Traditions & Annual Events
School Traditions
Golden Paws
Slips given to students who have been noticed upholding the school’s principles of being safe, respective, responsible, and an ally. Anyone who receives a Golden Paw is entered into a drawing at the Friday assembly, where winners are picked from each grade to receive a small prize.
Green Paws
Slips given to students who have been noticed taking care of the environment, including picking up trash and recycling.
Friday Morning Assembly
There is a school-wide assembly every Friday morning, outside on the blacktop (weather-permitting). Family of John Muir students are invited to join and listen to announcements, cheer on this week’s Students in the Spotlight, and maybe hear a performance from the Singing Stars (the upper-grade student choir).
Students in the Spotlight
Every week, every classroom highlights a Student in the Spotlight, for the class to learn more about their peers. The upcoming week’s Student in the Spotlight are called up the front at the Friday assembly to be celebrated and cheered on.
School-Wide Student Assemblies
John Muir hosts a variety of assemblies for students to enjoy and learn from. 2025 assemblies included a performance with the Berkeley Symphony, a celebration of Black History Month, and an Intertribal Pow Wow performance.
Field Trips & School Visits
Each class organizes their own field trips. Past ones have included a TK visit to Fairyland, the annual Kindergarten trip to Lake Temescal to release trout, a 1st grade guided tour of the Tilden Nature Area, a visit to our school from the Lindsay Wildlife Experience, and a visit from the Blue Bird Riders and their horses!
Annual School Events
Back to School Night
An evening adults-only event in August for parents and caregivers to meet with the classroom teacher and learn about the curriculum, policies, and procedures in the teachers' rooms. Traditionally, also the date of the first PTA meeting (before the classroom gathering).
5th Grade Outdoor School
An exciting part of the 5th grade learning experience at John Muir. Students go away for a few weekdays and night in the fall to enjoy their peers and learning in the outdoors.
Picture Day
An on-campus day in September that’s free for all students to participate in. Families can choose to purchase a package of their student’s photos after they are taken. There’s a set picture day for the school and one makeup day in case a child is sick.
Parent-Teacher Conference Week
One week in October when teachers schedule conferences with their students’ caregivers. School days are shortened to make sure everyone has time to meet.
Halloween Parade
On Halloween, nearby Hazel Street is closed down for students, teachers, and staff to march in an all-school parade! The parade takes place after lunch and culminates with a big gathering and dance party on the field. Family and friends are welcome to line the sides of Hazel St. to cheer them on!
Open House
An evening in May when classrooms are opened up and families can join their students to see what they’ve been up to all year, tour classrooms, and meet the teachers.
School Spirit Week
One week in May when students are invited to dress up and show off their school spirit! 2025 Spirit Week included Pajama, Wacky Upside Down/Backwards, Monochromatic, and School/Grizzly Spirit days! Culminates in the PTA-led May Fair evening event at school.
5th Grade Promotion
An on-campus event during the school day when graduating 5th graders are celebrated. Typically takes place the day before the last day of school.
Grizzly Day
The last day of school (typically in early June) when students celebrate through festive activities.
PTA-led Traditions & Events
First Friday Coffee in the Redwoods
On the Friday first of every month, after drop off & assembly, parents and caregivers gather on campus under the redwoods for coffee and an informal chance to chat and connect.
Grizzly Fund Annual School Fundraising Drive
Our biggest school fundraiser, which funds our amazing art teacher, literacy and math support experts, grants to every teacher for field trips, extra classroom enrichment and materials, our library, garden, and 5th grade Outdoor School.
Organizing Room Parents
Each classroom has parent volunteers who support the school by connecting with the teachers and families. They relay upcoming school events, coordinate gratitude for teachers and staff, and organize social events.
Community Evening Events
A chance for the community to come together through early evening events at school. Pizza dinner is always provided for free to families. Events include Sports Night, Literacy Night, STEM Night, and Math Night.
GrandFriends Day
A new John Muir tradition that takes place the Friday before Thanksgiving break week. Grandparents and other special older adults are invited to visit John Muir to spend morning assembly with their student(s), followed by a brief presentation about the school, a campus tour, and a chance to meet our principal. Light breakfast is served.
Holiday Gift Fund
This special December tradition is our way of showing gratitude to the amazing teachers and staff who care for our kiddos every day. Contributions are submitted to the room parents and pooled together. 100% of donations go directly to the 60+ teachers ands staff including bus drivers, aides, crossing guard, and math and literacy coaches. Any amount is appreciated.
Literacy Week
A week in January during which students celebrate a love for reading! Includes Pajama Day with donuts & DEAR (Drop-Everything-And-Read), Dress Like a Book Character Day, Author Visits, Buddy Reading, and a free Student Book Exchange Day.
Read-a-Thon
An at-home, two week reading extravaganza fundraiser that takes place in mid-February. Families sign up for an account to log their kid’s reading minutes and accept donations for their reading from friends and family. The top readers in each grade receive prizes. Funds raised support literacy coaches and other school programs.
Art Night Out
An adults-only festive fundraiser to celebrate community and creativity at John Muir. A ticketed evening event in March for adults to socialize alongside live music during a cocktail hour and seated buffet dinner. Includes a silent auction with community-donated items and experiences and live auction of student artwork.
Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week
A week in May to show appreciation for our wonderful teachers and staff. Gifts and activities are organized by the PTA and room parents and vary per classroom.
May Fair
A beloved tradition of an evening lawn gathering in late May. Families and friends can enjoy lawn games, food trucks, a fundraising raffle, cake walk, climbing wall, and more!
School Yearbook
The school yearbook is created by a parent volunteer to celebrate the year at John Muir! Yearbooks must be purchased by mid-April and are delivered to classrooms during the last week of school.