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BearFacts November 2, 2017

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BearFacts News


Message from the Principal

November 2, 2017

Dear Families,

The first trimester of the year ended on Friday, October 27th. Teachers have been busy over the last several weeks assessing students individually in reading, administering trimester I math assessments and writing prompts, and giving a spelling assessment in most grades as well. Teachers use this information along with evaluation of student class work such as math assignments and exit tickets and daily writing, class and home reading logs, and teacher observation, to complete each report card. Teachers include detailed comments in an effort to give you a thorough picture of how your child is doing at school in relation to the grade level standards and expectations. 
 
Parent teacher conferences begin next week. This is your chance to meet with your teacher to review your child's report card and have a conversation about how it has been going. This is a great opportunity for you to ask questions, share information or concerns and, most of all, to celebrate your child's progress. Teachers are sending home conference reminders and are counting on you to be there at your assigned time. If you need to change your appointment, be sure to contact your teacher or the office ahead of time. 
 
School dismisses early during conference week, Monday - Thursday, November 6th - 9th. Please be sure you have made arrangements to pick your child up early all week. Students who ride the bus must be met at their bus stops an hour to 75 minutes early as well. If students are not met at the bus stop, they will be brought back to school and you will need to make arrangements to pick them up here. Kids' World will begin early and will end at the regular time so no need for special arrangements there.

  • Kindergarten @ 12:30
  • 1st - 3rd @ 1:05
  • 4th and 5th @ 1:10

Lastly, we have a special request. Parking around Emerson can be tricky on the best of days. It is even more challenging for teachers and staff to park on street sweeping days, the 3rd Friday and the 4th Tuesday. If you are parking for drop off on street sweeping days, we ask that you park on the street sweeping side of the street. You will have plenty of time to move your cars before 9:00, when ticketing starts, and the teachers will have more space to park their cars and get inside to start work. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. It would be much appreciated by all.
 

Sincerely,
Susan Hodge

Upcoming Events & Important Dates

  • Thursday, Nov. 2, Día de los Muertos event at lunch recess
  • Friday, Nov. 3, No school (parent-teacher conferences)
  • Friday, Nov. 3 to Friday Nov 10, No enrichment classes. Classes resume Nov 13.
  • Nov. 5-8, Shortened days (parent-teacher conferences)
  • Monday, Nov. 6, Kids Kreations online orders due
  • Thursday, Nov. 9, Racial Equity Study Circle #4, 6-8pm
  • Thursday, Nov. 9, Romeo & Juliet performance, 8:30am
  • Friday, Nov. 10, No school (Veteran’s Day)
  • Friday, Nov. 10 - Sun, Nov 12, Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore Fundraiser
  • Wednesday, Nov 15 - Make-up school pictures
  • Thursday, Nov. 16, Racial Equity Study Circle #5, 6-8pm
  • Friday, Nov. 17, Coffee on the yard + All School Meeting at 8:30am

Find more dates/details: http://emerson.berkeleypta.org/emerson-calendar

Thanksgiving Gift Card Drive

This year we would like to come together as a community to support each other during the Holidays. We are taking supermarket gift card donations (preferably Safeway, Grocery Outlet, or Food Maxx) to distribute to Emerson families who can benefit from extra help for Thanksgiving. Please bring gift cards to the front office or to the Family Engagement Office now through Friday, Nov. 17. If you would like to receive a gift card look for a flyer coming home in your child’s folder or contact Lily Howell, Family engagement specialist, at 510-295-7791 or lilyhowell@berkeley.net.  

Dia de los Muertos is Here

Emerson families our Day of the Dead Altar or Ofrenda is up and ready to view in our school library...It is breathtaking!  

These Ofrendas are built during Dia de los Muertos to honor the lives of those who have passed.  They are beautiful creations constructed with Love and Care in Mexico and Mexican-American communities.  
 
We would like to invite you to help us personalize it.  You can contribute by bringing in photos, and or mementos of loved ones that are being remembered. Fresh Marigolds are also welcome.
***
Dia de los Muertos a llegado:
Familias de Emerson, nuestro Altar o Ofrenda del Día de los Muertos, está lista para verse en la biblioteca de nuestra escuela ... ¡Es impresionante!
 
Estas Ofrendas se construyen durante el Día de los Muertos para honrar las vidas de aquellos que han fallecido. Son bellas creaciones construidas con Amor y Cuidado en México y en America Central. 
 
Nos gustaría invitarlos a que nos ayuden a personalizarlo. Puede contribuir al traer fotos o recuerdos de sus seres queridos que se recuerdan. Fresh Marigolds también son bienvenidas.

Kids Kreations

Have you placed your Kids Kreations orders yet? Deadline extended. Orders are now due Monday, November 6th. Online orders only. Please go to: 

http://www.kidskreations.us and enter your child's name where it asks for the ART ID CODE. If you need any assistance ordering or have any questions, email Emerson mom Kathleen Mason: kathleenmason1@gmail.com.  Kids Kreations make wonderful gifts that you, your child, and your whole family will cherish for years. Thank you!

. ❤  Sign up to Lead K Tours - Volunteers needed!

Share your love of Emerson with prospective K families - be a tour guide! Tours will take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30am to ~ 10am, November 14 through December 14 and ~ January 05 through January 25. If you are a new tour guide, you will buddy up with an experienced tour guide your first tour (and be provided talking points, answers to FAQ’s, etc). If interested, sign up below to be a tour guide, or email Liz White with questions (lizowhite@gmail.com).

K Tour sign-up:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0e4da5a82eaafd0-emerson

Buy Books and Raise Money For Emerson!


Mrs. Dalloway's bookstore (2904 College Ave.) will reimburse Emerson School for 20% of the total purchases made by the school community between November 10-12. This is a great opportunity to stock up on holiday gift items such as children's books, cookbooks, adult fiction and nonfiction, gardening books, merchandise, art, and gift certificates for teachers, family, and friends. 

Online sales welcome: shop at their online store: http://www.mrsdalloways.com/

Please make sure to keep your receipts (or, for online purchases, print out your order confirmation email) and turn them in to the Mrs. Dalloway's box in the front office no later than Friday, November 17.
 
Questions? Email Rachel: rachel.antell@gmail.com

REMINDER: No PTA Enrichment Classes Friday November 3rd through Friday, November 10th
 
For parents with children in After School PTA Enrichment Classes: During Parent-Teacher Conference week, we will not hold Enrichment Classes. There will be no enrichment classes starting Friday November 3rd through Friday November 10th. Classes will resume on their regular schedule Monday, November 13th.
 
Questions? Please email EmersonEnrichment@gmail.com.

Fourth graders are entitled to a free National Parks pass

Ffor their entire fourth grade year (through Aug 31), 4th graders get into National Parks for FREE.  If you don't have it already, get it here:
https://www.everykidinapark.gov/get-your-pass/

 

Weekly Zumba Classes
Emerson Community Adults are welcome to join us in the Cafetorium for weekly Zumba classes, led by our own Kirstin Snyder! $5 per class, Wed. 5:15 – 6:15 (no childcare).

 

Shop for Emerson!
Click below to raise money for Emerson when you shop at Amazon

 

Find Emerson Online

Website: emerson.berkeleypta.org

Email: Not getting BearFacts via email? Email us to subscribe: emersonschoolnews@gmail.com

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

 

 

 

About BearFacts News:
BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers. It is distributed each Thursday in students' Look Folders and via email. 

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to emersonschoolnews@gmail.com. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2017. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.


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

BearFacts November 16, 2017

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BearFacts News


Message from the Principal

November 16, 2017

Hello Families,
 
I just have a few brief announcements for you this week. I know you have all been waiting and will be glad to hear that your Roots and Shoots pictures are coming soon. We are in the final stages of proofing class photos, then the packages will be on their way. Meanwhile, note that we rescheduled Make-Up Picture Day for Tuesday, November 28th, so you'll have enough time to review your packets beforehand if you want your child’s photo re-taken. 
 
On another note, lost items are building up again, so we'll be going through the Lost and Found before Thanksgiving Break and will be donating the remainder to a local church or charity. Please stop by and check out the racks by Monday, the 20th if you are looking for any missing items.
 
Finally, don't forget that there are only 2 days of school next week before we break for Thanksgiving. I am wishing you a wonderful break and I hope you get some nice rest, relaxation and good food with family and friends.
 
Warmly,
 
Ms. Hodge

Upcoming Events & Important Dates

  • Thursday, Nov. 16, Racial Equity Study Circle #5, 6-8pm
  • Friday, Nov. 17, Coffee on the yard; All School Meeting 8:30am
  • Wednesday, Nov. 22 – Friday, Nov. 24: NO SCHOOL (Thanksgiving Holiday).
  • Monday, Nov 20-Friday, Nov 24: No PTA Enrichment classes
  • Tuesday, November 28th.
    Make-Up picture day

Find more dates/details: http://emerson.berkeleypta.org/emerson-calendar/
 
+++++++++++++++++++++
 
Make-Up Picture Day
Picture Day portraits are still being processed by Roots & Shoots. More details to come once they are delivered to the school. In the meantime, the date for make-up picture day has been moved to Tuesday, November 28th.

Roots & Shoots will automatically take portraits of students who were absent. After receiving your portraits, if you decide you would like a re-take you must contact Roots & Shoots Photography directly no later than Monday, November 27th and plan to return your original package. Feel free to email or call with questions–email is best: nikki@roots-shoots.com/ 510-859-4148.
 
++++++++++++++++++++

Mrs. Dalloway’s Fundraiser Receipts Due
Thank you to all who participated in the Mrs. Dalloway’s fundraiser this past weekend! Please remember to turn in your receipts to the box in the front office by Friday, November 17!!! Questions? Email Rachel: rachel.antell@gmail.com

Dine Out to Support BUSD on Thursday, Nov. 30
On Thursday, November 30th, BUSD is partnering with local restaurants throughout Berkeley for a food-filled day and night in support of garden and nutrition education for all Berkeley Public Schools.

Dine Out at participating businesses and support our 13 educators and over 7000 students at 17 school gardens and 5 kitchen classrooms. 

When you Dine Out at one of the participating restaurants and a percentage of your check will go to BUSD! The list of participating restaurants is growing and can be found at https://berkeleydineout.tumblr.com/

 

BUSD Kindergarten Fair – Volunteers Needed!
The BUSD K Information Fair is scheduled for Saturday, December 2, 2017, from 10:00 AM—1:00 PM at Le Conte Elementary School. 

Parent volunteers needed to talk to prospective Emerson families at this event.  If you are interested and able to help or would like more information, please contact Susan Bessler at suebessler@yahoo.com

Wednesday Volunteer Needed in Emerson Library
Students check out a lot of books -- those books all need to get back on the shelves!  Ms. Zoe is looking for a volunteer that can help shelve books any time between 8:00 and 2:30 on Wednesdays.  Can you help out?  Email Ms. Zoe to arrange a time zoewilliams@berkeley.net.  
 

 

DONATE to the Heart of Emerson!
Help our community raise $60,000 by December 31st. Join the 60+families whose gifts have already gotten us halfway to our goal. Funds pay for art and PE classes, field trips, family and cultural events and much more! If you haven't yet had a chance to give, please show your support by:

  • Placing cash or a check made out to “Emerson PTA” in your child’s Look Folder or in the secure Heart of Emerson box outside the office; or
  • Clicking on the “Donate Now” button below or at emerson.berkeleypta.org.

Every dollar counts! And, when you donate (any amount!) your child(ren)'s artwork will be added to the heart-shaped display on the fence by the monkey bars! Thank you for supporting the Heart of Emerson!

Emerson Community Thanksgiving Gift Card Drive
This year we would like to come together as a community to support each other during the Holidays. We want every family to be able to celebrate Thanksgiving. We are accepting donations of supermarket gift card (preferably Safeway, Grocery Outlet, or Food Maxx) to distribute to Emerson families who can benefit from extra help for Thanksgiving. We will be collecting supermarket gift card donations for our families through Friday, Nov. 17th.
 
Please bring gift cards to front office or to the Family Engagement Office. If you would like to receive a gift card please contact Lily Howell, Family Engagement Specialist, at 510-295-7791 or lilyhowell@berkeley.net

No PTA Enrichment Classes Thanksgiving Week--Nov 20-24
This is a reminder that there are no enrichment classes Thanksgiving week --November 20-24. Classes will resume on their regular schedule Monday, November 27th. Questions? Please email:
EmersonEnrichment@gmail.com

No BearFacts During Thanksgiving Break
There will be no BearFacts newsletter next week due to the Thanksgiving break.  The next deadline for submissions will be Monday, November 27th.

Weekly Zumba Classes

Emerson Community Adults are welcome to join us in the Cafetorium for weekly Zumba classes, led by our own Kirstin Snyder! $5 per class, Wed. 5:15 – 6:15 (no childcare).

Shop for Emerson!
Click below to raise money for Emerson when you shop at Amazon

 

Find Emerson Online

Website: emerson.berkeleypta.org

Email: Not getting BearFacts via email? Email us to subscribe: emersonschoolnews@gmail.com

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

 

 

 

About BearFacts News:
BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers. It is distributed each Thursday in students' Look Folders and via email. 

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to emersonschoolnews@gmail.com. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2017. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.


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

BearFacts November 9, 2017

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BearFacts News


Message from the Principal

November 9, 2017

Dear Families,

I hope you have been enjoying your parent teacher conferences this week. As a teacher, I always appreciated the opportunity to have one-on-one time with parents and guardians to review student progress and strategize around challenges if need be. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend these important meetings. 
 
Another meeting I am inviting you to attend is next week's SGC (School Governance Council) meeting. On Wednesday, November 15th, we'll be meeting in the library from 5:30 to 7:00pm to see a presentation on the range and types of intervention supports and services we offer at Emerson. Please join us to learn about reading, writing, and math supports, counseling and special presentations on friendship and bullying, family engagement supports, Positive Behavior Supports and the many other ways we work together to create a safety net for our students. SGC meetings are always open to the public and we hope you will attend. We have light snacks, and, while we don't have babysitting services, students can read books and play on computers in the corner while we meet. 
 
Finally, I'd also like to invite you to a short but special performance by the Berkeley High School Jazz Band on Tuesday, November 21 at 8:55am. We'll be right here in the Emerson cafeteria so feel free to join us. What a great way to send us off for Thanksgiving Break. 
 
Sincerely, 
Susan Hodge

 

Upcoming Events & Important Dates

  • November 6-9, Shortened days (parent-teacher conferences) & No PTA enrichment classes (classes resume 11/13)
  • Thursday, Nov. 9, Racial Equity Study Circle #4, 6-8pm
  • Friday, Nov. 10, NO SCHOOL (Veteran’s Day)
  • Friday, Nov 10 – Sun., Nov 12, Mrs. Dalloway’s Fundraiser
  • Wednesday, Nov. 15, Make-up school pictures & SGC Meeting, 5:30-7:00pm
  • Thursday, Nov. 16, Racial Equity Study Circle #5, 6-8pm
  • Friday, Nov. 17, Coffee on the yard; All School Meeting 8:30am
  • Wed., Nov. 22 – Fri., Nov. 24: NO SCHOOL (Thanksgiving Holiday).

Find more dates/details: http://emerson.berkeleypta.org/emerson-calendar

Emerson Community Thanksgiving Gift Card Drive
 
This year we would like to come together as a community to support each other during the Holidays. We want every family to be able to celebrate Thanksgiving. We are taking supermarket gift card donations (preferably Safeway, Grocery Outlet, or Food Maxx) to distribute to Emerson families who can benefit from extra help for Thanksgiving. We will be collecting supermarket gift card donations for our families through Friday, Nov. 17th.
 
Please bring them to front office or to the Family Engagement Office. If you would like to receive a gift card look for a flyer coming home in your child’s folder or contact Lily Howell, Family Engagement Specialist, at 510-295-7791 or lilyhowell@berkeley.net

Buy Books and Raise Money For Emerson – THIS WEEKEND!

Mrs. Dalloway's bookstore (2904 College Ave.) will reimburse Emerson School for 20% of the total purchases made by the school community this weekend, November 10-12. This is a great opportunity to stock up on holiday gift items such as children's books, cookbooks, adult fiction and nonfiction, gardening books, merchandise, art, and gift certificates for teachers, family, and friends. 

Online sales welcome: shop at our online store at http://www.mrsdalloways.com/

Please make sure to keep your receipts (or, for online purchases, print out your order confirmation email) and turn them in to the Mrs. Dalloway's box in the Emerson front office no later than Friday, November 17.
 
Questions? Email Rachel: rachel.antell@gmail.com
 

A few Kindergarten tour Volunteers still needed!

We still need a few more tour guides to make incoming K tours happen! Share your love of Emerson with prospective Kindergarten families! Tours take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30am to ~ 10am, starting November 14 through the end of January. Please sign up below! Questions? Email Liz White (lizowhite@gmail.com).

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0e4da5a82eaafd0-emerson

BUSD Kindergarten Fair – Volunteers Needed!
 
The BUSD K Information Fair will take place Saturday, December 02, 2017, from 10:00 AM—1:00 PM at Le Conte Elementary School. We need parent volunteers to talk to prospective Emerson families at this event.  If you are interested and able to help or would like more information, please contact Susan Bessler at suebessler@yahoo.com.

Don’t Forget: Walkathon Pledge Envelopes with donations are due Tuesday, November 14th.

All Super Walkers, Top walkers and top money earners will be honored at All School Meeting on Friday, 12/1.Emerson PTA Membership Drive – FINAL DAYS TO SIGN UP!
 
Thanks to all the parents and teachers who have signed up for the Emerson PTA! So far, we have 211 member sign-ups. Can you help us meet our goal of getting 300 member sign-ups this school year? Please sign up as the drive ends Friday, November 17.
The more members we have, the stronger our voice in the community. Your child also gets a treat when you sign up.

  • Membership gives you the power to vote on decisions related to your child’s health, safety and education, including how the budget gets spent. 
  • Membership does not require any time commitment, and both non-members and members are invited to all PTA events. 
  • No payment is required to join, and families must sign up each new school year (your membership from last year does not carry over). 

There are 3 ways to get a sign-up form:

Thanks for supporting Emerson PTA!

 

Now is a great time to donate to the Heart of Emerson! Join the 62 families whose gifts have already gotten us halfway to our goal of raising $60,000 by December 31st. If you haven't yet had a chance to give, please take a moment to show your support by:
 

  • Placing cash or a check made out to “Emerson PTA” in your child’s “Look Folder” or in the secure Heart of Emerson box outside the office; or
  • Clicking on the “Donate Now” button below or on the Emerson PTA website at emerson.berkeleypta.org

Every dollar counts -- and when you donate (any amount!) your child(ren)'s artwork will be added to the fabulous heart display on the fence by the monkey bars! Thank you for supporting the Heart of Emerson!

Fourth graders are entitled to a free National Parks pass

For their entire fourth grade year (through Aug 31), 4th graders get into National Parks for FREE.  If you don't have it already, get it here:
https://www.everykidinapark.gov/get-your-pass/

Weekly Zumba Classes

Emerson Community Adults are welcome to join us in the Cafetorium for weekly Zumba classes, led by our own Kirstin Snyder! $5 per class, Wed. 5:15 – 6:15 (no childcare).

Shop for Emerson!
Click below to raise money for Emerson when you shop at Amazon

 

Find Emerson Online

Website: emerson.berkeleypta.org

Email: Not getting BearFacts via email? Email us to subscribe: emersonschoolnews@gmail.com

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

 

 

 

About BearFacts News:
BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers. It is distributed each Thursday in students' Look Folders and via email. 

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to emersonschoolnews@gmail.com. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2017. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.


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