Thursday Notes
The Raskob Parent Association Newsletter
 
October 12, 2017                                                Volume 7   Issue 2  



 
Presidents' Message

Dear Raskob Community,
 
We hope that everyone's friends and families are safe from the fires burning throughout the state. These types of events remind us of how important it is to have strong community with our neighbors, friends, colleagues and school community. Given that school is out for the next couple of days, we hope everyone will take this opportunity to connect with one another, be it play dates (or "hang out" as our teenage girls are now calling it), a phone call or even a text. 
 
Speaking of community, we had a wonderful time at the Fall Fiesta last weekend - I couldn't stay away from the taco truck (they were delicious!), and there was also wine and tequila tasting. A huge "thank you" to Vanessa and Brandon Bergmark for hosting the fall parent's social this year. They have an absolutely beautiful backyard that is ideal for this type of event. The weather was great and it was just a lot of fun mingling with the other parents by the fire pit or under the lights. If you weren't able to make it this time, we're planning another parent social event in March.
 
Our next big event for parents is a dyslexia simulation workshop planned for Wednesday, November 8 from 1:00 to 2:30pm. If you haven't participated in one of these experiential sessions yet, now's the time to try it and "get" what a student with learning challenges experiences every day. Please see the announcement below for more information. It's free. For planning, we would appreciate if you can register here: raskobworkshop. eventbrite.com
 
Lastly, due the school closure this week, the RPA meeting has been canceled. We are looking to reschedule this meeting and will follow up soon with more details. Thank you.
Cheers,
Phil & Mark 
Phil Wright - philwright535@gmail.com   
Mark Headley - mooseley@gmail.com 
In This Issue

Important Dates
October 13
Cancelled - RPA Meeting

October 16 - 20 
Health Education Grades 5-8  
 
October 23 - 27  
Parent Teacher Conferences
 
October 25
Flu Vaccine Day
 
October 26 & 27
Early Dismissal - Noon dismissal
 
October 31
Halloween  
(View Dress Code)

Quick Links


 
Meet Raskob's Teachers:
Hailey Laws
Middle School Reading Teacher


Where did you grow up?
Los Angeles
 
What's your favorite movie?
I have a million but:  
Death Becomes Her, Practical Magic, The Craft
 
What's your favorite food?
Shrimp tacos or sopes  
 
What is your favorite quote?
"I sneezed on the beat, and the beat got sicker" - Our Lady Beyonce
 
Why did you become a teacher?
I love kids, particularly middle schoolers. I love everything about them (even their moods!). I love their perspective and their brilliance, and nothing is more exciting than teaching them something new.  
 
How would you describe your teaching style?
Loving and accessible with high expectations.  
 
What is your favorite thing to teach?
Reading, Writing, and Math.  
 
What makes Raskob a special place?
At Raskob, as a teacher, you have the space and privilege to tailor your instruction to meet student need, case by case. You can interface more with your students and it's much easier to track their successes. It is a space where teachers can build a positive and trusting classroom culture, where students cannot fall through the cracks.
Register Today!
Dyslexia Simulation Workshop
Wednesday, November 8th

It's one thing to read about learning differences.  
It's another thing to see them through your child's eyes.
 
If you have not yet participated in one of these experiential sessions, now is the time to "get" what a student with learning challenges experiences daily.

The RPA welcomes you to participate in a free dyslexia simulation workshop in which you become the child struggling to perform in a world where expectations are high and empathy is in short supply. Materials used are designed by the Dyslexia Training Center of San Diego and include simulations in reading, writing, and processing.

The session will be moderated by parents and will take place at Raskob/HNU, starting at 1:00pm with the workshop timed for Raskob 2:30 pick-up.

To register, please visit: raskobworkshop.eventbrite.com
Volunteer Opportunity
Raskob staff would like to celebrate  
the newest addition to our community:  
Oliver Schmidt (Mr. Josh's new baby!)
 
We are looking for 4 parents to offer  
general supervision on our yard from 8:00-8:30  
on Friday, October 20th so the staff can surprise  
Mr. Josh with a "baby celebration".   
 
Please contact Jessica Baiocchi (Baiocchi@hnu.edu)  
if you are able to help out. Thanks you!
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During Parent Teacher Conferences 
Noon Dismissal Days 
October 26th & 27th
 
For families who wish to schedule child care from 12-3pm,  
please complete the minimum day ASP form 
All families, even if you are already signed up ASP for the semester,  
you must complete the ASP form in order to support adequate staffing.
Mark Your Calendar: Local Workshop
SOS4Students and the Julia Morgan School for Girls  
are excited to announce the first annual Parenting U  
 
"ParentingU: Empowering Parents for the Road Ahead"
A full day of learning for parents of students  
in grades 4-8 from all schools and communities
  
Saturday, November 11, from 8:30am -4:30pm
Julia Morgan School For Girls (Mills College Campus)
5000 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94613   
 
Keynote Speaker is Michael Pritchard - educator, activist and stand-up comic!   
Come for breakfast, followed by the keynote and choice of three workshops, plus lunch, and many opportunities to have your most pressing concerns addressed.  
 
For more information and to register, visit www.parenting-u.com.