Worried Thoughts & Brave Thoughts

From The New York Times:

MOTHERLODE BLOG: How Not to Talk With Children About the Sandy Hook Shooting

Sometimes the question isn't just how to talk to your child about tragedy, but how be certain that you're talking with your children for their sake, and not for yours.

http://nyti.ms/SZ0mmw

Notes from November's Parents' Circle Meeting

On Tuesday evening Parents Circle and other groups met to discuss . . . well, everything!  Some of the most animated discussion was about food, & birthday snacks in particular.  So here goes.

There is no BAN of sugary treats!  There is a move toward healthier snacks at BPC.  John Carlstroem emphasized that there is no official ban on sugar, nor is there a specific policy on what snacks are allowed.  The administration is simply requesting that families be thoughtful about the healthfulness of treats their children bring in for birthdays and other celebrations.  B'day treats were not the only snacks discussed.  There was a lot of discussion regarding the snacks served in after-school and how those snacks can be improved.  In the back-to-school packet we all received earlier in the fall there was mention of the move towards healthier snacks from John Carlstoem:

Being Thoughtful About Treats:

At Black Pine Circle we are proud to model healthy, hearty, and eclectic meal options for our students through our "Nourish You" food service. This year, we'd like to take our commitment to "thoughtful eating" a step further.

Students often want to celebrate a birthday or have a fun Advisory by bringing in a special treat for their classmates and teachers. We've been working with our faculty to create special traditions and routines for birthdays and Advisories that we're enthusiastic about sharing with you this fall, at our Back to School Night.

Increasingly, scientific research is describing the important impact diet has on physical, emotional, and intellectual growth and development. As a school that prides itself on being thoughtful and safe, we also have a responsibility to our students and families who are managing food allergies and/or sensitivities. With this in mind, for the 2012-2013 academic year, we ask that families send in a simple, healthy and easy to serve treat, after arranging the date and timing with the sponsoring teacher. Examples of appropriate treats include fruit kabobs, sliced veggies, cheese & crackers, yogurt, sliced apples etc. For more ideas and or
information about general healthful diets for kids see this resource.

I hope this answers some of the questions that were posed regarding snacks.

The topic of picking up students from their classrooms in the Lower School was also discussed.  Many of you have wondered about this new policy.  It is my understanding that this change was due to safety concerns.  Many teachers felt that they could not keep track of who was picking up whom and that there was too much chaos to keep track of all the students' whereabouts.  It was conveyed to the administration that although some parents like the new policy many feel that the courtyard feels somewhat "sad."  We also heard that kids who dreaded standing in the sun in a line are thrilled!

Arrrr... another topic that generated a lot of conversation was Pirate Day!  Pirate Day has been transformed to Hippie Day!  Bill Webb and Diana Warren are adding their own special touches to a few school celebrations.  For the true diehard Matey's  - September 19 (every year)  is International Talk Like a Pirate Day.  That's all I'm going to say . . . 

For the parents that are missing the school staff picture board - There is a poster in the making that will have the staff and their pictures.  I do not know where it will be posted but it is being worked on now!

One takeaway: even small changes can generate big reactions in our (delightfully) diverse community. As always, the Heads of school emphasized their willingness to discuss concerns individually and in forums like these meetings and Javas with John.  Let's remember to assume goodwill!

[kudos to Michelle Grunfelder (mother of 3rd grader Talia), for composing this summary...]

"What to Expect from your Tween" discussion, at Tehiyah

Dear Tehiyah Parent (and friends),

Your child is at a distinct stage in development – a “tween” -- a child in the stage between childhood and adolescence. This stage brings with it new joys and new challenges, as has every stage so far! As your child matures, new parenting skills may need to come into play to best meet his/her developmental needs within structured limits. 

Please join me in a discussion of what to expect from your Tween at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 7, in Room 15.  Learn about this distinct age group, what’s going on in tweens’ minds and bodies, what they may do differently, and how to best respond to some of the new challenges you may face. Take this opportunity to learn something new and ask questions.

Panel Discussion on Digital Citizenship, Safe Internet Surfin' & so forth...

Some resources from the evening, courtesy of Hanna Bankier:

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/    for adults and kids alike

http://www.danah.org/     for adults. there is also a lecture on You Tube

http://connectsafely.com/   for adults. there is a recommended blog by Anne Boyd

http://www.nextvista.org/   for adults

http://www.carnegielibrary.org/kids/   for kids (and thus for adults as you want to be where your kids are : ) specially 'story maker'

and an old fashioned thing called a book: The Shallows: what the internet is doing to our brains by Nicholas Carr http://www.nicholasgcarr.com/

Add your 2¢

Obama Phone Bank

There’s a new Obama For America phone bank HQ in Berkeley - 
1485 San Pablo Avenue, between Page & Jones
they’re open for business daily, making calls, calls, calls.

This weekend is a big GOTV (get out the vote) call party - so drop by and BARACK THE VOTE ! ! ! ! 
Open Sat & Sun 9:00 – 9:00. weekday hours vary

There's also one in Oakland.

(Thanks to Steven Emerson for this tip)

Oh, and just to be even-handed, here's something for all y'all Romney fans out there.  

Kermit Lynch 40th anniversary sale / Donkey & Goat Winery

While the weather outside is frightful, the prices will be delightful, at Kermit Lynch's 40th anniversary sale. They are a longtime BPC Auction Sponsor, and they're a direct-from-vineyards distributor, so great value. Good wine club, too.

And while I'm plugging, the other place to stock up on holiday cheer is BPC family owned Donkey & Goat Winery (Jared & Tracey Brandt), right around the corner from Picante.  They have also started a wine club...

Finally, another worth-the-trip BPC-family owned business is Kathmandu Restaurant (middle of Solano). Come for the momos, stay for the lassi!

Is Volunteering Mandatory at BPC?

I don't hear that question very often, because the expectation (3-5 tasks per family) is so reasonable.
By the way, if you haven't had a chance to sign up, please do so, today!

But what folks don't realize is that behind the scenes, many parents have found ways to bring their unique talents and professional skills to support the school above and beyond that modest expectation.

Surjani (Aiai) Winoto brings her excel wizardry and penchant for organization to the task of managing Nourish You's operations.

Sheldon Greenberg is creating a mural on the lower school yard- check it out...

A number of contractor parents, including Robert Bell and Mike Pond, have donated or discounted their time to help build the new outdoor teaching space on the upper school yard.

There's also many parents who share generously from their own businesses.  Tracey & Jared Brandt of Donkey & Goat Winery, Eli Bishop of Blue Angel Vodka (made spirits bright at Soiree & Picnic), and Carly Dennett of Flowerland (helped renew our landscaping) spring to mind, but there are many more.

What will your unique contribution to BPC be?

Mini Maker Faire: Sunday, Oct 14th

Calling all aspiring inventors, DIY-ers and gadget-savvy folks!  Let's meetup at Mini Maker Fair in Oakland (at Park Day School- I believe the founder of Maker Faire has kids there).

See some more cool pix of last year's Maker Faire in San Jose

Let's form a geek posse and meet up there!  I know of about a half-dozen folks who are going. Feel free to use the comment section (pencil, at upper right) to announce your intention to go...

Let's inspire our kids to be makers and not just consumers of technology!      

- Evan Specter (Luka 5th, Katie 3rd)

Diana Warren, the new Lower School Head

Diana Warren, the new head of the Lower School, being introduced to the student body last Friday...

"What do YOU think?" (bootleg video)

Each school year at Black Pine Circle begins with a K-8 assembly and the highlight is always John Carlstroem's song, which introduces the year's theme.  This year, a short fable about Dragodon the Gladiator precedes the song.  Be sure to hit the full screen button in the bottom right!

Community News Roundup

Hank Maninger & Lynn Maes' band The Better Haves will be at the The Atlas on 20th St in San Francisco on July 5th, playing two sets from 8:00-10:00. And another show coming up soon, on August 11th, at the Cafe Du Nord.  

Donkey & Goat Winery (Jared & Tracey Brandt, 1st grade parents) is opening its Berkeley winery (near Picante) for its Summer Solstice Fête TODAY Saturday 1-4pm. Gourmet Poltana Pizza, 1st grade parent Hank Maninger's band The Tear Jerkers, and kids welcome. < details & to RSVP >

Boutique Kid Dynamo (Erin Carter, 1st grade parent) and Erica Tanov (Erica Tanov, 5th grade parent)  needs votes before June 30th to win a grant. < click, log in with Facebook, and Vote >

Flowerland Nursery on Solano Ave (Carly Dennett, K & 7th grade parent) now has an on-site coffee bar, hosted by the same java-obsessive folks who run Local123 near BPC!  Pick up some tomato plants and try the espresso!  < hours+ >

Tumbleheart, Evan Specter's (3rd & 5th grade parent) improv theater ensemble, is performing in Mill Valley next weekend, June 30th & July 1st < video & info >

__________________________

Got news of your own?  Share it

Summer Reading Suggestions from the BPC Librarians

Summer Reading Recommendations from the Black Pine Circle School Librarians

Kindergarten and Grade 1

• Farm by Elisha Cooper

• Iris and Walter (series) by Elissa Haden Guest

• Max's Words and sequel Max's Dragon by Kate Banks

• Mouse and Mole: Fine Feathered Friends (series) by Wong Herbert Yee

• Pierre the Penguin: a true story by Jean Marzollo

• Princess Hyacinth (the Surprising Tale of a Girl Who Floated) by Florence Parry Heide

• Quiet in the Garden by Aliki

• Robot Zot by Jon Scieszka

• Up, Up, and Away by Ginger Wadsworth

Grades 2 and 3

• 14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy

• Around the World in 80 Mysteries (series) by Carole Marsh. Titles include The Mystery of

the Ancient Pyramid and The Breathtaking Mystery on Mount Everest

• The Boy Who Invented T.V.: the Story of Philo Farnsworth by Kathleen Krull

• The Day-Glo Brothers: the True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer's Bright Ideas and Brand-

New Colors by Chris Barton

• The Hallelujah Flight by Phil Bildner

• If Not for the Cat by Jack Prelutsky

• Lawn Boy and sequel Lawn Boy Returns by Gary Paulsen

• Redwoods by Jason Chin

• Summer Birds: the Butterflies of Maria Merian by Margarita Engle

• You are the First Kid on Mars by Patrick O'Brien

Grades 3 through 5

• Green by Laura Peyton Roberts

• Into the Volcano: a Volcano Researcher at Work by Donna O'Meara

• The Magic Thief (trilogy) by Sarah Prineas

• Mr. Lincoln's High-Tech War: how the North used the telegraph, railroads, surveillance

balloons, ironclads, high-powered weapons, and more to win the Civil War by Thomas B.

Allen

• Meanwhile: Pick any path. 3856 story possibilities (graphic novel) by Jason Shiga

• No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman

• Real Kids, Real Places (series) by Carole Marsh. Titles include The Ghost of the Golden

Gate Bridge and The Mapcap Mystery of the Missing Liberty Bell

• Rules by Cynthia Lord

• The Secret Language of Girls and sequel The Kind of Friends We Used to Be by Frances

O'Roark Dowell

• The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

Grades 6 through 8

• Almost Astronauts: 13 Women who Dared to Dream by Tanya Lee Stone

• Charles and Emma: the Darwins' Leap of Faith by Deborah Heilegman

• Cold Hands, Warm Heart by Jill Wolfson

• Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass

• Leviathan by Scott Westerfield

• Into the Volcano (graphic novel) by Don Wood

• Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez

• The Rock and the River by Kekla Magoon

• Shifty by Lynn Hazen

Berkeley Public Library Recommendations

Cilck to View Grade Specific Lists K-5    Click for 6th-8th and Special Themes

At the Central library, they have a yellow sheet "If you liked Diary of a Wimpy Kid..."  I recommend it!

Slathering on Sunscreen, Early and Often

DOH!  With studies showing that sun exposure as a child increases risks later on, children must be taught early on about the dangers of sun exposure and make a habit of using sunscreen.

http://nyti.ms/K4oDqI

Donate your Old Backpack on the Last Day of School!

Ditch Your Old Backpack! 

Donate your old backpacks on the last day of school!

Dirty?  Used?  That's okay!  Bring it and we’ll put it to good use!

Families Make A Difference is excited to let you know that we are entering into a new partnership with Hope Through Opportunity and this End-of-Year Backpack Drive is our first effort to make a difference across the globe!  Hope Through Opportunity is a non-profit founded in 1998 by Alice Hiatt, Grandmother of Akaisha Hiatt in 6^th-soon to be-7^th grade. 

The mission of HTO is to bring education, health and self-sufficiency to the people of Africa in order to help them create and sustain a better future. Their efforts are focused in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania. 

Who will be receiving the backpacks?

Kids of the Upendo Orphan Club will get your old, worn backpacks!

These children have lost their parents and wander the area seeking shelter wherever they can find it.  There is no orphanage for them. In 2005, Alice was introduced to the orphans and witnessing the great need, vowed to help them by creating Hope Through Opportunity. Since HTO has been helping the Upendo Orphan Club, life for these children has improved.  Last year HTO provided uniforms, pencils and notebooks so they all may attend school. Assistance to the now 500+ children of the Upendo Orphan Club with food, clothing, medical care and other aid is ongoing. Believe it or not, having backpacks will greatly impact the lives of these children! Our old, dirty, worn backpacks will be part of a humanitarian supply 40' cargo container to be shipped out this October.  Alice Hiatt will be at Black Pine Circle to receive the backpacks and talk to anyone interested in the work she is doing.  She will also be in Tanzania when the container arrives in next January or February.  Patience grasshopper. 

So Ditch your old Backpacks on the last day of School!

For more information, please contact:  Rachael Jackson, rachael00@gmail.com or liz mcbee-horner, bpc.FMD@gmail.com.  And, stay tuned this fall to see what else Families Make a Difference is working on with Hope Through Opportunity!

Coach Vince featured as Bike-to-Work Superstar?

Stories from the Energizer Stations On Bike to Work Day, we learn so much about ‘energizing’ people to make the East Bay a great place to ride. Here are a few stories from this year's energizer stations: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin of Richmond rode into the energizer station at San Pablo & MacDonald and was greeted by Building Blocks for Kids, a wonderful group making Richmond a better place–it’s such a wonderful treat when the Mayor rolls in; From the El Cerrito BART energizer station: Vince, a Berkeley middle school teacher, started a bike to school ride with many of his teenage students, who join him every year on Bike to Work Day. Mayor Tom Bates was impressed when they rode thru the North Berkeley BART energizer station–so many kids on bikes!

Bicycle Coalition eNews May 15, 2012:  read on ebbc.org East Bay Bike to Work Day Breaks All Records Stories from the Energizer Stations Relive the Fun of our Bike Happy Hour Party New 2012 BART Bicycle Plan Proposes to Double Number of Bike Commuters  EBBC Rolls Out Spanish Language Bicycle Safety Classes New Adeline Street Bike Lanes on Agenda of Oakland BPAC Thursday  Richmond Ride of Silence Honors Fallen Cyclists Bike-In Movie: Breaking Away at Hot Italian Restuarant May 24 Upcoming Events

What's the best way to teach children the value of money?

That's a question that has troubled parents for years. Most use a regular allowance as the vehicle for imparting lessons about how to manage, spend and save money wisely. But there's a split among parents—and family-finance experts—over the question: Should a child's allowance be tied to doing chores?  <read the whole article on the Wall Street Journal Website>  

My family uses a free service called Moneytrail.net to track allowance- it has separate piggy banks for "Spend, Save, and Share".  - Evan

Families Make a Difference

FAMILIES MAKE A DIFFERENCE

A Word of Thanks for Daniel Barth, head honcho at Harrison House ("The Village")

To everyone i wish to thank you all for the love & effort that you put into the event this weekend at the Village. From our standpoint, it was perfect. The kids were engaged the whole way through, the families on both sides planned well and were well prepared. We had sure leadership. We had the place grooving for the whole event - the jumpie house was key for sure. It was sooo evenly paced, real refreshing.  

Minutes from the most recent Families Make a Difference Meeting

Parent Hank Maninger's bands playing in SF & Alameda May 10th & 20th

Hey Everybody. The Aqua Velvets are playing again. Come on down and check it out. The original lineup (Miles Corbin, Michael Lindner, Hank Maninger, Donn Spindt) we'll be playing together again for the 1st time in 10 years! At Forbidden Island in Alameda on May 10th, 8pm

What:  A little bit of bluegrass, a small dose of rockabilly, and a ton of classic country flavor—think close vocal harmonies, upright bass, and twangy guitar.  We’ll even treat you to a little pedal steel.  Barbecue!  Kids welcome!  It’s a Ranch Party Family Affair!

Who: The Better Haves!  Lil’ Anne Arnhym and Lynne Maes sing and play with our husbands, Greg Yanito and Hank Maninger.  

Where:  Thee Parkside in SF—and—I love saying this—parking is EASY.

When:  Sunday, May 20th, 4:00-5:15.   Yep, this is about the most family friendly gig time there is.  We’ll be sharing the stage with the Patsychords, who come on at 5:45. 

Oh, and it's FREE!  

Family Camps & Virtual Camp Fair

Still looking for Summer Camps?

See this earlier post,  or check out Parent Press' Virtual Camp Fair.

For family camps, I've heard good things about
Echo Lake Camp and Feather River Camp

FAQ about Room Parenting

Q: Are Room Parents and Parents' Circle two different things?  At my old school, room parents helped the teachers, and the PTA did fundraising.

Kairos Youth Choir May 20th: Five BPC 6th Graders are performing

"I want to feel my heart coming alive again...!" 

-from the song "Before the Parade" by J. Herman & M. Stewart

Drumming Class for 7-11 yr olds starting up

 


A new drum circle studio just opened in North Berkeley (next to Mr. Mopp's).  Katie Specter went to the first session of a new Wed afternoon class (5-6pm) and it was GREAT. There's still room if you're interested.  I (Katie's Dad) would pick up a kid from aftercare, even.

Music Connects offers weekly drum circles for children age 7-11, starting a 6 week
cycle May 2nd- June 6th on Wednesdays from 5pm-6pm. Costs per child: $150

Donkey & Goat's Summer Solstice Fête

Donkey & Goat's 

SUMMER SOLSTICE FÊTE

SATURDAY, JUNE 23 1-4PM
AT THE WINERY
1340 FIFTH STREET, BERKELEY 

There is no charge for admission but PLEASE read below.

Join us to celebrate summer's official arrival and with it our new summer wines:  2011 Improbable Chardonnay, 2011 Grenache Blanc and 2011 Grenache Noir.

There is no charge for admission to taste the new wines (we normally charge $10 in our tasting room)  and enjoy the summer afternoon while grooving to the tunes of The Tear Jerkers.  For noshes Pizza Politana will return with their wood fired, clay pizza oven  and offer their scrumptious pizzas for sale.  And for anyone wanting more than a taste, we will also have glass pours (and bottles) for sale.  For more information contact tracey@adonkeyandgoat.com or call the winery at 510-868-9174.

A Fundraiser at Donkey & Goat Winery to Support a Sunday Street-closing event this Fall

a FUNDRAISER for Sunday Streets Berkeley

at Donkey & Goat Winery, 1340 Fifth Street in Berkeley

Wine, beer, food, live music and activities for kids!

This fall, Sunday Streets Berkeley will close the Downtown to cars on a Sunday, turning the Downtown into a paved park where people can bike, walk, jog and dance, meet up with friends and play in the street.

But we'll need your help to make Sunday Streets a reality... all you need to do is come to a party hosted by Donkey & Goat Winery with Trumer Brauerei.

When: Saturday, May 12, 2-5pm 
Where: Donkey & Goat Winery (just around the corner from Picante)

TICKETS are $10 or FREE when you join Livable Berkeley. JOIN NOW and get free drink tickets!

The GO STREATERY food truck will be at the party!

We are so excited to have LIVE MUSIC by the DON'T LOOK BACK STRING BAND!

Plus, we'll have fun ACTIVITIES for KIDS and great RAFFLE PRIZES!

BUY YOUR TICKETS EARLY to be entered in our raffle... stay tuned for details!

Divino heralded as Up-and-Coming in SFChron

"Divino is a contemporary neighborhood restaurant in central Berkeley opened two months ago by owners with young children. Chef Joan Gallagher produces simple, deeply flavored food sourced from local purveyors. The menu isn't cluttered with farm names or smart descriptions. " 

"Lively salads, starters and desserts are so good, consider ordering multiple courses and dining family-style. Gallagher's addictive appetizer of warm goat cheese and olives ($8) comes with a bushel of Acme toast points. The antipasti plate ($14/$18) includes a lush and sharp crescenza (the cheese of the day) and a generous trio of locally cured meats, including a meaty prosciutto. Croquettes ($7) are just plain fun - golden fried balls of saffron risotto and molten mozzarella in a bright tomato sauce."

Read More about Berkeley's Divino Restaurant

Join the Parents' Circle by Becoming a Room Parent

We're still looking for Room Parents in (next year's) 7th & 8th

Won't you be one of them?

Many Hands Make Light Work!

To join up, email your room parents or parentcircleheads@blackpinecircle.org today

and join us May 8th for the dinner party & orientation at Laura Wolff's home.

Jerry Kennedy's Beatles Rock Camp 2012!

We are accepting taking sign-ups for Beatles Rock Camp 2012 !Once again we'll be bringing you great instructors in a rocking and fun environmentt!!! We have expanded our dates this year to July 30th - August 10th, Monday- Friday from 10-2pm. You have the option for one or two weeks... 

We will once again take your child through a whole host of "Beatles" repertoire and history.  They will practice in various groups and will perform daily at our own version of the Cavern Club. They will also get to perform for friends and family at the end of each week. 

Age for BRC Camp is 7 & up, and all instruments are welcome. Last year we had a blast and learned so much . I'm looking forward to an even better camp this year including a teen group for kids 13 and up. We hope that you will consider us again for your child summer camp activities! 

Please note : Attached is a flyer regarding the camp and a registration form. *I will be sending out more info on the camp. Please let me know if you may be interested ASAP.

Click to view the Camp Flyer

Click to view & print the camp registration form

Are TV and Video Games Making Kids Fat?

"Talk about a disparity between theory and practice. The American Academy of Pediatrics tells parents that children’s total entertainment media timeshould not exceed two hours daily. According to theKaiser Family Foundation, average kids watch at least twice that much television. They also spend more than an hour per day online and another hour on video games. These activities, collectively called “screen time,” are widely blamed for thetripling of obesity rates in children since the 1980s."

By Darshak Sanghavi


read full article