2241 Russell St.
The
Berkeley, CA 94705
www.leconteonline.org
(510) 644-6290
September 20, 2010
Cheryl Wilson – Principal
Jill Wang – PTA President
Important dates
MON., SEPT. 20
SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICES
MEETING
5:00 – 6:00PM
Washington School
TUES., SEPT. 21
PTA Meeting, Cafeteria
5:45 – Dinner
6:00-7:30 – Meeting
WED., SEPT. 22
School Governance Council
Meeting, 6:30PM, Library
THURS., SEPT. 23
English Language Advisory
Committee Meeting, 5:00PM
Room 106
FRI., SEPT. 24
Celebrate LeConte Assembly
for students and families
8:15AM
SAT., SEPT. 25
Multicultural Potluck
and Student Talent Show
12:00 - 2:00PM
THURS., SEPT. 30
Coalition of Families for
African American Students
Meeting, 6:00PM, Library
THURS., OCT. 7
Family Math Night
6:15PM – 8:15PM
Auditorium
Light refreshments will be
provided
MON., OCT. 11
No school for students
Teacher Training Day
1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamppost THANK YOU LECONTE FAMILIES
for ALLOWING us to EDUCATE your CHILDREN
“The small differences we make for a child at the beginning of his
educational career, will determine the big differences s/he can make for the
rest of her/his life.” –L. Hicks
Thanks for giving us your children for the new school year. I’m
looking forward to learning all of our new students’ names and meeting all
families on Saturday, September 25th during our Annual Multicultural
Potluck and Student Talent Show. (See flyer attached for more information.)
Our school newsletter, The Lamppost, will be sent home and made available
online at www.leconteonline.org on or near the first Monday of every
month. All families will continue to receive a “paper copy” until we have
had a chance to arrange email delivery for those of you who prefer to
receive The Lamppost electronically. This year, I’m planning to keep the
Principal’s Message short to help focus the information we provide in our
newsletter. This page will be used to direct your attention to items within the
Lamppost that are time dated, new, or urgent. My comments about events
and recognition of staff, students, and volunteers will be included toward the
end of the newsletter. Please make a note of the following items now:
Attendance: All teachers are expected to pick up their children on the
large playground at 8:10AM. Students who arrive 30 minutes late,
8:41AM, are considered late. Our district office is closely monitoring
attendance; we will be sending out warning letters to families of students
who are late three or more times.
Committees: YOU make the difference. Please join or attend one or more
of the school wide committees. Free childcare is provided for all PTA
meetings. The first meetings will be held this week, see the calendar and
agendas attached for more information. Please consider accepting a
leadership role.
Joint custody: We want to include and make sure all families receive
information, therefore, please make sure your child’s classroom teacher
has emergency information and the custody schedule for both households.
Also, feel free to contact me regarding communication needs and our
school secretary, Ms. Ferguson, regarding changes within your custody
arrangements.
Parking: Please note that you will get a ticket on Russell St. if you park in
the “bus” zone and on Oregon St. if you park and LEAV E your car in the
“loading” zone. In addition, you may be cited for double parking which is
really hazardous because of the amount of traffic and students who are
crossing the street and may not see you.
Let’s have a GREAT year together! ---Principal Wilson
NOTICES: See Committee Meetings scheduled for THIS WEEK
Celebrate LeConte Assembly, Fri., 9/24
Multicultural Potluck and Student Talent Show: Sat., 9/25
Family Math Night, Thurs., 10/7

SCHOOL WIDE EVENTS

Celebrate LeConte Assembly, Friday, September 24th
To celebrate and recognize the achievements of our students and to reinforce our positive school culture, we
began having whole school assemblies last year. The assemblies are held on the last Friday of every month
and begin at 8:15AM lasting about 20 to 30 minutes. Thanks to our PTA, coffee and light refreshments are
provided so that families can relax and enjoy seeing our children shine.

Annual Multicultural Potluck and Student Talent Show, Saturday, Sept. 25th
Every year, our families host a potluck that not only features a variety of dishes from around the world but
also a fun and exciting LeConte student talent show. The event begins at noon and ends around 2:00PM. This
is a time for families to mingle and get to know our school community. You will find that we are truly a
multicultural school; our families have roots that range from Cameron, Chile, Korea, Japan, Mexico, the
Middle East, Norway, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Somalia, Sweden, West Africa, and many more.
(See the attached flyer for more information about what to bring.)

Family Math Night, Thursday, October 7, 6:15PM – 8:15PM

Our Family Math Night is designed to help our children and families experience the beauty of mathematics and
understand how manipulatives and materials help increase one’s problem solving abilities and confidence. We truly
want our children to appreciate mathematics in a way that reduces anxiety and helps them see themselves as capable
mathematicians. You can help with the effort by attending this event with your child. Volunteers will be available to
explain the activities so please come and enjoy learning something new.

LECONTE LEADERSHIP COMMITTEES

PTA General Meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 21, 5:45PM
The PTA holds a general meeting the third Tuesday of every month in our school’s cafeteria. One of the major goals
of the PTA is to provide funding for enrichment activities that support the achievement of all our LeConte students.
Fundraising requires lots of support from all families with regard to planning and attending. Please join our PTA and
participate on the fundraising committees because every child is depending upon you. Dinner and childcare are
provided.

School Governance Council (SGC): Wednesday, Sept. 22, 6:30PM

All schools are required to establish a School Governance Council in order to ensure that families have an active role
in developing a school-wide achievement plan and deciding how school funds are used and allocated. This committee
also meets once a month. It is vitally important that this committee better represent the diversity of our student body so
please consider joining and becoming an elected officer. See agenda attached.

English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC), Thursday, Sept. 23, 5:00PM

The goal of this committee is to provide advice and brainstorm ways to improve and enhance the education of English
language learners. The first meeting will be devoted to further explaining the role of ELAC and electing officers. This
committee meets once a month; childcare and light refreshments will be provided. See the agenda attached.
Coalition of Families for African American Students, Thursday, Sept. 30, 6:00PM

2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
This committee was formed about three years ago with the goal of increasing participation of African American
families within the daily activities, planning of events, and discussion of the achievement of African American
students. The committee meets at five to six times per year. One of the major roles of this committee is to help plan,
coordinate, and facilitate our Annual African American Heritage event scheduled for Friday evening, February 25.
Childcare and light refreshments will be provided. See agenda attached.

SCHOOL-WIDE & DISTRICT NEWS

Attendance
As you may know, schools receive funding based on the number of students who attend each day. The amount per
child is between $32 and $35 dollars. Though the amount may appear small, it adds up when several students are
absent throughout the school. Within the guidelines of the State, students must arrive at school on time to be counted
as present. Therefore, it is not only important that your child come to school but also that your child be on time. When
you make doctor or dentist appointments for your child, please try to make the appointment after 9:30AM, so that your
child can be counted as attending school. Also, please write a note or contact your child’s teacher to explain all
absences. Our school secretary is required to maintain and turn in notices of all excused absences. Finally, please note
that you will automatically receive a “truancy” letter if your child is chronically 30 minutes late to school meaning
s/he arrived at 8:41AM or later. If the pattern continues, three letters will be sent home and then the parent or guardian
will be required to attend a Student Attendance Review Meeting at the site and then district level.

Communication
Our school bulletin, the Lamppost, will be sent home on or near the first Monday of every month along with other
school and classroom announcements. You can obtain daily updates from joining our listserve and by going online,
www.leconteonline.org. We have two moderated listservs – one for announcements only, and one for “announcements
plus discussion.” To join either group, please visit our website, www.leconteonline.org, and follow the links on the
right side of the home page. We also have an “all-call” system to notify you by telephone of any emergencies, special
requests, and reminders. You can reach your child’s teacher by telephone or email. Teachers should be sending home
written information at least once a month or contacting you by telephone.
KtoCollege School Supplies Giveaway, Thursday, September 23, 4:30PM to 7:30PM
Similar to last year, KtoCollege will be giving out school supplies to all BUSD students who qualify for FREE and
REDUCED lunch. The giveaway will take place at three locations in West Berkeley (YMCA, San Pablo Park
&James Kenny Park).

Media Permission
Just in case you did not receive the form requesting your permission to have a photo of your child appear in print or
electronic media, it is attached. Principal Wilson takes numerous photos of the students and these photos are often
attached to the Lamppost and included on our school website. Therefore, it is especially important for you to
complete and return the attached form if you DO NOT want your child’s image to be shared outside our school
community. Many teachers also take photos for class books and hallway bulletin boards, please contact your child’s
teacher if you do not want your child’s image displayed within the school setting.

Online Payments for School Meals

BUSD is pleased to announce “mySchoolBucks.com” a new online Payment Center for families. You can now make
payments to your child’s school lunch account any time of day throughout the year. You will be able to pay for meals,
view cafeteria purchases, track meal account balances, schedule recurring payments, etc. Visit
www.mySchoolBuck.com to create your account. You can call Marni Posey or Sara Leon at (510)644-6200 if you
have any questions.

Lunch Meal Applications

Whether you think your family qualifies or not, please complete a meal application. The amount of State and Federal
funding our school receives and our Farm/Garden and Cooking Nutrition Grant are based on the percentage of
students who qualify for free and reduced meals. The application is due by Thursday, September 30 so please return it
as soon as possible.

LeConte Lamppost 3
New curriculum
KidPower: This curriculum was purchased to provide teachers with the tools required to promote a safe learning
environment. The lessons provided are meant to teach our students how to use their personal power to stay safe, act
wisely, and believe in themselves. For more information about the materials, please visit the website at
www.kidpower.org. We will begin implementing this program by mid October, once staff has received training
provided by members of the organization.

Reader’s Workshop (Eyes on Print):

During the week of August 23-August 26, numerous BUSD elementary teachers attended a reading institute presented
by members of the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project. As a result, all BUSD K-5 students will be learning
not only how to read but why to read. All teachers will be using the same Reader’s Workshop structure and guidelines.
The ultimate goal of this approach is for “students to grow into the kinds of people who are deeply affected by books,
who carry books on vacation, who turn to books for information and solace, who list reading as one of their favorite
things.” In order for this to happen, students will be reading books at their independent level every day. They will have
daily opportunities to talk about books and will be taught strategies to help them understand literature. You will
receive more detailed information about the program by the end of the month.

Welcoming Schools:
This is another district adopted program that shares the goal of creating a safe learning environment. We are using this
curriculum because it not only includes lessons that address hurtful teasing, name-calling and harassment based on
race, religion, ethnicity and gender but also anti-gay attitudes, myths, and stereotypes about lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender people and families. Our district will be providing professional development workshops in October to help
teachers learn how to implement the program.

Homework:
To support the goals of the new reading program, all students will select books to take home every day to read at
home. Students participating in the Community Kidz after school program will be given time to read their books
before starting all other homework.
Students are encouraged to read at least:
Kindergarten: reading 5 - 10 minutes assignments 10 minutes
First grade: reading 10 minutes assignments 10 minutes
Second grade: reading 15 minutes assignments 15 minutes
Third – Fourth grade: reading 20 minutes assignments 25 minutes
Fifth grade: reading 30 minutes assignments 30 – 60 minutes

If your child has worked for the total allotted minutes and is unable to complete the assigned work, then please write a note
explaining the situation. However, the goal is to make reading a priority---your child should be reading at home every day.
See our school-wide Homework Policy attached.

General notes from the book, “151 Ways to Help Your Child Have a Great Day at School
1) Don’t just encourage your child to read; model the behavior by reading yourself --
“Children learn by modeling, so adults in the house need to read too (without the
television on). Adults should ask children about their reading, but children should have
quality opportunities to ask adults questions, too!”
2) Remember that it takes a village to raise a child, so don’t hesitate to call in support as needed to
ensure your child is succeeding in school -- “...being in tune with your child from kindergarten on up can
help stop small problems or challenges from turning into bigger ones. You should always start with your
child’s teacher first before initiating meetings with the principal to discuss concerns, approaches, or other
ways to ensure your child is having the best experience possible.”
3) Label absolutely everything!--
Every day students leave expensive clothing and personal items on the playground or bus. If your child’s
items are labeled with your child’s name, current grade, and teacher’s name, you have a greater chance of

4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 having the lost items returned. LeConte has a Lost and Found container located between our Cooking Room
and Auditorium entrances. Unclaimed items are given to various agencies at least three times a year
(December, March, and June).

LeConte Students Enhance Learning With Free Educational Software

Our district is going to continue funding our subscription to the Compass Learning educational software program. All
students enrolled in LeConte last year will have to have their records updated to reflect their current grade levels. All
new students will be able to access the program by the end of October. You can gain access to this program from home
or school. This software is aligned with state and national standards and provides a stimulating (and fun!), customized
learning environment for each child. Compass Learning is at www.childu.com. To get your child started, you will
need your child’s user name and password. Most user names and passwords follow the following standard format:
User Name: LeCFirstNameLastInitial. Password: FirstInitialLastInitial School: BUSD For example, John Smith
has a user name of LeCJohnS and a password of js. Contact August Fern at august.fern@gmail.com if you are having
difficulties logging in or would like to set up a parent account to monitor your student's progress.

Next Lamppost: October 2010

To submit information for the Lamppost, please email Principal Wilson at Cheryl_Wilson@berkeley.k12.ca.us or
Cathlene Richmond at cathlene.richmond@gmail.com>. The deadline Friday, September 24th.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Thank you to our PTA
Thanks to our PTA, all teachers received a welcome back bag of goodies (aspirin, cough drops, tissue, chocolate,
classroom supplies, etc.) Our PTA also funded the strawberries given to students on the first day of school, and
curriculum supplies totaling over $250 per classroom to help teachers obtain items above and beyond what our school
can afford to provide. Our PTA also helps pay for the pencils and goodies each student receives on her/his birthday!

A special appreciation goes to Penny Peak. Penny worked with Principal Wilson for two years to produce The
Lamppost. Principal Wilson relied on Penny ‘s skills as an editor and current events reporter. Penny made sure
families were informed of all community events and she did an excellent job at keeping information clear, concise and
accurate. Thanks again Penny, for the hours of time you put into perfecting our newsletter. Our new Communication
Coordinator will be Cathlene Richmond.

Recognition new Staff Members

Please greet and welcome the following new staff members: (TWI- Two Way Immersion)

Ms. Marie Ferguson, School Secretary Robby Borten, Community Kidz

Ms. Ashley Trinh, Kindergarten Teacher Maria Blanco, Community Kidz
Ms. Krista Easton, Kindergarten Teacher, part-time Luis Guerra, Community Kidz
Ms. Angelica Perez, 2nd Grade Teacher, TWI Shailia Stephans, Community Kidz
Ms. Sarah Horwitz, 3rd Grade Teacher, TWI
Mr. Andrew Henderson, 4th Grade Teacher, TWI
Ms. Alexandra Tyshler, 5th Grade Teacher, part-time, English
Ms. Hedy Herrera, Art Teacher

KIDS & FAMILY FUN TIPS

Flyers Attached
• Supplemental Services ---MEETING TONIGHT, 9/20, 5:00PM, Washington School

LeConte Lamppost 5
• Multicultural Potluck and Student Talent Show
• Family Math Night
• Media Permission
• My School Bucks (Online payment for school meals)
• Avoiding Parking Tickets

6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 LeCONTE CALENDAR
September 19 to October 10
Updated LeConte News & Calendar: www.leconteonline.org
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Supplemental PTA Meeting School English Celebrate Multicultural
Education 5:45 – dinner Governance Language LeConte Potluck
Services 6:00 – meeting Council Advisory Assembly & Student Talent
Meeting Cafeteria Meeting Committee 8:15AM Show, Cafeteria
5:00-6:00 6:30PM Meeting Auditorium 12:00– 2:00PM
Washington Library 5:00PM
School Room 106
Library, 2300
Martin Luther Kto College
King, Jr. School Supplies
Giveaway
see flyer
26 27 28 29 30 Oct. 1 2
Coalition of
Families for
African
American
Students
Meeting, 6:00PM
Library

Meal
Applications Due
3 4 5 6 7 9 10
Family Math
Night
6:15 – 8:15PM

10 11 12 13 14 15 16
No School School
for Governance
STUDENTS Chair Training
Time/Location to
be confirmed

LeConte Lamppost 7
LeConte Elementary
2241 Russell St. Berkeley, California 94705 Phone: 510-644-6290 www.leconteonline.org

Date: September 17, 2010

To: LeConte Families

From: LeConte’s Family Advisory Council, Penny Peak, Chair

Drivers – Keep Our Children Safe

And Avoid Parking Tickets

The City of Berkeley Parking Enforcement division gives warnings of parking violations
during the first two weeks of school and then they begin writing tickets to violators, due to their
“zero tolerance” toward parking violations. We want to clarify the vehicle codes so that you can
help keep our children safe and avoid these terrible parking tickets. Please share this info with
everyone who drives your children to and from school.

Oregon Street Loading Zone:

The driver CANNOT leave the car during loading zone hours, 7:30AM to
3:00PM. You should park here only if your child can walk him or herself through the school
gate. The driver cannot leave the car. If you wish to walk with your child, then you must find
parking outside of the loading zone. Luckily, there is always other parking within a block of the
school. (Unattended in Passenger Zone, Berkeley Municipal Code 14.40.070)

Curb Parking:
Parked cars cannot be more than 18 inches from the curb. If the car’s nose
is close to the curb, but the car’s tail end is sticking out more than 18 inches, you can get a ticket.
(Curb Parking, California Vehicle Code 22502)

Double Parking:
Do not double park and let your children out of the car. This creates a hazard
for children and other cars – and you can get a ticket for it. (Double Parking, California Vehicle
Code 22500H)

Enter and Exit Car on the Sidewalk Side:

Please always let your children enter and leave the car on the sidewalk side. It is much safer for
them. If a person opens doors into oncoming traffic, and there is an accident, the parked car is at
fault, not the car that is moving. (Obstructing the Traffic Lane, Berkeley Municipal Code
14.36.030F)

For more information:

Berkeley Municipal Code is online at: http://codepublishing.com/ca/berkeley/
California Vehicle Code can be reviewed at: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/vctoc.htm
 Please join us for a

Multicultural Potluck Picnic

• a time to celebrate our diverse community,
• to welcome and meet new families,
• to share your favorite dish,
• to reconnect with old friends, and dance to the music!!!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2010

12:00 – 2:00 PM
LeConte Elementary School
Cafeteria and Playground area

Please bring serving utensils along with

your favorite dish to share with about 5 people.
And if you don’t cook, come anyway!!!
We’ll have plenty of food.

Please complete your confirmation and return it

by Monday, September 20
to your child’s classroom teacher.

LeConte’s Multicultural School Potluck Picnic

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2010
12:00 – 2:00 PM – Return by Monday, September 20
Name__________________________ Child’s grade level_____
Child’s name____________________

____ Yes, I plan to attend and bring a dish/serving utensils.

____ Yes, I plan to attend, but I cannot bring a dish.
____ No, I am unable to attend.
DATE: Thursday, October 7, 2010
TIME: 6:15PM – 8:15PM
PLACE: LeConte Auditorium

FOR MORE INFORMATION

CONTACT: Principal Wilson, (510)644-6290
Berkeley Unified School District

Media Permission

2010 - 2011 School Year

There are many opportunities in which parents, teachers, the press or

others would like to photograph or film our students. The BUSD and our
partners (i.e., the PTA or the Berkeley Public Education Foundation
[BPEFJ) value these images as compelling ways to share and urge
support for the work of our teachers and students. Photo opportunities
arise over the course of the school year, usually with little warning or
time to contact parents for permission. We recognize that some families
would prefer their children not appear, even unidentified, in any print or
electronic media. Having this form on file will ensure that your wishes
are followed. Please complete and return to your school.

o I do not wish to have my child's name or face to be used in any

print or media.

o My child's photograph, with no identification, may be used by

BUSD or its partners (i.e., PTA, BPEF with District approval) in
print or other media related to school events or activities.

o My child's name and photograph may be used by BUSD or its

partners (Le., PTA, BPEF with District approval) in print or other
media related to school events or activities.

Student Name:
-----------------------------------------
School Name: LECONTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Parent/Guardian Signature Date