Hybrid Learning Plan Released
Hybrid learning plans have been a major subject of discussion since Berkeley Unified School District’s announcement that schools would return to hybrid instruction this spring, once teachers are vaccinated.
News
BUSD Reconsiders Implementation of GoGuardian
On March 23, Berkeley High School Principal Juan Raygoza sent an email to the Berkeley Unified School District community regarding the implementation of GoGuardian parental controls.
Vaccine Roll Out and Reopening Plans Discussed at March 10 School Board Meeting
On the evening of March 10, the Berkeley School Board met to discuss a variety of topics. The principal among these was Superintendent Brent Stephens’ report on the progress towards reopening schools, and the immediacy of the district’s plans.
BHS Women’s Student Union Files Title IX Lawsuit Against Department of Education
On March 8, 2021, the Berkeley High School Women’s Student Union filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Education. The lawsuit states that regulations instated in 2020 under former Secretary of Education Betsy Devos reduce federal protections offered to public school students from sexual harassment, including sexual abuse, under Title IX.
BHS Holds First Virtual Election Convention
Berkeley High School’s first virtual election convention was held from March 8 to 12 during the 45 minute lunch break between Zoom classes. In past years, around 150 delegates were selected to attend, but this year’s convention was open to everyone.
Berkeley Implements Nation’s First Healthy Foods Checkout Line Ordinance
After almost six months, Berkeley has finally enacted the nation’s first checkout ordinance, which requires stores to place healthier items in the checkout aisle.
BHS International Baccalaureate In-Person Exams Cancelled
On February 11, the International Baccalaureate Organization announced to schools that it will not hold a portion of the May 2021 International Baccalaureate exams.
BHS Freshmen Choose Small Learning Communities for 2021-22 School Year
On February 17, the freshman class at Berkeley High School chose the Small Learning Communities that they will be in for the rest of high school. Although the process was altered to accommodate distance learning, the registration was similar to past years.
Teachers and Select BUSD Staff Receive Vaccinations
In recent weeks, teachers and educational staff working within Berkeley Unified School District have begun to receive vaccinations for COVID-19. This comes as a long-awaited relief for many educators, parents, and students, as it signals that BUSD’s proposed hybrid learning plan may be able to proceed as early as March 29. Most vaccine doses
Women’s Day Roundtable Brings Together Diverse Perspectives
On Sunday, March 7, the Maktab Tarighat Oveyssi Shahmaghsoudi School of Islamic Sufism hosted a virtual roundtable discussion in honor of International Women’s Day.
Berkeley Elementary Schools Will Return to Five Days a Week of In-Person Instruction
After the recent decision for Berkeley teachers to return to in-person instruction once vaccinated, the Berkeley Unified School District and Berkeley Federation of Teachers have now shared a rough hybrid instructional plan for elementary schools. As previously agreed, transitional kindergarten through second grade students will return on March 29, with the rest of
Parent Teacher Student Association Holds Black History Month Celebration
On February 16, the Parent Teacher Student Association held a student-run Black History Month celebration and discussion in lieu of their monthly meeting. The Tuesday gathering featured speeches, songs, and presentations from members of the Berkeley Unified School District community.
ASB Votes to Pass Gun Violence Resolution
On February 8, 2021, Berkeley High School’s Associated Student Body voted to pass a resolution that will recognize National Gun Violence Survivors Week.
Berkeley Schools to Return to Hybrid Instruction This Academic Year
The Berkeley Federation of Teachers and Berkeley Unified School District have reached a tentative agreement for schools to return after teachers are vaccinated, and established a timeline to do so this school year. The agreement, which comes in the middle of ongoing negotiations, states that preschool, transitional kindergarten, and K-2 will return to
'A public education crisis;' BUSD Parents Rally to Open School
Berkeley Unified School District Parents held its third Open Schools rally on Saturday, February 6, across from Berkeley High School at MLK Jr. Civic Center Park.
Animal Rights Network Direct Action Everywhere Protests Against Animal Agriculture
On January 23, animal rights network Direct Action Everywhere held a protest lobbying for the City of Berkeley to stop spending city funds on animal products. “The vision that I have, when I’m on the streets fighting for liberation, is a world where there’s equity for everybody … including non human animals,” said Priya
Updated Reopening Requirements Presented at State of BUSD Meeting
On January 27, the annual Superintendent’s State of the District meeting was held from 6 PM to 8 PM through Zoom, and also broadcast live on YouTube.
PTSA Meeting Focuses on Well-Being of Students During Distance Learning
The first Parent Teacher Student Association meeting of the new year was held on January 19. Temporarily setting aside the academic boundaries presented by distance learning, the discussion was focused around a more personal issue; the mental health and emotional well-being of Berkeley High School students. Before the meeting, a survey was sent