Re: Peaceful, Kind, Elementary School in Oak/Berk???
It's great that you are spending this time to consider the nuances of how the culture of a school affects the experience of your child. I am writing to suggest that you visit Berkwood Hedge School in Berkeley. We are very happy there, as are our children. We do not have a television in the house, and we also limit media, but we don't fall into the ''wooden toys only'' group. The families there are a lovely mix of caring, responsive parents with thoughtful, engaged children. It is a small school, so when a situation arises where feelings get hurt - as is bound to happen in any school - the teachers and staff are quick to respond. Even the kids pipe in, sticking up for each other. There is a lovely conflict resolution program that the kids really take pride in utilizing, and the culture of the school is truly one of kindness. One of the overarching tenants of the program is social justice, but this isn't rammed down anybody's throat - it is simply a common thread in the curriculum that shows up in age appropriate ways. Caring for each other, whether it be your friend who is having trouble listening in class, a group of people less fortunate that you, or recognizing the importance of taking care of the environment all come into play.

There are certainly families there for whom popular culture is a prevalent part of their lives, but it's my take that the majority of the families (the structure of which is quite varied) choose to keep images of violence out of the scene. We've never had a problem there. In fact, of the 9 various schools we've been involved with (we have 3 kids and have moved two times over the years), we find that Berkwood Hedge is by far the best fit for our peaceful family. Ask if you can attend one of our weekly Community Meetings - I think it gives a great sense of what the climate is like.

When you visit various schools, try to spend time talking to other families. You will always find families who aren't happy at any school you go to, so you have to really trust your own feelings about the place. I know families who have left Berkwood Hedge for various reasons, and I know families who have come to BH and have never been happier. Only you can make the best choice for your own family.

Good luck with your decision. These are important years for both you and your child.

All the best, another peaceful parent

Here's a plug for Berkwood Hedge school if you are looking for a wonderfully nurturing educational environment for your child with chronic medical conditions. There are a number of children at our school who have various syndromes and chronic conditions including type I diabetes, severe peanut and dairy allergies as well as mild disabilities. As a parent of a child with multiple medical conditions, our family has found a haven of support at Berkwood Hedge. The teachers all got on board to educate themselves, staff and students about our daughter's conditions without stigmatizing her. This experience has normalized her emotionally as well. She feels really cared for and attended to, but not coddled or infantalized because of her diagnoses. She's a normal kid at this school have a very loving and well rounded educational experience. Laine

Re: Academically strong and liberal private school
Berkwood Hedge, a K-5 school in central Berkeley, seems like an excellent fit. The academics are awesome--full of substance and creativity. For example, recently the entire school had a week-long geography ''teach-in'' during which each child carried a passport, traveled to classrooms transformed into other countries, and was challenged to think about big questions, such as how nature affects culture. The kindergartners are called ''readers'' and ''mathematicians'' and keep a ''writers' journal,'' all of which helps them believe in themselves academically right from the start. During lunch, a storyteller weaves tales for the children (it helps them sit still long enough to get some nutrition!). Although small, the school has math, science, Spanish, art, music, & P.E. specialists. Often, half the class goes to the specialist at a time, which allows both the group with the specialist and the group with the classroom teacher to get lots of attention. At a Community Meeting on a Thursday morning, you can join in songs about peace and social justice, hear announcements about community service and the ongoing efforts as a ''green'' school, and see for yourself that neither the staff nor the parents value looking like Barbie or Ken dolls. It's a loving and supportive community. We've been very pleased.
Amy (Berkwood parent)

Please share your experiences about the aftercare programs and lunch/recess times at Aurora, Berkwood Hedge and Park Day schools. Is there enough adult supervision? Is teasing or bullying noticed and adequately addressed? What happens on a rainy day? Are younger children separated from older children? What do you think about the quality of afterschool enrichment programs? Thank you for your responses to any of these questions as to any of these schools.
Grateful for Your Thoughts!

During lunch times, teachers stay with the children to make sure that children eat something before they go out to play. Many children also like to eat their lunches listening to a couple of staffers who are excellent story-tellers.

The afterschool enrichment programs are excellent. They are optional, so kids are free to just play if they wish too. The afterschool programs include Homework Club, Steel Drums, Capoeira, Spanish Club, Chess, Sport League, Crafts, Cooking, Wheel day and South American Ensemble. Most programs are included with the Afterschool fees.

The Aftercare is also offered during Spring Break, Winter Break, etc. In addition to on-site activities, there are usually some field trips to parks or museums. When my son was young, there was an all-day trip in which he got tired and fell asleep; I learned that one of the staff actually carried him during the walk back.

Younger children tend to play in the sand/play structure area; older children play mostly in the ''big yard'' area. Because of the buddy program which pairs older kids with younger ones, younger children like to hang out with their buddies at times. Because all the kids know each other, I noticed that children look out for each other wherever they are, at school or during field trips. These friendships even extend after BH years.

There's always sufficient adult supervision, In addition to the afterschool staff, teachers and the administration also keep an eye on children as they come and go. Teachers know each child in the school by name. Also, many children know who is whose parent :) Teasing and bullying are noticed and adequately addressed by the afterschool staff and/or teachers. There's an active conflict resolution program and all the staff is trained.

When it's raining during afterschool, they do activities such as crafts, cooking, board games and free play in the Multipurpose room. I believe that if it's only a light drizzle, kids with raingear are allowed to play outside. This is a great for my very active son; keeping them indoors at any sign of rain is too restrictive in my opinion.

Berkwood Hedge aftercare is a fun, safe place to leave my son. Kids enjoy it so much that they don't want to leave! If you'd like more input about Berkwood Hedge Aftercare and/or Teachers, don't hesitate to contact me.

Rosa

Re: Central Berkeley Schools
I just heard that the Bay Area's most wonderful private school- BERKWOOD HEDGE- has some openings this fall! For girls in K and first grade especially. Anyone even vaugely entertaining the idea of private school in Berkeley would be wise to jump at this opportunity and get more information! My son is a very attached, emotional child and kindergarten was a real concern for me, but we got a spot in kindergarten last year and feel it is the best (and hardest) decision we ever made. Every day when I pick Julian up from school I am amazed at how happy and peaceful he is. He is inspired to be creative and helpful and kind. The school feels like an oasis in this hectic busy world, not just for him but for us as a family. The whole staff is amazing, and we have had only positive interactions with everyone there, but I must say, the kindergarten teacher is the absolute best in the world! Berkwood Hedge has a strong focus on social justice, and I see my son internalizing this. He is compassionate in his relationships, and thoughtful about the wrongs he sees in the world. He's learned SO much more than reading and math there, his heart sings and buzzes with ideas and opportunity. What a great way to start a career in school!!! We don't know that we'll be in Berkeley forever, but I know that with each passing year that he gets to be there, he's more ready for life in the mainstream. His confidence builds every day. Berkwood Hedge is one of the most diverse schools in the community, with students from all over the world, and offers very generous financial aid to folks who qualify... Why not look into it? It could be the best decision you ever make too! Berkwood Hedge can be reached at 510-883-6990, or if you email me your phone number Id be happy to tell you more about the school and our experience there. There is hope in schooling after all! Becca

Jan 2004

Dec 2003

Nov 2003

1. Excellent, caring teachers who know our kids extremely well and inspire them to learn. Small class size (teacher and aide for 20 kids). Strong integrated curriculum, with good breadth and depth, somehow made magically creative too. For example, a unit on shoes taught our 2nd grader not only math (multiplication, estimation, measurement), but also science, social studies (which shoes from which culture, who doesn't have shoes and why), as well as writing about and drawing shoes.

2. Many specialists: music, drama, Spanish, art, great P.E.

3. Diversity and strong parent community.

4. Fun before-school and after-care programs.

Every morning, our kids greet the day with big old smiles on their faces because they can't wait to get to school. By the end of the day, they have lots to tell us (and teach us). They're excited about learning, and - best of all - they're learning how to learn for life.

Can a parent ask for anything more? Simon

Oct 2003

Berkwood Hedge School is a great place. The staff really ''walks their talk.'' The school has a long history of being committed to creating (and maintaining) diversity in the school community. I think they were actually the first integrated school in Berkeley (long, long ago, of course)! It's worth taking a serious look at. Good luck! BH Fan

Jan 2003

In terms of the academics, I feel that the education our child is getting is exactly appropriate to his age. His teachers are amazing and I can see him learning math concepts and reading because they make it FUN, something I feel is extremely important. I really didn't want him to be getting drilled on this stuff, especially not in Kindergarten, so I was very sensitive to this sort of teaching when we looked at all the schools. Berkwood Hedge also offers Spanish and art classes, with specialists and taught in smaller groups, and this part of the program has been incredible for our child. He actually told me the other day that he wants to grow up and be an artist like the art specialist at his school and teach other children. (I would not be surprised if he did end up doing that since his paternal grandmother and aunts are all artists.)

Good luck. I would be happy to discuss this further if anyone has questions.

Susan

Berkwood Hedge has helped my children: learn to trust others (adults and children), be open to all kinds of learning opportunities, make connections across artistic and academic disciplines and love asking questions and searching for answers. They both love going to school, learning and have a strong network of friends from the school. This week a child in my daughter's 1st grade class suggested they write Pres. Bush about stopping the war. The school cares deeply about social justice. The school is small and so active with many programs! Most importantly, no child will slip through the ''crack'' at BH - every child is an individual and all the kids/staff/teachers know every child. The school strikes a very good balance (for us_ between child-centered/artistic/emergent curriculum and meaningful academic learning. They were able to both challenge my boy who started Kindergarten reading, and inspire my daughter to read this year. The learning is truly individualized for every student. My son has a mild physical disability, and he has never been labeled, teased or hurt by his differences. Instead, his interests and love of reading has given him the self-esteem to create good friends and not be limited by his issues.

No school is perfect, but this school has made signifcant changes over the past 2 years to stabilize the changing administration, attract fabulous teachers, and keep the soul of this progressive urban school as a priority. We love the diversity, the strong arts orientation, and the passion for education that is shared by all of the families, teachers, staff and students. The community is small, caring and commited to so many of the values we as a family also hold. This is truly a very special school. My kids see their school community as an extention of their family. My children are very different from each other and each has unique strengths and challenges. elizabeth

Nov 2001

April 2000

We start in kindergarten teaching children to understand that we are members of a diverse community, and that all of us, no matter what, deserve to be treated fairly. No school is perfect for everyone, and I'm sorry that this child's experience was not a good one. But to suggest that the school is bad for children in the upper grades, that the environment is damaging, and to imply that this experience is the norm is unfair and does a great disservice to all the families whose children thrived here and continue to do well in middle school, high school and beyond. Again, I'm sorry this child had a hard time, but to suggest to others that their children will have the same experience is quite misleading. Carla Riemer

1997