Crocker Highlands Elementary School

Considering A PTA-PTO Switch At Crocker

Jessica — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:27:38 +0000

As you know, the Crocker PTA has been considering switching from being a PTA to becoming a parent-teacher organization (PTO), an independent, non-profit 501(c) 3 organization. This idea has been floating around for some a few years and this year, the PTA has been getting into more details at our meetings about what this switch entails and what it means for many aspects of our organization. Several other schools in Oakland have PTOs, including Peralta and Thornhill.

The primary reason for considering this switch has been our role as an employer and the insurance aspects of that. Given current limitations on the insurance we have through the PTA, we are not certain that we have adequate protections (a topic we are currently working with our insurance agent on). Another concern has been coverage for certain events and activities, including the sale of alcohol at the auction and use of bounce houses and the like at the Carnival. Whatever the outcome of this discussion, please remember that our primary goal, as a PTA or PTO, is to support programs for the school and to be sure that we are doing it in the most responsible manner.

Last week we hosted Susan Nathan, the president of the Peralta District PTA, the county-level umbrella PTA for all the school PTAs in Alameda County. At that meeting, a lot of great questions were raised – many that we have been grappling with over this year. She was able to provide more clarity on some issues and point us in the direction of getting better answers to many of those questions, which we are working on.

We have scheduled a meeting on Tuesday, May 28th at 6:30 for the community to consider this topic further. At that meeting, we will continue the discussion and will decide whether to hold a vote on the switch. The meeting will be in the MPR. Babysitting and pizza will be provided. Please RSVP to president@crockerschool.org if you are attending and whether you need babysitting. Just to be sure that it is an action-packed night, Lynn Tracy, chair of the equity/parent ed committee, will be holding a brainstorming session for topics to consider next year. Please consider sticking around for that – that committee brought in a series of excellent speakers this year and we are looking forward to continuing it next year.

In advance of this meeting, we will be doing several things that we hope will be helpful for informing this decision:

We will be providing answers to many of the questions that have been raised, including information we are getting from the insurance agent. We will distribute this to all families next week. We will also post it at school.
Next Tuesday and Thursday morning after drop-off, Jessica, Lesley and I will stay on the playground under he tree by the AT portable to answer any questions that arise. Depending on how many people come, this can be informal or can become a more formal Q&A.
Draft by-laws for a PTO are in the office for your review – open to comments, suggestions, and changes. If you would like an electronic copy, please email me and I will pass them along.

Finally, if we hold a vote on May 28th, only current members of the PTA are eligible to vote. While this is true for all of our meetings, we will need to be more stringent about applying the rule this time. Currently, we have roughly 110 families who are members of the PTA. If you are unsure whether you renewed or joined this year, I will be putting a list of current members in the school office this afternoon for your review. If you don’t see your name, please go online and join. We will update the list in advance of the meeting.

Considering a PTA-PTO Switch at Crocker

Jessica — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:45:58 +0000

In advance of this meeting, we will be doing several things that we hope will be helpful for informing this decision:

We will be providing answers to many of the questions that have been raised, including information we are getting from the insurance agent. We will distribute this to all families next week. We will also post it at school.
Next Tuesday and Thursday morning after drop-off, Jessica, Lesley and I will stay on the playground under he tree by the AT portable to answer any questions that arise. Depending on how many people come, this can be informal or can become a more formal Q&A.
Draft by-laws for a PTO are in the office for your review – open to comments, suggestions, and changes. If you would like an electronic copy, please email me and I will pass them along.

FRIENDSHIP is the Cougar Word of the Month for May and June

tmarshburn — Thu, 02 May 2013 04:46:34 +0000

FRIENDSHIP IS THE COUGAR WORD OF THE MONTH FOR MAY AND JUNE

For the last months of school, the Cougar word will be FRIENDSHIP. Friendship reflects ALL the Cougar words: respect, compassion, self-discipline, cooperation, acceptance, responsibility and perseverance. For example, when talking with your child about how friends treat each other you can point out that good friends listen to each other (respect, self-discipline). Good friends try to understand each other’s feelings and moods (acceptance, compassion). Good friends help each other solve problems (responsibility). Good friends don’t give up on each other after a disagreement (perseverance).

Here are some things you can do to encourage your child to develop positive and healthy friendships.

Encourage your child to talk with you about his or her friendships—use the Cougar words if you can (respect, compassion, self-discipline, cooperation, acceptance, responsibility and perseverance).
Discuss how to have good friends you must be a good friend.
If your child shows signs of feeling rejected or left out talk with him or her about it. Share a time when you felt the same way.
Be sensitive to friendships that may involve negative activities or put-downs of other kids. Discuss it with your child and let him or her know how you feel about it.
Encourage your child to show appreciation when a friend does something thoughtful or helpful.
Remind your child that it’s never too late to make a new friend—even at the end of the school year.

FRIENDSHIP is the Cougar Word of the Month for May and June

tmarshburn — Thu, 02 May 2013 04:43:05 +0000

FRIENDSHIP IS THE COUGAR WORD OF THE MONTH FOR MAY AND JUNE

Here are some things you can do to encourage your child to develop positive and healthy friendships.

Encourage your child to talk with you about his or her friendships—use the Cougar words if you can (respect, compassion, self-discipline, cooperation, acceptance, responsibility and perseverance).
Discuss how to have good friends you must be a good friend.
If your child shows signs of feeling rejected or left out talk with him or her about it. Share a time when you felt the same way.
Be sensitive to friendships that may involve negative activities or put-downs of other kids. Discuss it with your child and let him or her know how you feel about it.
Encourage your child to show appreciation when a friend does something thoughtful or helpful.
Remind your child that it’s never too late to make a new friend—even at the end of the school year.

2013 Spring Carnival – Purchase your wristband today!

tmarshburn — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 08:46:32 +0000

Crocker Spring Carnival
Saturday, May 18th
11:00 AM – 3:00PM

The Crocker Carnival is a community event and we invite everyone to join in the fun. Enjoy a fun filled afternoon with the family. Play games, win prizes, and enjoy lunch made by the Crocker Dads. Here’s a list of things you can look forward to:

Rock Wall
Pandora Fast Pitch
Toddler Zone (Rides and Games for kids under 4 years old)
Jumpy Houses and Slides
Carnival Games

Come experience Crocker!

Purchase a Carnival Wristband BEFORE Wednesday, May 17th for a reduced fee. The Carnival Wristband entitles you to UNLIMITED rides and games. Get them early they go fast! Wristbands purchased online in advance can be picked up at the Carnival. Please bring ID and have the last name of the person who purchased the wristbands.

CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR CARNIVAL WRISTBAND NOW!

Carnival Wristband Prices
Adults/ Kids 5+ year: $20
Kids 4 years and younger: $10

2013 Testing Schedule

tmarshburn — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 05:42:26 +0000

2013 Testing Schedule

California State Testing begins soon. Due to the various pull-out programs and a varying number of tests at each grade level, and recess schedules, each grade has slightly different schedules for testing. I’ve listed them below so families can plan accordingly. Please do not schedule doctor/dentist appointments on those days/times.

If you have any questions, please check in with your child’s teacher.

2nd Grade: April 30, May 2 – 3, May 7, May 9 – 10, 10:30 – 12:15
3rd Grade: April 30 – May 3, May 7 – 10, 8:45 – 10:10 (3rd grade has more tests.)
4th Grade: May 6 – 9, 10:50 – 12:15 (4th grade has the fewest number of tests.)
5th Grade: April 30 – May 2, May 7 – May 9, 10:50 – 12:15 (5th Grade has ELA, Math, and Science tests)

All tests are untimed. We will accommodate students who need additional testing time as needed.

PERSEVERANCE is the Cougar Word of the Month for April

tmarshburn — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 06:45:42 +0000

In April, the Crocker Cougar word of the month is PERSEVERANCE, which means to keep on trying in spite of difficulties. Perseverance looks like practicing a new skill, or pushing harder to do something, like running. Perseverance sounds like “I can almost do it,” or “We’re almost at the of the mountain.” Perseverance feels like success or confidence.

For families, teaching your children perseverance will help them overcome many of the challenges they face each day. Whether learning to tie shoes or finishing that hard problem in homework, perseverance in the face of hardship is vital to success.

Here are some suggestions to foster this important trait: Model perseverance. It helps your children to see you going after goals you set for yourself and sticking with a job until it is completed—even if you are frustrated. Talk with your children about how some of the difficulties you encountered and how good it felt to finally accomplish your task. Notice and praise your children when they persevere. Help they see the value of completing activities they may not always enjoy. Refer back to time spent doing homework when they bring home a good grade. And if they haven’t done well despite studying, emphasize that their continued hard work will eventually pay off. Remind your children that things don’t always come easily. Explain that success is not always immediate and victory is often how they perceive it. Even the smallest steps or most gradual improvements can bring a strong sense of accomplishment. Remind your children that even famous people have to work hard and persevere to succeed. Sport stars like Michael Jordan and writers like J.K. Rowling are just a few examples. Look to the past. Talk about the accomplishment of Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks or Anne Franks. Contribute stories about your ancestors.

Please stop by the Bulletin Board by the office. Talk with your child about what he or she sees about Perseverance.

Coffee with the Principal (3/22 Notes & Slides)

admin — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 04:57:58 +0000

Coffee with the Principal – March 22, 2013

Slides from the meeting can be viewed here CrockerSpringData-March22-2013

Here are the general topics and information shared at the meeting.

I was planning on showing some recent data from English Language Arts, Math, and the SRI assessments but I was missing a cord to connect my laptop to projector. The OUSD benchmark exams in ELA and Math help to determine students’ progress throughout the year and if intervention is needed. The OUSD benchmark exams are multiple choice and untimed.
Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) is used to monitor students’ lexile levels. A lexile level is derived from students reading a passage and answering comprehension questions. Students in grades 2-5 took an on-line version of the SRI for the first time this year. 2nd grade teachers felt the results didn’t reflect students’ reading levels as accurately because it was the first formal test the students have taken in their school career, and the on-line aspect was challenging. The data shows the growth of our students from the first to the second round.
The number of students not hitting benchmark in ELA and scoring lower lexile levels in the SRI brought to our attention a need to research more into reading disabilities, in particular, dyslexia. The staff participated in professional development back on Feb. 1 introducing the idea and we are considering plan to implement something school-wide. Teaching strategies that target students with dyslexia benefit all students. This discussion is in the beginning stages.
Enrollment – We talked about the enrollment for the fall. The number of students enrolled is a big determining factor of the school budget. We need to have close to 420 students to maintain the current number of teaching staff. That is one of the reasons why we sent home the notice regarding students returning next year. We have to monitor enrollment numbers. At this point, we can’t determine if we will have 3 or 4 kindergarten classes, or 3 or 4 1st grade classes. There is a possibility there will be a K/1st combination.
PTA Programs – we are currently reviewing programs and prioritizing funding for next year. The process is as follows: 1) Receipt and organization of proposals; 2) Review and ranking by teaching staff based on student need; 3) Final recommendation by Leadership Team; 4) Review and decisions by Prioritization Committee (composed of SSC, PTA, and staff members).
Enrichment – we also talked about the GATE program and what we are doing for our high-achieving students. There is no funding for GATE students but by offering Spanish, Vocal Music, Art, Instrumental Music and Library/Computer, we are providing enrichment for all students.
We also talked about the Common Core Standards. These are a change from the current state standards that teachers use to guide their teaching. We have been discussing these throughout the year, as OUSD is making the move to adopt them in Fall 2013. The Common Core Standards are being adopted state-wide, and by most states in the country. To find out more about the Common Core, here is a link with more information: http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/cc/

Disclaimer: I didn’t take notes on the questions/answers asked at the meeting, so this is my best recollection. There will be one more “Coffee with the Principal” this year. Right now it’s schedule for May, but I might try to push it possibly into April. Stay tuned.

Beth Rhine

Crocker Parent / Guardian / Community Focus Groups

tmarshburn — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 02:52:27 +0000

Dear Crocker Families,

Crocker Highlands will be going through OUSD’s School Quality Review Process in March. Every OUSD school will go through the SQR process during a 3-5 year cycle. One of the reasons for the review is to provide meaningful and useful information to each school about its strengths and challenges in each of our Quality School Indicators and School Quality Standards. (They are posted on the Crocker website, as well as outside the office on the bulletin board.)

A team of OUSD personnel will be at Crocker this week, March 18-20, to observe everything at school, classrooms, playground, after school programs, etc.. The team will also interview personnel, students and parents. For parents/guardians, there will a morning and an evening time for the Parent/Guardian/Community Focus Groups. I would like to encourage everyone to come and be a part of the process. The days & times scheduled are:

• Tuesday, March 19, 8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

• Tuesday, March 19, 6:00 – 6:45 p.m.

Please come be part of the OUSD SQR Process. No RSVP necessary. They will be meeting in the MPR for the a.m. group, and the Library for the evening session. Again, everyone is welcome.

Beth Rhine

Coffee with the Principal – March 22nd

admin — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 05:24:17 +0000

The next “Coffee with the Principal” is scheduled for Friday, March 22^nd at 8:45 a.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room. Everyone is welcome to bring questions and we will have an informal Q&A. My apologies to those who thought it was last Friday; we had to reschedule due to an assembly scheduled during that time.