Author's Tea Heats Up Interest In Writing
Last week unveiled a new twist on the school library author visit. After school on Monday, many 4th-6th grade teachers and library staff shared tea, cookies and conversation with author Gennifer Choldenko (of the Al Capone series) in the new Jefferson library. Choldenko shared her research and writing process for her upcoming book Chasing Secrets, a historical fiction novel based on the outbreak of the plague in the early 1900s in San Francisco. Political intrigue, medical misinformation and challenging cultural stereotypes are woven throughout the tale, which includes the story of a young friendship striving to survive against formidable odds.

C?sar Ch?vez Essay Contest Winners to be Recognized by School Board, May 20 cesar
Congratulations to all the budding writers in our schools who participated in the annual C?sar Ch?vez Essay Contest. You can see a list of this year's winners here.
BUSD Meetings and Events Google Calendar

Google Calendar
Brown Act Committees Open to the Public

School Board
Wednesday, May 20 (Board Room at Bonar St.)
 Tuesday, 
June 2 at 7:00 pm
2020 Bonar St., Rm. 126

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Celebrating Students' English Fluency  
Earlier this month, Superintendent Evans, Board Vice President Beatriz Leyva-Cutler, educators and district staff gathered to recognize the achievement of 89 students who met all of the state and local criteria required for certification in English fluency. This culminating event recognizes the additional challenge presented to our students learning English as a second language, and is a special moment for students and their families, as well as for our teachers and staff to celebrate each student's accomplishment.
Student Feelings Expressed Through Art, Poetry, & Writing    
Students shared their creative thoughts and artistry in response to this year's theme for the In Dulci Jubilo Art, Poetry and Essay Contest: "My Feelings and Me!" This theme sprung from a focus in the schools this year on social-emotional learning, and in particular the Toolbox Project.
Read more about the event for contest participants here.
Schools Fund Celebrates Teachers Who Expand Opportunities
2015 Honorees pictured here with Schools Fund Executive Director
Erin Rhoades

The Berkeley Public Schools Fund had a full house on May 8th at its annual Spring Luncheon, celebrating educators who are "Expanding Opportunities" for students in Berkeley. The event's honorees - John Fike (BTA), Naomi Washington-Diouf (Berkeley High), and Matt Tsang (Willard)-were inspiring in their profound commitments to their students and teaching. Special recognition was also given to the Friends & Family developers, Cal Blueprint. Student jazz musicians from Longfellow and Afro-Haitian dancers from Berkeley High gave amazing performances. You can look through photos here.  

  

The luncheon, attended by almost 500 community members, raises one third of the Schools Fund annual budget. This year's event brought them within reach of raising a million dollars by the end of June.
More Common Core Math Resources for Parents 
Still wanting to better understand Common Core Math? Take a look at the district's Common Core Math page for new helpful video links and more resources for parents. Resources are being compiled to help further our community's understanding of what we now know about teaching and learning math.

In one video, Stanford Professor Jo Boaler explains that Common Core Math is designed to change the teaching of math from what one six year old experienced as "too much answer time and not enough learning time" to a way that gives more time to understanding how numbers work.
Students Shine On and Off the Stage
BHS Spring Musical

Under the direction of BHS Drama Teacher Jordan Winer, Berkeley High students gave an epic performance of RENT The Musical on multiple evenings. Music was provided by our very talented high school musicians.

  

SF Giants and BUSD Middle School Bands

Every year our students play the National Anthem at a San Francisco Giants' game, and on a recent Wednesday afternoon they gave one

of their finest performances.    

 

Find links to these and other videotaped performances here.