Please join us for AC's Annual Back to School Potluck Picnic on Sunday, August 24, 4:00 - 6:00 pm!
The event will be held at the Berkeley High School Green, located on the south (back) side of the C building. Park in the Milvia Street BHS parking lots across from school (and enter through the small gate near the swimming pool), or in the Athletic Field parking lots near the track.
This event is for all AC students and their families. A special welcome to our new ninth grade families. We have invited student representatives from many of the school clubs and other extracurricular activities to join us so that you can learn more about what goes on at BHS. There will be teachers and administrators on hand along with many Very Experienced Parents who can answer questions about life at BHS. Please bring your students along or come on your own to meet old friends and new.
Please bring a potluck dish to share. If your last name begins with: 'A’ thru ‘L’, bring a dessert. If your last name begins with ‘M’ thru ‘Z’, bring a main dish, salad or vegetable. AC will supply drinks, chips and bread. Everyone is invited to bring something to barbeque. We will have a few grills going with hot coals. It would be great if you could bring your own flatware, cups and plates. We would like to cut down on our use of paper and plastic products. We look forward to seeing everyone on the 24th!
Can you help with set up or clean up? Please contact Rebecca Herman at (510) 845-2130 or mcherman@pacbell.net.
Welcome to Academic Choice at Berkeley High!
To those of you who will be new to BHS and Academic Choice in the 2008-2009 school year, WELCOME!
Academic Choice is looking for parents to fill a number of volunteer positions and we urge new parents, especially, to get involved. There are a number of leadership positions available, as well as short-term casual jobs that can be done in your home on your own schedule. Click here for a list of our volunteer needs, and contact Kate Spohr if you think you can help or have questions about volunteering.
Have a great summer and we'll see you in the fall! Questions? please contact Jane Wise.
Keeping up-to-date with BHS & Academic Choice
The best way to keep up to date on AC and BHS news and events is by subscribing to the Academic Choice and Berkeley High e-lists. To subscribe to the AC e-list, send an e-mail to: academicchoice-request@lists.berkeleypta.org with the word “subscribe” in the subject line.
Subscribe to the Berkeley High e-tree by sending an e-mail to bhs-request@idiom.com with the word “subscribe” in the subject line.
Your donations at work
To make a contribution of financial support to the AC program, please click here. Below are some of the ways that AC has put parent and community donations to work to make a difference every day for the 1836 students enrolled in the AC program in 2007-2008:
AC Teacher Professional Development
AC provides funds for substitute teachers to allow AC English and History teachers to have time off to develop curriculum for their classes.
9th & 10th Grade Student Assessment in English Language Arts and Reading
Three (3) times a year, AC students’ English Language Arts and Reading skills are evaluated, targeted, and supported. This assessment allows AC teachers to find student weaknesses and act accordingly in a more timely manner than ever before. The per student cost is ~ $26.
Social Living Curriculum Development and Materials
This program funds the 9th & 10th grade Social Living Course which educates students about drugs, alcohol, and sexually- transmitted diseases. This fund supports program teachers, consultants, teacher textbooks, videos, and materials at a cost of $13 per student.
Student Tutoring
AC provides support for after-school tutors. We also hire UC Berkeley graduate students to read and correct AP English papers.
‘What’s Up With College’ Night
Now in its third year and open to all BHS students (and their parents), “What’s Up with College” provides information about college from the perspective of BHS Alum. This program allows students and parents to hear first-hand experiences from students enrolled in many different types of colleges.
Study Skills Workshop
The goal of the program is to teach good study habits to both the student and their families. Now in its third year, over 120 students take advantage of the program. Tuition is fully subsidized by AC at a cost of $10 per student.
Community Building Events
AC works well because we are a community of committed parents, students and teachers. To provide continued community strength building, AC sponsors the Freshman & Sophomore Potlucks (each fall after school begins to share a meal and gathering with core teachers and parents) and the Summer AC Family Picnic (bringing parents and students together at the beginning of the year).
AC Course Materials
AC supports our teachers with materials critical to the success of their job. These materials are provided at a cost of roughly $2.25 per student. Examples include:
- Extra school books,
- Maps,
- Cameras,
- Paper,
- Projectors,
- Furniture,
- Office Supplies.
Teaching Teachers
AC teachers attend day-long seminars that provide ongoing training to help them teach better in a diversified classroom.
AC provides ongoing training for AP English and History teachers. In addition, AC is exploring how to bring the same AP training to the Pre-AP 9th & 10th grade curriculum. Teachers attend day-long/multi-day seminars offered through the College Board. Program costs are ~$3,000-$6,000.
Mobile Apple Computer Lab – To Be Funded
Currently, we have one lab of 30 mobile computers to use between 2,300 IB and AC students. With a $37,000 investment, we plan to provide another computer lab to all AC English and History classes. Initial cost per student is only ~ $16. Amortized over the 5 year life expectancy of the lab, the cost per student is only ~ $3.25.
