Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Oakland's first day of school: Children, teachers from closed schools adjust to new environment - ContraCostaTimes.com

Oakland's first day of school: Children, teachers from closed schools adjust to new environment - ContraCostaTimes.com:


Oakland's first day of school: Children, teachers from closed schools adjust to new environment

Posted:   08/27/2012 03:51:22 PM PDT
Updated:   08/27/2012 05:10:19 PM PDT

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Lakeview Elementary students join Burckhalter students on the first day of school
Students check the class lists to see what teacher they have on the first day of school at Burckhalter Elementary School in Oakland, Calif., on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. Burckhalter Elementary School starts the 2012-2013 school year with nearly an additional 100 students, eight teachers, and one principal after absorbing students and staff from the now closed Lakeview Elementary. (Laura A. Oda/Staff)
OAKLAND -- Outside the closed Lakeview Elementary School Monday, Mamadou Guisse and his younger sister Awa Mar boarded a van that would take them and other former Lakeview students to their first day at a new school. Meanwhile their parents, Ami Diankha and Mamur Guisse, waited at its destination: Burckhalter Elementary. They wanted their children to become accustomed to taking the van, but they weren't about to miss their first day.
"They're here! They're here! They're coming!" Diankha said as a small group of children approached. "How was the ride? Pretty good?" she asked them. They nodded.
Mamadou, 11, and Awa, 9, are among hundreds of Oakland schoolchildren adjusting to new routines, new people 

Mt. Diablo school board allows Clayton Valley charter to use KVHS for one year

Posted:   08/27/2012 10:49:41 PM PDT
Updated:   08/27/2012 10:49:41 PM PDT

CONCORD -- The Mt. Diablo school board conditionally agreed to allow Clayton Valley Charter High to pursue a radio course for one year through the Contra Costa County Office of Education's Regional Occupational Program.
Trustees unanimously agreed to allow the school to operate the program on the KVHS radio station on the campus through the end of the 2012-13 school year, even if a buyer such as KQED in San Francisco makes an offer. Originally, staff had recommended that the district give the school 90 days notice if it intended to sell the station.
Trustees said that would not be fair to students, but they asked staff to continue investigating the value of the station.
The board also voted 4-1 to appoint Kerry Mills interim superintendent of pupil services and special education. Trustee Cheryl Hansen voted against the appointment because she did not agree with the contract language, which would allow Mills to assume the position permanently in June, if she receives a positive evaluation. Hansen wanted to allow more community input into the decision to extend the contract in June.
Trustees unanimously agreed to eliminate busing for some "overflow" students who must attend schools not in 
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