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
Dear Emerson Families,
Happy Chinese New Year, also known more widely as the Lunar New Year! During this time of year, many families throughout the world, including the United States, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Tibet, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam celebrate the New Year with varied traditions that center around family gatherings. 2021 is the year of the Ox, which signifies the admirable qualities of hard work, intelligence, and reliability without a need for praise. If you are interested in learning more about the traditions and celebrations of the Lunar New Year, you may find some children friendly suggestions here.
Here at Emerson we continue to prioritize our focus on Equity and Inclusion. If you would like to learn more about how to raise an empathetic child, who employs critical thinking and enjoys positive anti-biased relationships, consider joining the next PTA Equity Study Circle hosted by skilled educator Ms. Pamela Harrison Small. As a former and ongoing participant, I can attest to how powerful and informative these circles are. We are so fortunate to be able to offer the Emerson community the Equity Circles. We encourage you to take advantage of them. Save the date for the 8th Equity Circle beginning in March/April via Zoom, with more information to come.
This past week, Alameda County announced COVID-19 vaccinations for education workers, who are part of the Phase 1B vaccination tier, may begin on February 8. County Superintendent of Schools L.K. Monroe stated, "This is an important step forward for our school communities. The Alameda County Office of Education is committed to supporting public health efforts to swiftly vaccinate education staff - teachers, classified staff and administrators - against COVID-19."
In addition, our district is moving forward with plans to provide COVID testing to students. Once I have more information, I will share it with you.
As this pandemic drags on, we find ourselves in the long dark winter that so many predicted. This situation is really hard for everyone, including students, staff and parents. Let us remember that we are a community, and although we have differing opinions and perspectives we must not lose our compassion for each other. Let us continue to find ways to build bridges and support each other. I am grateful for the Hearts on the Emerson fence. This project is a symbol of our teamwork because it was made possible through the collaboration of parents, students and staff. If you haven’t had a chance to see it yet, take a look at the picture below. It reminds us why Emerson is such a special place: we are a unique, caring and inclusive community that builds strong educated children. Thank you for all you do for our students.
Take good care,
Jana Holmes
Upcoming Events and Key Dates
Thursday, Feb 11: Superintendent’s Town Hall on Reopening Schools (see below for Zoom link)
Friday, Feb 12: Lincoln’s Birthday, NO SCHOOL for students
Monday, Feb 15: Presidents’ Day, NO SCHOOL for students
Tuesday, Feb 16, 3:00 - 5:00PM: 2nd & 3rd grade Library distribution
Tuesday, Feb 16, 6:00 - 7:00PM: Black Parent & Principal Learning Circle
Wednesday, Feb 17, 5:30 - 7:00PM: School Site Council Meeting
Thursday Feb 18, 7:00PM: Racial Equity Discussion
Friday, Feb 19, 9:00AM: Black History Month All School Meeting
Tuesday, Feb 23, 3:00 - 5:00PM: 4th & 5th grade Library distribution
Wednesday, Feb 24, 7:00 - 8:30PM: PTA Association meeting
Find more dates/details: emerson.berkeleypta.org/calendar
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.
Emerson playground PPE
Just a reminder that according to Health Regulations, you must wear a mask while on the Emerson playground. Thank you for helping keep our Emerson community safe!
Superintendent's Town Hall on Reopening Schools
Dr. Stephens will offer more information at another Town Hall at 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 11th. We hope you can join via Zoom or watch on the BUSD YouTube channel.
HeART PROJECT ON THE FENCE
We are still collecting hearts for the fence outside Emerson! Return your student’s artwork next time you swing by Emerson for a materials pick-up or library book return, or send by mail to Emerson Heart Project, 2800 Forest Ave, Berkeley, CA, 94705. Art should be 4” wide x 6” tall, so we can laminate and protect it from the elements.
We're looking for Spring Enrichment Recommendations...
In this era of zoom learning, we are looking for recommendations for fun and engaging after school enrichment classes that other Emerson students might enjoy. We're collecting a list to share with Emerson families along with the Spring 2021 BUSD catalog of online enrichment classes.
Please send ideas and recommendations to: emersonenrichment@gmail.com.
Thanks!
CHECK OUT COACH ROBINSON’S NEW PE WEBSITE
The website is full of health and fitness tips and includes links to videos. Bookmark it and check back often - it’s a work-in-progress and more material is being added. Let's stay healthy together!
ZOOM FRIENDLY RULE REMINDERS
Be prepared for class by wearing clothes, putting away toys and ready to participate
Be aware of your surroundings- remember your teacher and class can see behind you. Try to find a quiet place to join the Zoom meeting.
Mute yourself when you enter the meeting use the microphone bottom and wait for the teacher to call on you to unmute.
Raise your hand and wait for the teacher to call on you- take turns and practice being patient.
Be respectful- contribute to class positively and be a Zoom leader by participating responsibly.
Find Emerson Online
Website: emerson.berkeleypta.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. Typically, it is distributed each Thursday in students' Look Folders and posted online at emerson.berkeleypta.org. During Distance Learning, it is only posted on the website.
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 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 © 2020. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
2800 Forest Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705