuts to education and children’s services, the revised May California budget proposal leaves schools and other programs facing significant cuts.The largest cut to K-12 funding is a 10 percent reduction to the Local Control Funding Formula ($6.5 billion in 2020-21).Schools throughout the state, already bracing for cuts before the pandemic, now have to cut budgets even further. The financial hurt stretches beyond the coming school year, with even greater economic challenges in the following years.The pandemic has overwhelmed the state’s capacity to adequately support the education, health and welfare of California’s children.

What does that look like her in the WCCUSD? Understand that changes occur daily. So, as of yesterday……

Bracing for cuts before the pandemic:
2020-2021  -$29.8 million Already WCCUSD Board-Approved
2021-2022  -$22.5 million bracing for cuts before the pandemic
2021 -2022  -$18.5 million additional caused by COVID-19 
TOTAL       -$41 million

To put it in terms that we can understand, $1 million dollars = 10 teachers. So, the cuts in 2021-2022 are equivalent to more than 400 teaching jobs.  410 to be exact.

Time for Advocacy
We all must act now to cushion this blow. We need to speak up and advocate for more money: More money from the federal government, more money at the ballot box, and more revenue in the state budget. Even consider local measures.

Contact your state representatives: Let them know what the impact of the proposed budget will be on your school.To find your representatives click here. Let them know in our district $1 million dollars is the salary of 10 teachers.  We cannot afford any more cuts to our district. 
http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/

Advocate for More Federal Funding: Contact your federal representatives and ask them to support an additional $200 billion in federal funds for schools. It is very likely that CA’s representatives already support this legislation. Send a message to your federal representatives  anyway. Then, share this link with friends and relatives that live in other states and urge them to sign. Unless Congress acts – specifically the Senate – schools will experience major budget cuts triggered by the pandemic. 
https://www.votervoice.net/CAPTA/campaigns/74058/respond

Help pass the Schools and Communities First ballot initiative which is on the November ballot: This could raise about $11.5 billion dollars each year for our schools and local communities. In an average year with normal business and industry operations, this might mean $18 million for our school district.  Click here to learn more. 
https://www.schoolsandcommunitiesfirst.org/

TAKE THE CENSUS
Census results affect planning and funding for education—including programs such as Head Start, Pell Grants, school lunches, rural education, adult education, and grants for preschool special education. Your information is secure and won’t be shared. The future counts more than ever!
https://2020census.gov/

Be open to the discussion of a local funding measure.
The WCCUSD may well put a local funding measure on the November ballot. Understandably, it is a difficult topic in this unprecedented time. Be open to this discussion. Please remember….. $10 million dollars = 100 teaching jobs. 

It is going to take all of us to change the tide and weather this storm. Thank you for your support. 

RISING 8th GRADERS…..

Are you passionate about student leadership? 

Want to learn more? 

YES, YOU!!! THINK ABOUT IT!

Announcing the Ed100 Online Summer Academy for California Student Leaders

Student Leaders: Apply by June 6. It’s Free!

California’s student leaders are essential — this year more than ever. So, it’s time for something new: an online conference that prepares California high school student leaders with the knowledge and connections they need to make a difference.


Apply now
 and mark your calendar: July 20-23. We invite California’s high school student leaders to join together at the Ed100 Online Academy for Student Leaders, a new virtual conference for students who in the coming school year will be serving: 

  • on a school site council or ELAC
  • on their school board, 
  • on a PTA board or nonprofit school organization
  • in other student led or student-focused organizations

Students who aren’t yet in these roles but aspire to them may also apply.

Ed100 Student Academy Partners

Spread the Word!

We need your help.

  • Please share this email with high school student leaders in your school community —  especially rising juniors and sophomores. We want to make sure that there is at least one applicant from every single high school!
  • Please share this email beyond your own school community. The price to attend is zero, but we worry that some schools will be left out just because they don’t hear about it. That’s an equity issue.
  • We are not charging students to participate in this event. We are actively seeking donations and sponsors.

We’ve been working with students and organizations around the state to develop a great program. Want to join us to help make it happen? If you have available time and this project speaks to you please email us: student-academy@ed100.org.

The Phoenix, May 14, 2020

KMS NEWS EPISODE 5

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATIONAL MEETING

Ms. Simpson is hosting a ZOOM Meeting !!!

Topic: 8th grade HIGH SCHOOL informational meeting
Time: May 15, 2020 13:00 Pacific Time (US and Canada)

ANYONE INTERESTED SHOULD EMAIL: gsimpson@wccusd.net

CAPTURE HISTORY WITH THE 2020 YEARBOOK

This is one you definitely don’t want to miss. Act now.
Since copies are limited and school schedules continue to change, we ask that you please order your yearbook online.

ORDER YEARBOOK

May 12 Closure Update: End of school procedures coming soon; sobering state budget news

Dear WCCUSD Families,

As the weather continues to improve and the shelter-in-place orders are being relaxed, I hope that you are finding ways to keep yourselves entertained and engaged while staying safe and healthy. The last two months have not been easy and this summer will not be a typical summer. But I hope that we can all have a strong finish to the school year. 

We are hearing from a number of students and staff who want to return to their campuses to clean out lockers, desks and classrooms. We are working on arrangements to facilitate this work. We will have a plan in place next week and will communicate it to you at that time.

I also want to share some information with you about the budget situation. While we have come very close to meeting the budget reduction targets we set for next school year, the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis has significantly affected the fiscal outlook for the nation, the state and this school district.

As you know, we have worked our way through most of our intended budget reductions. We started the year with a goal of reducing $48 million for next year. We amended that goal to $32 million with the plan to push out that other $16 million in reductions for one more year. 

With a lot of hard work, we have been able to reduce our expenditures by $30 million, coming $2 million short of our target for this year. We have always planned to cover that $16 million shortfall through our last bit of extra reserves. Our hope was that new revenue might help us–additional funding from the state, the Schools and Communities First ballot initiative, new money for Special Education, increased enrollment, or improved attendance. 

We have been implementing our plan and doing so collaboratively with our labor partners but we had no idea what was coming: COVID-19. The state anticipates an $18 billion reduction to education funding. The Governor released his May Revision this week and we may have to reduce $26 million or more for the 2020-21 school year. It is also possible that the State may announce additional cuts beyond this amount in the late summer or fall. 

This is sobering news, but I truly believe that we will get through this crisis, as with all the others, together. As I get more clarity around what impact the economy will have on our work, I will make sure we communicate that with you.

Thank you again for your continued patience and support. 

In community,

Matthew Duffy
Superintendent

En Español

DISTANCE LEARNING GUIDES

With the help of parent/family leaders we created these Distance Learning Guides for Preschool; TK, K, 1st; 2nd-6th, and Middle and High school.The guides are available in English and Spanish at
https://www.wccusd.net/dlguides.

The Phoenix, May 9, 2020

ONLINE PTSA MEETING VIA ZOOM

Tuesday, May 12, 20207:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 12, 2020
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
ELECTIONS
CATCH UP WITH MR. BURNHAM
EL CERRITO HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

We’ll have presentations from both Principal Burnham and Principal Crespo. They will join us for general questions and the  2020 enrollment process (as much as we know).
We’re sending links to registrants directly Tuesday afternoon after 5:00 p.m.  Please submit questions by Tuesday, 5:00 p.m. 
To maintain an orderly meeting and be efficient with our time, we are taking questions in advance. We will combine the similar ones together and will submit them to our guests in advance so they are prepared to answer them. 
SIGN UP FOR THE MEETING/SUBMIT A QUESTION HERE

AGENDA HERE

PTSA ELECTED AND VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

COUNSELOR SIMPSON’S ZOOM MEETING SCHEDULES

MS. SIMPSON’S 8th WEEKLY GRADE SUPPORT GROUPS
12:00 noon Pacific Time (US and Canada)
PASSCODES IN ZOOM
May 12, 2020 12:00
May 14, 2020 12:00
May 19, 2020 12:00
May 21, 2020 12:00
May 26, 2020 12:00
May 28, 2020 12:00
Jun 2, 2020 12:00

MS. SIMPSON’S 7th WEEKLY GRADE SUPPORT GROUPS
11:00 a.m. Pacific Time (US and Canada)
May 11, 2020 11:00
May 15, 2020 11:00
May 18, 2020 11:00
May 22, 2020 11:00
May 25, 2020 11:00
May 29, 2020 11:00
Jun 1, 2020 11:00

SURVEY

Dear Korematsu families, during these trying times the staff and teachers at Korematsu wanted to reach out and find ways in which we can support one another within our school community. We recognize that it’s challenging to identify trusted information in a time of crisis. And understand parents are struggling to balance work, child care and self-care while keeping worries — both your children’s and your own — under control. You don’t have to do it alone.

We recognize that families have lost their jobs, and do not have enough money to pay their bills. While the district has been distributing meals, many families continue to struggle to provide food for their loved ones. In this time of major uncertainty, we ask families to provide us with information regarding support and services they may need or support and services they can offer. In an effort to support one another, we want to find ways in which families can support/sponsor those who may be facing an urgent financial crisis. 

Please take a few minutes to fill out this brief survey. The information gathered will help us identify school wide and individual needs. Additionally, all the information will be kept confidential. 

As a community, we must come together and encourage, lift, and strengthen one another. 

Thank you for your time! 

TAKE THE SURVEY IN ENGLISH HERE

Estimadas familias de Korematsu, durante estos tiempos difíciles, el personal y los maestros de Korematsu querían conectar y encontrar formas de apoyarnos unos a otros dentro de nuestra comunidad escolar. Reconocemos que es difícil identificar información confiable en tiempos de crisis. Y comprendemos que los padres están luchando por equilibrar el trabajo, el cuidado de los niños y el cuidado personal mientras mantienen las preocupaciones, tanto las de sus hijos como las suyas, bajo control. No tienen que hacerlo solos.

Reconocemos que familias han perdido sus empleos y no tienen suficiente dinero para pagar sus cuentas. Mientras el distrito ha estado distribuyendo comidas, muchas familias continúan luchando para proporcionar alimentos a sus seres queridos. En este momento de gran incertidumbre, pedimos a las familias que nos brindecn información sobre el apoyo y los servicios que puedan necesitar o el apoyo y los servicios que pueden ofrecer. En un esfuerzo por apoyarnos unos a otros, queremos encontrar formas en que las familias puedan apoyar / patrocinar a quienes se enfrentan en una crisis financiera urgente.

Por favor, tomen unos minutos para completar esta breve encuesta. La información recopilada nos ayudará a identificar las necesidades individuales y de toda la escuela. Además, toda la información se mantendrá confidencial.

Como comunidad, debemos unirnos, levantarnos y fortalecernos unos a otros.

¡Gracias por tu tiempo!

ESPANOL AQUI

A DISCUSSION ABOUT WCCUSD DURING THE SCHOOL CLOSURES

Monday, May 11, 20205:00 p.m.
Via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/96046455980 or by phone 669-900-6833, ID 960 4645 5980

WCCUSD MESSAGE

May 8, 2020
Dear WCCUSD Families,First, I would like to wish all of the mothers a Happy Mothers Day and Día de las Madres. Even though a normal celebration may not be possible due to the stay-at-home orders, I hope that you all find a time to celebrate the mothers in your life. It’s hard to believe, but we are in the eighth week of our school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Time has moved quickly and we are just over a month away from the end of the school year. I want to thank you all for your continued patience and perseverance as we continue navigating the challenges associated with keeping students learning from home.I have spent a lot of time hearing from students and families about how they have been affected by this crisis and trying to understand what we can do to provide the resources they need. Each week, I meet with a small focus group of students to get their impressions and hear their ideas on what we can do better. I also meet weekly with parent leaders and this week, we held a community conversation where more than 500 people joined to ask questions and express their concerns. This feedback is invaluable and has helped me and the senior leaders of this district focus our efforts on areas of concern.Two of the largest areas are around grading and graduations. We have finalized the grading policy for the work being done during the time school buildings are closed and we are close to having a plan to celebrate the Class of 2020.This week, the Board of Education approved a temporary grading policy that will keep students on track for graduation and college. The Board approved a Pass/No Mark grading standard for secondary students and a narrative progress report for elementary students for the last grading cycle of the 2019-2020 academic year. This is consistent with California Department of Educationand University of California grading and admissions policies.Elementary school students will receive clear and meaningful teacher feedback on report cards, using strengths-based narratives in place of marks for the third trimester. Middle  and high schools will adhere to a Pass/No Mark system. Students who complete work at a level equivalent to C- or higher will receive a “Pass” and shall receive credit towards the A-G requirements for the class. Students who complete work at a level that is lower than a C- will receive a “No Mark” but will receive credit toward high school graduation. A “No Mark” will not be eligible for credit towards the A-G requirements.We are also close to finalizing plans for each high school to celebrate their graduating seniors. I know this is an important milestone that needs to be properly acknowledged. It is our hope that we are able to get our law enforcement partners, county health department and county office of education to approve the plans being submitted by the high schools. It is my hope to have more clarity and be able to announce those plans in the next week.In recent days, there has been a lot of discussion about easing some of the stay-at-home restrictions and reopening businesses and recreational opportunities. This is welcome and positive news. However, we urge you to continue to follow all social distancing guidelines and respiratory etiquette when the restrictions are relaxed. While some recreational facilities have been reopened, District facilities, including playgrounds and athletic fields, remain closed. We are working on a plan to reopen them, but we currently do not have the staff available to monitor and maintain our athletic fields and playgrounds.Finally, please remember that there are a number of resources available if you or someone you know needs assistance. You can access many of those resources at www.wccusd.net/districtclosure. If you have questions, please send an email to questions@wccusd.net or call us at (510) 965-4444 or (510) 965-4443 for Spanish.Thank you again for your support and patience.In community,Matthew Duffy
Superintendent
En Español

DISTANCE LEARNING GUIDES

DISTANCE LEARNING GUIDES:
With the help of parent/family leaders we created these Distance Learning Guides for Preschool; TK, K, 1st; 2nd-6th, and Middle and High school.The guides are available in English and Spanish at
 https://www.wccusd.net/dlguides.

The Phoenix, Thursday, April 30, 2020

Dear Korematsu families,

During these trying times the staff and teachers at Korematsu wanted to reach out and find ways in which we can support one another within our school community. We recognize that it’s challenging to identify trusted information in a time of crisis. And understand parents are struggling to balance work, child care and self-care while keeping worries — both your children’s and your own — under control. You don’t have to do it alone.

We recognize that families have lost their jobs, and do not have enough money to pay their bills. While the district has been distributing meals, many families continue to struggle to provide food for their loved ones. In this time of major uncertainty, we ask families to provide us with information regarding support and services they may need or support and services they can offer. In an effort to support one another, we want to find ways in which families can support/sponsor those who may be facing an urgent financial crisis. 

Please take a few minutes to fill out this brief survey. The information gathered will help us identify school wide and individual needs. Additionally, all the information will be kept confidential. 

As a community, we must come together and encourage, lift, and strengthen one another. 

Thank you for your time! 

TAKE THE BRIEF SURVEY HERE!

Estimadas familias de Korematsu,

Durante estos tiempos difíciles, el personal y los maestros de Korematsu querían conectar y encontrar formas de apoyarnos unos a otros dentro de nuestra comunidad escolar. Reconocemos que es difícil identificar información confiable en tiempos de crisis. Y comprendemos que los padres están luchando por equilibrar el trabajo, el cuidado de los niños y el cuidado personal mientras mantienen las preocupaciones, tanto las de sus hijos como las suyas, bajo control. No tienen que hacerlo solos.

Reconocemos que familias han perdido sus empleos y no tienen suficiente dinero para pagar sus cuentas. Mientras el distrito ha estado distribuyendo comidas, muchas familias continúan luchando para proporcionar alimentos a sus seres queridos. En este momento de gran incertidumbre, pedimos a las familias que nos brinden información sobre el apoyo y los servicios que puedan necesitar o el apoyo y los servicios que pueden ofrecer. En un esfuerzo por apoyarnos unos a otros, queremos encontrar formas en que las familias puedan apoyar / patrocinar a quienes se enfrentan en una crisis financiera urgente.

Por favor, tomen unos minutos para completar esta breve encuesta. La información recopilada nos ayudará a identificar las necesidades individuales y de toda la escuela. Además, toda la información se mantendrá confidencial.

Como comunidad, debemos unirnos, levantarnos y fortalecernos unos a otros.

¡Gracias por tu tiempo!

LLENA EL FORMULARIO EN ESTE LINK

7th and 8th Grade – Support Meetings Up and Running!

Counselor Simpson’s Meetings are up and running.  The meetings are Voluntary and are open to all.  Talk, laugh, have fun….what you feel is up to you and no-one else. Zoom links and passwords can be found by students in Google Classroom.

Ms. S’ 7th grade support group
       May 1, 2020 11:00
        May 1, 2020 11:00
        May 4, 2020 11:00
        May 8, 2020 11:00
        May 11, 2020 11:00
        May 15, 2020 11:00
        May 18, 2020 11:00
        May 22, 2020 11:00
        May 25, 2020 11:00
        May 29, 2020 11:00
        Jun 1, 2020 11:00

Ms. S’  8th grade support group
       Apr 28, 2020 12:00
        Apr 30, 2020 12:00
        May 5, 2020 12:00
        May 7, 2020 12:00
        May 12, 2020 12:00
        May 14, 2020 12:00
        May 19, 2020 12:00
        May 21, 2020 12:00
        May 26, 2020 12:00
        May 28, 2020 12:00
        Jun 2, 2020 12:00

Weigh in on Future Academic Calendars 2021 – 2024

The WCCUSD, along with labor partners, is working to incorporate “Reserve Days” into school academic calendars. These “Reserve Days” will be used much like “Snow Days” in the Northeast. If school is interrupted – smoke, power failure, bomb threat, etc., these days can be used to make up instruction. 

There are a number of limitations that are placed on the formation of school calendars.  Calendars are bargained with union partners.There are state reporting deadlines that must be met. We are being asked to give feedback on two drafts listed below.

There will be NO SCHOOL on yellow days unless an unforeseen event causes a closure.  Then, the yellow will be used to make up instruction.  Please note that there could be further changes to May calendars so that the AP Exam schedule is considered. College Board has not published schedules yet. 

The Deadline for feedback is May 1st.

Please share with your units. Feedback will be shared anonymously with the WCCUSD and United Teachers of Richmond, and with all of you. Contact: baysidepta@gmail.com

Learn more and take the survey in the link below:

TAKE THE SURVEY HERE!

WCCUSD APRIL NEWSLETTER

WCCUSD APRIL NEWSLETTER

FACEBOOK LIVE WEEKLY SERIES

Join District administrators this Friday at 11 am as they host their first Facebook Live weekly series “60 Minutes in Faculty Lounge” with Riverside Principal Christine Hatcher as the host. Principal Hatcher will be talking with various WCCUSD community members about Distance Learning and ways to support one another during the COVID-19 Pandemic.  Every Friday through June 5, 2020. 11:00-Noon. WCCAA West Contra Costa Administrators Association

BAY AREA BOOK FESTIVAL #UNBOUND VIRTUAL SERIES – LAUNCHING MAY 1

BAY AREA BOOK FESTIVAL #UNBOUND VIRTUAL SERIES – LAUNCHING MAY 1

On May 1-3, the Bay Area Book Festival will launch the “BAY AREA BOOK FESTIVAL #UNBOUND”: a series of world-class live and recorded virtual author programs on the Festival’s YouTube channel. Most events are FREE and programs will roll out through June. Amongst pressing family/parenting topics, the series will present an uplifting slate of YA and children’s programming every Wednesday and Saturday through May and June.
The adult schedule can be found here: https://www.baybookfest.org/unbound
The YA/children’s schedule can be found here: https://www.baybookfest.org/virtualkids
SOME HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Our Six Session VOTING RIGHTS Programming will be distributed nationally through a coalition of a dozen book festivals nationwide, along with inclusion on C-SPAN BookTV and other major media.

Young Adult Panel:
The Future is Ours: Restoring Democracy for the Next Generation with Carol Anderson, Jeff Fleischer, and Elizabeth Rusch – moderated by Khepera Lyons-Clark
What’s wrong with the American election cycle, why does it matter, and how can we empower young people to become involved, take action to have their voices heard, and restore democracy?

  • Speaker: Carol Anderson, National Book Critics Award Circle winner and bestselling author of White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Nation’s Divide (Bloomsbury/2016), One Person, No Vote: How Voter Suppression is Destroying Our Democracy (Bloomsbury/2018), and the young-adult edition, One Person, No Vote: How Not All Voters Are Treated Equally (Bloomsbury YA/2019)
  • Speaker: Jeff Fleischer, author of Votes of Confidence: A Young Person’s Guide to American Elections (Zest Books/March 2020)
  • Speaker: Elizabeth Rusch, author of You Call THIS Democracy? (HMH Books for Young Readers/March 2020)
  • Moderator: Khepera Lyons-Clark, one of the fierce young women of Cinnamongirl, Inc., an Oakland-based organization that strives to provide girls of color with the access, experiences and a network to grow into successful, global leaders.

2. Our WELLNESS PROGRAMS focus on mental and physical health, science, and related topics, including family and parenting. Two panels of note:
Parenting in a Time of Crisis with Sarah Jacquette Ray, Madeline Levine, and Christine Carter – moderated by Dacher Keltner
Parents all over the world are facing a dilemma: what do we tell children about threatening truths, from COVID-19 to climate change? How do we balance their need to be informed and prepared with their equally important right to experience the carefree joy of youth and dream of the future? 

  • Speaker: Christine Carter, Ph.D., The New Adolescence: Raising Happy and Successful Teens in an Age of Anxiety and Distraction (BenBella Books/February 2020)
  • Speaker: Sarah Jaquette Ray, A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety: How to Keep Your Cool on a Warming Planet  (University of California Press/April 21, 2020)
  • Speaker: Madeline Levine, New York Times bestselling author and psychologist, Ready or Not: Preparing Our Kids to Thrive in an Uncertain and Rapidly Changing World (Harper/Feb 2020)
  • Moderator: Dacher Keltner is a professor of psychology at UC Berkeley and faculty director of the Greater Good Science Center.

How to Raise a Reader with Pamela Paul of The New York Times, moderated by developmental psychologist Diana Divecha of the Yale Child Study CenterBased on her book, How to Raise a Reader, Pamela Paul discusses how to instill the joy of reading in children, which is more relevant than ever now that schools are closed, kids are sheltered in place, and parents are looking for bonding opportunities that are constructive, comforting, and simple.
3. Our YOUTH LITERARY PROGRAMMING includes a NaNoWriMo Middle Grade & Young Adult Challenge, moderated by Grant Faulkner, executive director of National Novel Writing Month, and an online version of the wildly popular Book Club for Kids podcast, with award-winning middle grade author Anne Nesbet.
In addition, here are some upcoming sessions to look forward to:
Picture Books:
May 2, 10 am: We’re All Part of Outside with Deborah Underwood and illustrator Cindy Derby
Celebrated author Deborah Underwood (author of the New York Times bestseller The Quiet Book) and illustrator Cindy Derby collaborated to create Outside In (HMH Books for Young Readers/April 2020), a beautiful, imagination-sparking love letter between the inside and outside worlds. This event is the perfect session for kids in the sheltering-in-place era, with its tender message of how we are all connected and part of a larger universe, even if we’re separated from each other. 

Middle Grade:May 2, 10:30 am: Courage and Heart in Adversity: Writer-to-Writer with Kate O’Shaughnessy and Ernesto Cisneros – moderated by Renée Diop, Cinnamongirl, Inc.

In this Writer-to-Writer program, two top middle grade authors Kate O’Shaughnessy (The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane) andErnesto Cisneros (Efren Divided) explore young people’s inner and outer courage. Moderated by Renée Diop, one of the fierce young women of Cinnamongirl, Inc., an Oakland-based organization that strives to provide girls of color with the access, experiences and a network to grow into successful, global leaders.

STAY INVOLVED WITH WARRIORS BASKETBALL AT HOME!

Warriors Basketball Academy is here for you. We want to help Warriors fans of all ages from all across the Bay stay sharp and ready.  Here is how!

Instagram Live: Brush up on your basketball skills with 30 minute Instagram workouts facilitated by our Warriors Basketball Academy coaches every Tuesday & Thursday at 1PM.
*Instagram Live is only accessible from your mobile device.

YouTube Channel: Don’t have access to Instagram through your mobile device? Don’t worry – The Academy is now on YouTube! From recaps of our Instagram Live workouts to our feature episode on Warriors Ground TV, you won’t miss any exclusive content with our new YouTube channel. 

For more information and ways to stay involved with Warriors Basketball, visit the Warriors Basketball Academy home page for the latest updates.

YouTube ChannelFollow Us on Instagram

The Phoenix, Thursday, April 23, 2020

Reminders from Mr. Burnham’s Robocall

  • Start classwork in the morning every day
  • Find work in Google Classroom
  • Join your 7th and 8th Grade Class through Google Classroom
    • 7th Grade Code qpumqx7
    • 8th Grade Code  pa3rwro
  • Distance Learning resources and information at Korematsumiddleschool.org
  • Resources and Support Information at WCCUSD
  • The kids received a survey about Distance Learning to gauge work and assignments. Please take it.

THE PRACTICE SPACE SUMMER CAMP

Interested in joining the speech and debate team when you go to high school? The Practice Space, a non-profit organization in El Cerrito, offers affordable public speaking summer camps, including a one- or two-week debate camp in July, led by Joel Jacobs, the coach of the state champion El Cerrito High School debate team. The debate camp will be offered online if a stay at home order is still in effect. Scholarships are available based on need.For more information, go to https://www.practice-space.org/event-type/summer-camp/

The Phoenix, Thurday, March 12, 2020

MARCH 11, 2020 DISTRICT COMMUNICATION ON CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

Dear WCCUSD community,

The safety of the students and staff that call WCCUSD home is our top priority. Over the past two weeks, the anxiety around the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has heightened. On Monday, we had our first confirmed case of a student’s relative testing positive on Sunday, March 8. Contra Costa County Health Services (CCCHS) has assured us that the risk of exposure is low and that the county will step in and communicate directly with that school if/when a positive case is confirmed. 

To the best of our knowledge, no student or staff at a WCCUSD school has tested positive for COVID-19.

We continue to work closely with CCHS, the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and are following their guidance. On Tuesday, March 10, CCHS released a new set of public guidance around social interactions. In light of the new CCHS guidance, we are postponing non-essential events with 50 or more people. This means that the following upcoming events have been postponed until further notice.  We hope to be able to reevaluate future events as additional guidance is received. For now, those events include, but are not limited to:

  • Open House
  • Math and/or STEAM Nights
  • Literacy Nights
  • Dance Festival
  • District Spelling Bee
  • Elementary School Basketball League
  • In-school assemblies or plays, including Nightmare on Puberty assemblies
  • Spring music concerts
  • Essential professional development/training with expected participation of more than 50 people will be offered virtually.
  • Any other events meeting the above-mentioned criteria

In addition we will limit the attendance at the following events:

  • Athletic events will be played without spectators (This will occur in all school districts in Contra Costa County).
  • We have also canceled outside facility use permits for events with 50 or more people.

At schools, we will also practice social distancing as much as possible. School administrators are urged to make any possible changes to daily scheduled large student gatherings. We appreciate your understanding as we strive to make necessary changes to daily school activities. 

According to the CDE and CDPH guidelines, our district and Contra Costa County are in Scenario II, which are measures to be taken if there are two or more community transmission cases of COVID-19, but no individuals within the school test positive. We will follow the recommended steps in both Scenario I and II.  Additionally, we will deep clean impacted areas, targeting all frequently touched objects and surfaces with disinfectant.

Additionally, we will continue to follow these guidelines from CDPH:

  • Exclude students, teachers, or staff who have a travel history over the course of the last 14 days to China, South Korea, Italy, Iran and Japan.
  • Exclude those who have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 for 14 days from the day of their last exposure.
  • Send students, teachers, and staff who present with fever and/or respiratory infection symptoms home immediately.
  • Encourage flu vaccine for those persons over 6 months of age who have not had it this season.
  • Encourage all students, families, and staff to take everyday preventive actions.
  • Teachers and staff with any fever and/or respiratory infection symptoms should not come to work. Teachers and staff should self- screen (i.e., check themselves for subjective fever and/or respiratory symptoms such as cough) for respiratory infection symptoms each morning before interacting with students.
  • Limit visitors to the school by not allowing those with symptoms of fever and/or respiratory infection or who have a travel history over the course of the last 14 days to China, South Korea, Italy, Iran and Japan.

This is also time to take individual precautionary measures as advised by the CDC:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

The district has set up a coronavirus page on the main website www.wccusd.net/coronavirus where we have placed updates and resources. 

This is also time to make sure we have your correct contact information. You can update or provide your contact information at https://www.wccusd.net/Page/11026. To sign up for community updates visit the communications department page at https://www.wccusd.net/Domain/24 and input your email address on the bottom right of the page.

Thank you again for your patience as we manage this very difficult and fluid situation.

In Community,

Matthew Duffy
Superintendent

CHECK THE SCHOOL CALENDAR FREQUENTLY

Please bookmark and check our school calendar frequently.  https://korematsumiddleschool.org/?page_id=13 You can even subscribe to the calendar by clicking on the  “+Google Calendar” and events will appear/disappear as the calendar is modified. We will do our best to keep the calendar as accurate as possible. 

TEACHER TREAT DAY CANCELED

Out of an abundance of caution, we’ve canceled Teacher Treat Day, Friday, March 13, 2020. Thank you to all that have volunteered to bring a meal/volunteer your time.

ASIAN ART MUSEUM STUDY TRIP POSTPONED

Mr. Lee’s Asian Art Museum Study Trip (orignially March 18, 2020) has been postponed to May 27, 2020.

EL CERRITO RIALTO/MULAN FIELD TRIP CANCELED

Mr. Lee’s El Cerrito Rialto/Mulan Field Trip has been canceled.

OPEN HOUSE CANCELED

Open House, previously scheduled for March 19, is now canceled.

SPRING BANDS CONCERT CANCELED

The March 18 Spring Band Concert is Canceled. A video will be made and distributed so that all can view.
Santa Cruz is canceled as well.

Contra Costa County National History Day

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BUT, THERE’S GOOD NEWS!!!

We’ve got winners from Contra Costa County National History Day and we are sending students to the State Competition!

National History Day (NHD) is a premier competition that engages more than half a million students nationally.  As part of NHD, Contra Costa County History Day allows students to participate in authentic, challenging, project-based learning that lasts an entire school year.  Students select topics and research them as historians would – by using libraries, archives, museums and oral history interviews.  Their analysis and interpretations come together with the facts and evidence they’ve gathered to become their final projects. This year’s theme is, “Breaking Barriers in History.” Many Many THANKS!!!! to History Teacher, Mr. U. States are May 8-10, 2020 in Rocklin, CA.

CHAMPIONSJunior Documentary Category

#Me Too MovementA. Brown, D. Rojas, T. Doss

Junior Website Category

Alan Turing: EnigmaB. Moore, S. Nguyen, A. Hasley, R. Weitzer

HONORABLE MENTIONJunior Documentary Category 

Breaking the Sound BarrierM. Hassner, A. Espinoza
Ellen DeGeneresA. Calderon, M. Mendo, M. Perdomo, M. Duff


More on the competition here:https://www.cccoe.k12.ca.us/programs/for_parents_students/academic_events/national_history_day
You can view the full list of winners and projects here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tozeMfbB24KymzBhY6i3APWGq29CxhjC3-oxAPVXGTU/edit#gid=0

CONGRATS TO OUR STUDENTS!!

THE PHOENIX, Thursday, March 5, 2020

Korematsu sweeps awards at WCCUSD District STEM Fair, getting highest medal in every category!

It was a stellar year for Korematsu at the West Contra Costa District Science Fair Awards. Our school took home the top awarded prize in every one of the 7th and 8th grade categories: Biological (BIO), Engineering (ENG), Physical (PHY) and Social/Behavioral (SOC) Sciences, for a total of 25 prizes!

In an exciting new format this year, students winners selected to go onward from our Korematsu Science Fair were driven on a special school field trip to meet and discuss their projects with three scientist judges. Several days later students from across the district gathered with their family and friends for an awards evening at the new Pinole Valley High School auditorium. Following a fascinating talk on spiders and communication by an inspiring young scientist and self-described “Spider Woman” from UC Berkeley, District leaders and Superintendent Duffy presented this year’s awards on stage:

In 8th Grade, First Place medals went to Korematsu students Chaitanya D.(ENG), Demarrion M. J. (PHY), and Brenna M. (SOC). Winning 2nd place prizes were Meah B. (BIO) and Maeve U. (PHY); while in 3rd place prizes were won by Vienna K-T & Emilia W. (BIO), Michael H. (PHY), and Romy W. & Zoe T. (PHY); and rounding out 8th grade awards in 4th place were: Eghosa O. & Thomas R. (PHY).

In 7th Grade Korematsu winners included: in First Place, Henry A. (PHY) and Elsa B. (SOC), and in 2nd place Lachlan M. (BIO), Benjamin D. (ENG), Umar A. (PHY) and Clara H. (SOC). Third place prizes went to Edda G. & Juliana P. (BIO), Daniel G. & Madeleine N.(PHY), and Oona C. (SOC); and in 4th place Iris F. (BIO) & Nicolai C. H. (PHY).

The first place winners received engraved medals and checks from sponsor BioRad for $50 each as a reward for their efforts. Our schools’ top projects have also been invited onward to the prestigious Golden Gate STEM Fair covering the entire Bay Area and being held in March at the Army Corps of Engineers Bay Model. We wish them luck and congratulate all our young scientists and their teachers for the great effort again this year.

Table of awards

KOREMATSU HAS A TEACHER OF THE YEAR!!

Congrats to 7th grade English teacher Sydney Schantz who was awarded EdFund’s Teacher of the Year award! She joins three other Korematsu educators that have won this prestigious award
Tiffany Carrico
Sarah LaDue
Bruce McCormick
Ms. Schantz said, “One of the most rewarding aspects of being a teacher is the growth of trust and personal relationships with students and families.”
She’ll be honored at Ed Funds Soaring to Excellence celebration in early May, and enters the running for Contra Costa County’s Teacher of the Year.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 DROP IN TEACHER LOUNGE

NLT 10:30 a.m.

Let’s brunch!! It’s time for the teacher luncheon! Share the spring joy with your favorite brunch dish. Is it a casserole, quiche, salad, waffles, pancakes, sausages? Whatever strikes your fancy will be popular with our teachers! Friday March 13th!!!

SIGN UP IN THIS LINK

PARENT CHAPERONES WANTED

WALKING CLASS TRIP TO EL CERRITO RIALTO
MUST BE BADGED
On March 31st and April 1st, the 7th-grade class will be going on a walking study trip to the El Cerrito Rialto Cinemas for a private screening of Mulan. The 7th-grade History classes plan to have students compare the Ballad of Mulan (primary source) to the live-action film to analyze continuity and change over time. We are looking for approximately 30 chaperones. If parents can chaperone, please email Ms. Schantz at sydney.schantz@wccusd.net with their WCCUSD Badge, the date they can attend (March 31st or April 1st), phone, and email.

When we have enough chaperones, study trip forms will be distributed and collected in History class.

Our itinerary is as follows,
8:00 to 9:00 Walking to El Cerrito Rialto Cinemas from Korematsu (1.5 miles)
9:15 to 10:00 Purchasing snacks and getting to seats
10 to 12:15 Private screening of Mulan
12:15 to 1:15 Walking back to Korematsu from El Cerrito Rialto Cinemas

Best,
Jackson Lee

THE ULTIMATE CRAB FEED!!!

Unnamed

El Cerrito High School/Korematsu Middle School Ultimate Frisbee Club presents its

Fifth Annual Ultimate Crab Feed!!

WHEN: Saturday, March 14th 5:30-9:30 pm

WHERE: El Cerrito Community Center

Unlimited crab with salad, pasta and bread, and fantastic raffle prizes!

$60/person

Tickets

YOUTH TRUTH SURVEY

UnnamedPlease take the survey and distribute to your school community!

http://bit.ly/wccfamily20

U.S. CENSUS

YOUR PARTICIPATION IN U.S. CENSUS 2020 MATTERS!
The U.S. census is a count that is conducted every 10 years of all the people living in the United States. Please take a few minutes to respond, because having a complete count is important. Why? Because the results of the 2020 Census will shape your future in many ways.

Census data determines congressional representation, and guides how more than $675 billion in federal funding is distributed for schools, healthcare facilities, roads and transportation, recreation centers, social services, and much more!

In terms of education and schools, the census count impacts the next 10 years’ worth of funds that your community’s schools will receive for classroom technology, teacher training, after-school programs, school lunch assistance, Head Start, Pell Grants, rural education, adult education, and grants for preschool special education. If your child is in second grade now, the census count will have an impact on her education until she graduates from high school!

To read more about the U.S. Census on the California State PTA website, click here.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

In mid-March, households will begin receiving official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census. By April 1, 2020, every home will receive an invitation to participate.

You will have three options for responding:

By mail
By phone
Online

Online and phone responses can be completed in 13 languages (English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, Tagalog, Polish, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Japanese). For more information on ways to respond to the Census, click here.

Remember to count EVERYONE in your household, including any friends or family members who live or stay with you most of the time, roommates, young children, foster children, newborns, and anyone who is renting a space in your home. For more information on who to count and not count, click here.

PRIVACY AND SAFETY

Some of you may have heard myths and rumors about what personal information is asked on the census, and whether your answers could adversely affect you or your family.

Please be aware that the Census Bureau is bound by law to protect your personal information and keep it strictly confidential. That includes every answer to every question. Here are the facts:

NO questions are asked about citizenship status.
Your answers CANNOT be shared with law enforcement, any government agency or any court.
Your answers CANNOT be used to impact your eligibility for government benefits.

To see a sample Census form, click here.

You should also be aware of potential fraud. The Census Bureau or its employees will never ask for your Social Security number, money, donations, your bank or credit card account numbers, or anything on behalf of a political party. If you get a phone call, email or personal visit from someone claiming to be from the Census and they ask for personal, political or financial information, you are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-923-8282 or your local police department.

WCCUSD MESSAGE

Link

Dear WCCUSD Community,

On Wednesday night, the Board of Education made the difficult decision to notify nearly 300 certificated employees that their positions may be reduced or eliminated for the 2020-21 school year. The affected teachers, counselors, and administrators will receive official notices in the next week.

This was a painful but necessary step in the process to ensure that the District is able to solve its budget challenges for the 2020-21 school year in the event it is unable to implement negotiated agreements with each of our bargaining units. The District is actively negotiating with all 4 groups to minimize the impact of these cuts on our students and employees.

The District has a $47.8 million budget deficit that it plans to solve over a two-year period. We have made a commitment to reduce expenses by $32 million in the 2020-21 school year and have decided to reduce the remaining $16 million in the 2021-22 school year.

The Board has already taken steps to significantly reduce spending by approving a $6 million reduction in non-salary expenses and a $2 million cut from the discretionary funds allocated to individual schools. There will also be a $2 million reduction in unrepresented central management personnel costs, many of which were included in the resolution.

The remaining $22 million must be negotiated with our bargaining units. If we are unable to reach agreements that allow us to reach the $22 million target, the layoff notices could become permanent. However, our discussions with our union partners are progressing and I am confident that we will reach agreements soon and be able to rescind many of the notices.

You should know that this action is not the last layoff decision the Board of Education will be asked to make. In April, a similar action for classified employees will take place in order to hopefully finish the last budget reductions necessary for the 2020-21 budget.

In the meantime, we will continue negotiations and continue advocating for the state to fund our public schools at a level more in line with the state’s status in the global economy.

More information about the budget process can be found at www.wccusd.net/budget.

In partnership,

Matthew Duffy
Superintendent

WCCUSD MESSAGE

Link

Dear Community,

Welcome back from the Presidents’ Week recess. First, we continue to work through the budget challenge and you can find all the updates at the District’s budget update page wccusd.net/budget. Also we have been monitoring the coronavirus and have been in contact several times with the Contra Costa County Health Services and office of education and are following their advice.

I want to highlight a number of events this month that celebrate Black History. Lake Elementary started Black History Month with its annual African American Read-In. Several other schools including Coronado and DeJean also hosted read ins.

Chevron Richmond’s Black Employee Network hosted its 21st annual Black History Awareness Celebration and awarded the Dr. William F. King scholarship to Middle College’s Hawi Abraham and Shreejal Luitel and Richmond’s Ryan Saechao. Crespi Middle School, Hercules Middle School, Grant Elementary and Richmond High School all hosted Black History Month celebrations or events. There was also the annual celebration at the final Board meeting in February where students from Riverside and Olinda elementary schools and Hercules and Pinole Valley high schools performed.

We entered February on the heels of a historic resolution led by the family leaders from the African American Site Advisory Team (AASAT). The AASAT Resolution adopted in January highlights the community and district’s commitment to ensure that every student, particularly African American students can and do succeed.

The Director of African-American Student Achievement Omar Wandera was instrumental in collaborating with AASAT leadership Zelon Harrison and Yolanda Vierra-Allen on the resolution. Mr. Wandera has been working to hone and enhance the current District work around African American student success. We know we have much more work to do to ensure the success of African American students and have progress to build on. Currently, WCCUSD college-going rate for African American students is higher than the state average with 64 percent UC and CSU eligible compared to 59 percent for the state. Look for a question and answer with Mr. Wandera next month.

Over the break, Coca-Cola’s History Shakers advertisements launched celebrating Black History month and highlighting six African Americans. Two of the highlighted individuals, Olympic gold medalist Simone Manuel and opera singer Davone Tines, had their commercials filmed at the Kennedy Swim Center and Richmond High School’s theater, respectively. You can see a preview of the campaign here and you might recognize the pool and theater.

Finally, this also a great time for your student to sign up for the District’s first Oratorical Festival on Saturday, April 18. The Oratorical Festival is modeled after Oakland Unified’s MLK Oratorical that was just featured in an HBO documentary.

Antoinette Henry-Evans, who spent 34 years with the district as a teacher, principal and administrator, is leading the event. There is no theme to this year’s oratorical but Ms. Henry-Evans said students can perform their own piece, recite a poem or speech. The focal point is getting students to perform. If your student is interested in participating in the oratorical, please contact your school principal as soon as possible.

Lastly, don’t forget to take the culture and climate survey at http://bit.ly/wccfamily20

Again, welcome back and I look forward to getting back to work.

In community,

Matthew Duffy,
Superintendent

The Phoenix, Thursday, February 27, 2020

CELEBRATE KOREMATSU THANK YOU!!

Thank you to all volunteers and attendees that made Celebrate Korematsu happen….Special shout-outs to our auctioneers Mr. Vedder and Ms. Jamison and especially to Tiffany Carrico and our student musicians.
We’ve made about $18,000 to support Band and PTSA needs.

Thank you again!

CELEBRATE KOREMATSU AUCTION ONLINE ITEMS!

We’ve got some items that did not sell at auction.
Take a look at what we’ve got!

HIGHLIGHTED ITEM COLLEGE BOOT CAMP SEMINAR!
Prepare yourself & your child for the College Admissions Process!
This exclusive day-long seminar (for 9 lucky parents) will provide you an educational
road map for high school to best prepare your child for their college and career interests.
National admissions expert Michael Trevino, former Director of Undergraduate
Admissions for the UC System, and faculty for the Harvard Summer Institute on College
Admissions will lead this powerful and comprehensive seminar. This is a unique
opportunity to have your questions answered and develop a plan (and peace of mind).
College is right around the corner! This seminar is the best investment you will make!
AWESOME lunch will also be served. Kensington Location, Reckler/Moore residence.

BID HERE IN THIS LINK!

TAKE THE “YOUTH TRUTH” FAMILY SURVEY

UnnamedWest Contra Costa Unified School District is requesting families take the Youth Truth Family Survey, which measures school climate.

Below you will find some helpful information about the Youth Truth Survey:

1) The survey window is 2/10/2020 – 3/6/2020
2) The family survey will focus on Engagement. Relationships, Culture, Communication. Empowerment, School Safety, Feedback, and Resources.
3) The feedback is anonymous.
4) WCCUSD welcomes your feedback.

The link to the Climate: Youth Truth Family Survey is listed below:

bit.ly/wccfamily20

Your participation in completing this survey is greatly appreciated.

THE ULTIMATE CRAB FEED!!!

UnnamedEl Cerrito High School/Korematsu Middle School Ultimate Frisbee Club presents its

Fifth Annual Ultimate Crab Feed!!

WHEN: Saturday, March 14th 5:30-9:30 pm
WHERE: El Cerrito Community Center

Unlimited crab with salad, pasta and bread, and fantastic raffle prizes!
$60/person

For tickets: ultimatecrabfeed2020.eventbrite.com

For information: ultimatecrabfeed@gmail.com

Crab Feed 2020 Flyer.pdf

The Phoenix, Thursday, February 13, 2020

NO SCHOOL NEXT WEEK

February Break
FEBRUARY 17-21, 2010
See you Monday, February 24, 2020

St. VALENTINE’S DAY TEACHER LUNCHEON

Friday, February 14, 2020
Contribute or Volunteer your Time

Valentine’s Day is coming up! Time to show some love! Let’s treat our teachers, show them love and appreciation. Bring some food, salads, pasta, or rice dishes, bread and pizzas! The luncheon will be Friday February 14th. Questions to liissausa@aol.com. Thanks!

SIGN UP IN THIS LINK!

BASEBALL TRYOUTS

Friday, February 14, 2020
Baseball Tryouts
FEBRUARY 14, 2020
3:00 p.m.
CASTRO FIELD
NEXT TO THE SCHOOL

Please bring gloves, bat, helmet and cleats if you own them.
No worries if you don’t.

29 Korematsu Students Win at School Fair and Move on to District Finals!

Korematsu held its annual Family Science Night and Science Fair Awards last Thursday, February 6th. Over a hundred came to view our young scientist’s projects, partake in demos with the American Chemical Society and Chevron Slime Team, and be wowed by an extravaganza of explosions and flames by ACS scientist Brian Balazs. Following a welcome by Principal Burnham, and hands-on demos, the winning students were invited on stage to have their pictures taken with their teachers.

Out of all student projects completed at the school, 67 were selected by their teachers to present at the fair. A dedicated team of parents, teachers and scientists then reviewed these in an intensive day of judging. Twenty-nine of these received 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons and move on to the District Science Fair, with the rest receiving Honorable Mentions.

Earning ribbons at Korematsu for First Place in 7th Grade were Lachlan M. and Alma C. (BIO), Elsa B. (BEH), and Henry A. (ENG). In 7th Grade 2nd Place our winners were: Umar A. (PHY), and Iris F., Juliana P. and Mya de H. (BIO). In 3rd place in 7th Grade were: Nicolai H., Daniel G. and Madeline N. (PHY), Edda G. (ENV), Clara H. and Oona C. (BEH), Benjamin D. (ENG), and Hazel N. (BIO).

In 8th Grade, our First Place honors went to: Maeve U. and Thomas R. (PHY), Michael H. (ENV), and Romy W. (BEH). In 2nd place were: Chaitanya D. (ENG), Eghosa O. (PHY), Meah B. and Emilia W. (BIO), Vienna K.-T. (ENV), and Brenna M. (BEH). In 3rd place were: Demarrion J. (ENV), Micaela J. (BIO), and Zoe T. (BEH).

Congratulations to all our young scientists for all the extra time and effort to complete their projects!

All our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners got rewarded with a field trip to Pinole Valley High School on Tuesday of this week. After a pizza lunch, they had a chance to talk to scientist judges and explain their projects. All families are invited on Thursday, February 12 to the District awards ceremony at 7pm at the Pinole Valley High School Theater.

GO FUND ME FOR KOREMATSU SPORTS

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LAST DAY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2020

As most of you are aware, the West Contra Costa Unified School District has serious budget challenges. Even before the current crisis, middle school athletics funding had basically been eliminated. Many middle schools no longer have competitive sports programs. Here at Korematsu, we have been successful at maintaining many athletic programs through largely volunteer efforts of teachers and parents. For example, our four basketball teams are currently coached by volunteers that don’t even have kids in the school but realize how important these programs are for the overall welfare of our students.

These programs have been funded by small fundraising efforts and minimal fees to participating families. The purpose of this campaign is to provide funds to maintain and increase the current offerings, pay for referees and umpires, tournaments, uniforms and supplies and hopefully training for our student athletes. Without some funding, it is impossible to even maintain what we have. This effort will also ensure that the cost is not a barrier to any student. Please do what you can through a one time or ongoing donation. Please share this with all of your friends, family and co-workers and post on all of your social media accounts. Let’s create programs we will all be proud of and allow hundreds of students to participate in after school athletic activities.

Thank you in Advance-

Matthew Burnham

Principal

DONATE IN THE LINK HERE

SPECIAL JOINT STATEMENT ON THE BUDGET

CLICK ON THIS LINK.

Camp Ravencliff

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http://www.el-cerrito.org/eccampravencliff

Jenya Jawad
Youth Programs & Sports Coordinator
Camp Ravencliff, Camp Director
City of El Cerrito Recreation Department
7007 Moeser Lane El Cerrito CA 94530
Phone: (510) 559-7012

Community Center Office Hours Are:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8am-4pm (Closed every other Friday)
Tuesday and Thursday 8am-6pm