From the Harte - December

The latest From the Harte Newsletter, which will be coming home tonight with your child's report card, is attached in this email and has also been posted on our website at http://bretharteoakland.org.

There are TWO events coming up within the next week - flyers are also attached. Please pass them on and spread the word!


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If you got two copies of this email, that means you are a member of Bobcat Connect AND are subscribed to the parent center announcements. Bobcat Connect members can reply to this email with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line if you would like to receive only one copy.

To join Bobcat Connect, our community discussion group, send an email to bobcat-connect+subscribe@googlegroups.com.

What's going on at Bret Harte? Please send short articles, announcements of interest to the community, wish lists, questions, answers,  student writing and art to bhparentcenter@gmail.com at any time. (Really, folks, we can't read your minds.) Please put "Submission" in the subject line and be sure to include any pertinent contact information.
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The Bret Harte Parent Center
Nurturing a vibrant home-school connection

bhparentcenter@gmail.com
www.bretharteoakland.org
 

From the Harte - October

The first From the Harte Newsletter, which will now be coming home each marking period with your child's report card, is attached in this email and has also been posted on our website at http://bretharteoakland.org.

Upcoming Community Events:
Community Work Day, Saturday 10-23
Info Night & Castlewalk, Wednesday 11-3
First Friday Coffee Break, Friday 11-5

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If you got two copies of this email, that means you are a member of Bobcat Connect AND are subscribed to the parent center announcements. Bobcat Connect members can reply to this email with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line if you would like to receive only one copy. To join Bobcat Connect, send an email to bobcat-connect+subscribe@googlegroups.com.

What's going on at Bret Harte? Please send short articles, announcements of interest to the community, wish lists, questions, answers,  student writing and art to bhparentcenter@gmail.com at any time. Really, folks, we can't read your minds. Please put "Submission" in the subject line and be sure to include any pertinent contact information.
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The Bret Harte Parent Center
Nurturing a vibrant home-school connection

bhparentcenter@gmail.com
www.bretharteoakland.org
 

Bret Harte Announcements 9/24/10

Bret Harte Parent Center Announcements Today's Date:   September 24, 2010 Translate this email at http://whatsupbretharte.blogspot.com Welcome Back to School! The school year has gotten off to a great start. The principal reports that for the first time in three years, everyone is dressing according to the dress code and students are in their classes focused on learning. At Back to School Night, parents could see how consistent teaching strategies in each class have raised expectations across the board and clearly define what each day's learning goals are. The joint SSC/PTA meeting was well attended, welcoming new parents and gearing up to a busy and successful school year. Congratulations to raffle winners from both of these events! Raffle prizes will be drawn at every school event. All parents who join the PTA, register for eScrip, volunteer or make a donation are entered to win.  And just this week, Red Boy Pizza was crowded with families enjoying pizza and company and raising money for the PTA. Watch for more fun fundraisers this fall. To help plan a fundraiser, contact Tracey Packer at 531-5878. This Weekend Saturday, 10 a.m. - The first Measure L kick-off rally takes place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 25, at Sequoia Elementary School, 3730 Lincoln Ave. Guest speakers will include Superintendent Tony Smith. Measure L will stabilize education funding in Oakland by supporting teachers directly. The Bret Harte PTA has formally endorsed Measure L. Come to the rally and learn more! Saturday, 8:30-3p.m. CAR WASH at Bret Harte! Please support the 8th graders who are raising funds for   their trip to Washington, D.C. Saturday, 9 p.m. - Watch or record Family Tree: A View from Oakland, Mr. Mates's student film featuring our current crop of 8th graders, will be airing tomorrow and the next few Saturday nights on KDOL, Cable Channel 27 at 9:00 PM. This is an amazing project every year that gives all viewers an understanding of the diversity of our community, and the personal stories and struggles of our families. Coming Soon Our online calendar is at www.bretharteoakland.org Next Week – 40 Safe Schools Ambassadors have been chosen and will have a 2-day training run by trainers from UC Davis.  If your child was chosen, they will learn nonviolent communication and intervention skills, becoming leaders in creating a more peaceful and focused school community. Parents who are interested in participating in the training and the program can contact Geri Murphy at (510) 610-3963. Watch a video about SSA here. Wednesday 9/29/10 – The first school dance will be after school next Wednesday, September 29th. This is a chance for students to socialize and dance to their favorite music. If you would like to chaperone, contact Mrs. Williams at 531-6400. October 6th is Walk to School Day. Saturday, 10/9/10– the Bret Harte Jazz Band will be performing at the Dimond Oaktoberfest from 11am to 12:45. This one-of-a-kind Fall Festival celebrates entertainment, art, ecology, and the history of this neighborhood with a focus on craft beers and root beer for kids. Can you volunteer at Bret Harte's booth? Contact Pam Consear at 530-3304. Thursday, 10/21/10 - Harvest of the Month will begin in October on the third Thursday of the month. This is a program that allows students to sample fruits and vegetables that they may not have tried before.  Saturday, 10/23/10 - Come lend a hand at our first Community Work Day! 10am-2pm. To help organize, contact Jamie Fritz at 305-9752. February 5th - plans are forming for Family University, a morning of classes for parents and students alike. Contact Geri Murphy at (510) 610-3963 to make a suggestion for classes you'd like to take, or to volunteer to help plan this event. You can also print out this survey and send in to the office with your child. Caught in the Middle courtesty of our new parents from Kaiser Elementary Middle school presents a span of years when parents often seem to lose touch with their children. Many parents don't feel the need to be involved as much in their children's school life at this juncture because they seem so "grown up" when, in fact, just the opposite is true. The middle school years are a critical period of development in an adolescent's life and, despite the protests of the students, parental guidance is required! This helpful website includes a 28-minute video, a tips section, and links to other resources, including books and other web sites. http://www.caughtinthemiddle.org/ In this Issue: Welcome Back to School! This Weekend Coming Soon School Site Council Caught in the Middle Community News 6th Graders 6th graders are adjusting to learning six six subjects! Read this article about what to expect academically. 7th Graders 7th graders are also starting to build social lives like never before. Article 8th Graders It's not too late to sign up for the Washington DC trip on Spring Break! Contact Lila Morris at 531-6400. All Students The first school dance will be after school next Wednesday, September 29th. This is a chance for students to socialize and dance to their favorite music. If you would like to chaperone, contact Mrs. Williams at 531-6400. Parents Did you receive your OUSD Parent Guide? Download it here in your home language. Prospective Parents Our school tours are at 9:30 a.m. on the following dates: 10/28, 11/5, 11/8, 11/16,  and 11/17. Our Information Night is on 11/4 from 5-6:30 p.m.   Volunteers Needed Newsletters - volunteers are needed to edit, design, and publish From the Harte three times this year. Baked goods and breakfast items - bring to the Parent Center next Friday, 10/2, for our First Friday Teacher Appreciation Potluck. Drop off food by 10am... and stay for coffee! Sign up for Parent Patrol! Research that shows improved student school performance when parents are involved. Your presence makes a difference. Contact Jamie Fritz at 305-9752 Browse more volunteer opportunities here. Fundraisers Get your Chinook Book (formerly Eco-Metro Guide) from Bret Harte and save money at hundreds of local establishments. On sale at Oaktoberfest! To join the fundraising committee, contact Tracey Packer at 531-5878.   School Site Council Thank you to the following parents who have volunteered for the School Site Council (SSC) this year: LuWinta Britton, Charlene Johnson, and Lisa Bird. The teacher representatives to the SSC are Mr. Christiansen, Ms. Morris, and Mr. Nykin. The SSC, which determines the school's budget, meets at 5:30 on third Wednesdays. The Annual Title I meeting is on October 13. All parents are welcome. Join the PTA We are about twenty members shy of our goal of 100 members! The Parent Teacher Association is open to anyone - even businesses!. You don't have to be a parent and you don't have to come to meetings, all you have to do is care about our school. Join online or contact Kristen Caven at 534-1415. Join Bobcat Connect Find out what is happening every week at school when you join Bobcat Connect, our community Google group. To subscribe, send an email to bobcat-connect+subscribe@googlegroups.com This announcement goes out on occasion to members of Bobcat Connect. If you wish to receive announcements without joining our email group, send an email to bhparentcenter@gmail.com. Bret Harte Middle School 3700 Coolidge Avenue Oakland, CA 94602 www.bretharteoakland.org Office: 510-531-6400 Forward this email to a friend! About the Parent Center The Bret Harte Parent Center, located in the Teacher Lounge, Room 102, is a place where parents can meet. Contact  Eva La to ask questions in Chinese and Vietnamese. Are you interested in creating a Bret Harte Community Center? Let us know!

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The Bret Harte Parent Center
Nurturing a vibrant home-school connection

bhparentcenter@gmail.com
www.bretharteoakland.org
 

From the Harte MAY/JUNE 2010

Hi, everyone,

Attached is the final From the Harte Newsletter, which has also been posted on our website at http://bretharteoakland.org and sent out in 4 languages by mail.

It's not too late to take the communications survey at http://tinyurl.com/BH-ComSurv-2010 if you haven't already.

And we have a few items on the Parent Center Wishlist:

1) a spare telephone (Ours disappeared, we believe on the day of the Strike...)

2) a computer whiz who can streamline our donated computer over the summer.

3) a heavy-duty extension cord, and a large potted palm.

Have a great summer, everyone!

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If you got two copies of this email, that means you are a member of bobcat-connect AND are subscribed to the parent center announcements. Bobcat-connect members can reply to this email with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line if you would like to receive only one copy.

If you would like an invitation to join bobcat-connect, our open parent/community google group, please reply to this email with "Join Bobcat-Connect" in the subject line.

If you would like to receive the monthly newsletter ONLY via email and not by mail, please go to our website, http://www.bretharteoakland.org. Click on Parents>Parent Center>Newsletter Opt Out.

What's going on at Bret Harte? Please send short articles, announcements of interest to the community, wish lists, questions, answers,  student writing and art to bhparentcenter@gmail.com at any time. Please put "Submission" in the subject line and be sure to include any pertinent contact information.

------------
The Bret Harte Parent Center
Nurturing a vibrant home-school connection
bhparentcenter@gmail.com
www.bretharteoakland.org

Special Message from the BHPTA - please spread the word!

You may have already received in the mail this fundraising letter from the PTA for Bret Harte's community building program. Please consider making a donation. Every donation makes a difference. Make a donation via PayPal on our new website: www.bretharteoakland.org, or send it in/drop it off to the school (Bret Harte PTA: 3700 Coolidge, 94602). Thank you for being part of the Bret Harte Community!

Celia

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March 1, 2010
Dear Bret Harte Families and Community,

As a member of the Bret Harte community you appreciate how beautifully  diverse our student population is.  To build on and celebrate that diversity, the Bret Harte PTA has opted to institute an annual community building program.  This program will develop leadership skills and social competence in our school community to help carry this positive change forward. This program will also strive to stop harassment, bullying and violence by building conflict resolution skills and breaking the barriers of cliques, stereotypes, and intolerance.  Our aim is to build a community with a shared humanity of acceptance, compassion, and understanding where every child feels safe, loved, and celebrated.

The Bret Harte PTA is currently undertaking a fundraising drive to support this effort.  Our goal is to raise $10,000.  The first phase of our drive is a direct appeal.  We are asking families and community members to make direct donations to specifically fund this program. We are also planning additional fundraising events; possibilities include a Car Wash, Spaghetti Feed, and selling food and refreshments at school
functions. Keep an eye out for more information on that and other upcoming events in the From the Harte newsletter and other future communications.

We want to reach out to members of our community in our neighborhoods.  We are all connected, and a positive environment at our school benefits everyone.  We hope you agree with us and will help support this program. Please share this letter and pledge form with family, friends and neighbors.

We know that times are tough.  The economy is still hurting and many in the Bret Harte community have lost jobs.  Still, we ask that you give what you can.  If you can give more, please consider giving more.  Every donation received will help us reach our goal.  We are confident that we will if every child's family contributes what they can. Thank you for all that you do for Bret Harte students and community. We look
forward to hearing from you by March 31.  You may donate by using the attached form and envelope or Pay Pal on the Bret Harte website: http://www.bretharteoakland.org. Your donation is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

In community,

Celia Davis, President
The Bret Harte Parent Teacher Association (PTA)


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The Bret Harte Parent Center
Nurturing a vibrant home-school connection.
510-482-7249

March 4th Statewide Day of Action for Public Education info

The following is a press release from the School District. Please plan to show your support.

 

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Oakland Unified School District  joins students, educators, teachers, staff and education advocates from across California in protesting school funding that ranks 47th in the U.S. and is $2,400 per student less than the national average 

Oakland - February 26, 2010 - On Thursday, March 4, the Oakland Unified School District will support the "Statewide Day of Action for Public Education" with a series of events culminating in a 4:00 PM press conference at the Elihu M. Harris State Office Building (1515 Clay St. Oakland, CA). Oakland Board of Education Directors will lead OUSD Superintendent Tony Smith and the following labor unions in denouncing the crippling cuts to public education: 
* American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 257 Morris Tatum 
* American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Local 771 President Ana Turetsky 
* Oakland Education Association (OEA) President Betty Olson-Jones 
* Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1021 President Mynette Theard 
* United Administrators of Oakland Schools (UAOS) Executive Director JoAnna Lougin 

OUSD's Board, administration and bargaining units are acting in solidarity with hundreds of other local, state and national organizations to ensure that public education is prioritized, not marginalized, and that schools receive adequate funding. The joint statements at 4:00 PM will cap a day of activities highlighting the injustice of school funding cuts and the danger they pose to California's future. Activities include: 

* 7:30 AM to First Bell: Peaceable leafleting and picketing will occur on school campuses prior to the beginning of class.  This is an opportunity to engage the community and: 
* Inform them of the scope of education funding cuts 
* Explain the impact of funding cuts on children 
* Discuss structural issues (e.g., 2/3 budget passage requirement) 
* Advocate for pressure on elected officials to support education 

* 9:15 AM: Simultaneous Fire Drill at All Schools — OUSD and its labor unions are joining districts throughout California in holding a fire drill - at all schools - at 9:15 
AM on March 4th. The simultaneous fire drill is meant to symbolize the "state of emergency" afflicting public education. 

* All-Day: "Teach-In" 
* OUSD and OEA have jointly created curriculum that secondary English and History/Social Studies teachers can use to bring discussions of budgeting, educating funding, equity and political action into the classroom. The lesson plans can be downloaded from the OUSD website at: http://www.ousd.k12.ca.us/March4lessonplans <http://www.ousd.k12.ca.us/March4lessonplans> . 

* 4:00 PM: Press Conference at Elihu M. Harris State Office Building (1515 Clay St.) 

* OUSD's Board, administration and unions will hold a press conference in front of the State Building to protest the deepest school funding cuts on record - reductions that leave California 47th out of 50 states in per-pupil funding for K-12 education. 

OUSD and its partners are taking action to protest the education cuts enacted by the Governor and the California legislature - reductions which are unprecedented in scope. Despite schools which rank at the bottom of all states in staff-to-student ratios and nearly last in per-pupil spending, California reduced funding for education by $18 billion in 2008-09 and the first half of 2009-10. As a result, 
California's schools face an average net funding cut of $470 per pupil, roughly $11,750 for every classroom. In addition to slashing budgets, the state also delayed the release of funds, restricting the ability of districts to plan and to manage cash-flows. 

OUSD alone has trimmed $40 million dollars over the past 18 months, but still must make $85 million in reductions for the 2010-11 school year. In addition, the District is in the midst of cutting $100 million over three years. These deep budget cuts threaten to stifle the progress of districts such as OUSD, California's most improved urban school district over the past five years. 

While it's true California is in the midst of an economic crisis, children are bearing a disproportionate amount of the burden for the state's financial problem. Education funding accounts for 40 percent of the state budget, but schools have suffered 60 percent of the cuts. As a result, more than 20,000 teachers and administrators and more than 10,000 support positions have been eliminated statewide, along with 
countless programs like arts, music, sports, afterschool, summer school, vocational, adult education and Advanced Placement classes. 

"The most vulnerable students are taking the biggest hit," explained OUSD Superintendent Tony Smith. "Schools are where we're creating community today and preparing for the future. Not funding children has disastrous short-term and long-term effects on the state of California." 

Contact: Troy Flint at troy.flint@ousd.k12.ca.us or 510.473.5832  

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In addition to the activities above, there will be a rally at Frank Ogawa Plaza, which is in front of city hall in downtown Oakland, will start at noon. There will be feeder marches to the rally from the Fruitvale BART station, from Laney College, and from U.C. Berkeley (leaving at 11am). The feeder marches will arrive throughout the afternoon, so the rally will last at least until 4pm.

IF PUBLIC SCHOOLS WERE BANKS, THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN BAILED OUT BY NOW!

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The Bret Harte Parent Center
Nurturing a vibrant home-school connection.
510-482-7249

From the Harte MARCH 2010

Greetings, Bobcats,

The March Newsletter (attached) has also been posted on our new and in-progress website at http://bretharteoakland.org, along with archived copies. It's packed with info this month. Check it out! Newsletters will be mailed later this week. A big THANK YOU from this week's lone volunteer to students of Ms. Gray's inclusion class, for taking on the big job of folding and labeling newsletters for mailing!

Not in the newsletter: Check with your child for a letter from the principal about the closing of Hillview Gate. Also: Expo's first planning meeting has been set for Thursday, March 18th at RedBoy Pizza, 6p.m. This is a great big, fun, community open house that involves all students and teachers, and usually plenty of food. If you have not had a chance to work with the school yet this year, EXPO is your big chance!
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If you got two copies of this email, that means you are a member of bobcat-connect AND are subscribed to the parent center announcements. Bobcat-connect members can reply to this email with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line if you would like to receive only one copy.

If you would like an invitation to join bobcat-connect, our open parent/community google group, please reply to this email with "Join Bobcat-Connect" in the subject line.

If you would like to receive the monthly newsletter ONLY via email, please go to our website, http://www.bretharteoakland.org. Click on Parents>Parent Center>Newsletter Opt Out.

What's going on at Bret Harte? Please send short articles, announcements of interest to the community, wish lists, questions, answers,  student writing and art to bhparentcenter@gmail.com by next Wednesday. Please put "Submission" in the subject line and be sure to include any pertinent contact information.

---------------
The Bret Harte Parent Center
Nurturing a vibrant home-school connection.
510-482-7249

FROM THE HARTE e-newsletter - February 2010

Greetings, Bobcats,

The February Newsletter (attached) has also been mailed AND posted on our new and in-progress website at http://bretharteoakland.org, along with archived copies. Check it out!

Please double-check all dates and times before attending March events. Some details are still being finalized.

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The Bret Harte Parent Center
Nurturing a vibrant home-school connection.
510-482-7249

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If you got two copies of this email, that means you are a member of bobcat-connect AND are subscribed to the parent center announcements. Bobcat-connect members can reply to this email with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line if you would like to receive only one copy.

If you would like an invitation to join bobcat-connect, our open parent/community google group, please reply to this email with "Join Bobcat-Connect" in the subject line.

If you would like to receive the monthly newsletter ONLY via email, please hit reply to this letter and type "NO PAPER" in the subject line. Please include the names of both parents in your household, your child's full name, and we also need your ZIP CODE. It may take 2-3 months to stop the mailing.

What's going on at Bret Harte? Please send short articles, announcements of interest to the community, wish lists, questions, answers,  student writing and art to bhparentcenter@gmail.com by next Wednesday. Please put "Submission" in the subject line and be sure to include any pertinent contact information.