Category: The Phoenix

TEACHER LUNCHEON

THE TEACHER LUNCHEON IS TOMORROW FRIDAY MARCH 9TH
THERE’S STILL TIME TO SIGN UP TO CONTRIBUTE!

The theme this month is Salad Bar.
Bring your favorite salad to share with the teachers.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

THANK YOU TO THE FAMILIES WHO ALREADY HAVE!!!

KOREMATSU STUDENTS SUCCEED AT DISTRICT SCIENCE FAIR

Congratulations to Korematsu’s students on their success at the District Science Fair! Here is the list of winners:

Biological Science
Jayden Balmaceda, 4th place, 7th grade
Lauren Bjeldanes, 3rd place, 7th grade
Tess Roorda, 2nd place, 7th grade
Ben Pilling, 1st place, 7th grade
Piper Gillern, 4th place, 8th grade
Milan Willett, 2nd place, 8th grade

Engineering/Math/Technology
Johan Phan, 2nd place, 7th grade
Caroline Zwiebach, 1st place, 8th grade

Physical Science
Sean Stokowski, 4th place, 7th grade
Rika Adam, 3rd place, 7th grade
Eleanor Addison, 3rd place, 7th grade
Tobias Glassen, 2nd place, 7th grade
Henry Warmerdam, 1st place, 7th grade
Kathryn Hennig, 4th place, 8th grade
Chloe Liang, 4th place, 8th grade
Miya Escalante, 3rd place, 8th grade
Eamonn O’Leary, 3rd place, 8th grade
Ayaz Earley, 1st place, 8th grade

Social Behavioral
Christopher Hill, 4th place, 7th grade
Sophie Gillern, 2nd place, 7th grade
Grace Maguire, 1st place, 7th grade
William Flowers, 2nd place, 8th grade

In addition, Ben Pilling and Grace Maguire took home $50 Bio-Rad awards, and Ben Pilling also won the Norm Seraphin Award!

YEARBOOKS

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

MARCH 14 “CALL OUT” TO END GUN VIOLENCE

‘On March 14, California State PTA is asking for your help to “call out” our federal legislators and demand stronger gun-violence prevention legislation.

Stand together with the voices of students and call your federal legislators on March 14 to demand stronger gun-violence prevention legislation including:

* Prohibiting the sale and possession of assault weapons including automatic and semi-automatic weapons
* Mandatory background checks
* Waiting periods for all firearm purchases.

https://www.votervoice.net/CAPTA/campaigns/57206/respond

Once you enter your name and address, the site automatically generates the names and numbers of your legislators and a script that you can use when you call.

PLEASE RESERVE A FEW MINUTES ON MARCH 14th and make calls to your legislators. Calling can be a very effective way to bring about change. Legislation offices do note the number of calls, the areas from which the calls originate and the caller’s positions – for/against.

California State PTA has a number of resources on its website.

http://capta.org/

Additional Resources:

* California State PTA Position * Statement “Firearms and Assault Weapons”
* California State PTA Position Statement “Student Participation in Public Demonstrations”
* National PTA Position Statement “Gun Safety and Violence Prevention”
* Checklist to Prevent Violence in Schools
* National PTA FAQs on Gun Violence
* National PTA Press Statement
* Talking Points for PTAs – Gun Violence and Student Voice
* Proposition 63 “The Safety for All Act of 2016” Support Full Analysis

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.

KOREMATSU PTSA MEETING

FEATURING SPECIAL SESSION
“LOOKING AHEAD: WHAT TO EXPECT AT El Cerrito High School” AND BAND PARENTS MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 13

The PTSA will meet at 7 PM in the Multipurpose Room.

Agenda
​
After covering PTSA business, we will hold a session on ECHS, along the lines of “what to expect,” which is specially designed to help 8th graders and their families navigate their way through the first few months of high school. This year, ECHS Principal Edith Jordan-McCormick and Assistant Principals Charlotte Betson and Jay Eirvin will be on hand to talk about academic and administrative matters, as well as extra curricular programs at the high school.

Learn also about what it’s like to be a Gaucho from our panel of student speakers.

So come with questions and get your answers.

Preceding the PTSA meeting is the Band Parents meeting in the band room, starting at 6 PM.

See you there!

NEW DATE!!! BLACK MOVIE NIGHT

The African American Committee will be hosting our

Black History Movie Night on

Thursday, March 15, 2018 @ 6:15pm in the

Multipurpose Room (*This is a FREE Event*).

We will watch

MARSHALL – (pg-13) – About a young Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, as he battles through one of his career-defining cases.

Food from Southern Café and drinks will be provided.

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and pillows.*

ID and PERMISSION SLIP REQUIRED*

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

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

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

Click on the link for the details: Movie Night March Cesar Chavez.pdf

JR. LIFEGUARD TRAINING

EL CERRITO SWIM CENTER

is offering Junior Lifeguard training during Spring Break for 13-14 year olds.

Click on the link for detail: El Cerrito Jr Lifeguard Training Flyer 2018.pdf

GIRLS IN ENGINEERING

UC Berkeley’s Girls in Engineering program is actively recruiting applicants who are eligible for our need-based scholarships. If you work with girls in 5th, 6th, or 7th grade, I hope you will share this opportunity with them! Applications are due TODAY March 1st.

Families are automatically awarded full scholarships if they demonstrate financial need (by qualifying for free or reduced price lunch, CalFresh, or Medi-Cal). All girls need to complete the normal camp application, but no additional scholarship application is required.

Information about our program, and a link to the online application, is available on our website: http://girlsinengineering.berkeley.edu/

TEACHER LUNCHEON

MARCH 9TH IS COMING UP SOON!
SIGN UP TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE TEACHER LUNCHEON!

The theme this month is Salad Bar. Bring your favorite salad to share with the teachers.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

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 15-16 parent chaperones, without whom this field trip cannot happen.
If you can chaperone, please click HERE TO SIGN UP!
Contact Mr Vedder for all the details.

KOREMATSU PTSA MEETING

FEATURING SPECIAL SESSION
“LOOKING AHEAD: WHAT TO EXPECT AT El Cerrito High School” AND BAND PARENTS MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 13

The PTSA will meet at 7 PM in the Multipurpose Room.

Here is the Agenda
​
After covering PTSA business, we will hold a session on ECHS, along the lines of “what to expect,” which is specially designed to help 8th graders and their families navigate their way through the first few months of high school. This year, ECHS Principal Edith Jordan-McCormick and Assistant Principals Charlotte Betson and Jay Eirvin will be on hand to talk about academic and administrative matters, as well as extra curricular programs at the high school.

Learn also about what it’s like to be a Gaucho from our panel of student speakers.

So come with questions and get your answers.

Preceding the PTSA meeting is the Band Parents meeting in the band room, starting at 6 PM.

See you there!

NEW DATE!!! BLACK MOVIE NIGHT

The African American Committee will be hosting our

Black History Movie Night on

Thursday, March 15, 2018 @ 6:15pm in the

Multipurpose Room (*This is a FREE Event*).

We will watch

MARSHALL – (pg-13) – About a young Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, as he battles through one of his career-defining cases.

Food from Southern Café and drinks will be provided.

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and pillows.*

ID and PERMISSION SLIP REQUIRED*

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

MARCH 14 “CALL OUT” TO END GUN VIOLENCE

‘On March 14, California State PTA is asking for your help to “call out” our federal legislators and demand stronger gun-violence prevention legislation.

Stand together with the voices of students and call your federal legislators on March 14 to demand stronger gun-violence prevention legislation including:

* Prohibiting the sale and possession of assault weapons including automatic and semi-automatic weapons
* Mandatory background checks
* Waiting periods for all firearm purchases.

https://www.votervoice.net/CAPTA/campaigns/57206/respond

Once you enter your name and address, the site automatically generates the names and numbers of your legislators and a script that you can use when you call.

PLEASE RESERVE A FEW MINUTES ON MARCH 14th and make calls to your legislators. Calling can be a very effective way to bring about change. Legislation offices do note the number of calls, the areas from which the calls originate and the caller’s positions – for/against.

California State PTA has a number of resources on its website.

http://capta.org/

Additional Resources:

* California State PTA Position * Statement “Firearms and Assault Weapons”
* California State PTA Position Statement “Student Participation in Public Demonstrations”
* National PTA Position Statement “Gun Safety and Violence Prevention”
* Checklist to Prevent Violence in Schools
* National PTA FAQs on Gun Violence
* National PTA Press Statement
* Talking Points for PTAs – Gun Violence and Student Voice
* Proposition 63 “The Safety for All Act of 2016” Support Full Analysis

THE ULTIMATE CRAB FEED!!!

El Cerrito High School/Korematsu Middle School Ultimate Frisbee Club presents its
Third Annual Ultimate Crab Feed!!
WHEN? Saturday February 24th, 5:30-9:30 pm
WHERE? El Cerrito Community Center.

Come stuff your face with crab and support the EC High and Korematsu Ultimate Frisbee teams all in the same night!!! This is not your typical fundraiser of burritos and pizza. The “Ultimate Crab Feed” will be a night of delicious all you can eat crab, pasta, salad and bread. Yuuuuuummmy!

There will be fantastic raffle prizes, including authentic signed Golden State Warriors jerseys by “Splash Brother” Steph Curry and the best basketball player on the planet, Kevin Durant. The tickets are going fast so be sure to get your tickets today before they sell out.
$50/person.

For tickets: eccrabfeed2018.eventbrite.com
For information: eccrabfeed2018@gmail.com

2017-2018 YEARBOOK

THERE’S STILL TIME BEFORE YEARBOOK PRICE GOES UP, SO BUY TODAY!

You have a couple more days to buy your 2017-2018 Yearbook for the lower price of $30.
So ORDER TODAY!

The price goes up to $40 between Feb 26, 2018
and mid-April, when sales end.
Reserve your 64 page, full-color memory book now
and save $10.

Order online now

Click on “2018 Yearbook”

Many customizations are available for additional fees, including your student’s name.

Paper order forms are also available. Just drop into the school office.

Black History Movie Night

The African American Committee will be hosting our

Black History Movie Night on

Wednesday, February 28, 2018 @ 6:15pm in the

Multipurpose Room.

We will watch

MARSHALL – (pg-13) – About a young Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American

Supreme Court Justice, as he battles through one of his career-defining cases.

Southern Café Soul Food and drinks will be provided!
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and pillows.

* ID and PERMISSION SLIP REQUIRED*

POWERSCHOOL

The bugs have been fixed and online registration is now available in PowerSchool for incoming 9th grade students. Once you’ve logged on to PowerSchool, on the left hand side there is a tab for Class Registration. Click that and follow the directions on the screen. Be sure to hit submit when you have finished. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Eirvin at jeirvin2@wccusd.net.

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

PRESIDENTS WEEK RECESS

School is closed February 19 to February 23, 2018. Classes will resume on Monday, February 26.

Enjoy the break!

THE ULTIMATE CRAB FEED!!!

El Cerrito High School/Korematsu Middle School Ultimate Frisbee Club presents its
Third Annual Ultimate Crab Feed!!
WHEN? Saturday February 24th, 5:30-9:30 pm
WHERE? El Cerrito Community Center.

Unlimited crab with salad, pasta and bread, and fantastic raffle prizes!
$50/person.

For tickets: eccrabfeed2018.eventbrite.com.
For information: eccrabfeed2018@gmail.com.

Black History Movie Night

The African American Committee will be hosting our Black History Movie Night on

Wednesday, February 28, 2018 @ 6:15pm in the

Multipurpose Room.

We will watch

MARSHALL – (pg-13) – About a young Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, as he battles through one of his career-defining cases.

Southern Café Soul Food and drinks will be provided!

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and pillows.

* ID and PERMISSION SLIP REQUIRED*

HEARTFELT THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS

A great big thank you to all who have helped or contributed to the Teachers’ Luncheon, Science Fair, the Valentine’s Day Dance, sports events and everything else that’s going on in our Korematsu community.

SCIENCE FAIR

It was great to see so many families at Science Fair Night! Congratulations to our Korematsu students on their scientific explorations and good luck to those whose projects are moving on to the WCCUSD Science Fair!

Attached is a list of projects and placements from the Korematsu fair.

First, second, and third place winners will move on to the district fair. The district fair’s awards ceremony and viewing night will be on Thursday, March 1 at El Cerrito High School.

SCIENCE FAIR ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Chair, Jeff Walker

A big thank you goes to the Science Fair judges for the many hours they spent evaluating projects: Melissa Ehman, Ricardo Gonzalez, Gary Hlady, Jon Lebeck, Kazue Nakahara, Crystal Nie, Jeff Norman, and Marit Oieroset.

Many thanks also go to Susan Gonzalez for helping set up the fair and to Judy Chin for providing refreshments for the judges on judging day.

We owe a special thank you to Mr. Kunz for running the fair every year, for providing his room and for much sound advice.

Finally, thank you to Mr. Burnham for his support of the Science Fair, including the logistics of Science Fair Night.

Korematsu Spelling Bee Winners!

Overall First Place – Kai Sokolowski (8th Grade)
Overall 2nd Place – Dominic Harrington

1st Place 7th grade – Julia Schweitzer
2nd Place 7th grade – Amalia Clark

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

Korematsu Middle School Academic Strategies Night Tonight

Thursday February 8th 6:30 – 8pm

Parents and guardians are invited to come and get some tips and tools for supporting your students.

Childcare will be provided!

2017-2018
YEARBOOK — PRICES GO UP THIS WEEKEND SO BUY TODAY!

You have just a few more days to buy your 2017-2018 Yearbook for the lower price of $30. So ORDER TODAY!

The price goes up to $40 between Feb 10, 2018 and mid-April, when sales end. Reserve your 64 page, full-color memory book now and save $10.

Order online now at http://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1003883/Fred-T.-Korematsu-Middle-School/ then click on “2018 Yearbook”. Many customizations are available for additional fees, including your student’s name.

Paper order forms are also available. Just drop into the school office.

February Teacher Luncheon ~ Valentine’s Brunch ~ February 9th !

In keeping with the theme of February we will treat the teachers to a Valentines’ Brunch.
If it’s waffles or pancakes, sausages or brunch casseroles ,vegan dishes or meat anything is welcome!.
Bring your favorite brunch dishes to share for the teachers.

Here is the link to sign up to help out​

Softball and Baseball To start soon

Monday February 12th during lunch students need to attend an informational meeting.
The softball meeting will be in Room A217 and the baseball meeting will be in room A219.

Baseball tryouts will be Wednesday 2/14 from 2:45 – 4:45

Softball tryouts will be Monday 2/26 and Wednesday 2/28 after school.

Lunchtime Spelling Bee

2/13 – Lunchtime Spelling Bee for top English class spellers.

KOREMATSU SCIENCE FAIR NIGHT 2018!

DON’T MISS KOREMATSU SCIENCE FAIR NIGHT 2018!

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 6:30 TO 8:00 PM

KOREMATSU MULTIPURPOSE ROOM

Come see the projects that made the final round of the Korematsu Science Fair at Science Fair Night next week! The first, second, and third place winners will proceed to the WCCUSD Science Fair next month.

Congratulations to our students who worked so hard on their projects!

Valentine’s Day Dance

We still have a need for a few more parents to help at the Valentines’ Day Dance

It’s on Wednesday February 14th 2018 in the MPR 1:30 – 3.00pm

Click on the links to sign up to help create a fun event for the students:

Valentine’s Day Dance Volunteers

Black History Month Movie Night

The African American Committee will be hosting our
Black History Month Movie Night
on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 @ 6:15 pm in the Multipurpose Room

We will watch: MARSHALL (PG 13) About a young Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice,
as he battle through one of his career-defining cases.

There will be food, and drinks will be provided.
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and pillows.

*ID and PERMISSION SLIP REQUIRED

Last chance to get the tickets!

See the NBA champion Warriors live at West Contra Costa Public Education Fund Night on February 22 when Golden State hosts the Los Angeles Clippers. Discounted tickets are available for the WCCUSD community with a portion of the ticket sales benefiting the Ed Fund and the District. Get your tickets here and use the promo code WCCUSD. The deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, February 2.

The Ed Fund is also offering up to a $1,000 prize to spend on the arts to the top school within each of our six family of schools that sells or buys the most tickets. More details about the Ed Fund’s announcement is here.

PTSA ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN

Local Control Accountability Plan Community Town Hall Meeting

Saturday 2/3/2018 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Pinole Middle School Cafeteria 15775 Mann Dr., Pinole, CA 94564
WCCUSD welcomes students, families, staff, and community members to attend our
Community Town Hall Meetings!
Attending a town hall meeting is a great opportunity for parents, teachers, and community members to engage in the decisions that impact their children and schools.
District staff will listen to the concerns and suggestions of all stakeholders regarding the development of the LCAP.
17-18 Town Hall Flyer (Sp).pdf
​​17-18 Town Hall Flyer (Eng).pdf

PANDA EXPRESS

Join us at Panda Express El Cerrito Plaza, next Tuesday February 6, 2018, from 3:00 – 9:00 pm for take-away or eat in. We receive 20% of the proceeds, which we spend on improving classroom, student and teacher experience.
Click HERE for the flyer. You can show paper or digital version of it.
THANK YOU!!! for your support.

2017-2018 YEARBOOK — ORDER NOW!

Now is the time to order your 2017-2018 Yearbook! 64+ colored pages!
The basic book is $30 until Feb. 9, 2018. Order today!
The price goes up to $40 between Feb 10, 2018 and mid-April, when sales end.

We are currently accepting online orders only. Please go to http://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1003883/Fred-T.-Korematsu-Middle-School/ then click on “2018 Yearbook”. Many customizations are available for additional fees, including your student’s name.

Orders can be placed via cash/check and order form in the school office after January 16th, 2018.

February Teacher Luncheon ~ Valentine’s Brunch ~ February 9th !

In keeping with the theme of February we will treat the teachers to a Valentines’ Brunch.
If it’s waffles or pancakes, sausages or brunch casseroles ,vegan dishes or meat anything is welcome!.
Bring your favorite brunch dishes to share for the teachers.

Here is the link to sign up to help out​

It’s Never Too Early to Start Thinking About College…

The Rho Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is pleased to announce their 28th Annual Black College Awareness Fair. This signature event will be held at Stanford University’s Tresidder Memorial Union on Saturday, February 10, 2018. Registration begins at 9:30 AM (continental breakfast will be served), and the fair program begins promptly at 10:00 AM.

SAVE THE DATE FOR SCIENCE FAIR NIGHT 2018!

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 6:30 PM TO 8:00 PM IN THE MULTIPURPOSE ROOM

Don’t forget to mark your calendars! Science Fair Night will be on Tuesday, February 13. This is the only opportunity for families to view the 70 projects that made the final round of the Korematsu Science Fair. Our students have put together some great experiments! First, second, and third place winners will be advancing to the WCCUSD Science Fair in early March.

Valentine’s Day Dance

Wednesday February 14th 2018 in the MPR 1:30 – 3.00pm

Click on the links to sign up to help create a fun event for the students and for the cool flyer from Ms. Alcocer

Valentine’s Day Dance Volunteers
​​
Valentine’s Day Dance2.pdf

Recruiting teens for UC Berkeley Public Science Center summer programs

The Lawrence Hall of Science is currently recruiting youth for our Engineering Lab, and Floor and Special Events programs. We would greatly appreciate your help in spreading the word and promoting these opportunities for young people throughout the Bay Area.

We’re looking for more applicants that will become part of our internship program. Our youths have the option to join a year-round science education and youth development program that helps support STEM exploration and the college admissions process.

Through joining our program, teens have the opportunity to:

• Fulfill community service requirements
• Develop job skills that include public speaking and customer service, self confidence and leadership, adaptability and flexibility to manage multiple assignments under changing conditions, and the ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work.
• Learn about communicating science to the public
• Find a safe way and a place to socialize with other youth and build interpersonal relationships
• Enjoy the benefits of experiencing a work-related environment with Hall staff, UC Berkeley college interns, and other teens from all around the Bay Area.

Ideal candidates are must be entering 9th grade or above and be
able to attend the Mandatory Teen Orientation on Saturday, April 7, 2018 from 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Youth who demonstrate a passion for science, technology, engineering, math, or education and/or are interested in working with the public are particularly well suited for the program. We hope to serve as the critical difference in our youth’s choice or opportunity to pursue a STEM career and/or education.

Youth can apply HERE; the application deadline is March 24.

YEARBOOK PICTURES NEEDED

Do you have any photos from any school events you have attended, this school year?
Cross country meets? Band Concerts? Performances? Basketball games?
And any other memorable school events.

The Yearbook Committee is still gathering photos for the yearbook, and would appreciate your help, to get more.

If you have any questions and/or photos that you would like to submit for inclusion in the yearbook, you can email them to timwarner@fairmontschool.org or tiffany.jamison@wccusd.net

Tips on proper photo submission:

• Screen shots do not work!
• Hi-res quality
• Please include a narrative/description, date of event, names, and grades
• Photos including nudity, profanity, copyright violations, etc will immediately be discarded and reported

RIGHTS & RESPECT WEEK EXHIBITION

Japanese American Portraits from the El Cerrito Historical Society Archives

To commemorate Rights & Respect Week this year, the school and PTSA are collaborating with the El Cerrito Historical Society to exhibit photographs from the society’s Japanese American collections.

The photographs are portraits of Japanese American families who owned flower nurseries in El Cerrito and Richmond before World War II. Two years after the photographs were taken, these families were removed from their homes and sent to Internment camps. Their portraits are a moving document of the tremendous impact the war had on more than 110,000 Japanese Americans living in the United States.

The exhibition will be on display starting Friday, January 26th during regular school hours. For non-students who are interested in seeing the exhibit, please go to the school’s main office (7125 Donal Ave.) to sign in and get a Visitor’s Pass.

FROM MS. BOGIE

We will be honoring Fred Korematsu in the library this coming week in several ways.

1) There will be an announcement about Korematsu in the front office on Tuesday for the students to read.
2) There will be a book display about Fred Korematsu and the Japanese incarceration during WWII in the library.
3) There will be a trivia competition during 7th and 8th grade lunch on Tuesday.
4) There will be a bulletin board where kids can put their ideas of how they currently do, or how they would, stand up for what they believe in.

AUCTION ITEMS ARE CLOSING SOON

TICK TOCK…TIME TO SHOP!! The Celebrate Korematsu Online Auction closes in 2 days!!! Hurry and place your bids!

So MANY items are up for sale and have NO BIDS!! What a steal!

Help the local middle school bands & educational programs and get some awesome items!

A wonderful way for family & friends to support your children. Spread the word!

Here are some of the items that have no home!

BID NOW!

2017-2018 YEARBOOK — ORDER NOW!

Now is the time to order your 2017-2018 Yearbook! 64+ colored pages! The basic book is $30 until Feb. 9, 2018. Order today! The price goes up to $40 between Feb 10, 2018 and mid-April, when sales end.

We are currently accepting online orders only. Please go to http://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1003883/Fred-T.-Korematsu-Middle-School/ then click on “2018 Yearbook”. Many customizations are available for additional fees, including your student’s name.

Orders can be placed via cash/check and order form in the school office after January 16th.

YEARBOOK PICTURES NEEDED

Do you have any photos from any school events you have attended, this school year?
Cross country meets? Band Concerts? Performances? Basketball games?
And any other memorable school events.

The Yearbook Committee is still gathering photos for the yearbook, and would appreciate your help, to get more.

If you have any questions and/or photos that you would like to submit for inclusion in the yearbook, you can email them to timwarner@fairmontschool.org or tiffany.jamison@wccusd.net

Tips on proper photo submission:

• Screen shots do not work!
• Hi-res quality
• Please include a narrative/description, date of event, names, and grades
• Photos including nudity, profanity, copyright violations, etc will immediately be discarded and reported

ANNIE JR

Ms. La Due is looking for parents who are willing to help with costumes and sets for the spring musical, Annie Jr.! She is especially looking for people who are handy with tools and have a little bit of basic construction experience to help with a few more difficult-to-make set pieces. If you are able to help, please fill out this form and Ms. La Due will be in contact with you! You can find more information about the musical at Ms. La Due’s drama website.

VALENTINES DAY DANCE

The new Korematsu Dance Committee, made up of a few staff members, are putting together a Valentine’s Day Dance for the students on Wednesday February 14th from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm, at Korematsu.

They are looking for parent volunteers to chaperone, set up, and clean up. They would also like donations of cookies for about 40 students, Valentine’s Day Decorations and two $5 Starbucks gift cards, which will be the prizes for a couple of fun competitions they will have at the dance.

If you’re able to help out, here’s the link for the Sign up. If you have any questions contact malcocerruiz@gmail.com

CELEBRATE KOREMATSU

The Celebrate Korematsu online auction is NOW OPEN!

This is the very first EVER online auction and we were so excited,
we opened it even earlier than anticipated! Remember this closes 12:00 AM, January 27th (the night before the event)
so make sure you start bidding NOW before it’s too late!

To begin bidding click here: https://charityauction.bid/CelebrateKorematsu2018

If you’ve already purchased your Celebrate Korematsu tickets, log in to your account, click catalog and then begin bidding!
If you have not bought tickets, please register, (of course buy tickets if you plan to come to the event) and then click catalog
and begin bidding!

If you don’t plan to join us at the event but don’t want to miss these fabulous items, just scroll to the bottom of the page and register as a bidder!

Go to the catalog and begin bidding!

CALLING ALL BAKERS

We are looking for a few more desserts for our auction item “Desserts for a Year.”

If you are interested, please email Tammy Garretson tammylou@sbcglobal.net to sign up.

GIRLS IN ENGINEERING

UC Berkeley’s Girls in Engineering program is actively recruiting applicants who are eligible for our need-based scholarships. If you work with girls in 5th, 6th, or 7th grade, I hope you will share this opportunity with them!

Families are automatically awarded full scholarships if they demonstrate financial need (by qualifying for free or reduced price lunch, CalFresh, or Medi-Cal). All girls need to complete the normal camp application, but no additional scholarship application is required.

Information about our program, and a link to the online application, is available on our website: http://girlsinengineering.berkeley.edu/

KOREMATSU CHOIR

To secure your student’s spot for the Spring Session, submit $150 payment (total payment for all of the 16 class) soonest OR let us know your student will be on scholarship (or payment plan). For more information, contact korematsusings@gmail.com

2018 CCCT Drama Camp Registration Now Open

Make plans now for the best summer of your life at CCCT’s Drama Camp. No matter if you’re a budding young actor or a seasoned performer, CCCT has something for you.

Whether you’re meeting new friends, learning theatre skills like improv, makeup, acting, and stage combat, or performing an original play on CCCT’s Main Stage, the fun is guaranteed, and you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime.

Science of Baseball Education Day

This great new program will take place on Wednesday April 18th and is a unique learning experience for students K-8.

The A’s are teaming up with Chevron and will have a STEM program presentation followed by an A’s game. Tickets are heavily discounted for this event and are going fast!

Korematsu Panda Express Restaurant Night

Korematsu Panda Express Restaurant Night is on February 6th 2018 3-9pm

Special Education and Beyond: Resources for Families in WCCUSD

West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) In collaboration with Contra Costa County Office of Education Invite you to attend a series of workshops developed to help you navigate the Special Education Process.

SPED_Beyond_English.pdf

SPED_Beyond_Spanish.pdf

TEACHER LUNCHEON!! TOMORROW!!

SIGN UP!

Our first Teacher Luncheon for 2018, on Friday January 12th is a Pizza and Salad Buffet.

NO SCHOOL MONDAY AND TUESDAY….

Monday, January 15th and Tuesday, January 16​th

On Monday, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.
Tuesday is a middle and high school teacher work day.

We’ll see you Wednesday!

ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK

Now is the time to order your 2017-2018 Yearbook! 64+ colored pages!
The basic book is $30 until Feb. 9, 2018. Order today!
The price goes up to $40 between Feb 10, 2018 and mid-April, when sales end.

Get order forms in the school office or better yet, order online! Visit http://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1003883/Fred-T.-Korematsu-Middle-School/ then click on “2018 Yearbook”.
Many personalizations and customizations are available for additional fees, including your student’s name.

got photos?

Do you have any photos from any school events you have attended, this school year?
Cross country meets? Band Concerts? Performances? Basketball games?
And any other memorable school events.

The Yearbook Committee is still gathering photos for the yearbook, and would appreciate your help, to get more.

If you have any questions and/or photos that you would like to submit for inclusion in the yearbook, you can email them to timwarner@fairmontschool.org
or tiffany.jamison@wccusd.net

TICKETS ARE SELLING OUT! ~GET YOURS NOW!!

CALL FOR VOLUNTEER JUDGES FOR SCIENCE FAIR – TUESDAY, JANUARY 16

Do you have a background in engineering, science or science education? If so, Korematsu’s Science Fair needs you! Please consider volunteering some of your time to judge the efforts of our young scientists!

Judging hours: 8:30 am – 8:00 pm on Tuesday, January 16 (Please allow a total of 3-4 hours to judge.)

Where: Korematsu Middle School, C312 (Mr. Kunz’s Room)

If you can volunteer to judge, please email Jeff Walker and Judy Chin at judy_chin@comcast.net.

Or, if you can help purchase food for the judges, please email Jeff and Judy at the same address.

Please help grow our science fair tradition!

CALLING ALL BAKERS!!!

​​Do you have a favorite dessert you would love to share with another Korematsu Family?
Or maybe you or your student loves to bake? If so, you should sign up to be a part of our auction item- “Dessert for a Year.”
It really is simple AND it helps raise money for Korematsu.

How it works:
You sign up for a month. When it’s your turn, I send you an email and you coordinate and drop off the dessert to the winner.
This contribution is HUGE!! This is one of our most popular auction items.
Ready to sign up? Email Tammy Garretson at tammylou@sbcglobal.net.

TEACHER LUNCHEON!! SIGN UP!

Our first Teacher Luncheon for 2018, next Friday January 12th is a Pizza and Salad Buffet.

Sign up Now!
​

GATEWAY TO TECHNOLOGY

Dear Parents,

Happy New Year!

I’m reaching out to you for your support in supplying our Gateway to Technology classes with Computer Mice. Every month the school and myself provide so many computer mice but by the end of the month, most go mysteriously missing. So, I am extending an invite to my students’ parents to donate Computer Mice of any kind during January and February. This is much appreciated.

Cheers,

Mr. Pohl

CHINESE STUDENTS – VISITING KOREMATSU MIDDLE SCHOOL

NEED TEMPORARY HOUSING

Can you help?

Host Families Needed – Korematsu Jan 2018.pdf

Celebrate Korematsu

Go to: charityauction.bid/CelebrateKorematsu2018

Questions? Email: celebratekorematsu@gmail.com