If you've been in one of our K-8 schools lately, you've probably noticed the signs with "the three B's", like the sign to the right from Malcolm X School.

These signs serve to reinforce the social skill teaching going on in school, and they are part of a broad system of supports to create a positive school climate where all students can excel.

Our teachers call this PBIS - or Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports.

Here is a short clip showing what PBIS looks like in Berkeley.

Visit our PBIS for Families webpage to learn more.

The 2013 California Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program dates for Berkeley are:  

 

Grades 9-11: April 22-29  

Grades 2-8: May 6-13  

 

Please check with your child's school/teacher for specific testing dates. Participation is an important part of gaining useful data about how students are doing.  Teachers will not receive a state-wide assessment of student progress for those who do not take the test.  

 

Make-ups for students absent from school during the test will be April 30 - May 3 for high school students, and May 14-17 for elementary and middle school students. 

 

Superintendent's Letter about the STAR program to Elementary & Middle School Parents  

Fifth grade students attending the after school programs in nine of our elementary schools formed school teams to participate in Berkeley LEARNS AfterSchool Program's first ever "Kids' Challenge". This LEARNS sponsored event was designed to support academic achievement and spark student enthusiasm for learning.

Before the Challenge, students spent time over a couple of weeks in their after school teams preparing to answer grade level questions in the areas of Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, History & Geography, and Character Education. After a great display of knowledge by all teams at the afternoon competition, Emerson and Jefferson were named winners of the 2013 Berkeley LEARNS Kids' Challenge.

As previously announced, individuals interested in being considered for appointment by the Board must submit applications no later than April 15 at 4:00 p.m.
 
The Board is set to establish a list of finalists to fill the Board vacancy at the April 24th Board Meeting.  The finalists will present their candidacy to the Board at the May 1st meeting. The Board is set to make the appointment before May 15th.
 
The full process is outlined here.

Join other Berkeley school families in creating welcoming schools for ALL families. During the workshop, there will be time for parents to reflect on stereotypes and biases, as well as a chance to practice how to answer your child's challenging questions.
Find the workshop flyer here.

Location: Rosa Parks Elementary, 920 Allston Way

The School Board has completed interviews with the finalist candidates for Superintendent. A thorough background and reference check is currently taking place.

A previous update was posted on our website from March 29th giving additional information on the pool of candidates.

Have you seen this sign hanging around Berkeley?  It's a public notice about the Emergency Exercise Event happening on April 27th in participating homes, neighborhoods, and local businesses. Find out how you too can get prepared and participate on April 27th.  (This is not a district or school sponsored event.)

This is also a good time to take a moment to sign up for the City of Berkeley's public safety and emergency notification system.