T-shirt design contest winner

Congratulations Leonie Giftge, mother of Lily Giftge (K), Room 14, the winner of this year’s MX T-Shirt Design Contest!  Thank you to everyone who voted and to all the artists who submitted designs.  Look for the winning t-shirt order form in your child's backpack and online at http://www.malcolmxelementary.org soon. 

Ganador del Concurso de Diseño de la Camiseta

¡Felicitamos a la ganadora del concurso del diseño de la camiseta de MX de este año, Leonie Giftge, madre de Lily Giftge (K) del aula 14! Gracias a todos por su votación y gracias a los artistas quienes presentaron sus diseños.  Estén atentos que pronto enviaremos en las mochilas de los estudiantes el formulario para pedir la camiseta ganadora. También estará en línea http://www.malcolmxelementary.org. 

Update on school construction

It's been a whirlwind first several weeks of school. Overall, the students, teachers, and parents are adapting pretty well to the construction zone dominating our learning environment. The latest (September) Project Fact Sheet can be found on the table in the hall in front of the office. 

We have, however, had some glitches and a significant air quality issue associated with the project. Thanks to a parent's awareness on the first day of school, the contractor was made aware of paint chips on the schoolyard and cleaned them up within two days. The contractor also confirmed that they were non-toxic.

There were also reports more recently of air quality and dust problems in the auditorium. The contractor met with school staff and determined that the dust appeared after the hazardous material demolition had taken place (so not a health risk) and cleaned up the space. The contractor will continue to monitor the space for dust and look into ways to introduce more air flow into the auditorium – while the windows and doors are sealed shut. 

The project is still on schedule to make the move from Phase 1 to Phase 2 during the winter break. At that point, the auditorium windows will be operable. (Fresh air!)

The biggest issue so far has been the air quality in the portables, specifically #5. Thanks to extracurricular efforts by Project PM, contractors, industrial hygienist, Principal Hunt, parents, teachers and PTA Liaison regarding symptoms and solutions, we're making good progress on resolving the situation. All parties agree that the most important action to take is to increase the ventilation in these spaces to flush out the "new" smells.  Some findings and actions taken include: 

1.     Determination from an industrial hygienist that the fumes from carpet glue do not pose a significant health risk.

2.     Plug-in fans delivered to portables to set up in windows or doorways. 

3.     Modular installation company inspected and fixed broken damper in portable #5. 

4.    The company is also in the process of replacing the thermostats in all the portables to enable the systems to operate in "fan mode" to just bring in outside air (in addition to heating or cooling modes). The plan is to run the systems in fan mode as much during the day as possible, but run them continuously during off hours/at night.   

For more information, contact Bruce Chamberlain (bruce.chamberlain@mxpta.org), PTA Secretary and the PTA Liaison to this construction project.

Actualización sobre la construcción

Las primeras semanas del colegio pasaron velozmente. En general, los estudiantes, profesores y padres se han adaptado bien a la zona de construcción que domina nuestro ambiente de aprendizaje.  La ultima hoja informativa (Septiembre) se encuentra en la mesa en el corredor frente la oficina.

Sin embargo hemos tenido un poco de imprevistos y una situación significante en la calidad de aire asociado con el proyecto.  Gracias a que uno de los padres el primer día de clases hizo un llamado de atención al contratista sobre unos pedazos de pintura en el patio escolar, estos fueron recogidos en dos días. El contratista confirma también que no eran tóxicos.

También hubo quejas recientes de calidad de aire y problemas de polvo en el auditorio.  El contratista se reunió con el personal del colegio y determinaron que el polvo apareció después de la demolición de materiales peligrosos.  Confirmó que no era peligroso para el salud y limpio el espacio.  El contratista continuará monitoreando el espacio para evitar el polvo y esta averiguando mejores maneras de mantener el flujo de aire en el auditorio mientras que las ventas y puertas están selladas.

El proyecto continúa como se había previsto con la misma fecha para cambiar de fase 1 a fase 2 durante el feriado de invierno.   En este punto las ventanas del auditorio estarán funcionando (¡Y con aire fresco!)

El mayor problema hasta hoy ha sido la calidad de aire en las aulas portátiles, especialmente en la #5.  Gracias a los esfuerzos extracurriculares del Project PM, contratistas, higienista industrial, Director Hunt, padres de familia, profesores y enlace de la PTA estamos avanzando para resolver esta situación.  Todos están de acuerdo que la más importante medida para tomar es incrementar la ventilación en estas áreas para que el aire fluya major.  Algunos descubrimientos y acciones tomadas incluyen: 

1.     El higienista industrial determina que el vapor del pegamento de las alfombras no posea riesgos para la salud. 

2.     Ventiladores han sido entregados a las aulas portátiles para ser ubicados en las ventanas y puertas

3.     La compañía de instalaciones modulares inspeccionó y arregló el regulador dañado en portátil #5

4.    La compañía está en el proceso de reemplazar los termostatos en todos los portátiles para que pueden adicionalmente operar en “modo ventilador” y así pueda entrar el aire desde afuera (además que seguirán funcionando en modo de calefacción y enfriamiento). El plan es que funcionen en modo ventilación la mayor cantidad de tiempo durante el día pero también en la noche. 

Para mayor información contáctense con Bruce Chamberlain (bruce.chamberlain@mxpta.org), Secretaria del PTA y enlace del PTA y proyecto de construcción. 

Support the Visual Arts at Malcolm X

ART ROOM WISH LIST

Ms. Bull, Malcolm X’s art teacher, is in need of some items for the art classroom.  If you have any of the items listed below, please bring them to room 206.  You can leave bags outside the door or in the office with Ms. Bull’s name on it.

Art Room Wish List:

  • large yogurt containers and lids

  • newspaper

  • egg cartons

  • magazines (with lots of pictures for collaging)

  • volunteers (for preparation and helping students)!  Email Ms. Bull at cassandrabull@berkeley.net if interested.

Also, Ms. Bull wrote a Friends and Family Grant to help diversify the art room library. Please check it out here and pass it along:

https://schoolsfund-friendsandfamily.herokuapp.com/grants/273

Many thanks!

Apoya al Programa de Artes Visuales de Malcolm X

La maestra de Arte de Malcolm X, Ms. Bull, necesita algunas cosas para el salón de arte. Si tienes algunas de las cosas en la lista, por favor tráelas al salón 206. También puedes dejarlos en una bolsa afuera del salón o en la oficina con el nombre de Ms. Bull.

Lista de artículos para el salón de Arte:

  • Botes grandes de yogurt con tapa

  • periódico

  • cartones de huevo

  • revistas (con muchas ilustraciones para hacer collage)

  • voluntarios (para preparar materiales y ayudar a los alumnos)! Contacta a Ms. Bull en cassandrabull@berkeley.net si estás interesado.

Además, Ms. Bull redactó una petición de Amigos y Familiares solicitando diversidad en la biblioteca del salón de Arte. Por favor visítala aquí y compártela:

https://schoolsfund-friendsandfamily.herokuapp.com/grants/273

Muchas Gracias!

 

Donate to the Malcolm X Fund

Thank you for your incredible support so far — over 15 percent of families have already donated to the Malcolm X Fund. That's more than 60 families! Still, WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO.  Our goal is to reach 60% participation by October 1; that means we need another 180 families to donate.  This money helps pay for our incredible arts enrichment teachers, our literacy support teacher, and so many other classroom and community support programs.  The PTA plans to spend about $350 per student this year.  Let's make it happen!

You can donate today by leaving a check or cash in the main office or by going online to http://www.malcolmxelementary.org/donate

There are also ways to make your donation go further:

  • CORPORATE MATCHING GIFTS:  Many employers, large and small, will match charitable donations made by their employees.  If you or a family member work for a company that offers matching funds, please contact them today.  It's an easy way to double your contribution to Malcolm X!
  • STOCK DONATIONS:  Donating stock, instead of cash, is also a simple way to increase your financial contribution to the PTA.  The tax code allows donors to give appreciated stock to charitable groups without paying capital gains on the profits.  (For more information, contact PTA Treasurer Sara Hougan at sara.hougan@mxpta.org.)

For more information, contact Nicole Herron (nicolecherron@gmail.com) and Leah Simon-Weisberg (leahfsw@gmail.com).  EVERY DONATION HELPS!  Thank you again!

Donativos para el Fondo de Malcolm X

Gracias a su increíble apoyo, hasta el momento más del 15 por ciento de las familias han hecho un donativo al fondo de Malcolm X. Esto es el equivalente a más de 60 familias! Sin embargo, TODAVIA FALTA MUCHO. Nuestra meta es alcanzar el 60% de participacioón a más tardar el 1 de Octubre; ésto significa que necesitamos donativos de otras 180 familias. Este dinero ayuda a cubrir los costos de  nuestros increíbles maestros de arte, nuestra maestra de apoyo de lectura, y muchos otros programas de apoyo comunitario y en el salón de clases. El PTA planea gastar alrededor de $350 por estudiante durante este anño escolar. Ayudemos a que ésto sea posible!

Puedes entregar tu donativo hoy en forma de cheque o efectivo en la oficina principal, o en línea en http://www.malcolmxelementary.org/donate

Además hay otras formas de hacer que tu donativo sea aún mayor:

  • DONATIVOS CORPORATIVOS: Muchas empresas, grandes y pequeñas, igualan donativos hechos por sus empleados. Si tú o algún familiar trabaja en alguna compañía que ofrece donativos corporativos, por favor contáctalos. Es una manera fácil de incrementar tu contribución a Malcolm X!
  • DONATIVOS DE VALORES: Donar valores, en lugar de efectivo, es una manera simple de incrementar tu contribución financiera al PTA. El código de impuestos permite a los donadores hacer donativos de valores a grupos de caridad sin pagar ganancias capitales en los valores. (Para mayores informes contacta a la Tesorera del PTA Sara Hougan en sara.hougan@mxpta.org.)

Para mayores informes contacta a Nicole Herron (nicolecherron@gmail.com) y Leah Simon-Weisberg (leahfsw@gmail.com).  TODOS LOS DONATIVOS AYUDAN!  Gracias otra vez!

 

Looking to Get Involved at Malcolm X? Here's how

One of the real strengths of Malcolm X is its people, a diverse, talented, and committed group of parents, grandparents, guardians and other caregiving adults who volunteer at the school in both small and large ways.  We are a powerful community.  This is reflected in our school motto, “Together We Can!”  Because we are stronger together. 

It is our job, as Volunteer Coordinators, to help connect people who are looking to help with the jobs and tasks that need to be done, and the folks who are in charge of particular projects or events.                                                    

To that end, please contact us for a link to a brief questionnaire about which events, committees, groups, or tasks interest you.  This is only an expression of interest, and saying that you are interested in something is NOT A COMMITMENT OF ANY SORT.  The only result will be that you will be given an opportunity to learn more about the subject(s) you have selected.

Thanks for your time and attention.  We look forward to hearing from you!       

- Josh Room (joshuaroom@yahoo.com) and Birgit Graeve (birgitgraeve@yahoo.com)

Volunteer Coordinators

ESTÁS BUSCANDO INVOLUCRARTE EN MALCOLM X?

Una de las grandes fortalezas de Malcolm X es su gente, una comunidad diversa, talentosa y comprometida de padres de familia, abuelos, guardianes y demás adultos responsables quienes voluntariamente  ayudan en grandes y pequeñas cosas. Somos una comunidad poderosa.

Como Coordinadores de Voluntarios, es nuestro trabajo facilitar la conexión entre las personas interesadas en ayudar como voluntarios y aquellas personas quienes están a cargo de proyectos y eventos que necesitan dicha ayuda. 

Por favor contáctanos para enviarte una liga de un breve cuestionario sobre cuáles eventos, comités, grupos o tareas te interesan. Esto es sólo una expresión de interés, y al decir que estás interesado en algo NO ES NINGUN COMPROMISO. El único resultado será que tendrás la oportunidad de aprender más sobre los intereses que hayas elegido.

Gracias por tu atención y tu tiempo. Esperamos saber de ti pronto!          

- Josh Room (joshuaroom@yahoo.com) y Birgit Graeve (birgitgraeve@yahoo.com)

Coordinadores de Voluntarios

Join the School News Team!

EDITORS AND TRANSLATORS NEEDED

The School News Team is seeking volunteer editors and Spanish translators!  Serving as an editor or translator is a fairly easy way to help make sure that all MX families learn about the activities and programs at our wonderful school. This is a flexible position that allows you to work from your home computer, on your own time.

If you’re interested in learning more, please contact Robin Busch-Wheaton, School News Coordinator, at coordinator.fridaynews@gmail.com.

UNETE AL EQUIPO DE NOTICIAS ESCOLARES!

El Equipo de Noticias Escolares está buscando editores voluntarios y traductores a español. Ayudar a través de edición o traducción de noticias, es una manera relativamente fácil de contribuir a que todas las familias de MX se enteren de las actividades y programas de nuestra maravillosa escuela. Este es un compromiso flexible que te permite trabajar desde casa, en tu propia computadora en tu tiempo libre.

Si estás interesado, por favor contacta a Robin Busch-Wheaton, Coordinadora de las Noticias Escolares, en coordinator.fridaynews@gmail.com.

T-Shirt Contest Voting - Today Only!

HOW TO VOTE

Everyone gets to vote for their favorite T-shirt design to represent Malcolm X Elementary School this year! 

Please participate in deciding the limited edition t-shirt design by voting for your favorite.  Winner will be announced Wednesday, September 21st.  Thank you to everyone who submitted a design this year.  Order forms of the winning t-shirt will go out soon. Check back here at the PTA website and/or in your child's backpack.

CAST YOUR VOTE ON TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 20TH (one day only).  Click this link to preview the designs and vote for your favorite...

Malcolm X Elementary School 5th Annual T-shirt Design Contest

Malcolm X Elementary School 5th Annual T-shirt Design Contest

Calling all MX Parents and Teachers! 

Be a part of Malcolm X history by designing our limited edition 2017 MX T-shirt.

Submission deadline is September 19th, 2016. Previous years’ winners are not eligible so everyone else...get inspired, and get your submissions in!  

GUIDELINES

  • Must include the words "Malcolm X Elementary School" in any form
  • Must include the year "2017”
  • Final T-shirt will be a maximum of three ink colors, including black
  • T-shirt fabric can be almost any color so consider that in your design
  • Design for front of t-shirt only
  • If submitting a hand drawing, please submit no larger than 8.5 x 11 format
  • Multiple designs may be submitted
  • Submissions by adults only please

Submission Deadline: September 19th, 2016

  • Drop off your entry at the Malcolm X office, 1731 Prince Street, in the “T-shirt Contest” box
  • Mail your entry to: Malcolm X Elementary Design Contest, 1731 Prince St., Berkeley, CA 94703
  • Or email your entry to: dangodan01@gmail.com 

Questions? Please contact Dan Ross: dangodan01@gmail.com

"Fine Print" By submitting an entry, the artist consents that it is his/her own original work and that he/she has all necessary rights and permissions to use included elements. The t-shirt contest team reserves the right to make adjustments and alterations to the winning entry to ensure that the reproduction of the image is of best quality. The winning artist releases to MX the exclusive right to artwork to be used for school promotional material. The winner(s) will be rewarded with a MX shirt featuring his/her design. No submissions will be returned. 

MX FUND - Fall 2016 - DONATE NOW

MX FUND is the PTA’s first fundraiser of the year.  Donations help pay for Drama, Dance, Music, Gardening, Field Trips, Cultural Events, Community Building Events and more.  We ask that every family give what they can. One useful guideline is one more month of what you budgeted for child care, preschool or summer camp for your child. 

Join the Conversation about the Berkeley Schools Excellence Program

BSEP is funded by a renewable parcel tax measure, and provides 20 percent of our public school funding. It is up for renewal in 2016 and we really need your input.  Come share your ideas for making BSEP the best it can be for all of Berkeley's kids!

You're invited to a Budget Workshop and Community Conversation about BSEP on Thursday, February 25, 2016 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the BUSD School Board Room, 1231 Addison Street:

  • Learn more about how BSEP supports our students
  • Consider class size options and other community priorities
  • Share your ideas for how to make BSEP-funded programs even better

We’d like to know how many people are coming!

RSVP online at: http://tinyurl.com/RSVP4BSEP

Childcare and Spanish translation available.

You can choose instead to attend one of the shorter "Community Conversations," if you would like to join a table talk about priorities rather than spend a lot of time on budget details.  You don't need to have a child at the schools listed below – we want to have people across Berkeley talking to each other about priorities for our schools!

  • March 2, 2016 7:00-8:30 pm (Berkeley High School Library, 1980 Allston Way)
  • March 10, 2016 7:00-8:30 pm (Rosa Parks Elementary School Multipurpose Room, 920 Allston Way)
  • March 14, 2016 4:00-5:30 pm (Malcolm X Elementary School Library)
  • March 15, 2016 7:00-8:30 pm (en español) (LeConte Elementary School en la biblioteca, 2241 Russell Street)

Family Tech Night: How to Help Your Child Stay Safe When Online

BUSD’s Digitech and Family Engagement teams have joined forces to bring free “Tech Talks” with information and tools to help parents navigate the world of technology.  The next Tech Talk will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2016 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Malcolm X auditorium.

Topics will include:

  • How to set limits for your child on the Internet and be aware of different social media sites and what they do.
  • How to set up parental controls for your child and be aware of how they are using the Internet.
  • How to use Common Sense Media for more information on this.

Garden News!

Many parents have come into the garden requesting the popular Massage Kale Salad recipe and sharing out how their child never like veggies before trying this in the garden classroom.  So here it is!  Those of you who want to know more about what we do in the garden feel free to check out my blog www.schoolgardenmx.wordpress.com or come by the garden after school and introduce yourself.

And here’s the recipe:

MASSAGE KALE SALAD

Ingredients:

  • One bunch of dino kale
  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil
  • One medium-sized clove garlic (optional)
  • Squirt of lemon (1 tsp)
  • Squirt of rice vinegar
  • Soy sauce to taste

Instructions:

  1. De-stem the kale and chop (or have kids tear) greens thinly.
  2. Place in bowl and sprinkle olive over them generously.
  3. With clean hands, massage the kale super good for 1-2 minutes or until it has softened and shrunk in size.
  4. Add crushed garlic and splash of lemon, rice vinegar and soy sauce.
  5. Serve and enjoy!

The robust dinosaur kale leaf is the second most popular green in the garden – beat out by the sour sorrel.  Dark leafy greens have high levels of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that’s important for immune function, and as much or more calcium than dairy products.

As one student asked for seconds before he even finished his first bowlful, he said, “We should send this to Barack Obama and make it a national holiday recipe!”

Happy eating!

Ms. Rivka

Bourbon Street Bash Early Bird Tickets on Sale Now Through January 15th

The "Bourbon Street Bash” – Malcolm X Elementary's 2016 Auction and Dance Party – is coming up on February 20, 2016.  This event is one of our biggest fundraisers, and a fantastic and fun community-building party.

This year will feature Phil’s Sliders, Easy Creole, Games, a photo booth, local beer and wine and great music!

Tickets are $15 until January 15th, $20 online after that, and $25 at the door.  (Higher priced tickets are available for those who have the means and want to donate more to the school!)  Buy discounted tickets for yourselves, your friends, family, and neighbors!

Buy tickets online at: https://events.readysetauction.com/malcolmx/2016/

Returning users must also create (“request") an account.

As always, everyone is welcome!  If you want to be on the guest list, please email mxauction@gmail.com.

For more information:

http://www.malcolmxelementary.org/auction/

 

We Need Your Donation for the Bourbon Street Bash!

We need your help to make this happen!

SPONSOR…

We need to pay for the party!  Sponsor the bar, the photo booth, or the stage (live music, anyone?)  You get to advertise at the event!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2RH9PRo29HsYW1MQ3RHOGRJaDQ/view

DONATE…

Do you own a business (or know someone who does)?  Donate an item or a gift certificate to our silent or live auction!  It’s a great way to advertise and support the community. 

Or you can offer homemade goods or services, such as:

  • a home cooked meal
  • monthly homemade ice cream
  • a painting
  • a consultation
  • your family vacation rental or your home while you’re away (We LOVE these!)

The options are endless!  What can YOU offer? Contact Meredith at mmilet@gmail.com or Louise at louiseceleste@hotmail.com to sign up or ask questions.

HOST…

Host a party or a playdate for kids or parents (or both)!  Need ideas? Here you go:

  • Kids’ movie night (parents’ night out)
  • Kids’ craft party
  • Wine tasting party
  • House concert
  • Cocktail party or dinner party (themed?)
  • Murder Mystery party
  • Bike ride
  • Scavenger hunt
  • Poker night

To host or ask questions about hosting, email Jenn at jenn.guitart@gmail.com or Jeannine at jeanninewisch@yahoo.com.

MX Family Heritage Night on January 20th

Come celebrate the diverse community of cultures at Malcolm X on Wednesday, January 20th.  Bring a family or hometown favorite potluck dish and then stay to enjoy an exciting Japanese "taiko" drumming performance from Emeryville Taiko.  The PTA will provide sushi trays from Musashi Restaurant in Berkeley.  Potluck starts at 6:00pm and the performance begins at 7:00pm.  Let's have some fun and share some delicious food!

MX Morning Sing!

Join the students, teachers, and families of the Malcolm X community for a fun and inspirational sing-along.  If you have a few extra minutes at drop-off time, come and help create school spirit by sharing our voices and creating a culture of harmony and participation.

Grades TK, K, 2, 4:  Second Friday of each month (subject to change)

Grades 1, 3, 5:  Third Friday of each month (subject to change)

We’ll meet at the amphitheater at the 8:10 bell to sing some simple songs together. It’s fun, and kids love it when parents are there to sing along.

Here’s the schedule for the coming year:

January 8         TK    K    2    4
January 15       1    3    5
February 19      TK    K    2    4
February 26      1    3    5
March 11          TK    K    2    4
March 18          1    3    5
April 8              TK    K    2    4
April 15             1    3    5
May 13             TK    K    2    4
May 20             1    3    5

All the best in 2016!

Mr. Ryk

Thank You For Your Contributions to the Holiday Food Drive

THANK YOU for making the Holiday Food Drive possible.  Thanks to the families who contributed, and thanks to the families who volunteered to organize and pass out bags. Together we were able to serve 64 families.  The collaborative effort was met with a sea of gratitude from needy families.  We will be doing two more food drives: Spring Break and a Summer Send Off.

This past summer I applied for and received a grant through Alameda County's Food Bank for a School Pantry, to serve the needs of all district families. However, there is now the issue of space.  Having this pantry is a vital piece to support the sustainability of many families within this district.  This pantry would have the potential to be a hub to engage parents through targeted workshops in areas where access is a barrier.  I envision workshops about learning languages, culture, technology, understanding Common Core, medical access (for those without insurance), in addition to information about ways to participate as a parent to affect change for children and families within this district.  Together we can create ways to manage this space and serve families where they are, to produce equitable outcomes for all students.

Please stop by, let's talk!  If you feel like finding a space for this pantry would be an important addition to our community, please make your voice heard! Organization is the key!

Together WE CAN!

Ms. Jocelyn

Jocelyn Foreman
Malcolm X/John Muir
Site Coordinator for Family Engagement and Equity
(510) 684-4100

Walk & Roll Mode Chart Summary

We had another wonderful Walk & Roll celebration on Wednesday, December 2nd. We counted 123 students who stopped by the tables near the Ellis Street gate to document how they got to school (and pick up a sticker). Here's the results:

  • 25% walked
  • 31% rolled (including TWO bike trains!)
  • 16% bussed
  • 7% carpooled
  • 21% drove

Join us again on WEDNESDAY January 6th! Visit www.malcolmxelementary.org/walknroll to learn more!

First Annual MX Craft Fair a Huge Success

The First Annual MX Craft Fair was a huge success!  Over 20 vendors -- including several Malcolm X parents, alumni, and even current students! -- sold beautiful handmade art, clothing and other sewn pieces, notecards, jewelry, delicious food, origami, and bath and beauty products.  Thank you to all of our bakers and chefs who made delicious savory and sweet treats for the Bake Sale; and our many volunteers who welcomed families to the Craft Fair, sold raffle tickets, wrapped beautiful packages, hung up signs, and set up/cleaned up the event.  We raised over $1200 for the PTA!

We hope that the Craft Fair becomes a sustainable, enjoyable event for many years to come!  Together We Can!