[CAS-BHS] All CAS Recent Events at BHS

[CAS at BHS: Current Students & Parents Mailing List]

Dear CAS Families,
By now, I'm sure you have heard about several disturbing incidents in
and around BHS this week. I'm writing to share the information we've
received, information that we're pretty sure is accurate.

On Tuesday, a Berkeley family was taken into custody by the INS (also
known as "ICE.") While it appears that the imminent threat has passed,
students, families and staff are very concerned. A group called FIRE has
formed on campus to protest. A number of CAS students and teachers will
be involved. In addition, my ninth grade ICT students will be producing
a protest video this week that will be posted to Youtube. I understand
that Berkeley is a "City of Sanctuary," meaning that no individual or
city department will help the INS do their job and that BHS
administration will never allow the INS onto school grounds. Two more
reasons I'm glad I live here.

In addition, I'd like to express my appreciation to CAS and BHS staff
and students. Yesterday, when the campus was "locked down" while police
searched the neighborhood for for a person who was thought to have used
a gun while committing a robbery in the park, they all worked together
to ensure everyone's safety.  The staff got all students into classrooms
where they spent an hour or so awaiting the "all clear." (Suffice to
say, it was an anxiety-producing experience; students will likely need
extra support from their parents/guardians.)

Today, I understand that a fight occurred between a BHS student and an
adult on Shattuck. The student suffered a stab wound that was said to be
fairly minor. The altercation moved onto campus where Berkeley High's
School Safety Officers intervened. The student was treated by the Health
Center staff and taken to the hospital. Suffice to say, while the wound
may have been minor, I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say that
these events are very unsettling. They are reminders of the sometimes
harsh realities of our society and of the need to love, respect and
appreciate one another and to treasure our time together.

Sincerely,
Phil Halpern