Dear Rosa Parks families,

As you are reading this letter we are in the middle of state testing. All of our students from 2nd-5th grade are taking standardized tests in reading and math. Our 5th grade students are also taking a science test. This is one important measure for us as a school and a good way to see where we have improved and where we need to work.

We just finished our Read-a-thon and crushed a number of records. Over 4,000 hours were read, over 1,300 people donated and over $36,500 was raised! It was incredible to see the staff, student, parent, and community participation. This money will help fund a Play Works-like program next year, field trips, science supplies and Tours of the World. All of your efforts make a difference in the lives of our kids and we appreciate your support.

We celebrated biking to school with the “bike mobile,” hosting the mayors of Union City and Berkeley who interacted with parents and kids to promote cycling. Students were able to have their bikes fixed for free and to participate in fun bike trivia games. Our Bike to School/ Work celebration happened May 9th. We gave out stickers to students that rode to school and kids performed a riding song. Biking is a great way to get to school, stay healthy and save the Earth.

Our staff is completing their Mill’s collaborative Inquiry projects. Each staff member chose a question in their practice that they were interested in researching and focused the entire year on answering that question. We met for 1 ½ hours each month to look at each other’s research and gain from this learning community. Many of our staff will be presenting at Mills on June 5th about our collaborative work and learning.

As the Rosa Parks pledge says we continue to appreciate your support for us “to make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom.” This is truly a spectacular community and I get excited everyday as I see our new kindergarten parents coming in to enroll their children.

Best wishes,

Paco Furlan