From the Top Dog Principal Sheilagh Andujar Improving communication seems to be a recurring theme. Our efforts with the ABI Parent Portal system are paying off, Welcome back, returning students, families, and staff. And with families logging in to view up-to-date information on welcome new students and families to the Tech community. students’ grades and attendance. We’ve moved to a new We’re off to a great start this year, my 7th as principal at Oak- calendar application to keep communication of events in- land Tech. I’m grateful for the continued support of the PTSA, formation flowing on the website, www.oaklandtech.com. and especially the new PTSA newsletter crew who agree Be sure to check the site often, as it’s always full of new and with me that communication between students, teachers, useful information. With the start of the new school year and family is an important factor in student achievement. well behind us, we’re now looking forward to welcoming continued on page 4 Bulldog Bytes A publication of the Tech Parent, Student, Teacher Association Fall 2009 PTSA Awards Fall Grants Given the deep budget cuts affecting education this year, it should come as no surprise that the demand for mini and maxi- grants exceeded previous years, as well as budgeted amounts—in fact almost 3 times the budgeted amount. In its third year of the program, the PTSA dug deep and awarded more than $20,000 in maxi-grants, double the amount of last fall. From academic programs to extracurricular activities, to sports, there were many compelling projects that required funding. Mini-grants (which are capped at $350) were also given out to fill a variety of needs from basic classroom supplies to sup- Ken Korach, voice of the Oakland A’s, and Paul Brekke Meisner port for new after-school activities to academic incentives. honor Rickey Henderson Total amount awarded for mini-grants was just over $12,000. Carter Field Becomes continued on page 2 You Can Help! The Fall Fund Rickey Henderson Field Drive is Going on Now! What started as a dream just a few years ago has now Support our grants program with your donation become a reality, culminating with a star-studded event See enclosed brochure on October 3, dedicating Oakland Tech’s new baseball field to Tech alum Rickey Henderson, class of ‘76. Green Academy Launches with Fanfare In the mid-seventies Rickey really thought he wanted to The signs of a “green revolution” are all around us: “Be Veg! play football. But his good friend, Fred Atkins, convinced Go Green! Save our Planet,” shouts an ad on a local AC transit him to try out baseball. Fast forward to 2009, Rickey is bus—and the inaugural class of Oakland Tech’s new Green not only the greatest leadoff hitter of all time, he holds Technology Academy is leading the charge. This fall, 28 the single-season record for stolen bases and is in the sophomores are immersing themselves in issues of renewable Baseball Hall of Fame. energy and green technology as they embark on their first semester of classes in the new program— cheered on by the On a gorgeous October Saturday, Ken Korach, the radio teachers, administrators, legislators, and business partners voice of the Oakland A’s emceed the dedication event. who helped to bring the program into being. continued on page 3 continued on page 2 Grants continued from Page 1 Green Academy continued from Page 1 of Polynesia. With maxi- and mini-grants awarded Members of all of the above groups cel- ◊ Close Up—Financial assistance for low- just twice a year, it’s not too soon to ebrated the opening of the new academy income students to attend this annual trip start thinking ahead to the spring. to Washington, D.C. in a gathering at Tech in September. Two The funding for these grants comes particularly proud celebrants were teacher from the PTSA auction, and your ◊ Oakland Tech Trails Club—Support for this Deirdre Snyder, who first envisioned the new, student-initiated club that promotes academy five years ago, and Senator Loni donations. New this year is the Fall students experiencing nature and the envi- Fund Drive for which you received ronment through overnight camping trips. Hancock (D-Oakland), who authored the a brochure in this newsletter. Please 2008 legislation establishing funding for ca- ◊ Counseling Department—Purchase of consider that your donation goes reer technical academies focused on green course-planning software that helps stu- directly into the pool of funds that dents to plan and achieve their educational technology in California high schools. This helps make these many programs a objectives. legislation allowed Snyder, and Math teacher reality. Below are the projects and David Laub to apply for the $42,000 grant ◊ Tech Gardens—Overlap between the groups that we are glad to support that is enabling them to run the new pro- Green Academy and the Beautification with maxi-grants: Committee to maintain the planters that gram. Tech is one of just two high schools in were built last year outside the science the Bay Area to start a Green Academy this ◊ Journalism Club—Support for the classrooms. year—the other is El Cerrito High School. growing Journalism Club that last year ◊ Classroom Support—MacBook purchased revitalized “The Scribe”—a digital cam- for history teacher Patrick Friedman to im- Students in this academy take special Envi- era for the photo journalists, reporter’s prove instruction and student comprehen- ronmental Studies courses with a hands-on notebooks, and a scanner. sion through the use of films, images, and curriculum, including field trips to green- ◊ Oakland Tech Techies—Instructor learning software. building job sites and renewable-energy stipend to help budding theater tech- research facilities. Access to mentors, job- nicians prepare and rehearse prior to shadowing opportunities, and summer in- performances. Yearbook ternships will add practical experience to ◊ Lacrosse Club—League fees for the The Yearbook Club has begun work supplement their academic coursework. As new lacrosse club, introducing this on the 2009-2010 Talisman and needs a result, they will graduate from the program increasingly popular sport to Tech. your assistance. If you run a club, sport, with a range of options from immediate ca- ◊ Technology in Mathematics—Math or other activity at Tech, please contact reer opportunities to two year and four year teacher Tuyet-Linh Phan received a Ms Hayes either at school, room 229, or college programs. laptop, document reader, and graph- by email: [email protected] to ing calculators, to improve instruction provide details. Additionally, if you are Students interested in joining the academy and comprehension in her classes. interested in participating in The Year- as sophomores must go through an appli- ◊ African American Student Action book Club, meetings are on Monday cation and interview process in February Planners—Funding for transportation and Thursday afternoons, 3:45-5:30, in of their freshman year. To find out more for a college campus tour to increase room 229. All are welcome! about this process, contact Deirdre Snyder the college-going culture for African ([email protected]). And be on the American students. lookout for more and more signs of Tech ◊ Reinvigorating Campus Green Spac- “going green!” es—Campus beautification project next to the girls’ gym that will replace ABI Parent Portal If you have already started using the dirt with trees and landscaping. For those of you who aren’t familiar with system, you may have noticed some lag ◊ Showcasing Student Art—Art teach- the ABI Parent Portal, this is an online times in posting information, particularly er Renita Brooks-Pines will display system that allows you to access your grading and assignments. This is being student artwork in the halls, promot- student’s grades, assignments, sched- addressed as faculty and administrators ing student accomplishments while ules, attendance, and even immuniza- are becoming familiar with the system. improving the school atmosphere. tion information. This is a secure site, Many people are reporting that the sys- ◊ Performance Support—Stipends requiring a login. Complete information tem is working well now, and is a great for teacher support during weekend on setting up your account can be found way to keep up with their student’s aca- rehearsal time. on the Oakland Tech website, available demic progress. ◊ Studio One Collaboration—Enrich in several languages. the art program by using the pho- Don’t forget: there are 32 computers in tography and ceramics facilities and You will need your student’s school ID the school Library, and 5 in the Family equipment at Studio One. and a verification code. If you no longer Resource Center for folks to use. Also, ◊ Polynesian Club—Support for this have your original verification code letter, Amie Lewis is happy to help parents get club for students to experience and ex- you can request it by sending an email to set up. She can be reached at 879-3050 plore the many cultures and lifestyles [email protected], with your x 163 or [email protected]. continued next column student’s name and grade. Spotlight: New Athletic Director James Coplan Tech is fortunate to have Mr. Coplan on board as the new athletic director. His dedication to Tech’s athletic community and enthusiasm for sports more than qualify him for the job. He’s no newcomer to paperwork and bu- reaucracy, having had a career as an administrator prior to his switch to teaching. Now in his sixth year teaching English Language Development at Tech, Mr. Coplan says he enjoys making things happen, solving problems, and putting together the necessary pieces to create a vibrant athletics program.