Category: The Phoenix

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

PTSA SURVEY

Hello fabulous Korematsu families,

Thank you to those who participated in our parent workshop on executive function, at the last PTSA meeting.

We’d be grateful for some (brief) feedback from you. If possible, please complete this 2-minute survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7LXXY3H

Here is the link to the video we watched: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/inbrief-executive-function-skills-for-life-and-learning/

Thank you for passing it on.

Please let me know if you have any questions. We’d be happy to come back in the fall!

In community,
Lisa Miller
Director

2436 Sacramento Street
Berkeley, CA 94702

1050 Bridgeway
Sausalito, CA 94965
510.540.8646
www.classroommatters.com

TEACHER LUNCHEON THANK YOU

We want to say Thank You to our hard working Teacher Luncheon coordinator, Astrid Broberg, and all of you who helped out and contributed to the monthly teacher/staff luncheons at Korematsu. The staff really appreciates and looks forward to it and it wouldn’t happen without your efforts. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

EMBRACING DISCOMFORT

You are invited to “Embracing Discomfort: The Practice Space Celebrates Community Voices,” a community-centered event focused on celebrating public speaking and performance.

Join us for a showcase featuring speeches and stories by students from El Cerrito High School, and The Practice Space, a non-profit helping people communicate and speak effectively. Celebrate our one-year anniversary with dinner, music, community booths, speeches, and stories! This event is free to all – RSVP at embracingdiscomfort.eventbrite.com.

When: Sunday, May 20, 2018, 6:30pm Dinner Reception, 7pm-9pm Student and Adult Performances

Where: East Bay Center for the Performing Arts, Community Theater, 339 11th Street, Richmond, CA 94801.

Who We Are: The Practice Space is a non-profit that builds confidence and community voice through communication skill development. We provide educational content and supportive practice experiences to improve the culture of communication in schools and communities. Our programs help people of all ages communicate effectively, address social anxieties, be authentic, and feel connected to others. We develop leaders who can help people feel comfortable speaking up, learn from each other, and elevate underrepresented voices. Visit www.practice-space.org for more information.

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

Last teacher luncheon of the school year

Tomorrow – Friday May 11th 2018

Let the teachers know how much we appreciate their work this year! This month’s theme is Cinco de Mayo! Bring your favorite Mexican dishes. Tamales, Floutas, burritos, salads, tacos, so much to choose from.T hanks for all the help during this school year. Questions email Astrid Broberg liissaUSA@aol.com

Sign Up

PROMOTION TO HIGH SCHOOL

Dear Korematsu Families,

Can you believe we only have 3 weeks until graduation? This year has zoomed by!

Graduation is a special time for 8th grade families. Many of them move on together to El Cerrito High, and some fly off to other schools, so for our 8th graders, the graduation commencement events are vastly important.

That being said, we can not pull off all the activities without your help!

There are 3 events that need 7th AND 8th grade families to help with. We have included a link to a google doc that you can sign up.

The events are as follows:

6/5
1. Promotion practice: Before the picnic, parents are needed to help organize and supervise the 8th graders as they practice for the promotion ceremony.

2. Help with the 8th grade picnic: This happens prior to the kids vs. teachers softball game. We have 3 point persons already and need people to sign ups for food, set-up, clean-up etc. BOTH 7th & 8th Grade families can help!

6/6
3. Graduation: This is a huge event where the kids cross the stage. Tradition has been 7th grade families sign up to help with some of the larger day of jobs so 8th grade families can watch their babies cross the stage! Then next year, we continue that tradition and you get to sit back and watch your babies cross the stage!

There are other day/night-of items for 8th grade families as well as a sign-up to help order, pick-up & deliver appetizers, drinks & desserts to the school.

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

Please 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!

WE NEED YOU! We cannot do this without your help!

Thank you,
Rula & Negar

BRIGHTBYTES AND WCCUSD

Dear WCCUSD Parent/Guardian,

During the 2014-15 school year, our district started a partnership with BrightBytes, an educational software company in order to learn more about our technology use for student learning. Our goal is to gather data on a continuing basis regarding technology access and skills, and on our district’s technology environment, in order to understand the connection between technology use and student achievement.

To gain these insights, we provide BrightBytes with a complete picture of technology use at school and at home within our district. Students, teachers, and parents are asked to complete an online questionnaire twice a year to help us gather this data.

Your participation and support is important to us and will give us a more complete understanding of our district’s technology use. Our first step is to gather data from you, the members of our parent community. Below is a link to the parent survey, as well as a QR code which can be scanned with a mobile device running a QR code reader. This will allow you to access the survey on your smartphone or another mobile device (such as a tablet). Please note that the survey is short and should only take about 5 to 8 minutes of your time.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete this valuable survey.

Sincerely,

Matt Burnham, Principal

Korematsu Middle School Parent Survey

Click on this link to take the survey

LIBRARY AFTER SCHOOL HOURS

Library after school hours will end on May 4th. After that, the library will only be open for 15-20 minutes after the end of the school day. We are moving into tablet and textbook collection time. Thanks.

KOREMATSU PRESENTS THE MUSICAL ANNIE

Over 50 Korematsu students have been working hard onstage and behind the scenes to put on our spring musical! Bring the whole family for a fun night of musical theatre.

Date: Wednesday, May 9th and Thursday, May 10th
Time: 7pm (House opens at 6:30pm, get there early to get a good seat! Snacks will be available for purchase.)
Place: Korematsu Multi-Purpose Room
Tickets: Available at the door, suggested donation of $4

VOLLEYBALL

Girls Volleyball is coming to Korematsu! Beginning Wednesday, April 25 from 1:30 – 4 pm in the Korematsu gym, there will be an open gym for girls in the 7th and 8th grade. They will continue on a weekly basis for the rest of the school year. The open gyms will be lead by Scott Bishop a local, veteran volleyball coach. He has been coaching volleyball at the High School, Club and Collegiate levels for over 20+ years. If you are interested please contact Scott at cantdigme@gmail.comfor more information.

FINAL PTSA MEETING: TUES., MAY 8, MPR, 7 PM

WE NEED YOUR VOTE! NOTICE OF ELECTION AND MEETING

Tuesday, May 8, 2017
Fred T. Korematsu Middle School
7125 Donal Avenue
7:00 p.m.
MPR

NOTE: BAND PARENTS MEET at 6 PM in the band room.
Please join us as we elect the Executive Board for the 2018-2019 school year.
The term begins July 1, 2017 and runs through June 30, 2018.

Slate for Executive Board:
Manu Wong – President
Stacey Steele – Executive Vice President
Leslie Reckler – Treasurer
Evelyn Smith – Financial Secretary
Sherrod Blankner – Recording Secretary

OPEN
First Vice President Fundraising
Second Vice President Volunteer Coordinator
Historian

All who are members longer than 30 days are eligible to cast a vote.

PRESENTATION ON EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING SKILLS BY CLASSROOM MATTERS.

Here’s the Agenda

Last teacher luncheon of the school year

May 11th 2018

Let the teachers know how much we appreciate their work this year! This month’s theme is Cinco de Mayo! Bring your favorite Mexican dishes. Tamales, Floutas, burritos, salads, tacos, so much to choose from. Thanks for all the help during this school year. Questions email Astrid Broberg liissaUSA@aol.com

Sign Up

THE PRACTICE SPACE

Embracing Discomfort: The Practice Space Celebrates Community Voices
Date: Sunday, May 20, 2018
Time: 6:30pm-9:00pm
Location: East Bay Center for the Performing Arts

Description: You are invited to a showcase of speeches and stories by students at The Practice Space, a non-profit helping people communicate and speak effectively.. Come celebrate our one-year anniversary with free dinner, drinks, music, and speeches by student and adult speakers! Learn more about our programs and show support for voices from our East Bay community.

This event is free to all and begins with a reception at 6:30pm with food, a photo booth, and community tables with local artists and youth programs. Student performances begin at 7:15pm with two acts and an intermission.

Tickets: Free to all, RSVP at embracingdiscomfort.eventbrite.com

Address: 339 11th St, Richmond, CA 94801

FIELD TRIP THANK YOU FROM MR. VEDDER

Dear Parents,

I want to thank you for all of the work, effort, materials, time, and energy you put in today.

At every turn – in the beginning, when sixty of our kids were without a bus, in the middle, attempting to feed 240 eager teenagers, or near the end, when we fit every one of them into one final photo – you were all ready, and willing to help. You were positive and engaged the entire day, and I couldn’t have asked for a better set of adults to be with.

Today was a real testament to how lucky we are, as a staff, to have such a generous, flexible, and thoughtful community of parents. Thank you for all that you did and put in – I know that the staff, the kids, and I all appreciate it immensely. It was such a fantastic day.

NEXT CHINA TRIP DEADLINE

Thank you to all that handed in applications to meet the Early Bird deadline.
There is still time to think about the China trip. The next deadline is Tuesday, May 15 ($800 rate).
Hand in paper applications to the Main Office.

HEADED TO EL CERRITO HIGH? – THE MOUNTAIN BIKING TEAM WANTS YOU!!

The Mountain Bike Team had their fourth league race at Granite Bay on April 15th, placing third just behind Berkeley, and retaining overall second place in league. El Cerrito is up against much bigger teams – we had 20 race while Berkeley had 62! The last league race is less than two weeks and the team will need to be strong to clinch the second place spot!

The course was 6 miles with over 500′ of climbing, and is considered the most technical NorCal (league) course. There was lots of winding single track and several rock obstacles to clear. Our riders did great! Freshman and Sophomore Girls did 2 laps; Sophomore Boys and JV raced for 3 laps, and Varsity Boys 4.

The team is looking for more riders next season and girls are highly encouraged to join. We have a strong group of girls and want to add several more. No experience is necessary – the team trains it’s athletes for fitness and bike handling. Please talk to anyone on the team or text coach John (510-967-1101) and check out the team’s website https://echsmtb.com/.

Varsity: Matt Garrison, 4th (Podium); Evan Garrison, 9th

JV Girls: Madeline Hill, 1st (Podium, Category Leader)

JV Boys: Tal Zvik, 4th (Podium); George Smith, 20th; Rota Maynard, 32nd; Daniel Huebner, 35th; Sebastian Alvarez, 36th

Sophomore Girls: Maria Wallis, 2nd (Podium, Category Leader)

Sophomore Boys: Nitzan Gladstone, 4th (Podium); Keith Emory; 7th; Aiden Dey-Ward, 13th; Senan Hayden, 19th; Fabio Argueta, 26th

Freshman Girls: Elisabeth Cody, 8th; Helen Stephens, 14th

Freshman Boys: Enzo Nelligan, 6th; Simha Furaha, 17th; Eli Tipton, 20th

ALBANY MIDDLE SCHOOL INVITES YOU TO…. COBRA-CHELLA!

TONIGHT!!! Korematsu Orientation Night

CHINA TRIP APPLICATIONS DEADLINE EXTENDED!

YOU’VE GOT THE WEEKEND!

Early Bird ($650) Applications for the China Trip are now due in the Main Office End of Day Monday, April 30, 2018.
If you are expediting a passport, please hand in proof that you expedited (copy your payment receipt or other) with your application. If not, you’ve got the weekend to finish that essay or apply for a passport.

Please hand in:
Application for Participation Summer 2018 China
​​China Trip Health and Medical Form 2018.pdf
​
If you are applying for aid or scholarship, please include:
​China Trip Scholarship Application
​
Still time to decide if the trip is for you!

Read:
​Minutes China Trip Both Sessions 4:00 and 5:30
​​2018 Summer China Study Tour- Important Travel
​

Passport information and all the postings on the China trip are on the website:
www.korematsumiddleschool.org

PROMOTION CEREMONY

Dear Korematsu Families,

Can you believe we only have 7 weeks until graduation? This year has zoomed by!

Graduation is a special time for 8th grade families. Many of them move on together to El Cerrito High, and some fly off to other schools, so for our 8th graders, the graduation commencement events are vastly important.

That being said, we can not pull off all the activities without your help!

There are 3 events that need 7th AND 8th grade families to help with. We have included a link to a google doc that you can sign up.

The events are as follows:
6/5
1. Promotion practice: Before the picnic, parents are needed to help organize and supervise the 8th graders as they practice for the promotion ceremony.

2. Help with the 8th grade picnic: This happens prior to the kids vs. teachers softball game. We have 3 point persons already and need people to sign ups for food, set-up, clean-up etc. BOTH 7th & 8th Grade families can help!

6/6
3. Graduation: This is a huge event where the kids cross the stage. Tradition has been 7th grade families sign up to help with some of the larger day of jobs so 8th grade families can watch their babies cross the stage! Then next year, we continue that tradition and you get to sit back and watch your babies cross the stage!

There are other day/night-of items for 8th grade families as well as a sign-up to help order, pick-up & deliver appetizers, drinks & desserts to the school.

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

Please 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!

WE NEED YOU! We cannot do this without your help!

Thank you,
Rula & Negar

WE NEED YOU

Korematsu PTSA has a number of openings for the next school year. PLEASE JOIN US! We are a great group!
You’ll meet people, share your skills, learn new ones and support our students, school and community.

WE CANNOT HAVE A PTA WITHOUT A PRESIDENT, TREASURER AND SECRETARY.
WE’VE GOT TWO OF THE THREE FILLED.
CONTACT US! We are fun!!!!
korematsuptsa@gmail.com

President: Manu Wong
Executive Vice President: Stacey Steele
Secretary:OPEN
Treasurer: Filled
Financial Secretary: Evelyn Smith
Vice President Fundraising: OPEN
Membership Chair: Anita Miller
Auditor: Jenny Jensen
Volunteer Chair: OPEN
Parliamentarian:OPEN
Historian: OPEN
Yard Sale Chair: Cindy Spade
Annual Giving Co-chairs: OPEN
Restaurant Fundraisers Coordinator: Tiffany Hill
Golden Gate Fields Coordinator: Jody Lengyel
Info Night Chair: OPEN
Teacher Luncheon Day Chair:OPEN
Yearbook Chair:Tim Warner
Parent Librarian: Kim Paige
Fright Write Chair: OPEN
Fright Fest Chair: OPEN
Science Fair Chair: OPEN
Math Club Co-Chairs: OPEN
Band Parents Association Chair: FILLED
Fairmont Elem Comm Liaison: Saidah Said
Harding Elem Comm Liaison: Beth Dawson
Kensington Elem Comm Liaison: Kim Paige
Madera Elem Comm Liaison: FILLED
Stege Elem Comm Liaison: OPEN
Washington Elem Comm Liaison: FILLED
ELAC Parent Liaison: OPEN
Website Maintenance/Development: Doug Diego

If you, or someone you know, would be able and willing to fill a vacancy, and for any corrections, suggestions and questions,
please reply to this email ASAP.
korematsuptsa@gmail.com

We will have Elections for the Board Members at our May meeting.

And here’s a spreadsheet you can enter names into.
​
2018/19 Korematsu PTSA Slate

INFORMATION SESSION for the SUMMER STUDENT AMBASSADOR CHINA TRIP

​
Friday, April 20, 2018

KOREMATSU MIDDLE SCHOOL
LIBRARY
7125 Donal Avenue
El Cerrito, CA

Two Sessions:

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Students and families from these schools are welcome!

El Cerrito High
Kennedy High
De Anza High
Richmond High
Pinole Valley High
Hercules High
Middle College High
Helms Middle
Korematsu Middle

REMINDER, this trip is open only to WCCUSD students from the above listed schools.

Enter the school through the orange gates.
Follow the orange poles to the Library.

Preliminary trip information and the application can be found on our website

*VISITING REMINDER*
Please respect our neighborhood when coming to visit.
Please refrain from double-parking, blocking driveways and the like.
Consider parking a couple of blocks away from school and walking to ease some congestion.
Our neighbors thank you!

See you There!

WCCUSD 5th Annual BEST PRACTICES FAIR

CALIFORNIA HEALTHY KIDS SURVEY

Please take some time to take the California Healthy Kids Survey

bit.ly/koremastsuparent18

6th Grade Students and Families: KOREMATSU ORIENTATION NIGHT

El Cerrito Parks & Recreation Facilities Master Plan

To date, the community outreach process for the El Cerrito Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan has included an online survey and online mapping forum, two community workshops, and a series of stakeholder interviews.

Themes that have emerged as important to the community so far include:

Youth recreation – toddler amenities, teen programming, youth enrichment opportunities

To update and improve the City’s existing recreation facilities and programs

The Hillside Natural Area and Ohlone Greenway as valued recreation amenities that are unique to El Cerrito

Improved general maintenance in the City’s parks and recreation facilities

Pedestrian access throughout the City’s parks and recreation network – walking, hiking and biking

A Senior Center as an important recreation amenity

Don’t miss this opportunity to have your voice heard. There will be two more Public Meetings on Thursday, April 26th at the El Cerrito Community Center,7007 Moeser Lane and Wednesday, May 23rd at City Hall, 10890 San Pablo Ave. Both meetings will take place 6:30-8:30pm.

For more information, please visit www.el-cerrito.org/ParksMP

8th Grade Promotion Activities

Dear Korematsu Families,

Can you believe we only have 7 weeks until graduation? This year has zoomed by!

Graduation is a special time for 8th grade families. Many of them move on together to El Cerrito High, and some fly off to other schools, so for our 8th graders, the graduation commencement events are vastly important.

That being said, we can not pull off all the activities without your help!

There are 3 events that need 7th AND 8th grade families to help with. We have included a link to a google doc that you can sign up.

The events are as follows:
6/5
1. Promotion practice: Before the picnic, parents are needed to help organize and supervise the 8th graders as they practice for the promotion ceremony.

2. Help with the 8th grade picnic: This happens prior to the kids vs. teachers softball game. We have 3 point persons already and need people to sign ups for food, set-up, clean-up etc. BOTH 7th & 8th Grade families can help!

6/6
3. Graduation: This is a huge event where the kids cross the stage. Tradition has been 7th grade families sign up to help with some of the larger day of jobs so 8th grade families can watch their babies cross the stage! Then next year, we continue that tradition and you get to sit back and watch your babies cross the stage!

There are other day/night-of items for 8th grade families as well as a sign-up to help order, pick-up & deliver appetizers, drinks & desserts to the school.

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

Please 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!

WE NEED YOU! We cannot do this without your help!

Thank you,
Rula & Negar

TIME. YEARBOOKS. BOTH ARE RUNNING OUT!

Order your student’s yearbook today.
We only have 50 yearbooks left, so don’t miss your chance to buy one! Order now for $40.00 while you still have time.

CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED

TEACHER LUNCHEON FRIDAY APRIL 13TH 2018

Help appreciate the teachers with your favorite spring dishes.
Bring on the salads, sandwiches, quiches, frittatas, fruits and yummies.
What’s your favorite dish to bring to a potluck or a picnic?
Let’s share it with our teachers and staff.
Questions to Astrid Broberg liissaUSA@aol.com.

Click on this link to sign up!​

ECHS Speech and Debate Showcase

HEADED TO EL CERRITO HIGH? CHECK OUT OUR SPEECH AND DEBATE SHOWCASE!

Friday, April 13, 2018 @ 7:30 p.m.

For over fifty years the El Cerrito High School Forensics program
has introduced new students to high school speech and debate,
and sent students to compete in league, state and national tournaments.
Our philosophy is to support all students who are interested
in exploring the various types of speech and debate events,
not only those who excel and who make speech or debate the main focus of their high school activities.

We Guarantee You’ll Enjoy the Evening!

Website: https://echsspeechanddebate.org/

TEACHER LUNCHEON FRIDAY APRIL 13TH 2018

Help appreciate the teachers with your favorite spring dishes.
Bring on the salads, sandwiches, quiches, frittatas, fruits and yummies.
What’s your favorite dish to bring to a potluck or a picnic?
Let’s share it with our teachers and staff.
Questions to Astrid Broberg liissaUSA@aol.com.

Click here to sign up!

EARTH DAY – APRIL 21ST 2018 – VOLUNTEER EVENT

Celebrate Earth Day in El Cerrito by volunteering at the Earth Day Work Party
Saturday April 21st 2018
9am – 12pm
Free volunteer luncheon will be provided!

Earth Day Flyer

Release for City Volunteer Program

Join our 2018-19 Korematsu PTSA Board!

The Korematsu PTSA Board has a number of vacancies for the next school year due to 8th grade parents leaving.
Here’s the list of what is needed.

PLEASE JOIN US!
We are a great group!
You’ll meet people, share your skills, learn new ones and support our students, school and community.

President: Manu Wong
Executive Vice President: Stacey Steele
Secretary:OPEN
Treasurer: Filled
Financial Secretary: Evelyn Smith
Vice President Fundraising: OPEN
Membership Chair: Anita Miller
Auditor: Jenny Jensen
Volunteer Chair: OPEN
Parliamentarian:OPEN
Historian: OPEN
Yard Sale Chair: Cindy Spade
Annual Giving Co-chairs: OPEN
Restaurant Fundraisers Coordinator: Tiffany Hill
Golden Gate Fields Coordinator: Jody Lengyel
Info Night Chair: OPEN
Teacher Luncheon Day Chair:OPEN
Yearbook Chair:Tim Warner
Parent Librarian: Kim Paige
Fright Write Chair: OPEN
Fright Fest Chair: OPEN
Science Fair Chair: OPEN
Math Club Co-Chairs: OPEN
Band Parents Association Chair: FILLED
Fairmont Elem Comm Liaison: Saidah Said
Harding Elem Comm Liaison: Beth Dawson
Kensington Elem Comm Liaison: Kim Paige
Madera Elem Comm Liaison: OPEN
Stege Elem Comm Liaison: OPEN
Washington Elem Comm Liaison: OPEN
ELAC Parent Liaison: OPEN
Website Maintenance/Development: Doug Diego

If you, or someone you know, would be able and willing to fill a vacancy, and for any corrections, suggestions and questions,
please reply to this email ASAP.
korematsuptsa@gmail.com

We will have Elections for the Board Members at our May meeting.

2ND ANNUAL BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION TRADES CAREER FAIR

53rd ANNUAL STUDENT ART SHOW

Community members are invited to attend the 53rd Annual Student Art Show Tuesday, March 27 through Sunday, April 22 at the Richmond Art Center to see art created by middle and high school students throughout the District.

More than 300 pieces will be displayed during the exhibition, and select students will be recognized and awarded for their artistic talents and creativity from local organizations, including the El Sobrante Art Guild. Students and art teachers will be honored at the Art Show Reception Tuesday, April 17, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Who: Middle and High School students in the West Contra Costa Unified School District.

What: 53rd Annual WCCUSD Student Art exhibition showcasing over 300 student art pieces.

When: Exhibition opens Tuesday, March 27, 2018 and ends Sunday, April 22, 2018. The Art Show reception is Tuesday, April 17, 2018 from 5 p.m .- 7 p.m.

Where: Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave. Richmond, CA 94804.

Why: To showcase student art work and honor and award students for creativity.

Visit the Richmond Art Center website for more information.

WACAC College Fair

Friday, May 4, 2018.
Cal State East Bay, University Gymnasium.

You will be able to meet with representatives from more than 100 colleges and universities.
It is a FREE event admission and there is FREE parking.
You can pre-register at wacaccollegefair.com

SPRING BREAK

HAVE A GREAT SPRING BREAK!

SCHOOL CLOSED : APRIL 2ND – 6TH

KOREMATSU TAKES HOME MEDALS FROM THE GOLDEN GATE STEM FAIR!

The 2018 Golden Gate STEM Fair was held March 19th-23rd 2018 at the San Francisco County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park. For some 50 years, the GG STEM Fair (San Francisco Bay Area Science Fair) has celebrated student science in a highly competitive regional competition.

Beginning with science fairs at public and private junior and senior high schools, the 300 top Bay Area projects are selected from almost 50,000 student projects spanning 8 Northern California counties including San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin, Napa, Sonoma, Solano, West Contra Costa and Mendocino.

Korematsu had a strong contingent of young scientists this year, with the following students invited to present (each having first won a ribbon at our school fair, and then again at the West Contra Costa Science Fair):

8th Grade
Maya Escalante
William Flowers
Ayaz Earley
Milan Willett

7th Grade
Rika Adam
Eleanor Addison
Lauren Bjeldanes
Tobias Classen
Sophie Gillern
Grace Maguire
Johan Phan
Ben Pilling-Chappelear
Tess Roorda
Henry Warmerdam

In an exciting awards ceremony Thursday evening, students and parents watched as Marcus Wojtowiak of the Randall Museum, and philanthropist and founder of the Museum of Mathematics, Dr. Glen Whitney, presented medals and ribbons to our winners:

7th Grade
Eleanor Addison, 1st Place, Physical Science
Sophie Gillern, 3rd Place, Behavioral Sciences
Ben Pilling-Chappelear, 3rd Place, Biological Sciences
Johan Phan, 3rd Place, Mathematics
Tess Roorda, 4th Place, Biological Sciences
Rika Adam, Bill Tobin Memorial Award

8th Grade
William Flowers, 3rd Place, Behavioral Sciences
Ayaz Earley, 4th Place, Physical Science

Our first place winner Eleanor Addison goes on to represent Korematsu, WCCUSD, and the Bay Area at the California State Science and Engineering Fair, April 23-24 in Los Angeles. She also was nominated to represent us at the Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering for Rising Stars), the national science and engineering competition for sixth, seventh and eighth grade students, being held in Washington, DC this fall.

SHAKE YOUR BEAUTY 2018

Thursday, 3/29, 4 – 5:30 pm

Ms. La Due is looking for parents who can help build sets for the spring musical!

The Drama Club will be having a set-building day for Annie Jr. on Saturday, March 31st starting at 11am in the Korematsu MPR.

We are REALLY in need of folks who are handy with tools and know a bit about construction! Our biggest need is to build risers like the ones seen in this video — we will need to build six 6×4 risers in total. Ms. La Due will purchase the wood and supplies but will need folks to bring tools and know-how!

We will also be painting our existing flats from the previous production and working on some of the props needed for this productions, so there will be jobs for our kids to do that don’t involve powertools!

Finally, we really need someone with a truck who can help us transport some furniture. Particularly, we have some furniture that needs to be returned to CCCT in El Cerrito and some other donations for this show that need to be picked up. Please let Ms. La Due know if you can help with this!

Contact Ms. La Due at sarah.ladue@wccusd.net if you can help!

TEACHER LUNCHEON

Our next Teacher Luncheon will be on April 13th 2018.

WACAC College Fair

Friday, May 4, 2018.
Cal State East Bay, University Gymnasium.

You will be able to meet with representatives from more than 100 colleges and universities.
It is a FREE event admission and there is FREE parking.
You can pre-register at wacaccollegefair.com

2ND ANNUAL BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION TRADES CAREER FAIR

53rd ANNUAL STUDENT ART SHOW

Community members are invited to attend the 53rd Annual Student Art Show Tuesday, March 27 through Sunday, April 22 at the Richmond Art Center to see art created by middle and high school students throughout the District.

More than 300 pieces will be displayed during the exhibition, and select students will be recognized and awarded for their artistic talents and creativity from local organizations, including the El Sobrante Art Guild. Students and art teachers will be honored at the Art Show Reception Tuesday, April 17, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Who: Middle and High School students in the West Contra Costa Unified School District.

What: 53rd Annual WCCUSD Student Art exhibition showcasing over 300 student art pieces.

When: Exhibition opens Tuesday, March 27, 2018 and ends Sunday, April 22, 2018. The Art Show reception is Tuesday, April 17, 2018 from 5 p.m .- 7 p.m.

Where: Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave. Richmond, CA 94804.

Why: To showcase student art work and honor and award students for creativity.

Visit the Richmond Art Center website for more information.

OPEN HOUSE

Please join us

Thursday, March 22 for Open House
Korematsu Middle School
7125 Donal Ave.
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m

Arrive early and watch the
Korematsu Jazz Ensemble performance at 6:10 p.m.

All current, prospective and incoming students are warmly invited to join us.

All are welcome to visit our classrooms and meet our teachers and staff. We look forward to meeting you!

PLEASE EXERCISE THE UTMOST RESPECT FOR OUR NEIGHBORHOOD WHEN YOU VISIT.

Please observe all traffic rules and regulations.
Never block a driveway! Consider parking a few blocks away and walking to the school so that parking congestion is alleviated.

See you there!!

KOREMATSU TAKES FIVE MEDALS IN THE COUNTY NATIONAL HISTORY DAY COMPETITION!!

WISH THEM WELL AS THEY MOVE ON TO STATES!

CONGRATS TO OUR STUDENTS!

From Mr. U:

Our annual History Day competition was held this year in Moraga on March 10th. For the past two years, I have held a History Day competition at Korematsu. The projects that are considered the best are often chosen to compete at the county competition. This year Korematsu entered 6 projects into the Contra Costa County competition and walked away with 5 medals. Four of the five medal projects will be competing in the state competition in Rocklin, Ca on May 5th/6th.

National History Day or NHD is a competition that centers around a theme. This year’s theme was “Conflict and Compromise.” Students worked for three months on researching, organizing, and creating their projects. These students have worked diligently the past few months and are thrilled to continue their competition. Please read about their projects in the links below.

NO MONEY IS NEEDED!

PROJECTS HAVE BEEN PAID FOR BY GENEROUS DONORS AND YOUR PTSA!!

READ ABOUT PROJECTS HERE!!

Group 1: Katherine H., Cassie C., Azusa J.
Young group of women who centered their project around the 6 days war.
Link: https://www.gofundme.com/9wz8nt-national-history-day-competition

Group 2: Miya E., Jacob K.
Duo who focused on the British Taxes.
Link: https://www.gofundme.com/korematsu-nhd-competition

Group 3: Juliet D. Carrie L. Emma G.
Another group of young women whose project was centered around “Second Wave Feminism”
Link: https://www.gofundme.com/nhd2018

Group 4: Finn K.
Solo documentary by Finn focuses on the Pullman Strike.
Link: https://www.gofundme.com/j7et9-nhd-state-competition

KOREMATSU TAKES THE TROPHY AGAIN!!

Congratulations to the Korematsu Battle of the Books team!
They narrowly edged out Hercules Middle School to win the district Battle of the Books.
The winning team was made up of 7th graders Abigail Manila, Cali Fong, Maya Maoz, Amelia Allen, and Molly Tsutsui.
Together they read ten books, beat the other Korematsu teams at the school competition, and then went on to claim the first place trophy for Korematsu Middle School in an academic bowl-style competition.

MOVIE NIGHT

Korematsu Staff, Students and Families : The Hispanic and Chicano committee invite you to their 3rd Movie Night,

Friday March 23rd 2018 at 6:15 pm in the Multi Purpose Room
Movie Night March Cesar Chavez.pdf

Angst

Join us for a special FREE PTSA-sponsored screening of the documentary film…

“Angst is inspirational; the courageous effort made by teens in the film to face their fears and become competent in coping is heart-warming and breathtaking.”

– Dr. Laura Kastner

Subtitulado en Español/Subtitled in Spanish

Suggested for parents, caregivers, and kids age 10 and up

Tuesday, March 27th 7-8pm

Korematsu Middle School Multipurpose Room

Discussion following film for those who would like to stay.

An RSVP will allow us to better prepare for the event but it is not required. https://www.showclix.com/event/angst-at-korematsu-public-middle-school

More Info:

Angst is a one-hour film that explores anxiety its causes, effects and what we can do about it. It features candid interviews with kids and young adults who suffer, or have suffered, from anxiety and what they’ve learned about it. The film includes discussions with mental health experts about the causes of anxiety and its sociological effects, as well as help, resources and tools.

Visit the Angst Movie website

Watch “What people are saying about the film”

JR. LIFEGUARD TRAINING

EL CERRITO SWIM CENTER is offering Junior Lifeguard training during Spring Break for 13-14 year olds.

Details: El Cerrito Jr Lifeguard Training Flyer 2018.pdf

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

Mr. Burnham’s Twitter Feed: @KorematsuMS

Korematsu PTSA Twitter Feed: @KorematsuPTSA

THANK YOU

Thank you to all that helped to create this safe space so that our students could express themselves!

TRACK & FIELD SEASON BEGINS

An informal meeting for all students interested in joining Track & Field will be held in Room C-212 on Thursday, March 15 after school.

* Practices start March 19 – June 1, and will be held after school from 2:30 – 4:30
everyday, except Wednesday.
* Mr. Uriostegue will hold a parent orientation meeting will be held Tuesday, April 10
at 6:00pm in Room C-212.
* For more information contact Megan Sherman at megan@shermanwong.com

FRIDAY!!!! – Volleyball game

7th Period
Faculty vs. Students
Volleyball game

OPEN HOUSE

Please join us
Thursday, March 22 for Open House
Korematsu Middle School
7125 Donal Ave.
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m

All current, prospective and incoming students are warmly invited to join us.

All are welcome to visit our classrooms and meet our teachers and staff. We look forward to meeting you!

PLEASE EXERCISE THE UTMOST RESPECT FOR OUR NEIGHBORHOOD WHEN YOU VISIT.

Please observe all traffic rules and regulations. Never block a driveway! Consider parking a few blocks away and walking to the school so that parking congestion is alleviated.

See you there!!

YEARBOOK

Don’t let the memories get away.
Order your yearbook today!

Only a limited supply of Korematsu yearbooks remain. Order yours to make sure you get your hands on your very own book of memories.

And a bonus! Order your yearbook online by March 16 and you’re automatically entered for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card*.

Order Yearbook

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY | SEE RULES

A Conversation with Matthew Duffy

Tuesday March 20th 2018
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Harding Elementary School Auditorium

We are proud to present with our neighboring PTAs…..
Join us for a Conversation with our School Superintendent Matthew Duffy.

Duffy Invite English

Duffy Invite Spanish

Hispanic and Chicano committee Movie Night

The Hispanic and Chicano committee will be hosting their 3rd Movie Night

March 23rd 2018 at 6:15 pm in the Multi Purpose Room

Details: Movie Night March Cesar Chavez.pdf

Angst

Join us for a special FREE PTSA-sponsored screening of the documentary film…

“Angst is inspirational; the courageous effort made by teens in the film to face their fears and become competent in coping is heart-warming and breathtaking.”

– Dr. Laura Kastner

Subtitulado en Español/Subtitled in Spanish

Suggested for parents, caregivers, and kids age 10 and up

Tuesday, March 27th 7-8pm

Korematsu Middle School Multipurpose Room

Discussion following film for those who would like to stay.

An RSVP will allow us to better prepare for the event but it is not required. https://www.showclix.com/event/angst-at-korematsu-public-middle-school

More Info:

Angst is a one-hour film that explores anxiety its causes, effects and what we can do about it. It features candid interviews with kids and young adults who suffer, or have suffered, from anxiety and what they’ve learned about it. The film includes discussions with mental health experts about the causes of anxiety and its sociological effects, as well as help, resources and tools.

Visit the Angst Movie website

Watch “What people are saying about the film”

JR. LIFEGUARD TRAINING

EL CERRITO SWIM CENTER is offering Junior Lifeguard training during Spring Break for 13-14 year olds.

Details: El Cerrito Jr Lifeguard Training Flyer 2018.pdf

CHAPERONES NEEDED FOR 8TH GRADE FIELD TRIP

Mr Vedder has been busy organizing the 8th Grade end-of-the-year field trip, to celebrate the students’ success in achieving their reading goals this year.
The field trip will be to Kennedy Grove Park. It will be on Wednesday, May 2nd, from 9:30-1:00.
They will be going by bus.
As you can see, he has firmed up most of the details for the field trip,
and he needs help with the most important part of it – CHAPERONES!
He needs 5-6 more parent chaperones, without whom this field trip cannot happen.
Thank you to those who have signed up!
If you can chaperone, please click HERE TO SIGN UP!
Contact Mr Vedder for all the details.

First Wednesday Celebration

on Wednesday, April 4 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM
at the El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Avenue, El Cerrito.