February 5, 2023

Hello Sankofa United Families.

At Sankofa United we strive to affirm and support Black students every minute and every day.  In February, during African American History Month, we shine a spotlight on Black excellence, and we bring extra mindfulness to culturally affirming practices.  Here are a few highlights of this month.

• African American Read-In, February 7.  In partnership with Oakland Education Fund.

• Black Family Night, February 16, 6:00 PM. (Note the new date!)  Childcare and dinner provided. All Black family members are welcome to this 2nd empowering and community building session.

• Black History Assembly, February 28, 10:00 AM. All families welcome! Each class will prepare a short performance during this month to present at our assembly.

Run Club and Bike Bus this week   Run club resumes this Tuesday at noon recess for all students who want to participate. This is fun, inclusive, and non competitive.  This Wednesday we have our monthly “Bike Bus” as well. We meet at 8:00 AM at 55th and Dover for a fun, slow, and safe ride to school.  All are welcome to join us there or enroute.  

February Student Success Assembly Friday @ 8:30.  Our monthly Student Success Assembly will be this Friday at 8:30 AM on the playground.  ALL families are welcome to join us.

Family and Staff Hot Chocolate Social this Friday @ 3:00 PM.  Our Friday coffee got rained out this month, so let’s gather at a time teachers and staff can make it too.  Our PTA will be hosting in front of school near the parking lot.  ALL families are welcome!

Big House Beans Fundraiser:  Big House Beans, a cafe on Telegraph @ 48th, is donating 10% of all orders on Mondays and Tuesdays in February to Sankofa United!  Click here for a flier to pass on to neighbors and friends. They were one of our most generous donors last year, and their backstory and mission is transformative.  

Reminder about signing in at the office and pick-up:  We have had a few instances recently in which family members have been on campus without first signing in at the office. All families are welcome on the yard before school, however, after that time, any family member or visitor must sign in at the front office and have a visitor's badge visible.  Also, no one should enter the parking lot/pick up area before 2:30 PM (1:00 PM on minimum days.) Thanks for understanding and helping to keep our campus safe.

5th grade (and future Sankofa) 2023-24 enrollment deadline this week:  By Friday, all 5th grade families should state your middle school preferences for next school year (or risk not getting a top choice.) Click here for more info.  We are also having our final virtual enrollment tour for families interested in Sankofa United this Monday. Please share this link with neighbors and friends who may wish to join us.

Important Winter/Spring Dates:  Please mark your calendars for these important dates.

• Every Tuesday. Run Club @ Noon Recess!  (Email dennis.guikema@ousd.org to volunteer)

• Wednesday, February 8, 8:00 AM. “Bike Bus” Meet at 55th & Dover to have a fun and safe bike ride to school.

• Thursday, February 9, 6:00 PM. PTA Meeting.

• Friday, February 10, 8:30 AM. Student Success Monthly Assembly. Playground. All families welcome!

• Friday, February 10.  [Preschool & 5th grade only]. Last day for “on-time” OUSD enrollment for 2023-24

• Wednesday, February 15. 4:00 PM. School Site Council (SSC) meeting

• Monday, February 20. Presidents Day.  All OUSD schools closed.

• Tuesday - Friday, February 21 - 24.  Conference week. 1:30 PM Minimum Day Dismissal.  (After School Program open until 6 PM.)

• Tuesday, February 28, 10:00 AM. Black History Assembly (Families welcome!)

• Friday, March 3, 8:00 AM. First Friday Family Coffee & Donuts.

• Thursday, March 9, 6:00 PM. PTA Meeting.

• Friday, March 10, 8:30 AM. Student Success Monthly Assembly. Playground. All families welcome!

• Friday, March 31. Cesar Chavez Day  All OUSD schools closed.

• Monday - Friday. April 3 - 7. Spring Break.  No classes or after school program.

Wishing you a great week!

` Dennis Guikema, Principal

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