|  |  | Berkeley Hall's Art Teacher Wins State Honors
6/17/2013
The California Art Education Association has named Berkeley Hall's Art Teacher, Tracey Cheney, the Outstanding Elementary Visual Art Educator of the Year! "We feel that you have contributed your services in an exemplary way to CAEA and to the goals of the art education profession," wrote the CAEA in their congratulatory letter. Bravo Mrs. Cheney! We are grateful you've chosen to teach at Berkeley Hall.
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 | Big Company Helps Small School
5/22/2013
How often does a huge company help a small independent school? Well, when a huge company has a heart they do, and great things can happen. As you may have heard, almost 500 Country Fair pictures were lost on the school's corrupt camera card. When this happened, photographer Lisa Taylor stopped at nothing to get them back. But every avenue she tried, she came up empty-handed. She had almost given up, when BHS parent John Matthew recommended a data recovery company called Kroll Ontrack.
"They were kind and understanding from the very first call," Lisa said. "When I told Ontrack representative Rob Harrel that the lost pictures were from our school's country fair, he said he'd check to see if the work could be done pro bono." He understood that small-school budgets didn't allow for these kind of extras. "It was clear, when talking to Rob, that this company had a heart."
"When I got the call that Ontrack President and CEO Dean Hager was willing to try to recover our data (what for their company was an extremely small job), and that they wouldn't charge us a cent, I was ecstatic!" said Lisa. "This is a company that understands how important family moments are to parents and children, and how important event-memories are to schools, and they put their best-of-the-best (one of their Senior Data Recovery Engineers, Don Boys) to the task of retrieving Berkeley Hall's photos! This experience brings to mind a great quote, 'When the heart speaks, no matter how simple the words, its language is always acceptable to those who have hearts.'" (Mary Baker Eddy) Thank you Ontrack for having a heart and hearing the heart of our school's parents and children. Thank you for retrieving ALL our Country Fair pictures!!
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 | New Postage Stamps!
5/10/2013
First graders designed new postage stamps... of themselves! In art class, students learned how to draw the human face in proportion. Who wouldn't buy a book of these cheerful portraits?
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 | BHS 6th graders Doodle4 Google
5/3/2013
Give up your lunch recess to doodle in the art room? Two 6th grade girls thought it was a fun use of their time. They challenged themselves to come up with creative ideas for the Google contest theme, "Your Best Day Ever..." Alexandra W. captured the excitement she felt watching the rhythmic gymnastics competition at the London Olympics last summer. Lily A. drew what it was like to choose Oliver, the family dog, at the pet adoption center. Two different types of days, but each created a very special memory that won't be forgotten, since the memories live on in the students' art work.
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 | Latin Class Visits 6th Grade
5/3/2013
“Salvete!” (hello to a group) Sixth graders were greeted enthusiastically by the Latin teacher from Mirman School. She introduced herself by saying, “Mihi nomen est (my name is) Jacque Myers.” Her third-year Latin class visited last week, and her students shared a fascinating variety of projects they had developed this year. Our sixth graders had just begun their study of Ancient Rome, and so they were delighted to have such a great preview. The eighth graders shared in depth the following topics: a time line of emperors; posters (Roman architecture, a Roman house, and a Roman bath); a display of hand-made objects depicting a Roman meal; a map showing the Roman Empire after its fall; photos of their field trip to the Getty Villa (which sixth graders will visit in three weeks); videos (a skit showing the assassination of Julius Caesar, and a demonstration of a working catapult - ballista). Sixth graders are now excited to delve into their own research on Roman topics and create their own projects, which they are going to share with the Latin class at the end of May. Until then, Valete! (good-bye to a group)
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 | 50th Reunion for Class of 1963
4/26/2013
Members of the Class of 1963 are returning to their BHS Alma Mater for their 50th reunion. Lyn Kendrick and Shari Bleichman Elias are very busy contacting and tracking down their classmates for this special reunion. The Class of 1963 will meet in the Alumni Pavilion and enjoy a day at the Country Fair on Saturday, May 4. Later they’ll view their shield, watch a slide show of photos from ‘back in the day,’ and share their memories over dinner.
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 | JH Student Wins at YAM Regionals
4/24/2013
The artwork of Asher W. made BHS proud at the weekend's Youth Art Month Regional competition in Riverside. Asher took 3rd place in the Middle School Division with his self-portrait, "I Dream of Football!" Congratulations! (Click Headline to Read More)
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 | Youngest BHS Artists Enter Contest
4/12/2013
Five of our young BHS artists have entered a contest designed just for them. US Magazine is the parent publishing company of popular magazines for young children. They ran a contest to design the cover for Turtle (ages 3-5), Humpty Dumpty (ages 6-8), and Jack and Jill (ages 7-10) based on the theme "My Best Day Ever!"
See what was important to each child in these charming illustrations.
Kindergarten
Connor E. (5) - choosing their cat at the animal shelter
Channing B. (6) - learning to ski on moguls
Quinn S. (6) - getting a new dog at Christmas
1st Grade
Emma R. (6) - doing a perfect handstand on the balance beam on her birthday.
3rd Grade
Nadia M. (8) - supporting a friend singing a solo during the Christmas program.
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 | It's Raining Dinosaurs In the JK!
3/14/2013
Suppose you are five years old. And suppose drawing and cutting are still a challenge for you. Now suppose you have been learning everything there is to know about your favorite dinosaurs and you want to make a picture of your favorite dinosaur. What is a five year old to do? Well, the children studied the shapes and all the parts. Then they got scraps of paper and worked together with their teacher, tearing paper to create three of their all-time favorites. But that was not yet satisfying. So... the children chose partners, according to dinosaur preferences, and created, yet again, their own dinosaurs solely by tearing scraps of paper to create the shapes and intricate parts. Prepare to be amazed!
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 | 2013 Youth Art Month (YAM) Entries
3/8/2013
It certainly was a challenge to select artwork to represent Berkeley Hall for this year's Youth Art Month (YAM) contest. The number of entries is limited and there were many excellent pieces produced by our students. Each contest has its own rules, and students entering this one had to submit an artist statement to accompany their art. These contests are held in each state around March, which is national Youth Art Month. One winner from each state receives an all-expenses-paid trip to New York in the summer.
In California, because of the size of the state, we go through several rounds. This first round is just for LA County. Winners (1st-3rd place) then advance to Regionals, which includes all southern California counties. Only the first place winners from southern, central, and northern regions then compete at State. From there, one winner is chosen. Last year, a BHS student was one of the 12 who advanced all the way to State! Good luck to this year's BHS entrants! Results from this contest will be posted next week.
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 | LACOE Art Winners Announced!
3/8/2013
We are proud to announce that four BHS students placed in the Los Angeles County Office of Education art contest. March is a very busy month for youth art activities this year!!
In the Elementary Division (Grades 1-5), three BHS young artists will have their art hung permanently in the public buildings.
Arianna D. (2nd Grade) won FIRST PLACE.
Ariana G. (5th Grade) won FOURTH PLACE.
Julia I. (3rd Grade) won FIFTH PLACE.
In the Middle School Division (Grades 6-8), Amaka N. (7TH Grade) won FOURTH PLACE and will also have her self-portrait gracing the halls of offices in Downey
The students and parents will attend the County School Board meeting on March 19, where they will be honored!
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 | POW #3 - Problem of the Week
3/1/2013
Solve by Writing Two Equations
A circus has a certain number of horses and riders. Between them there are 50 feet and 18 heads. How many horses and riders are there in the circus?
______ horses, ______ riders
For full credit you must show your work and write at least one complete sentence explaining your mathematical reasoning.
Answer to POW #2: pages 46 & 47
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 | BHS Banner Featured
2/22/2013
Since winning the Youth Art Month banner contest for California, the BHS banner has been displayed prominently on the YAM website. Our students have received a letter of congratulations from Congressman Waxman. Remember, Youth Art Month is March, and our banner will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol, along with the banners from the other 49 states, to help kick-off the month. Very exciting!
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 | POW #2 - Problem of the Week
2/15/2013
What is Your Strategy?
Suppose you were asked to open your math book so that the sum of the facing pages was 93. To which pages would you turn? __________
For full credit you must show your work and write at least one complete sentence explaining what strategy will always work to find the facing pages for a given sum.
Answer to POW #1: 28 marbles
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 | BHS Wins 2013 YAM Banner Contest
1/25/2013
Students in the JH Art Elective received very exciting news late last week: they won the design competition for the Youth Art Month banner that will represent California in Washington, D.C.! Each March, one flag from each state is displayed at the U.S. Capitol to kick off national Youth Art Month activities held around the country. For the banner contest in CA, our students submitted their design in December for judging. BHS competed with high school and junior high school students from around the state to win this honor. Since our students' design was selected, it will be turned into a 3x5 foot flag and sent to Washington, D.C.
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 | BHS Feels Like Home
1/18/2013
During their university and high school winter breaks, London (l) and Sydni (r) Hammar came back to visit their Alma Mater.
London: I went to Berkeley Hall from kindergarten to eighth grade and graduated in 2006. I am now at Columbia University in New York, but I still come back to Berkeley Hall when I visit California. I see the teachers who inspired me when I was growing up, and they all still show the enthusiasm they showed 15 years ago when they were teaching me how to read. I'll never forget Berkeley Hall and the foundation it gave me.
Sydni: I am a Berkeley Hall-lifer and graduated in 2009. I am currently a senior at Viewpoint School and will be attending Principia College in the fall. I love coming back to the beautiful campus! It always feels like home, and it is so fun to see the loving and dedicated teachers who watched me grow up.
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Drive for Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission
1/17/2013
Because Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission provides 50 beds and approximately 100-125 showers daily to guests who use its services, this Intermediate Student Council Community Service drive will focus on shower and bedding supplies.
Needed Shower Supplies
- Shampoo (travel size ideal)
- Soap (bar or travel size bottle)
- Razors (new)
- Feminine hygiene
- Shower shoes
- Socks (should be clean and unused)
- Towels (preferably new, but used acceptable)
Needed Bedding
- Sheets (new or used, but clean)
- Pillows and pillow cases (new or used, but clean)
- Blankets (new or used; remember how cold it’s been!)
Collections boxes will be in the Primary, Intermediate, and Administration buildings through Friday, January 25.
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 | 4th - Community Service
1/11/2013
The Fourth Grade, once again, has created marvelous prayer squares for our soldiers. This is their community service activity, done each year with Mrs. Linke, who spearheads the "Care Packages for Soldiers" project. This year, many of the squares feature a soldier's military boot along with other patriotic symbols, as well as an inspirational quote. Students made over 100 squares this time to send to our beloved soldiers. In addition, some of their squares will be used to make a quilt for M.E.N.D., which provides reconstructive surgery for injured veterans at UCLA Hospital, and whose mission it is to give a hand-made quilt to every veteran who leaves the facility. The Fourth Grade really enjoyed making these prayer squares because it is for a very worthy cause.
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 | Dads' Club Variety Show
1/9/2013
Students are getting their acts together to be in this year's Variety Show - February 9 @ 7PM.
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 | Amazon Gift for the Library
12/10/2012
"It's like Christmas every day!" exclaimed our librarian, Sandra Sheehan. Since the Amazon Wish List for the library was posted, history books, books about animals, and storybooks have arrived every day. We'd like to invite all our wonderful donors to come to the library and fill out a book plate (to be placed inside the cover of your donated book), so everyone can appreciate your generosity.
There are always more book wishes to fulfill, so if you'd like to make a holiday gift to the library, visit the Wish List on Amazon for easy gift-giving.
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 | 7th Graders Author Children's Books!
12/7/2012
BHS 7th Graders got a little taste of what it's like to be published authors with the completion of their children's book projects. Their stories, aimed at kids, ages 3 - 8, are heartfelt tales of courage, love, and perseverance. These talented 7th graders will read their stories to ECD and Primary students early next year. Two leading examples can be seen here.
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 | Christmas Shows are Coming Soon
12/7/2012
The Intermediate Department (Grades 4-6) holiday show is December 14 at 7:00pm in Hodges Theater. It's free and all parents, family and friends are invited. There's plenty of room to bring who you'd like, and the kids love a big audience. There will be a full dress rehearsal earlier that afternoon for all BHS students, faculty and staff (this is a very full house).
The Primary Department (Grades 1-3) Sugar Plum Program will be presented December 21 at 9:00am in Hodges Theater. The show is free and all parents and family are invited. This is also a very full house.
The ECD Department (Grades N-K) Christmas Program will be December 20, at 9:00am in the ECD Commons. This show is free to all parents and the seating is very tight.
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Online Report Cards for Grades 1-8
12/7/2012
Today at 4pm, the link to Report Cards for Grades 1-8 will appear on My BHS. As we have stopped delivering report cards by mail, please feel free to print report cards and save them for your records. The link will be available until Friday, December 21 at noon.
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5th Graders Read 350 Hours in 5 weeks!
12/6/2012
Did you know that 5th graders had a 5-week SSR (sustained, silent reading) at–home assignment this trimester in which each student could contribute an “A” to his or her reading grade by reading at least 2.5 hours a week?
Students chose their own grade-appropriate books to read. They kept a reading log that included the number of minutes they read each day. At the end of the week, they totaled the minutes read, and then figured out the number of hours and minutes, as well as the number of hours using decimals. For example, 215 minutes = 3 hours and 35 minutes = 3.6 hours.
The weekly number-of-hours-read were compiled in a cumulative frequency chart – a chart that keeps a running total. At the end of this assignment, the students had enjoyed a lot of reading and practiced a bit of practical math.
The average number of hours read weekly by our 5th grade students was 3.2 hours per child. The total number of hours read by all the students together during the five-week period was 349.8 hours!
Not only are the numbers impressive, these kids love to read! And that is wonderful to see!
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Winter Team Sports Announcement for Intermediate and Junior High Departments
11/28/2012
The Winter Team Sports Season is about to begin! Practices will begin the week of Monday, December 10th. Coach Melanie needs to enter teams for scheduling next week so please RSVP via e-mail to confirm that your student athlete will be playing a Winter Team Sport.
FOR GIRLS
Girls Intermediate Soccer Players Need:
- Water bottle
- Soccer cleats
- Healthy pre-practice light snack
- Shin Guards
- White Soccer Socks (Purchase for $10 through Athletic Department)
- Blue BHS PE shorts
- Grey BHS PE shirt
- Warm layers
Practices will be Mondays & Wednesdays from 3:30-5:00
Girls Junior High Soccer Players Need:
- Water bottle
- Soccer cleats
- Healthy pre-practice light snack
- Shin Guards
- White Soccer Socks (Purchase for $10 through Athletic Department)
- Blue BHS PE shorts
- Grey BHS PE shirt
- Warm layers
Practices will be on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays from 3:30-5:00
Girls Junior High Softball Players Need:
- Water bottle
- Cleats (soccer cleats would work if your child is playing both sports)
- Healthy pre-practice light snack
- Warm Layers
- Blue BHS PE shorts
- Grey BHS PE shirt
- Softball Glove
Practices will be on Wednesdays from 3:30-5:00
FOR BOYS
Boys Intermediate Basketball Players Need:
- Water bottle
- Healthy pre-practice light snack
- Blue BHS PE shorts (Purchase for $10 through the Athletic Department)
- Grey BHS PE shirt
- Athletic Shoes
- Warm Layers
Practices will be on Mondays & Wednesdays from 3:30-5:00
Boys Junior High Basketball Players Need:
- Water bottle
- Healthy pre-practice light snack
- Blue BHS PE shorts
- Grey BHS PE shirt
- Athletic Shoes
- Warm Layers
Practices will be on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays from 3:30-5:00
Boys Junior High Soccer Players Need:
- Water bottle
- Soccer cleats
- Healthy pre-practice light snack
- Shin Guards
- White Soccer Socks
- Blue BHS PE shorts
- Warm layers
Practices will be on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 3:30-5:00
FOR BOYS AND GIRLS
Golf Club:
- BHS Polo
- Golf Clubs
- Healthy pre-practice light snack
- $75 fee to be paid
Practices will be on Tuesdays starting in January, more information to come. Please e-mail Coach Melanie if you would like to reserve a spot in the club
The competitions will not be scheduled until after Christmas Break. Your team coach will contact you with that information as soon as the scheduling meeting with other coaches has happened.
For any further questions feel free to contact me:
310.476.6421 x225
Go Bobcats!
Coach Melanie
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 | BHS artists featured at state convention
11/19/2012
A wonderful cross-section of BHS student artwork was selected to be displayed at the California Art Educator's state convention held in Riverside. Art teachers from northern, central, and southern CA gather together once a year to learn about new trends, try new techniques, and sample new products. A special part of the convention is seeing the best work and projects from schools across the state. BHS was well-represented by the following students:
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 | Kiewit Builds the Mulholland Bridge
11/13/2012
“What a great question! You sound like a future engineer!” he said to the 2nd grade student. Mr. Kulka, a construction engineer from Kiewit, the construction company building the Mulholland bridge, spoke with the 2nd graders about the more than 800-foot-long, pre-stressed concrete bridge that used to be one of the longest of its kind. He delighted them with an interactive demonstration and mini model of the bridge (using stemware, metal rulers and apples), showing them how counterweights are used in its structure to help keep it stable and strong. The 2nd graders were especially curious about how a bridge can span a whole freeway without collapsing in the middle, and Mr. Kulka did a fabulous job explaining bridge construction to them at their level. We can’t thank him enough for encouraging our students to ask questions and supporting their burgeoning interest in the field of engineering.
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 | 7th Grade Tackles the Tough Issues
11/2/2012
Suppose during a test you notice two students sharing answers in the back of the class. Would you tell the teacher? What if one of the students is a good student and helping a student who never does well in school? What if that student will fail for the year if he doesn't pass the test? What if one of the students cheating is your best friend? Would this change what you do? These are examples of the moral dilemmas 7th graders think about and discuss in Advising class each week. Character education is woven into every aspect of the Junior High curriculum, but Advising class gives students the unique opportunity to really develop their ethical standards as they prepare for high school. You would be impressed with the depth of their values!
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 | Buddy Classes Meet
9/27/2012
The young man sat transfixed in the middle of his bedroom. While packing for college, he came across a worn, hand-drawn card that had been given to him years before by a small child. It pictured him holding hands with the child (his BHS Buddy), standing in the sunshine. His Buddy had drawn the card and given it to him as a gift. And now he sat, relishing the fond memories of the connection they shared.
Buddy Class (a tradition at BHS that pairs older classes with younger classes) brings older and younger Buddies together several times throughout the year to enjoy an activity together. In this year's first Buddy-Class meeting, Buddies got to know the person they'll be paired with the whole year. In some cases Buddies forge a connection that lasts for years to come.
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 | Special Program: Footsteps of Maro Polo
9/22/2012
Emmy-award-winning documentarian and photographer Denis Belliveau is presenting the very special program "Footsteps of Marco Polo" to Grades 5-8 on Friday, September 28 at 8:10am in Hodges Theater. All parents (grades N-8) are welcome to attend as well. Mr. Belliveau will be sharing how he and a colleague persisted through 2 years of travel in order to retrace the “Footsteps of Marco Polo” with only what would have been available to Marco Polo. We hope you can join us for this special event.
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 | Sunny Opposites: Straight vs Curvy Lines
9/14/2012
Second graders experienced the dissonance of creating a familiar symbol using opposites. In this exercise, they said goodbye to the summer sun at the fall equinox and started to greet the winter sun. This art lesson incorporated the different kinds of lines used in drawing, and the color theory warm vs cool colors. Students split the paper in half, and began creating the sun with the familiar curvy-family of lines and warm colors. Then...
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 | Congratulations, Annabelle!
5/18/2012
Today, May 18, is national Endangered Species Day. We are excited to announce that Annabelle Robindore has placed third with her artwork about the issues concerning gray wolves. In April, Annabelle was selected in the top 40 out of 2100 entries from kids across the country. Those artworks were then judged by prominent wildlife artists and conservationists such as Wyland (ocean life murals) and Jack Hanna (Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom TV program)! Annabelle's artwork is currently on display at the New Orleans Museum of Southern Art with the winners from each age group category. BHS is proud of this accomplishment and the many hours spent creating this artwork!
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 | Birds of a Feather
5/11/2012
With summer fast approaching, and the days heating up, we're all looking for ways to stay cool. A couple of birds stopped by the new fountain recently for a quick cool down.
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 | A Few Benefit Many
5/7/2012
A small group from our Berkeley Hall community had a dream to steer their own church in the Palisades to give back to the community and include Berkeley Hall in the equation. When their Christian Science church decided to sell a property, this group of six went to work, quietly inspiring congregation members to catch their vision of philanthropy. Months of effort paid off, literally. The church made a generous gift to Berkeley Hall's building fund in support of the Arts & Science Building. Berkeley Hall wishes to thank the entire church membership, including the seven (pictured), who never gave up on their dream to give back to BHS.
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 | Greek Myths Puppet Shows
5/4/2012
What's it like putting almighty Zeus on a stick? 6A students know. Several did just that when students made puppets of Greek Gods to be used in their original skit/puppet shows based on Greek mythology. Zeus fell in love with the snaky-headed Medusa because Cupid's arrow went astray. In another skit, Zeus tried to get Theseus and Heracles to duke it out, but the best buddies refused to betray their friendship even for the prize of immortality. The last skit involved Hercules in mortal combat with the Minotaur, with Kronos and Ariadne acting as his ultimate foils.
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 | 8th Grade Upcoming Tamales Sale
4/25/2012
The eighth grade students made beautiful Mexican paper flowers this week in preparation for their upcoming Tamales Sale, while listening to festive mariachi music. The Tamales Sale has been an annual fundraiser for the 8th Grade graduating class gift to BHS. The sale is on the calendar for Wednesday, 9 de mayo and as usual, will take place in the junior high lunch area after school at 3:15pm. In addition to selling delicious gourmet tamales and colorful paper flowers, students are busy planning a tamales fiesta, which will include music, dancing, hair-braiding, a variety of aguas frescas, and mucho, mucho más! Hope to see you there!
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 | Art Contest Winners 2012
4/25/2012
Several BHS students have won art contests!
ENDANGERED ART SPECIES
National competition held in New Orleans - 2100 artworks submitted
Annabelle Robindore - National Semi-Finalist (Top 40)
LACOE - Los Angeles County Office of Education
40 schools participating - 300 artworks submitted
Ian Beer - 2nd Place, Elementary Division (1-5)
Abby Nathanson - 5th Place, Middle School Division (6-8)
Joey Wahl - 3rd Place, Middle School Division (6-8)
YAM - National Youth Art Month Competition
BHS swept fourth place in all our divisions!
Charlie Belson - 4th Place, Primary Division (K-2)
Thomas Matthew - 4th Place, Elementary Division (3-5)
Alex Lindskog - 4th Place, Middle School Division (6-8)
Two students won their divisions!
Finnegan Robindore - 1st Place at the county level; 4th Place at the regional level.
Max Motel - 1st Place at the county level; 1st Place at the regional level. Max is one of 12 blue ribbon winners in CA - the 1st place winner in each age division (including high school) from southern, central, and northern CA compete for an all-expenses paid trip to New York. Sargent Art Supply treats the top winner from each state to this awesome prize! Good luck MAX!
Congratulations to all these students who created works of excellence at a competitive level! The images in the slide show are in the order mentioned above, followed by pictures of award recipients.
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 | New Fountain for BHS
4/13/2012
Over spring break our Fleming Learning Garden got a wonderful new addition, a beautiful interactive fountain. It's a real highlight of the gorgeous garden running the length of our Arts & Science Building - by the way, well worth the brief walk down to see it. The new fountain along with a fresh upgrade of the surrounding flora, including impressive new boulders accenting the east end of the garden, are the generous gift of Leora and Dan Garner, long time friends of Berkeley Hall. We are grateful to the Garners and will be enjoying their exquisite new fountain for generations to come.
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 | New Kindergarten Play Yard
4/13/2012
ECD students participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony that preceded playing in the dramatically upgraded Kindergarten play yard, henceforth the Barbara DeNisi Play Yard. Kindergarten parent Tiffany Lovett spearheaded an effort to install a seamless, durable polyurethane surface throughout the 2,375 sq. foot yard. No more uneven dirt, grass and wood chips - just a broad, level, shock absorbing surface surrounding all of the playground equipment, allowing our children to play safely, and even ride tricycles on it. Thanks go to the Isabel Foundation as well as several ECD families, most notably Sharon Stone, for their wonderful generosity in providing for this extraordinary upgrade to our ECD facilities.
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 | Sakai Flamenco
3/16/2012
The Sakai Flamenco ensemble, the most recent cultural arts program sponsored by The Mothers' Club, olé'd their way across the stage in a flurry of claps and drumming heels, performing the music and dance of the gypsies of Southern Spain. The majesty and precision clearly evident in these seasoned performers, left our audience of students and adults wanting more.
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 | 2012 Winners LACOE Contest
3/9/2012
We've received exciting news here in the art room. Three -- count 'em, three! -- young BHS artists won honors at the Los Angeles County Office of Education art contest. With forty schools participating, this was an amazing result. While we see so many excellent artworks produced at school, it is gratifying to have some of our students recognized.
Fourth grader Ian Beer received 2nd place in the elementary division (grades 1-5) for his winter painting of birch trees.
Seventh grader Joey Wahl placed 3rd in the middle school division (grades 6-8) with a photograph of a praying mantis. Seventh grader Abby Nathanson received 5th place in the same division for her painting of trees, done from life on the campus.
Congratulations!
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 | Bobcat Champions
3/2/2012
Bobcats clawed their way to a championship with an overtime thriller. There were seconds left in the game and the Bobcats were trailing Herschel 0-1. Wakelin McNeel received the ball and passed to Josh Stent in midfield, who dribbled past a few defenders, then did what he does best, put the ball in the back of the goal. Overtime! With two minutes left in overtime, Wakelin won the ball 20 yards from the goal, looked up and took a shot heard 'round the campus. Bobcats win 2-1!!! An amazing game from Max Latham, Alex Lindskog, and Ryan Browning led the defense to a great victory. Charlie Tamm and Enzo Scardapane played key roles in the midfield, both nearly scoring a goal. Rene Kvistad and Sascha Walden proved they were hungry during the game, hustling all over the place. The Bobcats were able to stay in the game thanks to Quintin Edward's great saves as goalie. Congratulations boys on winning the championship!!!
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 | Undefeated, Unscored on, Unheard of...
3/2/2012
The 7th grade boys soccer team finished the regular season undefeated and un-scored on. Battling injuries and playing without a teammate for most of the games, didn't stop the boys from having a marvelous season. The boys finished with a 5-0 record, earning them first place for the regular season. Congratulations to all the boys for an excellent season.
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BHS Edges ABGU 3 - 2
2/29/2012
Wakelin McNeel scored an electrifying goal from mid-field yesterday afternoon late in the second period to break a 2 - 2 tie and lead the 8th Grade Boy's Soccer team to a 3 - 2 win over a tough AGBU team. The victorious boys advance to the championship game Thursday afternoon at Bobcat Field. Go Bobcats!
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 | Famed Litigator Leo Branton, Jr. Meets with 6th Grade
2/24/2012
“Wow, he’s accomplished so much in his life!” “I can’t believe I never knew what an amazing and courageous leader he was,” were among the comments heard by 6th graders after their second encounter with famed litigator and entertainment lawyer Leo Branton, Jr., who practiced law for fifty-two years, and played an influential role in the Civil Rights Movement. Mr. Branton also received several awards for his work from the California State Senate and the NAACP Legal Education and Defense Fund, to name a few.
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 | JH Boys Soccer Blue Team Advances to Playoffs
2/24/2012
The 8th grade boys soccer team advanced to the playoffs finishing 1st in their division. The Bobcats defeated Milken on Thursday bringing their record to 6-1, earning them home field advantage for the playoffs. Playoffs begin Tuesday, February 28, stay tuned to see how the finish their great season.
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 | Miller Walk Dedication
1/27/2012
At a special ceremony on January 26, Berkeley Hall School proudly dedicated Miller Walk (the walkway along the east end of the Arts & Science Building). Named in honor of Thomas McKenzie Miller, Ph.D., whose vision and tireless efforts as a Berkeley Hall Trustee (1993-2004, serving several years as Chairman) proved instrumental in bringing to life the school's Arts & Science Bldg. Present at the dedication were Dr. Miller's widow, Eileen Miller, his son, Brian Miller (BHS '94), step-daughter, Carrie Pfeifer, and most of our Trustees and Trustee Affiliates. Dr. Miller will long be remembered and deeply appreciated.
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 | 6th Grade Field Trip to Skirball Cultural Center
1/23/2012
“I’ve never had a class that was so willing to answer all of my questions!” “This is the best class we’ve had here ALL year.”
These are just a couple of the many positive remarks the docents told the 6th grade teachers on their recent field trip to the Skirball Cultural Center. In the museum, the 6th graders had the opportunity to examine antiquities from the Near East and even be a part of a simulated archaeological dig.
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 | Snow Fun!
1/23/2012
"Look mommy...I'm making red snow!" and, "Daddy, I made you this snowman." January is off to a great start in Nursery with "snow" in our classroom. The children squealed with delight as they explored the new attraction. With a little bit of water, red food coloring, and "Super Snow Powder" the snow adventures began. The children made snowballs, snowmen, and mountains with a little imagination and busy hands.
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 | Korean Dance Company Performs at BHS
1/6/2012
It's impressive that the same dance company that performed in the opening ceremonies of the Los Angeles Olympics just performed at BHS. The Korean Classical Music and Dance Comapny, directed by Don Kim, performed classical and folk forms of traditional music and dance of the Korean culture.
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 | Reindeer Rants!
12/9/2011
Santa's reindeer don't agree - some want more sweets on Christmas Eve, some want more healthy treats. To win the children of the world to their side of the argument, the reindeer had to learn how to write very persuasive letters. So that's just what the reindeer (posing as 3rd graders) decided to do - learn all about persuasive writing. To start, they read I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff. It's all about a young boy trying to persuade his mom to buy him an iguana.
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 | 4th Grade - Region Collages
12/5/2011
"Ooh, these are so cool!" "They make the room so colorful!" "What a fun project!" They've finished their Region Collages, and as always these region posters are fabulous - just like the 4th Grade. This is the culminating project they do after researching and writing about the regions of California, which allows them to be creative and really "show" what they have learned. These collages represent the following: a city, a natural feature, industry, and an animal that they have learned about. Students cut out pictures from National Geographic magazines and use their research skills to find pictures on the internet to create these engaging and informative collages.
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 | BHS Mock Trial Prosecutor Honored
12/5/2011
Alexa James-Cardenas, 8th grader, accepts the "2011 Outstanding Prosecuting Attorney, Los Angeles County, Junior Division" award from Jackie Lacey of the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office at the 2011 Mock Trial awards ceremony this past Wednesday at the Los Angeles County Courthouse. Along with Alexa, BHS Mock Trial students to receive "Honorable Mention" were Neda Mazdisnian, Kris Benson, Wakelin McNeel, Nick Nazari, Blake Peters. Over 5000 students from both independent and public school in Los Angeles County participated in this year's Mock Trial program. Congratulations to all the members of the Mock Trial teams in this year's JH elective class!
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 | I Was a Second Grade Werewolf
12/5/2011
The second graders were in awe when we joined together on the carpet to read a story titled I Was a Second Grade Werewolf by Daniel Pinkwater. Most of the students imagined themselves as a second grade werewolf! The title alone helped the students make prediction, after prediction, after prediction, allowing them to think ahead and make connections to the story even before they read. After the students ...
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 | Primary Food Drive
12/2/2011
Berkeley Hall students and their families collected a whopping 700 lbs. of food for the Los Angeles Food Bank during the Primary Food Drive ending the week of November 18th. Thanks to all who participated in such a worthwhile event during the holidays. (Just one of the collection locations is pictured.)
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 | 7th Grade Emphasizes Acceptance in 2011
11/21/2011
The name of the song is "No Escape." The lyrics emphasize acceptance of oneself and being one's best self. Musician and JH English teacher Mrs. Waterson played her song for the 7th graders during their advising period and asked students to write responses to the message of the song, some of which were then video-taped. In a recent Chapel focused on acceptance of oneself and others, students performed "No Escape" and played the video compilation of their responses to the lyrics. The compilation video and song are attached for watching/listening or downloading.
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 | Deconstructed Houses
11/10/2011
In keeping with the spirit of the Halloween season, 5th graders created a 3-D sculpture in art class that resembled a deconstructed house. We looked at one of the most famous "haunted" houses, the Munster's house, located on the Universal lot. We discussed why Victorian architecture can make us feel scared when it isn't cared for – and why we don't feel the same way about neglected modern homes. The assignment was...
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New Berkeley Hall Trustee Emeritus Named
10/28/2011
Dear Members of the Berkeley Hall Community,
It is with great pleasure that I announce the election of Mark Pécheck as a Berkeley Hall Trustee Emeritus. Mark served on the Berkeley Hall Board of Trustees for sixteen years, including ten years as Treasurer and the final three years as Board Chair.
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 | By the Light of the Silvery Moon
10/27/2011
Third graders learned how to paint with tints and shades. The moonlight shines on one side, making it lighter. The opposite side is darker. This gives the illusion of roundness to the pumpkin. Leaves and vines were scored and rolled to add to the 3D effect. The pumpkin sits in a field of raggedy grass or in a garden. What's that flying in the night sky?
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 | TFFs 100 Prayer Squares
10/27/2011
The Fabulous Fourth (TFF) started Prayer Squares this week with Mrs. Linke, who spearheads the "Care Packages for Soldiers" project. The 4th Grade has created these fantastic squares for several years now. Students design and ...
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 | Kumi Daiko (Taiko) Comes to BHS
10/12/2011
Taiko means drum in Japanese, or wide drum. And "kumi-daiko" refers to a more recent art form of ensemble taiko drumming. In this week's Chapel on responsibility presented by Nathalie Miller, Celt Taiko from Crespi Carmelite High School (including 4 BHS grads) wowed the amphitheater audience of students, teachers, and parents. Several drummers shared their thoughts about why Taiko requires responsibility. It fosters self control, strength, endurance, courtesy, and a high level of responsibility to the art form and to the members of the group. These musicians warm up each day before engaging in this physically demanding art form; they do yoga and run several miles before practicing.
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 | Shoe Schema?
10/10/2011
"Why did you bring in two different shoes Miss Pratt?" A student asked as the 3rd Grade teacher held up a running shoe and a high-heeled shoe at the beginning of readers' workshop. She brought in two different shoes to help the students understand schema. They began their discussion by talking about what kinds of experiences her running shoe has been through and then comparing them to the experiences of her high-heeled shoe. The students were then able to make the connection that just like shoes have different experiences, people do too. By the end of their discussion, students knew that schema meant prior knowledge and because they all have different experiences, they all have different schema.
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 | Problem Solving Workshop
10/2/2011
Problem Solving Workshops are a common scene in 8th grade. This week, students focused on the art of setting up algebra problems. Students competed in teams of 4 to put together valid equations from the many pieces of information presented to them in several challenging word problems. They were then required to document and solve the equations to complete the workshop. This approach to problem solving gives them not only hands on experience with setting up algebra problems, but also opportunities to talk through their approaches as a group, all contributing to a deeper understanding of problem-solving techniques.
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 | Art 30,000 Years in the Making!
9/30/2011
Although early man may not have produced written language, 30,000 years ago people communicated through art. These works, painted on stone in protected caves, show us the animals that lived during the Ice Age and illustrate which objects were deemed important enough to paint. Sixth graders made their own piece of stone with plaster of Paris. Once hardened, students used charcoal and earth colors to imitate the naturalistic style of cave art.
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 | 7th Grade Climbs to the Top
9/9/2011
The 7th graders spent this week in Santa Barbara as part of their outdoor education curriculum. It was a busy week filled with ropes course, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, rock climbing, and plenty more fun and challenging activities. "It was heartening to watch them lend support to one another during these challenging activities," said one trip leader.
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 | BHS Student Wins Gelson's Art Contest
8/31/2011
Maya Vaught is a grand prize winner in Gelson’s environmental art contest for elementary students in southern California. Maya’s winning entry was originally created for Earth Day at BHS. It was judged on how well it depicted an environmental message, originality, and quality craftsmanship. The CEO and top officers of Gelson’s selected the winners. Maya received a $500 gift card. Her artwork is currently being featured at Gelson’s!
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 | Children's Rainforest Author
5/27/2011
"All of a sudden I realized I was in the basement, working on a painting of a bird who lives in the rainforest, while all the other kids were at the school dance with their dates; and I was happy. I was doing what I loved." Award-winning children's book author Kristin Pratt-Serafini told students at Berkeley Hall that it all started when her 9th grade English teacher gave her class an extra assignment to ...
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 | Junior High 3D Art Creations
5/20/2011
Creating a 3D object from scratch has its rewards and challenges, whether starting from a lump of clay or a lump of newspaper pulp. In this elective, students turn a variety of materials into works of art that have to work from all sides and from top to bottom. In this slide show, students show three kinds of clay construction: pinch pot, slab, and coil. Golden, glittery bowls are made from the most basic of materials, shredded and boiled gray newspaper pulp!
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 | Going South Band Plays at BHS
5/12/2011
Foot-stompin' - hand-clappin' fun is all you can say about the "Going South Band". They rocked the house in a fiddle-dobro-washtub bass kind of way. What fun to learn some history about the music and the instruments and then hear this talented group of musicians play the variety of tunes reflecting the styles they mentioned.
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 | L.A. Mayor Speaks at Centennial Fair
5/6/2011
L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa spoke at the Berkeley Hall Centennial Fair to help celebrate the school's 100th anniversary. Rides were paused and crowds gathered in front of a replica of Berkeley Hall's 1913 school house. The Mayor praised the diversity in this independent school's student body as a wonderful representation of the city in which we dwell. He congratulated Berkeley Hall for teaching students from pre-school through 8th grade the core values of honesty, compassion, respect, and responsibility as they will one day be our leaders. The fair is Berkeley Hall’s gift to the community each Spring and all in the community are welcome.
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 | BHS 7th Grader Wins in Regional Art Competition
4/29/2011
Representing Los Angeles County, 7th grader Rene Kvistad placed 2nd in the Regional Youth Art Month Competition held last Saturday. To compete at Regionals, students had to win at their county level first. In Saturday's competition, Rene competed against the winners from Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, Ventura, and San Diego counties - plus against two BHS students who had also won at the LA county competition in the 6th-8th level, Etienne Forte and Sophie Stein. Only two Los Angeles county students placed in the regional event - a high school student in 3D art, and Rene! You make all BHS Bobcats proud!
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 | Make Art with 19 Shapes
4/29/2011
First graders were presented with a fun challenge in art class: what can you make with these basic shapes? This exercise helps students see that even the most complex art piece is made up of smaller, recognizable shapes. First, students enjoyed making crayon patterns of each piece. The goal was to make as much variety as possible. Then watercolor was applied to add even more variety of color.
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 | Big Top Comes to BHS
3/24/2011
Not the circus - the Centennial Tent.
They worked quietly - quickly - moving across the blacktop with purpose - positioning piece after piece - every crew member knowing exactly what to do when in their obviously well-rehearsed dance of big top tent assemblage. Here's a peek at the process from blacktop to tent.
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 | Observing a Hawk
3/13/2011
One of the many benefits of a Berkeley Hall education – close encounters with wildlife! 2nd graders observed a red-tailed hawk perched on a lamppost near the Arts & Science building.
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 | To Protect and Serve
3/11/2011
He didn't start out collecting them. Berkeley Hall's Maintenance Specialist Mr. Gillespie had a few mugs given to him by friends who had been officers and that started a wave. People would think of him when they saw a police mug or had an officer friend retiring - and soon Mr. Gillespie had a "collection." He shared his collection with BHS and displayed them in the library for all to see. "Some students are fascinated and look at every one. Some just walk by. There are a few in there that are worth something - there's an LAPD police chief Daryl Gates Family Reunion mug," Michael said. The exhibit draws attention to the organizations upholding law and order. Thanks for sharing your collection with us Mr. Gillespie!
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 | Amethyst Geode Donated to Berkeley Hall
3/4/2011
This beautiful geode was donated to Berkeley Hall by the Glinert family. It originally came from a cave in Uruguay. Amethyst geodes are most commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, and parts of Africa. Geodes form inside rocks (you are only seeing HALF the original rock). It typically takes about 240 million years for the crystals in the rock to form. The crystals in geodes are varieties of the mineral quartz. This particular geode is very rare because of its deep violet color and gem-grade-quality gemstones. Each stone within the geode would normally be cut out and used for jewelry. It is very special that we have a real mineral specimen to enjoy, and we are deeply grateful to the Glinert family for their generous donation!
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 | Not A Box
2/24/2011
In 5th grade, she knew what she wanted to do. But it wasn't until after she'd worked in a big advertising firm and then as a designer at Disney, that she finally decided to quit the "rat race" and follow her dream - write and illustrate children's books. Antoinette Portis is now an award-winning author/illustrator of several highly-acclaimed books with more books in the pipeline. Children in Grades 1-2 sat in rapt attention, listening to Not A Box and A Penguin Story and then learned how to draw the penguin character from the book. Each student armed with clipboard, crayon, and paper, sat and followed step-by-step instructions from Ms. Portis, one shape at a time. Then it was Grades N, JK, and K's turn to hear Antoinette's colorful reading of Not A Box and Kindergarten Diary. JK and K learned to draw the bunny from Not A Box.
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 | Legends Come to Life
2/20/2011
A deeply moving core literature book, Annie and the Old One, has inspired the students of 2A to write their very own legends. If you have ever wondered how zebras got stripes, or how chameleons change color, or how snakes obtained scales, the children have created extremely imaginative legends of how, and sometimes why, these and other mysterious events occurred. The legends are currently displayed on a bulletin board in the classroom; and are a delightful way to bring stories to life.
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 | 5th Grade Science Night 2011
2/11/2011
"Wow! I can see the baseball field from here!" "I see the pool!" The 5th graders reached new heights (and depths!) as they explored the hills and valleys on the Berkeley Hall campus for Science Night 2011.
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6A Rocks Color Grammar
2/11/2011
What color is a noun? Any student in 6A could tell you that in a second. [Blue, and so are pronouns!] 6A students have been studying grammar by color-coding the parts of speech in order to understand visually how each word functions in a sentence. Students have been discovering patterns about how the English language works, and now they have moved to Color Grammar Part 2: Sentence Combining.
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 | BHS 100th!
2/11/2011
Third graders were asked to close their eyes and see what view of BHS popped into their mind! Then they drew it. These will be included in the BHS Time Capsule at the Centennial Celebration. Some had fond memories of the Dads' Club camp-out, or the Country Fair, or seeing Mr. Barrows walking Tundra. One was inspired by our school song, "and the trees shall clap their hands." Others drew every-day things around the campus like the basketball court. A few students imagined what happens at BHS at night when kids aren't here: bobcats, deer and skunks roaming around our country campus.
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 | Name That Tune Action Paintings
1/31/2011
We never have homework in the junior high art class, so when students were told they'd have some homework - even worse - over the weekend, they were stunned! However, when they found out the homework was to pick out a favorite song and listen to it repeatedly, they changed their tune!
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 | 4th Grade - Prayer Squares
1/21/2011
The Fourth Grade finished their Prayer Squares, just in time to send them to the soldiers for Valentine's Day. Mrs. Linke, who spearheads the "Care Packages for Soldiers" project, thought it would be fun and different to send the soldiers something special in February. For several years now, each 4th grade class has worked with her, and it is a marvelous activity.
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 | If it snowed at Berkeley Hall...
1/21/2011
When painting snow, second graders discovered it isn’t always white. Snow reflects the color of the sky as the sun goes down. In these landscapes, the hills turn blue or purple as the light fades away.
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 | Scholastic Art Competition
1/21/2011
The National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is the oldest and most prestigious art/photography contest in the US. Students compete at the highest level – most generally, it's high school juniors and seniors taking AP art classes hoping for generous scholarship awards. The competition is stiff. Since junior high students can begin competing at age twelve, BHS submitted these excellent pieces!
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 | Real Life Connections
1/7/2011
Third grade faces were filled with smiles and Rockets was too. Rocket is a samoyed dog, a 3rd grader's pet. Over the past month the class has been reading their core lit book "Stone Fox." In the story a national dog sled race takes place and one of the main characters races with five samoyeds. Two students surprised their classmates and brought in their dog Rocket. It was really special for them to get to see and touch a real live samoyed (character from the book). It allowed them to make real-life connections with the story. Many of the students wished they could have taken Rocket home with them so that they could enter a dog sled race just as the main character did in "Stone Fox."
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 | Silhouette Symmetry
1/7/2011
"Hold still and don't move!" This is what the second graders heard while their profiles were drawn by Miss Lueg in an interactive and fun math project that illustrates the concepts of silhouettes and symmetry. The activity was also a terrific discussion starter with students about ways to better appreciate themselves and others. In addition, it fostered an awareness of art concepts while working on the subject of math. Discovering these kinds of cool interdisciplinary connections is part of the delight in learning; and the children in 2A certainly love to learn!
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 | 10,000 Postcards for Peace
12/3/2010
Our 4th, 5th, and 7th grade art elective students participated in The Peace Exchange, a new peace initiative started by San Francisco artist Ross Holzman. The idea is to spread peace around the world through children's art – exchanging
personal positive messages of hope and peace. The art is done on a large postcard, with each student writing a kind message on the back. The goal was to create 10,000 postcards this past month. So far, 30 schools in 15 states have participated.
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 | Mock Trial Award Goes to BHS Student
12/2/2010
The Constitutional Rights Foundation Mock Trial competition for LA County came to a close with a star-studded awards ceremony. LA District Attorney Steve Cooley presented the "Outstanding" Prosecution awards to the top-scoring student in each role – among the recipients, BHS 8th grader Kelemn Taylor-Gonzalez.
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 | My Family
11/23/2010
Thanksgiving is a time when we gather with our families to give thanks for them and our many blessings. First graders enjoyed creating a portrait of their family in art class using crayon resist, watercolor, and pattern.
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 | BHS Gives 700% More
11/23/2010
Wow! Berkeley Hall families have done it again. Last year the Primary Student Council did a great job with the food drive collecting 80 pounds of food for Angelenos in need! From November 8-12, the Primary Student Council sponsored ...
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 | World Renowned Speaker on Ethics at BHS
11/18/2010
Do we all share core values? "Is there really a deep ethic, a substrate of moral values that provides constant aspirational direction to human endeavor throughout the world?" asks Dr. Rushworth Kidder, founder of The Institute for Global Ethics (IGE). Based on IGE's research, there are five "core moral and ethical values held in highest regard around the world:" honesty, responsibility, respect, fairness and compassion regardless of the "global diversity of culture, ethnicity, race, religion, gender, political persuasion, economic disparity, and educational attainment." According to Dr. Kidder, world-renowned authority on Ethical Fitness™, doing what's right is being in agreement with these shared core values.
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 | 3rd-Hamburger Paragraphs
10/28/2010
"Can I make mine a Crabby Patty?" a third grade student asked as were talking about how to write a paragraph. Third graders began to grasp the idea of paragraphs by thinking of them as hamburgers.
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 | Everyday Courage
10/27/2010
"The goal of our weekly chapel is to 'inspire children to fulfill their unlimited, God-given potential.' Generally, chapel presentations are an effort to impress upon children their innate, God-given goodness and help them express this goodness in everyday life," explained Mr. Barrows in Headlines. A recent chapel looked at the subject of everyday courage, the type of courage we're frequently called on to exercise and the type of courage for which we often receive little or no praise. Below you'll find the content of the Chapel "Everyday Courage" presented by 5th grade teacher Ms. Crickard.
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 | Spooky Houses
10/22/2010
These haunted houses created by 4th graders were first drawn with white glue! No erasing – students just had to go with whatever lines were squirted out of the bottle. Students quickly learned to control this messy medium. When dry, the lines became good dividers for the application of soft pastels – another very messy medium. The point was not to make a perfect house, but an expressive, eerie, or spooky one to fit in with the season!
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 | Wow! Tricky Stride Piano
10/22/2010
"That was the best cultural arts program we've ever had," said one faculty member of the performance by world-renowned pianist Stephanie Trick, who played a blazin' stride piano for a full house of students and guests. Stride piano developed as a style during the early 1900's, around the same time Berkeley Hall got its start. So to help celebrate our Centenial, Stephanie shared with us her amazing talents. She's "The next rising star in the stride world..."
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Happy Birthday Johnny Appleseed!
10/7/2010
"It was the best time of my life!" This is one of the many glowing comments the second graders shared after celebrating Johnny Appleseed's birthday. The students have been studying Johnny Appleseed and his interesting and inspiring life. The class had a wonderful time at the party to celebrate his birthday. Apple treats of all kinds were joyously savored as the children donned the tin pot style hats that each had made. Johnny Appleseed, Happy Birthday!
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 | Mondrian and Primary Colors
10/7/2010
The artist Piet Mondrian enjoyed working with black vertical and horizontal lines, and rectangles of primary colors. First graders created designs using the same motifs as a review of red, yellow, blue – the three essential building blocks of all the colors in our world.
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 | Yosemite 2010
10/7/2010
"Awesome," "Memorable," "Hard but worth it!" students said of their Yosemite experience. During this week-long 8th grade Outdoor Education experience camping and hiking, students are challenged physically and academically, bond with each other and nature, work together, learn about the environment, support one another, and come home enriched. One of the trip leaders, PE teacher and coach Mike Hufstader said, "I loved seeing students bond with one another during our time at Yosemite. It was great to see how each child took something different away from this trip that they'll never forget. I had such a great time getting to know the kids more and watching them grow. I was very grateful to go on this trip as a chaperone." Here are some student comments about their time in Yosemite:
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 | A Heavy Hearted Mafatu
9/24/2010
"His heart was like a stone in his breast," is an example of a simile, one of the many literary devices studied in the 5th grade and found in their required summer reading, Call It Courage, by Armstrong Sperry. As students re-read parts of the book ...
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 | JH Digital Photography Starts with Promise
9/24/2010
"I give them freedom: freedom to create, freedom to express, and they take that freedom, along with the proper tools (a good camera and Adobe Lightroom) to produce some incredible work," said JH Digital Photography elective teacher Bob Lovett. The goal is for students to learn how to take thoughtful pictures, edit them, and gain confidence in their own artistic voice. "The quality of work is already apparent in this class' digital output," Lovett said.
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 | Personalized Logos
9/24/2010
Sixth graders created a logo about themselves using their initials. These logos are framed within a radial design. The use of warm and cool colors help make the logo design “pop” from the background. A logo is a simple symbol used to instantly communicate a company or person’s identity. Logo design is an important - and very challenging – part of the graphic arts profession. (A special emphasis this year in all art classes is "The Work of Art." We'll see that the skills learned in the art room are used in many careers.)
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 | Contrast Collage
9/16/2010
Both 1st grade and 5th grade began the year by making a collage. Please compare how much design technique has been mastered in four years between six and ten years old. Both age groups used paper, scissors, and glue to make their collage. (Collage is a French word meaning “glue paper to paper.” This art form was invented by Henri Matisse.)
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 | 2010 Senior Send-off for BHS Class of 2006
6/11/2010
Senior Send-off on Thursday, June 3, gave the Berkeley Hall School faculty and administration the opportunity to welcome back the 19 members of BHS Class of 2006, and hear about their college plans. Classmates coming from Archer, Viewpoint, Campbell Hall, Harvard Westlake, Windward, Pacific Hills, Brentwood School, Sierra Canyon, and Calabasas High, greeted each other & shared their exciting news. College selections include:
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 | Memorial Day Gifts for Soldiers
5/21/2010
Kindergartners and their buddies joined together in a community service project to salute American soldiers on the front lines. Fourth graders decorated prayer squares and Kindergartners filled gallon size baggies with lots of fun and useful items, such as, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, chapstick, bandaids, candy, gum, tissue, games, books, phone cards, deodorant, floss, sunflower seeds, pens, disposable cameras, lotion, shampoo and conditioner. We wrote letters to our soldiers to thank them for protecting us. We love our soldiers. Read students' heartfelt and individual letters by clicking "Read More."
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 | Books and Bowls for Mom
5/14/2010
Junior High students in the 3D art elective created some gorgeous works of art for Mother's Day. Back on Earth Day, they began creating a bowl from recycled newspaper. A huge stack of newspapers was torn into bits, soaked 3 hours in boiling water, and then mashed into a pulp. This was pressed into a large mold and left to dry for a couple of weeks. Metallic paint turned an economic, lightweight, sturdy bowl into a stunning decorative piece.
The handmade books were begun by creating marbelized paper for the cover. Suminagashi (Japanese for "spilled ink") means floating colored inks on water. Students created their patterns on the surface of the water, then placed their paper carefully on it. The pop-up books involved careful engineering to design each unique page. Decorating was the fun part!
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 | Kahurangi
4/29/2010
"People pass away but our heritage lives on forever and ever," says a Maori proverb. The Kahurangi Maori Dance Theater performed for the Berkeley Hall community and brought to life through dance and song, the heritage of the Maori people and other tribes of Polynesia. The group of six performers taught the audience to say "hello" in several different languages as they led us on a expressive tour through the south Pacific. Kahurangi was founded by Toma Huata in 1984 in an attempt to "revitalize the ihi, or life force of Maori culture, and to provide cultural, educational, and employment opportunities for young Maori people." Cultural arts programs are brought to our community through the generosity of the Mothers' Club.
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 | JH Students Build Go-Karts
4/16/2010
Parking in front of the Science & Arts Building is full. Full of go-karts, that is! Lined up outside the Woodshop are the blue chassis of 12 go-karts in various stages of completion. For the 3rd trimester, JH Woodshop elective students are building their own karts (no engines) from the ground up. Teacher Su Harper built a prototype and then told students, "It's like a puzzle. Use the prototype to pull it apart, take measurements, trace patterns, and figure out how to build your own." Seventh graders press their noses to the window in anticipation of building their karts next year. "It's like a party in here every day. We turn on music and have a blast learning how to build with precision and care." On Field Day (June 7) there will be a race of 6 go-kart teams (2 karts per team). Don't miss the fun!
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 | 4th Grade Mission Posters
3/25/2010
On a clear winter day, the 4th graders joined Mrs. Cheney for a hike to the top of Bobcat Mountain behind the Intermediate Building. Mrs. Cheney used to volunteer at the Southwest Indian Museum and loved giving tours to 4th graders from all over Los Angeles. From their stunning vantage point at the top of the BHS campus, they could see clear across the valley to the San Fernando Mission. Using an old map of the region, they could imagine where the original Indian villages once stood.
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 | Women's History Month - Crazy Quilt
3/19/2010
In honor of Women's History Month, each 3rd grader created one square of our "crazy quilt." Traditionally, quilting has been a women's art form dating back centuries. Quilting skills were a necessity, as well as a creative outlet. Women frugally saved scraps of material and when enough scraps were collected, sewed them into a crazy quilt with a random pattern derived from the scraps. The students selected fabric pieces randomly. They completed their square by designing their own fabrics between the real scraps. For those who enjoy working with pattern and color, there are many jobs that utilize this knowledge.
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 | Me in the Abstract
2/9/2010
Using their three initials as the basis of this abstract painting, JH art students chose a warm and a cool color as their theme. In this painting, students had to mix the basic colors and then create variations of tints and shades with black and white. Students learned there are many jobs in industry for people who enjoy using and inventing new colors.
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 | BHS Junior Olympian Jaxson Harrah
2/5/2010
He started the day with 3 eggs and 4 waffles. He needed his strength. BHS 6th grader Jaxson Harrah competed last Friday in the Southern California Junior Olympics (the fastest age group swim meet of the season) in Long Beach. Just to qualify for this event is quite an accomplishment. Jaxson qualified in the 50 Freestyle. The qualifying time for his age group (11-12 year olds from SoCal and Las Vegas) was 27.9 and he was ranked 72nd out of 77 boys who qualified. "He didn't like being in that position," said his mom Monica Galindo. "His goal was to swim better than the last time and decrease his time." He had one chance - one race - and he was in the first heat! "He knew he had to swim fast to move up in the standings!" said Monica. "He didn't really want advice from his parents," she said, "so he went to his coach for some final words of advice and headed over to the blocks." Jaxson swam a blazing 27.24 in the 50 Free moving up to 37th. (His previous best was 27.90.) Congrats Jaxson!
What's next? Jaxson qualified to swim the 50 Freestyle in the Summer Junior Olympics where he's hoping to move up even more in the standings. He's currently working hard and hopes to qualify in more events for the Summer Junior Olympics.
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 | BHS Artists in Youth Art Month (YAM) Competition
2/4/2010
Youth Art Month is celebrated nationally in March. It is customary to see student art work exhibited in public places, and each region or state or school district stages various events. In Los Angeles, there is a competition of 2D artwork at the county level. Art that receives a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place ribbon moves on to be shown at the California state-wide exhibit. This is the first year that BHS students are participating. For our region, the entries will be staged at the Canoga Park Youth Center for the month of February.
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 | The Sugar Plum Tree: 70 Years of Tradition
12/18/2009
The Sugar Plum tree has been a Berkeley Hall tradition since 1939. Each year, a tree (generally harvested from our campus) is decorated with "plums" (small colorful sacks full of gifts) for the Primary students. Parents get together the night before the Christmas program to make the plums and decorate the tree. And Friday morning, when children see the lit and decorated tree for the first time? Magic! Your child's eyes filled with wonder and joy. There's nothing like it. Merry Christmas. Happy holidays.
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 | Dr. Terrance Roberts Speaks of Tolerance
12/16/2009
“I loved it,” said an 8th grade student of the Museum of Tolerance and the museum-hosted symposium “Lessons from Little Rock,” a look back at defining chapters of the Civil Rights Movement. “They were fighting for freedom,” said students referring to the renowned “Little Rock Nine” – a group of black students who bravely integrated into the all-white Little Rock, Arkansas Central High School in 1957 when racial tensions were at their highest. One of the nine, Dr. Terrance Roberts, was keynote speaker. “The talk was great,” said Frank. “Speaking with one of the nine was really cool,” said James. “It made me feel grateful,” said Isabella. “After seeing what those people went through, you’re grateful for what you have,” she said. “We learned how we can change the world and ourselves by not bullying others,” said Savanah. “It’s amazing how people would fight and fight,” said another student.
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 | Watercolor Landscape
12/4/2009
JH Studio Art elective students practiced their watercolor skills in a series of small studies. Then they went outside to draw the smooth-trunked trees ringing the amphitheater. These were quite different from the craggy trees they observed for their scratch-art drawing. This was to be the largest painting students tackled for the trimester, as well as their final.
This painting incorporated every technique they learned about watercolor, plus what they learned about perspective. It took two weeks to complete. Each student tried their best and the results really showed!
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 | JH Digital Photography Fall '09
11/20/2009
"I give them freedom: freedom to create, freedom to express, and they take that freedom, along with the proper tools (a good camera and Adobe Lightroom) to produce some incredible work," said JH Digital Photography elective teacher Bob Lovett. The goal is for students to learn how to take thoughtful pictures, edit them, and gain confidence in their own artistic voice. Check out students' work in the attached slide show.
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 | 5B Salutes Veterans!
11/13/2009
After Mr. Barrows' excellent chapel on Monday when he honored veterans, our class continued the discussion in our daily morning chapels. On Veterans Day, we took extra time to reflect on the following question: What makes soldiers and sailors willing to defend their country with their lives?
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 | 4th Grade - "Greetings from CA" Quilt
11/12/2009
"I want this quilt, and I'm going to tell my parents," said several 4th graders about the 4th grade Gala project being auctioned off this Sunday at the Rockin' Auction. Each student created a "large letter postcard" quilt square for a city in California as their part of the "Greetings from California" quilt. In their study of California's regions they chose cities from the desert, the coast, the mountains, and the central valley. "This class is extremely talented," said Mrs. Kyneur, "and these quilt squares are amazing." This one-of-a-kind quilt will be a great memory of 4th Grade.
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 | BHS Champion Swimmers
11/10/2009
We had a very successful meet! In our strong team of 20 swimmers (14 girls and 6 boys), every one of them swam their best times of the season at the San Fernando League Championships. We participated in 19 of 20 events and had 8 first place finishes, 6 second places and 2 third places.
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 | Diavolo Performs at BHS
11/9/2009
If this performance (at BHS) by contemporary dance company Diavolo smacked of Cirque du Soleil, it's because the creator, director, and choreographer of the group is the famed Jacques Heim, who also choreographed the current Cirque du Soleil Vegas show, KA. Mixed with whimsy and acrobatics, this show delighted the 1st through 8th grade audience and got some of them on stage to do a bit of performing of their own. This cultural arts program was the first of many this year, brought to us by the Mothers' Club.
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 | 1B Students Are Thinking Readers
11/9/2009
Reading involves thinking – active thinking! To practice this skill, 1B experienced what’s called an interactive read-aloud. Miss Cline read aloud The Art Project, and students understood how to think-when-reading by listening, looking at the pictures, talking with one another, and drawing or writing what the story made them think about. They experienced how to “leave tracks” of their thinking by writing and drawing on post-it notes during certain parts of the story. They couldn't wait to share with their neighbor what they’d written or drawn! It was amazing to see how they used each other to understand what they heard in the story. From their own lives, they made connections to the text which really brought the story to life. This is just the beginning of learning how to be an active thinker during reading. They'll have many more opportunities to explore reading comprehension with this method.
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 | 7th Grade Conquers the Empire Game
11/9/2009
"Their game was fun; you got to take over lands and become the new leader of the empire," said one 7th grader of another group's board game in "The Empire Game Challenge" in Social Studies. 7th grade students worked in groups to plan and create a game board about the Roman and Byzantine empires. The focus of the game could be the factors that influenced the growth and decline of the empires, characteristics of the empires, important people, or something else about the empires.
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 | How Magnifying Lenses Affect Solar Water Heaters
11/9/2009
Students scurried along the ridge to position their containers in just the right spot in relationship to the sun. 5th grade science students are currently learning how to efficiently heat up water using only solar energy. Several students in 5B wondered if magnifying lenses might help their solar water heaters heat up faster. They took mini-solar water heaters outside for testing and recorded their data. Some students tried large lenses and some tried single or multiple small lenses. Although a few melted the plastic in their solar water heaters (!), they're not sure yet if the lenses had a significant effect on how how quickly the water heated up. They'll check and compare their results to the control data collected for the one solar water heater that had no magnifying lenses at all. It will be interesting to see if the students decide to incorporate magnifying lenses into their large solar water heaters they'll build for the Solar-Water-Heat-a-thon coming soon!
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 | Pumpkin Fields in Moonlight
11/9/2009
Fourth graders used several perspective techniques to create this night drawing. Large pumpkins were drawn near the bottom of the paper. The pumpkins get smaller the closer they are to the horizon line. The pumpkins were shaded light on the top from the moonlight, to dark at the bottom. The shadow beneath is dark.
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 | Skeletons on the Move
11/9/2009
The key to drawing more realistically is understanding the basic structure, and where humans can actually bend. No more noodle arms for fifth graders! With all the skeletons decorating campus at this season, it was a natural to do some bone drawings. Fifth graders practiced bending themselves, and even took off their shoes and socks to look at their toes to draw them better – no more bird claws passing as human feet, please! Next, we drew simpiified skeletons from the front and sideways. Finally we drew our skeletons doing all kinds of activities, such as skateboarding, dancing, escaping from a shark, doing yoga, or being lazy at the beach!
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 | Yosemite Reflections
10/5/2009
All thirty 8th graders bounded off the bus with great big smiles. What a wonderful trip the class of 2010 made for themselves in Yosemite. It's true – they challenged and stretched their comfort zones both physcially and socially, however they proved to themselves they're capable and important team players. One of our 8th graders said, "If you're ready to have fun and challenge yourself, then you're ready for Yosemite. It's a trip that tests your leadership and also helps you bond with your classmates. It's a once-in-a-lifetime trip with your class, and might be the best trip of your life. It's a trip that makes you smarter, stronger, and gives you a chance to connect with nature."
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 | JH Production of "Pride and Prejudice"
8/21/2009
The costumes, the grandeur, the poise, and manner - all wrapped in golden light - created the period setting for this very ambitious production of Pride and Prejudice by the Junior High Drama class. Bravo to the cast and crew on this very impressive show. And special thank you's go to Directors Sanjay Chandani and Rob Miller, Choreographer Cindy Hygate, Lou Schwartz and Paula Cushman (costumes), Chloe Jones and Tyler Cushman (lights), and Katherine Coghlan (makeup). Link to Pro Gallery.
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 | Class of 2009 Graduates
6/10/2009
Congratulations to the Class of 2009. Ceremonies held in Hodges Theater on June 10 began with a processional of Berkeley Hall teachers. Resounding applause and gratitude filled the room for this team of teachers who, every year, turn out students embodying the quality and spirit of a Berkeley Hall education. The beautiful ceremony included songs sung by 7th and 8th graders, a presentation of special awards, speeches given by students, our Headmaster, and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and the awarding of diplomas. A reception of cake and punch followed.
Here is a list of the awards presented at graduation:
Sportsmanship: Roxanne Lignier & Michael Pair
Outstanding Students: Julia Kugerl & Roxanne Lignier
Margaret D. Harris Most Improved Writer: Adam Moreton
Margaret D. Harris Outstanding Writer: Chloe O'Shannon
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 | Burning Cheetos in 7th Grade
5/4/2009
Junior High students have nothing against Cheetos; their burning of
Cheetos this week was purely scientific - part of a lab in which they
had to calculate the calories contained in a Cheeto. They burned a
Cheeto suspended under a handmade tinfoil test tube containing water.
The object: to record the change of water temperature before and after
the burning of the Cheeto - thus determining the caloric “heat” of a
Cheeto.
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 | Be Responsible, Be Prepared
3/25/2009
Jaxson Harrah, as "Headmaster for the Day," decided to use the power of his position for good. Aside from giving his classmates a free-dress day and sending all the faculty and staff a note of gratitude (all much appreciated), he wanted to do something that corresponded with one of our core values: Responsibility. He invited the local fire department to visit our school and talk about being prepared as part of our responsibility to our community and families.
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 | Got Rhythm?
3/13/2009
Rhythm. Whether it's clapping, snapping, or stomping, rhythm is the thing. Kids love it. Adults love it. Smiles abound. All true. Witness the audience in Hodges at the tap assembly this week. Channing Cook-Holmes, an accomplished and award-winning tap dancer and drummer, performed the indigenous American art form of rhythm tap dance, which evolved from African and Celtic rhythms. Supported by live instrumentation, Channing exhibited the tap styles of famous dancers Bo-Jangles and Gene Kelly. He shared dances from several of his recent performances, including Riverdance on Broadway and the Gregory Hines' film Bojangles.
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 | Wildlife Camera Captures "Bob" and Friends
2/27/2009
Our beautiful campus of 66 acres contains remote areas of undeveloped land where animals (like the pictured bobcat) make their homes or make tracks as they travel. Digital, infrared wildlife-cameras, triggered by heat and motion, capture their movements. Why? – because the National Park Service is conducting a study of animal movements in the area.
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 | "Sky Studio" Windows Installed
2/5/2009
The new Arts & Science Building is coming along. The glass panels
have now been installed in the "sky studio" classrooms. The exterior
walls coated first with the "scratch coat," were then sprayed with the
"brown coat" in preparation of the final stucco. A team of workers
smoothed the brown coat and kept time with the fast-drying cement to
achieve a smooth surface for the walls.
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 | Russian Musicians, Singers, Dancers at BHS
1/29/2009
Folk musical group Moscow Nights and dance troop The Golden Gates made a stop at BHS this week while on their tour of the United States. Students enjoyed the lively folk music, colorful costumes, and dancing, and learned about the Balalaika and the Bayan (chromatic button) Accordion. Some students were asked to join the performers on stage. This authentic picture of Russian folk traditions and culture was brought to us by the Mothers' Club.. Read more about the group.
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 | 3rd Graders on CNN
1/8/2009
BHS 3rd graders have been seen on CNN. They participated in CNN's nation-wide program "Dear Mr. President" in which students wrote letters to President-elect Obama and read them aloud on camera. BHS parent and CNN photojournalist Damir Loretic found out about the program at CNN, pitched the idea that BHS students get involved, and recorded the children reading their letters. Students asked the new president to address issues such as the environment, the economy, drugs, food prices, and the war in Iraq. Damir said that CNN was so impressed with our students' letters, that several were used on air and online. Thanks to Damir's efforts, our students' good work wad seen worldwide. Watch CNN Clip
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 | 8th Graders in Palisadian-Post Newspaper
1/8/2009
BHS 8th grader Joseph Elder spearheaded a "Holiday Mail for Heros" campaign at Berkeley Hall and at his dad's workplace. 8th graders hand made holiday cards for soldiers serving our country. Joseph's mom Diane brought the story to the attention of the Palisadian-Post and an article ran on January 1st.
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Reading and Writing, an Integrated Program
1/8/2009
The Berkeley Hall Curriculum Guide provides the basis for a cohesive literacy program. In the writing strand, it calls for the teaching of certain traits that proficient writers develop in their thinking about writing; and in reading, it cultivates the development of proficient readers, not only in fluency, but also in comprehension.
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 | A Story of Compassion
12/11/2008
On a daily basis, the 2nd graders have opportunities to put into practice all the things they've been learning about character education at Berkeley Hall. In science class, one such opportunity arose.
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 | 2nd Grade Art
12/10/2008
Second graders began the year by studying line and shape.
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 | 1st and 4A Paint Miro Style
11/13/2008
"Art is about seeing, it is a nonlinear way of figuring out perceptions in life and the big picture meaning of things," said art teacher Daphne Lunge. "Cubism is a perfect example of seeing all angles of a subject at the same time and understanding all aspects of an experience at the same moment in time. Time is compressed in Cubism."
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 | NorthWind Quintet Comes to BHS
11/13/2008
He blew into a green garden hose, 12 feet long, with a red plastic funnel on the end. The French horn, he said, has the same 12-foot length of tubing and to make a sound you have to blow hard enough to push the air all the way through to the horn at the end.
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 | Sixth Grade Goes to the Ballet
11/13/2008
"The kids loved it! It was awesome," said sixth grade teacher Ms. Thornton of the Los Angeles Youth Ballet Theater's production of William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," a 6th grade core literature book in the 3rd trimester.
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 | Swim Season Ends on a High Note
11/13/2008
We were invited to participate for the very first time in the season-ending San Fernando Swim Championships on November 3, 2008 at the Calabasas Swim Center. Four other area schools participated in the meet - Viewpoint, Buckley, CMS and Chime.
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 | Third Grade Map Project
11/13/2008
The word map comes from the latin word "mappa" which means cloth or towel. To experience what it might have been like to create an early map, the third grade embarked on a project to create their own maps on a piece of canvas.
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 | White Wins Bobcat Day
11/13/2008
Hot! Hot! Hot! As Bobcat Day temperatures soared, students guzzled water and bonded with their multi-grade groups.
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