Ruth Acty Elementary School, formerly known as Jefferson Elementary, stands as a beacon of educational excellence in Berkeley, California. The school proudly adopted the name Ruth Acty Elementary on December 9, 2020, a decision unanimously approved by the School Board, marking a new chapter while honoring a significant figure. This change reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to progress and inclusivity, building upon a strong foundation of community and academic achievement. At Ruth Acty, the dedication to fostering a nurturing and high-achieving environment is palpable, making it a distinguished choice for families seeking exceptional elementary education.
The Strength of Community and Partnership at Ruth Acty
What truly sets Ruth Acty apart is its unwavering belief in the power of partnership. The school thrives on the strong collaboration between its dedicated staff and engaged parents and guardians. This partnership is not just a concept but a lived reality, forming the bedrock of the Ruth Acty experience. Working hand-in-hand, educators and families create a supportive network that caters to the diverse needs of every student. Each family joining Ruth Acty becomes an integral part of this larger, vibrant community, a feature consistently highlighted as one of the school’s greatest assets. This sense of belonging and shared purpose contributes significantly to the positive and productive learning atmosphere at Acty.
Ruth Acty’s commitment to excellence has been publicly recognized. In 2010, the school was honored as a “California Distinguished School,” a testament to its success in elevating achievement across its diverse student body. This prestigious award acknowledged Ruth Acty’s innovative approaches and effective strategies in fostering academic growth for all learners. Building upon this success, in 2011, Ruth Acty received the Title One Award for Academic Achievement, further solidifying its reputation for outstanding educational outcomes. These accolades underscore the school’s proven track record and its dedication to ensuring every student reaches their full potential at Ruth Acty.
A Day of Engagement and Growth at Acty Elementary
Every day at Ruth Acty Elementary School is designed to be special, filled with opportunities for engagement and growth. From the dynamic classrooms to the lively schoolyard, Ruth Acty offers a comprehensive program that resonates with students’ individual cultures and diverse learning styles. The school’s approach is intentionally crafted to ignite creativity and foster robust academic success. A cherished tradition at Acty is the bi-monthly morning assemblies. These gatherings bring together the entire school community – students and staff alike – for moments of unity and inspiration. Assemblies are vibrant events featuring singing, student performances, and guest artists, always commencing with uplifting music and songs. A defining element of these assemblies is the recitation of the school chant, “Our School ROCKS,” an acronym embodying the core values of Respect, Open Hearts and Minds, Courage, and Kindness. Ruth Acty’s overarching goal is to celebrate each child’s accomplishments, consistently emphasizing the positive and creating an environment where students feel genuinely valued and recognized for their unique strengths.
Enriching After-School Programs at Ruth Acty (Acty Afterschool Zone)
The learning and enrichment at Ruth Acty extend well beyond the regular school day, thanks to a plethora of after-school options. The Ruth Acty Afterschool Zone (JAZ) program provides a safe and engaging space for students until 6:00 pm. JAZ offers a wide spectrum of activities, blending fun and excitement with valuable academic support. Furthermore, the active PTA plays a crucial role in organizing an impressive array of classes, catering to diverse interests from Chess and Book Arts to Photography, Spanish, Mandarin, Mad Science, and Ceramics, ensuring there’s something for every child to explore. Partnerships with organizations like the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts bring high-quality, affordable individualized music instruction directly to the school every Wednesday afternoon. Ruth Acty teachers further contribute by coordinating and teaching in the Afterschool Learning Program (ALP), a dedicated academic support initiative. Mentoring programs like BUILD, a 1-1 literacy tutoring program, and SAGE Mentors, in collaboration with CAL (University of California, Berkeley), which brings over 40 CAL students weekly to assist in classrooms, provide additional layers of support. Adding to the diverse offerings, after-school sports programs, in partnership with the City of Berkeley, include even coed football and basketball teams, promoting physical activity and teamwork.
Working Together for Better Learning: The Acty Motto
“Working together makes learning better!” – this powerful motto encapsulates the spirit of Ruth Acty. The entire school community, encompassing staff, parents, and the broader Berkeley community, collaborates seamlessly to make Ruth Acty the premier public elementary school it is. This collaborative ethos is at the heart of Acty’s success, driving its continuous improvement and ensuring a thriving educational environment for every student.
Contact Ruth Acty Elementary School:
1465 Acton st, Berkeley, CA 94702
Tel: 510.644.6298 | Fax: 510.644.6984
Mary Cazden, Principal
Celia Flores Delgado, School Admin Assistant II
Ruth Acty Bell Schedule:
Start time: 8:15 am
Dismissal:
Kindergarten: 1:25 pm
Grades 1-3: 2:20 pm (Wed: 1:30 pm)
Grades 4-5: 2:25 pm (Wed: 1:35 pm)
