These resources are listed as a service to the King community. Please note that posting here indicates neither endorsement of nor sponsorship by King Middle School or King PTA.

LHS “Science Party” Sessions to Help Develop Curriculum

Dates: Thursday, June 27th and Friday, June 28th

Curriculum developers and education researchers at the LHS at UC Berkeley are  designing a new generation of middle-school science curriculum for use across the country. They invite students in 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th grades to the LHS to help them  develop science curriculum materials during a
“Science Party” session.

Each student participant will receive a $15 iTunes gift card!

What do students do in a Science Party?

Parents sign up their student to attend a 1.5 hour session at the LHS. Researchers will engage students in one or two brief interviews (20-40 minutes) about activities in development for our curriculum. In the interviews, students will answer questions or think aloud as they work through activities, such as playing games on a tablet computer (iPad), answering science questions, or testing hands-on science activities. Supervision and fun activities will be provided during the session. Once the session has ended, students will have free access to the museum.

To sign up and for more details, please fill out signup form at http://goo.gl/Siblz

Questions? Email Karen Nelson at karenenelson@berkeley.edu.

Summer Intensive Writing Program

For over a decade, Classroom Matters has offered the Bay Area’s premiere essay-writing workshop. Our program prepares students to write better, more cohesive expository essays.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This two-week workshop focuses on a variety of components essential to expository essay writing, from literary analysis to shaping and supporting a strong thesis. Students explore the writing process, from introductions to conclusions, in a fun and engaging environment. They will strengthen their aptitude for writing clear and convincing essays, as well as develop a keen understanding of what makes good writing. Trained instructors will assess each student’s level of ability and provide feedback at the end. Students will receive our trademark manuals as well as other valuable handouts to use throughout the school year.

New in 2013: Separate classes catering to both middle school and high school students.  We’ve adapted our curriculum to meet their needs, delivering grade-appropriate lessons and serving more grades.  A

Ages 12–17

June 17th–27th, July 22nd-August 1st or August 5th–15th.

Classes meet three hours a day, Monday-Thursday
Morning classes from 10 am to 1 pm
Afternoon classes from 2 pm to 5 pm

 Minimum enrollment is 8 students, maximum per section is 15.

 Tuition is $450

For more information or to register, please visit www.classroommatters.com

Visit the site of this local group for information and reviews of local summer camps: http://www.activityhero.com/in/berkeley-ca

Stepping Stones Coming-of-Age Program

Is your child ready to face adolescence? Stepping Stones Project provides a a mentored 2-3 year Coming of Age Program for 6th and 7th grade middle school boys and girls and has a few more spots available in their 6th grade groups.  The group offers healthy guidance toward building confidence, self-esteem, and the capacity to engage in meaningful relationships with
peers, family, community, and nature.

The curriculum provides the four elements traditional cultures saw as key to preparing for adolescence:

• mentoring by a non-parent adult
• a positive sense of self within a group
• a grounded relationship with nature
• personal code of honor

You can find out more info on the website: steppingstonesproject.org

Berkeley YMCA Paid Internships for 8th Grade Students

The Berkeley YMCA is offering an amazing program this summer, The Youth Institute.  The YMCA PG&E Teen Center Youth Institute is a leadership and job readiness program offered to 8th graders making the transition to high school who are seeking extra support.

The program works with youth, exposing them to cutting edge technology, life skills mentoring, job readiness, academic excellence, and a wilderness retreat that strengthens team-building, problem solving, and self-efficacy skills.

The introduction to the Youth Institute is an intensive eight-week summer workshop commencing with a one-week wilderness retreat in Kings Canyon and culminating in a publishable magazine and professionally produced video. Much like a real job, students are expected to meet daily, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am–4:00 pm. The program runs from June 17th through August 10th and concludes with a graduation and film festival showcasing their videos. At graduation youth are presented with a $300 stipend for their participation in the program.

This program is completely free and open to the general public; youth don’t have to be Y members. We can only accept 35 participants this year, so it’s imperative that applications are in before April 15th. Applications can be dropped off at the Teen Center front desk (2111 Martin Luther King Jr. Way). Applications are available by clicking here; a flyer on the program is here.

For more information, please contact Pegah Rahmanian, Youth Institute Program Manager, at prahmanian@ymca-cba.org  or 510-486-8415.

Berkeley Youth Alternatives Workshops

Click here for free workshops on money management and here for Urban Parent Cafe, a series of workshops seeking to empower parents and caregivers with tools and techniques that enhance the growth and development of healthy children.

Discount Tickets to Aurora Theatre for Middle School Families

Dear Parents and Guardians of Berkeley Unified School District Middle School Students,

We are writing today to invite you to a play during the 21st Season of Aurora Theatre Company in downtown Berkeley.  Raising young people is an amazing amount of work and finding ways to engage them, challenge them, and participate in their learning or artistic learning is sometimes hard. It is also extremely difficult for parents and guardians to find a way to get out and see local productions on their own. Aurora Theatre believes our Spring 2013 season holds two plays that may be of interest to both you and your young people and provide an opportunity for everyone to have a night out at the theater in an affordable and family-friendly way.

Students and adults who experience our 150-seat theater take away a dramatic memory they won’t soon forget. We hope to assist you in building life-long commitments to the arts in your families.

The first show in February and early March, Our Practical Heaven, written by local Bay Area Playwright and Malcolm X Elementary School Parent, Anthony Clarvoe, addresses the story of three generations of two family friends—three daughters, two mothers, and one grandmother—as they face changes in their lives, changes in mental and physical health, and changes in technology.

The second show in April and May, The Arsonists, directed by local favorite Mark Jackson, tells the story of a family that seeks to prevent change from coming, but unfortunately, cannot be spared from helping bring about the very changes they fear. The chorus of firemen brings a particularly Greek drama flavor and energy to this production.

Here’s How It Works:

$10 tickets for middle school students (6^th, 7^th, and 8^th graders)

$10 off adult tickets for parents/guardians who come with a young person

• Tickets must be purchased 24 hours in advance of performance.
• These tickets are not available online. Please call 510.843.4822 or come in person to the Aurora Theatre box office to purchase.
• You must mention the codes MSSTUDENT and PARENT10 when purchasing your tickets to receive the discounts.

On our website, www.auroratheatre.org, you’ll find much more information about the upcoming shows:

• The Three Remaining Shows in the 2012-2013 Season
• The Eight Reminders for New-to-Theatre Audiences
• How to Phone/Fax/Mail/Email for Reservations (all information on the website)
• Contact Information
• How to Call the Box Office to Purchase Tickets on a Credit Card – 510.843.4822

Know that the Aurora Theatre Company’s commitment to education and life-long learning is central to our mission and our artistic work.

We hope you will consider a night out during our exciting 21^st season.  Plan to come sometime this Spring to Aurora Theatre Company, the ultimate in intimate theater in the Bay Area.

See you in the theater.

Michael Mansfield
Education Director
mmansfield@auroratheatre.org
510.843.4042 x 376

Albany Little League New Challengers Division

Albany Little League (ALL) is introducing a Challenger Program for the 2013 spring baseball season. The Challenger Division of Little League is a program for mentally and physically challenged youth, helping them to enjoy the full benefits of Little League participation in an athletic environment structured to their abilities.

Playing on the ALL fields, Challenger Division players have the opportunity to experience the joys of pulling together as a team, being cheered, and just plain having fun!

There is no cost to the players. Parents and guardians are asked to participate as “Buddies” whenever possible. There is no deadline for registration, and all players will be given a jersey and a team hat!

The first game of the season is Sunday, March 9, 2013. All games will be held on Sundays at 2:00 pm at home and on fields throughout the District, including Alameda, Antioch, Clayton Valley, Concord American, Continental, East County, Lafayette, Martinez, North Oakland, Pinole/Hercules, Pittsburg (National), Richmond, South Oakland, and Walnut Creek!

Those who join the ALL teams will also get to participate in 2012 District Little League Jamboree, scheduled for April 29 at Heather Farms Park and a SF Giants Challengers Day (date TBA)!

For information on how to sign up or to contact us with additional questions, please e-mail us at kidsgame@lmi.net or visit the Albany Little League website: http://www.albanylittleleague.org/.

Black Girls CODE

Black Girls CODE is a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching girls ages 7–17 from underrepresented communities about computer programming and digital technology. Their mission is to empower and mentor young women of color by highlighting the achievements of women in technology and thereby encourage them to embrace the tech marketplace as builders and creators. http://www.blackgirlscode.com/

 

 

 

Agency	Services	Contact info.	Address	Notes
Family Paths	24 hour hotline for parents and caregivers; counseling services at clinic or school or home; respite child care; parenting classes	510-893-5444 Hotline: 800-829-3777 website		Clinicians can come to IEP and other school meetings.
ACCESS	Provides referrals to MediCal services	1-800-491-9099
Mobile Crisis (Berkeley Mental Health)	Crisis intervention, suicide assessments, psychiatric hospitalization consultation	510-981-5254 website		Available daily from 10:30 am to 11:00 pm
Bay Area Children First	Counseling (both sliding scale and MediCal)	510-883-9312 website	1400 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley, CA	BACF is walking distance to King
Social services referrals	Trained operators provide local referrals for a variety of social service needs	211
Berkeley Youth Alternative	After school program that includes counseling	510-849-1408 website	3282 Adeline St. Berkeley, CA
Berkeley Mental Health	Family, youth, and children’s services providing counseling to Berkeley residents	510-981-5280 website	3282 Adeline St. Berkeley, CA
Jewish Family and Children’s Services	Counseling (sliding scale and MediCal); job search assistance	510-704-7475 website	2484 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley, CA
Psychology Clinic at UC Berkeley	Counseling and assessment	510-642-2055 website	2205 Tollman Hall Berkeley, CA
Circle of Care	Grief counseling	510-531-7551 website	2540 Charlston St. Oakland, CA
Kid’s Turn	Support groups for divorcing families	1-800-392-9239website
211	Telephone referrals tosocial service agencies	211
Crisis Support Services of Alameda County	Hotlines, groups, suicide prevention, and intervention	Hotline: 1-800-309-2131 website
Children’s Vision First	Eyeglasses and exams	415-561-7793		School personnel fill out form to refer students for free glasses.
Peralta Community College	Green job internships	Chris Lebo-Planas aleboplanas@peralta.edu
Berkeley Police Department	Gang specialists providing prevention trainings and working with kids in small or large groups.	Officer Polizziani spolizziani@ci.berkeley.ca.us Officer Delaluna pdelaluna@ci.berkeley.ca.us 510-981-5772
Youth Center	8th grade summer program; mentoring program for all grades	Pete Gerharz, Director pgerharz@ymca-cba.org 510-542-2121
Victims of Crime	Pays for legal, medical, and mental health services for victims of crime	800-777-9229 info@vcgcb.ca.gov
Mary Sarvus Summer Camp Scholarship	Will pay up to $400 in summer camp tuition	Amy Wallerstein 510-482-9889		If approved by Amy Specter over the phone, the family will fill out an online application
City of Berkeley Tobacco Education	Educators will come talk to youth. Offer games and prizes	510-981-5330
YMCA	Mentor program for K–12	Hillary Lopez