FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019 IS A MINIMUM DAY
NO SCHOOL
Monday – Friday
November 25 – 29, 2019
See you Monday December 2, 2019
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
DISTRICTWIDE BUDGET FORUM
WINTER FESTIVALS
8TH GRADE NIGHT
7th Grade families are welcome as well!
It is never too early to think about college and career! Join us!
Peace, Love and Unicorn Update
🕊 💕 🦄
To bring you up to speed, students were awarded “Burnham Bucks” for good deeds and actions on campus.
They, in turn, used those “bucks” to pick two teacher to wear the unicorn outfits for a day.
And the winners of this year’s Unicorn Contest are….
Returning Champ, Tiffany Carrico, and Mr. U!!
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
Friday, November 22,2019
IS A MINIMUM DAY
November 25 – 29
NO SCHOOL
NO SCHOOL MONDAY
November 11, 2019
SEE EVERYONE TUESDAY
TOMORROW IS TEACHER TREAT DAY!!
Teacher luncheon time is here! Their favorite Friday of the month. And so, is Thanksgiving soon. So let’s give thanks to our wonderful teachers and staff. Bring your favorite Thanksgiving dish for them to try. Salads are always welcome, and sides like baguette,s ourdough or any other yummy bread. Please contribute to make this event a success again.If no time to cook, no problem.Bring what you can. Questions to liissaUSA@aol.com. Thank you .
MAKE-UP PICTURE DAY IS TOMORROW
Picture Day Update
Picture Day Date: Friday, November 8
Picture Day ID: BY119045Q1
8TH GRADE NIGHT
PTA Meeting
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
7:00 p.m.
Band Parents Meet 6:00 p.m. in the Band Room
JENNY K
10/31 IS A MINIMUM DAY
School dismisses at 1:25 p.m.
TEACHER TREAT DAY IS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH!
Friday, November 8, 2019
Drop by 10:30 a.m. in the Teacher Lounge
Teacher luncheon time is here! This is staff’s favorite Friday of the month. It is Thanksgiving soon. So let’s give thanks to our wonderful teachers and staff. Bring your favorite Thanksgiving dish for them to try. Salads are always welcome, and sides like baguette, sourdough or any other yummy bread. Please contribute to make this event a success again.If no time to cook?no problem. Bring what you can.
Questions to: liissaUSA@aol.com. Thank you .
SIGN UP TO DONATE IN THIS LINK!
BOYS BASKETBALL TRYOUTS!
BOYS Grade 7:
Monday, Nov 4 @ 2:30pm
Wednesday, Nov 6 @ 1:30pm
BOYS Grade 8:
Tuesday, Nov 5 @ 4:30pm
Thursday, Nov 7 @ 4:30pm
Contact: Chuck Harris charrisjr@gmail.com
Thank you!
GIRLS BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
Please share the following schedule for Girls Basketball:
Nov 12 @ 5:00pm
Nov 18 @ 4:00pm
Nov 22 @ 5:30pm
Dec 05 @ 5:00pm
Please come out to support girls basketball at Korematsu.
Here is the team calendar link:
http://bit.ly/2WqT3eo
GIFT GIVING IDEA….. YEARBOOKS!
Buy Your Yearbook Today! Only $35
Don’t wait till it’s too late or until after the price goes up. Right now you can purchase the 2019-2020 yearbook for just $35. Just go to https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1003883/Fred-T.-Korematsu-Middle-School/
While you’re there, consider adding your student’s name or other personalizations. They cost a little bit more, but add a lot to make the book your own. If you’re even thinking about personalizations, act now — the deadline for these falls several months before the end of school, making it very easy to miss!
Add Your Photos! The yearbook cannot happen without the contributions of everyone in the Korematsu community. We rely on photos submitted by parents, students, and staff. The easiest way to help is to visit our Dropbox and add your photos. http://bit.ly/yearbookKMS
Thank you for supporting the Yearbook!
KOREMATSU SPIRIT WEEK
PENNY DRIVE COMING
We’re looking for about 17 of these. Got one?
Drop in the main office.
THANK YOU!!
SUNDAR SHADI’S GIFTS
JENNY K
BASKETBALL CAMP
TEACHER TREAT DAY COMING UP!!!
Friday, November 8, 2019
Drop by 10:30 a.m. in the Teacher Lounge
Teacher luncheon time is here! This is staff’s favorite Friday of the month. It is Thanksgiving soon. So let’s give thanks to our wonderful teachers and staff. Bring your favorite Thanksgiving dish for them to try. Salads are always welcome, and sides like baguette, sourdough or any other yummy bread. Please contribute to make this event a success again.If no time to cook?no problem. Bring what you can.
Questions to: liissaUSA@aol.com. Thank you .
SIGN UP TO DONATE IN THIS LINK!
BOYS BASKETBALL TRYOUTS AROUND THE CORNER!!
BOYS Grade 7:
Monday, Nov 4 @ 2:30pm
Wednesday, Nov 6 @ 1:30pm
BOYS Grade 8:
Tuesday, Nov 5 @ 4:30pm
Thursday, Nov 7 @ 4:30pm
Contact: Chuck Harris charrisjr@gmail.com
Thank you!
GIFT GIVING IDEA….. YEARBOOKS!
Buy Your Yearbook Today! Only $35
Don’t wait till it’s too late or until after the price goes up. Right now you can purchase the 2019-2020 yearbook for just $35. Just go to https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1003883/Fred-T.-Korematsu-Middle-School/
While you’re there, consider adding your student’s name or other personalizations. They cost a little bit more, but add a lot to make the book your own. If you’re even thinking about personalizations, act now — the deadline for these falls several months before the end of school, making it very easy to miss!
Add Your Photos! The yearbook cannot happen without the contributions of everyone in the Korematsu community. We rely on photos submitted by parents, students, and staff. The easiest way to help is to visit our Dropbox and add your photos. http://bit.ly/yearbookKMS
Thank you for supporting the Yearbook!
FIRST BAND CONCERT OF THE YEAR
Come on our and support our musicians at the first band concert of the year!
FUN FOR THE LITTLER KIDS!
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
7:00 p.m.
Beginning Band, Orchestra, Concert Band and Symphonic Band will be performing. Call time/doors open at 6:30 p.m. Come in a Halloween costume or a Halloween-themed hat!
3RD ANNUAL HAUNTED HOUSE
BASKETBALL CAMP
STARTING TONIGHT!!! THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY
GIRLS BASKETBALL TRYOUTS
Girls Basketball Tryouts to be held on the following dates/times in the Korematsu gym:
Thursday, October 17: 2:30 – 4:30pm
Tuesday, October 22: 2:30 – 4:30pm
Players must attend both days. Contact Chuck Harris at charrisjr@gmail.com with questions.
CORRECTED POST!!
Korematsu 6th Grade Band –
(5th Grade Band will meet in January….)
Open to all Madera, Fairmont, Kensington, Harding, Riverside, Washington 6th grade band students.
Starts on October 16th 2019, Korematsu Band Room 6-7pm Most Wednesday nights. Concerts with Korematsu bands. Get to know Ms. Carrico
Please e-mail Ms. Carrico if interested scrappyslap@hotmail.com
There will be a 5th Grade band beginning in January. Stay tuned for more information, or email Ms. Carrico at scrappyslap@hotmail.com and ask to be notified for 5th Grade Band.
PLAY-A-THON IS THIS WEEKEND!
Please come to this amazing event!
Incredible, free performances all day.
Perfect for families, and for younger musicians.
They can see where music might take them!!
El Cerrito High School Play-a-Thon
Saturday, October 19, 7am-7pm
Presented by the Friends of El Cerrito Music
All events are FREE to the public and everyone is welcome!
Join us for a 12-hour music marathon aimed to raise $15,000. This event will provide funds for new instruments, equipment, and support various musical activities that include band festivals, clinics, coaches, and travel opportunities.
The Play-a-thon will include ongoing musical performances and activities featuring the El Cerrito High School Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Workshop, and Gaucho Band.
Highlights include the Gaucho Band’s 1pm outdoor Pops Concert in the quad (where lunch from Koja Kitchen and smoothies from Jamba Juice will be available for purchase beginning at 12:30pm) and a 6pm concert by the EC Wind Ensemble with special guests, the Diablo Valley College Symphonic Band
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
7:00am: Jazz Standards w/ Jazz Workshop
8:30am: Open Rehearsal w/ Concert Band
10:00am: Sight-reading Session w/ Wind Ensemble
11:30am: Elementary School Band Session w/ Symphonic Band
1:00pm: Concert: Pops in the Quad!
2:30pm: Middle School Band Session ww Wind Ensemble
4:00pm: Concert: Arnie Co Nonet
6:00pm: Fall Concert w/ Special Guests DVC Symphonic Band
SAFETY TIPS
This is not published to scare families or students, but to inform you of a recent incident. Please review safety tips with your children. Here are some resources:
https://projectharmony.com/resources/safety-tips/walking-safety/
https://www.kidpower.org/library/
Safety advisory
Last night around 6pm, a Madera student was riding their bike in our community when a white male with a slicked back dark pony tail in a truck pulled over and asked the student if they needed a ride and suggested their bike could fit in the truck. He told the student “I’ll take you and your bike home.” The student declined and the man got out of his truck and came towards the student asking where the student lived. Thankfully, the student was able to find a safe place by riding their bike to a nearby Madera friend’s home where adults were able to handle the situation. The student’s parents were contacted, along with the police and our school. A message has also been posted on Next-door and we have reached out to our neighboring schools (Fairmont, Harding, Kensington, and Korematsu).
While the last few days have filled our minds with natural disaster preparedness, please take the time to discuss awareness and safety with your children.
Thank you to the Madera family who offered a safe space for our student in need as well as informing our community. Please send love and support to our Madera student who made on the spot positive decisions and made it home safely last night. And send strength to our police department as they serve and protect our families.
Let’s continue working together so our children continue to thrive and our community remains strong.
One School. One Community. One Team.
Message from Superintendent Matthew Duffy
October 11, 2019
Dear Community,
I want to commend the De Anza High School staff and community led by Principal Summer Sigler for all the work they have done over the past two weeks to help students and their families deal with a very tragic event that occurred on September 27. We are thankful that the victims are on a path to recovery and that law enforcement has made an arrest.
After meeting with students, staff, football players and their families from schools throughout the District and the community, we have moved the start time for varsity football games to 6 p.m. on Fridays.
The Kennedy – El Cerrito varsity football game will start at 11 a.m. on Saturday at El Cerrito High School.
All junior varsity games will still be played at 5 p.m. on Thursdays.
We recognized that starting games at 5 p.m. on Fridays were a challenge for families. It was especially difficult for the families of senior athletes whose high school athletic careers are coming to a close. With homecoming games and senior nights coming up in the next few weeks, we wanted to be responsive to the wishes of students and their families. The 6 p.m. start times provides more time for families and parents to navigate busy schedules and Bay Area traffic and enjoy these special moments with their student-athletes.
The additional safety measures that were implemented last week are still in place. All students attending football games will need their school-issued identification badges in order to enter the event. Students who do not attend a WCCUSD high school and who want to attend the event will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Other safety measures include:
* Additional security personnel and administrators will be assigned to games
School administrators and/or police officers may cancel games for any safety concern at any time.
* There will be periodic announcements detailing behavior expectations at every game.
* Both teams will meet on the field before the game to promote sportsmanship.
* All spectators must be seated during sporting events, except when the stadium is full. In that case, spectators will be allowed to stand in a prearranged control area.
* Middle school students must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
* Thank you again for your support and patience as we continue our efforts to improve the safety and security for students, staff, and fans who attend our events.In community,
Matthew Duffy
Superintendent
SCHOOL IS OPEN
Check official WCCUSD channels for school news and information:
WCCUSD Website: https://www.wccusd.net/
WCCUSD Facebook West Contra Costa Schools
WCCUSD Twitter: https://twitter.com/WCCUSD
WCCUSD will Robocall to home:
We will forward anything we hear from official channels:
Follow us:
Korematsu website: www.korematsumiddleschool.org
Korematsu Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KorematsuMiddleSchoolPTSA/
Korematsu Twitter: https://twitter.com/KorematsuPTSA/followers
Not on our e tree? email us and ask to be added! korematsuptsa@gmail.com
TEACHER TREAT DAY FRIDAY
Friday, October 11, 2019
Teacher luncheon time is here! Colder weather starts to draw in.
Let’s treat the teachers to some warming soups and stews. Also salad works well with that. And sides like baguette, sourdough or any other yummy bread.
Please contribute to make this event a success again.
If no time to cook ,no problem.
Bring what you can.
Questions to: liissaUSA@aol.com. Thank you .
REFLECTIONS!
CALL FOR ENTRIES
Are you an artist?
A photographer?
Do you like to write music?
Enter your work in the National PTA Reflections Program!
2019-2020
National PTA Reflections® Theme
LOOK WITHIN
Deadline for entries: October 15, 2019
Entries from all grades and all abilities welcome.
To download entry forms visit https://tinyurl.com/kms2019reflections.
Entry forms also available in the front office in English and Spanish.
To contact the Reflections® chair, email korematsu.reflections@gmail.com
SPRING-HEELED JACK
HARDING CARNIVAL
SAVE THE DATE!!!
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!!
GIRLS BASKETBALL TRYOUTS
Girls Basketball Tryouts to be held on the following dates/times in the Korematsu gym:
Thursday, October 17: 2:30 – 4:30pm
Tuesday, October 22: 2:30 – 4:30pm
Players must attend both days. Contact Chuck Harris at charrisjr@gmail.com with questions.
KOREMATSU’S FREE 5th/6th GRADE BAND CLASS
BASKETBALL CAMP
PLAY-A-THON
El Cerrito High School Play-a-Thon
Saturday, October 19, 7am-7pm
Presented by the Friends of El Cerrito Music
All events are FREE to the public and everyone is welcome!
Join us for a 12-hour music marathon aimed to raise $15,000. This event will provide funds for new instruments, equipment, and support various musical activities that include band festivals, clinics, coaches, and travel opportunities.
The Play-a-thon will include ongoing musical performances and activities featuring the El Cerrito High School Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Workshop, and Gaucho Band.
Highlights include the Gaucho Band’s 1pm outdoor Pops Concert in the quad (where lunch from Koja Kitchen and smoothies from Jamba Juice will be available for purchase beginning at 12:30pm) and a 6pm concert by the EC Wind Ensemble with special guests, the Diablo Valley College Symphonic Band
To make a pledge, come to the lobby of the ECHS Performing Arts Theater on the day of the event or go to echsbands.com/play-a-thon/
TEACHER TREAT DAY FRIDAY
Friday, October 11, 2019
Teacher luncheon time is here! Colder weather starts to draw in.
Let’s treat the teachers to some warming soups and stews. Also salad works well with that. And sides like baguette, sourdough or any other yummy bread.
Please contribute to make this event a success again.
If no time to cook ,no problem.
Bring what you can.
Questions to: liissaUSA@aol.com. Thank you .
REFLECTIONS!
CALL FOR ENTRIES
Are you an artist?
A photographer?
Do you like to write music?
Enter your work in the National PTA Reflections Program!
2019-2020
National PTA Reflections® Theme
LOOK WITHIN
Deadline for entries: October 15, 2019
Entries from all grades and all abilities welcome.
To download entry forms visit https://tinyurl.com/kms2019reflections.
Entry forms also available in the front office in English and Spanish.
To contact the Reflections® chair, email korematsu.reflections@gmail.com
SPRING-HEELED JACK
HARDING CARNIVAL
SAVE THE DATE!!!
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!!
TWO DROP DAYS/TIMES LEFT
Got stuff for the sale? You can drop it
DROP-OFFS
Thursday, October 3, 2019
Friday, October 4, 2019
In front of the school (7125 Donal)
8:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
PLEASE DO NOT DROP BEFORE THE SCHOOL BELL RINGS.
THERE ARE NUMEROUS BUSES THAT NEED TO DROP STUDENTS AND THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL NEEDS TO BE CLEAR
After the bell rings, we will have volunteers that will help to unload and move goods.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Do you have some time on Saturday to help with the sale?
Please contact us! Any amount of time that you have on Saturday is appreciate. The morning is the time we need volunteer most. 7:00-10:00 a.m.
Please contact us!
Email: palgb@yahoo.com
cell #: 510-706-5436
Korematsu Ultimate Frisbee
Come join KORE, the Korematsu ultimate frisbee team! The team is super welcoming to players who have never played before. Our awesome coaches love teaching the game to complete beginners.
Boys and girls play together in a great team environment. Come on out to one of our practices (no commitment!) to see if you like it.
Practices at El Cerrito High School:
Wednesdays 5:30 – 7pm
Saturdays 10am – 12pm
If you have questions, contact Julie Barr at juliefinnbarr@gmail.com or Jon Mires at jonmires@gmail.com.
PICTURE DAY IS FRIDAY!!
Friday October 5th!
Pictures will be taken in P.E. Class.
PLAY-A-THON IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!
El Cerrito High School Play-a-Thon Community Event
Saturday, October 19
On October 19, 2019 the El Cerrito High School Bands will participate in a 12-hour music marathon aimed to raise $15,000. Presented by the Friends of El Cerrito Music, the Play-a-thon will provide funds for new instruments, equipment, and support various musical activities that include band festivals, clinics, coaches, and travel opportunities. The Play-a-thon will include ongoing musical performances and activities featuring the ECHS Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Workshop, and Gaucho Band. Highlights include sessions for elementary and middle school band students, an outdoor pops concert, and an evening concert in the Performing Arts Theater. All activities are FREE! COME CHECK IT OUT!!
Elementary & Middle School Session Registration
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
7:00am: Jazz Standards w/ Jazz Workshop
8:30am: Open Rehearsal w/ Concert Band
10:00am: Sight-reading Session w/ Wind Ensemble
11:30am: Elementary School Band Session w/ Symphonic Band
1:00pm: Concert: Pops in the Quad!
2:30pm: Middle School Band Session ww Wind Ensemble
4:00pm: Concert: Arnie Co Nonet
6:00pm: Fall Concert w/ Special Guests DVC Symphonic Band
Make a pledge by clicking HERE!
WCCUSD NEWS
SEPTEMBER MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT DUFFY
SUPERINTENDENT’S BLOG, TALK SUPE
MESSAGE ABOUT INCIDENT FOLLOWING DEANZA-PINOLE FOOTBALL GAME
OCTOBER AT THE EL CERRITO LIBRARY
El Cerrito Library invites the Teens and Tweens to our programs for high school students in October.
Everything is free, open to the public, and some programs even include snacks! Just come to:
El Cerrito Library
6510 Stockton Ave
El Cerrito, CA
(510) 526-7512
Check out our online calendar for even more events for people of all ages.
Book Bingo: All Month Long
For the month of October, we are challenging T(w)eens aged 10-18 to take part in our Reading Bingo Challenge! Pick up a game board from the teen corner of the library, and read read read! Get bingo vertically, horizontally, or diagonally by connecting three boxes. Once you have bingo, return your card any time in October to receive your prize, OR, fill in the whole sheet and be entered to win the Grand Prize!
Teen Advisory Group Wednesday, October 2nd, 4-5 pm
Get community service hours, help plan library programs, design displays, hang out with friends, and eat snacks!!!
Dogs for Teens Monday, October 7th, 4-5 pm
Need to decompress? Teens ages 10-18 are invited to cuddle, hang out with, or read to the beloved doggies from Therapy Pets during this special library program. Invite your (human) friends
Litquake at the Library Saturday, October 12th, 2-4 pm
San Francisco’s Litquake comes to El Cerrito, in honor of the event’s 20th anniversary!
Join host and former El Cerrito Poet Laureate Maw Shein Win for 20-in-20: an afternoon of readings by local poets laureate, including:
Dani Gabriel, El Cerrito Poet Laureate | Rebecca Black, Albany Poet Laureate | Aileen Casinetto, San Mateo County Poet Laureate | Lisa Rosenberg, San Mateo County Former Poet Laureate | Ciera-Jevae Gordon, Richmond Poet Laureate
El Cerrito Trail Trekkers Trek to El Cerrito Library Monday, October 21st, 5-6 pm
El Cerrito Trail Trekkers are on a mission to “build, maintain, publicize and use the little known urban trails of El Cerrito.” Join us to learn about how YOU can become a Trail Trekker too. Everyone will get to preview – and take home – their new map of El Cerrito Trails, and meet Eddie Dunbar (aka Eddie the Bug Guy) of the Insect Sciences Museum, who will share photos and bug tales from local parks, including some from right here in El Cerrito!
College Budgeting 101 Monday, October 21st, 6:15-7:15 pm
Parents and high school students are invited to a presentation hosted by local independent college counselor, Barbara Harris, to learn about the basics of funding their college experience. Learn the fundamentals of financial aid, budgeting, and choosing a college based on realistic financial expectations. This presentation builds off of a previous College Admissions presentation by Harris College Advising at El Cerrito Library. Reserve a seat by pre-registering, or drop in on the night of the presentation.
Spooky Stories Writing Workshop for Teens & Tweens, Wednesday October 23rd, 3:30-4:30 pm
Do spooky, scary, suspenseful tales enchant and excite? Would you like to create some of your own? Then this is the workshop for you! Come fill the page with tales of ghosts, haunted houses, witches, goblins, zombies, and other supernatural phenomena and “curious incidents.” Thrills and chills will inspire our creative journey!
For teens and tweens ages 10-18. Registration recommended. This free program is brought to you by the Friends of the El Cerrito Library.
Teen Movie Matinee Wednesday, October 30th, 3-5 pm
Teens, come to the library for an afternoon movie matinee! This month’s theme is Halloween! Vote for your favorite movie (Halloweentown, Hocus Pocus, or The Addams Family) in the teen section of the library, and come by on Wednesday the 25th to see the winner. All movies rated PG-13 or under. For special accommodations, please contact the library with 72 hours notice.
Celebrate TeenTober!
TeenTober is a new, nationwide celebration hosted by libraries every October and aims to celebrate teens, promote year-round teen services and the innovative ways teen services helps teens learn new skills, and fuel their passions in and outside the library. (http://www.ala.org/yalsa/teentober)
TeenTober – Get Your Game On! Thursday, October 3rd, 3-4:30 pm
T(w)eens, come by the library for an afternoon of gaming. We have board games and card games on hand but you are also welcome to bring your own games and handheld devices (Switch, 3DS, etc.). Just make sure to have your own headphones too if you plan to have the sound on! No sign up is required but we do ask that participants be ages 10-18 years old.
TeenTober – Mask Making Tuesday, October 15th, 3-4:30 pm
Make a mask or pair of ears for Halloween or just for fun! For t(w)eens aged 10-18. Supplies generously provided by the Friends of the El Cerrito Library.
TeenTober – Code a Bot Wednesday, October 16th, 3-4 pm
Learn how to use basic programming skills to control the actions of our adorable Cue Bots! Whether you’re using block-based coding or writing your own Javascript, you’ll have a blast. T(w)eens 10-18. This program is brought to you along-side our Wednesday Wonderings series. Kids younger than 10 are welcome to come and play with our Bee Bots. Robots for everyone!
TeenTober – Bath Bombs Thursday, October 24th, 3-4:30 pm
Learn how to make scented bath bombs to use for yourself or give as gifts!
For ages 10-18. Supplies generously provided by the Friends of the El Cerrito Library.
Please note the library will be closed October 14th for a Staff Training Day.
K a t y B u d e r
(she/her)
LIBRARY ASSISTANT • CONTRA COSTA COUNTY LIBRARY
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
EL CERRITO LIBRARY | 6510 Stockton Avenue | El Cerrito, 94530 | 510.526.7512
kbuder@ccclib.org | Follow us on facebook
THANK YOU
Thank you to our Golden Gate Volunteers for coming out to the races and supporting our fundraising efforts! We appreciate you!
SCHOOL FORMS
Please submit school forms online. You can do so here in this link. You must establish a PowerSchool account to do so. If you need a PowerSchool login, please call the Korematsu office for assistance. 510-231-1449. If you have a PowerSchool account, you may submit forms through this link.
Link to School Forms
More Here: https://www.wccusd.net/domain/2594
PICTURE DAY RESCHEDULED!
Picture Day- Friday, 10/4/19
Make Up Day- Friday, 11/8/19
REFLECTIONS! CALL FOR ENTRIES
Are you an artist?
A photographer?
Do you like to write music?
Enter your work in the National PTA Reflections Program!
2019-2020
National PTA Reflections® Theme
LOOK WITHIN
Deadline for entries: October 15, 2019
Entries from all grades and all abilities welcome.
To download entry forms visit https://tinyurl.com/kms2019reflections.
Entry forms also available in the front office in English and Spanish.
To contact the Reflections® chair, email korematsu.reflections@gmail.com
SPACE IS STILL AVAILABLE!
There are still a few spaces available for the Spirit of ’76’ers Washington Tour.
This tour is a rite-of-passage for 8th graders and space is still available. Please contact Tim Shaw:707-642-5672 or timj.shaw@yahoo.com
Flier Here: Spirit of 76’ers 2020 East Coast Flyer-Announce
TEXTBOOKS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE EL CERRITO LIBRARY
Looking for textbooks? Find them at the El Cerrito Library!
GET YOUR DONATIONS READY FOR THE EL CERRITO CITYWIDE YARD SALE
We are participating in the El Cerrito Citywide Yard Sale.
Please save your gently-used items for donation. Please only donate what you yourself would buy.
Drop-off days will post shortly.
Thank you for your support!
Multipurpose Family Income From Online Today
Even if you think you do not qualify for a free or reduced lunch, please take a moment to look at the form.
If people qualify and sign up, those students get extra supports and school and school district to receive more money from the state of California.
MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT DUFFY ON THE BUDGET
Dear Community Members,
It is no secret that California does not fund education at a level commensurate with its standing in the global economy. While school districts throughout the state make do with what is available, it leaves us walking a fine line between a budget surplus and a deficit. Over the last few years, this District has made significant investments in the education of the children and families it serves. We have also been burdened with increased costs for retirement and health benefits, insurance premiums, special education services, utilities and supplies.
At last night’s Board of Education meeting, we communicated the latest update on our budget challenges. Dr. Tony Wold, who was recently hired as the District’s Associate Superintendent of Business Services, gave a presentation that outlined a budget situation, that on its face, seems quite dire. According to his best estimates, the District faces a $39.9 million budget deficit for the 2019-20 school year, with an additional $7.9 million deficit for the 2020-21 school year.
While it is normal to react to that number with alarm, I encourage us all to await further information before jumping to conclusions or making wild assumptions. This is a conservative number that we expect to improve as we confirm spending cuts have been implemented and funding promises have been fulfilled for the current school year. This work has already begun, and we firmly believe that we will identify areas within the budget to make mid-year adjustments. In addition, we will prudently use reserves to mitigate the issue moving forward while continuing to provide a top-notch academic program for the students that we serve.
I firmly believe this district will solve this challenge and emerge stronger and better able to provide a high quality education for all of the students it serves.
One thing I promise: I will do everything possible to ensure that we approach this challenge positively. We will look for ways to invest smartly and use our resources prudently to expand educational opportunities for students even though we may need to reduce expenditures in certain areas.
Over the next few months, Dr. Wold and I will present data to our Board of Education and to the community at large. We will show our revenues and expenditures in simple and easy-to-understand language. We will tell our story and listen to your feedback and suggestions. We will talk to students and parents, teachers and classified employees. Your feedback will inform our decisions and the recommendations that we take to the Board of Education.
If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions feel free to email us at budgetinput@wccusd.net. We will try to answer every question as we move forward and keep you informed as the process moves forward.
Additional information can be found on the District website at www.wccusd.net/budget.
Thank you again for your support of the students in this district.
In partnership,
Matthew Duffy
Superintendent
EL CERRITO SCAVENGER HUNT
Sunday, October 6, 2-4pm, Mechanic’s Bank, 9996 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito
Have fun exploring El Cerrito! Bring your clipboard, pen, smartphone and sneakers, and you will be given a list of questions. Find the answers and win some prizes. This hunt is themed, so come solo or as a team, dressed in your favorite color and be creative. There will be prizes for quickest finishers, best team name and costume and other reasons. At this hunt, everyone wins. This event is fun for all ages and it’s free to participate.