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 you have been enjoying the unseasonably warm weather. As difficult as this pandemic has been, it is an opportunity to shift priorities, focus on what is truly important, and be thankful for what we have. I am grateful for my family and the times we have together. We have shifted from running around, frenziedly meeting many obligations, to simple pleasures such as taking walks, riding bikes, and cooking together. I hope you are finding joy in small pleasures.
This week we welcome new leadership in the White House. Since I am writing this message prior to the transition, I do not know if it will be a peaceful or disrupted Inauguration Day. As Black woman, I am extremely proud of my sorority sister, Berkeley’s very own, Vice-President-Elect Kamala Harris, as she steps into her groundbreaking role as the first woman of color to hold this position. I am also expectant that President-Elect Joe Biden will be able to draw from his rich political and personal life experiences, his history as an ally and collaborator, to help heal this Country. It’s no doubt that the road ahead is extremely challenging, but the possibility for a brighter future is finally here.
With an extended shelter in place order, and new strains of the Corona virus found in the Bay Area we turn our attention to the vaccine. According to reports from last week, the Covid vaccine has been administered to approximately 889,000 people with a goal to reach a million adults who are 65 and over to receive it over this past weekend. It is reported the State of California has over 3 million doses, and 30% have been given out. According to Governor Newsom, sites have been procured to help increase administration efficiency, including Disneyland, Dodger Stadium, and Cal Expo in Sacramento. While we are still in the beginning stage of vaccination, the next phase, Tier B1 includes school staff, food industry, agricultural workers, and nonmedical first responders. For more information about the vaccine roll-out please see https://covid19.ca.gov/vaccines.
Please don’t forget to turn in your Admissions paperwork for incoming Kindergarten and Middle Schooler students. Registration forms are due to the district office by February 5, 2021. You may refer to the BUSD Admissions page for more information at https://www.berkeleyschools.net/admissions.
Here is some good news! A big special Shout Out and Thank You to the Emerson community — we have surpassed our Heart of Emerson goal of raising $110,000! Thank you for recognizing the importance of our Art, PE, English Learner, Office Support, and Student Support programs. Your vote of confidence means so much and we are beyond thrilled to plan for the 2021- 2022 school year, knowing that we can continue to provide the students in the best way possible. Stay tuned for a special thank you t-shirt for every student in the school. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for the students’ HeART work, hung on the fences, when you come to return your library books to the bins in the front of the school.
Take good care and thank you for your support.
Jana Holmes
Upcoming Events and Key Dates
Thursday, Jan 21: Racial Equity Discussion, 7-8:30pm
Monday, Jan 25: Staff Development Day, NO SCHOOL for students
Friday, Feb 12: Lincoln’s Birthday, NO SCHOOL for students
Monday, Feb 15: Presidents’ Day, NO SCHOOL for students
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.
Racial Equity Discussion TONIGHT: What to Do When the Dust Settles
We’re excited to host the next installment of Emerson’s Racial Equity Discussions this Thursday the 21st (tonight) at 7pm. Zoom link will be sent via Remind later this afternoon.
What to do when the dust settles: Healing after the whirlwind of conflicting emotional responses to American history in the making
This discussion will address how to provide context and opportunity for our children to address their emotions, support separating facts from misinformation, and react responsibly.
Green Program for 4th and 5th Graders
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!
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!
Thank you from the Heart of Emerson
We did it together! We reached our donation goal for the Heart of Emerson fundraising campaign! Thank you Emerson families, staff, and community for being a part of the Heart of Emerson. Stay tuned for the Emerson PTA's announcement and school-wide gift (T-shirts for all students and staff).
Support Emerson PTA - BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!
The Emerson Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) brings together parents/guardians, teachers/staff and friends of Emerson to work for a positive school experience for all children at our school. As a member, you can vote on programming and spending decisions. Parents, guardians, extended family members or friends of all Emerson students are invited. Please renew membership every year. Please sign up ONLINE at https://emerson.berkeleypta.org/pta-membership. A donation of $10/person is suggested but NOT required. For questions, contact cluetters09@gmail.com.
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