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,
We are excited that a target date has been set for a return to in- person hybrid learning! As the Superintendent announced on Tuesday evening, the projected start date for students in Grades Kindergarten through Second grade is Monday, March 20. Students in grades Three through Five are to begin on Monday, April 12 (after Spring Break). The details of the hybrid schedule are still being worked out and we thank those who completed the survey. Once I have more information about the schedule and all the other details I will share them with you. The good news is the light is at the end of the tunnel and we look forward to seeing your children on campus again.
In addition, Emerson has been selected as a pilot site for a new Covid testing program, which the district may use to replace the current contract with Curative. The new tests will be provided through a company called PMH Laboratories, Inc. This test will be a self- administered nasal or mouth swab, supervised by a company provided Nurse. This pilot may eventually lead to a partnership, which offers testing to BUSD students and staff.
What we have done to prepare for a return to In Person Learning: Air purifiers are placed in each classroom, library and office space. The water faucets and paper towel dispensers throughout the school have been converted to touchless. The office has been equipped with a plexi-glass barrier. We have additional plexi- glass barriers to use at the school entry way for student and staff attestation. Hand sanitizer stations are installed and available throughout the school. We have PPE for students and staff who do not have their own. Social distance signs and markers are placed through the school. The School Safety plan is posted in the front office and is updated to reflect Covid requirements.
What we are still working on: The PTA has agreed to use Covid relief funds to purchase additional items to support Emerson school reopening. Some of the items include HEPA Air purifiers for bathrooms, canopies and shades for outside coverage, additional classroom and PE equipment, additional face shields for staff, hallway dividers for one way hallways, water bottles for students, another cot for the nurses’ area and a Ring doorbell/ camera for the front of the school.
Sadly, I am announcing Ms. Anyea, Speech and Language Therapist, is on a leave from Emerson which we expect will last through the remainder of the school year. We all value Ms. Anyea and will miss her. We are expecting a replacement Speech Language Therapist to come on board with us Mid- March. Please let me know if you have any questions.
With PTA support, we have been able to schedule a special “Body Break Reward” for students on Wednesday, Feb. 24th for the 9:00 am meeting. Ms. Alicia Langlais, M.S.Ed., M.A. is a trained dancer, who is inspired by African and Popular Dance moves. She will reward our students by teaching them some fun dance steps to get them up and moving.
Thank you for your support and take care,
Jana Holmes
Upcoming Events and Key Dates
Thursday Feb 18, 7:00 - 8:30PM: Racial Equity Conversation
Friday, Feb 19, 9:00AM: Black History Month All School Meeting
Monday, Feb 22, 6:00 - 7:00PM: BUSD Community Advisory Council (join meeting via Zoom)
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.
The Read-a-Thon is Coming!
The Emerson Read-A-Thon is a school-wide celebration of reading….and it’s coming March 3/12 - 3/21! Keep an eye out for more information in next week’s BearFacts!
Racial Equity Conversation
Please join us tonight (February 18 from 7-8:30pm) for this month’s equity conversation with Ms Pam, open to all families!
Black History Beyond February: Teaching all children the importance of black history, and why we celebrate all year long
Here’s the Zoom link and the Meeting ID: 832 6015 5614 Passcode: 915879
And don’t forget, this year’s Spring Equity Circle registration is now open, and we invite all families to join us. Find more information and the link to sign up at:https://emerson.berkeleypta.org/equity.
CHECK OUT THE “DAD’S PAD”
The “Dad’s Pad” is a new offering by the BUSD Office of Family Engagement & Equity. This group will be an exciting space for African American fathers and father figures to regularly come together, under the Leadership of Dr. Khalid White, to build community in an empowering space. The first session is on Feb 23. Please sign up now if you are interested.
COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT PROJECT
The Community Empowerment Project is offering virtual sessions designed for families who identify as African American or Black and have a child with a developmental disability. Topics will help Black families access services for their family, especially during these trying times. For more information see this FLYER
REMINDER: PLEASE COMPLETE THE FAMILY SURVEY
If you missed it, please take a moment to read Superintendent Dr. Stephens’ letter to families with a review of hybrid learning plans and an important family survey.
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