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At Their Fingertips
The Berkeley High School Computer Lab is a buzz with students. Located in the library, the computer lab was recently updated with 32 brand new Mac computers. "It looks like an Apple store," said BHS Sophomore Zierre, "but we can't play games on these." He and fellow Sophomore Josh (pictured right) were finishing up their homework and researching online. Because of their speed and capability, Librarian Ellie Goldstein-Erickson is very excited to have the new computers, which replaced the ones that had been in the lab for the last 7 years. She explained that while the library has traditional research books, using online databases, such as World Book Online and ProQuest Platinum, students have high quality information literally at their finger tips. Teachers guide research projects well beyond what's possible in the traditional library or classroom.  "The facility bond approved by Berkeley voters last fall will allow us to improve technology and facilities to ensure our students succeed in today's digital world," said Jay Nitschke, BUSD Technology Director. THANK YOU BERKELEY! |
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HIgh Graduation Rate Draws Attention
New 2010 graduation rate data recently presented to the School Board shows BUSD students graduating at a higher rate than their county and state counterparts. This is especially true for BUSD African American and Latino students who graduated in 2010 at a higher rate than the average graduation rate in Alameda County.
A summary of the graduation and drop out rate trends are illustrated here. |
Students in grades 7-12 must have received the Tdap Vaccine or will be not alllowed to attend school starting Thursday, September 29, 2011.
All students under 18 need a parental consent form in order to receive the vaccine at the BHS Health Center or other free health clinic. More info available here.
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Superintendent's Two Way Immersion Task Force Underway
A study of the Bilingual and Two Way Immersion (TWI) programs that was presented to the School Board in May, 2011 recommended the formation of a working group to consider the consolidation of the district's elementary TWI program at one school site.
The TWI Task Force has been established with representation of teachers, parents, and administrators at elementary schools with bilingual and TWI programs: Rosa Parks, Cragmont, LeConte, and Thousand Oaks. Several district staff are also participating as non-voting members. Cheryl Chinn, retired Malcolm X Principal, is the Superintendent's designee to chair this group.
The next meeting of the Task Force is planned for Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. at the BUSD Conference Room at 1820 Oregon St. |
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School Governance/Site Council Elections
 Now that school is back in session, School Governance Councils are forming. Look for information about what is happening at your school and please take time to vote! Parent representatives on the SGC/SSC* represent all students and families at the school and can be a guiding force for improving their school.
*Berkeley High School has a School Site Council and a BSEP committee, which serve the function of the combined SGC at the K-8 schools.
Ballots for BHS School Site Council Parent Reps are being cast tonight at Back to School Night!
What Does the SGC Do? - Examine information about the school and how students are doing. The SGC looks at attendance, test scores, school "climate," physical fitness, and other data to measure success.
- Make decisions about how best to use the school's resources to make the school better. SGCs develop their School Site Plans and determine what programs to finance with BSEP tax dollars, State and Federal funds.
For more information and SGC/Site Council bylaws, click here. |
Free Cooking and Nutrition Classes for Parents/Guardians
Come join us for hands-on cooking classes & useful nutrition tips!
Parents and Guardians with students at Emerson, John Muir, Le Conte, Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, Thousand Oaks, Washington, Longfellow, Willard, and all BUSD preschools are welcome! (We wish we could offer it to all schools but the grant monies don't allow us.)
Next session starts October 4th.
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