| About
Malcolm X
2006
recipient of the California Distinguished School award
 Malcolm
X is realizing a dream.
The first part -- the school's remarkable program --
is well underway. Thanks to substantial funding support,
staff's planning and hard work, Malcolm X students spend
their days pursuing a rigorous academic course thoroughly
enriched by the arts. Every student at every grade level
receives instruction in each of the four major art forms
-- drama/creative writing, choral/instrumental music,
dance and movement and visual arts -- each and every
week. Not only is art studied as a pure form in special
classes, it also infuses every academic subject. The
skills they learn in kindergarten become increasingly
complex and sophisticated over the course of their six
years at the school. Kindergartners paint a picture
that tells a story, using color to express the relative
importance of the story's elements. By fifth grade students
are using color filters on stage lighting and experimenting
with theatrical make-up.
"The
skills and knowledge students learn in one classroom
tie into what they are doing in all their other classes,"
explains Principal Cheryl Chinn. "This allows students
to make connections among the subjects they study and
making those connections is exciting. Students see a
bigger picture -- they see the whole wonderful world
of the arts -- and they see where what they are doing
fits in. The same thing happens within the school itself.
The little ones see where they're going from the work
the older children do. The older children see where
they've come from and they are amazed at how much they
have accomplished.
Technology
is an important part of this experience. Students begin
using simple graphic design programs to illustrate their
work in kindergarten. By the upper grades, their expertise
includes creating slide shows, manipulating and importing
photographs, as well as shooting and editing QuickTime
movies, all of which they learn to blend with the written
word. Students may also create a video magazine, compiling
clips highlighting events in the school and also in
the surrounding community. "Part of the skill we are
teaching students is a critical appreciation of what
makes an effective aesthetic presentation," explains
teacher Marilyn Hiratzka.
Malcolm
X's program was given a tremendous boost when it was
selected both for funding as a federal magnet school
and as a participant in the Hills Project. The magnet
program provides equipment, materials, and curriculum
and staff development. The Hills Project brings artists
into the school to work with virtually all the students
in dance, instrumental and choral music. "We are so
fortunate," says Principal Chinn. "We have what we need
to realize our vision. We can give our students the
very best and that is enormously gratifying." Included
are after school activities such as chorus and jazz
band, available to all students at no additional cost.
Furthermore, Malcolm X school was one of a handful of
schools in the state that earned the Excellence in the
Arts Award.
Now
the second part of the dream -- the school's newly refurbished
building -- is a reality. From the graceful front plaza,
whose three arms lead into the auditorium, library,
and front door, to the beautiful outdoor amphitheater,
the "new" Malcolm X offers a dream-come-true environment
for students and staff alike. Principal Chinn proudly
leads a visitor through the new auditorium, with its
state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, light maple
floor and new basketball hoops. The library, always
a special place, glows with new appointments, carpet
and shelves; while each of the building's three floors
offers a lesson in the blending of colors to soothe,
invite and inspire. The school's wide light-filled halls
provide a perfect setting for the Galleria, the school's
permanent display area, where young artists and musicians
can display their works.
Principal
Chinn puts it succinctly. "You don't have to be a great
artist to attend Malcolm X. If you enjoy the arts and
you're willing to work hard, this is the school for
you." Come visit and see for yourself.
(From
the BUSD website)
School
bell schedule
Morning
bell:
8 a.m. -- Teachers’ duty day begins
8:08 a.m. -- First warning bell
8:10 a.m. -- Classes begin
Recess:
9:45-10 a.m. -- Kindergarten
10-10:20 a.m. -- Grades 1-3
10:20-10:35 a.m. -- Grades 4-5
Lunch & mid-day recess:
11:25 a.m.-12:10 p.m. -- Kindergarten (eat at 11:25)
11:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m. -- Grades 1–3 (1-2 eat at
11:35; 3 at 11:45)
12:05-12:45 p.m. -- Grades 4–5 (eat at 12:05)
Dismissal:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
1:30 p.m. -- Kindergarten
2:15 p.m. -- Grades 1-3
2:20 p.m. -- Grades 4-5
Wednesday (early dismissal)
1:30 p.m. -- Kindergarten
1:25 p.m. -- Grades 1-3
1:30 p.m. -- Grades 4-5
3:10 p.m. -- Teachers’ duty day ends
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