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Friday News is posted each week. Check News

PTA meeting minutes now posted. Check News

Malcolm X contacts:
Principal: Cheryl Chinn
Secretary: Sandra Maldonado
Home Sch. Liaison: Lisa Cullen
Curriculum: Jai Waggoner
Records: Maru Hiratzka
Phone: 510-644-6313
Fax: 510-644-6297

Malcolm X PTA contacts:

President: 

  
Solange Gould 510-649-8909
Co-Executive VPs:  
Judea Johnson 510-452-7080
Joseph Levinson 510-845-8798

The Berkeley PTA Council

For school tours, contact Sandra Maldonado, MX Secretary, or Jai Waggoner, Curriculum Coordinator/Art Teacher, at 644-6313.

For enrollment info, go to the Resources page.

 

 

 

Updated 9/14/09
by Kellie Whittaker
 
 
 

 

Welcome to Malcolm X Arts & Academics Magnet's PTA

We love our school! Malcolm X Elementary (a California Distinguished School award winner!) offers a unique combination of academic challenge and performing experience that gives every child the opportunity to acquire fundamental skills, grow in confidence and self-expression, and participate in a spirited learning community. And -- we have one of the best PTA's in the BUSD (the highest membership last year with 170 families). Join us!

What is the PTA?
PTA stands for Parent Teacher Association. The Malcolm X PTA is the local branch of a BUSD, California, and nationwide PTA system. Our chapter at Malcolm X consists of the Executive Board and the General Membership. It is a volunteer organization dedicated to making Malcolm X the best school it can be. It is your resource. 

What does the PTA do?
⇒  We bring people together.
⇒  We organize to make our school a better place.
⇒  We raise money for our school (nearly $40,000 last year went directly to support our school: classrooms, $15,000; the librarian, $10,500; the entire drama program, $8,000; scholarships, $3,440; Cal Performance field trips, $1,600; and many other events).
⇒  We offer all the children at Malcolm X the opportunity for an enriched school experience.

What is the Executive Board and who are they?
The Executive Board is entrusted with running the PTA chapter. Each area of responsibility has one or more volunteers and the entire group is overseen by the chapter president. Spring elections select parents and teachers to become board members for the following school year. The 2009-10 executive board is:

Parent and guardian representatives:

Teacher representatives:

  • May-Lynne Gill

Contacts for PTA fundraisers, committees, events and volunteering:
Malcolm X parents--we need you! Please consider filling the OPEN positions!

Who is the General Membership?
The general membership consists of parents, guardians, and teachers. Dues for the school year are $5, with no one turned away for lack of funds. Donations are always welcome and tax-deductible, with 100% going straight for school programs, classroom trips, and community events.

To become a member, fill out the card that came home with your child at the beginning of the school year, ask for another card at the main office, or call PTA President Solange Gould at 510-649-8909. Have your child return the form to his or her teacher, or come to a PTA meeting.

How do we bring people together?
  • School-wide gatherings and events such as the First Days of School Welcome Reception and monthly meetings — Usually the second Wednesday evening of each month (check the calendar for date changes) in the Library. Join fellow parents and teachers and participate in selected topics (free childcare provided).
  • Family Heritage Night — A potluck in December celebrating diversity.
  • Spring Fair — An end-of-year gala celebrating our community.

How do we organize to make our school a better place?
  • The Friday News — A weekly newsletter keeping you informed. Your first challenge as a parent is to find it in your child's backpack or back pocket.  Or you can always pick one up in the office or find it online (see the "News" link above)!
  • The PTA Bulletin Board — Located by the school front door (near the main office). Check it out.
  • We organize Room Parents — At least one parent per classroom acts as a liaison and helps organize the structure of the phone tree.
  • Phone directory — Essential for setting up play dates and helping your classroom teacher with details.  Please respond with your information promptly (when asked) to facilitate its timely distribution.
  • After-school Enrichment Classes — Sponsored by the PTA, provides on-site activities like Circus, Mad Science, Spanish, Chess, Math Games (with emphasis on fun), Fencing, Gardening, Martial Arts, Ceramics, Carpentry, Animation, and more. Scholarships are available thanks to the fundraising and support of the PTA.
  • Technology Committee — Supports the school computer network and helps teachers use computers and the internet in their classes.
  • The Garden Committee — Support for our awesome organic garden and school site.  Sometimes it means buying a pumpkin or a packet of seeds and other times jumping into a work party!
  • School Safety Committee — Identifies concerns and works to improve our campus environment. Also works with Healthy Start on traffic control.
  • The Malcolm X School website (you're lookin' at it!).
  • Check here for volunteer opportunities.

How do we raise money for our school?
  • eScrip — A program that returns a percentage of each sale to the school of your choice. After you register, get friends and family to register anywhere in the world! You will find information at the scrip table, or later on the PTA information board and in the Friday News, or follow the link above.
  • Berkeley Bowl Scrip— If you shop regularly at Berkeley Bowl, purchase scrip (in $20 increments) from the school office and return part of your spending to Malcolm X. There is no extra cost to you; use the scrip as cash at Berkeley Bowl grocery, Oregon St., Berkeley. (The store cashier marks any partially used scrip for next time.)
  • T-Shirt and Sweat Shirt Sales — Malcolm X "Together We Can." We have a great graphic. Get yours and wear it today! Show school pride!
  • Walk-a-Thon — Get pledges for laps around the school perimeter (or for dancing and reading).
  • Raffle — Win and support your school at the same time!

How do I get involved?
Take out a membership in the Malcolm X PTA. (It's inexpensive, and it really makes a difference!) Support your teacher and classroom by becoming a room parent. Come to a PTA meeting and join us. Join a committee to support one of our events. Sell loads of raffle tickets! There are many volunteer opportunities throughout the school year to lend a helping hand to make Malcolm X a great experience for your child. Check here for volunteer opportunities.