School Compact

Dear Family and Friends,

Sad news has come to our Lighthouse Community. Last Thursday, Laura Kretschmar, our 7^th grade math/science teacher, lost her cousin and dear friend, Alex Graf, to a car accident. He was 32 years young. He lived in China, but visited the Bay Area frequently. Many of us at Lighthouse knew Alex well and loved his presence. Alex was full of life and vigor and he will be deeply missed.

Ms. Kretschmar wanted the Lighthouse community to know of Alex’s death. Lighthouse was one of Alex’s favorite causes and he was very proud of our school. His family has set up a scholarship fund to send one or many Lighthouse graduates to college. We are very honored by this generosity. If you would like to contribute, you may write a check to Lighthouse Community Charter School and make a note that it is for the Alex Graf Scholarship Fund.

This sudden passing of such a good friend to Lighthouse reminds us that life is too short to worry about the "small stuff." Please pass a word of compassion along to a friend or neighbor you have not talked to in a while. Ms. Kretschmar will need our support and compassion as well as she heals from this heartache.

Yours,

Steve & Jenna

Announcements

DONATIONS ACCEPTED HERE! In this rough financial time for all schools, we ask each family to donate $5 per week. You can send your donation in the envelope provided — please send it back in the Tuesday envelope OR you can drop off $5 every Friday. This is an optional donation, BUT IF EACH FAMILY DONATES $5 PER WEEK, WE CAN RAISE $37,000 THIS YEAR!!

PICTURES!! Class pictures will be taken next Tuesday at the park. Students need to wear their uniform. Retakes for students who were absent will also be taken next Tuesday. Pictures will be available for pick up the week of November 10. Simon Wong, our photographer, has taken many schools’ pictures. If for any reason, you are unhappy with your photos, you can receive a full refund. It was great to see children in their "dress-up" clothes and big smiles today!

NO SCHOOL MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2003! Please mark your calendar and note this change. Tuesday, November 11 also remains a holiday. School will resume on November 12. Thank you.

HALLOWEEN DANCE FOR 6^TH AND 7^TH GRADERS! ASCEND School, located at 3701 E. 12^th Street in Oakland, is hosting a Halloween dance for 6^th and 7^th graders. The dance is from 4 — 7 p.m. at the school. If you choose to allow your child to attend the dance, you are responsible for picking up and dropping off your child. Students may wear costumes. Chaperones are needed. If you would like to help out or bring food to share, you can contact Norma Elias at ASCEND (879-3140).