A few notes from the last Parents' Circle meeting of the school year

There was a lively discussion about school volunteering and there was general agreement that a worthy goal for next year was an emphasis on "clarity" and "commitment".  What does that mean?  We're still kicking it around, but the gist is balancing what assistance the school needs with what the parent body is able or willing to make time for.  Making your volunteer hours worth your time by having a dedicated event coordinator at each event.  Receiving a reminder with a picture of the coordinator, so you know you're in the right place and who to ask if a question comes up.  Commitment is knowing that we can count on you to consider it like any other appointment in your life, putting it in your book, arriving on time to play a constructive role in whatever's happening.

Some people choose to get more involved, of course, whether taking up one of the room parent tasks, or organizing a class art project for the auction, coming up with a booth idea for Halloween or The Art Fair, participating and perhaps also helping organize community service events through Families Make a Difference.

What's amazing is with our busy lives, including more parents working longer hours, longer commutes, etc., that we pull off so many successful events, raise so much money for the school, and "raise a barn" together in the spirit of partnership that is one of the hallmarks of the BPC experience (in addition to those stellar academics, arts, music and performance)

There's also a renewed commitment from the PC heads and administration to take a hard look at events and volunteer tasks and look for reductions in the number of tasks.

What do YOU think the Parents Circle should be focusing on?

tell us, at parentcircleheads@blackpinecircle.org

Editorial: What would YOU be a champion for?

Over drinks at the Albatross Pub, or in the library, small groups of BPC parents have for several years been putting together events under the banner of "Families Make a Difference"(FMD) and "Diversity Committee".  Busy folks like Steven Emerson, Jeff Williams, Gail Kurtz, Janice Sager, Gary Kennerley, Mark Johnson, Tali Barr, Myra Paci and Jenny Lederer have made time to create enrichments for our community: Shoreline Cleanup, inspiring service in partnership with Harrison House, Diversity potlucks with live music, international film nights.  Their principle, as far as I (Evan) understand it, has been that whoever shows up with an idea that they're willing to work for, will have the support of the group.

There's a need for a new generation of parents to step in and step up in these groups.  What kind of community service or perspective-broadening events or activities do YOU feel strongly about?

Or maybe you're passionate about something else, that would enrich the experience for our kids and indeed, for all of us?  A Mini-Maker Fair?  An expansion of our food-garden-nutrition program?

Something else entirely?

Reach out to those folks.  Or to John Carlstroem.  Leave a comment.  Start a ball rolling!

Snapshots from the Art Fair

p.s. a great video of the Art Fair here on the blackpinecircle.org site.

BPC's Spring Potluck is Friday, May 20th

Come one, come all to this year's Spring Diversity Potluck! 

Realm Charter School receives approval from BUSD to move forward on 8th at Addison

this is Evan's personal impression 


After attending the community meeting and the BUSD School Board meeting, it seems clear that we will have a new school in the neighborhood in September.  John did everything possible and remains on top of the situation, but there isn't anything to be done except hold them to their promises to minimize the effect on the neighborhood in terms of noise, traffic and parking.  It will be 200 kids in 2011-2012 and 300 kids in 2012-2013.  You can read more about them and their admirable vision on their nifty website.

Messages from Head of School John Carlstroem re: Realm

UPDATE ON REALM CHARTER SCHOOL

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING TONIGHT, WED. 5/11/11 AT 7:30
OLD CITY HALL 2134 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BLVD UPSTAIRS

Dear BPC Community Members,

At last night's meeting, neighbors and community members voiced serious concerns around an increase in noise, traffic, and parking congestion with the addition of REALM Charter Middle School. There was also heavy criticism expressed relating to the accelerated pace of this process, and a sense that the community involvement was "an afterthought."

The Parents Circle Heads invite you to be a Room Parent

From Robin Dandridge, current and continuing Parents Circle Head:

Being a room parent at BPC can be a rewarding experience.  Certainly it has been for me.  Maybe this next one will be the year you do it!  

Our remarkable school depends on the parent body for support during about 20 events each year.  The primary purpose of the Parents Circle and room parents is to help make that happen.  In recent years, room parents have opted to divide up the tasks so it's better defined and less burdensome for each (e.g. 'the email guru, the event guru, and the faculty care-taker').  Another way to look at it:  there's a mix of project management, strategic thinking, individual and group problem-solving, plus staying on top of the calendar and reminding fellow-parents about upcoming responsibilities.  


The rewards of being a room parent include gaining a better understanding of what goes on behind the scenes with the BPC faculty, board, admissions, fundraising, and other internal processes. But it's also spending time with other dedicated parents, with a shared intention of making a real difference in our son's and daughter's lives! 

This is a serious commitment that lasts the entire year - September through June (& maybe even a few emails sent over the summer!).  Most grades have chosen a 2-3 person room parent team, and that seems to work best.

What's the workload?  During the average week, there might just a bit of email conversation for one or more of your team.  But leading up to big events like the Picnic, Halloween or Soiree, there will be several hours of work involved for some room parents.  There are also the monthly meetings, where one or more of your team represents your class.

We need great people with wisdom, lots of energy, and a deep desire to help BPC realize all that it has offer.  This volunteer cadre makes our school different, and frankly, is essential to BPC's success!

If you're ready to join the Parents Circle, reach out to your current room parents today.  You can also find out more by coming to the last meeting of the year, which happens to be a dinner party at Laura's house on Tuesday, May 17th., at 7 PM.  Location: 1111 Hollywood Ave, Oakland, California.

News briefs

High School Admissions

According to John Carlstroem, it was another banner year for High School admissions- pretty much every kid got in wherever they wanted to go, and it's once again about half & half private/public.  There was some discussion in Parents Circle about the dramatic rise in the cost of private high school (up to $31-39,000 with all the fees).

Soiree Recap

Soirée / Auction was once again a resounding success- a gorgeously designed event with great food and music that made history for BPC- the most guests, and the greatest sum raised for the school $44,000+

Upper School Head Search Process
John Carlstroem outlined the process and there was some discussion (at Parent's Circle and also at the recent Java with John) about what the search committee (composed of staff, faculty, board and parents) are looking for. A number of veteran parents recalled feeling anxious during previous searches for senior administrative roles, and how happy they were with the choices made.  The discussion ended with a request for regular updates about the process, which have been appearing since, in the weekly notices.

BPC Admissions

Despite what peer schools are describing as another challenging year, BPC's admissions effort paid off.  There is a full incoming K class (with 2 on the waiting list), and the smallish 1st grade has picked up new kids, who Sue Bechtel believes will fit in very well.  The teachers and administration are also very pleased with the incoming kids & families.  The word from Faye Wu is that parents are still applying to the few open places in a few grades.