Elementary schoolers face in-person learning, behavior setbacks
As a result of over a year of distance learning, younger students have been hit hard by learning setbacks. The Brookings Institute reported that across the United States, math test scores dropped more when compared with students who had experienced other significant disruptions in learning, such as those evacuated following Hurricane Katrina. Many Berkeley teachers
BUSD admin, staff respond to COVID-19 cases at BHS
Correction: This article has been edited to correct information that has now been verified. The Berkeley Unified School District COVID-19 dashboard shows that in December 2022, 91 cases of COVID-19 were reported at BHS.
New COVID-19 Policies: Optional masking and at-home testing
As Berkeley High School gears up for the 2022-2023 school year, the administration prepares to control the spread of COVID-19, given the high rates of transmission. “What we know from the district, that sets out a COVID safety plan for all of our sites, is that we’re trying our best to go back to
AFAM Department Weathers COVID-19
Dawn Williams and Spencer Pritchard, both teachers in the African American Studies Department at Berkeley High School, had a vision for the department.
School Board Talks Black History Month, COVID-19 Measures
At its February 2 meeting, the Berkeley Unified School District School Board convened to commemorate this year’s Black History Month and review future steps regarding COVID-19 policies including mask mandates, testing, and employee vaccination requirements.
New Policy Offers Students Two Weekly COVID-19 Tests in Class
Starting on January 26, Berkeley High School recently implemented an optional COVID-19 surveillance testing plan that aims to test all 3,100 students twice per week. According to Principal Juan Raygoza, over the first four days of the testing schedule, BHS administered 3,809 rapid tests and identified 22 positive cases.
Students Need At-Home Rapid Tests to Fight COVID-19 Surge
Since Berkeley High School’s return from winter break, there have been more empty desks and missing teachers. This is no surprise, given that COVID-19 case counts across the country are surging due to the highly transmissible Omicron variant.
School Board Responds to Safety Concerns Amidst Omicron Surge
The Berkeley Unified School District School Board held its first meeting of 2022 on Wednesday, January 5. Due to the Omicron variant’s spread across the United States as well as Berkeley and its public schools, the meeting focused on how the district is handling this COVID-19 surge.
Despite Increase in Omicron Cases, BHS Returns in Person
At the beginning of this school year, there was no guarantee that classes would continue to be in-person. It was uncertain if masks would be required for the whole year, and many worried over the possibility of a COVID-19 outbreak at school.
Teachers Grapple with COVID-19 Sick Leave
One morning, Berkeley High School teacher and career advisor James Dopman woke up with a sniffle. In a normal year, he would have shrugged this off. After all, he felt relatively fine and had a history of allergies.
BHS Must Up COVID-19 Precautions Due to Rising Threat of Omicron Variant
Students limiting who they’re in contact with, mask recommendations changing, and COVID-19 cases increasing — this feels all too familiar. The Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus has sent the world into a new state of panic, making Bay Area communities reconsider how they have handled in-person education in the era of COVID-19.
BUSD School Board Debates Vaccine Mandate at 9/22 Meeting
At its September 22 meeting, the Berkeley Unified School District School Board discussed topics such as a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for eligible students, Latinx and BLM resolutions, and Berkeley High School’s sports teams’ need for accessibility to their gyms.
Delta Variant Complicates Concert Going
Berkeley High School ninth grader Zoe Glass pushed her way through the crowds at an outdoor Jonas Brothers concert on Friday, August 27. With her mask on and an intention to keep distanced from others, she said she took precautions to ensure she was safe and felt comfortable.