It was fine!! They also offer student moderated conflict resolution, which I've heard is quite effective in some cases. On the other hand, I found the King administration more intimidating to deal with, although I believe this has improved at both schools. After a rather tumultuous first year at King Middle School with a teacher who has had major difficulties in the classroom, we're hoping to appeal to our child's counselor to let us ''suggest'' teachers for next year. July 24, 2019 1 Comment Who would have thought that my one year teaching in Berkeley more than a half century ago would make me feel like a participant in events that are now the subject of political debates and front page stories? King Library - Berkeley Unified School District Yes, I did see ''Road to Nowhere,'' BTW. middle school recs for child with Dyslexia - IN PERSON preferred. Here are some of the things that we work on during The cross county and track coach is also great and very flexible. Society and varying lifestyles, governing bodies (such as BUSD), mediocrity, lack of accountability, thievery, and/or violence? Those students take part in the performances, one of which is a well-developed student-devised work performed in the Spring. In his experience, the worst it's been at King has been the noisy, pushy behavior that happens between classes when kids are trying to get stuff from their lockers. Some students go do swimming after school with city of berkeley at the adjacent king pool. King has developed the following policies and program to support these expectations: The school uses a cohort model in which a vice principal, counselor, and two resource teachers follow the students from 6th to 8th grade, supporting them academically, socially, and emotionally. - that sounds like we have very little chance of getting in. It is near the soon to be reopened north berkeley library. It's okay to not agree). If you do end up asking for King, good luck getting in. Her teachers have all showed personal interest in her, and have even called me at home to discuss any problems she may have with her work or social issues. Some parents believe that drugs and alcohol are rampant at the school whereas the staff believe that use is rare and usually off-campus. My son and his nerdy friends are left to themselves, just like the other little social groups are, because there's staff everywhere, and no tolerance for bullying. Calendar Dr. Since I'm never in the school (tried to volunteer in my kid's class in 6th grade but was discouraged), I don't know too many of my son's peers either even though we're coming from a Berkeley public elementary school. Formally known as Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School in North Berkeley, this is Berkeleys largest middle This fosters staff building a meaningful relationship with each student as they move through middle school. Physical? The Kind Jazz Ensemble is pretty amazing if your kid plays music. Same with garden. In my kids class, there is a wide range of skills and abilities, but the teachers are fabulous at working with the kids and there is an aide in the class to help the kids with challenges. Is he skillful in developing players' soccer skills? They do an exceptional job helping ease 6th graders into the school. You may not like the teacher's personality, but as for your being responsible for checking Powerschool and communicating with your kid about those earlier test scores, that really is on you. Maybe not the lack of acedemic time when in kitchen or garden, but worried about the teachers expecting more from me and the such. If, by chance, you are, please understand that they are not the same, and that wise teachers are careful to only send home beneficial practice work, taking care not to load kids up on busywork. I'm not looking for advice on the topic, though feel free to chime in if you feel strongly about the issue. They have an active cross country program in the Since most kids won't complain about classes being too easy, what we've heard from parents is that everything seems to be ok. That is until parents question curriculum or math placement, or their child is booted out of school for physically defending their person. In addition to having a very substantial homework load nightly, my kid is now having some anxiety about even approaching the teacher with clarifying questions. At king they have 3 levels of band, two levels for string, chorus and after school have jazz band and also modern music. He kept up friendships with the best of his elementary school friends and guess what-- all those guys who went to King didn't stay tight, they made new friends and were in new groups etc anyway. We passionately believe that quality food can be made in every setting, and we are excited to share it with you. Overall, MLK offers some fine opportunities both for academically inclined and disinclined students, keeping everyone engaged in school in one way or another. WebBerkeley Public Library eLibrary. You CAN do something about it. Library Calendar. So, I have to disagree with the principal's statement that most happens off campus. The staff has been completly supportive in hard times. If you are concerned about those things (and your childs school has managed to keep social media, etc. The spacious King campus provides ample room for student activity. We are lucky to have so many great options here in Berkeley. Enjoy swimming, music, snacks, and dancing under the stars. Hi there. Some kids like it, some kids don't. I'm thrilled with all his teachers and I like the administration, so I hope he learns to love it. You don't need to "suggest" to the counselorI think your child's academic success will create a situation where he/she will be with other good students with good teachers. Symphonic Band meets on the stage of the Little Theater and is the mid-level performing group. One of the things I've liked best about our six turbulent years at Berkeley High School is how things improved BECAUSE all the problems were made public. You should be in orchestra if you have experience on violin, viola, cello, or double bass. We always had ours in different classes in the public school, and then we sent ours to different, private middle schools. I'm glad you caught the problem and hopefully your son is on his way to good health again. Three years of middle school, from about ages 11-14, can be turbulent due to dramatic physical and mental changes going on within our children, and the effects of this on parents, teachers, friends, siblings, not to mention the many other factors that affect theirs and our lives, make for some trying times. Our IRS EIN is 94-6183862, 2021 Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, 1781 Rose Street, Berkeley, CA 94703 | 510.644.6280. There is such a range of families at Willard, it's great! But I understand that parents want to do what's best for their children, and in too many cases the perception is that their kids will be better off in a private school environment. There is also a jazz club that kids can do (whether or not they take morning music). Are kids ''known'' by their teachers? She went to a small private school and loved that, then on to BHS, which she's thriving in. Question and listen when your child tells you they are bored, the class is too easy, or their grades are slipping. Recommended Websites. I believe Neil Smith, the previous principal, did a good job of hiring newer teachers over the years. There are two bands: 6th grade band, and 7th/8th grade Concert Band. Fortunately we haven't had to deal with that. The campus is really beautiful and well cared for. My child says making friends at King is the easy part. They have welcomed communication with us, have been very good about emailing or phoning, and have been trying very hard to help him through this tricky period. When I felt my kid needed more specific attention on an academic item, it was easy to communicate with my kid's teacher by email, and then in person, and get the item resolved. You'd be amazed at how many kids there are at King who don't live in the King district, and don't even live in Berkeley. The staff and I were genuinely concerned to read the letter about the use of drugs or alcohol at King. Not very specialized or even-handed when equity has also been touted as a concern. jmf, I am wondering if anyone could give me insight into how well their child fared at King MIddle School in Berkeley after being at Prospect Sierra (or any private K-5 elementary school). Try to get your child into King Middle School! The students at King are certainly not coddled. Students perform three mandatory concerts throughout the year: The Winter and Spring That being said, it is a great middle school - as are Longfellow and Willard. soccer mom, I have two soccer boys, one just graduated from King and one is still there. Let's not delude ourselves - experimenting and becoming a regular drinker/smoker are two very different things. Wind Ensemble meets in A1, underneath the Little Theatre. Two of them in particular have been very active in helping him find comfortable ways to engage more in class. All three of my kids went to MLK Middle School in Berkeley and loved it. What might these two parents be talking about? At Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School teachers, staff, and families work together to create a dynamic learning community where every child is known and supported. The school educates the kids about drugs and sex ('social living' class) which probably complements what you talk with them about at home. This isn't the jungle, the adults at the school know better and we need to hold them to their public avowal of a safe environment for all students. 11:00 11:22. --MLK mama. Moving from BUSD to private middle school, Middle Schools in the Berkeley School District, More Advice about Berkeley Public Schools. I will add that the situation in the public schools would be far better if some of the parents who have placed their children in private schools returned them to the public system. She and her staff work exceptionally hard at making the school a positive place, with an emphasis on a community environment. He seems to be very OK with himself just as he is. Atlanta, GA 30312. But not the best options for each of our kids. I also wonder about the social dynamics -- do kids get enough adult attention/support/guidance to address the social issues that come up at this age? The school isn't that big. Mr. Silberg also teaches a popular afterschool drama class, as well as a full year elective open to 7th and 8th graders. He would benefit from a structured environment with some social-emotional support. Ask the kids. We would know if we did. The school does fine with test scores. I have two kids who went to Walden School- a small K-6 private school and then went to Longfellow Middle School in 7th grade. I especially liked that the 6th graders are somewhat separated from the rest of school. It is also a great way to get to meet other students at the school. This may be the reason work isn't coming home. In October., the King community will gather for our I was less able to help because I didn't understand the Common Core math. musical talents and start the day energized. Which school is he at? In my opinion, it seems that there's an insular attitude within the administration at the school -- attempting to stay above the fray in taking on controversial issues like drugs and bullying. If PowerSchool info is available, look it up, research what you find. There are some great creative teachers, some enhh worn out teachers. Band | Orchestra | Chorus | ImportantDates. WebCounseling LEARNS After School King Middle School : Community is at our core. The homework has been extremely light (which I don't mind at all!) I know the teacher from having her daughter in my child's class several years too, and she is a super nice person, good with the kids and seems to have great values and a good way to transmit them. All students entering the program should feel comfortable reading music. Good luck! The Junior Orchestra meets in the Science Building. The administrators at King are consistently good, you can actually talk to a vice-principal who knows *your* kid and will be with them for three years, and the diversity of programs available make it *much* easier for your kids to find something to engage them personally. How are the academics? However, this is just my viewpoint, you really have to take into account what you know about your son, what he knows about himself, and discount some of the things a private school administrator might say to you due to their own self-interests. What the Berkeley schools have attempted to accomplish is noble, in my opinion. King Calendar | Berkeley Unified School District jazz, rock. happy Willard mom, Hello - I'm a parent of a current Willard 6th grader who was devastated not to be admitted to King. The 6th graders at King, where my student goes, are well buffeted from the rest of the school and spend their whole day with the same classroom-group of kids. He needs extra help with written output, but is improving. The ideals of Dr. King guide the work of the staff. Starting to look at middle school options in Albany, Berkeley, maybe Oakland? A lot of attention is given to setting up this system at the beginning of the year. The new, long-awaited, dining commons is expected to be open in the fall, I believe. Players are expected to have previous jazz experience and must attend class twice weekly after school. Learning inthe 21st century is about having deep conversations about topics/issues/problems and understanding them conceptually andbeing able to share and explain your thinking with others, solving problems in different ways using different strategies, etc. Take a look at the navigation buttons on the left to get started. They do offer homework help and the library is well stocked. The place has a very good vibe. WebMartin Luther King Middle School is proud of its newly rehabilitated historic wing, computer and science laboratories and new dining commons. Open 8:30 - 2:12 Wednesdays. Fun! Is it too much for the teacher to provide more insight than to send a link to powerschool? The program is very affordable and cost is based on family income. These years are so much about social development, and where it feels happy counts for a lot. Working towards this goal, students examine popular music and literature, view a locally produced film on bullying, write poetry, create several art projects, and regularly share unique perspectives through discussion and journal writing. And writing every day. Perspectives from MLK parents would be greatly appreciated. I'd like to address some of the points made in your posting. Apparently, he learned through the grapevine that he could obtain drugs on the King campus and has been doing so since he was in 5th grade. Many thanks, Elisa. You always learn something new there. The kids love the program. A clear understanding of first position, and reading music is an essential prerequisite for this class. band, and the orchestra, which includes all 3 grades. Watch out for teachers who are too fond of the kind of "group work" that is really one or two students per group doing the assignment while the rest goof off and the teacher catches up on paperwork or takes a nap. First of all, just about any really candid response to questions like these risk attack by the ''P.C. there are many different groups of kids that hang out together and once you find yours, you tend to stay with them throughout the year and the other kids don't bother you unless you bother them. At Willard, you carry your stuff around all day with you. King Middle has many shortcomings for a school with so much going for it. The teacher, Mr. Silberg, is passionate and professional, and garners a lot of devotion from the students. The donation is waived for any student who needs it.). I think you have to make a distinction between the reasonable expectation that there is less hand-holding in middle school, and your dislike of this teacher's personality and style. I wish she would work harder and be more motivated to excel but on the other hand she is socially adept with good self esteem and alot of commonsense.The school climate at King is better than most Middle schools. My daughter, 7th grade, has received lots of help. This could spur new efforts by staff, keep parents informed, and lessen the spreading of incorrect or exaggerated information. Don't lose heart. I'm wondering if she would be better off at Willard since it is smaller but she does have several friends who attend King (not that I'm sure she'd have classes with them) and it's a 5 minute walk from our house. It was not fun, but he's back on track. It is quite acedemic in the ways of cooking and lots of time to socialize with your peers and teachers. If your daughter starts an instrument at King, she should have private lessons until she feels that she can play at grade level with the other students. I can offer two suggestions. All that being said, we also have a fun chorus at King, which is quite popular with its students. I don't even remember running a full mile in 6th grade, it wasn't until the middle or end of 7th grade that the P.E. We believe that the menus for special events should be just Special. I certainly attend to complaints of boredom, try to find their roots, and suggest or take measures to deal with them--but at that age a person is more than old enough to take some responsibility for their own education. Therefore, when things go terribly wrong with a child, we should not lay all the blame on the school. Advanced Jazz is a continuation of Junior Jazz. Look at their homework. I have an 8th grader at King. The kids look happy to me. When students are moving between classes, teachers and staff are in the halls, away from their desks and out of their classrooms. Socially, however, she is an inept, nerdish, and inappropriately childish sweetheart. If you believe your child is under-challenged even district GATE personnel suggest tenacious parent advocacy for a more challenging or differentiated curriculum. Those children and their parents are resources that the school district could certainly use. teachers take time to built you up for it. My student's humanities teachers have been very supportive when approached for special assistance for my student. Moving to Berkeley Summer 2010 - middle schools? Every single friend from school was going to King, and we did not get in off the wait list. I just want to put this out there, because there is a problem and your child most certainly is not alone in finding drugs and alcohol at that school. Best to you new Cobras! The soccer team is relaxed and friendly. Are students under pressure to grow up fast? Plus, in middle school there is still no belief in tracking or separating children by ability in any subject until they are in 8th grade math, and even those classes were at risk. Have you tried the King homework club? Incoming sixth graders will be placed in Concert Band. My older two son's went through King. Do the teachers have students collect work in a portfolio to review at the end of the semester? As a parent, I have basically no relationship with either the teachers or the administration. Academics? My son graduated from King last year and it was probably the best possible middle school experience he could have had. While I am familiar with the specifics of this situation, I would rather address the issue as it effects all parents and students. A few other comments: The new principal is very well-regarded, having been at Cragmont in Berkeley a number of years. Data Sources Academics A Diversity A Teachers A minus Martin Luther King Middle School is a highly rated, public school located in BERKELEY, CA. My student loves it. Another good change from elementary school is the expectation that the kids are responsible for their own homework--starting right away in 6th grade homework assignments are frequently stamped in daily, and if you don't do your homework, it will affect your grade, which many students find motivating. He has been the much beloved and truly amazing director of Aurora Elementary (an East Bay Independent School) for a great many years and decided he wanted to have his own classroom for a change. They find it fun and challenging and look forward to taking Honors Geometry at BHS next year, in 8th grade. For whatever reasons historically and sociologically, many (certainly not all) parents in disadvantaged neighborhoods apparently are not able to support their children sufficiently in this way. happy mom of child in music at King, In response to King band vs orchestra question, here is a response from friend who is a BUSD music teacher: Both band and orchestra have strong teachers. The director, Olesia Gordynsky Castuera can be reached at olesiagordynsky@berkeley.net. We want to work with you on these types of issues to ensure the well being of all our students. Fax: Email Us. happy in BUSD, Re: Worried about homework in Berkeley middle schools The thing is, things do change at middle school. The new standards bring a different style to some of the classes, but so far only the changes in math have really presented a struggle for our family. 6th grade lunch is separate from the 7th/8th graders, which is nice--all in all it is an easy transition from 6th grade. There are certain programs at King (such as dance, jazz band and French) that are not offered at Willard and the facilities are bigger, but as there are more kids and my son was only interested in sports, it basically balanced out. They will feel that if they can get away with something, then why not try? He has played on his Mersey soccer team since first grade, now in class III. It probably would've been better at an academically-oriented private school, public school educations in general would probably be rated mediocre. I would make sure that at least my kids were reading and writing every day. What is different is the Edible School Yard, which has added a great deal to my daughter's experience at King. It is only in 7th grade when they have different teachers for every subject. King Middle School King has lots of extra-curriculars and Jason Lustig, the principal, actually gets to know every single kid in the school by name! Band teachers are good. --Happy MLK family. Pleased so far, Re: Pros and Cons of Berkeley Middle Schools Check it out. I won't go into details, but I do not respect the principal and did not get along with him. I currently have an 8th grader at King and our overall experience there has been great. If we all help (even those of us without school kids) then the schools will improve and our whole community will benefit. I would like to hear from other parents of kids at ML King Middle School in Berkeley. During the elementary school years I knew what was up; now, since my kid does not talk much, I have no idea, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed hoping he'll remember to do the right thing at the critical time. She hates how huge the school is and does not like that she will be changing classes now. Concert Band meets in S-1 ("The Game Room). We have talked several times about the drug/alcohol issue. My son is a 7th grader at King, attended a BUSD elementary school prior to King. Our small campus allows us to teach a rigorous curriculum, If your kid is musically inclined, consider it, even though it means getting up at an ungodly hour. King Library Catalog Illuminate Accelerated Reader King Accelerated Reader AR Bookfinder Student Reading Survey Berkeley Public Library Google Teacher Websites What I wondered was whether they heard themselves when they made this statement. I am not a fan of homework, so this aspect would not have bothered me had she been really engaged and challenged during the school day. Whether it's because of hostility, lack of confidence, being too busy and overwhelmed, or whatever, too many parents simply do not and perhaps cannot provide the support their children need to do well in school. Or just sit in your car once the bell has rung to see how many kids walk in late from the store on MLK with sodas or chips in hand. Since its the beginning of the year some teachers may still be reviewing last year or setting kids up for the routines they may be working on this year. So much so that I actually didn't believe it until late in 8th grade when it finally became obvious. If you have the option to choose among the schools you listed, it seems like you'll do pretty well no matter where you end up. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School | Berkeley Unified School District As far as cliques, I would say there are lots of different groups that overlap to some degree. These things definitely hurt in the classroom. It's as simple as that. Although there have been isolated incidents on campus, this type of behavior is not the norm.