May 5th, 2023 

Greetings Sankofa United Staff and Community,

It is a pleasure to present Dr. Charquita Arnold as the Principal of Sankofa United Elementary School beginning next school year. I would like to thank the community and staff for participating in the process to identify the characteristics you wanted in the new Sankofa United Principal. We truly appreciate the time you dedicated to discussing the characteristics of the future principal, interviewing candidates, and your willingness to participate. Dr.  Arnold embodies the qualities generated by the Sankofa United staff and community, and she was thrilled to be selected by the staff and community. She is excited to begin this important work as a team.

I have complete confidence in Dr. Arnold’s leadership, ability to collaborate with a diverse community, and dedication to continue to make Sankofa United a quality elementary school. Dr. Arnold has been a culturally responsive, equity driven educator with experience of over 10 years.  Cultural competence, equity actions, emotional intelligence, kindness, mindfulness, and social and restorative justice mindset are important traits she is bringing with her to Sankofa United.

She is ready to begin her work at Sankofa United as the principal, in collaboration with the staff and community so that all students thrive.

Dr. Arnold’s employment will be confirmed by the Oakland Unified School Board in the near future. We will host an upcoming virtual meet and greet within the next few weeks to welcome Dr. Arnold to the Sankofa United Community.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Arnold,  Network 2 Superintendent

April 10, 2023

Hello Sankofa United Families:

I hope that you have had a restful and joyous Spring Break. We return to a fantastic weather forecast. Don’t forget to apply some sunscreen and pack a water bottle this week. We can’t wait to see everyone back on campus Monday!

COVID test: Please remember to have your child take an at-home COVID test before coming back to school Monday. Remember, we have more available for the asking in our office.

Reading Fest: Our Reading Fest is on!

• Day of Reading with family volunteers, Wednesday, April 12.
• Book Giveaway! Friday, April 14, every child will get a book donated by Oakland Public Library and a collectable bookmark from Ms. Mary!  Every class will have a drawing for additional reading related prizes!
• Discount at Marcus Books, the oldest Black Owned Bookstore in the US. Mention "Sankofa United" between now and April 16.
• Monday is the final day of the Pegasus Bookstore fundraiser. Click here for information.
• Fundraiser Brunch at North Light on Telegraph. Saturday, April 15, 11 AM - 3 PM.
• Applications for free Oakland Public Library Cards went home in backpacks and are available in the office. Please turn them in to the PTA box in the office by Tuesday, April 11.
• Our take-a-book shelf is available for any student to take a free book home any time!

A big thanks to Sami Goski, Lizzy Vlasses, and others who have helped to make Reading Fest such a success!

"Bike Bus" this Wednesday! Join us at 8:00 AM at 55th and Dover to have a fun, safe, and slow bike ride to school.

Family Coffee and Student Success Assembly this Friday! Our “1st Friday” family coffee and "2nd Friday" Student Success Assembly will be held the same day this week, due to Spring Break. Please join us on the playground for coffee (beginning at 8:00) and the assembly at the 8:30 bell.

Save the date for 2 big Spring events! (More info coming soon!)

• Saturday, April 29th. "Bounce into Spring" Carnival!
• Saturday, May 6. Student Arts Showcase!

Looking forward to seeing you all soon.

~ Dennis Guikema, Principal

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For all prior announcements and messages from the principal, click on this link