| 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. |
