BearFacts News - 05.30.24

 
 

Si tiene alguna duda sobre esta nota debido a la traduccion,
por favor comuniquese con Rafael Friedmann via email: rfriedmann@aol.com


FOND FAREWELL TO MR. JAMES - WE’LL MISS YOU!!

The 2023- 2024 school year was Mr. James' last year at Emerson. We are so grateful for his 10+ years of service! If you haven't had the opportunity to see the Field Trip of Doom 2 musical, which was written, choreographed, and produced by Mr. James, you can do so now by clicking the link below. This stellar performance included over 75 Emerson students. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/tzQOXCoc8QA

Thanks to Mr. Phil, volunteer videographer!


NOTE FROM MS. HOLMES

Thank you for a wonderful 2023- 2024 School Year! For returning students, the first day of the 2024-2025 school year is Wednesday, August 14. It will be a minimum day, with release time at 1:30 pm.

Class lists will be posted on Tuesday, August 13 at 3:00 pm. For those who can not come to school, we will send them out via Remind. Please remember that there are no teacher assignment requests. Emerson staff work hard to balance the classes, taking into account many factors to create well-balanced classes. We hope you have a safe and fun summer! 

-Principal Holmes 


UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

Thursday, May 30: Fifth Grade Fun Day at Roberts Regional Park

Monday, June 3: Emerson’s 2nd Annual Pride Parade at 8:30am (Early dismissal at 1:30pm)

Tuesday, June 4: Fifth Grade Promotion Ceremony, 8:30am (Emerson blacktop)

Tuesday, June 4: Last day of school (Early dismissal at 1:30pm);

Tuesday, August 13: Class lists for 2024-25 posted, 3:00pm

Wednesday, August 14: First Day of 2024-25 School Year (Early release)

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Note to Readers: BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.


GOLDEN SHOVEL AWARDS

Each year, the Emerson gardening teacher, Ms. Jeanette, awards two golden shovels to students who go above and beyond in gardening class. Congratulations, Henry Hollander and Maddie Schlags!


ART CoRNER

ART IS GOOD FOR THE BRAIN!

As art classes come to an end, that does not mean your child needs to stop making art! I am reading a book called Your Brain on Art right now and the science is undeniable. Making and experiencing art (of any kind- music, visual and performing arts) is great for our neural networks and the nervous system. Along with daily exercise and a good night's sleep, 20 minutes of art a day is great for your health and well being. Yay Art! :)

Fifth grade artists displaying their work

MS. AMES IS PARTICIPATING IN EAST BAY OPEN STUDIOS

If you are curious about Ms. Ames' art practice, stop by her open studio this weekend. She'll hold her studio open Saturday and Sunday 11 to 5. More info on her website.


EMERSON 2nd ANNUAL PRIDE PARADE

MONDAY, JUNE 3rd, 8:30 AM

Flyer of Emerson’s 2nd Annual Pride Parade

WELCOMING SCHOOLS

Resources to parents and caregivers to help create an affirming and welcoming schools for LGBTQ+ students and families: https://welcomingschools.org/resources/parents-caregivers


Save the date!

JUNE 4, 2024, 8:30 AM: Emerson 5th Grade Promotion

The Emerson 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony will take place on the last day of school, Tuesday, June 4th, 2024 at 8:30am on the Emerson blacktop. Two seats will be reserved for the family of each fifth grader. Families are welcome to bring additional chairs for extra guests. Emerson siblings may attend the ceremony, but should go to their own classrooms from 8:10 to 8:30, then join their families on the blacktop at 8:30.


YEARBOOK SHOUT OUT

If you’ve gotten a chance to take a look at this year’s beautiful Emerson Yearbook, that was the work of superstar TK parent, Mimi Main (with expert guidance from 4th grade parent and yearbook veteran, Michelle Falise). Without Mimi’s dedication, there would be no yearbook this year.

Thank you, Mimi and Michelle, for creating such a lovely keepsake for our kids and families to hold their memories of Emerson!


THANK YOU BEARFACTS TEAM!

This is the last issue of the BearFacts for the 2023-24 school year, your weekly Emerson newsletter that has kept you informed about school and community events. Behind the scenes, each and every week, was a team of dedicated parent volunteers who took turns preparing the newsletter. This team, with the help of a few PTA board members and Ms. Holmes made sure that the newsletter was accurate and ready to go live on the Emerson News page on our website, on Remind, and in your email inboxes every Thursday morning!

Thank you to our contributors who submitted content for the newsletter: community information, special events, Art Corner with Ms. Ames, Library Corner with Ms. Rachel, the Equity Corner, PTA updates, Ms. Holmes’ monthly letter, and so much more. Special thanks to our crew of rotating editors: Julia Cosgrove, Robert Lewis, Arabelle Malinis, Lou Riordan, Milos Pina, and Carol Wang, with support from Amy Fire and Rachel Terp.

The weekly newsletter can’t happen without the involvement of caregiver volunteers! If you’re interested in becoming a BearFacts editor next year, or would like more information, please reach out to: carol.wang@gmail.com or vanessaleonardo@gmail.com.


FIND EMERSON ONLINE

Website: https://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:

BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.org

BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. Send images as an e-mail attachment and include alt-text. The submission deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2024. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
2800 Forest Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705



BearFacts News - 05.23.24

 
 

Si tiene alguna duda sobre esta nota debido a la traduccion,
por favor comuniquese con Rafael Friedmann via email: rfriedmann@aol.com

End of the Year Teacher & Staff Gifts

What a great 2023-24 school year this has been! We continue to be amazed by the many ways both our classroom teachers and staff support our kids and families. In addition to our teachers, there are so many people that enrich our kids experience at school–from Principal Holmes to Ms. Budge in the Library, from in-classroom Instructional Aides to Ms. Ames for Art, from Ms. Gaby and Ms. Michelle in the front office to Coach Robinson, and more. 

To recognize our gratitude for Emerson classroom teachers, enrichment, support and administrative staff, parents are collecting cash gifts for teachers and the 52 support staff and enrichment teachers at Emerson. You can see the full list of teachers, support staff we are collecting for attached to this message. Funds for an End of Year Cash Gift are being collected from now until Tuesday, May 28, 2024. These cash gifts that will be delivered on Tuesday, June 4, our last day of school.

Please participate in any way you are able--EVERY little bit helps...of course, 100% participation is ideal. Truly, any amount is wonderful, but for those looking for a suggested amount:

For teachers: $10-$50 per child is outstanding!

For support staff: $10-$100 per child is outstanding!

If your family would prefer a different method to show your appreciation, you are by no means required to participate in this gift collection effort. Please honor teachers and staff in the way that best suits your family!

Gift collection starts NOW through Tuesday, May 28. If you prefer to contribute through cash or  check, please contact Erin Bertiglia directly to erinloub@gmail.com and  arrange time to connect.

To donate please send via Venmo and indicate your students grade, the % of your donation you would like donated to your grade, and the % you would like donated to the staff. Otherwise, your gift will be split evenly between the donation to your grade’s classroom teachers and the donation to staff. 

The grade parents for your child’s grade will make sure that the classroom teachers for that grade receive their cash gifts at the end of the year, hopefully along with some other note or gift of appreciation.

Venmo: Erin Bertiglia (Kindergarten parent) https://venmo.com/u/Erin-B-3 

(last 4 digits of phone number: 1938)

Thanks so much!

Rachel Terp

Lead Grade Parent


ART CoRNER

Repurposed Polka Dot Paper

After 2 years of our Yayoi Kusama Inspired Polka Dot walls for Family Art Night, the paper has now been cut up for use in many different creative endeavors.  I meant to give it away at Open House but completely forgot.  That's okay! We are putting it to good use.  First Graders used it as vases for their flower arrangements. Kindergarteners used it for abstract designs and funny faces.  There are so very many ways to make art, aren't there?

Pictures of students (Kindergarten, First grade) displaying the art pieces they made.


VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR EMERSON FUN DAY on Tuesday, May 28th.

A game truck is bringing carnival style games for the students to enjoy during lunch recess for Fun Day. We are looking for 10 parent/caregiver volunteers to help on May 28, from 11:00 am- 1:00 pm during the lunch recesses. Specifically, we need adults to supervise the game stations on the blacktop. 

Volunteer Sign-up: Emerson Fun Day sign up


EMERSON 2nd ANNUAL PRIDE PARADE, MONDAY, JUNE 3rd, 8:30 AM

Flyer of Emerson’s 2nd Annual Pride Parade

WELCOMING SCHOOLS

Resources to parents and caregivers to help create an affirming and welcoming schools for LGBTQ+ students and families: https://welcomingschools.org/resources/parents-caregivers


Save the date!

JUNE 4, 2024, 8:30 AM: Emerson 5th Grade Promotion

Class of 2024 image

The Emerson 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony will take place on the last day of school, Tuesday, June 4th, 2024 at 8:30am on the Emerson blacktop. Two seats will be reserved for the family of each fifth grader. Families are welcome to bring additional chairs for extra guests. Emerson siblings may attend the ceremony, but should go to their own classrooms from 8:10 to 8:30, then join their families on the blacktop at 8:30.


PTA ANNOUNCEMENTS

At the last PTA Association Meeting of the school year, our membership elected the 2024-2025 Welcome to next year's board! However, we we are still looking to fill Enrichment Vice President and Parliamentarian roles, as well as event chair positions.

If you would like to be more involved with volunteering next year, please contact info@emersonelementary.org 


BUSD SUMMER SCHOOL

Summer School Registration is open! Program dates: June 17 – July 12, 2024

Check out the catalog at the following link to see the various summer offerings- there are new and different options this summer.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vAQhSfKS99E4VfgQVxqmPmjrSXqBu7ZC9Ofs2WLrfW8/edit?usp=sharing

Please use the form below to sign up your child.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0HC3XPMjUsftfdKDjZI8GrDALu2OoGkh9rYboPDVO33-cvw/viewform


UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

Thursday, May 23: Ice Cream Truck Day

Friday, May 24: PTA after school classes end

Monday, May 27: Memorial Day Holiday (NO SCHOOL)

Tuesday, May 28: Emerson Fun Day!

Thursday, May 30: Fifth Grade Fun Day at Roberts Regional Park

Monday, June 3: Emerson’s 2nd Annual Pride Parade at 8:30 AM; (Early dismissal at 1:30pm)

Tuesday, June 4: Last day of school (Early dismissal at 1:30pm); Fifth Grade Graduation

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Note to Readers: BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

FIND EMERSON ONLINE

Website: https://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:

BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.org

BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. Send images as an e-mail attachment and include alt-text. The submission deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2024. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
2800 Forest Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705



BearFacts News - 05.16.24

 
 

Si tiene alguna duda sobre esta nota debido a la traduccion,
por favor comuniquese con Rafael Friedmann via email: rfriedmann@aol.com

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

A special shout out and big smile to Elise Kneram (Finn’s mom) and Ariel Clute (Daza and Fermina's mom) for planning the amazing Spring Festival. We also appreciate all the volunteers who signed up to cook food, serve food, manage activity stations, set up, and clean up. We had a memorable time and we appreciate all the effort contributing to a wonderful community event last Saturday!

Animals graze at the Spring Festival petting zoo

Students enjoy the Spring Festival foam party


LIBRARY Corner

All library books due by MONDAY, MAY 20TH!

There are only a few weeks left in the school year, and we need your help to make sure all the books get back on the shelves so our library will be ready for readers again in the fall.  Please help us out by checking your home, car, backs of closets, and under beds for any library books you may still have. All books are due by Monday, May 20th!

Also, please check out the Summer Reading Lists for grades TK-5th grade HERE! These lists were put together by district librarians to make sure your kiddos have tons of new, engaging books to read over the summer. Clicking on the cover takes you either to SORA or the Berkeley Public Library to check out the book!


MAY SHOUT OUTS

We celebrated our final all-school meeting of the year, complete with student performances and student shout outs. 


Save the date!

The Emerson 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony will take place on the last day of school, Tuesday, June 4th, 2024 at 8:30am on the Emerson blacktop. Two seats will be reserved for the family of each fifth grader. Families are welcome to bring additional chairs for extra guests. Emerson siblings may attend the ceremony, but should go to their own classrooms from 8:10 to 8:30, then join their families on the blacktop at 8:30.


PTA ANNOUNCEMENTS

At the last PTA Association Meeting of the school year, our membership elected the 2024-2025 Emerson PTA Board.

  • President: Will Barton

  • Executive Vice Presidents: Krysten Curtis, Rachel Terp

  • Treasurer: Amy Fire

  • Secretary: James Krimmel

  • Fundraising Vice Presidents: Stephanie Boys, Masha Danilenko, Elizabeth Valley

  • Communications Vice President: Vanessa Leonardo

  • Community Building Vice President: Elise Kneram, Stephanie Yolish

  • Equity Vice Presidents: Henriette Ako-Asare, Lauren Markofsky

  • Community Engagement/Membership Vice President: Daisy Holman, Madeline Noonan

  • Advocacy Vice President: David Rose

  • Teacher Representatives: Jenny Weddle, Kimberly Nichols-Davis

  • OFEE Representative: Lily Howell

  • Site Administrator: Jana Holmes

Welcome to next year's board!

If you would like to be more involved with volunteering next year, we are still looking to fill Enrichment Vice President and Parliamentarian roles, as well as event chair positions.


BUSD SUMMER SCHOOL

Summer School Registration is open!

Program dates: June 17 – July 12 2024

Check out the catalog at the following link to see the various summer offerings- there are new and different options this summer.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vAQhSfKS99E4VfgQVxqmPmjrSXqBu7ZC9Ofs2WLrfW8/edit?usp=sharing

Please use the form below to sign up your child.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0HC3XPMjUsftfdKDjZI8GrDALu2OoGkh9rYboPDVO33-cvw/viewform


UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

Friday, May 17: Malcolm X Holiday (NO SCHOOL)

Thursday, May 23: Ice Cream Truck Day

Friday, May 24: PTA after school classes end

Monday, May 27: Memorial Day Holiday (NO SCHOOL)

Tuesday, May 28: Emerson Fun Day!

Monday, June 5: Early dismissal at 1:30pm

Tuesday, June 4: Last day of school (Early dismissal at 1:30pm)

Tuesday, June 4, 8:30am: Fifth Grade Graduation

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Note to Readers: BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

FIND EMERSON ONLINE

Website: https://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:

BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.org

BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. Send images as an e-mail attachment and include alt-text. The submission deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2024. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
2800 Forest Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705



BearFacts News - 05.09.24

 
 

Si tiene alguna duda sobre esta nota debido a la traduccion,
por favor comuniquese con Rafael Friedmann via email: rfriedmann@aol.com


UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

Today, Thursday, May 9, 5:30 - 7:00 pm: Emerson Open House

Saturday, May 11, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm:  Emerson Spring Festival (Emerson blacktop)

Friday, May 17: Malcolm X Holiday (NO SCHOOL)

Thursday, May 23: Ice Cream Truck Day

Friday, May 24: PTA after school classes end

Monday, May 27: Memorial Day Holiday (NO SCHOOL)

Tuesday, May 28: Emerson Fun Day!

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Note to Readers: BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.


spring festival

Save the date for Emerson’s Spring Festival coming up this SATURDAY, MAY 11th at 10AM!! You will not want to miss out this year….The newest addition is a FOAM DANCE PARTY, so be sure to wear bathing suits or quick drying clothes and bring a towel! We will also have a petting zoo, cultural booths with tasty food, snacks, and more!! We need some volunteers to help out if you can spare your time, please sign up here: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080444ABAD2FA5F94-49497357-emerson. We can’t wait to see you there!


Art Corner

Come get your Art Portfolios at Open House!

The wait is over! Come to the art room to discover all of the amazing art that your child has done this year in our weekly classes.  Each portfolio comes complete with a list of all of the projects, but I will be there to answer any questions you may have.

I encourage you to ask your child to choose (at least) one piece of art that you will display in your home.  Whether it is on the fridge or put proudly into a frame, hanging the work will help your child take pride in their work.  

See you tonight!

Ms. Ames

Three picutres of little kids holding up colorful drawings.

EQUITY CORNER

Graphic that reads "BUSD Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month"

In May, BUSD celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month, lifting up and honoring the contributions of Jewish Americans in our school community, our extended communities, and our country.

A Message from the BUSD Superintendent:

May is a rich month of heritage celebrations which includes BUSD’s third year celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month. Since 2006, May has been proclaimed as Jewish American Heritage Month so that we can center and honor the many lived and historical experiences of Jewish Americans. As is true of any community, there is no single way of being Jewish. In Berkeley Unified School District, we have a beautiful spectrum of the Jewish community represented by our students, staff, and families.

The Bay Area has an especially proud history of Jewish activism and spirituality embodying the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam– healing the world to make it a better place for all. It is in this spirit of Tikkun Olam, that we offer these resources to our community. And it is in this spirit that we honor all the ways that people are connected to Judaism here in BUSD: through birth, adoption, marriage/partnership, conversion, through secular and religious ties–we celebrate the diversity of the Jewish community. 

Among the resources shared, you will find first person stories and biographies of creatives representing some of the many ways that people connect to Judaism and Jewish heritage. Some members of the Jewish community are recognizable by the clothes (kippa/yarmulke, talit, tichel), or symbols they wear (star of David), and others you will only know by asking and listening to their stories. Through these resources we also strive to center Jewish community members who are too often marginalized. 

In this month of May, it is important to unequivocally state that we as a district stand firmly against anti-semitism and united against all forms of hate. We denounce the rise in antisemitic rhetoric against Jewish people and are committed to teaching about the history of antisemitism and the Holocaust. We also recognize that the Jewish American community is so much more than the stories of the discrimination against them and this month is an opportunity to shine a light on contemporary Jewish creatives and the resilience of the Jewish people.

In unity and שָׁלוֹם (Shalom),

Enikia Ford Morthel
Superintendent


Library CORNER

Reading lists and displays in the Emerson Library in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

These reading lists, organized by grade level, represent books published in recent years that are devoted to uplifting Asian-American and Pacific Islander history, celebrating heritage, affirming identity, and promoting antiracism. Sharing these books is one part of our effort to develop anti-racist consciousness with and for our youth and ensure they know they are not alone and that they can speak out to help stop the spread of bigotry.

Jewish American Heritage Month

These reading lists, organized by grade level, represent recently published books that celebrate Jewish-American heritage, affirm identity, and promote cultural awareness. Sharing these books is one part of our effort to develop a diverse consciousness with and for our youth and ensure they know they are not alone, and that they can speak out to help stop the spread of bigotry.

Jewish themed library books on a table.

FIND EMERSON ONLINE

Website: https://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:

BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.org

BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. Send images as an e-mail attachment and include alt-text. The submission deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2024. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
2800 Forest Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705



BearFacts News - 05.02.24

 
 

Si tiene alguna duda sobre esta nota debido a la traduccion,
por favor comuniquese con Rafael Friedmann via email: rfriedmann@aol.com


MONTHLY LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Emerson Families,

As I write this last letter for the 2023-2024 school year, I do so with a grateful heart! Thank you for all your partnership and support. This year our focus areas were improved Attendance, the implementation of the BUSD Literacy Action Plan, and continued work on our comprehensive Equity plan. We are pleased that Lily Howell (Office of Family Engagement and Equity), Michelle Lopez (Attendance Clerk) and I were able to meet with over thirty families to reduce student truancy. In support of literacy, Emerson staff were trained in phonics, phonetic awareness, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension strategies. The teachers and intervention staff monitored student literacy improvement as indicated by the Fall, Winter and Spring Dibels and STAR assessments. Staff participated in a year-long book study that provided strategies to adjust curriculum to accommodate diverse student needs. The PTA Board kicked off the year with an Equity Retreat that allowed us to bond as a team while we set common goals. This Spring, Emerson parents participated in an Equity Circle, which empowered families to thrive in our multicultural school.

The Heart Of Emerson campaign was a success and the Read-A-Thon engaged students and raised more funds for our programs. As a result, full time art and PE instruction, field trips and office support will continue for the 2024- 2025 school year. By meeting and exceeding our fundraising goals, we will continue to offer students the full range of educational experiences they have come to expect at Emerson. 

As we wind down the school year, it’s time to celebrate! You are invited to the last All School Meeting of the year on Friday, May 3rd at 8:30am. In addition, we hope you will join us next Saturday, May 11, from 10 am to 2 pm for the Spring Festival. This will be a free event for the community, with fun activities for the kids and adults, and delicious food. Finally, the 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony will be on the Emerson blacktop from 8:30 am to 10:15 am on Tuesday, June 4. We are proud of all our Emerson students and wish you a safe and happy summer!

Take care,

Jana Holmes


PTA ANNOUNCEMENTS

2024-25 EMERSON PTA BOARD POSITIONS ANNOUNCED

The Emerson PTA's Nominating Committee would like to inform the Emerson community of the following individuals who will run, uncontested, for the 2024-2025 Emerson PTA Board positions:

  • President - Will Barton

  • Executive Vice Presidents - Krysten Curtis, Rachel Terp

  • Treasurer - Amy Fire

  • Secretary - James Krimmel

  • Fundraising Vice Presidents - Stephanie Boys, Masha Danilenko and Elizabeth Valley

  • Communications Vice President - Vanessa Leonardo

  • Community Building Vice President - Elise Kneram and Stephanie Yolish

  • Equity Vice Presidents - Henriette Ako-Asare, Lauren Markofsky

  • Community Engagement / Membership Vice President - Daisy Holman, Madeline Noonan

  • Enrichment - TBD

  • Advocacy - David Rose

  • Teacher Representatives - Jenny Weddle, Kim Davis

Members will vote on these nominations at the May 7th Association Meeting. See below for details and see you there!

PTA ASSOCIATION MEETING

When: May 7th, 6:00-7:30pm

Where: Emerson Library

Please join us at the May Association meeting, with a special presentation at 7pm on the “Welcoming Schools” curriculum by 1st grade teacher, Ms. M.

Food and childcare provided.

NOTE FROM THE PTA TREASURER

Treasurer Documents for Association Meeting on 5/7/2024

At our next Association meeting on 5/7/2024, we will vote to amend the 2023-2024 Budget and to set a preliminary budget for the 2024-2025 year.

Find the documents online: https://emersonelementary.org/budget-programs/

Email questions: treasurer@emersonelementary.org


time to plan for next school year

Registration for Kids World (Learns Program) is OPEN! 

All families, current or waitlisted, will need to re-register for next year to be accepted for fall 2024!

Contact Evan Adorador, Program Director, with questions or concerns at evanadorador@berkeley.net

https://tinyurl.com/registerLEARNS

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Summer School Registration is open!

Program dates: June 17 – July 12, 2024

Check out the catalog at the following link to see the various summer offerings- there are new and different options this summer.

https://tinyurl.com/summerBUSDcatalog

Please use the form below to sign up your child.

https://tinyurl.com/signupSummer


TEACHER & STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK- MAY 6-10

SIGN UP TO DONATE AND VOLUNTEER!

On Monday May 6th, we are kicking off Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week with a potluck breakfast! Your help is needed to help make the week extra special for our Emerson educators. There are so many ways to show your appreciation, from a breakfast treat, to flowers, to a simple note of thanks to someone at Emerson who has made a difference in your child’s life. 

Visit the links below to learn more and to make your plan for showering our Emerson teachers and staff with love and gratitude!

Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week-At-A-Glance: A schedule for the week’s activities

Volunteer/Donation Sign Up: Ways to support through your time and/or resources

Questions/contact: Carol carol.wang@gmail.com 510-415-3167


UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

Friday, May 3, 8:00 am:  Coffee on the Yard & Last All School Meeting of the year!

Monday, May 6 - Friday, May 10: Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week (Volunteer signup HERE)

Tuesday, May 7, 6:00 - 7:30 pm: Special PTA Association Meeting (Emerson library)

Thursday, May 9, 5:30 - 7:00 pm: Emerson Open House

Saturday, May 11, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm:  Emerson Spring Festival (Emerson blacktop)

Friday, May 17: Malcolm X Holiday (NO SCHOOL)

Friday, May 24: PTA after school classes end

Monday, May 27: Memorial Day Holiday (NO SCHOOL)

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Note to Readers: BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.


EQUITY CORNER

ASIAN-AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH AND JEWISH HERITAGE MONTH

Excerpted from Superintendent Ford Morthel’s monthly note:

In May, we take the time to uplift, center, and celebrate the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities with the full acknowledgment that these communities are richly diverse, have a breadth of histories, lived experiences, and needs–and that one month is never enough time to fully honor their contributions.

Beginning in 1990, the U.S. government designated the month of May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. May was chosen as AAPI month because it marks the arrival of 14-year-old Manjiro, considered the first Japanese immigrant in the United States on May 7, 1843, as well as the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, which was completed due to the back-breaking labor of over 20,000 Chinese immigrants.

This May you will see a variety of acronyms in use, such as Asian Pacific Islander (API), Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI), Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA), or you might come across calls to separate Asian American from Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander because the differences in needs are more and more important to shine a light on. Most months when I write these letters, I name how a month is never enough time to reflect on, teach about, and celebrate how vastly diverse each community truly is.


BUSD’S AAPI HERITAGE MONTH RESOURCES

Family Guides
Please take advantage of BUSD’s Family Guide for Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month. It provides resources for families to Listen, Learn, and Lift Up the AAPI community during the month of May and beyond.

READING LISTS

These reading lists, organized by grade level, represent books published in recent years that are devoted to uplifting Asian-American and Pacific Islander history, celebrating heritage, affirming identity, and promoting antiracism. Sharing these books is one part of our effort to develop anti-racist consciousness with and for our youth and ensure they know they are not alone and that they can speak out to help stop the spread of bigotry.

All these books are available through BUSD school libraries as a physical and/or digital book. For more information about any of these books or to check out a copy, please ask your school librarian.


BUSD AAPI Family Book Club Event

Author talk, featuring Bay Area author, Thien Pham!

When: May 2nd, 5:30-7:00pm

Where: BUSD Board Room

1231 Addison Street, Berkeley

Sponsored by Berkeley Public Schools Fund


BUSD ETHNIC STUDIES SHOWCASE


PTA COUNCIL SPEAKER SERIES: SUPERINTENDENT FORD MORTHEL

The Berkeley PTA Council (BPTA) would like to invite all BUSD families and teachers to our PTA Council speaker series, this month with Superintendent Enikia Ford Morthel on April 29th from 7:30-9:00pm. This is a virtual event that can be joined via Zoom at http://tinyurl.com/BPTA-meetings.

We are collecting Questions for the superintendent to review and prepare for the meeting. All BUSD community members are welcome to this discussion. Submitted questions will be given priority for the superintendent to answer.


FIND EMERSON ONLINE

Website: https://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:

BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.org

BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. Send images as an e-mail attachment and include alt-text. The submission deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2024. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
2800 Forest Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705



BearFacts News - 04.25.24

 
 

Si tiene alguna duda sobre esta nota debido a la traduccion,
por favor comuniquese con Rafael Friedmann via email: rfriedmann@aol.com


APRIL ALL SCHOOL MEETING

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDb3vs2TCWs

Video created by Volunteer Mr Phil


APRIL STUDENT SHOUT OUTS!


BUSD ETHNIC STUDIES SHOWCASE!


TEACHER & STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK- MAY 6-10

SAVE THE DATE!

We will be celebrating our teachers and all of our staff for a whole week, starting on Monday, May 6th! Your family’s participation will help make the week extra special for all of our Emerson educators. 

There will be plenty of opportunities to express appreciation in different ways throughout the week: bringing in breakfast treats on Monday morning, writing cards, giving flowers, donating treats for staff goody bags, and volunteering your time.

More details and volunteer sign-up sheets coming soon - stay tuned!


ONE SATURDAY = $2500 FOR EMERSON

Could you spend one Saturday this fall working as a football parking captain to earn $2500 for Emerson? Our parking fundraiser earns $15-18,000 over the 7 Saturdays of the fall season! That is 5% of the PTA budget and can cover teachers' classroom supply budget for the entire school! But to make it work, we need to find 7 folks willing to spend the day overseeing operations at the school and to clean up afterwards.

We don't need a commitment now, but if you *might* be willing to help us out with this, please fill out this short form. We'll contact you late summer to offer up possible Saturdays, fill you in on the responsibilities, and organize a brief training session for those who can commit. (Thank you to those who have already expressed interest!)


YEARBOOK ORDERS - LAST DAY APRIL 26

The deadline to purchase a 2023- 2024 yearbook is tomorrow, Friday, April 26.  Order on line here.  

The PTA wants every 5th grader to get a yearbook. If families need help paying for the yearbook, please reach out to Lilyhowell@berkeley.net

Any other questions, contact mimi.milania@gmail.com.


time to plan for next school year

Registration for Kids World (Learns Program) is OPEN. 

All families, current or waitlisted, will need to re-register for next year to be accepted for fall 2024!

Contact Evan Adorador, Program Director, with questions or concerns at evanadorador@berkeley.net

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OlapKkEYDZtNY5qKHOU2pKtLajN7R1M_/view?usp=drivesdk

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Summer School Registration is open!

Program dates: June 17 – July 12 2024

Check out the catalog at the following link to see the various summer offerings- there are new and different options this summer.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vAQhSfKS99E4VfgQVxqmPmjrSXqBu7ZC9Ofs2WLrfW8/edit?usp=sharing

Please use the form below to sign up your child.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0HC3XPMjUsftfdKDjZI8GrDALu2OoGkh9rYboPDVO33-cvw/viewform

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Please let us know if you are planning to return to Emerson next school year.

We need this important information to begin planning for the 2024- 2025 school year.

We ask you to complete the Returning Student Survey by Friday, April 26, 2024.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1njZ3JnAUTSzwvd8NvZr7xjQeh0N__SqMLEU1Y_Lxu2c/edit?usp=drivesdk


MESSAGE FROM THE PTA PRESIDENT

NOMINATE YOURSELF OR OTHERS FOR EMERSON PTA!

We can’t do it without you! Nominations are open for 2024-2025 Emerson PTA Board positions. If you are interested in nominating yourself or others, click to fill out this form or email Rachel.Terp@emersonelementary.org.



PTA COUNCIL SPEAKER SERIES: SUPERINTENDENT FORD MORTHEL

The Berkeley PTA Council (BPTA) would like to invite all BUSD families and teachers to our PTA Council speaker series, this month with Superintendent Enikia Ford Morthel on April 29th from 7:30-9:00pm. This is a virtual event that can be joined via Zoom at http://tinyurl.com/BPTA-meetings.

We are collecting Questions for the superintendent to review and prepare for the meeting. All BUSD community members are welcome to this discussion. Submitted questions will be given priority for the superintendent to answer.


FREE DYSLEXIA SIMULATION

Learn about reading struggle at this special, community-wide, in-person event

Experience the challenges and frustrations faced by individuals with language-based learning differences.

Tuesday, April 30th from 5:30-7:30pm

Sylvia Mendez Elementary, 2840 Ellsworth St, Berkeley, CA 

ALL ARE WELCOME!

RSVP for dinner and childcare https://bit.ly/SM-Dyslexia

Did you know up to 1 in 5 people have symptoms of dyslexia? 

The IDA writes: "As many as 15–20% of the population as a whole—have some of the symptoms of dyslexia, including slow or inaccurate reading, poor spelling, poor writing, or mixing up similar words. Not all of these will qualify for special education, but they are likely to struggle with many aspects of academic learning and are likely to benefit from systematic, explicit, instruction in reading, writing, and language."

This event is organized by: Sylvia Mendez PTA, Decoding Dyslexia CA, North Region SELPA CAC Advocacy Committee, Reading for Berkeley, and more.


UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

 Tuesday, April 30, 7:00 pm:  School Site Council Meeting, Zoom Here

Friday, May 3, 8:30 am:  May All School Meeting

Monday, May 6, through Friday May 10: Teacher Appreciation Week.

Tuesday, May 7, 7:00 pm: Special PTA Association Meeting (Emerson library)

Welcoming Schools Presentation by Ms. Melgoza

Thursday, May 9, 5:30 - 7:00 pm: Emerson Open House

Saturday, May 11, 9:00 am:  Emerson Spring Festival

Friday, May 17, 2024: No School - Malcolm X’s Birthday

Friday, May 24, 2024: PTA After school classes end

Monday, May 27, 2024: No School - Memorial Day

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Note to Readers: BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.


EQUITY CORNER

ARAB AMERICAN AND SSWANA HERITAGE MONTH

Two years ago BUSD joined several local and regional school districts and our neighbor, UC Berkeley, in honoring Arab American Heritage Month for the first time. In an effort to uplift a growing part of our community and move toward inclusivity and evolving concepts of language and community, last year we added SSWANA, which is an acronym that stands for South Asian, Southwest Asian, and North African. This year, in our ongoing commitment to inclusivity, we celebrate Arab American & SSWANA Heritage Month in April across BUSD.


BUSD’s Arab American and SSWANA Heritage Month Resources

As part of Berkeley Unified School District’s values and beliefs, “We take pride in our diversity.” We recognize that the communities that fall under the Arab American and SSWANA umbrella are richly diverse and unique: from country of origin, language, and religion– to history, culture, and lived experiences. While not all Arab and SSWANA countries may be specifically represented in this set of resources, they were created in the spirit of taking great pride in our diverse community and adapting to meet the ever-changing needs of our students and families.

Family Guides
Please take advantage of BUSD’s Family Guide for Celebrating Arab American and SSWANA Heritage Month, compiled by BUSD’s Ethnic Studies Teacher on Special Assignment (TSA). It provides resources for families to Listen, Learn, and Lift Up, as they celebrate Arab American and SSWANA Heritage Month throughout April and beyond.

READING LISTS

These reading lists, organized by grade level, represent books published in the last five years that are devoted to celebrating, representing, and affirming Arab American and SSWANA heritage, and celebrating the invaluable contributions of our Arab American and SSWANA community. Every school library will receive copies of some of the newest books on the lists.

All these books are available through BUSD school libraries as a physical and/or digital book. For more information about any of these books or to check out a copy, please ask your school librarian.


You're invited to the third annual Community Block Party, brought to you by the Berkeley Public Schools Fund!

Saturday April 27, 11:00  a.m.-3:00  p.m. at Civic Center Park (across from Berkeley High, near the Farmers Market) 

The Community Block Party is about celebrating our students and making connections that create a stronger community for Berkeley’s children. Plan to bring the whole family! Like last year, the Block Party is an all-BUSD “Open House," celebrating the brilliance of BUSD students across the district on stage, at activity tables, and on outdoor museum exhibit walls. It’s a gorgeous and inspiring event, not to be missed! 


FIND EMERSON ONLINE

Website: https://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:

BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.org

BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. Send images as an e-mail attachment and include alt-text. The submission deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2024. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
2800 Forest Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705



BearFacts News - 04.18.24

 
 

Si tiene alguna duda sobre esta nota debido a la traduccion,
por favor comuniquese con Rafael Friedmann via email: rfriedmann@aol.com


YEARBOOK ORDERS - LAST DAY APRIL 24

This year's Emerson Elementary Yearbook is available for sale!

Order your yearbook by Wednesday April 24 by clicking here!

The book + tax is $20 and includes all grades. Please pay if you can.

The PTA wants every 5th grader to get a yearbook. If families need help paying for the yearbook, please reach out to Lilyhowell@berkeley.net

Any other questions, contact mimi.milania@gmail.com.


time to plan for next school year

Registration for Kids World (Learns Program) is OPEN. 

All families, current or waitlisted, will need to re-register for next year to be accepted for fall 2024!

Contact Evan Adorador, Program Director, with questions or concerns at evanadorador@berkeley.net

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OlapKkEYDZtNY5qKHOU2pKtLajN7R1M_/view?usp=drivesdk

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Summer School Registration is open!

Program dates: June 17 – July 12 2024

Check out the catalog at the following link to see the various summer offerings- there are new and different options this summer.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vAQhSfKS99E4VfgQVxqmPmjrSXqBu7ZC9Ofs2WLrfW8/edit?usp=sharing

Please use the form below to sign up your child.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0HC3XPMjUsftfdKDjZI8GrDALu2OoGkh9rYboPDVO33-cvw/viewform

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Please let us know if you are planning to return to Emerson next school year.

We need this important information to begin planning for the 2024- 2025 school year.

We ask you to complete the Returning Student Survey by Friday, April 26, 2024.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1njZ3JnAUTSzwvd8NvZr7xjQeh0N__SqMLEU1Y_Lxu2c/edit?usp=drivesdk


MESSAGE FROM THE PTA PRESIDENT

NOMINATE YOURSELF OR OTHERS FOR EMERSON PTA!

We can’t do it without you! Nominations are open for 2024-2025 Emerson PTA Board positions. If you are interested in nominating yourself or others, click to fill out this form or email Rachel.Terp@emersonelementary.org.



PTA COUNCIL SPEAKER SERIES: SUPERINTENDENT FORD MORTHEL

The Berkeley PTA Council (BPTA) would like to invite all BUSD families and teachers to our PTA Council speaker series, this month with Superintendent Enikia Ford Morthel on April 29th from 7:30-9:00pm. This is a virtual event that can be joined via Zoom at http://tinyurl.com/BPTA-meetings.

We are collecting Questions for the superintendent to review and prepare for the meeting. All BUSD community members are welcome to this discussion. Submitted questions will be given priority for the superintendent to answer.


FREE DYSLEXIA SIMULATION

Learn about reading struggle at this special, community-wide, in-person event

Experience the challenges and frustrations faced by individuals with language-based learning differences.

Tuesday, April 30th from 5:30-7:30pm

Sylvia Mendez Elementary, 2840 Ellsworth St, Berkeley, CA 

ALL ARE WELCOME!

RSVP for dinner and childcare https://bit.ly/SM-Dyslexia

Did you know up to 1 in 5 people have symptoms of dyslexia? 

The IDA writes: "As many as 15–20% of the population as a whole—have some of the symptoms of dyslexia, including slow or inaccurate reading, poor spelling, poor writing, or mixing up similar words. Not all of these will qualify for special education, but they are likely to struggle with many aspects of academic learning and are likely to benefit from systematic, explicit, instruction in reading, writing, and language."

This event is organized by: Sylvia Mendez PTA, Decoding Dyslexia CA, North Region SELPA CAC Advocacy Committee, Reading for Berkeley, and more.


UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

Friday, April 19: Spirit Day, Emerson Gear

Friday, May 3, 8:30 am:  May All School Meeting

Tuesday, May 7, 7:00 pm: Special PTA Association Meeting (Emerson library)

Thursday, May 9, 5:30 - 7:00 pm: Emerson Open House

Saturday, May 11, 9:00 am:  Emerson Spring Festival

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Note to Readers: BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.


EQUITY CORNER

ARAB AMERICAN AND SSWANA HERITAGE MONTH

Two years ago BUSD joined several local and regional school districts and our neighbor, UC Berkeley, in honoring Arab American Heritage Month for the first time. In an effort to uplift a growing part of our community and move toward inclusivity and evolving concepts of language and community, last year we added SSWANA, which is an acronym that stands for South Asian, Southwest Asian, and North African. This year, in our ongoing commitment to inclusivity, we celebrate Arab American & SSWANA Heritage Month in April across BUSD.


BUSD’s Arab American and SSWANA Heritage Month Resources

As part of Berkeley Unified School District’s values and beliefs, “We take pride in our diversity.” We recognize that the communities that fall under the Arab American and SSWANA umbrella are richly diverse and unique: from country of origin, language, and religion– to history, culture, and lived experiences. While not all Arab and SSWANA countries may be specifically represented in this set of resources, they were created in the spirit of taking great pride in our diverse community and adapting to meet the ever-changing needs of our students and families.

Family Guides
Please take advantage of BUSD’s Family Guide for Celebrating Arab American and SSWANA Heritage Month, compiled by BUSD’s Ethnic Studies Teacher on Special Assignment (TSA). It provides resources for families to Listen, Learn, and Lift Up, as they celebrate Arab American and SSWANA Heritage Month throughout April and beyond.

READING LISTS

These reading lists, organized by grade level, represent books published in the last five years that are devoted to celebrating, representing, and affirming Arab American and SSWANA heritage, and celebrating the invaluable contributions of our Arab American and SSWANA community. Every school library will receive copies of some of the newest books on the lists.

All these books are available through BUSD school libraries as a physical and/or digital book. For more information about any of these books or to check out a copy, please ask your school librarian.


You're invited to the third annual Community Block Party, brought to you by the Berkeley Public Schools Fund!

Saturday April 27, 11:00  a.m.-3:00  p.m. at Civic Center Park (across from Berkeley High, near the Farmers Market) 

The Community Block Party is about celebrating our students and making connections that create a stronger community for Berkeley’s children. Plan to bring the whole family! Like last year, the Block Party is an all-BUSD “Open House," celebrating the brilliance of BUSD students across the district on stage, at activity tables, and on outdoor museum exhibit walls. It’s a gorgeous and inspiring event, not to be missed! 


FIND EMERSON ONLINE

Website: https://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:

BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.org

BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. Send images as an e-mail attachment and include alt-text. The submission deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2024. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
2800 Forest Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705



BearFacts News - 04.11.24

 
 

Si tiene alguna duda sobre esta nota debido a la traduccion,
por favor comuniquese con Rafael Friedmann via email: rfriedmann@aol.com


MONTHLY LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Emerson Families,

We hope you enjoyed a safe and happy Spring Break! It’s hard to believe we only have eight weeks of the school year left. You are invited to join us for Coffee on the Yard and All School Meeting this Friday, April 12th at 8:00 am. This is our second-to-last gathering of the school year, and we will announce the Read-A-Thon results. Thank you to the Clute-Price and Cott-Lewis families, for hosting our Friday morning coffee socials all year.  

This Friday we will celebrate our successful Heart of Emerson fundraising campaign with free t-shirts for our whole school. Thank you PTA fundraising committee: Stephanie Boys, Masha Danilenko and Elizabeth Valley! Big Smile to Michelle Falise for designing our t-shirts to be worn with pride. 

We will have a special PTA Association meeting on Tuesday, May 7 at 7:00 pm in the Emerson Library. Ms. Melgoza will speak about the district-approved Welcoming Schools curriculum which encourages school communities to embrace family diversity, create an LGBTQ+ and gender inclusive environment, and prevent bullying. We will also approve the PTA budget and the PTA Board for next school year. Please attend. 

Mark your calendars for the Emerson Open House on Thursday, May 9, from 5:30 - 7:00 pm. This is an opportunity for you to see your child’s Spring projects and classwork. It is also a time to visit prospective teachers, pick up art projects from Ms. Ames, and enjoy our school community. 

Registration for summer school opened on April 1st. Staff will make recommendations and you may sign your child up here: BUSD Summer School 2024

The results of the BUSD March Madness Attendance Challenge are in! Emerson came in at a solid 3rd place. We thank the 5th Grade Student Advisory Committee, who arrived early to reward students who came to school on time with stickers and pencils. 

Let’s continue our great attendance as teachers administer final Spring Assessments in April and May. These tests reveal progress that students have made this year, and may determine future interventions and supports. In April, students in Grades K- 2 will take the DIBELS Literacy Assessment and Math Benchmark Exam. Students in Grades 3- 5 will take the STAR Reading and Math Assessments. The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress is administered to students in Grades 3-5 in May. Parents of students in grades 3-5, please read the CAASPP Parent Notification Letter 2024 English and/ or CAASPP Parent Notification Letter 2024 Spanish

Have a fine, fine day! 

Jana Holmes


MESSAGE FROM THE PTA PRESIDENT

NOMINATE YOURSELF OR OTHERS FOR EMERSON PTA!

We can’t do it without you! Nominations are open for 2024-2025 Emerson PTA Board positions. If you are interested in nominating yourself or others, click to fill out this form or email Rachel.Terp@emersonelementary.org.



UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

Friday, April 12, 8:00 am: Coffee on the Yard, followed by All School Meeting

Tuesday, April 16, 7:00 pm: School Site Council, Zoom link here

Friday, May 3, 8:30 am:  May All School Meeting

Tuesday, May 7, 7:00 pm: Special PTA Association Meeting (Emerson library)

Thursday, May 9, 5:30 - 7:00 pm: Emerson Open House

Saturday, May 11, 9:00 am:  Emerson Spring Festival

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Note to Readers: BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.


ART CORNER WITH MS. AMES

ECLIPSE-INSPIRED ART

4th and 5th graders created these pieces using chalk. They had a "moon" paper to keep the chalk off of the sun and then used their creativity to create these eclipses in a variety of colors.


ORDER YOUR YEARBOOKS!

This year's Emerson Elementary Yearbook is available for sale!

Order your yearbook by Wednesday April 24 by clicking here!

The book + tax is $20 and includes all grades.

The PTA wants every 5th grader to get a yearbook. If families need help paying for the yearbook, please reach out to Lilyhowell@berkeley.net

All other questions, contact mimi.milania@gmail.com.


EQUITY CORNER

ARAB AMERICAN AND SSWANA HERITAGE MONTH

Two years ago BUSD joined several local and regional school districts and our neighbor, UC Berkeley, in honoring Arab American Heritage Month for the first time. In an effort to uplift a growing part of our community and move toward inclusivity and evolving concepts of language and community, last year we added SSWANA, which is an acronym that stands for South Asian, Southwest Asian, and North African. This year, in our ongoing commitment to inclusivity, we celebrate Arab American & SSWANA Heritage Month in April across BUSD.


BUSD’s Arab American and SSWANA Heritage Month Resources

As part of Berkeley Unified School District’s values and beliefs, “We take pride in our diversity.” We recognize that the communities that fall under the Arab American and SSWANA umbrella are richly diverse and unique: from country of origin, language, and religion– to history, culture, and lived experiences. While not all Arab and SSWANA countries may be specifically represented in this set of resources, they were created in the spirit of taking great pride in our diverse community and adapting to meet the ever-changing needs of our students and families.

Family Guides
Please take advantage of BUSD’s Family Guide for Celebrating Arab American and SSWANA Heritage Month, compiled by BUSD’s Ethnic Studies Teacher on Special Assignment (TSA). It provides resources for families to Listen, Learn, and Lift Up, as they celebrate Arab American and SSWANA Heritage Month throughout April and beyond.

READING LISTS

These reading lists, organized by grade level, represent books published in the last five years that are devoted to celebrating, representing, and affirming Arab American and SSWANA heritage, and celebrating the invaluable contributions of our Arab American and SSWANA community. Every school library will receive copies of some of the newest books on the lists.

All these books are available through BUSD school libraries as a physical and/or digital book. For more information about any of these books or to check out a copy, please ask your school librarian.


You're invited to the third annual Community Block Party, brought to you by the Berkeley Public Schools Fund!

Saturday April 27, 11:00  a.m.-3:00  p.m. at Civic Center Park (across from Berkeley High, near the Farmers Market) 

The Community Block Party is about celebrating our students and making connections that create a stronger community for Berkeley’s children. Plan to bring the whole family! Like last year, the Block Party is an all-BUSD “Open House," celebrating the brilliance of BUSD students across the district on stage, at activity tables, and on outdoor museum exhibit walls. It’s a gorgeous and inspiring event, not to be missed! 


FIND EMERSON ONLINE

Website: https://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:

BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.org

BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. Send images as an e-mail attachment and include alt-text. The submission deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2024. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
2800 Forest Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705



BearFacts News - 03.28.24

 
 

Si tiene alguna duda sobre esta nota debido a la traduccion,
por favor comuniquese con Rafael Friedmann via email: rfriedmann@aol.com


FINAL WEEK: BUSD MARCH MADNESS ATTENDANCE CHALLENGE 

This is the final week of the BUSD March Madness Attendance Challenge. Emerson is currently in second place. This week we are facing off against Berkeley Arts Magnet, currently in first place. Please arrive at school on time every day (by 8:10am) with no unexcused tardies or absences. 

If Emerson wins, we will earn a trophy and a student school-wide reward. 

Go Bear Cubs! 


TONIGHT: BLACK FAMILIES OF EMERSON DINNER AND LISTENING SESSION 

The PTA is partnering with OFEE and Principal Holmes to host a Black Families of Emerson Dinner on Thursday, March 28, from 6:00-7:30 pm. The goal of this evening is to build community, share district resources, and listen to feedback. Please RSVP to Ms. Lily (lilyhowell@berkeley.net). 



ANOTHER FUN FAMILY ART NIGHT! 

It was wonderful to see so many of you having a great time last Friday night. Thank you for bringing your families to enjoy this special event, and thank you to all of the volunteers who set up, ran art stations, and helped clean up. And a very special thank you to Ariel Clute, Lucy Ames, and Michelle Falise, pictured below.  A whole lot of planning and prep goes into this night and these three shared the load and made the whole process enjoyable! 

From left to right: Ariel Clute, Lucy Ames, and Michelle Falise


ART CORNER WITH MS. AMES

Fifth grade artists learned about the Japanese artist Hokusai (1760-1849), who is most famous for his woodblock print series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji which includes the iconic print The Great Wave off Kanagawa. For our project, students drew the great wave with either sharpie or wax pencil and then painted with watercolor.

Fifth grade students interpret the Japanese artist Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa.


BERKELEY UNIFIED’S 5TH GRADE ENSEMBLES PERFORM AT FREIGHT & SALVAGE

In a remarkable first for BUSD, fifth grade ensembles from across the district took center stage at the esteemed Freight & Salvage venue on Tuesday night, showcasing the dedication and proficiency of young musicians across the district.

Shout out to instructors Ms. Boyles and Mr. Figueroa who led the Emerson Elementary School flute and brass performances, alongside professional musicians. Shout out to Jay Whittington (from VAPA) for dreaming up the event (and for skillfully emceeing). This unforgettable evening underscores the district's and community's commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians and performers.

Thank you, voters, for passing BSEP, which ensures the BUSD music program will continue for future students!

Fifth grade musicians perform at Berkeley’s Freight & Salvage.


You're invited to the third annual Community Block Party, brought to you by the Berkeley Public Schools Fund!

Saturday April 27, 11:00  a.m.-3:00  p.m. at Civic Center Park (across from Berkeley High, near the Farmers Market) 

The Community Block Party is about celebrating our students and making connections that create a stronger community for Berkeley’s children. Plan to bring the whole family! Like last year, the Block Party is an all-BUSD “Open House," celebrating the brilliance of BUSD students across the district on stage, at activity tables, and on outdoor museum exhibit walls. It’s a gorgeous and inspiring event, not to be missed! 

Community Block Party flyer

NOMINATE YOURSELF OR OTHERS FOR EMERSON’S PTA

We cannot do it without you! Nominations are open for 2024-2024 Emerson PTA Board positions. Click to fill out this form if you are interested in nominating yourself or others, or just learning more about the PTA, or email Rachel.Terp@emersonelementary.org


UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

Thursday, March 28, 6:00 - 7: 30 PM Black Families of Emerson Dinner and Listening Session, (Emerson Library)

Friday, March 29: Cesar Chavez Day of Service and Learning

Monday, Apr 1 - Friday, April 5: Spring Recess (NO SCHOOL)

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Note to Readers: BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.


FIND EMERSON ONLINE

Website: https://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:

BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.org

BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. Send images as an e-mail attachment and include alt-text. The submission deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2024. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
2800 Forest Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705



BearFacts News - 03.21.24

 
 

Si tiene alguna duda sobre esta nota debido a la traduccion,
por favor comuniquese con Rafael Friedmann via email: rfriedmann@aol.com


BUSD MARCH MADNESS ATTENDANCE CHALLENGE: WEEK THREE 

Please join us in Week Three of the March Madness Attendance Challenge! This week we compete with THOUSAND  OAKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL for the best attendance.

During March, EMERSON will battle one other Berkeley Elementary School each week for the best attendance. This means, no tardies or unexcused absences.  Be to school no later than 8:15 am each day.

If Emerson wins, we will earn a trophy and a student school-wide reward. 

Go Bear Cubs! 


UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

Friday, March 22: Read-A-Thon reading logs due

Friday, March 22: Family Art Night, 6 - 7:30pm (Library & Multipurpose Room)

Monday, March 25: Presentation of Reparations Task Force Community Engagement Survey Results, 5:30 PM 

Tuesday, March 26, 6:00 - 7:00 pm: Caregiver Technology Workshop: Digital Citizenship - Your Student + Tech:Elementary Session. For more information click here. Berkeley Adult School, Multipurpose Room, 1701 San Pablo Ave #1701, Berkeley, CA 94702, USA (map)

Wednesday, March 27, 7:00 - 7:30 pm: PTA - Special Association Meeting  (via Zoom click here)

Thursday, March 28, 6:00 - 7: 30 PM Black Families of Emerson Dinner and Listening Session, (Emerson Library)

Friday, March 29: Cesar Chavez Day of Service and Learning

Monday, Apr 1 - Friday, April 5: Spring Recess (NO SCHOOL)

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Note to Readers: BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.


Volunteers Needed for Family Art Night

Tomorrow, 3/22, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Family Art Night is tomorrow and everyone is welcome! We have a great line-up of projects, but still need a few more volunteers to help the evening run smoothly. (Volunteers do not need art experience.) Tasks this year include help running a laminator, cutting yarn, helping kids with the order of project steps (we have printed directions), and handing out stickers. Sign up  to help with Art Activity Stations.https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080444ABAD2FA5F94-volunteer#/


Presentation of Reparations Task Force Community Engagement Survey Results

Monday, 3/25, at 5:30 pm
Location: BUSD boardroom, 1231 Addison Street, Berkeley

Parking is available at the district parking lot which is located on Browning St., just around the corner from the boardroom. Light refreshments will be provided at this event.

Interpretation: Spanish interpretation will be available. 


PTA - Special Association Meeting

March 27, 7:00 - 7:30 PM

PTA is inviting all Association members to a special meeting to approve a nominating committee and approve an audit.

The meeting will take place on Zoom (click here) 

For questions, comments or if you would like to nominate someone (including yourself) to a PTA Board position please email at board@emersonelementary.org. 


Black Families of Emerson Dinner and Listening Session on 3/28/24

Thursday, 3/28/24, 6:00 - 7:30 PM at the Emerson Library


Turn-in your Read-a-Thon logs

Turn-in your  Reading Log  by March 22nd to be eligible for prizes. 

We encourage everyone to use the 99 pledges platform to make Read-A-Thon donations: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/emersonele24 as this makes the process super easy. 

However, for those who want to donate another way, here are some additional options:

  • Venmo: @emersonPTA (2420 is the correct 4-digit verification code. Please disregard any earlier communication that had a different verification code)

  • PayPal: treasurer@emersonelementary.org

  • Mail a check (payable to “Emerson PTA”) to:

Emerson PTA - Read-A-Thon
2800 Forest Ave. | Berkeley, CA 94705-1309

Questions: contact Ms. Thomaes at  marieevethomaes@berkeley.net


Join the next BPTA Council Meeting,

March 25, 2024, 7:30pm - 9pm via Zoom (link TBD)

BUSD Afterschool Programs (BEARS and LEARNS) Presentation from Brazil Mcintyre, BUSD Extended Learning Staff, to discuss current state and future planning for our BUSD afterschool programming.  Q & A will follow. Learn how PTA enrichment programs can partner with BUSD BEARS and LEARNS. 


You're invited to the third annual Community Block Party, brought to you by the Berkeley Public Schools Fund!

Saturday April 27, 11:00  a.m.-3:00  p.m. at Civic Center Park (across from Berkeley High, near the Farmers Market) 

The Community Block Party is about celebrating our students and making connections that create a stronger community for Berkeley’s children. Plan to bring the whole family! Like last year, the Block Party is an all-BUSD “Open House," celebrating the brilliance of BUSD students across the district on stage, at activity tables, and on outdoor museum exhibit walls. It’s a gorgeous and inspiring event, not to be missed! 

Community Block Party flyer

FIND EMERSON ONLINE

Website: https://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:

BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.org

BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. Send images as an e-mail attachment and include alt-text. The submission deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2023. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
2800 Forest Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705

BearFacts News - 03.14.24

 
 

Si tiene alguna duda sobre esta nota debido a la traduccion,
por favor comuniquese con Rafael Friedmann via email: rfriedmann@aol.com


BUSD MARCH MADNESS ATTENDANCE CHALLENGE: WEEK TWO 

Please join us in Week Two of the March Madness Attendance Challenge! This week we compete with Rosa Parks Elementary School for the best attendance.

During March, Emerson will battle one other Berkeley Elementary School each week for the best attendance. This means, no tardies or unexcused absences.  Be to school no later than 8:15 am each day.

If Emerson wins, we will earn a trophy and a student school-wide reward. 

Go Bear Cubs! 


UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

Sunday March 17: Read-A-Thon ends

Friday, March 22: Read-A-Thon reading logs due

Friday, March 22: Family Art Night, 6 - 7:30pm (Library & Multipurpose Room)

Friday, March 29: Cesar Chavez Day of Service and Learning

Monday, Apr 1 - Friday, April 5: Spring Recess (NO SCHOOL)

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Note to Readers: BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.


Ramadan observance

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar and this year, it began Monday and Tuesday of this week and will end on April 9th, 2024.  This holy month is observed through fasting, prayer, study, and increased charity and generosity.  Fasting is when you do not eat food or drink water.  During Ramadan, families gather to eat before the sun comes up and after the sun goes down.  Please check out this PDF lesson created by a BUSD student to learn more about Ramadan!  Please also check out this resource on how to support students during Ramadan, books about Ramadan, and the BUSD Arab American Heritage Reading reading list full of wonderful stories to share with your student.

Photo by Rawan Yasser on Unsplash


Read-a-Thon Update

Emerson students - you rock! You’re challenging yourselves and discovering new types of books to read. Keep up the great work. You have a few more days left to read, read, read! The Read-a-Thon ends at the end of the day on March 17th. 

Don’t forget to use the Reading Log to record your minutes - and, adults, don’t forget to initial each day. Your classroom teacher will let you know how to turn in your reading log. Please make sure it’s turned in by March 22nd to be eligible for prizes. 

We encourage everyone to use the 99 pledges platform to make Read-A-Thon donations: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/emersonele24 as this makes the process super easy. 

However, for those who want to donate another way, here are some additional options:

  • Venmo: @emersonPTA (2420 is the correct 4-digit verification code. Please disregard any earlier communication that had a different verification code)

  • PayPal: treasurer@emersonelementary.org

  • Mail a check (payable to “Emerson PTA”) to:

Emerson PTA - Read-A-Thon
2800 Forest Ave. | Berkeley, CA 94705-1309

Questions: contact Ms. Thomaes at  marieevethomaes@berkeley.net


ART CORNER WITH MS. AMES

Kindergarten Artists love Mo Willems!

After reading The Pigeon Needs a Bath!, we did a directed drawing of the pigeon.  I talked them through the steps to help them see the lines and shapes (but always reminding them that they are free to do it in their own way).  They used watercolor paint to add color and whatever background they wanted.

Lucy Ames, Art Teacher (she/her)

Emerson School: Monday,  Tuesday afternoons, Wednesday

Berkeley Independent Study, Thursday mornings


TIM MOELLERING FIELD/ BHS ALUMNI GAME

Calling all baseball players and fans!!!! Did you know that the Berkeley High School baseball field is named after a beloved Berkeley teacher and baseball coach, Tim Moellering? We're honoring 10 years since the field was dedicated to him on Saturday, March 30th, 2024? 

Please come support our current BHS Baseball program and honor the legacy of Tim Moellering. Get your tickets today: https://bitly.ws/39c8L

Admission includes a ticket to the game, food, and a beverage. A discounted student ticket is available and kids under 10 are free.

🐝9:00am Player Check-in 

⚾10:00am First Pitch 

❤️12:00pm Tribute to Tim Moellering

🌮12:30pm Lunch

Questions? Contact Coach Jason at jr42@sonic.net. 


FIND EMERSON ONLINE

Website: https://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:

BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.org

BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. Send images as an e-mail attachment and include alt-text. The submission deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2023. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
2800 Forest Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705

BearFacts News - 03.07.24

 
 

Si tiene alguna duda sobre esta nota debido a la traduccion,
por favor comuniquese con Rafael Friedmann via email: rfriedmann@aol.com


MONTHLY LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Emerson Families,

Spring is a busy time of year at Emerson and we are looking forward to many engaging educational activities for students. Let’s finish the school year strong by making the most of our time together. We encourage all students to be on time for school. The gates open at 8:00 am. and school starts at 8:10 am. We are participating in the Elementary School March Madness Attendance challenge; each week we will face off against another school. This week we are challenging Sylvia Mendez Elementary School for best attendance. The winning school will be announced by the BUSD Student Services Office at the end of the month and awarded a trophy. 

We are proud of the many students who participated in our site’s Oratorical Contest during the March All School Meeting. This year’s theme is “Black Artists: Art for Change. Art for Joy”. Ms. Lily, Office of Family Engagement and Equity, mentored seven student groups and three solo acts who presented passionate entries judged by a panel of Emerson Staff. All students will receive a small reward from the Emerson staff. We are pleased to announce that Soleyana Derebe will advance to the district competition. Stay tuned for more information about the district competition on March 21st at 5:30 pm- we hope you will attend to cheer Soleyana on! 

This month students will enjoy several special events that will enrich their educational experience. This Friday, March 8, students will be treated to a performance of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It”, which will introduce creative word and story themes through live-action comedy. On Friday, March 22nd, we will support and affirm transgender and non-binary youth by celebrating the Rainbow Families National Day of Reading with a Drag Read-A-Loud. Mark your calendars and come dressed to make a mess at the Family Art Night on Friday, March 22nd, from 6:00- 7:30 pm. Finally, we will honor Cesar Chavez Day with an inspiring cultural performance from Ballet Folklorico Mexicano. 

The Read-A-Thon starts on Friday, March 8. Students have 10 days to read as much as possible and raise money for our school. Let’s have fun and empower our students with literacy! 

It’s time to begin planning for the 2024- 2025 school year. Please consider joining the PTA Board and keep an eye out for nomination information. As the saying goes, many hands make light work. We will affirm the new Board and next year’s budget at a Spring Association meeting. Thank you for your consideration and support! 

Sincerely,

Jana Holmes 


UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

Friday, March 8: Emerson Read-A-Thon begins, “Relax & Read” Spirit Day (wear your pj’s and bring a stuffie and your favorite book to read)

Sunday, March 10: District-wide Rainbow Families Playdate, 2 - 4pm (BAM's Big Yard, 2015 Virginia St.)

Wednesday, March 13 - Friday, March 15: 5th Grade Field Trip at Camp Arroyo

Sunday March 17: Read-A-Thon ends

Friday, March 22: Read-A-Thon reading logs due

Friday, March 22: Family Art Night, 6 - 7:30pm (Library & Multipurpose Room)

Friday, March 29: Cesar Chavez Day of Service and Learning

Monday, Apr 1 - Friday, April 5: Spring Recess (NO SCHOOL)

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Note to Readers: BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.


MESSAGE FROM THE PTA PRESIDENT

JOIN THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE FOR 2024-25 PTA BOARD

Dear Emerson Community,

Your participation is crucial in shaping the future of our beloved school! The Emerson PTA is in the process of forming a nominating committee to select board members for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. Your involvement and input are invaluable in this process.

If you are passionate about contributing to our school's growth and success, we invite you to join the nominating committee. Please contact Merlin Edwards, President of Emerson Elementary PTA, at president@emersonelementary.org to express your interest or nominate a deserving candidate.

This committee will be elected in a special PTA Association meeting on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 7:00 pm, (Zoom link will be provided) where we will both vote on the nominating committee and get approval for an audit for the first half of the school year.

Together, let's continue to make a positive impact on our school community!

Warm regards,

Merlin Edwards II


MARCH STUDENT SHOUTOUTS

March student shout outs: TK, Ada, Calvin, Kaori. Kinder: Gemma, Sosuna, Cairo, Devyn. 1st grade: Tomi, Tyler, Amelia, Augie, Zayn. 2nd: Ibrahim, Everett, Cosima, Langston, Peter.
March student shoutouts. 3rd grade: Theo, Devorah, Lila, Saoirse. 4th grade: Georgia, Annalisa, George, Ava. 5th grade: Dorothea, Sammy, Ayse, Soleyana, Avalon, Yorsi. P.E.: Indivar (5th), Rowan R. (5th), Dagmawi (5th)

THE EMERSON READ-A-THON BEGINS TOMORROW!

Tomorrow is the first day of our 2024 Read-a-Thon! For the next ten days (March 8 - 17), we encourage all students to read as much as they can, while raising money for Emerson. We’re striving for full participation - meaning we hope that every student will find some time to read at home! Emerson students will be celebrating the first day of the Read-A-Thon with "Relax and Read" Spirit Day. Students may wear pajamas and bring stuffies and their favorite books to read to school on Friday, March 8th.

There will be prizes for the top three students in grades K-5 who read the most minutes, a prize for the classroom at each grade level that reads the most, and a schoolwide prize if all together we read 300,000 minutes! TK will also receive a class prize for participation and join in the schoolwide celebration.

If you haven’t already, please visit https://app.99pledges.com/fund/emersonele24 to find your student’s page. You can forward the link to your student’s page to friends and family far and wide!  


ART CORNER WITH MS. AMES

FAMILY ART NIGHT

SAVE THE DATE!

When: Friday March 22nd from 6 - 7:30 pm

Where: In the Emerson Library and Multipurpose Room. 

You won't want to miss it!

BLACK CATS INSPIRED BY CHRISTIAN ROBINSON

TK Students did an author study of Christian Robinson in class, so of course, we had to try out some fun collage art like he does! 

The artists cut out the cat shapes and glued them down to create their sitting cats. Next they added faces using white crayon. Finally, they glued down lots of punched out circles inspired by some of the art in Robinson's book, Another. Great work TK Artists! They have grown SO much this year!


LIBRARY CORNER

AUTHOR VISIT

Just in time for the Read-a-Thon, author Judd Winick is coming to Emerson to share his newest book in the popular Hilo series: Hilo Book 10: Rise of the Cat! He will be presenting to the 2nd-5th graders in the library on Monday, March 11th

If your child would like a signed copy of his newest book, Mrs. Dalloway's is offering 15% off books ordered by March 10th! See flier below for details:

* Use coupon code HILO! and apply it to your cart to see the discount at checkout. Choose ‘pickup at the store’ option.

** Please put your child’s name, grade, and Emerson Berkeley in the order comments so that the book can get to the right place.


BUSD Announcements

Hello families, 

Please take advantage of the following free tech workshops for BUSD parents/guardians:

Digital Citizenship: Your Student + Tech

Are you looking for strategies to balance your child’s tech use at home and keep them safe online? Join us for a discussion about your concerns. Leave with some practical tips about how to have those difficult conversations with your child and set limits.

  • Grades TK-5 (childcare provided):

    • Tuesday, March 26 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm at Berkeley Adult School in the Multi-Purpose Room.

  • Grades TK-12:

    • Spanish-Speaking Families (virtual session): Thursday, May 2 from 6:00pm - 7:00pm on Zoom

    • Saturday, April 20 from 1:00pm - 2:00pm at Berkeley Adult School in the Multi-Purpose Room. Childcare provided.

  • Grades 6-12:

    • Tuesday, May 14 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm at Berkeley Adult School in the Multi-Purpose Room

Stay Connected: Tech Tools for Parents/Guardians

Come to this hands-on workshop and learn more about the apps used to communicate with teachers, view grades and attendance and manage a school-issued Chromebook. We will provide training on the following BUSD tools:

  • GoGuardian Parent App

  • Google Classroom

  • Infinite Campus Parent Portal

  • Remind

  • Grades TK-12 (childcare provided):

    • Spanish-Speaking Families: Tuesday, March 5 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm at Sylvia Mendez Elementary School Library. 

    • Saturday, April 20 from 2:15pm - 3:15pm at Berkeley Adult School in the Multi-Purpose Room

    • Tuesday, April 23 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm at Rosa Parks Elementary School Library

For more information and to RSVP, go to bit.ly/busdpgtw


FIND EMERSON ONLINE

Website: https://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:

BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.org

BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. Send images as an e-mail attachment and include alt-text. The submission deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2023. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
2800 Forest Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705

BearFacts News - 02.29.24

 
 

Si tiene alguna duda sobre esta nota debido a la traduccion,
por favor comuniquese con Rafael Friedmann via email: rfriedmann@aol.com


Gung Hei Fat Choy Chinese New Year Parade by the TK’s and the Kinders

video created by Volunteer Mr. Phil


Art & Library Corner

Family Art Night! Save the Date! Friday March 22nd from 6-7:30 pm. You won't want to miss it!


Library Corner

This Tuesday, February 27th, in celebration of Black History Month, BUSD Library Services (in partnership with the Berkeley Public Library) was proud to host a virtual author visit from Chrystal Giles, author of Not an Easy Win. She zoomed with BUSD 4th and 5th grade classrooms to discuss her journey, and her inspiration for writing about social justice and youth activism. Emerson 4th and 5th grade classes joined to hear her presentation and ask questions! Not an Easy Win has received multiple starred reviews and copies are available for students to check out in the library, or online and instore at Mrs. Dalloway's to purchase!


The Emerson Read-A-Thon is coming March 8-17

Emerson Read-A-Thon packets were sent home to each student today, Thursday, February 29th, in their Look folders. The packet contains a student and family guide explaining how the Read-a-Thon will work, a Reading Log (which will replace your student’s regular reading log during the Read-a-Thon), and a bookmark to color in and use during the Read-A-Thon.

Tomorrow, March 1st, the Read-a-Thon will be announced at the All-School Meeting, and parents will receive an email with a link to our Read-a-Thon campaign page. If you don’t receive an email, you can search for your student’s page here: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/emersonele24

Questions: contact Ms. Thomaes at marieevethomaes@berkeley.net


BUSD Announcements

Hello families, 

Please take advantage of the following free tech workshops for BUSD parents/guardians:

Digital Citizenship: Your Student + Tech

Are you looking for strategies to balance your child’s tech use at home and keep them safe online? Join us for a discussion about your concerns. Leave with some practical tips about how to have those difficult conversations with your child and set limits.

  • Grades TK-5 (childcare provided):

    • Tuesday, March 26 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm at Berkeley Adult School in the Multi-Purpose Room.

  • Grades TK-12:

    • Spanish-Speaking Families (virtual session): Thursday, May 2 from 6:00pm - 7:00pm on Zoom

    • Saturday, April 20 from 1:00pm - 2:00pm at Berkeley Adult School in the Multi-Purpose Room. Childcare provided.

  • Grades 6-12:

    • Tuesday, May 14 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm at Berkeley Adult School in the Multi-Purpose Room

Stay Connected: Tech Tools for Parents/Guardians

Come to this hands-on workshop and learn more about the apps used to communicate with teachers, view grades and attendance and manage a school-issued Chromebook. We will provide training on the following BUSD tools:

  • GoGuardian Parent App

  • Google Classroom

  • Infinite Campus Parent Portal

  • Remind

  • Grades TK-12 (childcare provided):

    • Spanish-Speaking Families: Tuesday, March 5 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm at Sylvia Mendez Elementary School Library. 

    • Saturday, April 20 from 2:15pm - 3:15pm at Berkeley Adult School in the Multi-Purpose Room

    • Tuesday, April 23 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm at Rosa Parks Elementary School Library

For more information and to RSVP, go to bit.ly/busdpgtw


Black History Month 

Black History Month Events

BUSD January & February Family Engagement Event Summary (English & Spanish)


BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN BERKELEY

Mama Howard at the BART construction site

MABLE HOWARD

Have you noticed the BART tracks that go underground at Alcatraz and Adeline?  That familiar underground hum marking the passing of the day for South Berkeley residents came about due to the work of Mable “Mama” Howard (1905-1994).  Mama Howard was a powerful and influential community figure that protected the South Berkeley community from further racial division by filing a lawsuit against BART in 1968, to prevent the new transit tracks from further dividing our community, when she was 63. 

Construction workers had already begun tearing down 517 homes to make way for the new raised BART tracks that would run along Adeline Avenue; Mama Howard was able to see the placement of the tracks as another boundary that would further segregate the families in South Berkeley from the rest of the city*.  Pollution, visual blight, and displacement were other issues that motivated the entire city to tax themselves to fund the underground BART track because BART intended to build the tracks aboveground, regardless of community input.  Mama Howard’s lawsuit stopped BART for nine months and forced BART to move the trains underground, supported by 80% of Berkeley residents who taxed themselves to fund the work.

Mama Howard’s impact can be seen more clearly in this documentary, “Welcome to the Neighborhood” that tells her story alongside her daughter, Mildred Howard, an accomplished artist who champions her mother’s work to change our community for the better.  While the grassroots effort to rename the Ashby BART station after Mama Howard continues, an apartment building at 1499 Alcatraz (at California) bears her name.

*HOLC redlining, the FHA, and restrictive covenants only allowed people of color to purchase homes in South Berkeley.  For a more thorough history of gentrification in Berkeley, read Darrell Owens’ History of Gentrification in Berkeley.


UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

Thursday, February 22: Equity Circle Meeting #5, 5:30-7:30pm (Emerson Library

Thursday, Feb. 22: BUSD Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting, 6:00-8:00pm, Virtual on Zoom: (Zoom/Meeting ID: 885 3767 9562/PW:BUSDPAC)

Thursday, February 28: Info Session for BUSD Families about State Seal of Biliteracy, 5:30-7:00pm, Virtual on Zoom: (ZOOM / MTG ID: 839 8820 6468 / PW: 303938)

Thursday, February 29: Equity Circle Meeting #6, 5:30-7:30pm (Emerson Library)

Tuesday, March 5: PTA Board Meeting 7pm – 8pm

Friday, March 8-17: Emerson Read-A-Thon

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Note to Readers: BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.


VOTE TO HELP PASS MEASURE H BSEP Renewal on THE March 5 ballot!

The Berkeley Schools Excellence Program (BSEP) accounts for nearly 20% of the BUSD budget paying for 1/3 of our teachers, support for struggling students, all of our libraries, much of our music program and so much more. It requires 67% of the vote to pass. PLEASE help us ensure our Berkeley schools stay strong and vote YES -- none of us want to consider what would happen if this 30-year-old tax is not renewed!

Ways you can help:

  • VOTE YES on Measure H on March 5 or on your mail-in ballot

  • Volunteer a shift canvassing to raise awareness. Sign up HERE

  • Do you want a yard sign? Sign up HERE

  • Can you donate to pay for mailers, signs and other critical materials? Please do HERE

  • Talk with your friends, neighbors, all Berkeley voters on the critical importance of this measure for our kids and community, and encourage them to VOTE YES on March 5 or when mail-in ballots drop early Feb!


FIND EMERSON ONLINE

Website: https://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:

BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.org

BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. Send images as an e-mail attachment and include alt-text. The submission deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2023. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
2800 Forest Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705

BearFacts News - 02.22.24

 
 

Si tiene alguna duda sobre esta nota debido a la traduccion,
por favor comuniquese con Rafael Friedmann via email: rfriedmann@aol.com


STUDENTS PERFORM WITH THE BERKELEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Emerson hosted the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Ming Luke, for a very special program entitled 'I Am a Performer' on Wednesday, February 21. Each grade, from TK to 5th, got a chance to perform with a live orchestra in the multi-purpose room in front of an audience of caregivers, teachers, and fellow students. This wonderful opportunity was made possible by funds from the Berkeley Schools Excellence Program (BSEP). Measure H is a parcel tax that is up for renewal on the March ballot. Voting YES will ensure that BSEP can continue to offer programs such this. You can read more about the importance of Measure H further down in this week’s issue.

If you weren’t able to attend, here is a playlist of all the grade performances: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL07klHrd_QU1he1eVb7B4KEsaT8GO2MFB


Black History Month 

Black History Month Events

BUSD January & February Family Engagement Event Summary (English & Spanish)


BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN BERKELEY

Mama Howard at the BART construction site

MABLE HOWARD

Have you noticed the BART tracks that go underground at Alcatraz and Adeline?  That familiar underground hum marking the passing of the day for South Berkeley residents came about due to the work of Mable “Mama” Howard (1905-1994).  Mama Howard was a powerful and influential community figure that protected the South Berkeley community from further racial division by filing a lawsuit against BART in 1968, to prevent the new transit tracks from further dividing our community, when she was 63. 

Construction workers had already begun tearing down 517 homes to make way for the new raised BART tracks that would run along Adeline Avenue; Mama Howard was able to see the placement of the tracks as another boundary that would further segregate the families in South Berkeley from the rest of the city*.  Pollution, visual blight, and displacement were other issues that motivated the entire city to tax themselves to fund the underground BART track because BART intended to build the tracks aboveground, regardless of community input.  Mama Howard’s lawsuit stopped BART for nine months and forced BART to move the trains underground, supported by 80% of Berkeley residents who taxed themselves to fund the work.

Mama Howard’s impact can be seen more clearly in this documentary, “Welcome to the Neighborhood” that tells her story alongside her daughter, Mildred Howard, an accomplished artist who champions her mother’s work to change our community for the better.  While the grassroots effort to rename the Ashby BART station after Mama Howard continues, an apartment building at 1499 Alcatraz (at California) bears her name.

*HOLC redlining, the FHA, and restrictive covenants only allowed people of color to purchase homes in South Berkeley.  For a more thorough history of gentrification in Berkeley, read Darrell Owens’ History of Gentrification in Berkeley.


PTA COUNCIL SPEAKER SERIES

The Berkeley PTA Council (BPTA) would like to invite all BUSD families and teachers to our PTA Council speaker series. The speaker series objective is to provide the BUSD community with resources and information to enhance and enrich the experiences of our BUSD students.  

The first speaker is Chris Albeck, the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for BUSD. Chris will be presenting the upcoming changes to reading/writing, social studies, and math curriculum. All BUSD community members are welcome to this discussion. Q&A will follow the presentation.


LITERACY COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSION

As a part of the next phase of the K-5 Language Arts adoption process, BUSD is hosting an upcoming Literacy Community Listening Session. Please see this flyer to learn more about the event on Wednesday, February 28th. 


UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

Thursday, February 22: Equity Circle Meeting #5, 5:30-7:30pm (Emerson Library

Thursday, Feb. 22: BUSD Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting, 6:00-8:00pm, Virtual on Zoom: (Zoom/Meeting ID: 885 3767 9562/PW:BUSDPAC)

Thursday, February 28: Info Session for BUSD Families about State Seal of Biliteracy, 5:30-7:00pm, Virtual on Zoom: (ZOOM / MTG ID: 839 8820 6468 / PW: 303938)

Thursday, February 29: Equity Circle Meeting #6, 5:30-7:30pm (Emerson Library)

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Note to Readers: BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.


VOTE TO HELP PASS MEASURE H BSEP Renewal on THE March 5 ballot!

The Berkeley Schools Excellence Program (BSEP) accounts for nearly 20% of the BUSD budget paying for 1/3 of our teachers, support for struggling students, all of our libraries, much of our music program and so much more. It requires 67% of the vote to pass. PLEASE help us ensure our Berkeley schools stay strong and vote YES -- none of us want to consider what would happen if this 30-year-old tax is not renewed!

Ways you can help:

  • VOTE YES on Measure H on March 5 or on your mail-in ballot

  • Volunteer a shift canvassing to raise awareness. Sign up HERE

  • Do you want a yard sign? Sign up HERE

  • Can you donate to pay for mailers, signs and other critical materials? Please do HERE

  • Talk with your friends, neighbors, all Berkeley voters on the critical importance of this measure for our kids and community, and encourage them to VOTE YES on March 5 or when mail-in ballots drop early Feb!


FIND EMERSON ONLINE

Website: https://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:

BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.org

BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. Send images as an e-mail attachment and include alt-text. The submission deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2023. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
2800 Forest Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705

BearFacts News - 02.15.24

 
 

Si tiene alguna duda sobre esta nota debido a la traduccion,
por favor comuniquese con Rafael Friedmann via email: rfriedmann@aol.com

Black History Month 

Black History Month Events

BUSD January & February Family Engagement Event Summary (English & Spanish)


PTA COUNCIL SPEAKER SERIES

The Berkeley PTA Council (BPTA) would like to invite all BUSD families and teachers to our PTA Council speaker series. The speaker series objective is to provide the BUSD community with resources and information to enhance and enrich the experiences of our BUSD students.  

The first speaker is Chris Albeck, the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for BUSD. Chris will be presenting the upcoming changes to reading/writing, social studies, and math curriculum. All BUSD community members are welcome to this discussion. Q&A will follow the presentation.

 

LITERACY COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSION

As a part of the next phase of the K-5 Language Arts adoption process, BUSD is hosting an upcoming Literacy Community Listening Session. Please see this flyer to learn more about the event on Wednesday, February 28th. 

 

ART CORNER WITH MS. AMES

BLACK LIVES MATTER 
In art class last week students learned about a few artists who use their art as a form of activism.

The older kids learned that the original BLM logo had a boy in a hoodie holding up a fist with a dandelion. The dandelion was a symbol representing the wish that the movement would grow-—that seeds were being planted and the movement would spread. In the end, the founding members decided that just using the words black lives matter would be more effective. 

Students across the grade levels helped us add art to these letters. Kids drew faces, hearts, dandelions, and other symbols either around the black letters (younger kids) or inside the blank letters (older kids).

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

Friday, February 16: Lincoln’s Birthday Holiday (NO SCHOOL)

Monday, February 19: Presidents’ Day Holiday (NO SCHOOL)

Tuesday, Feb. 20: School Site Council, 7pm (Zoom/Meeting ID: 832 4170 3104) Draft agenda HERE

Wednesday, February 21: K-5 : I am a Performer, 8:25 - 9:25 am, parents are invited to attend in the MPR 

Thursday, February 22: Equity Circle Meeting #5, 5:30-7:30pm (Emerson Library

Thursday, Feb. 22: BUSD Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting, 6:00-8:00pm, Virtual on Zoom: (Zoom/Meeting ID: 885 3767 9562/PW:BUSDPAC)

Thursday, February 28: Info Session for BUSD Families about State Seal of Biliteracy, 5:30-7:00pm, Virtual on Zoom: (ZOOM / MTG ID: 839 8820 6468 / PW: 303938)

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Note to Readers: BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

 

VOTE TO HELP PASS MEASURE H BSEP Renewal on THE March 5 ballot!

BSEP accounts for nearly 20% of the BUSD budget paying for 1/3 of our teachers, support for struggling students, all of our libraries, much of our music program and so much more. It requires 67% of the vote to pass. PLEASE help us ensure our Berkeley schools stay strong -- none of us want to consider what would happen if this 30-year-old tax is not renewed!

Ways you can help:

  • VOTE YES on Measure H on March 5 or on your mail-in ballot

  • Volunteer a shift canvassing to raise awareness. Sign up HERE

  • Do you want a yard sign? Sign up HERE

  • Can you donate to pay for mailers, signs and other critical materials? Please do HERE

  • Talk with your friends, neighbors, all Berkeley voters on the critical importance of this measure for our kids and community, and encourage them to VOTE YES on March 5 or when mail-in ballots drop early Feb!

FIND EMERSON ONLINE

Website: https://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:

BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.org

BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. Send images as an e-mail attachment and include alt-text. The submission deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2023. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
2800 Forest Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705

BearFacts News - 02.08.24

 
 

Si tiene alguna duda sobre esta nota debido a la traduccion,
por favor comuniquese con Rafael Friedmann via email: rfriedmann@aol.com


Events for Black History Month 

Black History Month Events

BUSD January & February Family Engagement Event Summary (English & Spanish)

Black Lives Matter Week

Link to BLM at School Week 

 

MultiLanguage Learner Updates from the District: Meeting minutes  from February 1st’s District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) meeting with your school’s community.


Information session for BUSD families on the State Seal of Biliteracy, Additional information on this flyer . February 28, 2024  5:30 pm - 7:00 pm


UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

February 5-9: Black Lives Matter At School Week

Tuesday, February 6: PTA Board Meeting

Thursday, February 8: Equity Circle Meeting #4, 5:30-7:30pm (Emerson Library)

BUSD Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting, 6 -8 pm

(Zoom/MTG ID: 885 3767 9562/PW: BUSDPAC)

Tuesday, February 13: Planning and Oversight Committee Meeting, 

 6:30 - 9:00 pm (Zoom/MTG ID: 821 9748 6753/PW: 756639)

Wednesday, February 14: Valentine’s Day

Friday, February 16: Lincoln’s Birthday Holiday (NO SCHOOL)

Monday, February 19: Presidents’ Day Holiday (NO SCHOOL)

Tuesday, Feb. 20: School Site Council, 7 pm. (Zoom/Meeting ID: 832 4170 3104)

Wednesday, February 21: K-5 : I am a Performer, 8:25 - 9:25 am (Parents are invited to attend in the MPR) 

Thursday, February 22: Equity Circle Meeting #5, 5:30-7:30pm (Emerson Library)

BUSD Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting, 6 -8 pm

  (Zoom/MTG ID: 885 3767 9562/PW:BUSDPA

Thursday, February 28: Info Session for BUSD Families about State Seal of Biliteracy, 5:30-7:00 pm.  ZOOM / MTG ID: 839 8820 6468 / PW: 303938

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Note to Readers: BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.


Shout-outs - February 2024


Library Corner

We are celebrating so many wonderful things in the library this month! Our current book displays include Black Lives Matter week of action (find book lists HERE!), Black History Month, Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day!

BUSD RESOURCES

Please go to https://www.berkeleyschools.net/black-history-month/ to read all about how BUSD is celebrating Black history, stories, and voices in the month of February.

Learn how you and your family can celebrate Black History Month with the BUSD Family Guide: http://tinyurl.com/bhmFamilyGuide



BLACK HISTORY MONTH STUDENT CONTEST

Black History Month Student Contest!

You can participate in the Black History Month Contest with an original piece of visual art, oral tradition, music, literature, historical exhibit, or dance. Entries are due by Friday, February 9th, and a community celebration will take place on February 17th, from 12-5 pm at the Henry Ramsey Senior Center in Berkeley.

Fill out the application form here: http://tinyurl.com/busdBHMContest 

Cash prizes will be awarded to winning entries! See details in the flier linked below and reach out to berkeleyblackhistory@gmail.com with any questions.

Black History Month Contest Flyer


HELP PASS MEASURE H

BSEP Renewal on March 5 ballot!

BSEP accounts for nearly 20% of the BUSD budget paying for 1/3 of our teachers, support for struggling students, all of our libraries, much of our music program and so much more. It requires 67% of the vote to pass. PLEASE help us ensure our Berkeley schools stay strong -- none of us want to consider what would happen if this 30-year-old tax is not renewed!

Ways you can help:

  • VOTE YES on Measure H on March 5 or on your mail-in ballot

  • Volunteer a shift canvassing to raise awareness. Sign up HERE

  • Do you want a yard sign? Sign up HERE

  • Can you donate to pay for mailers, signs and other critical materials? Please do HERE

  • Talk with your friends, neighbors, all Berkeley voters on the critical importance of this measure for our kids and community, and encourage them to VOTE YES on March 5 or when mail-in ballots drop early Feb!



FIND EMERSON ONLINE

Website: https://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:

BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.org

BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. Send images as an e-mail attachment and include alt-text. The submission deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2023. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
2800 Forest Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705

BearFacts News - 02.01.24

 
 

Si tiene alguna duda sobre esta nota debido a la traduccion,
por favor comuniquese con Rafael Friedmann via email: rfriedmann@aol.com


MONTHLY LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Emerson Families,

We are happy to celebrate the 100th Day of School! On Wednesday night, the Kindergarten Teachers hosted a Math Night, highlighting students' 100 day projects. We were inspired by the students’ creativity and enjoyed experiencing this exciting milestone together. The Emerson staff is truly thankful that you trust us with the education of your children and we look forward to Spring 2024. 

You are invited to the February All School meeting tomorrow, Feb. 2nd. We hope you can join us for Coffee on the Yard at 8:00 am, and then come into the Multi-Purpose Room for the meeting. This month we will honor Lunar New Year, Black History Month, and Black Lives Matter Week of Action (February 5-9). Students will learn about the various BLM tenets, adopted by BUSD School Board resolution. Here is a “kid friendly version” you can reference in your family discussions: http://tinyurl.com/13PrinciplesElementary. We appreciate your partnership with us in this important work. 

Students in Grades 3-5 are invited to participate in the BUSD 2024 Oratorical Competition. This year’s topic is Black Artists: Art for Change. Art for Joy. As in years past, Lily Howell, Office of Family Engagement and Equity, will volunteer to help students prepare during recess meetings. Emerson students will be judged by our site panel during the March 1st All School Meeting. One finalist team (or individual) will be selected to participate in the district competition on March 21, 5:30 pm (location to be determined). You can find more information at http://tinyurl.com/OratoricalFest. As usual, we are expecting Emerson to have strong representation for the annual Oratorical contest! 

The BUSD Technology department is offering free workshops for parents during February and March. Caregivers have an opportunity to attend two evening sessions. The first one is titled: Digital Citizenship: Your Student + Tech. The second session is called: Stay Connected: Technology Tools for Parents/Guardians. Childcare will be available at some of the sessions. Please go to http://tinyurl.com/busdTech to learn more and RSVP. 

The second Trimester ends on Friday, February 2nd. Teachers are working to finalize report cards, taking into consideration student assessment results and classroom progress. Check your child’s backpack on Friday, February 9th. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s teacher. Let’s enjoy the final and third trimester of the school year together! 

Thank you for your support of Emerson and take care,
Jana Holmes


UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

Thursday, February 1: Equity Circle Meeting #3, 5:30-7:30pm (Emerson Library)

Friday, February 2: Last day for BUSD Round 1 enrollment for 2024-25 school year: https://www.berkeleyschools.net/admissions/ 

Friday, February 2: All School Meeting, 8:30am (PTA Coffee on the yard at 8:00 am)

Saturday, February 3: Last day to register for PTA Afterschool Classes (by 11pm PST)

February 5-9: Black Lives Matter At School Week

Thursday, February 8: Equity Circle Meeting #4, 5:30-7:30pm (Emerson Library)

Wednesday, February 14: Valentine’s Day

Friday, February 16: Lincoln’s Birthday Holiday (NO SCHOOL)

Monday, February 19: Presidents’ Day Holiday (NO SCHOOL)

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Note to Readers: BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.


FROM THE PTA TREASURER

JOIN THE PTA BUDGET SUB-COMMITTEE

Want a voice in how the Emerson PTA plans its programs and budget? We're looking for people to join the budget sub-committee to help us plan for next year; we will work to create the budget and present it at the final Emerson PTA Association Meeting for approval. Everyone is welcome and anyone may join. If interested, email: treasurer@emersonelementary.org

TAX RECEIPTS ARE HERE! 

Tax receipts were emailed this week (check your junk mail folders). Email questions to: treasurer@emersonelementary.org


FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH!

illustration by Sharee Miller, pastel block letters spelling out “Black History Month” with line art patterns and illustrations depicting Black people young and old, celebrating Black lives and achievements

Art by Sharee Miller

BUSD RESOURCES

Please go to https://www.berkeleyschools.net/black-history-month/ to read all about how BUSD is celebrating Black history, stories, and voices in the month of February.

Learn how you and your family can celebrate Black History Month with the BUSD Family Guide: http://tinyurl.com/bhmFamilyGuide


BLACK HISTORY MONTH STUDENT CONTEST

Black History Month Student Contest!

You can participate in the Black History Month Contest with an original piece of visual art, oral tradition, music, literature, historical exhibit, or dance. Entries are due by Friday, February 9th, and a community celebration will take place on February 17th, from 12-5 pm at the Henry Ramsey Senior Center in Berkeley.

Fill out the application form here: http://tinyurl.com/busdBHMContest 

Cash prizes will be awarded to winning entries! See details in the flier linked below and reach out to berkeleyblackhistory@gmail.com with any questions.

Black History Month Contest Flyer


ART CORNER WITH MS. AMES

a 3x3 panel of colorful dragon head illustrations in marker on paper. To the right of the illustrations are photos of students in art class working on their dragon head art and holding up their finished work

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR - YEAR OF THE DRAGON

Artists in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade drew dragon heads in honor of the Lunar New Year. We drew the dragons step by step together (and I even started the first graders with eyes and mouths) but encouraged the artists to make their dragons unique. Afterall, dragons are made up creatures! It was fun to see the different ways that the students drew the dragons. This was also an unusual project in that the dragon we drew had no outline around its head. Some kids chose to draw the outline whereas others enjoyed the contrast of the colored features against the white background. 

- Ms. Ames


PTA AFTERSCHOOL CLASSES ENROLLING NOW 

PTA Afterschool Classes for Spring 2024: http://tinyurl.com/ptaAfterschoolInfo  

Registration CLOSES Saturday, February 3 at 11pm PST

Program Dates: February 5 - May 24

REDUCED Schedule*: There will only be ONE class after main dismissal (2:25 - 3:25p on M/T/Th/F, 1:30 - 2:30p on Wednesdays).

TK/Kinder Classes: 1:30 - 2:20p M/T/W/Th/F (depends on instructor availability)

Register for classes here: http://tinyurl.com/emersonEnrich 

*We need parent volunteers in order to offer a 2nd class at 3:30p (2:30p on Weds). Join us to make this possible: enrichment@emersonelementary.org


FIND EMERSON ONLINE

Website: https://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:

BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.org

BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. Send images as an e-mail attachment and include alt-text. The submission deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2023. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
2800 Forest Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705

BUSD Celebrates Black History, Feb. 2024

Black History Month Events


BUSD January & February Family Engagement Event Summary (English & Spanish)

BearFacts News - 01.25.24

 
 

Si tiene alguna duda sobre esta nota debido a la traduccion,
por favor comuniquese con Rafael Friedmann via email: rfriedmann@aol.com


JOIN THE PTA BUDGET SUB-COMMITTEE

Want a voice in how the Emerson PTA plans its programs and budget? We're looking for people to join the budget sub-committee to help us plan for next year; we will work to create the budget and present it at the final Emerson PTA Association Meeting for approval. Everyone is welcome and anyone may join.

To express interest, email: treasurer@emersonelementary.org


UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

Now to February 2: BUSD Round 1 enrollment dates for 2024- 2025 school year https://www.berkeleyschools.net/admissions/ 

Today (Jan. 25): Equity Circle Meeting #2, 5:30-7:30pm (Emerson Library)

Monday, January 29: Staff Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)

Wednesday, January 31: Kindergarten Math Night, 6:00- 7 pm, MPR

Thursday, February 1: Equity Circle Meeting #3 5:30-7:30pm (Emerson Library)

Friday, February 2:  All School Meeting, 8:30 am (PTA Coffee on the yard at 8:00 am)

February 5-9: Black Lives Matter At School Week

Thursday, February 8: Equity Circle Meeting #4 5:30-7:30pm (Emerson Library)

Friday, February 16: Lincoln’s Birthday Holiday (NO SCHOOL)

Monday, February 19: Presidents’ Day Holiday (NO SCHOOL)

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Note to Readers: BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.


PTA Afterschool Classes for Spring 2024

Check out the after school classes at this link.

Registration: January 25 12pm PST (subject to change)

Program Dates: Feb 5 - May 24

REDUCED Schedule*: There will only be ONE class after main dismissal (2:25 - 3:25 on M/T/Th/F, 1:30 - 2:30 on Wednesdays).

TK/Kindergarten Classes: 1:30 - 2:20 M/T/W/Th/F (depends on instructor availability)

https://www.homeroom.com/sites/emerson-elementary-2800-forest-ave-berkeley-berkeley/enrichment

*We need parent volunteers in order to offer a 2nd class at 3:30 (2:30 on Weds). Join us to make this possible: enrichment@emersonelementary.org

The number of scholarships depends on paid spots meeting minimum class enrollment. Due to the reduced program, there will be fewer scholarships in Spring 2024 compared to Fall 2023. Families can sign up for PTA Afterschool Classes even if they are already enrolled in LEARNS/Kids World, and they can request scholarships as well.

Unless noted otherwise, scholarships are funded by each instructor, NOT the PTA (1 scholarship per 6 or 7 paid enrollments), and those spots are held for ONLY scholarships. The Team works with LilyHowell (lilyhowell@berkeley.net) of the Office of Family Engagement and Equity (OFEE) to proactively offer scholarships to families who might not otherwise reach out. 

To request a scholarship for your child, please fill out this form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxsr4QJyKbBVXmlU1Isiv8pScrhfDvFJjE7KQaVwPG9BkEgg/viewform?pli=1


Art corner

4th and 5th Grade Snowflake Art

Back in December, 4th and 5th graders enjoyed using snowflake stencils, stamp pads and gel plates to create multiple snowflake images.  They also folded and cut out snowflakes, a practice that is more challenging than you might think.  They cut out the printed snowflakes and combined all of them together to create wintery collage cards or art pieces.

Lucy Ames, Art Teacher (she/her)

Emerson School: Monday,  Tuesday afternoons, Wednesday

Berkeley Independent Study, Thursday mornings


FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Please click HERE to read about how BUSD is celebrating Black history, stories, and voices in the month of February.

BUSD Community, we encourage you to join the City of Berkeley in celebrating Black History Month this February!

You can participate in the Black History Month Contest with an original piece of visual art, oral tradition, music, literature, historical exhibit, or dance.

Entries are due by February 3rd, and a community celebration will take place on February 17th, from 12-5 pm at the Henry Ramsey Senior Center.

Cash prizes will be awarded to winning entries! See details in the flyer linked below and reach out to berkeleyblackhistory@gmail.com with any questions.

Black History Month Contest Flyer


FIND EMERSON ONLINE

Website: https://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:

BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.org

BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. Send images as an e-mail attachment and include alt-text. The submission deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2023. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
2800 Forest Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705

BearFacts News - 01.18.24

 
 

Si tiene alguna duda sobre esta nota debido a la traduccion,
por favor comuniquese con Rafael Friedmann via email: rfriedmann@aol.com


January All School Meeting and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr March Video Recording

Created by Volunteer Mr. Phil, 1/12/2024: https://youtu.be/rw55fnnYQNQ


JANUARY STUDENT SHOUT OUTS!


MESSAGE FROM THE ENRICHMENT TEAM:

Our goal is to provide EVERYONE at Emerson with afterschool on-site care options. PTA Afterschool Classes are a complicated and time-consuming project, which is why some BUSD elementary schools do not even offer PTA Afterschool Classes.

If you are in BEARS/LEARNS or another afterschool program, please be aware that one third of our Emerson families do NOT have on-site afterschool care. That is why class registration is prioritized for families without afterschool care.

The number of scholarships depends on paid spots meeting minimum class enrollment. Due to the reduced program, there will be fewer scholarships in Spring 2024 compared to Fall 2023. Families can sign up for PTA Afterschool Classes even if they are already enrolled in LEARNS/Kids World, and they can request scholarships as well.

Unless noted otherwise, scholarships are funded by each instructor, NOT the PTA (1 scholarship per 6 or 7 paid enrollments), and those spots are held for ONLY scholarships. The Team works with LilyHowell (lilyhowell@berkeley.net) of the Office of Family Engagement and Equity (OFEE) to proactively offer scholarships to families who might not otherwise reach out. 

To request a scholarship for your child, please fill out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxsr4QJyKbBVXmlU1Isiv8pScrhfDvFJjE7KQaVwPG9BkEgg/viewform?pli=1

PTA Afterschool Classes for Spring 2024 - 

Registration: January 25 (subject to change)

Program Dates: Feb 5 - May 24

REDUCED Schedule*: There will only be ONE class after main dismissal (2:25 - 3:25 on M/T/Th/F, 1:30 - 2:30 on Wednesdays).

TK/Kindergarten Classes: 1:30 - 2:20 M/T/W/Th/F (depends on instructor availability)

Instructors: similar to Fall 2023, note that we plan to have Spanish Language (not Mandarin).

*We need parent volunteers in order to offer 2nd classes at 3:30 (2:30 on Weds). Specifically, EVERYDAY a volunteer needs to be on-site at school 3:15-3:30 (2:30 - 2:45 on Wed) to help with the transition of pickups and class starting. Join us to make this possible: enrichment@emersonelementary.org

If you find value in these afterschool classes providing on-site care for part-time needs, please volunteer to help or lead this program for Spring 2024 and the future. This program can not continue without the addition of more volunteers, and currently it is short-staffed. Join us at: enrichment@emersonelementary.org


NOTE FROM PTA TREASURER

At our PTA Association meeting tonight (January 18), we will vote on amendments to the 2023-2024 Budget. You can review the documents online: https://emersonelementary.org/budget-programs/


UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

January 1 - February 2: BUSD Round 1 enrollment dates for 2024- 2025 school year https://www.berkeleyschools.net/admissions/ 

Thursday, January 18: PTA Association Meeting #2

Saturday, January 20: Winter Equity Circle series kick-off, 10am-2pm (Emerson Library) Dinner and childcare are provided - RSVP here. (Subsequent sessions will be on Thursday evenings through the end of February).

Thursday, January 25: Equity Circle Meeting #2, 5:30-7:30pm (Emerson Library)

Monday, January 29: Staff Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)

Thursday, February 1: Equity Circle Meeting #3 5:30-7:30pm (Emerson Library)

Thursday, February 8: Equity Circle Meeting #4 5:30-7:30pm (Emerson Library)

Friday, February 16: Lincoln’s Birthday Holiday (NO SCHOOL)

Monday, February 19: Presidents’ Day Holiday (NO SCHOOL)

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Note to Readers: BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.


PTA ASSOCIATION MEETING

You are invited to tonight’s PTA Association Meeting!

We are proud to present the Workshop topic: POSITIVE PARENTING & DISCIPLINE

Presenter Merlin Edwards II, Educate Me Too Consulting, will share strategies to nurture your student to become strong and resilient as they grow.

Time: 6:30pm - 7:15pm

Where: Emerson Library

Childcare & food provided!

We hope to see you there!


EQUITY CORNER

WINTER EQUITY CIRCLE SERIES KICKS OFF THIS MONTH!

The PTA Equity committee invites you to join a thoughtful community committed to learning and talking about building key principles of racial equity at Emerson while growing in our own self-awareness, advocacy, and engagement.. We will meet for six sessions, with a kick-off on January 20, and subsequent meetings on Thursday evenings through February (1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/22, 2/29).

Dinner and Childcare is provided- please RSVP here.

Find out more information and register here: tinyurl.com/winterequity24



JANUARY IS DISABILITY AWARENESS AND HISTORY MONTH

On December 6, 2023, the Board of Education voted unanimously to approve Resolution 24-017: Declaring January Disability Awareness and History Month in BUSD. 

From BUSD’s Disability Awareness and History Month Resources page:

Disability Awareness and History Month in BUSD is an opportunity to educate our community about the many historical contributions of those with disabilities and to center the experiences and needs of our students and staff with disabilities. By engaging in critical conversations about disability and providing educator and family resources, we will encourage a culture of inclusion and belonging not only in January but year-round.

Join BUSD in celebrating, uplifting, and honoring the diverse histories, experiences, and voices of our disabled students, staff, and community members throughout the month. Together we can disrupt the marginalization of those with disabilities and create a more equitable and inclusive school district, community, and society that will allow all students to thrive.

To learn more: 

Disability Awareness and History Month Family Guide in English
Disability Awareness and History Month Family Guide in Spanish


FIND EMERSON ONLINE

Website: https://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:

BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.org

BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. Send images as an e-mail attachment and include alt-text. The submission deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2023. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
2800 Forest Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705

BearFacts News - 01.11.24

 
 

Si tiene alguna duda sobre esta nota debido a la traduccion,
por favor comuniquese con Rafael Friedmann via email: rfriedmann@aol.com


MONTHLY LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Emerson Families,

Happy New Year! What a joy to return to our wonderful community after Winter Break. We have several special events planned for January. This Friday, January 12, caregivers are invited to socialize during morning drop-off while enjoying PTA-hosted coffee and treats on the blacktop. This will be followed by the January All School Meeting in the Multi-Purpose Room, featuring Student Shout Outs. Afterwards, you may join our annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. community march in celebration of his lasting legacy.

We hope you will attend the PTA Association meeting on Thursday, January 18th in the Emerson Library at 6:00 pm. We are proud to feature a presentation by our PTA President Merlin Edwards II, founder of Educate Me Too Consulting. The topic will be Positive Parenting and Discipline. You will learn strategies to nurture your students to become strong and resilient as they grow. Food and childcare provided. See this flier for more information.

We also hope you sign up for the free Winter Equity Circle. We invite you to create lasting bonds and friendships with parents committed to building a welcoming and inclusive school for all. We will meet for six sessions, with a kick-off on Saturday, January 20, and subsequent meetings on Thursday evenings through February. Dinner and childcare provided- RSVP here. You can learn why you should join here: Why Equity Circle? and visit the program site at: https://emersonelementary.org/equity.  

It’s time to register for the 2024- 2025 school year! If you have an incoming TK or Kindergartener, or an outgoing 5th Grade student, be sure to enroll your child before February 2, 2024. The last Emerson School Tour is Thursday, January 18th at 8:30 am- call the front office to reserve your spot. You may also want to attend the Incoming Kindergarten Night on Tuesday, January 16th at 6 pm in the Emerson Library. The Middle School Information Nights are in January- please visit the district website for exact times, dates, locations, and registration information for each school:  https://www.berkeleyschools.net/admissions/.  

Finally, I am very pleased to announce that we have met our Heart of Emerson fundraising goal! With your help, we raised the 195K needed to ensure Art, PE, Field Trips, Materials and Supplies, Special Events, and more, continue at Emerson for the 2024- 2025 school year! A special thank you to our amazing Fundraising Co-Chairs who worked tirelessly to help us meet this goal.  Please join me in expressing appreciation for Stephanie Boys (Harrison’s mom), Masha Danilenko (Kirill’s mom), and Elizabeth Valley (Nolan’s mom) for everything they have done to support our school! We also thank Amy Fire, (Phoenix and Fenris’ mom) for keeping track of the numbers as our PTA Treasurer. Wow - we did it together! 

Thank you for your continued care and support of Emerson.

Sincerely,

Jana Holmes


JANUARY ALL SCHOOL MEETING AND MARCH

Join fellow caregivers THIS FRIDAY (1/12) for Coffee on the Yard at drop-off, followed by the January All School Meeting at 8:30am. At 9am, join us for a special community march, celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his lasting legacy.


UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

January 1 - February 2: BUSD Round 1 enrollment dates for 2024- 2025 school year https://www.berkeleyschools.net/admissions/ 

Monday, January 15: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (NO SCHOOL)

Thursday, January 18: PTA Association Meeting #2

Saturday, January 20: Winter Equity Circle series kick-off, 10am-2pm (Emerson Library) Dinner and childcare are provided - RSVP here. (Subsequent sessions will be on Thursday evenings through the end of February).

Thursday, January 25: Equity Circle Meeting #2, 5:30-7:30pm (Emerson Library)

Monday, January 29: Staff Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)

Thursday, February 1: Equity Circle Meeting #3 5:30-7:30pm (Emerson Library)

Thursday, February 8: Equity Circle Meeting #4 5:30-7:30pm (Emerson Library)

Friday, February 16: Lincoln’s Birthday Holiday (NO SCHOOL)

Monday, February 19: Presidents’ Day Holiday (NO SCHOOL)

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Note to Readers: BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.


PTA ASSOCIATION MEETING

You are invited to the January 18, 2024 PTA Association Meeting!

We are proud to present the Workshop topic: POSITIVE PARENTING & DISCIPLINE

Presenter Merlin Edwards II, Educate Me Too Consulting, will share strategies to nurture your student to become strong and resilient as they grow.

Time: 6:30pm - 7:15pm

Where: Emerson Library

Childcare & food provided!

We hope to see you there!


EQUITY CORNER

WINTER EQUITY CIRCLE SERIES KICKS OFF THIS MONTH!

The PTA Equity committee invites you to join a thoughtful community committed to learning and talking about building key principles of racial equity at Emerson while growing in our own self-awareness, advocacy, and engagement.. We will meet for six sessions, with a kick-off on January 20, and subsequent meetings on Thursday evenings through February (1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/22, 2/29).

Dinner and Childcare is provided- please RSVP here.

Find out more information and register here: tinyurl.com/winterequity24


ART CORNER WITH MS. AMES

Six photos of 2nd grade art work depicting red cardinals in the snow sitting on tree branches.

Cardinals in the Snow by 2nd Grade Artists: A Perennial Favorite

This is one of those projects that I have been doing for decades and will do until I retire! The artists started their cardinals by drawing a teardrop wing shape. I guided them step-by-step (always reminding them that they can do it differently than I do). They drew the cardinal in Sharpie and then colored with oil pastel. Next, they drew a zoomed-in section of a tree. The final touch was the snow, applied with a Q-tip! I love how each cardinal has its own personality and how the red cardinals stand out so well against the snow.

-Ms. Ames


PTA AFTERSCHOOL CLASSES FOR SPRING 2024 

Registration: January 16 (subject to change)
Program Dates: January 30 - May 24

More details on class offerings and schedules to come!

To request a scholarship, please fill out this form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxsr4QJyKbBVXmlU1Isiv8pScrhfDvFJjE7KQaVwPG9BkEgg/viewform?pli=1

If you find value in these after school classes providing on-site care for part-time needs, please volunteer to help or lead this program for Spring 2024 and the future. This program cannot continue without the addition of more volunteers, and currently it is short-staffed. Join us at: enrichment@emersonelementary.org


JANUARY IS DISABILITY AWARENESS AND HISTORY MONTH

On December 6, 2023, the Board of Education voted unanimously to approve Resolution 24-017: Declaring January Disability Awareness and History Month in BUSD. 

From BUSD’s Disability Awareness and History Month Resources page:

Disability Awareness and History Month in BUSD is an opportunity to educate our community about the many historical contributions of those with disabilities and to center the experiences and needs of our students and staff with disabilities. By engaging in critical conversations about disability and providing educator and family resources, we will encourage a culture of inclusion and belonging not only in January but year-round.

Join BUSD in celebrating, uplifting, and honoring the diverse histories, experiences, and voices of our disabled students, staff, and community members throughout the month. Together we can disrupt the marginalization of those with disabilities and create a more equitable and inclusive school district, community, and society that will allow all students to thrive.

To learn more: 

Disability Awareness and History Month Family Guide in English
Disability Awareness and History Month Family Guide in Spanish


BUSD MIDDLE SCHOOL INFO NIGHTS

FOR FIFTH GRADE FAMILIES

The Middle School Information Meetings are in January!
All nights begin at 6pm and are held on campus at each school.

Wednesday, January 10: Willard Middle School
Wednesday, January 17: Longfellow Middle School
Wednesday, January 24: King Middle School

Enrollment forms are due by Friday, February 2, 2024.
For more information please call the BUSD Admissions office at 510-644- 6504 and/or see
 https://www.berkeleyschools.net/admissions/


LCAP LISTENING SESSIONS

BUSD District Leadership will begin hosting listening sessions for the community in January. You are encouraged to attend one of the following listening sessions:

  • 1/10/24, 10am - 12pm (location/format TBD)

  • 1/11/24, 6pm - 8pm (BHS Library)

  • 1/16/24, 6pm - 8pm (Virtual)

  • 1/23/24, 6pm - 8pm (location/format TBD)

What is the LCAP?

A key accountability requirement of the state’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), the LCAP is a three-year plan that every district and charter school must create and update annually with input from the community. The LCAP is intended to explain how the district will use state funds to improve educational outcomes for all students based on eight state priorities, with special attention to high-needs students for whom the district receives additional money.


FIND EMERSON ONLINE

Website: https://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:

BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.org

BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy. Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. Send images as an e-mail attachment and include alt-text. The submission deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2023. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
2800 Forest Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705