Staff Bulletin – February 23, 2009

APPRECIATIONS : Kudos to David de leeuw and Maureen Nixon-Holton, Health Academy Co-directors, for organizing and putting on the Academies Fair last week; Kudos to the PD Committee for putting on an informative and well- received PD Day last Wednesday; Kudos to the presenters in last week’s PD, Kudos to the Tech’s Women and Men Basketball teams and their coaches for their winning seasons; Kudos to Mr. Pasternak and his 3rd period class for winning the Pizza Party for the Canned Food Drive.

CAPS AND GOWNS: A staff member, who wishes to remain anonymous, as well as the PTA would like to help needy seniors with the cost of their cap and gowns. Please submit names of seniors who you believe need help paying for their caps and gowns to Ms. Morrison.

DANCE SHOWCASE MEMORIES IN MOVEMENT: Thursday, February 26, 7:00 pm. Mark Thursday on your calendar too come out to support our Dance Program. It will undoubtedly be an enjoyable evening of dance. You’ll be sorry if you miss it!

HISTORY: Congratulations to Oakland Tech for being a key player in the establishment of California’s Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Many years ago, some Tech students and teacher Tay McArthur, lobbied the Legislature for the establishment of this observance. Board President Alice Spearman has asked me for some student leaders from Tech to attend the OUSD Board meeting Wednesday, Feb. 25, at about 6:30 p.m. President Spearman attended a special ceremony last month at the State Capital where she was given a certificate of commendation for Tech for its role in the MLK Holiday by Assembly Member Swanson. At the Board meeting, Ms. Andujar and the Tech students will be recognized. Staff members are encouraged to attend to support Oakland Tech!

HISTORY: “In the late 19th century and early 20th centuries, the Rockridge hills had a scattering of big estates owned largely by tycoons who had made their fortunes in mining and other earth-moving trades. … A major force in the transformation of Rockridge was the Vernon Rockridge Improvement Club…the club campaigned to get schools, open a firehouse and close saloons. Claremont Elementary School and Oakland Technical High School both opened the decade following the club’s organization. The Rockridge Saloon on Broadway, a popular watering hole for Bilger Quarry workers was closed down when Oakland Tech opened down the street.” On page 73 of the book Images of America Rockridge, from which this information was taken, there is a picture of two girls dressed as chidren, taken on KIDS DAY, 1925: Obviously a precursor to our current Spirit Week dress-up days. Contact C. Dargahi if you would like to see the picture.

MARCH CALENDAR: Please send any March calendar items to C. Dargahi. The March Calendar will come out on Monday, March 3. It will include the WASC Visitation: March 23 – March 26.

MARZANO STRATEGIES – GENERATING AND TESTING HYPOTHESES: Research shows that a deductive approach (using a general rule to make a prediction) to this strategy works best. Whether a hypothesis is induced or deduced, students should clearly explain their hypotheses and conclusions. Applications:

• Ask students to predict what would happen if an aspect of a familiar system, such as the government or transportation, were changed.
• Ask students to build something using limited resources. This task generates questions and hypotheses about what may or may not work.

STUDENT COUNCIL MEETING: Because the 1st marking period of the 2nd semester ends on March 6, the next Student Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2009, during 3rd period.

SWOOSH RALLY BELL SCHEDULE
A 7:40 – 8:25
1 8:30-9:10
2 9:15-9:55
3 10:05-10:50
4 10:55-11:35
5 11:40-12:20
6 12:25-1:05
Lunch 1:05-1:48 Return to 3rd after lunch

Student ID required to attend Rally. If student does not have an ID then 3rd period teacher must verify student at the door. Tentative Agenda: National Anthem, Introduction of Court, Teacher Dance Introductions, Cheerleaders Chant, Freshmen Dance, Student Talent, Student Game, Sophomore Dance, Chant Musical Chairs, Student Talent, Junior Dance, Blind Folded Basketball, Senior Dance.

TEAM 20-11: There will be a Team 20-11 meeting on Monday after school in the principal’s conference room. The agenda will include our Sophomore mentees, the PRO Buttons for CAHSEE, and CST Testing.