Bobcat Bulletin XI

Bobcat Bulletin XI June 1, 2025 A Farewell Message 🐾💙 Dear Bobcat Families, As I reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared over the years, my heart is filled with pride, gratitude, and a profound sense of love for this community that has been my home. Saying goodbye is never easy — especially when you’ve grown alongside one another through so many seasons of learning, leading, and growing together. From the very first day I stepped onto this campus, I knew Binkley was something special. Together, we’ve celebrated joyful milestones, weathered challenges, and built a culture where every learner feels seen, heard, and valued. Watching our TK learners take their first brave steps into school, and our sixth graders step proudly into their next chapter, year after year — these have been some of the most meaningful moments of my life. What brings me the greatest pride is the way we have built and sustained a truly inclusive community. A place where all learners — of every background, identity, and ability — are not only welcomed, but embraced. A place where diversity is our strength, and kindness is our compass. That spirit lives in every classroom, every shared smile, every act of compassion. And when you drive up to our school and see the Welcome signs in the many languages of our families 🌍 — please remember: You belong here. Those signs, created with love and care by Principal Harvell’s Advisory Committee, are part of the legacy we built together — a permanent reminder that this is a school for everyone. Over the years, I’ve been honored to serve not just as your principal, but as your advocate, your cheerleader, and your fellow learner. I’ve learned so much from each of you — your courage, your creativity, your joy — and I will carry those lessons with me always. Thank you to your children for filling our halls with your energy, curiosity, and brilliance. Thank you, families, for the trust, partnership, and unwavering support you’ve given me. Though my time as your principal is coming to a close, this community will forever be a part of who I am. Because no matter where life takes us: Once a Bobcat, Always a Bobcat. 🐾💙 And always remember — if ever your child needs me, they can tug on their invisible string 🧵, and I will be there. Because if no one has told them yet today that they are loved… I love them very much. 💖 With deepest appreciation and endless love, Harmony Harvell Proud Principal 🎓   Important Reminders Monday, June 2nd - Talent Show @ 8:40, families welcome. REGULAR DISMISSAL TIME. Tuesday, June 3rd - Final Bobcat Assembly @ 8:40, families welcome, bring tissues! REGULAR DISMISSAL TIME. Wednesday, June 4th - FIELD DAY. REGULAR WEDNESDAY DISMISSAL TIME. Thursday, June 5th - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL, 1:30 dismissal for ALL.   Upcoming Events Field Day Volunteers STILL NEED!   2025-2026 Staffing Principal: Carley Harp Office Manager: Tahryn Anderson Office Clerk: Ginger Outlaw (hours reduced) TK- Leonna Beccio/Terrie Purragen TK-Kenny Hamilton/Bobbi-Jo Nelson K-Kerry Freeman/aide Gina Crackbon Long Term Sub (August-December) for Mrs. Freeman: Rix Hodges K-Katie Prosser/aide Ashley Erlendson 1st-Robin Graefen 1st-Alexandra "Allie" Mathias 2nd-Alicia Hildebrandt 2nd-Jacki Lewelling 3rd-Megan Martens 3rd-Carissa Rastok 4th-Jamie Lopez 4th-Tawni Mead 5th-Debbie Livingston 5th/6th-Peter O'Leary/combo aide Judy Pack 6th-Jessie Renzi Music-Erin Garcia-Norris STEM-Gayle Gallagher Student Support Coordinator: Katie Hill (50%) - days M, T, Th Para-educator: Marie Smith (50%) - days M, T, Th Counselor: Tayler Hockett (he/him) (50%) Student Advocate: Taylor Tischbern (she/her) (50%) RSP: Rachel Renzi Bailey, RSP aide: Jabari Young Psychologist: Saloumeh Kian (days to be determined); secondary psychologist TBD Speech: Nancy Cordova OT: Nicole Holmes APE: Deb Mok MLA: Diana Ortiz (hours reduced) Library Clerk: Erin Johnston (hours reduced) - days T, W, Th Noon Supervisors: Kayla Craig, Sheri Dammarel, Diana Ortiz, Ginger Outlaw, Judy Pack, Ashley Erlendson Meet our New Staff Hello, I’m Mr. Rix! I am very excited to be the long-term substitute for Mrs. Freeman. I have had the pleasure of substituting in her class this past year and have gotten to know the students in her class, as well as Binkley’s amazing community. I have worked in education for 12 years and 8 of those have been in a kindergarten classroom. In addition, I completed the teacher preparation program at Sonoma State in 2024. I am familiar with teaching practices and curriculum goals for students in grades K-6. I enjoy connecting with parents and students in a way that is affirming, kind, and respectful. I admire the strength and passion that I see in every classroom that I have subbing in at Binkley. The education students receive is top notch and it is my wish to offer the same level of expertise in kindergarten this fall. I am delighted to meet you and the students this Fall. Allie Mathias, First Grade Teacher Hi Binkley families! I’m so excited to be joining the Binkley Bobcat community as a first grade teacher this upcoming school year. After two wonderful years teaching second grade, I’m looking forward to bringing fresh ideas and lots of enthusiasm to our first grade classroom. I have a background as a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT), and I love using those skills to create a welcoming and supportive classroom environment. My teaching style is all about building strong relationships, using positive reinforcement, and finding creative ways to make learning fun and meaningful. I believe in meeting students where they are and helping them grow at their own pace. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy traveling to new places, wine tasting, and movie nights with my husband and our yellow lab. I’m excited to get to know the students and families at Binkley and can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together! Resources June Family Life Magazine RVUSD 2025-2026 School Calendar   Contact info 4965 Canyon Drive Santa Rosa, 95409 (707) 539-6060 Principal, Harmony Harvell Office Manager, Tahryn Anderson Attendance Clerk, Ginger Outlaw

Monday, Jun 02 2025

Bobcat Bulletin X

Bobcat Bulletin X May 25, 2025 📣 Staffing Transitions at Binkley Dear Binkley Families, As we move through the last days of school, I want to share some important staffing updates. ✨ As with every school year, change is a natural part of our journey. This year, we are saying goodbye to several valued members of our Binkley team who are moving on to new chapters in their lives and careers. While their departures are bittersweet, we are grateful for the dedication, care, and hard work they have shown during their time with us. 💙 👋 Farewell and Thank You We extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to: Mr. Gustavo, our compassionate and dedicated school counselor, whose guidance has supported the social and emotional well-being of so many learners and families. 🧠💬 Ms. Lily, our kind and committed Student Advocate, who has been a strong voice for learner success and belonging on campus. 🤝🌟 Mrs. Kristi Myers, our talented RSP teacher, whose work has helped create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all learners. 📘🧩 Mrs. Heidi Mize, our school psychologist, whose insight and expertise have been instrumental in supporting the academic and emotional needs of our learners. 💡🧠 Ms. Katie Crawford, our creative and caring 5th grade teacher, who has made a lasting impact on her learners and our school community. ✏️📚 Ms. Courtney, our dedicated para-professional, who has generously shared her time and care with all our learners—especially our youngest. 🧒💛📖 Mr. Erick and Ms. Sam, our dependable and friendly noon duty supervisors, who have helped keep our playgrounds safe and welcoming each day. ☀️🛝 Each of these team members has made a lasting impact on our campus, and they will be dearly missed. 💐 🏫 Open House Reminder We look forward to seeing you at Open House on Thursday, May 29th from 5:30–6:30 PM! 🎨📓 This is a great opportunity for learners and families to visit classrooms and celebrate a year full of growth and learning. Bring $5.00 for our hot dog dinner for our future 6th grade fundraising efforts for next year's adventures! 📬 Grade-Level Placements Coming Soon Following Open House, I will send out a message with next year’s teacher grade-level placements. ✉️ While there will be minimal movement, we’re excited to welcome a few new faces to our amazing Binkley team! 😊 🔔 Please note: We do not take specific teacher requests. Our staff works collaboratively and thoughtfully to create classroom communities that support the social, emotional, and academic success of every learner. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. 💛 BE Safe. BE Responsible. BE Respectful. It's the Bobcat Way! Warmly, Principal Harvell   Important Reminders Monday, May 26th - NO SCHOOL in honor of Memorial Day Tuesday, May 27th- 30th - BOOK FAIR and Talent Show Dress Rehearsal Thursday, May 29th - OPEN HOUSE @ 5:30-6:30. Bring $5.00 for our hot dog dinner to fundraise for our future 6th grade adventures! NOTE DATE CHANGE: Monday, June 2nd - Talent Show @ 8:40, families welcome Tuesday, June 3rd - Final Bobcat Assembly @ 8:40, families welcome, bring tissues! Wednesday, June 4th - FIELD DAY Thursday, June 5th - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL, 1:30 dismissal for all   Upcoming Events Book Fair sales are every day after school 2:00-4:00, Open House 5:30-6:30, and at lunch recess on Friday Field Day Volunteers STILL NEED!   Resources CLICK HERE TO ORDER SPIRIT WEAR 2024-2025 Bell Schedule RVUSD 2024-2025 School Calendar Binkley Handbook   Contact info 4965 Canyon Drive Santa Rosa, 95409 (707) 539-6060 Principal, Harmony Harvell Office Manager, Tahryn Anderson Attendance Clerk, Ginger Outlaw

Sunday, May 25 2025

Don' forget to Pre-Order your YEARBOOK!

📣 Pre-Order the Yearbook Now! 🎓📘 Don’t miss out on the memories— pre-order your Binkley yearbook today ! Visit our storefront here 👉 https://store.shopyearbook.com/binkley ✅ Lock in your copy early ✅ Personal pages vs. recognition ads? We've got you covered—watch this quick video to learn the difference! 🎥  📹  https://vid.us/ry1lli Let’s make this year unforgettable! 💙 [Tuesday, Jun 3 at 8:04 AM] We still have yearbooks for sale in the office. All soft cover. All $20 each. Come get them before they are GONE!

Monday, Apr 21 2025

Bobcat Bulletin XII

Bobcat Bulletin XII April 6, 2025 🌟 Campus Highlights & Happenings 🌟 Binkley Families, 📊 Youth Truth Survey Results We appreciate everyone who took the time to complete this year’s Youth Truth survey. Your voices matter! 🔍 See the visual below for a snapshot of what our community is saying. 🧩 Autism Awareness Spirit Week! Let’s show our support and celebrate neurodiversity! 🗓️ Spirit Week Dates: April 14th-18th April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to recognize, celebrate, and support individuals on the autism spectrum. At our school, we believe in building an inclusive community where every learner is valued for who they are. This month, we focus on fostering empathy, spreading awareness, and honoring the unique contributions of neurodivergent individuals. Flyer below, 📝 State Testing for Grades 3–6 It’s that time of year! State testing will take place from April 22nd through May 15th for students in grades 3 through 6. To help learners feel ready and focused, we ask families to: Ensure students get a good night’s sleep regularly Send water bottles to school Make sure they eat breakfast (we’ll also have extra breakfast options available for all students!) 💚 Thank you to our amazing Boosters for providing hard candies and gum to support concentration during testing! 🎶 Fun Visitors This Month The Bellevue Marimba Band brought high-energy music and rhythm to campus! Our Swedish high school exchange student visitors shared songs, stories, and cultural traditions that captivated our students. And we taught them all about 4-square! 🌳 Under the Oaks: A Space for Imagination The Oak Grove has been transformed into a welcoming and inspiring space for imaginative play. Students of all ages are enjoying the natural beauty and creative possibilities this area offers. 💚 Huge thanks to the Allen Family for their contributions and to the Lowell Family for thoughtfully designing this space. 📇 And a huge thanks to Garcia's Tree Service for the free delivery of our new stump circle! ♻️ Green Grant from Sonoma Water Agency We’re excited to share that our school has been awarded a Call to Action Grant from the Sonoma Water Agency! This grant supports strengthening our student-led Green Team, guided by the incredible Ms. Lily, as they lead the way in making our school more eco-conscious. 🌱 BE Safe. BE Responsible. BE Respectful. It's the Bobcat Way! Warmly, Principal Harvell   Important Reminders Monday, April 7th - 1:30 dismissal for all Tuesday, April 8th - Board Mtg. @ 6pm, 1000 Yulupa Avenue Wednesday, April 9th - Secure the Campus DRILL Thursday, April 19th - Boosters Mtg. in the library or on Zoom Friday, April 11th - NO SCHOOL (unused emergency day) Thursday, April 17th - Fine Arts Day Tuesday, April 22nd - CAASPP State Testing Begins (3rd-6th) CLICK HERE TO ORDER SPIRIT WEAR     Binkley Boosters Looking for Leaders!   School Fundraising Opportunities! Support Binkley!   Save the Date!   Resources 2024-2025 Bell Schedule RVUSD 2024-2025 School Calendar Binkley Handbook   Contact info 4965 Canyon Drive Santa Rosa, 95409 (707) 539-6060 Principal, Harmony Harvell Office Manager, Tahryn Anderson Attendance Clerk, Ginger Outlaw

Sunday, Apr 06 2025

Bobcat Bulletin VIII

​ ​ Bobcat Bulletin VIII January 5, 2025 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Binkley Families, Welcome Back! We hope that your break sends you back to school rested and relaxed; ready to dive into the second half of the trimester. As we return, we will be taking time with our staff, all families, and learners in grades 3rd-6th to complete the YouthTruth Survey. This is our 4th year participating in this county-wide survey and it is an opportunity to share anonymous feedback directly to Binkley leadership about the overall school experience at Binkley. We have gained so much from past surveys, and this is how we learn and grow ourselves. For our learners, this survey will happen in the classroom, lead by their teachers at the time/date in January that they find best. The survey will take, on average, about 30-45 minutes, in the preferred language of the learner. Parent Opt-Out: Students will voluntarily take the survey unless their parents opt them out. If you chose to opt out, please send the letter below with signature to Principal Harvell by Tuesday, January 7th. Parent Letter & Opt-Out - English  Parent Letter & Opt-Out - Spanish For our families, we ask that one parent or guardian from each household participate. Parents/guardians will be prompted to take the survey once for each child enrolled. Aim to survey as many parents/guardians as possible. We had the highest survey participating percentage last year in the district at 86%; let's do it again Binkley families. Takes 15 minutes of your time! All families in the district will use the same URL: Family survey Complete between January 6 and January 31, 2025. Surveys are only online at Family survey BE Safe. BE Responsible. BE Respectful. It's the Bobcat Way! Warmly, Principal Harvell ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ CLICK HERE to take FAMILY SURVEY ​ ​ ​ ​ Survey Opens Monday, January 6th ​ ​ ​ ​ What is YouthTruth? ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Important Reminders ​ ​ ​ ​ Monday, January 6th - 1:30 dismissal for ALL. Monday, January 6th - 3pm Boys Basketball Tryouts Wednesday, January 8th - WALK & ROLL to School (weather dependent)- Meet at the Rincon Valley Library or the entrance to Tanglewood Park at Greymont and Oak Park for an 8:05 take off Thursday, January 9th - Boosters Meeting at 6pm (in person in the library or join us on Zoom) Friday, January 17th - 5pm Winter Concert Monday, January 20th - No School, Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Holiday Lost & Found: All items were donated over the break. We really do NOT want to fill it up again! The best way to prevent Lost & Found items are to label your child's materials. AND we have a fundraiser for that! Click the Sticker Gal link to order great, personalized labels. https://stickergal.com/binkley/ and the code BINKLEY24 will send 15% of your purchase price back to Boosters! Online Binkley Spirit Wear Store open now!! Order now to show off your bobcat pride. ​ ​ ​ ​ CLICK HERE TO ORDER SPIRIT WEAR ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ We Really Need your Help! ​ The following positions are needed to be filled ASAP at Binkley: Noon Duty Supervisor (M-F, 11:30-1:00). PAID position. PE Coordinator (T-F, 10:30-11:30, 12:45-1:40). PAID position. Fine Arts Day Coordinator for this spring's Fine Arts Day (date to be determined based on coordinator). Hours flexible. PAID position. $300.00 stipend. Art Cart OR Game Cart OR Green Team supervisors - attend any day M-F between 11:30-1:00 OR 1:40-2:00. Volunteer position. You can even do part of the time if you have a grade level preference. Basketball OR Soccer Mentors - come out and play with our learners during their favorite games and keep up the sportsmanship. Any day M-F, 10:00-10:30 OR 11:30-12:30. Volunteer position. School Site Council representative (1-2 adult family members) to meet two times for the remainder of this school year. Complete the survey below. Volunteer position. Contact Principal Harvell if you are interested. Or leave your name and number with Ms. Anderson at the front office. ​ ​ ​ ​ Join School Site Council ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ School Fundraising Opportunities ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Resources ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024-2025 Bell Schedule ​ ​ ​ ​ RVUSD 2024-2025 School Calendar ​ ​ ​ ​ Binkley Handbook ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Contact info ​ 4965 Canyon Drive Santa Rosa, 95409 (707) 539-6060 Principal, Harmony Harvell Office Manager, Tahryn Anderson Attendance Clerk, Ginger Outlaw ​ ​ ​

Sunday, Jan 05 2025

See you at the Posada!

We look forward to seeing you all at the Posada/Winter Concert and Family Dance this evening.

Friday, Dec 13 2024

Village Spirit Week is Coming up Next Week!

Hello Village Families! The Village Student Council Spirit Committee has planned and prepared for our first Spirit Week of the year happening next week November 18-22. See the flyer below for details.

Thursday, Nov 14 2024

Bobcat Bulletin VI

​​ Bobcat Bulletin VI November 3, 2024 ​​​​ ​​​​ Binkley Families, We have concluded our first trimester of learning, and hope all enjoyed the day off last Friday as teachers prepared report cards. We will begin family-teacher conferences for all learners, except TK that already held theirs, in order to share with you the progress of your child. Conferences begin this Friday, 11/8 and run everyday until Friday, 11/22. Every day will be a 2:00 dismissal for all. The month of October was busy as we focused on being inclusive with a presentation from Common Ground Society where we learned about visible and invisible differences and how we all want to feel a true sense of belonging no matter how we show up differently than the person next to you. Our entire school came out to send off our athletes and buddies to the Soccer Special Olympics that took place at Montgomery High School. We have two wonderful Adaptive PE Coaches, Deb and Jay who make the inclusion of our neuro diverse and typical peers a priority. Set up in our gym is our Altar de Muertos. We want to celebrate the tradition of honoring our ancestors and passed loved ones. Send in a picture or item with your child if you chose to participate to place on our altar. We will have our altar up all week. I will be placing a picture of my grandfather that I usually keep in my office in order to model for our learners that we all have loved ones that hold a significant place in our life journey. Lastly, but so important - our Turkey Trot Walk-a-thon fundraiser has begun!! We have a $10,000 goal for Under the Oaks and TK/K yard collaborative play space improvements, field trips, 6th grade Outdoor Education, and assemblies. Scan the QR code below to get your child(ren) registered. We have a lot of fun tracking our progress every day; and this principal will dress as a turkey on the day of the trot if we make at least half of our goal! BE Safe. BE Responsible. BE Respectful. It's the Bobcat Way! Warmly, Harmony Harvell, Principal ​​​​ ​​​​ Important Reminders ​​​​ Monday, November 4th is a 1:30 dismissal for ALL. Conferences 11/8 - 11/22; 2:00 dismissal for ALL No School to honor Veteran's Day 11/11 Wednesday, 11/13 - Ruby Bridges School Wide Community Walk (Shake Shake to sponsor hot chocolate) Thursday, 11/14 - BJ's Dine & Donate Thursday, 11/14 - Boosters @ 6pm TURKEY TROT - Thursday, 11/21 (during school hours; all families welcome) Thanksgiving Break 11/25-11/29 - No School Lost & Found: Binkley has several Lost & Found locations. 1) Inside the gym to the left side of the stage, 2) behind the library on the hooks, 3) in the TK/K yard on a blue rack. The best way to prevent Lost & Found items are to label your child's materials. Click the Sticker Gal link to order great, personalized labels. https://stickergal.com/binkley/ and the code BINKLEY24 will send 15% of your purchase price back to Boosters! Online Binkley Spirit Wear Store open now!! Order now to show off your bobcat pride. ​​​​CLICK HERE TO ORDER SPIRIT WEAR​​​​ ​​​​ Upcoming Events ​​​​ ​​​​ ​​​​ ​​​​ ​​​​ School Fundraising Opportunities ​​​​ ​​​​ ​​​​ ​​​​ Resources ​​​​2024-2025 Bell Schedule​​​​RVUSD 2024-2025 School Calendar​​​​Binkley Handbook​​​​ ​​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ Contact info ​ 4965 Canyon Drive Santa Rosa, 95409 (707) 539-6060 Principal, Harmony Harvell Office Manager, Tahryn Anderson Attendance Clerk, Ginger Outlaw ​​ ​

Sunday, Nov 03 2024

Parents Club announcements and upcoming events

We had an AMAZING Read-a-Thon Fundraiser, thank you SO MUCH for your support!  We raised $13,895 - surpassing our goal! Village Students read 32,387 minutes!  The  Top Class for Fundraising  was Mrs. Marcotte & Mrs. Friedman's 2nd Grade Class, well done! To celebrate our success, we will be scheduling an All School Dessert Party soon! THANK YOU AGAIN for all of your Fundraising Efforts, it truly takes a Village! UPCOMING EVENTS: COPPERFIELD'S BOOKS - MONEY FOR SCHOOLS! From  November 1st - 3rd , when you shop at Copperfield's Books, they will donate 20% of your purchase back to our school! Just mention Village Elementary at checkout! This only happens once per year, so be sure to take advantage of it and stock up on any books you need for the Holiday Season! Nov. 8th LOTERIA NIGHT!  Join us for a fun night of Loteria (Mexican Bingo) on Friday, November 8th in the MPR at 6pm. We will have food and delicious drinks for purchase and fun prizes for winners! All are welcome. We hope to see you there!  November 13th - Parents Club Social Hour at Trailhouse at 6pm!  Join us for a quick Parents Club Meeting followed by a Social Hour with other Village Parents! This is an Adults Only Meeting, please leave the kids at home! Please RSVP using this link, so we have an idea of how many folks to expect. https://mailchi.mp/9d577a902716/village-parents-club-meeting-at-trailhouse November 20th - Dine and Donate at Lepe's Taqueria!   Take the cooking load off  and help support the school! Mention Village Elementary School when you order Takeout or when you Dine In! A portion of sales will be donated back to Village. November 21st - Cal Skate Night!   Join other Village Families for a fun night of Roller Skating at Cal Skate in Rohnert Park! The rink will be dedicated to Village Families ONLY from 6pm to 8pm. Hope to see you there!

Tuesday, Oct 29 2024

The Great Shakeout Drill on Thursday, October 17th

Hello Village Families, I am writing to let you know that Village students and staff will be participating in an Earthquake drill on Thursday, October 17th as a part of the Great Shakeout. During the drill, the students will be directed to duck, cover and hold on. They will then hear an announcement in the classrooms directing them to evacuate to the blacktop area where their teachers will take attendance. We will be enacting a scenario which will require our staff, assigned to search and rescue, to locate an "injured" student and reunite them with their class. As with all safety drills, this drill will enable us to put into practice our essential campus safety and emergency protocols.  Teachers will be alerting their students ahead of the drill, and we encourage you to do the same so that students are prepared and assured. Thank you for your support! Amy Taganashi

Monday, Oct 14 2024