School bell schedule

Malcolm X contacts:
Principal: Cheryl Chinn

Secretary: Loren Nakamura
Home Sch. Liaison: Lisa Cullen
Curriculim: Jai Waggoner

Records: Maru Hiratzka
Phone: 510-644-6313
Fax: 510-644-6297

Malcolm X PTA contacts:

President: 

 
Cheryl Eccles 510-898-1786
Executive VP:  
Holly Scheider  

The Berkeley PTA Council

 


 


About the man:
Malcolm X official website
Wikipedia

 

 

Updated 9/3/07
by rkilhick@sfsu.eduu

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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