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,
I hope this message finds you healthy and enjoying some Spring sunshine. With the month of February drawing to a close, the second trimester is finishing up. This seems like an opportune time to look back at all we have accomplished this Fall and Spring. We have pivoted so much this year, all while keeping the Heart of Emerson alive. We continue to offer the students a strong education, while supporting their social and emotional growth. With an eye on diversity and inclusion, we have celebrated Cultural Events, held Student Rewards such as the Petting Zoo and Body Break, distributed lots of Books and Materials, and kept the Rainbow Fridays and Black Lives Matter in the forefront. Although we recognize nothing can replace the power of being in person together, I hope you will acknowledge that we have put our best foot forward for our students.
We are encouraged that the Emerson staff have begun to receive their Covid vaccinations in partnership with the CIty of Berkeley. The negotiations to finalize the plan to return to school in a Hybrid model continue. The in-person target date for Kinder, 1st and 2nd Grades is Monday, March 29. After Spring Break, Grades 3- 5 are expected on Monday, April 12. If this changes I will let you know.
At this time, we do not know what the daily hybrid student schedule will look like. Once I know, I will get the information to you and set up an Emerson Community Parent Meeting. During the Parent Meeting we will review the procedures and processes involved in transitioning back to campus. This way you will be able to talk to your child to prepare them for the expectations. We will need to partner in this. Many things will be different.
During the hybrid schedule we do know that students will be on campus for either a Monday and Tuesday block or a Thursday and Friday block, with Wednesdays remaining distance learning. Parents will need to document their student’s health (attestation) each morning prior to school arrival. Once on campus, staff will check students, ensuring the health check was completed by parents and that the student is not symptomatic. Parents will not be allowed to go into the school. Students will be expected to wear a mask, social distance and remain in stable cohorts while on campus.
The choice to send your child in person or continue in distance learning is yours. We will ask for your final decision once we have a finalized plan.
There will be a lot to discuss and sort out in the coming weeks, but it will be worth it. It will be so nice to see the students we have missed so much. I am confident that we can work together to make sure we are all safe and that the students get the education they so deserve.
I am thankful for you and your ongoing support. Thank you for your patience and all you do for the Emerson community and your own family.
Sincerely,
Jana Holmes
Upcoming Events and Key Dates
Wednesday, Mar 3, 7:00 - 8:00PM: Queer Family Gathering (Allies Welcome!)
Friday, Mar 5, 9:00AM: All School Meeting
Wednesday, Mar 10: Spirit Day
Friday, Mar 12 - Sunday, Mar 21: Emerson’s 2021 Read-a-Thon (see note below)
Tuesday, Mar 16, 23, 30: Spring Equity Circles
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.
February Shout Outs
Hello, Emerson Community! We want to celebrate and congratulate our February Shout Out Students! Please check out this Flipgrid to see special video shout outs from your teachers. https://flipgrid.com/+februaryshoutouts
As always, have a fine, fine day!
The Read-a-Thon is Coming!
The Emerson Read-A-Thon is a school-wide celebration of reading! Beginning March 12th through the 21st, we spotlight the power of reading, providing an opportunity for students and their families to focus on books and read together, with a little competition sprinkled in! We’re using a new platform this year called 99Pledges to help us collect pledges during this time of Covid-distancing. More information will be mailed home to each student next week.
More Paper for your Art Kits
Depending on when your library bag pick up day is, you may have already received, or you will soon receive, more paper for art projects. Upper grades are also getting some more specialty supplies for future art projects. Please put any paper and supplies you get into your art kits so you will have what you need for your next art class.
Spring Equity Circle Registration - Now Open
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.
Reopening WorkING GROUP
A group of Emerson parents has set up a googlegroup to communicate, collaborate and help support schools reopen safely, Emerson and beyond. There are many community members involved, many updates and important work ahead. If you would like to learn more and get involved, please click on this link and send a request to join.
Hope to hear from you,
Reopening Work Group Members
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. Please sign up now if you are interested.
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