CAS Parent Participation

This document contains a description of ways that parents can participate in CAS. Download file

CAS Governance and Committees

CAS Parent Participation

CAS is committed to interrupting historical patterns of educational inequity, commonly known as "the achievement gap." We believe that the success of each student is the most valid measure of the success of CAS and of each of its member groups. Ultimately, the strength of our learning community depends on the willingness of every CAS student, parent, and staff member to build a partnership that takes collective responsibility for the success of each student. In order to fullfil this mission we are asking every parent to step forward next year to fill the leadership roles and do the work of a strong parent community within CAS. It is only with your help that we can build a type of small school and learning community that serves every student and offers a meaningful and relevant education. The following committees need parent volunteers:

CAS Leadership Council (LC): Student, parent and staff representatives meet throughout the year to review, develop and implement overall CAS policy. Next year we will need 3 parents to represent the 12th, 10th and 9th grades. The Leadership Council includes four parent representatives, four student representatives and the vice-principal, lead teachers, counselor and three teachers.

Parent Coordinating Committee (PCC): All parents are welcomed and needed to come to monthly meetings of the PCC. The PCC provides input to the LC representatives, sponsors and directs the CAS all parent meetings throughout the year, directs and recruits parent involvement in CAS activities, facilitates communication regarding the CAS program to families and helps build a strong parent community.

CAS College Committee: The College Committee regularly meets throughout the school year to assist families and students with the college application process including essay writing, SAT/ACT preparation, financial aid, choosing a college, gap year information, etc. The committee also reviews and updates the CAS informational brochure distributed to colleges and universities and surveys students as to what they will be doing after high school.

BSEP Committee: Parent representatives from CAS are needed to be members of this committee to add their voice and recommendations on how Measure A funds are distributed at Berkeley High. It is a critical committee that needs strong parental involvement and advocacy for small schools and effective programs that require funding commitments, particularly the CAS Video program.

School Governance Council: This is the body that governs BHS as a whole. It consists of the principal, other administrators, lead teachers of small schools and programs, department heads, 4 parents and 4 students. It's very important to have CAS parents and students participating in over-all governance.

Fund-Raising and Community Building Events: The crab feed is our main fundraiser for CAS. The Freshman Welcome Picnic is the most important community builder. Student international summer trips need parent catalysts.

Communications: This committee facilitates the CAS etree, phone tree, web site, publicity flyers, mailings and database. You can help out from your home computer or phone, without attending any meetings. People with web, database, computer, Spanish language skills needed, and also people who can just make phone calls or stuff envelopes.

Data Inquiry and Student Support Committee: This group of parents, teachers, students and the BAYCES coach meets to analyze the data about student achievement in CAS and formulate plans to address the needs that are observed.