April 5, 2021
Hello Sankofa United Families:
What a joy it was to welcome more students back to campus last week! While families still have the option to stay completely in distance learning, most of our kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade students returned last week for their “A” or “B” afternoon schedule. Here is a slideshow of pictures from our 1st days in Phase 1. KQED spoke to some staff and families on Tuesday and included pictures and some quotes in this piece. Thanks to family members who helped with festive decorations and treats. A giant appreciation goes out to all of our faculty and staff for moving mountains to accommodate a new schedule, new safety protocols and move-in logistics.
The week of April 5 - 9 is Spring Break for all OUSD schools. There will be no classes and our campus will be closed. (There will also be no open playground this week.)
We continue “Phase 1” the week of April 12, with our kinder, 1st, and 2nd graders, “priority” 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, and students in our learning hub continuing the schedule from the week before Spring Break. 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students will have “minimum days” on April 15 & 16 while these teachers prepare to return to campus. (Classroom teachers will share the specific schedule details with families.)
Please save the date for these important events. (All are “virtual” at tinyurl.com/SankofaZoom)
- Wed, April 14, 6:00 - 7:00 PM, School Site Council (SSC) meeting)
- Thurs, April 14, 6:00 - 6:30 PM, Phase 2 Orientation (required for all families of students returning to campus next week.)
- Thursday, April 14, 6:30 - 7:30 PM, PTA (Parent Teacher Association) monthly meeting (immediately following the orientation.)
Our monthly All Student Celebration & Assembly will be moved to a new day and time for April and May. This is also at tinyurl.com/SankofaZoom
- Wed, April 14, 12:15 - 1:00 PM
- Wed, May 5, 12:15 - 1:00 PM
The week of April 19 we welcome back ALL students whose families wish for them to return. (Those who want to stay in distance learning through the end of the school year may.) The rest of our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders; all of our Special Day Class students; and our Early Childhood program will all return to campus at least part time. Schedule details will be shared directly with families by teachers.
I want to welcome Pamela Rubio, Valeria Magdelano, and Chanthea Som to the Sankofa United family! They are the newest member of our BACR team and at this time are working in support of our learning hubs (along with Ms. Laura and Mr. D). Please join me in giving them a warm welcome!
On a sad note, my friend, and champion of Sankofa United and all Oakland students, Jean Wing, passed away suddenly last week. Superintendent Johnson-Tramell sent out this message honoring her legacy. Please keep her family in your hearts.
Wishing you all a restful and joyous Spring Break!
~ Dennis Guikema, Principal
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