APTA Photo Gallery

Back To School Night X 2

2008-10-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

Back to School Nights were both successes. Sign-up sheets were out and pens were put to paper. It's never too late to sign up if you missed the clipboards.On Back To School Night, the Lower Campus version, our new APTA President Beth Fusco introduced herself to the crowd and told everyone about the APTA's upcoming plans for 2008. The first of two introductions by Beth because she did at upper campus too!
Bridget Rivezzo, Archway School's Development Director, informed us about the upcoming fundraising events and goals for the year.
The clipboards were out and ready for signing at the Upper Campus too.
Our head of school working the crowd on Lower Campus.

First Day

2008-10-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

We're all way into it by now but this is what day 1 looked like on the Oakland and Berkeley campuses.

THE APTA NEWSLETTER IS BACK IN ACTION!

2008-08-31T10:10:00.000-07:00

Get ready because the presses are being oiled up for another year of Archway School news. Want to know what's happening on the Berkeley and Oakland campuses? Do you want to announce future school related events? Do you want to learn about fund raising and all the ins and outs of the APTA meetings? Do you? Do You? DO YOU? Where else can you get those details, except right here on the blog? For the old school version of what's happening before print is really dead read the APTA Newsletter.

We are putting together the September Issue with our deadline fast approaching on Friday September 6th to be out on both Back to School Nights! Get ready for your news, Archway Community!
Please submit all articles, pictures to Kali Futnani: kali.futnani@gmail.com or David Goldstone: goldhersch1@earthlink.net.

Volleyball

2008-05-08T13:48:00.001-07:00

Archway School is making new inroads into the sports arena. You read earlier in the year about Archway's basketball team, but now it's time to take a peek at an even newer and younger volleyball team.

Archway's Co-ed Volleyball team is coached by Ms. Mel and Mr. Saul. This is a team made up of sixth and seventh graders so they have time to develop into an even more formidble team in the future and I hope to see more of them next year.

I did manage to see them at an away game recently. There was no sign of pre-game jitters as they took the court opposite a Redwood Day team stacked deep and tall.

Archway went down quickly in the first game but just as quickly took command and won the second game. It all came down to the third game in which they slipped too far behind to make a comeback.

Musicians in our Midst

2008-05-03T15:26:00.000-07:00

Ms. Jen, our music teacher, is always seeking out new venues to allow Archway's music students to perform. As a result of her vigilance three Archway students were invited to participate in a Summer Recital at St. Paul's School. Avery, Mikayla and Sierra from the second and third grades performed pieces on the piano. I only wish I could have contolled the lighting and had a better camera (it's on my list). The students were delightful and I thought you might enjoy hearing them play if not seeing them clearly.

Moonlight Mist (Traditional)
Ocean (Traditional)

The Call of the Horn (Traditional)

Lavender's Blue (Traditional)
When the Saints Go Marching In (Traditional)

Science Soars!

2008-03-19T19:09:00.000-07:00

Do you remember your middle school science classes? If you were very lucky, it might have been a little bit like science at Archway. This is where learning also involves doing. Ms. Barbara teaches science at the Upper Campus and she invited me to watch students attempt to launch hot air balloons they had made in the classroom using tissue paper and glue sticks.

On my first visit, I watched the seventh graders try diligently to send their balloon sailing. After lighting four cans of sterno, Ms. Barbara placed a charcoal chimney on top of them to funnel the heated air up into the balloons. Unfortunately, they couldn't get enough hot air into their balloon on this windy and rapidly warming day to send it sailing. These were not ideal conditions for this particular experiment and in the end they had to bow to the elements and resolve to try again another day.

I returned the following day to see the eigth graders. In contrast to the previous day, this one was chilly and overcast with a slight breeze. In other words, just about perfect. There were two balloons to be launched made by two different work groups. Watch the video below to see how the launches went.

Pretty cool, huh? I can't wait to make one of these at home. Don't forget to attach fishing line so you can keep it from flying away. The first launchers retrieved their balloon and were trying to repair it enough for one more flight and the second group was already trying again when I had to leave. Many thanks to Ms. Barbara and the 7th and 8th graders for inviting me and my cameras to document this exhilirating experiment.

Got Basketball?

2008-03-17T13:25:00.000-07:00

Did you know Archway School had not one, but two basketball teams? Well, they do, or did, until the season ended in February. Thanks to Mr. Saul and Mr. Boris who generously gave of their time to coach a boys and a girls team in the Middle School Sports League (MSSL), a number of Archway students had the opportunity to play league basketball this year. Archway teams played basketball against local teams from Park Day, Bentley, St Pauls, Windrush, Hillcrest, Julia Morgan, The Academy, Redwood Day, and Athenian. The boys team played eight games and the girls team played seven. Playing for the boys are Daron, Winn, Chris, David, Julien, and Teo. Playing for the girls are Yuly, Natasha, Felicia, Masha, Rosie, Brianna, Julia, Elena, Irene, and Lauren. (Players are not listed as pictured above).

I was able to attend the last games for the boys and the girls teams. The boys played Park Day in an exciting battle that was decided in the final seconds. Archway dominated the first half leading by more than 20 points at one time but Park Day came alive in the second half and chipped away at the lead. A last second score tied the game sending things into overtime. Park Day sunk a basket for 2 points in the final 2 seconds of play. This was basketball at it's best, with excitment running high throughout the game.

The girls played their last game of the season at Bentley. Things looked tough when a bigger, older and more experienced varsity team took the court against them. Things just got tougher when the whistle blew, but the Archway girls played every play as though it was the most important one. The Archway fans cheered them through to the end and I was proud to be there with them. They represented themselves and their school with pride, determination and an adamant refusal to quit.

With the season coming to an end you won't get to see these teams play again until next year. But when basketball season starts again and you're itching to watch some hoops, these are two teams worth seeing. They are truly inspiring athletes inside and out.

Trout That Teach

2008-02-27T17:56:00.000-08:00

Mr. Barry and his students have once again been welcoming aquatic life into their classroom. As some of you already know Mr. Barry likes to fish. When he heard about a program through the Department of Fish and Game where teachers and students could raise trout and even salmon for local release he was hooked. Just click on the video below to hear Mr. Barry explain the program.

So, the Grizzly Peak Flyfishers of Kensington provides the tank, and the Department of Fish and Game provides the eggs and monitors teacher progress. Archway students provide enthusiasm, curiosity and care. They observe the trout’s growth and movements as topics for descriptive writing assignments. They are also responsible for recording water temperature.

On a Thursday, late in February, the children and their drivers including Mr. Barry went to Lake Temescal during lunch to release their trout. Each student was responsible for releasing one baby trout and had the option to send them off with a name. There was Sheila, Charzar, Something, lots of little Barrys and a few others. After lunch there was enough time for a hike around the lake and some raft building and rock climbing before heading back to Archway.

Thank you Mr. Barry for bringing this project to Archway and for inviting me to the release. I enjoyed watching the children wish their babies well.

Lunch at the Park

2008-02-11T14:41:00.000-08:00

It was a gorgeous day today. I hope you were able to get out in the sunshine for a little while. Not only was I able to be out but I spent that time with the Upper Campus students.

When I got to upper campus, the eigth graders were selling pizza to earn money toward their Washington DC trip. Keep in mind that Archway School with the Warriors Night is fast approaching so reserve your tickets by February 15th to show your support for the 8th graders. I can't make the game so I made a small donation to the pizza crew. I know they would appreciate any other donations as well.

After the pizza, everyone headed to the park to soak up some sun and I just happen to have my camera with me. So..... enjoy some photos.

Chinese New Year Dragon Parade

2008-02-10T13:14:00.000-08:00

Each year, in celebration of the Chinese New Year, Ms. Kym and her Early Birds (students in before care) build and decorate the Dragon's head. It is then attached to its body which is a long piece of red material with loop handles. This years' head was especially realistic utilizing faux reptile skin. This simple event is exciting for the children and reminds our friends down Piedmont Avenue that Archway School is still in the neighborhood. I always enjoy walking with the parade and getting a few photos to share.

Lower Campus Holds Mock Elections

2008-02-05T13:48:00.001-08:00

Students at the lower campus spent some of their time today learning about the election process. They found out who the candidates are and were then given an opportunity to vote.

It seems almost everyone had an opinion. The polls closed promptly after snack time with 98% of the students present casting a vote. Here are the results:

Barack Obama won 72% of the votes

Hillary Clinton came in second with 22%

John McCain, Ron Paul and Mitt Romney got 2% each

The remaining candidates recieved 0%

If you are curious about what the children had to say on election day, check out these video clips:

Thrills at Upper Campus

2008-01-27T09:50:00.000-08:00

Archway does make learning fun. And that is due in no small part to its committed and creative faculty. Ms. Stephanie, Archway’s Dance Instructor, danced with students and faculty at the Upper Campus on Thursday, Jan. 23rd. The goal was to move, be active and just feel alive in your body. The result was a lot of fun.

Ms. Stephanie came prepared with a revised choreography for Michael Jackson’s, "Thriller". In just over an hour, she had a group of students and faculty getting freaky and moving to the beat.
Check out our freaky night vision video clip below.

Parent Education Series

2008-01-11T16:41:00.000-08:00

The Archway Parent and Teacher Association annually sponsers a number of speakers on various topics of interest to parents of students in lower and middle grades. This year Asara Tsehai (4th grade parent) and Anumati Bryant (2nd grade parent) kindly agreed as co-chairs to organize these events. Please review their Parent Education Night Flyer for information on scheduled topics, speakers and locations. I hope many of you will be able to attend.

Submitted by Asara Tsehai

Archway's Storytelling Night

2008-01-09T14:46:00.000-08:00

Join us for some bedtime stories -
featuring the professional storytelling of Ms. Barbara

 Wear your P. J.'s,
 Enjoy some hot cider and cookies
 Be wowed by the incredible storytelling by our very own Ms. Barbara
 When: Saturday, January 19
 From: 6 - 8 pm at the Fireside Room (located at the church on upper campus)
 Cost: $20 per child (all proceeds benefit Archway's scholarship fund)

Parent's may drop off and take advantage of two child free hours in the Gourmet Ghetto.

No tickets required just check-in when you arrive.

For questions contact Bridget Rivezzo at brivezzo@gmail.com.

Please copy, paste and print the form below and turn it into Ms. Kym or Ms. Debra by Thursday, January 17 or bring it on the 19th.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Child/Childrens Name:___________________________________

Grade(s): ________ I will be dropping off: ____yes _____no

Number of children attending: ________

Parent(s) Name: _______________________________________

_____ I have attached a check for $ ________
or
_____ Please bill my Archway account for $_________

___________________________________________
Signature required when billing acct.

Kids for the Bay

2007-12-22T18:41:00.000-08:00

Continuing their study of the Bay, the second graders were joined by the fourth graders Thursday December, 20th , in a hands on exploration of the San Francisco Bay. Shefali Shah, with Kids for the Bay, spent almost 4 hours helping Archway students practice good scientific method and explore the Bay without leaving the classroom. Click on the video clip below for more information about the Kids for the Bay program in general and specifically their classroom program. You can also visit their website at kidsforthebay.org.

After discussing the traits of a good scientist, students began their exploration of the bay by studying a satellite map. They identified bodies of water and important landmarks including bridges and islands.

In their first experiment, students placed an egg in containers of fresh and salt water to compare the density of the two. Those who hypothesized that the salt water was more dense proved to be correct. As Maya said, the fresh water is lighter than the egg and the salt water is heavier than the egg.
Following an exploration of the relative density of salt water vs fresh water, students built clay models of the bay inside tubs. They then added blue water to the Pacific Ocean and clear water to the Sacramento River. The two mixed to create a light blue San Fransisco Bay.

The final portion of the program provided an opportunity to explore some bay organisms. First, students used all five senses to develop scientific descriptors of seaweed. They also examined dugeness crab and striped bass up close. Finally, they watched a video, "kids by the bay" that helped them explore how we can help the bay stay healthy.

Aquarium of the Bay Field Trip

2007-12-14T13:48:00.000-08:00

Mr. Barry's 2nd grade class took a day to visit the Aquarium of the Bay on San Francisco's Pier 39. The enthusiastic group of students, parents and Archway staff got an early start as we enjoyed a ferry ride from Oakland's Jack London Square.

Aquarium of the Bay is unique in that it focuses exclusively on the marine life and habitats of the San Francisco Bay. Two long tunnels surrounded by 700,000 gallons of water set the pathway for the class, while countless numbers of animals including rays, leopard and sevengill sharks, sturgeon, rock fish, stars and anemones swam(or just hung out) and took turns racing over our heads (How many anchovies were there in the school that circled above us, thousands?). Also on display were developing skate embryos we could see inside, and moon jellies from egg to full grown.

Then it was off to the extremely popular touch pools for some hands-on learning. The very friendly smooth-skinned rays and skates popped their noses out at the kids and spent lots of time visiting. The leopard sharks did not show the same enthusiasm, but did stay still long enough for everyone to get a chance to feel their rougher skin. Finally the multi color stars, and prickly sea urchins offered a marked contrast to the squishy sea cucumbers set in a pool with fresh bay water being piped in every few minutes. (Yes, we did check, the water is run through at least 3 filters and no animals were harmed by the recent oil spill).

After lunch near the pier and some time spent admiring, laughing at and imitating the sounds of the local sea lions, it was time to catch the ferry back home.

The study of aquatic life is ever present in Mr. Barry's class. Everyone on the trip appreciated the opportunity to experience it up close.

Photos and story contributed by Lisa Sturges, mom of Jared, 2nd grade.

Student's From Pacific Boychoir Academy Vist Archway

2007-12-05T11:28:00.001-08:00

The Archway Lower School was thrilled to welcome 15 of the Pacific Boychoir Academy students to come sing for us on Thursday, November 29th. Another East Bay Independent School, Pacific Boychoir Academy is a small middle school but has an extensive after school program.

They are now auditioning for boys age 5-9, so please check out their website at http://www.blogger.com/www.pacificboychoiracademy.org. Not only did they share their incredible voices and wonderful spirit, but they taught us about voices and also talked about all the different states and countries they have traveled to on tour. What a remarkable group!

One Hundred Daffodils Find a Home at Archway's Lower Campus

2007-11-27T12:20:00.000-08:00

Archway School was 1 of almost 200 groups who signed up to plant a total of 50,000 King Alfred Daffodil Bulbs through a City of Oakland Community Service Project. Our students planted 100 bulbs around the lower campus. These bulbs will be added to the 150,000 planted over the last 3 years. Thanks to these participating groups, come spring, Oakland residents will be able to enjoy more than 200,000 bountiful yellow blooms on hillsides, parks, freeway entrances and exits, outside of schools, libraries and other public open spaces.

Archway students spent some time out of their day cleaning, digging, measuring and planting to make their school and their city more beautiful. Thanks Mr. Barry for arranging this community service project for the children. And thanks Ms Laurel for providing the photos.

Fall Carnival

2007-11-01T14:09:00.000-07:00

On Lower Campus, on October 31st, in the final hour of the day, many of the children and Archway staff were in costume. The staff was hosting a variety of fun stations to celebrate the holiday “Carnival” style.

Ms. Kathy was swamped at her bottle making station. Here, children put shiny stuff, floaty stuff, bright stuff etc. in bottles of colored water to beautiful effect.

Ms. Sarah and Ms. Mel helped the children make ghost pops with Tootsie roll pops, markers and Kleenex. I tried to get a couple of ghost shots but they kept disappearing.

Ms. Laurel set up a station with markers, stickers, rub-on transfers and sundry items to decorate bags. These could then be used to stash treats earned at other stations.

Ms. Kym was handing out UNICEF boxes for Archway’s Annual donation. Our goal this year is $600.00. That’s just $5.00 per student . If you have not yet, but wish to contribute, you still can. Give your contribution to Ms. Kym by Monday Nov. 5th.

Mr. Scott was kept busy at the face painting station. It seemed he had many appreciative fans.

Ms. Kelly applied her own artistic talents to helping children select magical components and then build their own wand.

Mr. C.J., at the ghost bean bag throw, and Ms. Riva, at the spider toss, had non-stop customers. Hitting ghost targets taped on the wall and tossing a spider ring so that it landed and stuck in a web earned students a trip to a prize bin. I don’t even have to tell you that these two stations were popular.

Thanks to the Archway staff for giving that extra effort that goes such a long way. These events make wonderful memories for the children. They also provide opportunities for building relationships across grades that is so important in the Archway community.

Music at Archway's Lower Campus

2007-10-25T16:46:00.000-07:00

Ms. Jen, Archway’s Music teacher, is off to a tremendous start this year. In two short months she has been busy supporting her students in composing and performing musical pieces and making some of their instruments. Students have created some of their own musical instruments using tins, clay topped skewers (mallots) and filled plastic bottles (shakers) for percussion instruments. She is never lacking in creativity (remember the pvc pipe digeridoos?) or flexibility.

A few members of the fifth grade class decided to start a band this year. The band is called Dark Universe and they gave their first performance at the Walkathon where they provided spectacular entertainment during the lunch break. They have composed their own songs and I am sure they will continue to develop new skills under Ms. Jen’s guidance.

As additional entertainment, the first through 4th graders performed some songs they have been working on in preparation for a performance at the Claremont House.

Both the first and second grades and then the third and fourth grades walked to the Claremont House (retirement home) for a scheduled performances. They arrived to find their audience already seated and waiting for them.

They sang three songs including “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and played a percussion piece which they collaboratively composed.

Also, this week Ms. Jen invited John Imholz, father of Fanya and David, to do a demonstration with a number of string instruments with the 3rd and 4th grade classes.

Thanks Ms. Jen for providing Archway students with these rich and varied musical experiences. And thanks to John, too.

Archway's Walkathon 2007

2007-10-25T13:22:00.000-07:00

Another Walkathon has come and gone but the memories (and photos) will linger on. In the true spirit of community, Archway parents, teachers and students all chipped in to make this one a successful event . Many walkers came in costume and I was lucky enough to run into bug first thing in the morning before she decided to ditch her lovely lady bug costume.

I also met up with a small group on patrol

friends walking together

as well as a fairy or two

and many other interesting costumes

Thanks to all of the parents who planned organized and staffed the event and a special thanks to the upper campus students who helped cover some of the corners and the new fun stations. Snow cones were especially popular with tired walkers. We also added popcorn, button making and spin art.

The button/spin art station where walkers could design and create their own button was also quite busy.

The food was delicious and gorgeous. Thanks to those who planned, shopped and cooked to provide the grilled meats, tofu, vegetables and salads.

The walkathon provides a space for families to spend time together walking and talking with each other and with other Archway families. This year we had a sunny and fair day just perfect for visiting and catching up.

At the end of the day my favorite part is seeing students who have given of themselves to support their school and the pride that comes with their accomplishment. The money the students raise from this event goes to support Archways' music and art programs.

See you there next year around the same time and same place!

Walkathon is Coming Sunday, Oct. 21st

2007-10-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already, you should definetly mark your calendar for Archway's Walkathon 2007. It's scheduled from 9:00-2:00 at the Oakland Campus on Sunday Oct. 21st. Just sign up some sponsors, show up and walk to be eligible for lots of fun and prizes. Check some of them out below:

Prizes For Lower Campus Students:

Prizes for Lap Walking

Most Laps Walked: Two (2) tickets for Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Every 5 Laps: A ticket for Popcorn or a Sno-cone

Every 10 Laps: A trip to the Grab Bag Station: Win Assorted Prizes
Including: Golden Tee Golfland miniature golf passes, puzzles, games, kick balls, key chains, disc shooters, jewelry, candy and more

30 Laps or More: A Friday lunch and treat with your teacher and an ice cream cone gift certificate

Prizes for Fund Raising

1st Prize: $50 gift card for a toy store

2nd Prize: Three (3) Movie passes

3rd Prize: Two (2) rounds of miniature golf at Golden Tee Golfland

Top Class: An Ice Cream Sundae Party

Prizes For Upper Campus Students:

Prizes for Lap Walking

Most Laps Walked: Recording Artist of your choice Merchandise Gift Package
(Will include: t-shirts, hats, programs and much more)

Every 5 Laps: A ticket for Popcorn or a Sno-cone

Every 10 Laps: A trip to the Grab Bag Station: Win Assorted Prizes
Including: Boomers gift certificates, iTunes gift card, puzzles, games, kick balls, key chains, disc shooters, jewelry, candy and more

30 Laps or More: Off Campus Lunch and Lunch Gift Card

Prizes for Fund Raising

1st Prize: 2 Live Nation Rock Concert Vouchers
(you choose the show)

2nd Prize: $25 Gift Card
(you choose: Old Navy, Gap, iTunes or Cody’s Bookstore)

3rd Prize: $15 Starbucks Gift Card

Top Class: Bowling Party at Albany Bowl

And then just for fun there will be:

Button Making, Spin Art, Face Painting, Tattoos, Candy Give-Aways, Hair Coloring and Dress Up Accessories, Lunch and Live Entertainment (Ms. Jen, Archway's Music Teacher, has been working with a student band that will provide lunchtime entertainment)

If you still haven't signed up to volunteer, just email juliemjonsson@40yahoo.com or marjorieherman@comcast.net and let them know you want to help. And you can always contact Bridget, Archway Director of Development at brivezzo@comcast.net or 517- 6777.

Conflict Managers are Now on Duty

2007-09-26T14:50:00.001-07:00

In keeping with Archways' commitment to treating others with consideration and respect, conflict managers are trained to help out on the school yard when they spot trouble. This is both a privilege and a big responsibility for the 4th graders who just completed conflict resolution training.

Mr. Scott, Ms. Sarah Guy and Ms. Kym began by reviewing some attentive listening skills. Students were given a handout called share which provided an acronym for a few skills needed when helping others resolve conflict. These are Shhhh! Stay quiet and still, Hear what others say, Accept what others say, Restate what you heard and Encourage others to speak. In addition, conflict managers were encouraged to help students say how they felt, to accept that there really can be two very different sides to a story and to support students in finding a solution they can both live with. After this skill review, staff role played and resolved a conflict. Students then broke into groups to do their own role playing with each participant getting a chance to manage a conflict.

I count myself as lucky to have been able to witness this instruction. The conflicts were staged but the compassion and earnestness with which these new conflict managers approached their fellow students was heartwarming. Of course, Ms. Kym and Ms. Sarah are always available but teaching students to help each other resolve conflicts is one of the ways Archway shines above and beyond the rest.

These students will now take turns with 2-3 students per day being "on duty". They are encouraged to play and have a good time but to keep an eye out for disharmony. After a week or so they will meet again to review their experiences and learn from each other.

Thank you 4th graders for your willingness to take on new responsiblitlies.

Chalk for Peace

2007-09-15T09:53:00.000-07:00

At Archway's lower campus each Friday morning, students come together in multi-age groups called tribes. They explore issues and work on projects in a supportive and cooperative interaction. The result is always interesting and often inspiring.

This weekend, people across the nation, will be working to spread the message of peace. At Archway, students "chalked for peace". It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. On this morning, Archway students worked on images that spoke one word in a very big way.

A Lower Campus FYI from Ms. Kym

2007-09-12T13:36:00.000-07:00

Ms. Kym placed a note of general info items in lower campus boxes today. It is reproduced here in case you misplace it or you don't yet know about your box which is in the building referred to as the after school room, the music room, the art room and the building with the basketball goal on it.

9/07/2007

Dear Parents,

Welcome or welcome back to you all! We have completed a very smooth first week of school. It's good to be back. Please feel free to visit or call me if you have any questions or concerns throughout the year!

We ask that you please check your Parent Cubby, and the Lost and Found bin daily. Both are located n the After School Room.

PE is on Tuesday and Friday; please make sure that your child is wearing running shoes on these days (and any day that they will be playing actively on the yardor on the climbing structure). In the past, we've had some falls with kids in sandals or thongs.

Please have your child apply sunscreen in the morning before school. If you feel that they need more during the day, we have sunscreen available, at recess and lunchtime. We will ask the children to re-apply at those times. Please practive putting on sunscreen with your child and speak to them about when you want thwm to put it on during school hours.

Thank you for your help!

Ms. Kym (547-4747 x 21)

An Informative Charade

2007-09-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

Out on the yard, ideas, sprout ...

friendships blossom...

And things can get really rotten without a little supervision and a few simple rules to keep everyone safe.

I know many of you have met Ms. Kym by now, but you may not know that she is the law of the land once the children hit the school yard. She is also experienced, kind and firm. Great qualities to have when you are supervising a number of children. She is assisted quite ably out there by Ms. Sarah Guy. Together they keep everyone on track with not only the rules but how to get along and keep recess fun.

This week 3 talented third graders presented the yard rules during lunch through a game of charades.

I thought parents might also like to know the rules. You may even find you’ve been aiding and abetting without knowing it.

Always let the teacher know where you are. Ask before going into a classroom or bathroom.

No climbing on anything but the “climbing structure” or the lemon tree in the kindergarten yard. No toys in the “climbing structure”.

No throwing anything but balls. No throwing balls at others, dodge ball, ball tag. The grass area is the quiet, ball free zone.

No ropes around body parts.

No pulling others with hula hoops.

No picking up others, no piggyback rides.

No bare feet on the yard.

No personal toys on the yard. No heelies, scooters or skate boards.

No sharing or trading food. No glass containers. Eating and drinking while sitting in designated areas only.

Pick up and throw away all trash, recycling and compost.

Upper Campus Orientation

2007-09-05T13:18:00.000-07:00

As Sarah finished with Lower Campus 1st day of school fun, she headed to Upper Campus to coordinate an afternoon of orientation for new Upper Campus Archway Students.

Parents were quickly whisked away on a tour of the campus in the capable hands of Ms. Shauna. We got a sneak peek at the computer lab which isn’t done justice by my photo and received much praise by the parents on the tour.

I snuck away from the tour early to see what was planned for the students. It was a nice crowd representing a considerable increase to the Upper Campus student body.

Sarah introduced the staff and reviewed the afternoon schedule with the students. It included a tour, a scavenger hunt and question and answer session. She went on to talk a bit about Archway and those things most valued in the Archway community. In a smooth move making things easy to remember, she connected the emphasis on Academics, Responsibility, Community (both the Archway community and the broader community), and Hands-On Learning with the ARCH in Archway. I know the students walked away with a stronger sense of Archway and thus from a successful orientation.

First Day of School at Lower Campus

2007-09-05T10:54:00.000-07:00

New families and returning families gathered this morning at Lower Campus for the first day of the 2007-2008 school year. There were new people to meet and it was great to see old friends. It seemed the teachers were as excited as the students. A general air of expectancy filled the yard.

While we visited we snacked on bagels, fruit and banana bread teamed with great coffee. Many thanks go to Shari, Bridget and all who organized, cleaned up and brought food to share.

Ms. Sarah signaled for quiet as the new year officially began. Take note parents, the signal in the photograph actually works! She welcomed everyone and we were led in singing the "Welcome Song" by Ms. Kathy. In closing, Ms. Sarah introduced the Lower Campus staff including two new additions pictured below.

Ms. Julianne comes to Archway as a recent graduate of UC Berkeley. She will be teaching all Lower Campus Physical Education classes and will also be working in the After School Program. Welcome, Ms. Julianne.

Mr. Scott joined Archway last year when he took over some of Dr. Irene’s Math classes at Upper Campus. This year he has moved to the Lower Campus to assume his duties as the 4th grade teacher. Welcome, Mr. Scott.