Korematsu

CITY OF RICHMOND’S 3RD OF JULY FIREWORKS SHOW

The City’s free annual celebration will be held from 6-10 p.m. at Marina Bay Park, located at Marina Bay Parkway and Regatta Boulevard. The fireworks will hit the sky at 9:15 p.m. and the festivities will include music, dancing, food and games. For more info, call 510-620-6973 or click here. Source: For Richmond newsletter.

RICHMOND|OAKLAND EAST BAY SYMPHONY & INDEPENDENCE EVE FIREWORKS

Another excellent option for third of July fun is at Richmond’s Craneway Pavilion. Located at 1414 Harbour Way South—nearby Marina Bay Park—the pavilion’s waterfront locale makes it another ideal spot for taking in the City of Richmond’s fireworks while listening to musical accompaniment by the Oakland East Bay Symphony. The event runs from 6:30-10 p.m., with fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Free to the public, the event will have food for sale; spectators are encouraged to bring their own blankets and chairs. For more info, click here. Source: For Richmond newsletter.

 

ARE YOU A BUDDING FILMMAKER?

Richmond’s RYSE Youth Center is calling on young filmmakers between the ages of 13-24 to submit their work to its 2017 Film Festival with the theme, “Truth be Told: Justice Through My Eyes.” The deadline for entering film submissions is Sept. 15, 2017.

According to festival organizers on RYSE’s website, “It was created to highlight and empower youth voices and visions through film” with the aim of “[engaging] 13-24 year olds in social justice issues.”

Young filmmakers are encouraged to submit films with themes focusing on a variety of topics including: Gender equity/equality, human rights, food justice, education, economic justice, criminal legal system, environmental issues, immigration, worker rights and other similar topics.

Festival guidelines dictate that film submissions should be 12 minutes or less, with RYSE recommending eight minutes in length.

Per RYSE, shorts can be submitted in the following categories: Documentary; narrative; music video; and animation and experimental.

According to the organization, successful films designated “official selection” will debut to the public in Oct. 2017 during the film festival at a location (TBD) somewhere in Richmond, CA. A panel of media industry and social justice judges will select the winners, as will a viewers’ choice award.

Certificates will be awarded in each age group for “Best Narrative Short,” “Best Documentary,” “Best Music Video” and “Best Experimental.”

The Truth be Told festival will award a “Grand Prize” of $275, a “Runner Up Award” of $175 and a “People’s Choice” prize of $100.

“For Richmond enthusiastically encourages Richmond’s youth to cease this excellent opportunity to share their voices,” said For Richmond Executive Director Kyra Worthy re: RYSE’s film fest. “Film is a powerful medium that is only intensified when seen through the prism of social justice. We eagerly await the opportunity to view our youth’s films on the important topics at hand.”

For more info regarding the film festival’s rules, or to submit a film for consideration, click here. Questions? Contact RYSE at youthjustice@rysecenter.org or call 510-374-3401. Source: For Richmond newsletter.

 

NATURE AND ENVIRONMENT DAY CAMP

JULY 31 TO AUGUST 4
9:00am – 3:00pm @ Camp Herms
1100 James Place, El Cerrito CA

Open to: Boy Scouts | Venture Scouts | Adult Leaders (not a Cub Scout event)
Event Cost: $325 per participant

The day camp is centered at Camp Herms and nearby East Bay Regional Park lands. Participants will investigate the Wildcat Creek watershed and see for themselves how biotic and abiotic forces shape and change the watershed’s ecology. This is an in depth and hands-on way to learn from expert University of California instructors how ecological science is done.

Participants will study insects, birds, grasses, water courses, micro-climates, and so much more.

Motivated participants can complete most of requirements for the Nature, Soil and Water Conservation and the Environmental Science merit badges, and for the coveted World Scout Environment Badge.

Participants will be responsible for their own meals. Camping facilities are available for the week at Camp Herms for groups with BSA approved adult leadership. Merit badge work may be completed with approved counselors from 3-5:00 with a $50/week fee.

For applications and more information, go to: http://www.mdscbsa.org/events/nature-environment-day-camp/

REGISTRATION

Registration packets will be mailed home in July and include information about the on-site registration that takes place during the second week of August. The information covers textbooks, student ID, after school program, lunch, PE, and more.

Tuesday, August 8 — 7th graders
Wednesday, August 9 — 8th graders
Thursday, August 10 — Anyone who could not make the first two days.

If you cannot make it during our official registration days, please come to the Main Office the week following 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

For all 3 days, the schedule is as follows:

9 a.m.: Last names starting with A-H
10 a.m.: Last names starting with I-Q
11a.m.: Last names starting with R-Z
​

WCCUSD NEWSLETTER IS HERE!!

Click here to read!

BE FABULOUS! THE FAB LAB IS OPEN! COME VISIT!

Richmond Fab Lab at Kennedy High, 4300 Cutting Blvd.

A Fab Lab (or fabrication laboratory) is a small-scale workshop offering personal digital fabrication – true project-based learning! Community members as well as students and teachers can create new products using fab lab equipment. Fab Labs are equipped with an array of flexible computer controlled tools and various materials, with the aim to make “almost anything”.
The Fab Lab program was started in the Media Lab at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as a collaboration between the Grassroots Invention Group and the Center for Bits and Atoms, broadly exploring how a community can be powered by technology at the grassroots level. The fab lab concept also grew out of a popular class at MIT named “How To Make (Almost) Anything.”

Fab labs have spread from inner-city Boston to rural India, from South Africa to the North of Norway, and now to WCCUSD. Activities in fab labs range from technological empowerment to peer-to-peer project-based technical training to local problem-solving, to small-scale high-tech business incubation to grass-roots research. Projects being developed and produced in fab labs include solar and wind-powered turbines, thin-client computers and wireless data networks, analytical instrumentation for agriculture and healthcare, custom housing, and rapid-prototyping of machines.

WCCUSD is the first public school system on the West Coast to develop a Fab Lab. The establishment of Fab Lab Richmond has been funded by a generous grant from Chevron to the Fab Foundation. The Fab Lab is housed at Kennedy High School. More info here! https://www.wccusd.net/fablab

SUMMER SCHEDULE: OPEN COMMUNITY HOURS

Thursday, July 6th (10am – 2pm)
Saturday, July 8th (10am – 2pm)
Tuesday, July 11th (10am – 2pm)
Thursday, July 13th (10am -2pm)
Tuesday, July 18th (10am – 2pm)
Thursday, July 20th (10am-2pm)
Tuesday, July 25th (10am-2pm)
Thursday, July 27th (10am – 2pm)
Wednesday, August 23rd (2pm – 6pm)
Wednesday, August 30th (2pm – 6pm)

CAAM SEEKS MUSLIM AMERICAN YOUTH PARTICIPANTS FOR THE MUSLIM YOUTH VOICES SUMMER WORKSHOPS

San Francisco-based Center for Asian American Media is now accepting applications from Muslim American youth (ages 12-18) for our free Muslim Youth Voices Project (MYVP) summer filmmaking workshops. The workshops will be led by Sundance Award-winning filmmaker Musa Syeed and will be held in Dallas, Texas (July 20-26, 2017) and in Portland, Oregon (July 30-August 5, 2017). Apply by June 24, 2017. Applicants will be notified in the first week of July. Muslim Youth Voices Project is CAAM’s national initiative that supports media making from a new generation of storytellers. Click here for more information on the initiative.

 

REGISTRATION

Registration packets will be mailed home in July and include information about the on-site registration that takes place during the second week of August. The information covers textbooks, student ID, after school program, lunch, PE, and more.

Tuesday, August 8 — 7th graders
Wednesday, August 9 — 8th graders
Thursday, August 10 — Anyone who could not make the first two days.

If you cannot make it during our official registration days, please come to the Main Office the week following 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

For all 3 days, the schedule is as follows:

9 a.m.: Last names starting with A-H
10 a.m.: Last names starting with I-Q
11a.m.: Last names starting with R-Z

NEXT YEAR’S SHIFT

In the 2017-2018 school year the school will eliminate the familiar “Advanced” and “Regular” labels from core subject classes in 7th grade. The labels will remain on 8th grade classes, after which they will be removed permanently. Read all about the change in the Principal’s Letter to Community
​

THANK YOU, COMMUNITY!

On behalf of the PTSA, I’d like to thank every member of our community for making this year a fantastic learning year. As a PTSA, we are thriving and growing every year. In everything we do, we try to support the students, teachers, and staff. This year, we continue to work on three main areas — support for academics, support for teachers, and support for student and community engagement.

Thanks to your time, energy, and financial contributions, the school was also able to accomplish a few firsts this year — send our students to the National History Day Contest, hold a Rights + Respect Week, fund a field trip to Great America on Math & Physics Day, organize a weeklong College and Career event, start a support group for girls, coordinate an art show, open the library after school, and more.

At the heart of it all is our spirit of community and inclusiveness. We always make sure our programs are available and welcoming to everyone. We hope that you will get involved next year.

Have a great summer!

— Saidah Said, PTSA President, 2016-17

 

HIT AND RUN ACADEMY/ RICHMOND BULLDOGS SUMMER/FALL BASEBALL TRYOUTS FOR AGE 9U-14U: JUNE 17-18

​
flyer hit and run.pdf
​

ROSIE’S GIRLS SUMMER CAMP FOR GIRLS 6TH TO 8TH GRADE: APPLY ASAP

Rosie’s Girls is a six-week summer camp for girls entering sixth through eighth grades that runs from June 12 to July 22, 2017, in Richmond and includes a four-day overnight trip to Yosemite National Park. Girls who live or attend school in Richmond are eligible to apply.

Rosie’s Girls challenges girls by engaging them in “non-traditional” hands-on, career-exploration activities such as carpentry, welding, police work, engineering and other skilled jobs.

During the camp’s Career Day, participating girls are afforded the opportunity to explore a variety of job roles. In doing so, per officials, they learn to take risks and to thrive and excel in areas that they may have never thought possible—all the while exploring inner dreams, engaging in teamwork, building confidence and learning to envision a bright and productive future.

Those interested in applying to the camp should go to the EM Downer YMCA, 263 South 20th Street, Richmond, ASAP to fill one out.Applications are available in English and Spanish.

Girls eligible for free and reduced lunch at school will have first priority for open spots. Camp officials recommend that girls submit their applications quickly. For more info, contact info@rosietheriveter.org, call 510-507-2276.

 

BUILD YOUR BRAIN: CCC LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM

The Contra Costa County Library invites children, teens and library users of all ages to take part in Summer Reading. The program is the Library’s yearly effort to keep kids reading during the summer months, preventing “brain drain.” Summer Reading begins on Monday, June 5 and runs through Saturday, August 5, 2017.

This year’s theme is “Build Your Brain” and the program is filled with activities, events and reading lists designed to exercise your brain. Reading and learning new skills help to challenge your brain and is required for good brain health.
Readers of all ages can participate online or use a paper reading record. Completed reading records or online completion certificates should be returned to one of the 26 Contra Costa County Library branches by Saturday, August 5. All finishers will receive a book prize and be entered into a drawing for a chance to win additional prizes.

Raffle prizes include: GoPro Hero5 4K, Fuji Instant Flix, Polaroid Mobile Zip Printer, Fitbit, San Francisco Giants tickets, board games, Lego sets, and more.

For more information on Summer Reading including a list of prizes, brain challenges and events, visit your local Contra Costa County Library branch or http://www.ccclib.org/summer.

 

Point Richmond Music’s 16th Annual Summer Concert Series: FREE

Friday, June 9th will usher in the return of the popular summertime, street-wide concert series with two Richmond-grown musical acts: Tia Carroll & Her Awesome Blues Band (blues, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.) and Andre Thierry (zydeco/accordion soul, 6:45 – 8:00 p.m.).

The concerts will convene at the corner of Park Place and Washington Avenue in downtown Point Richmond—as will the rest of the performances throughout the summer for the Friday night concert series.

Other musical acts lined up this summer for the concert series include Howell Devine (blues) and Second Line (funk) July 14; Delta Wires (blues) and Bicicletas por la Paz (Latin) Aug. 11; Evie Ladin Bank (neo-folk) and Lucky Losers Sept. 8; and Sang Matiz (Latin) and Pangea Futbol Club (Latin) Sept. 22.

SCHOOL MEMO ABOUT 8TH GRADE PROMOTION

CONGRATULATIONS 8th GRADE STUDENTS (and Parents)! The year is almost over and the Promotion Ceremony is coming up. This flyer contains crucial information; please call (510) 231-1449 if you have questions.

DATE: TIME:
Eighth Grade Picnic Friday June 2nd, 2017 12:40 – 2:25 PM
Promotion Rehearsal Tuesday June 6th, 2017 Period 2 and 3
Promotion Ceremony Wednesday June 7th, 2017 6:00 PM Sharp

ATTIRE
Dressy attire (e.g. suitable for church/synagogue/mosque) is recommended; however, tuxedos, long gowns, and other formal attire are inappropriate. Clothing with spaghetti straps or that exposes bare shoulders and/or torsos will NOT be acceptable. We caution against shoes with tall heels since students will be going up and down stairs.

PRACTICE / TICKETS / LOCATION
Student practice will take place June 6th during periods 2 and 3. Students will receive two tickets only due to the size of the class. There will be space for more audience members but we cannot guarantee seating. There will be standing room. The ceremony will be outside on our upper-yard area. Parents will be able to sit on the short concrete walls/steps, at the picnic tables and in all the available chairs we can provide, and we are requesting and encouraging parents to bring camp/portable chairs. The setting is stunning and should provide our students with a great outdoor promotion experience, but you may want to dress warm.

ARRIVAL / STUDENTS
Parents: Drop off students at Korematsu. Students must arrive at 5:30 PM and report to the gym. This is very important. Students who are not in their area when they begin lining up will not be allowed to participate in the processional. Students must be lined up by 5:45PM. Students should take all personal belongings with them or give them to their parent/guest to hold before reporting to the line-up area.

ARRIVAL / PARENTS
After dropping your student off, parents/guests should present their tickets at the Lawrence street gate above the upper-yard. We will be accepting tickets from 5:15 – 5:55 PM. Many areas of the school will be cordoned off. The Lawrence gate entrance is the only place that parents/ guests should be gathered. NO one may enter the upper-yard through a different door. There will be NO parents / guests allowed near the “line-up” area while students are lining up. Parents/guests must present a ticket to gain admission to the ceremony.

PROCESSIONAL
Parents and guests must be seated when the processional starts (6:00 PM Sharp). NO one will be allowed to enter once the processional starts. Please remain within the designated seating areas during the processional and for the remainder of the ceremony. While students are in line or in their seats, PLEASE DO NOT DISTRACT THEM by calling out names or other cheers until all of the certificates have been given out. We are all looking forward to the Promotional Ceremony. We need the cooperation of both Parents and Students for the ceremony to run smoothly.

PARKING
Parking is limited at Korematsu and we will be closing off the upper lot to accommodate guests. Please park along the school and next to the park. Please carpool if possible.

** STUDENTS ON ACTIVE SUSPENSION ON 6/7/17 ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES PER WCCUSD BASIC COMMITMENT- DISCIPLINE POLICY

EXTRA COPIES OF YEARBOOK

If you have not reserved a copy of the yearbook back in March and would like to get one, the school has a limited number of extra copies of yearbook for purchase. Each copy is $40. Please make payment by cash or check (made out to “Korematsu Middle School”). Bring your payment to the office on Monday, June 5th. They will be sold on a first-come-first-serve basis. The books will be distributed Monday, June 5th, time TBD.

JAZZ+ART NIGHT AT KOREMATSU MONDAY, JUNE 5, 6:30 PM – 8:15 PM

Come join us at Korematsu’s first Jazz+Art Night, which will showcase artwork from Ms. Alcocer’s art classes and jazz performances by the school’s Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble.

Potluck reception follows the concert.

Please click the link below to contribute something or to help set up or clean up.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QxeDykB-2iM7Aqtd2z7OYgBVfacWMo3GsBZArqwQFD4/edit?usp=sharing

 

LA for a Day

Last week, some of our students were among the 19 from Richmond selected to go on a private flight to Southern California and tour the California Science Center as part of the “LA for a Day” program. With the goal of giving underserved students a peek on the possibilities beyond their neighborhood, the program was organized by For Richmond, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving Richmond, and JetSuiteX, a company that runs short-haul flights from Concord to Burbank and Las Vegas.

Read all about their adventures here:

http://richmondstandard.com/2017/05/24/richmond-youth-head-to-la-for-a-day-thanks-to-jetsuitex-partnership/

http://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/Richmond-students-rise-above-on-a-private-jet-11174566.php

EL CERRITO HIGH SCHOOL YEAR-END CONCERT & AWARDS FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 6:30 PM, ECHS THEATER

 

 

BAY AREA BOOK FESTIVAL: JUNE 3-4

Popular Children’s Authors, Illustrators, Magicians, Jugglers, Book Makers, Science Projects, Live Performances, Carnival Rides, Thousands of Free Books! See schedule: https://www.baybookfest.org/

Now in its third year, the annual Bay Area Book Festival is a two-day indoor/outdoor weekend festival that welcomes 200 local, national, and international authors and speakers in 100 literary sessions (panels, interviews, keynotes and performances) in auditoriums and theaters throughout downtown Berkeley.

A new partnership with Youth Speaks! that includes stage performances and a spoken-word poetry workshop for young people.

HIT AND RUN ACADEMY/ RICHMOND BULLDOGS SUMMER/FALL BASEBALL TRYOUTS FOR AGE 9U-14U: JUNE 17-18

For details, click here
​

ROSIE’S GIRLS SUMMER CAMP FOR GIRLS 6TH TO 8TH GRADE: APPLY ASAP

Rosie’s Girls is a six-week summer camp for girls entering sixth through eighth grades that runs from June 12 to July 22, 2017, in Richmond and includes a four-day overnight trip to Yosemite National Park. Girls who live or attend school in Richmond are eligible to apply.

Rosie’s Girls challenges girls by engaging them in “non-traditional” hands-on, career-exploration activities such as carpentry, welding, police work, engineering and other skilled jobs.

During the camp’s Career Day, participating girls are afforded the opportunity to explore a variety of job roles. In doing so, per officials, they learn to take risks and to thrive and excel in areas that they may have never thought possible—all the while exploring inner dreams, engaging in teamwork, building confidence and learning to envision a bright and productive future.

Those interested in applying to the camp should go to the EM Downer YMCA, 263 South 20th Street, Richmond, ASAP to fill one out.Applications are available in English and Spanish.

Girls eligible for free and reduced lunch at school will have first priority for open spots. Camp officials recommend that girls submit their applications quickly. For more info, contact info@rosietheriveter.org, call 510-507-2276.

 

BUILD YOUR BRAIN: CCC LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM

The Contra Costa County Library invites children, teens and library users of all ages to take part in Summer Reading. The program is the Library’s yearly effort to keep kids reading during the summer months, preventing “brain drain.” Summer Reading begins on Monday, June 5 and runs through Saturday, August 5, 2017.

This year’s theme is “Build Your Brain” and the program is filled with activities, events and reading lists designed to exercise your brain. Reading and learning new skills help to challenge your brain and is required for good brain health.
Readers of all ages can participate online or use a paper reading record. Completed reading records or online completion certificates should be returned to one of the 26 Contra Costa County Library branches by Saturday, August 5. All finishers will receive a book prize and be entered into a drawing for a chance to win additional prizes.

Raffle prizes include: GoPro Hero5 4K, Fuji Instant Flix, Polaroid Mobile Zip Printer, Fitbit, San Francisco Giants tickets, board games, Lego sets, and more.

For more information on Summer Reading including a list of prizes, brain challenges and events, visit your local Contra Costa County Library branch or http://www.ccclib.org/summer.

JAZZ+ART NIGHT AT KOREMATSU MONDAY, JUNE 5, 6:30 PM – 8:15 PM

Come join us at Korematsu’s first Jazz+Art Night, which will showcase artwork from Ms. Alcocer’s art classes and jazz performances by the school’s Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble.

Potluck reception follows the concert.

Please contribute something or to help set up or clean up.

 

NEEDED: 7TH GRADE PARENT VOLUNTEERS FOR 8TH GRADE PROMOTION ON JUNE 7

We could use several more 7th grade parents to allow the 8th grade families enjoy the ceremony.

Promotion is June 7th, 6:00pm in the beautiful amphitheater outside of KMS’ multipurpose room.

Help includes handing out flyers, taking tickets and manning the dessert table.

This is a great way for 7th graders and their parents to see what is coming next year!!

It is fun evening and light work, please join us.

Contact Alonn Illan at alonnilan@gmail.com or Kerry Radcliffe at kradcliffe@mac.com
See details here:​

English Promotion Flier 2017-1.pdf
​​
Spanishl Promotion Flier 2017.pdf
​

BAY AREA BOOK FESTIVAL: JUNE 3-4

Popular Children’s Authors, Illustrators, Magicians, Jugglers, Book Makers, Science Projects, Live Performances, Carnival Rides, Thousands of Free Books! See schedule: https://www.baybookfest.org/

Now in its third year, the annual Bay Area Book Festival is a two-day indoor/outdoor weekend festival that welcomes 200 local, national, and international authors and speakers in 100 literary sessions (panels, interviews, keynotes and performances) in auditoriums and theaters throughout downtown Berkeley.

A new partnership with Youth Speaks! that includes stage performances and a spoken-word poetry workshop for young people.

 

HIT AND RUN ACADEMY/ RICHMOND BULLDOGS SUMMER/FALL BASEBALL TRYOUTS FOR AGE 9U-14U: JUNE 17-18

Details here

SPIRIT OF ‘76’ERS INFO MEETING: MAY 19, KOREMATSU MPR

If you have an 8th grader next year who is interested in participating in the Washington, DC trip, please attend the informational meeting next Friday, May 19. Spirit of ’76ers is a privately run entity that has been organizing trips to Washington DC for Korematsu and Mira Vista students during the President’s Week recess for decades.

 

NEEDED: 7TH GRADE PARENT VOLUNTEERS FOR 8TH GRADE PROMOTION ON JUNE 7

We could use several more 7th grade parents to allow the 8th grade families enjoy the ceremony.

Promotion is June 7th, 6:00pm in the beautiful amphitheater outside of KMS’ multipurpose room.

Help includes handing out flyers, taking tickets and manning the dessert table.
This is a great way for 7th graders and their parents to see what is coming next year!!

It is fun evening and light work, please join us.

Contact Alonn Illan at alonnilan@gmail.com or Kerry Radcliffe at kradcliffe@mac.com

English Promotion Flier 2017-1.pdf
​​
Spanishl Promotion Flier 2017.pdf
​

SCHOOL SURVEY

California School Parent Survey (CSPS) – parent survey used to foster positive learning and teaching environments, parent involvement, and student achievement, health, and well-being. The CSPS is available to take online now.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ACCESSING THE SURVEY

1. Copy the access code
2. Click on the survey link
3. Enter the access code
4. Complete one survey for each child you have in school

Survey Link: http://surveys.wested.org/csps/EG974GW?lang=en

Access Code: VM32PN

BEYOND MEASURE FILM SCREENING: SUNDAY, MAY 21

From Tehiyah Day School:

Dear Fellow Parents:
Tehiyah Day School is sponsoring the showing of this film because we think it is important to rethink how we educate our children. We hope you will join us for this viewing on Sunday, May 21 at 10AM at the Rialto Theater.

http://beyondmeasurefilm.com/tehiyah-day-school/

BAY AREA BOOK FESTIVAL: JUNE 3-4

Popular Children’s Authors, Illustrators, Magicians, Jugglers, Book Makers, Science Projects, Live Performances, Carnival Rides, Thousands of Free Books! See schedule: https://www.baybookfest.org/

Now in its third year, the annual Bay Area Book Festival is a two-day indoor/outdoor weekend festival that welcomes 200 local, national, and international authors and speakers in 100 literary sessions (panels, interviews, keynotes and performances) in auditoriums and theaters throughout downtown Berkeley.

A new partnership with Youth Speaks! that includes stage performances and a spoken-word poetry workshop for young people.

 

DANCE PERFORMANCE AT ECHS: MAY 19 & 20

Purchase pre-sale tickets here: http://elcerritogauchos.net/dance/

​

4th Annual El Cerrito Hillside Festival

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 21, 2017.
Free! Gather on Schmidt Lane by EC Recycling Center.

Events throughout the 100-acre Hillside Natural Area: Hikes, Nature Walks, events for kids and families, metal detecting and geology displays, Dog Scouts, Boy Scouts, Historical Talks, Friends of Five Creeks, Garden Giveaways, music and poetry, more. Plus an early evening hillside meditation.

Information
Dave Weinstein, 510-524-1737, davidsweinstein@yahoo.com
Mollie Hazen, mollie.hazen@gmail.com
http://www.ectrailtrekkers.org

KOREMATSU ULTIMATE FRISBEE TEAM DID US PROUD!

The Korematsu Ultimate Frisbee team placed 2nd in the 1st division of the State Championships on May 6th. Congratulations to KORE Ultimate!

 

GREAT AMERICA FIELD TRIP ON PHYSICS, MATH & SCIENCE DAY

From Mr. Jackson Lee:

On May 5th, 55 students and 8 chaperones went to California’s Great America for Physics, Math, and Science Day. Students competed in project building contests that had an emphasis on STEM. It was the ultimate test of critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. I believe a significantly-supported, strong project-based learning curriculum is important.

I am very proud of my group – Kai S., Michael K., Gabriel M., and Tino E. for their performance in the Cardboard Boat Race which resulted in 3rd place against some of the top high schools and middle schools across the Bay Area. Shout out to Kai for his creativity in designing a cardboard boat that turned into a PFD (personal flotation device) when water got inside, and to Tino for his performance in the race. All the hours they put in with me after school paid off.

Special thanks to the PTSA, Ms. Tiffany Jamison, and Ms. Tanise Smith for supporting Mr. Douglas and I to make this happen!

TEACHER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON: FRIDAY, MAY 12

This Friday’s Teachers Luncheon is the last one of the year. We’ll haveg a belated Cinco de Mayo celebration. Sign up here before the item you want to bring is taken!

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MS. LA DUE, WHO WON THE TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARD THIS YEAR:

Korematsu Community,

I wanted to let all of you know how thankful I am to work at this school, and for the amazing students and families I get to work with every day. I have been incredibly honored to receive the Teaching Excellence award this year — it is wonderful to be recognized, but more than that, it is a reminder of how much love and support there is in the Korematsu community. I am deeply appreciative of it.

Sadly, I am unable to attend this Friday’s Soaring to Excellence Celebration where they will be honoring the award recipients, which is why I wanted to send out this note to all of you. Friday is opening night of the play that I am currently acting in, The Elephant Man at Altarena Playhouse, which is a commitment I cannot miss, no matter how much I would love to be at the EdFund event with all of you. Please forgive my absence, and know that I am extremely grateful for your never-ending support! It has been an amazing three years for me at Korematsu, and I’m already looking forward to meeting next year’s 7th graders!

With love and gratitude,
Ms. La Due

GRAZZY BURGERS & ALBANY TAP ROOM FUNDRAISER
— LUNCH AND DINNER, DINE IN OR TAKE OUT —

Get a midweek break from cooking by dining out at Grazzy Burgers and/or chilling at Albany Tap Room. Just mention Korematsu and the two establishments when you pay and they will donate 15% to our school.

 

 

SPIRIT OF ‘76’ERS INFO MEETING: MAY 19, KOREMATSU MPR

If you have an 8th grader next year who is interested in participating in the Washington, DC trip, please attend the informational meeting next Friday, May 19. Spirit of ’76ers is a privately run entity that has been organizing trips to Washington DC for Korematsu and Mira Vista students during the President’s Week recess for decades.

 

CONGRATS TO THE NEWLY ELECTED PTSA BOARD!!!

• Manu Wong, President
• Stacey Steele, Executive Vice President
• Sarah Thielen, Treasurer
• Evelyn Smith, Financial Secretary
• Michelle Fillingim, Recording Secretary
• Negar Souza, First Vice President Fundraising
• Chris Sterba, Historian

 

NEEDED: 7TH GRADE PARENT VOLUNTEERS FOR 8TH GRADE PROMOTION ON JUNE 7

We could use 10 more 7th grade parents (or 5 parents and their 7th grade students!) to allow the 8th grade families enjoy the ceremony.

Promotion is June 7th, 6:00pm in the beautiful amphitheater outside of KMS’ multipurpose room.

Help includes handing out flyers, taking tickets and manning the dessert table.
This is a great way for 7th graders and their parents to see what is coming next year!!

It is fun evening and light work, please join us.

Contact Alonn Illan at alonnilan@gmail.com or Kerry Radcliffe at kradcliffe@mac.com
See details here:​

English Promotion Flier 2017-1.pdf
​​
Spanishl Promotion Flier 2017.pdf
​

SCHOOL SURVEY

California School Parent Survey (CSPS) – parent survey used to foster positive learning and teaching environments, parent involvement, and student achievement, health, and well-being. The CSPS is available to take online now.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ACCESSING THE SURVEY
1) Copy the access code
2) Click on the survey link
3) Enter the access code
4) Complete one survey for each child you have in school

Survey Link: http://surveys.wested.org/csps/EG974GW?lang=en

Access Code: VM32PN

BEYOND MEASURE FILM SCREENING: SUNDAY, MAY 21

From Tehiyah Day School:

Dear Fellow Parents:
Tehiyah Day School is sponsoring the showing of this film because we think it is important to rethink how we educate our children. We hope you will join us for this viewing on Sunday, May 21 at 10AM at the Rialto Theater.

http://beyondmeasurefilm.com/tehiyah-day-school/

BAY AREA BOOK FESTIVAL: JUNE 3-4

Popular Children’s Authors, Illustrators, Magicians, Jugglers, Book Makers, Science Projects, Live Performances, Carnival Rides, Thousands of Free Books! See schedule: https://www.baybookfest.org/

Now in its third year, the annual Bay Area Book Festival is a two-day indoor/outdoor weekend festival that welcomes 200 local, national, and international authors and speakers in 100 literary sessions (panels, interviews, keynotes and performances) in auditoriums and theaters throughout downtown Berkeley.

A new partnership with Youth Speaks! that includes stage performances and a spoken-word poetry workshop for young people.

DANCE PERFORMANCE AT ECHS: MAY 19 & 20

Purchase pre-sale tickets here: http://elcerritogauchos.net/dance/

 

4th Annual El Cerrito Hillside Festival

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 21, 2017.
Free! Gather on Schmidt Lane by EC Recycling Center.

Events throughout the 100-acre Hillside Natural Area: Hikes, Nature Walks, events for kids and families, metal detecting and geology displays, Dog Scouts, Boy Scouts, Historical Talks, Friends of Five Creeks, Garden Giveaways, music and poetry, more. Plus an early evening hillside meditation.

Information:
Dave Weinstein, 510-524-1737, davidsweinstein@yahoo.com
Mollie Hazen, mollie.hazen@gmail.com
www.ectrailtrekkers.org

FINAL PTSA MEETING: TUES., MAY 9, MPR, 7 PM

WE NEED YOUR VOTE!

NOTICE OF ELECTION AND MEETING

Tuesday, May 9, 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 2017-2018 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
• Sarah Thielen – Treasurer
• OPEN – Financial Secretary
• Michelle Fillingim – Recording Secretary
• Negar Souza – First Vice President Fundraising
• OPEN – Second Vice President Volunteer Coordinator
• Chris Sterba – Historian

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

Click here for Agenda
​

KOREMATSU AT PEACE AND UNITY CINCO DE MAYO PARADE: SATURDAY, MAY 6

Korematsu will celebrate Mexican culture at the Cinco de Mayo parade in Richmond this Saturday! Korematsu students AND parents, come march with the band in this fun event. Email Ms. Soto at ysoto@wccusd.net . The plan is to meet Ms. Soto and Ms. Carrico at the Richmond Civic Center at 24th Street and Barrett at 9:30 AM. If you have Korematsu spirit wear or t-shirts in Korematsu’s colors of gold and red, wear them!

Or just come out and support our parade participants! The parade starts at the Richmond Civic Center and travels north on 23rd Street, turns right on Market Ave, and ends at St. Paul Church, 1835 Church Lane in San Pablo. The parade is followed by a festival with performances, music, food, games, and much more. Admission is free.

 

CINCO DE MAYO DANCE: MAY 4, MPR, 2:30-4 PM

TICKETS ON SALE AND MS. RENEE NEEDS CHAPERONES

From Ms. Renee:

Tickets on sale lunchtime in MPR lobby = $4

At the door/after school = $5

In order to purchase a ticket:

• must not be on exclusion/suspension list as of February 14th
• must have current Korematsu student ID/lanyard
• must have cash for ticket
• must have signed permission slip (available in office or Ms. Renee’s room A221

I’m also looking for chaperones!! Please contact Carol Renee @ crenee@wccusd.net to let me know.

 

MEXICAN FIESTA UP NEXT FOR TEACHER LUNCHEON: FRIDAY, MAY 12

The next Friday Teachers Luncheon is the last one of the year. We’ll be having a belated Cinco de Mayo celebration. Sign up here before the item you want to bring is already taken!

 

SAVE THE DATE: MAY 16 GRAZZY BURGERS & ALBANY TAP ROOM FUNDRAISER
— LUNCH AND DINNER, DINE IN OR TAKE OUT —

Get a midweek break from cooking by dining out at Grazzy Burgers and/or chilling at Albany Tap Room. Just mention Korematsu and the two establishments when you pay and they will donate 15% to our school.

 

NEEDED: 7TH GRADE PARENT VOLUNTEERS FOR 8TH GRADE PROMOTION ON JUNE 7

We could use 10 more 7th grade parents (or 5 parents and their 7th grade students!) to allow the 8th grade families enjoy the ceremony.

Promotion is June 7th, 6:00pm in the beautiful amphitheater outside of KMS’ multipurpose room.

Help includes handing out flyers, taking tickets and manning the dessert table.
This is a great way for 7th graders and their parents to see what is coming next year!!

It is fun evening and light work, please join us.

Contact Alonn Illan at alonnilan@gmail.com or Kerry Radcliffe at kradcliffe@mac.com
See details of the 8th grade promotion activities here:​ Middle School Promotion Flier 2017E.pdf

Know Your Rights / Conoce Tus Derechos​

FREE! GRATIS!

Jueves 11 de Mayo, 2017
Thursday, May 11, 2017
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Lavonya Dejean Middle School
MPR
3400 Macdonald Avenue
Richmond, CA 94805

Por Favor, únase con nosotros para tener una discusión con expertos sobre sus derechos, y consulta legal gratuita si necesaria.
Please join us for a discussion, a panel with experts, and free legal consultation.

Haga clic aquí para mas información:
More Information here: In English, En Español

KOREMATSU AT PEACE AND UNITY CINCO DE MAYO PARADE:

SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 10 AM

A group of our students will represent Korematsu Middle School in Richmond’s Cinco de Mayo parade! Come out and support them!

The parade will begin at Richmond Civic Center at 24th Street and Barrett. It travels north on 23rd Street, turns right on Market Ave, and ends at St. Paul Church, 1835 Church Lane in San Pablo. The parade is followed by a festival with performances, music, food, games, and much more. Admission is free.

 

READING WITHOUT WALLS CHALLENGE

MS. BOGIE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS FOR ICE CREAM PARTY

Ms. Bogie is looking for five parents to help from 10:45-12:45 on Thursday, May 4. She will be hosting the ice cream party and raffle for the Reading Without Walls participants on that day.

Please contact her in the library, or at abogie@wccusd.net, or at 231-2449 ext.29314 if you can help.

 

CINCO DE MAYO DANCE: MAY 4, MPR, 2:30-4 PM

TICKETS ON SALE AND MS. RENEE NEEDS CHAPERONES

From Ms. Renee:

Tickets on sale lunchtime in MPR lobby.:

• Monday = $2
• Tuesday = $2.50
• Wednesday = $3
• Thursday = $4
• At the door/afterschool = $5

In order to purchase a ticket:

• must not be on exclusion/suspension list as of February 14th
• must have current Korematsu student ID/lanyard
• must have cash for ticket
• must have signed permission slip (available in office or Ms. Renee’s room A221

I’m also looking for chaperones!! Please contact Carol Renee @ crenee@wccusd.net to let me know.

 

FINAL PTSA MEETING: TUES., MAY 9, MPR, 7 PM

WE NEED YOUR VOTE!

NOTICE OF ELECTION

AND MEETING

Tuesday, May 9, 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 2017-2018 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
• Sarah Thielen, Treasurer
• OPEN, Financial Secretary
• Michelle Fillingim, Recording Secretary
• Negar Souza, First Vice President Fundraising
• OPEN, Second Vice President Volunteer Coordinator
• Chris Sterba, Historian

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

Agenda
​
MEXICAN FIESTA UP NEXT FOR TEACHER LUNCHEON: FRIDAY, MAY 12

The next Friday Teachers Luncheon is the last one of the year. We’ll be having a belated Cinco de Mayo celebration. Sign up here before the item you want to bring is already taken!

 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: 8th GRADE PROMOTION ACTIVITIES

COMING UP IN JUNE

See details here:​

 

 

Flier

BAND THANK YOU

WCCUSD NEWS

The April issue of the WCCUSD Newsletter is now available! Click the links below to view the latest news, events and highlights.

English

Spanish

COMMUNITY RESOURCES AT SPARK POINT

To learn more about debtors’ rights, career pathways, and financial plans, attend a workshop organized by Spark Point Contra Costa. See flyer here:

​
English2017 May-Aug SparkPointWestCalendar.pdf
​

SBAC CONTINUES

Students will continue sitting for the SBAC tests. Please remind students to work hard and do their best. It’s also very important for students to try to get enough sleep and eat a healthy breakfast.

The PTSA is proud to sponsor snacks and water for all students during the testing period. Many thanks to Clif Bar for also helping to support Korematsu students.

EARTH DAY FUNDRAISER AT FLOWERLAND: SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, APRIL 22 & 23

In honor of Earth Day, Flowerland, a garden center located at 1330 Solano Ave, Albany, has generously offered 10% of their proceeds back to local schools! This means ALL weekend any purchase made in honor of OUR school will earn us money!! All you have to do is MENTION OUR SCHOOL name PRIOR TO CHECK OUT so we get credit.

Flowerland is a locally-owned business so not only do you support a community member, you also support your child’s school!

The coffee cart located their has also offered a donation of their proceeds as well! So again, you must mention our school at check out.

Go enjoy a cup of coffee, shop for incredible plants and gifts and support your child’s education!! Win-win!

TIKI PARTY FUNDRAISER (A CELEBRATE KOREMATSU AUCTION ITEM)

SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 6-9:30 PM

Come enjoy yummy tiki inspired tasties and some tropical libations at the “Schulze’s Tiki Lounge” right here in El Cerrito. More tickets are available — so if you know people you would like to party with and who might also enjoy supporting Korematsu, please contact Carrie at cafabfam@gmail.com . $25 per person, $50 per couple. Adults only.

Host families: Souza, Craner, Veitch, Johnson, Treuting/Sokolowski, Dunn and Schulze.

STILL LOOKING FOR NEXT YEAR’S LEADERS

We are recruiting chairs for: Fright Write, College + Career Week, and Rights + Respect Week

If you like writing, consider chairing the Fright Write writing contest next year. It’s Korematsu’s tradition to hold a creative writing and art contest with a Halloween theme every October. As chair, you coordinate a team of volunteer judges who will read and review original stories written by our students.

It’s never too early to open our students’ eyes to what lies beyond middle school and high school. Try coordinating the College + Career Week, usually held in October, which includes a series of lunchtime career talks.

As coordinator of Rights + Respect Week, usually held in February, you will organize events that allow students to ponder and discuss the breakthroughs and setbacks in the progression of civil rights in this country, as well as contemplate respect as a cultural value.

If you are interested, please get in touch with our Nominating Committee Head Eowyn Mader as soon as you can. Her email is eowyn.mader@gmail.com .

ALL-DISTRICT JAZZ FESTIVAL: THURSDAY, APRIL 20, ECHS THEATER, 7 PM

This event showcases the growing number of middle and high school jazz groups around the district. Korematsu’s Jazz Ensemble will perform, as will the ECHS Jazz Ensemble and a number of other area groups. Come support our Jazz Ensemble!

 

4TH ANNUAL BEST PRACTICES CONFERENCE: APRIL 25

The West Contra Costa Unified School District will host the 4th annual Best Practices Conference on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 from 6 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at Dejean Middle School. Parents, teachers, administrators and community members will discuss issues affecting classrooms, and share best practices. Click here to see the flyer for more information.
​

YOU’RE INVITED TO MADERA’S 60TH ANNUAL AUCTION: MAY 6, 5:30 PM

See the flier!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADERA!

​
​