Check out this recent article in the New York Times on the national public health movement to move recess before lunch. Research shows that when kids play first, they tend to eat better and return to class more focused than when they rush in from the playground. Peralta made the switch this year –ahead of [...]

We are a small, diverse, arts-anchor school within the Oakland Unified School District. Peralta is known for its commitment to arts integration, abundant gardens, and active family community. This makes for a welcoming environment where every child learns respect, compassion, and the confidence to succeed.

Peralta is more than a school – it’s a community.

Congratulations to fifth grader, Lilah August who last Thursday became the Peralta Spelling Bee Champion and will represent Peralta at the District Spelling Bee on February 4. Cheers to fourth grader, Max French who will be an alternate.
Congratulations also to all 4th & 5th grade participants invited to the second round based on their [...]

There’s a writer in every child, just waiting for a little encouragement!
Come learn tips from writing coach Anne Diskin on how to encourage your child/ren to be successful, confident writers. Get practical advice and strategies to help your children further develop their writing skills and incorporate writing into their everyday lives. Learn about the development [...]

Did you know that Mrs. Myers goes through about four bags/boxes of snacks every day? That’s about 20 boxes a week, 86 boxes a month, 780 boxes for the school year! Quite a mountain of crackers. And quite overwhelming if one person (or even two to three) try to supply it on their own.
If every [...]

Budget cuts are coming, sure as sure. Oakland Unified must slash 10 percent — about $30 million — from its unrestricted general for the next fiscal year. More cuts will follow: The district is projecting a $100 million downsize over the next three years, in the face of declining enrollment and the state’s fiscal calamity.
School [...]

As it prepares to make potentially drastic budget cuts, the school board has posted an online survey to get feedback on community priorities. The survey takes just a few minutes, and asks for your ideas on how to improve, and how to save money.
Make sure OUSD knows how much you care about our schools and [...]

Ms. Myers is getting ready to open her holiday store which allows students (in grades 1-5) to buy gifts for their families and friends using their hard earned book dollars.
All items in the store are donated—re-gifting at its best! Ms. Myers would love donations for the upcoming store… please go through your toy boxes, shelves [...]

The registration applications process period for the 2010/11 school year will begin next week on December 7, and run though January 15. To give others a peek into Peralta, the kindergarten tours are happening now.
Tours are offered twice a week, from 9-10am. Tour guides needed. Love talking about how awesome Peralta is? This job is [...]

Does December leave you feeling like the Grinch?
Are you too busy to light the kinara?
Does your Hanukkah bush seem to droop?
Do your kids covet their neighbors’ winter rituals?
Do you attend so many winter-time celebrations that you’ve forgotten which one is yours?
Share your experiences with and coping strategies for the December dilemma at the next Diversity-Unity [...]