Bobcat Bulletin
September 5, 2023
--Back to Binkley Night--
Teachers engaging with families. Know that we are all connected.
Our Binkley Community! THANK YOU.
Cultural performances ended the night. Well done kiddos!
We are a Diverse Community
Thank you for attending Back to Binkley Night and engaging in an evening that really shows who we are at Binkley from the diversity of our students and families, to our teachers who care deeply for each of you, to the specials that your child gets to be a part of from library to music, and lastly to the beauty of our students (your children) showing off their talents. A special thank you to families who prepared and served food from their culture, the time and energy you took to feed us is so appreciated.
Common Ground shared their message of inclusion and accepting each other for who we are, no matter how different. They gave two presentations: one to K-3rd, and 4th-6th. Then spent one on one time in upper grade classrooms answering student questions. They even taught us some sign language with HI - GO - LOVE. Just say Hi and follow their lead. We work hard at Binkley to teach students that everyone truly belongs for who they are, they do not need to just fit in.
September is Attendance Awareness Month. The theme of 2023’s Attendance Awareness Campaign is “Showing Up Together!“, which speaks to the importance of joining together to address the devastating effects of interrupted learning, increased economic stress, and anxiety in our students. Research shows that when students are chronically absent (missing 10% or more of the school year or 18 days over an entire year), they are less likely to read proficiently by third grade, achieve in middle school, and graduate from high school. We are here in partnership with you; if you need any support with getting your child to school, please call me, your child's teacher or our school counselor, Mr. Gustavo.
BE Safe. BE Responsible. BE Respectful.
BE YOUR BINKLEY BEST!
Warmly,
Harmony Harvell, Principal
Common Ground Assembly Press Democrat Article.
We have kicked off SPECIALS!
Music, STEM, and library all began last week. Mrs. Thompson is Binkley's new STEM teacher -- click her picture for the STEM newsletter. 6th graders have STEM twice a week for 45 minutes. This year, with the RVEF funding we have STEM for lessons for 4th and 5th graders, and the STEM lab is available and open for all grade levels.
Primary students have music 30 minutes twice a week, grades 4th-5th have 45 minutes twice a week with the phenomenal Mrs. Garcia-Norris. RVP classes have one music class with their class, and the other mainstreamed with general education. 6th graders can join band or orchestra in the morning before school starts. And we are lucky to have choir open to 5th and 6th grade.
And Mrs. Johnston returns as our wonderful librarian. Students get to enjoy the library once a week, and for our older students it is open three days a week at lunch recess.
EXTRA CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
Seedlings Garden Club - Starts September 6th
Come one, come all! Binkley is starting garden club again that will be held on campus for
the fourth year. The club will meet on Wednesdays after school from 2:00 until 3:00pm in
the Binkley Garden. We encourage parents and siblings to come along and please be sure to
bring water, a snack, and wear old clothing. Space is limited, first come, first serve basis.
PERMISSION SLIPS IN THE OFFICE
LatinX Dance Class - Starts September 13th
Ms. Maru will be back to teach folklorico, salsa, and cumbia starting September 13th until November 8th. She will take all grade levels. Ms. Lily will assist (you need to see her salsa!). If students want to do garden and dance, there will be Monday garden slots open for them. There will also be a performance from this dance group at the November whole school assembly.
RVUSD Tech Tips
Be a Role Model: 4 Ways to Balance Screen Time Around Children
One of the advantages of modern technology is that you can be at the playground and scroll through your phone at the same time. We've all been there. We answer emails, catch up on group chats, and try to get in that one last text. The thing is, children notice. They're watching us, watching how we use devices.
Lots of studies show the effects of screen time on kids, and there are guidelines for how much is appropriate at what age. More importantly, kids learn their screen habits from us. But it's common for many parents and caregivers to be distracted by their phones when spending time with their children. These tips can help you balance your own tech use and model healthy habits for the kids.
Set device-free times and zones
Establish screen-time goals for yourself
Keep distractions to a minimum
Watch and play movies, shows, and games together
We want to partner with families on this topic! Click here to learn more.
BOOSTER EVENTS
Welcome Back Party & Pasta Feed with Pasta King - September 15, 5:30-7pm
Join us to kick off the school year with a pasta feed fundraiser, raffles, and more! (Please note that you do not have to participate in the pasta feed to enjoy the rest of our event.)
Pasta Feed
Enjoy dinner from Pasta King while supporting Binkley! $15 a plate gets you penne pasta with marinara, penne pasta with pesto, green salad with Italian dressing, bread and butter. Children are welcome to share plates. Tickets must be purchased prior to the event, no tickets will be available at the door! Purchase online (www.binkleyboosters.com), in the school office (checks or exact change only please!), or after school September 5 to September 7. Sorry, no refunds. Ticket sales end September 12.
Kona Ice
After dinner (or before, we don't judge!) get a sweet treat from Kona Ice.
50/50 Raffle
Buy a raffle ticket for your chance to win half the pot! Tickets are $10 each at the event, or buy them online (www.binkleyboosters.com) at a discount until September 12 and get 5 for $45. You do not need to be present to win.
Raffles
Enter to win some fantastic prizes donated by our Binkley community and local businesses! Tickets are $1 each, available at the event. You do not need to be present to win.
Arts & Crafts
Keep the kids entertained at our free arts and crafts station!
Hope to see you there!
SPIRIT STORE OPEN
It's time to order your new Binkley spirit wear! Order online (https://stores.inksoft.com/binkley_elementary_school/shop/home) before the store closes on September 10!
Save the Date
September 13th: LatinX Dance Begins
September 14th: Boosters Meeting @ 6pm
September 15th: Pasta Feed @ 5:30
September 22nd: Camp Binkley (take the day off of work, and come volunteer!)
September 25th: Bobcat of the Month Assembly @ 8:35 (families always welcome)
September 28th: Picture Day
ParentSquare Links
- Attendance Form which is another way to let us know your child will not be at school.
- Binkley School's Handbook will all the ins and outs of how our school runs.
- Community Fliers which have opportunities for your child outside of school: sports, camps, music, theater, etc. As we get them, they go here.
- Parent Directory which is where you can connect to to other families in your child's class.
Binkley Elementary Charter School
Email: hharvell@rvusd.org
Website: https://www.rvusd.org/o/binkley
Location: 4965 Canyon Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95409
Phone: 707-539-6060
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BinkleyRV/