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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=red face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>PLEASE do not reply to this email, contact Chris
Young, <a href="mailto:chrisyoung@berkeley.net">chrisyoung@berkeley.net</a> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>(Note: Photos of the two events are now
available – see links below)<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Dear Parents and BHS Community Members,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>I write to express deepest gratitudes for
your tremendously generous support of our recent major events, the 31st Annual
Holiday Meal, and our 1st Annual Staff Appreciation Reception. As well, I'd
like to give you some details on each event:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><st1:place w:st="on"><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span
style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>HOLIDAY</span></font></st1:place><font
size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:black'> MEAL - December 10, 2011<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Click here for pictures. <a
href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53901376@N04/sets/72157628366399269/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/53901376@N04/sets/72157628366399269/</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>At the Holiday Meal we served over 330
people, offered seconds and take-aways, and gave the few leftovers we had to
the Daily Bread Project. We estimate that over 600 meals were served while
guests were treated to live music, table service, and a very festive
atmosphere. I want to point out that generous donations this year helped us
not to give just an ordinary meal, but one that was largely organic and
included fresh in place of canned vegetables. Just as impressively we gave
over 2000 essential items to the local homeless and hungry - toiletries,
blankets, jackets, shoes, books, toys and other clothing. In addition, we were
able to donate over 600 pounds of canned food to the Alameda County Food Bank.
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Also importantly, over 130 students,
parents, and staff volunteered at this event. When students participate in a
service event like this it has real effects on their consciousness and values
that often translate into action. For example, the Homeless Support Club was
started last year by students who understood that the homeless and hungry
struggle year round, not just through the holidays. This inspiring group of
teenagers regularly distributes food and essential items to our struggling
community members, and acts with wonderfully creative compassion such as giving
Valentine's Day cards to those living on the streets and in shelters. See
"Berkeley High Clubs" under "Students" at bhs.berkeleyschools.net
for at least 30-40 clubs that have a service, social, or environmental issue
focus - a great way for your student to be further involved at BHS and develop
character (if the listings are not yet up please check again in a few days).
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Finally, some of you may have received
hand-written thank you cards from our student leaders. If we didn't get one to
you it was because we weren't able to identify your BHS student so she/he could
take it home. We apologize for that shortcoming but please know you ARE
appreciated! <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>STAFF APPRECIATION RECEPTION - January
27, 2012<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Click here for pictures. <a
href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53901376@N04/sets/72157629064003629/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/53901376@N04/sets/72157629064003629/</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>The first annual staff appreciation
reception was a smashing success. Over 200 staff members, partners and
children attended and were treated to a much deserved afternoon of live music
by a BHS Jazz Ensemble, appreciation speeches by students, fun awards with
prizes such as "Shiniest Head" or "Most Likely to Save a Kitten
from a Burning Building", the gift of a pen with a customized thank you
message on it, and a delectable array of food and drink all generously provided
by . . . YOU. Moreover, many toasts were made amongst the staff, boosting
morale and camaraderie. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>It's not easy teaching or working
otherwise at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Berkeley</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType w:st="on">High School</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, and sadly we
even lose some great educators year to year sometimes because of high stress or
lack of connectedness to the community. Thus events like this are actually
critical to the effectiveness of the BHS staff in serving all of our students.
The prevailing research shows that teacher quality is the primary factor in
student achievement. Happier, more connected teachers and staff are more
likely to invest more in their jobs and be better for students. It's ALL
connected! <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>So a BIG thank you to the dozens of
donors who contributed food, drink, money, or time as volunteers to this
special event. This past week the student leaders and I have been bombarded
with appreciation from the campus gardener (who says he's never been
acknowledged in such a way) to safety officers, from teachers and
administrators. Noticeably more staff were smiling and saying hello than
through the average week. This heightened level of esprit de corps and sense
of community would not be possible without your contributions. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Inspired by your altruism and with great
gratitude,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Chris Young<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Director of Student Activities<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on"><font size=2
color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:black'>Berkeley</span></font></st1:PlaceName><font size=2 color=black
face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> <st1:PlaceType
w:st="on">High School</st1:PlaceType></span></font></st1:place><font size=2
color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#333399" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#333399'>_________________<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#333399" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#333399'>Pat Anderson, Diane
Douglas, Marguerite Fa-Kaji and Lisa Sibony are the parent-volunteer
facilitators of the etree; please direct any questions to them at </span></font><font
color=black><span style='color:black'><a href="mailto:bhs-owner@lmi.net"
title="mailto:bhs-owner@lmi.net"><font size=2 color="#333399" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#333399'>bhs-owner@lmi.net</span></font></a></span></font><font
size=2 color="#333399" face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:
Arial;color:#333399'>. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#333399" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#333399'>BHS etree
archives: </span></font><font color=black><span style='color:black'><a
href="http://lists.lmi.net/pipermail/bhs/"
title="http://lists.lmi.net/pipermail/bhs/"><font size=2 color="#333399"
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#333399'>http://lists.lmi.net/pipermail/bhs/</span></font></a></span></font><font
size=2 color="#333399" face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:
Arial;color:#333399'>; BHS PTSA website: </span></font><font color=black><span
style='color:black'><a href="http://www.bhs.berkeleypta.org/"
title="http://www.bhs.berkeleypta.org/"><font size=2 color="#333399"
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#333399'>http://www.bhs.berkeleypta.org/</span></font></a></span></font><font
size=2 color="#333399" face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:
Arial;color:#333399'>. To unsubscribe from the etree, send an email
to </span></font><font color=black><span style='color:black'><a
href="mailto:bhs-request@lmi.net" title="mailto:bhs-request@lmi.net"><font
size=2 color="#333399" face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:
Arial;color:#333399'>bhs-request@lmi.net</span></font></a></span></font><font
size=2 color="#333399" face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:
Arial;color:#333399'> with one word only in the subject line:
'unsubscribe'. To post a message, send to: </span></font><font
color=black><span style='color:black'><a href="mailto:bhs@lmi.net"
title="mailto:bhs@lmi.net"><font size=2 color="#333399" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#333399'>bhs@lmi.net</span></font></a><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color="#333399" face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:#333399'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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