Washington Elementary School
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July 2007
I am moving to Berkeley with my 7 year old son this summer, and
we have just established residency in the ''central zone.''
According to the folks at BUSD, there is space available at BAM
and at Washington. (Cragmont and Oxford have waiting lists.) I
checked the archives, but I can only find pretty dated
information about Washington. Does anyone have a child at
Washington? Any information would be greatly appreciated!
Stella
We have two children at Washington, one just finished
kindergarten and the other second grade. We continue to be very
happy with the school. We looked at all the other schools in the
Central Zone, and one outside of it, and we found that
Washington classrooms have a certain consistency of structure
and discipline that really appealed to us. Discipline is strict
but loving. The principal, Rita Kimball, seems to know virtually
every student and cares about each one of them. Although the
classrooms are extremely diverse in terms of ability, our kids
are challenged and learn something every day.
We have also been very involved in the PTA, which for us has
been an enriching experience. There are parents who are
passionate about classroom enrichment, improving school grounds,
English language learning and other issues - the PTA has been a
great place to meet those people and to organize with them.
Downsides? There are one or two teachers we'd like to see
retire, but that is probably true at any school. Our kids have
learned immeasurably from their exposure to many cultures and
languages (17, at last count), as well as different socio-
economic backgrounds. We hope this is preparing them to live in
a ''pluralistic society.'' And besides that, they love school, so
that's pretty good!
Happy Washington parent
I want to write to share my enthusiasm for Washington Elementary,
but also speak to the discussion above about the Berkeley
assignment process. To short-cut it, let me just say that we
transferred to Washington from a private school last spring and
we have been extremely pleased with the caliber of the teachers,
the focused, hard-working, caring principal, the diversity and
the warmth of the community. Washington is a school that I am
very pleased to have my child attend.
To expand on the assignment question, my plea is that parents
take a second, harder look at the school to which they have been
assigned and are unhappy with. If the only concern is truly
access to a neighborhood school and the ability to walk to
school, then one needs to move to a city where that is the
paradigm -- Piedmont, Albany, etc. Berkeley has other commitments
and priorities. But I would believe that more than proximity is
the issue. I have found that in many cases, including my own, my
perception was colored by a desire to attend the one or two
schools in a zone with ''the reputation'' or ''the numbers.'' We, too
went through frustration with the process. My son is entering 2nd
grade. We went through the assignment process for K and were
assigned to Washington. We took a cursory look and ''knew'' it
wasn't for us -- it wasn't Cragmont or Oxford. So we spent a year
and a half in private school, which turned out not to work
(perfection is not found in private school either.) So, we
switched and were assigned, once again, to Washington. We looked
harder at the school and found a devoted community of parents,
outstanding teachers, and a vibrant environment in which it feels
like something important is happening.
Yes, there are annoying things about the assignment process. We
live about as far as it's possible to live from most any school
and, certainly, Washington is the farthest. Even so, it's only a
12-minute drive. My son takes the bus home and loves having it as
part of his day. Also, I believe the diversity considerations
that factor in are not just ethnic, but socio-economic. In the
case of schools, Berkeley chooses to see not just neighborhood
communities, but a community at large. I think this is a nice
metaphor for how I'd like my child to approach life.
My strong suspicion is that you will not find better teachers or
administrators at the schools with ''the reputation'' or even the
numbers--or at private schools. Numbers (test scores) reflect the
numerous outside influences and resources available--or not-- to
members of the school community, not the quality of teaching, and
don't have bearing on how your individual child will perform. But
by participating and diversifying our schools (i.e. by opting in
when you are a family with the chance to opt out), we all have a
chance to make a difference.
I don't mean to sound too self-righteous -- I'm newly converted
to all of this and went through my own process of ''why meeee?''
and disdain and ultimately rejection of what BUSD chose to offer
my family...only to come full circle.
Take another look at the school you feel you can't attend. You
may be surprised.
Valerie
May 2007
I'm beginning to look at public elementary schools in Berkeley
and wonder if anyone has recent information/recommendations to
share? I am in the ''Central'' zone and interested
in a rich program with as much arts programming and faculty and
student diversity as possible.
Thanks,
researching early
I would, in general, like to put in a plug for Washington. We
transferred late this year from a private school and I have been
nothing but impressed with the administration and the teachers
and the kind and caring culture of the school.
Regarding your specific questions, Washington is brimming with
enrichment. Visual arts and music each once a week, along with
cooking, gardening, and various movement classes and
opportunities. There are also lots of opportunities to explore
the arts in after-school programs.
There is great diversity among the students. While there isn't as
much among the faculty, the school is aware of this and is always
working to round this out. The caliber of the teachers in place
is outstanding.
Good luck with your search and your decision!
Valerie
November 2005
Re: Public elementary schools in Berkeley Central Zone
We chose Washington School over the other schools in the Central
Zone. We felt that the school had the most orderly classrooms,
the most consistent discipline, and the most dynamic, keep-you-
on-your toes teaching staff of the all schools we looked at.
This is not an accident. The principal, Rita Kimball, focuses on
collaboration between teachers in every grade. Since she became
principal seven or eight years ago she has hired many young and
energetic teachers and has emphasized a team-teaching approach.
One thing Washington does very well is to create a balance in
the kindergarten classes. At the beginning of the school year,
staff does not decide who is in which kindergarten classroom
until each of the teachers have had a chance to teach all the
children for one day. After that, they sit down and divide up
the kids, trying to create balance across the board. This
minimizes discipline problems and spreads out high-achieving
kids as well.
A recent positive is that this year Washington has met all its
NCLB goals and is pulling itself out of its Needs Improvement
status. This is because of the hard work by the principal and
the staff to implement a teaching method that teaches to all the
students, bringing up reading comprehension and writing skills.
This is not done through testing drills. One more year of
improving scores (they have actually improved for five years in
a row), and the school will no longer have the stigma of the
Needs Improvement classification.
As for its physical setting, Washington has very lovely and
large outdoor playgrounds that include a wooded area, grass
field, teaching garden and blacktop. Last summer over $200K was
spent to improve the grounds even further. It is also
conveniently located in downtown Berkeley: last year my
kindergartener went on field trips to the fire station, police
station, and Berkeley Little Theater, to mention just a few, all
on foot.
As far as choosing schools goes, I would strongly urge you to
take the time and visit all the schools in the zone. Go to
classrooms at every grade level and decide for yourself if you
would feel comfortable with your child there. Lastly, judge by
your own observations. I can't believe the number of unfounded
rumors, misinformation and out-of-date stories I heard from
other parents.
Washington Parent
Jan 2003
Can anyone recommend 2nd grade teachers at Washington or
Thousand Oaks who are good with bright students? Our first-
grader son is way beyond grade-level in reading and math.
He currently goes to Washington, but we are also
considering trying to transfer to Thousand Oaks which is
closer to our house.
Leo
Hi- I am looking into Washington and Cragmont for my daughter
and am interested in getting feedback from parents regarding
the school community and quality of upper grade teachers.
Thank you-
Jackie
We've been happy with our son's experience at Washington
School. The principal is very energetic, as is the magnet
coordinator. There's a spirit of real caring among the
staff. The school's location, near downtown Berkeley,
allows for wonderful enrichment activities: the kids walk
to the Y for swim lessons (funded by the PTA), walk to
Zellerbach for performances. My child has had excellent
teachers K-3. The school's diverse population (including
English learners) seems to function well together.
As with many schools, there are a few teachers we would
avoid at Washington. I've worked on school committees and
find that a good way to know the teachers and to make sure
the staff knows my child. I think Washington deserves a
much better reputation than it has.
sandra
I have 1 child still in Washington (2nd grade) and 1 that
graduated. Rita Kimball, the principal, is incredibly
dedicated and is proactive about issues. For example,
Washington has a Leadership Committee consisting of 1/2
parent representatives and 1/2 teachers/staff that really
does have governing say about much of the school. Rita has
also done an amazing job of bringing in new teachers and/or
staff of varying ethnicities and genders (though more
African American men are needed). There are a very
few ''problemmatic'' teachers, but that is true of any school
(out of a total of 7 grades, my kids have had 1 struggling
teacher and at least the teacher was approachable and
willing to take suggestions from us - the others were
OUTSTANDING). And, I feel that the school takes student
safety seriously -(for example, though my kids never
experienced problems, the school recently formed a Safety
Committee of parents/staff to address harassment, ''kid
posses'', etc. that I've heard have been issues for some
kids). Washington also has a Healthy Start Program, magnet
art/technology resources, on-site after school care and is
within walking distance of the Downtown YMCA (swimming
lessons), downtown theatre/arts district and UC Berkeley.
Down side? The sad truth that as in most Berkeley public
schools there are definitely kids that have academic,
family, or behavior issues (or unfortunately all 3). The
school's continual struggle is finding strategies and
adequate resources to help these kids succeed(if the school
doesn't NO ONE will) while providing a challenging,
enriching environment for the other kids. I think most of
the teachers manage their diverse classes and do
differentially teaching quite well. So, I agree that
Washington is generally quite underrated and is worthy of
any family's attention(and the Kindergarten is considered
BEST in the District).
Karen
Our son went to Washington from kindergarten through 5th
grade. We like the school and the people very much, had
great teachers (we were lucky) and he learned a lot. They
are just now implementing differentiated instruction for
GATE kids, helping teachers challenge the ones who have
covered the basic materials to go further: when that worked,
it was great. He had math tutors in 4th and 5th grades
which kept him from being bored. The test scores are not
great, but that's not the school's fault, they are working
all the time to help all the kids reach their potential.
The art, music, and gardening programs did a fine job of
bringing all the kids together.
Washington is our neighborhood school, and its very diverse,
it's got kids from all over the world and a big
African-American community. It's harder than being in a
school with all ''people like us'', but it was worth it: our
kid has a great perspective on race and culture that you
can't get in any other way.
If you're in the right zone, please take an hour to see what
the school is really like!
Avi
Re the upper school teachers at Washington - my son is in
fifth grade at the moment and loves his teacher, Ms
Landaetta. She is creative, thoughtful, and has him loving
school (he inclines to laziness when he's not interested).
The other fifth grade teacher, Ms Mitchell, is also
excellent. The fourth grade teacher he had last year was
also particularly good at setting high standards and
encouraging kids to reach them.
Re Washington as a choice - my son came in in Third Grade
and I had experience of a very different school system.
Because we came in part way through the year I had the
opportunity to visit the particular classrooms where there
were spaces and work out my priorities from that.
Washington was way ahead of the other schools I visited in
kid behaviour, teacher style and general ambience (in my
opinion).
fiona
1999
As a Washington School parent let me invite you to visit us when you get to
Berkeley. Washington School is the only elementary in the center of Berkeley,
and for that reason has the most relaxed multi-cultural environment
available, plus strong teachers and dedicated staff and parents, a good
principal, a new building, and an
excellent location with respect to Berkeley amenities and the University.
Many Washington Parents think it ironic that a Cragmont parent would
recommend Oxford and Whittier (aka Arts Magnet) without considering
Washington -- Berkeley's best kept secret.
HMJ
May 2005
We are enrolled in Washington School for the fall and I am a
little confused about the after school offerings. We are
looking at Kids Club, Berkeley Learns/EDC, and the sports one
directly but would appreciate input from anyone with direct
experience in these programs. My child will be entering the
fourth grade.
Thanks.
sharon
Next year Washington is planned to have TWO on-site after school
options. EDC is operated by School District staff (is funded by the
State) and primarily serves income eligible children (though others
can be admitted if space is available). I believe EDC only serves
students from Kindergarten to 2nd grade (I'm not sure about 3rd grade
- before State budget woes, EDC used to serve K-5, but I know that 4th
and 5th grade was dropped and I think 3rd grade was either dropped
this year or will be dropped next year). I think it is free or
extremely low cost and focuses on academic ski! lls as well as
recreational opportunities. The second program is just in its 1st
year and is now called Kidz Club. It is part of a federal 21st
Century After School Grant (several elementary and middle schools in
Berkeley have this grant). It is open to all Kindergarten through 5th
grade students by a sliding fee of about $50-400 per month (set by
School Board). Kidz Club has a new INCREDIBLY dynamic coordinator
(the 1st coordinator left...): Ann Marie Callegari, who is also a PTA
Co-Chair for King Middle School. Kidz Club now offers a range of
enrichment programs (circus, Mac computers, music, etc.) in addition
to homework club and academic support as well as crafts, etc and now
separates the younger and older kids into two groups that allows for
more grade appropriate activities (the older kids decided upon an
entrepeneurial project: writing and publishing/selling poetry books to
the Washington Community and have a hip hop group - the younger kids
have read alouds, do crafts, etc. - all kids can have educational game
computer time each day). Kidz Club is working to incorporate Sports 4
Kids, which is an excellent program that has been at the school for
several years and is free, serving 4th and 5th grade students. This
year the two programs have coordinated alot of activities and this has
really worked well - next year we are hoping for a formal merger. I
went into detail because there has been alot of confusion about the
after school programs at Washington. EDC recently changed the grade
levels served and the Berkeley Albany YMCA program (called ''Kid's
Club'') pulled out before this school year in every Berkeley public
school that had these programs. And, due to grant funding issues, the
21st Century program couldn't start till November. In addition, Sports
4 Kids was supposed to merge into the ''21st Century grant program'',
now called KidZ Club, THIS year but for various reasons maintained its
formal separateness this year. Things are ALOT more settled now and
KidZ Club and Sports 4 Kids are really zooming along - things will
even be BETTER next year if the hoped for formal merger of the 2
program happens. Hope this helps. My 4th grader is in KidZ Club and
also participates in Sports 4 Kids which in addition to the after
school program has a basketball and flag football team that plays in
evening leagues (sometimes ''competitive'' and sometimes ''skill''
leagues). He LOVES Sports 4 Kids (Janine is great!) and actually
after really disliking the YMCA program after 2nd grade LIKES the
21st Century KidZ Club.
Karen H.
Our daughter had been in Washington Kidz Club as it has developed. She
loves it, and so do we. Ann Callegari, the director, is a dynamic,
personable, and impressive, and has big plans for the next year. She
took over in January and has started afterschool enrichment programs
for all the grades, splitting them up into older and younger kids as
appropriate. All the kids have had music, health, nutrition, and
Circus Arts, the younger ones have arts and crafts and the older ones
have had some more academic classes such as earth studies. There is
homework time, and since the slowdown Ann has had them reading for
their study time. They also have movie day on Friday and plenty of
outdoor fun. Ann has hired some really wonderful people to help out,
and as the program grows she will hand pick her staff as appropriate.
As for cost, there is a sliding scale but this year even full price
members pay less than some other local comparable programs. I would
recommend visiting the programs and talking to their directors, if you
are able. That's the best way to judge whether you feel it's a good
fit.
Washington School Parent
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