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Community Corner

Bunker Awarded California Distinguished School for 2014!

On Friday principal Colleen Gainey announced that James L. Bunker Elementary was declared a California distinguished School. Kudos, accolades, humbilist thanks, loud exultations of praise go to our teachers at Bunker who have worked and inspired our children. The teachers at Bunker have succeeded in helping the students to strive to become the best of themselves.

The teachers have encouraged the children in the arts with the Young Rembrant after school program. Encouraging Young Authors program. The French language lessons after school program. Providing information and hands on education with the Recycling club that raises thousands each year. Embracing and enthusiastically supporting the Music for Minors ll music program. Eliciting enthusiasm to collect Boxtops for Education, which funds new books for the library, and new playground balls.

The Newark community has embraced Bunker by supporting the yearly fundraiser walk-a-thon. Where every year students gleen sponsors from parents, uncles, aunties, grandparents, neighbors, and some from across the country. The funds have helped the Parent Teacher Club to provide the tools the teachers and staff request. 
This is teacher and staff appreciation week, so please let me share a few of the staff with you. 

Bunker has the honor of Jesus Loza Newark Unified School District Employee of the year 2013-2014 working on campus. Jesus Loza is the head custodian at Bunker Elementary. He can be counted on to always have a smile and a kind word.

This year Bunker is lead by Colleen Gainey who has stepped to the helm with grace and calm. Our longtime principle Mrs. Brunjulson was a wonderfull leader who welcomed the many voices and differing opinions because that is what makes us better people. To consider the thoughts of others. Mrs. Gainey has continued this fine leadership quality and encourages thinking outside the box.

Mrs. Doreen Kotake is the office manager. Without her Bunker would be in disarray. When she took over the office she cleared out the clutter and created a warm homey welcoming atmosphere in the front office. Doreen has been the idea person behind many many brilliant ideas and helped implement them through the staff and  Parent Teacher Club. Too many to name.

I would love to name every staff member and how each and every action has contributed to the Bunker community. Alas, I wish to allow you the opportunity to state how different staff and teachers have impacted your life. Please leave a kind comment below.

The practice random acts of Kindness and senseless acts of Beauty movement that started in the mid nineties has taught me and I hope you that by uplifting, extolling, thanking each other, we become not only a stronger person but community. That now as Bunker is acknowledged for their achievement. It paves the way for all of Newark Schools to shine. That these students will grow, become parents and be a part of the community and empower others to reach for the best of themselves and celebrate the best of others.
As Not ewark continues to grow I hope that all of us can empower each other that we all have a talent to contribute. To volunteer yourself to your community. Allow your inner light and talents to shine and help make our community better because of you. To ask our teachers and staff "what would make your job easier?" 

Please feel free to contact the agencies named such as Music for Minors ll asking them to be a part of your community. Or, Young Rembrants, or the French language instructors. Ask the librarian how you can get a Young Authors program going. Perhaps thier is someone willing to start a recycling club at your school.

In closing accolades and deep heartfelt thanks goes out to the teachers and staff who toil for the greater good everyday. Sometimes with little thanks, but always with firm resolve. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

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