BearFacts News - 11.04.21




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,

Welcome to November!  We are excited to learn that the FDA and CDC have approved Emergency COVID-19 vaccinations for 5- 12 year olds.  As a result, BUSD will begin to offer vaccination clinics as soon as this weekend.  For Emerson families, the closest location is Malcolm X Elementary.  A limited amount of vaccines will be offered this Saturday, November 6, from 9:00 am - 3:30 pm.  BUSD and the City of Berkeley want to prioritize families who have limited options to receive the vaccine.  Lily Howell, our Office of Family Engagement and Equity Coordinator will reach out to identified families to make sure they are aware of the vaccination clinics.  We want equity and opportunity for vaccines for everyone to be at the core of this effort.  

Let us continue to keep sick children home from school.  Please let Ms. Michelle, Attendance Clerk (leahlopez@berkeley.net), and your child’s teacher know of any absences.  The office staff will let you know the steps to return a sick child to school, which include either a supervised negative COVID-19 test result or a doctor’s note of clearance.  You may now take your child to get a supervised COVID-19 test in the back parking lot of the Berkeley Adult School, Monday through Friday, from 2:00- 4:30 pm.  These are rapid tests that do qualify to return a child to school if negative. Forward copies of the results to Ms. Gaby (Gabriellaparra@berkeley.net) or Ms. Michelle (Leahlopez@berkeley.net). 

This week we are celebrating Zero Waste Week at Emerson. This week, staff will teach and encourage students to reduce the school’s carbon footprint by sending less trash to landfill.  Emerson’s current diversion rate (meaning we recycle or compost) is 64%.  We believe we can do better than that and will work as a school community to improve our diversion rate.  If you would like to partner with us, please talk to your child about recycling and composting at home. How about composting your Halloween pumpkin?

Please remember that the Heart Of Emerson campaign is underway.  As we move further into the “season of giving” we ask that you consider making a donation to the school.  The PTA contributes approximately $680 for each student to support Art, PE, Office Staff and activities.  If you are able to contribute more, for families who can not, please consider doing so.  We are happy to report that we have reached about a third of our fundraising goal.  To donate visit:  https://emerson.berkeleypta.org/heart-of-emerson. 

Thank you for your continued support,

Jana Holmes 

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Saturday, November 6: Second Grade Welcome Back Playdate 12:00 - 2:00 pm

Saturday, November 6: First Grade Welcome Back Playdate 4:00 - 6:00 pm

Thursday, November 11: Veterans’ Day (NO SCHOOL)

November 11 - 14: Mrs. Dalloway’s Bookstore - School Fundraiser (details below)

Saturday, November 13: Cal Football Parking - Kindergarten

Sunday, November 14: Third Grade Welcome Back Playdate 9:30 - 11:30 am

Sunday, November 14: Fifth Grade Welcome Back Playdate 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Sunday, November 14: Fourth Grade Welcome Back Playdate 1:30 - 3:30 pm

November 22 - 26: Thanksgiving Holiday- No School

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

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.

COVID Vaccine and Testing Resources 

COVID vaccinations are available at a number of locations within our community. Please review and share this document  for vaccine and testing locations often. It will be updated with new information as it becomes available. If you have information to add to this list, please email: cielo@magicspoon.net

Heart of Emerson: Please Donate

Please donate to the Heart of Emerson Campaign. We have raised $46,000 of our goal of $110,000 to fund Art, PE, student programs and family engagement activities. We need your support! If you can, please donate at least $680, which is the amount the PTA spends per student. Donate more to support students and families who can't afford to donate.

Please watch this NEW PE Heart of Emerson dance video that shows what can be created when members of our community work together—a reminder of the power of a collective. Huge thank you to our PTA funded PE teacher, Coach Robinson, for this great activity and Mr. Phil for all his work on creating the video for the community.

Be on the lookout for more student videos and for information about Giving Tuesday coming this month! Thank you for your support.

Mrs. Dalloway’s Bookstore: School Fundraiser

Mrs. Dalloway’s Bookstore School Benefit Fundraiser is happening next week (November 11-14)! This fundraiser is limited to online purchases and only for four days. Purchase gift certificates online between November 11-14 and Mrs. Dalloway's will donate 15% of your purchase to Emerson. It's a wonderful way to support your school and your local bookstore and it's perfect for holiday gift giving!

Note: Please be sure to include the name “Emerson Elementary, Berkeley” in the ORDER COMMENTS field so the store knows which school you are supporting. Click here for a flyer.

Thanks in advance for your support!

KindergartenERS Create Jack-O-Lanterns

Kindergarten Artists created some fun jack-o-lanterns. First we drew a pumpkin, making sure that the lines were curved to make it look round. Then Ms. Ames asked them to paint it orange---- but she didn't give them any orange paint! They mixed red and yellow to make different versions of orange for their pumpkins. The following week we cut them out and then created the faces by cutting and gluing eyes, noses and mouths (and eyebrows and mustaches, and.....)

Lucy Ames, Art Teacher (she/her)
Emerson School: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
Berkeley Independent Study, Thursday

Equity Corner: Indigenous and Native Heritage Month

We are so fortunate to get to celebrate Filipinx and Indigenous Heritage Month this November! As this month begins, I encourage you to learn more about the Chochenyo, the Ohlone people who live in the East Bay. Specifically, I hope you learn about Territory Acknowledgments (link to PBS’ Molly of Denali Q&A) as a way to create an awareness of Indigenous presence and land rights where our students learn, and where we live— as we continue to benefit from the use and occupation of this beautiful land. One way to begin is to recognize that our school, Emerson, sits on the territory of xučyun (Huichin), the ancestral and unceded land of the Chochenyo speaking Ohlone people, the successors of the sovereign Verona band of Alameda County. Learn even more here where Sogorea Te’ Land Trust is a women-led land trust in the SF Bay Area facilitating the return of Indigenous land to Indigenous people. -cielo

Esquina del Equidad: Mes de la herencia indígena y nativa

¡Somos muy afortunados de poder celebrar el Mes de la Herencia Indígena y Filipinx este noviembre! Al comenzar este mes, espero que aprendas más sobre los Chochenyo la gente Ohlone que vive en el East Bay. Específicamente, espero que conozca los reconocimientos territoriales (enlace a las preguntas y respuestas de Molly of Denali de PBS) como una forma de crear conciencia sobre la presencia indígena y los derechos a la tierra donde nuestros estudiantes aprenden y donde vivimos, a medida que continuamos beneficiándonos del uso y ocupación de esta hermosa tierra. Una forma de comenzar es reconocer que nuestra escuela, Emerson, se encuentra en el territorio de xučyun (Huichin) la tierra ancestral y no cedida del pueblo Ohlone de habla chochenyo, los sucesores de la banda soberana de Verona del condado de Alameda. Obtenga más información aquí donde Sogorea Te ’Land Trust es un fideicomiso de tierras liderado por mujeres en el Área de la Bahía de San Francisco que facilita la devolución de tierras indígenas a los pueblos indígenas. -cielo

BUSD AAPI Survey - deadline extended to 11/5

BUSD Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) invite you to take this brief survey about community safety and access to district resources. This survey is for students, staff, alumni, and caregivers of all ethnic/racial backgrounds with a focus on AAPI community needs and experiences. Survey responses are now due by Friday, Nov 5th.  Personal data will be kept confidential. Questions can be directed to busdaapis@gmail.com

 Translated SURVEY LINKS below as available >> Click to begin:

English Survey  
Chinese Survey
Farsi Survey (intro only)
Hindi Survey
Korean Survey
Japanese Survey
Spanish Survey
Thai - Survey
Vietnamese Survey

More information about BUSD AAPIs and the survey: This group was established earlier this year during the Spring 2021 in response to increasing anti-Asian harassment in Berkeley and across the nation.  We are releasing this community survey to better understand the extent to which racism and xenophobia have impacted the experiences of Asian Americans at BUSD.  We hope this data will also help guide our work with BUSD leadership to identify possible solutions that would improve your and your family’s experience and safety in BUSD. 

The primary audience for this survey is AAPI students (ages 5-18), families, teachers and staff at BUSD. However, allies of the AAPI community are also welcome and encouraged to respond with their perspective. Please help us spread the word about this survey to those who you think would be interested.

HALLOWEEN

Thanks to the PTA and Grade Parents who gave out Halloween Treat bags on the day of our Halloween Parade, Thursday October 28! Some families came out to watch and cheer on. Stay tuned for pictures and a video from Mr. Phil!

How to Connect!

Do you want to talk to another parent about Emerson, learn ways to connect with other families and support the school? Here are four things you can do:

1) Visit the PTA table on Friday mornings at drop-off!

2) Set up your profile in Where’s Waldo, Emerson’s online family directory.

3) Join the PTA .

4) Learn about the Heart of Emerson campaign!

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 and posted online at emerson.berkeleypta.org. 

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. Send images as an e-mail attachment. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2021. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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

BearFacts News - 10.28.21




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 Halloween, Días de los Muertos, and Welcome to Fall.  With the welcome rains, it seems that we can finally say goodbye to the fire season.  We anticipate the approval of the Pfizer vaccine very soon, and BUSD is working to set up Saturday Vaccination clinics at several Elementary Schools.  Once we have more information we will share it.  In the meantime, thank you for your vigilance to keep our children and community safe.

Let us continue to keep sick children home from school.  Please let Ms. Michelle, Attendance Clerk (leahlopez@berkeley.net), and your child’s teacher know of any absences.  The office staff will let you know the steps to return a sick child to school, which include either a supervised negative covid test result or a doctor’s note of clearance.  You may now take your child to get a supervised COVD test in the back parking lot of the Berkeley Adult School, Monday through Friday, from 2:00- 4:30 pm.  These are rapid tests that do qualify to return a child to school if negative. Forward copies of the results to Ms. Gaby (Gabriellaparra@berkeley.net or Ms. Michelle (Leahlopez@berkeley.net). 

Please keep in mind that Parent Conferences take place this week, and we will not have school on Friday.  We hope you found the time to connect with your child’s teacher useful.  We enjoy partnering with you.

We want to thank the PTA, for the many ways they have supported our school community.  When the school busses were out of commission last week, our parents offered each other rides and made sure each child made it safely to school.  In addition, projects have been completed around the school, such as the Días de los Muertos Ofrenda, which is a Latinx cultural tradition, honoring deceased loved ones with a beautiful altar.   The PTA closet was also cleaned out and organized by a team of parents.  Last, but not least, PTA Volunteers host the Cal Football Parking for each home game, which raises money for the school.  Thank you, parents, for your dedication and support to our school!

This past month we also kicked off several of our student clubs/activities.  Ms. Salyk is leading a group of students who are interested in environmentalism in a Climate Action Committee.   Coach Robinson is training a group of 5th Grade students to be a Restorative Peace Team during Kindergarten through 3rd grade recesses.  Office of Family Engagement / Equity Lead, Lily Howell and I met with our 5th Grade Student Advisory Committee (SAC).  The SAC group gives advice about how to make the campus safer and inclusive for all students.  The SAC will plan student Equity Based activities for this year. And as always, we celebrate our students through the Students Performances, Caught Being Good Rewards, and Student Shout Outs, highlighted in the All School Meetings. 

Finally, I want to thank the parents who met last week for our first School Site Council Meeting.  Betsy Hayes was elected as Chairperson and Karla Crowley Schlags as Secretary.  We reviewed how the COVID-19 funds provided by the state and federal government are being used at Emerson.  We will meet once a month, on the second Monday, from 6 -7 pm.  Stay tuned for Zoom link invites, as the school community is welcome to attend.

Have a good long weekend, with no school on Friday, Oct. 29.

Take care,

Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Week of October 25: Parent Teacher Conferences - MINIMUM DAYS (​​Kindergarten students will be released at 12:30, grades 1-5 will be released at 1:10)

Thursday, October 28: Halloween Parade 8:45 - 9:10 am

Friday, October 29: Parent Teacher Conferences (NO SCHOOL for Students)

Saturday, October 30: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 1st Grade

Thursday, November 11: Veterans’ Day (NO SCHOOL)

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

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.

Heart of Emerson: Art Video and CD Heart Pictures 

Donate to the Heart of Emerson fundraising campaign! Every dollar counts! The PTA spends $680 PER STUDENT on programs like Art and PE and family engagement opportunities. If you can, please pay $680 PER STUDENT or more to cover for other students. Check out this heartwarming video of students sharing their perspective about Art. In addition, students created CD hearts in Art class that are installed on the fence around the Emerson school yard. Special thanks to Michelle Falise for the CD art installation and Mr. Phil for putting the Art video together (with a big thank you to Ms. Davis's class for their participation). Thanks in advance for your support!

Third Graders honor Dia de los Muertos in art class.  

After reviewing what we already knew about Dia de los Muertos, 3rd graders enjoyed seeing photos that Ms. Ames took a few years ago when she visited Oaxaca, Mexico for Muertos.  They drew their own "calaveras" (skulls) and then decorated them with marker and tissue paper "pops."

Berkeley, Escucha, Estamos En La Lucha: Uplifting our Legacies of Resilience & Resistance

Thursday, October 28th |  7:00-8:30pm  Zoom Link

In celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, join us for a  panel discussion followed by Q&A. Panelists will explore the meaning of Latinidad in our classrooms and how we can teach with Latinx student success at the forefront. We will hear testimonios from our comunidad to better understand the lived experience of Latinx educators, students, and families. In addition, we will discuss why enhancing the climate and culture in our schools not only benefits Latinx students but all students. This event will provide an opportunity to learn more—directly from BUSD’s Latinx community—what this month is meant to honor. Click here for more information.

Filipinx American History Month

October 25 is Larry Itliong Day in California to honor the Filipino labor leader who led the great Delano grape strike in 1965.  Larry Itliong immigrated to the United States in 1929 when he was 15 years old. He had wanted to be a lawyer, however he faced racial discrimination that barred him from his dream. He worked as a farm laborer and over time, he recognized how poorly the Filipino workers were paid. Larry started organizing farm workers to demand fair wages and became a Filipino-American labor leader.

In 1965, Larry Itliong led the famous Delano grape strike. He convinced Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, leaders of the National Farm Workers Association, to join the strike. The two organizations merged to form the United Farm Workers (UFW) and both Filipinos and Mexicans fought together for fair wages. During the strike, households stopped buying grapes and union workers in California dockyards let non-union grapes rot in port. The Delano grape strike lasted for 5 years and ended when new labor contracts were signed that included pay increases and health benefits. 

This strike was an incredible moment in American history for social and economic justice because it demonstrated the effectiveness of boycotts, strength in unions, and working together for the greater good. The UFW set the working standards for farm workers across the United States.

Enjoy this song: "Our Friend Larry Itliong" by AJ Rafael

BUSD’s FAHM Family Guide in English and Spanish

BUSD AAPI Survey Due Oct 31

BUSD Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) invite you to take this brief survey about community safety and access to district resources. This survey is for students, staff, alumni, and caregivers of all ethnic/racial backgrounds with a focus on AAPI community needs and experiences. Survey responses are due by October 31, 2021.  Personal data will be kept confidential. Questions can be directed to busdaapis@gmail.com

 Translated SURVEY LINKS below as available >> Click to begin:

English Survey  
Chinese Survey
Farsi Survey (intro only)
Hindi Survey
Korean Survey
Japanese Survey
Spanish Survey
Thai - Survey
Vietnamese Survey

More information about BUSD AAPIs and the survey: This group was established earlier this year during the Spring 2021 in response to increasing anti-Asian harassment in Berkeley and across the nation.  We are releasing this community survey to better understand the extent to which racism and xenophobia have impacted the experiences of Asian Americans at BUSD.  We hope this data will also help guide our work with BUSD leadership to identify possible solutions that would improve your and your family’s experience and safety in BUSD. 

The primary audience for this survey is AAPI students (ages 5-18), families, teachers and staff at BUSD. However, allies of the AAPI community are also welcome and encouraged to respond with their perspective. Please help us spread the word about this survey to those who you think would be interested.

How to Connect!

Do you want to talk to another parent about Emerson, learn ways to connect with other families and support the school? Here are four things you can do:

1) Visit the PTA table on Friday mornings at drop-off!

2) Set up your profile in Where’s Waldo, Emerson’s online family directory.

3) Join the PTA .

4) Learn about the Heart of Emerson campaign!

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 and posted online at emerson.berkeleypta.org. 

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. Send images as an e-mail attachment. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2021. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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

BearFacts News - 10.21.21




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,

Yes! We finally welcome some rain back to the Bay Area.  What a relief!   You may wonder how we will handle rainy day lunch and recess at Emerson.  As explained at the Back To School Night, we do have tent coverage outside.  Unless we experience a heavy downpour, we will have the students eat under the tents outside.  If the rain is too much for us to use the tents, we will socially distance in the Multi-Purpose Room, with one grade level at a time.  After eating, students will return to the classrooms to be supervised during indoor recess.  The air purifiers will be on and the windows and doors will be open in the Multi-Purpose Room and Classrooms during indoor lunch and recess.  Our goal is to keep students as safe as possible. 

Big Thanks to the PTA members who constructed the Ofrenda for Dia de los Muertos!  It is a beautiful display in the library, which all students will have a chance to visit, contribute and learn about.  The Ofrenda celebrates the Latinx tradition of honoring, remembering, and respecting our deceased ancestors during this special time of the year.  It is a beautiful display and we are so happy to continue with diversity, inclusion, and culturally responsive teaching as the core of who we are.  

This past week, the PTA Board participated in two nights of Equity Training led by consultant Ms. Pam Harris Smalls.  During these sessions we recommitted to our mission and vision of an inclusive campus, where social justice is prioritized, diversity is honored and an anti-bias education thrives.  It was a good reminder to boldly stand for our beliefs here at Emerson.  

We are pleased to offer Chromebook checkouts for families who need a computer at home.  These computers can be loaned out for the 2021- 2022 school year, from the library.  Please let your teacher know if you would like to reserve a computer for your home usage.  

We have a Safety Drill this morning.  We will participate in the Great ShakeOut Drill, which is a nationwide Earthquake Drill, and you can learn more here.  We will also have a fire drill and will evacuate to the playground.  We will practice COVID-19 safety precautions, encouraging students to be quiet, listen to directions and complete the drill quickly to minimize contact.  Afterward, the school Safety Team will debrief and learn how we can improve for our future drills. 

Report cards will be sent home with students this Friday, October 22nd.  Parent/teacher conferences will take place next week.  If you have not done so already, please schedule one directly with your child’s teacher.  This is a good opportunity to learn about your child’s progress and collaborate with school staff to support student success.  During conference week, Kindergarten students are released at 12:30 pm and Grades 1- 5 are released at 1:10 pm, each day.  Please make transportation arrangements for your child to get home early each day.  School Busses will come early and Kids World will continue to be offered for those who are in the program. There will not be school on Friday, October 29. 

We look forward to celebrating Halloween on Thursday, October 28.  If your child plans to participate, please send them to school in their costume.  In the morning, we will have an on-campus parade.  It will be filmed by Mr. Phil, so everyone can watch it later.  We will not allow fake weapons, fake guns, or fake blood.  We also ask families to respect the cultural diversity of our students at Emerson Elementary and not dress in costumes that represent other cultures.

Once again, we are very pleased with the low instances of COVID-19 cases on our campus. Let us continue to be vigilant.  Therefore, please continue to refrain from sending your child to school if they are sick.  If your child stays home, it is very important that we know why your child is absent as soon as possible in the morning. Email Leahlopez@berkeley.net, Attendance Clerk, and the teacher, to report an absence. We will work with you to inform you of the steps needed to clear your student to return back to school. If your child is home sick, they will need a doctor’s note or COVID-19 test administered by a medical professional to return. 

Starting on October 12, BUSD is offering free COVID-19 rapid testing to staff and students who wish to be tested because of COVID-19 symptoms.  This testing station will be set up Monday- Friday from 2:00- 4:30 pm in the back parking lot of Berkeley Adult School.  Let’s work together to keep our campus safe. 

Take care,

Jana Holmes 

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Thursday, October 21: Emerson School Site Council meeting at 7:00pm (open to everyone; see details below)

Saturday, October 23: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 2nd Grade

Week of October 25: Parent Teacher Conferences - MINIMUM DAYS (​​Kindergarten students will be released at 12:30, grades 1-5 will be released at 1:10)

Thursday, October 28: Halloween Parade

Friday, October 29: Parent Teacher Conferences (NO SCHOOL for Students)

Saturday, October 30: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 1st Grade

Thursday, November 11: Veterans’ Day (NO SCHOOL)

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

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.

Heart of Emerson: WATCH VIDEO AND DONATE NOW!

The Heart of Emerson fundraising campaign is HAPPENING NOW! The funds raised through the Heart of Emerson campaign are used to pay for student programs and community engagement at Emerson. As a reminder, the PTA spends $680 PER STUDENT on these programs and engagement opportunities. If you can pay $680 PER STUDENT, please do. If an option, pay for another student (or more!), because not all families can. We need to raise at least $110,000 to fund student programs. Many of the programs that children love are paid for through this fundraising effort, including Art with Ms. Ames!

In this heartwarming video, watch how Art at Emerson shapes our students’ views. To donate and share within your communities, see the linked letter and flyer. Thank you! (And extra thank you to Mr. Phil, Ms. Ames, and Ms. Davis and Ms. Davis’s third grade class for their contribution to this video.) 

Emerson’s Ofrenda

In Mexican culture, the celebration of Dia de los Muertos is closely linked to the Catholic religious celebration of “All Soul’s Day” though the celebration of loved ones often feels more closely linked to honoring and celebrating our memories and celebration of our families and loved ones who have passed away, regardless of any religious affiliation. In my family, we set up an Ofrenda each year, including the pictures of beloved family members, with flowers (flores), candles (velas), glasses of water (agua), and their favorite things (depending on the member of your family, this can range from candies to records of their favorite songs)

This weekend, I was able to help assemble an Ofrenda for the Emerson community with the help of Rachel Terp, Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell, and Rachel Budge to make space to share and celebrate friends, family, pets, or anyone who is dear to you that is no longer with us. If you would like to contribute to the Ofrenda, please have your student bring a picture or small memento to include (with their names and classroom labeled so it can be returned to them once we take the Ofrenda down). We will be sharing a few paper projects as well in case your student would like to build a shadowbox frame to nestle a portrait in (nicho) for the Ofrenda, a Calavera pattern (fun to decorate!), and instructions on how to make a paper Cempazuchitl (Mexican Marigold) from tissue paper like the ones on the Ofrenda now. If you have any questions about the Ofrenda or would like to contribute more to this rich tradition, please let me know! It is an honor to continue sharing with the Emerson community! -cielo (cielo@magicspoon.net)

Ofrenda de Emerson

En la cultura Mexicana, la celebración del Día de los Muertos es la celebración de todos nuestros amados y queridos que han pasado. En mi familia, tenemos una Ofrenda cada año, que incluye las fotos de los queridos, con flores, velas, vasos de agua y sus cosas favoritas (mi abuela encanta recoger los tins azules de Royal Dansk así tenemos un tin en la Ofrenda para ella pero tiene cosas para coser en lugar de cookies!)

Este fin de semana, nuestro Ofrenda para la comunidad de Emerson fue construido con la ayuda de Rachel Terp, Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell y Rachel Budge. Si desea contribuir a la Ofrenda, pídale a su estudiante que traiga una foto o un pequeño recuerdo para incluir (con sus nombres y el aula etiquetados para que se los pueda devolver). También compartiremos algunos proyectos en papel en caso de que su estudiante desee construir un Nicho para la Ofrenda, un patrón de Calavera (¡divertido de decorar!) E instrucciones sobre cómo hacer un papel Cempazuchitl de papel china como los de la Ofrenda ahora. Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre la Ofrenda o le gustaría contribuir más a esta rica tradición, ¡hágamelo saber! ¡Es un honor seguir compartiendo con la comunidad de Emerson!

Filipino American History Month

We celebrate Filipino/a/x American History in October to recognize the history, culture, and significant contributions of Filipino/a/x American to our city, to California, and to this country. In 2009, U.S. Congress and California recognized October as Filipino American History Month. 

Did you know that Filipinos were the first people of Asian descent to arrive in what is now known as Morro Bay, California in 1587? These indigenous Filipinos, called Luzones Indios, were skilled sailors who had been forced to labor on Spanish ships trading goods between the Philippines and Mexico. Another fact: Filipinos established the first permanent settlement by Asians in this country in 1768 in Louisiana. They were later called the Louisiana Manila Men and their descendants, who settled in Louisiana are the oldest continuous Asian American community in North America who are now between 8-10 generations from the original settlers. 

To learn more, check out this video: A Filipino American Story Since 1587

Go Bears!

Free Tickets to Cal Football Game on Saturday

The Cal Student Store is resuming its efforts to bridge the connection between the local residents of Berkeley and UC Berkeley. Tickets to the Colorado game this Saturday are free to all BUSD students, parents, and staff and their families. The game is at 1230pm with ticket pickup and other related events starting at 9am on game day.

RSVP and more information can be found at thecalstudentstore.com. There are plenty of tickets - spread the word! Hope to see you there. Thanks and Go Bears!

PTA UPDATE: Car rides and closets!

Thank you to the Grade Parents, ride and host volunteers, and PTA for solving this week’s BUSD bus disruption. We got coverage in Berkeleyside and KRON4! We are so proud of our community for stepping up!

And thank you to Asha Brown, aka Emerson’s Marie Kondo, for reviving (and de-hazarding!) the PTA Closet. What a treasure trove of history, resources, and stories in there! We hope to share more of those this year!

Donations

Thank you for donating clothing for students who have accidents during the day.  We now have all the clothes we need! 

Do you have any gently used Halloween costumes that you no longer need? If so, please bring them to the school this week and next, for students who need a costume for our parade on October 28.  Thank you! 

Emerson School Site Council Meeting

You’re invited to join next week’s School Site Council meeting.

Date/time: Thursday, October 21 from 7:00- 8:00 pm

Zoom info: https://berkeley-net.zoom.us/j/87241233089?pwd=OGNpRUYwTFZINTdpWXU3U0hJWnJDdz09 (Meeting ID: 872 4123 3089 Passcode: 035014)

Below, for your information, is the list of elected School Site Council Members, and EVERYONE is invited to participate in the meeting!

How to Connect!

Do you want to talk to another parent about Emerson, learn ways to connect with other families and support the school? Here are four things you can do:

1) Visit the PTA table on Friday mornings at drop-off!

2) Set up your profile in Where’s Waldo, Emerson’s online family directory.

3) Join the PTA .

4) Learn about the Heart of Emerson campaign!

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 and posted online at emerson.berkeleypta.org. 

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. Send images as an e-mail attachment. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2021. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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

BearFacts News - 10.14.21




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 enjoyed a long, safe weekend with your family. On Monday, during our Staff Development Day, we completed a district safety training. We also collaborated regarding lessons intended to universally support student learning. Furthermore, we explored the School District’s rich history in support of  Ethnic Studies and how we can move forward with culturally-responsive teaching practices at all grade levels to support the recent legislative mandates. We accomplished a lot and are grateful for our time to grow as educators.  We strive to be life-long learners.   

Big Shout Out and Smile to the PTA Fundraising Chairpersons Kysten Curtis and Arabelle Malinis! The Heart of Emerson campaign has officially kicked off. To learn more about our goals and plans, we invite you to read the letter sent home in your Thursday Look Folder. We encourage you to wear your Heart of Emerson pin and donate to support our school programs. Your donation contributes to Art, PE, field trips and supplies for students. In addition, you fund an Office Clerk position, which assists with attendance, COVID contact-tracing, and much more. This year we hope to raise $110,000 dollars. Please see the provided link for more information, and to track our progress: https://emerson.berkeleypta.org/heart-of-emerson.

On Thursday, October 21, we have a Safety Drill. We will participate in the Great Shake Out Drill, which is a nationwide Earthquake Drill, and you can learn more here. We will also have a fire drill and will evacuate to the playground. We will practice COVID safety precautions, encouraging students to be quiet, listen to directions and complete the drill quickly to minimize contact. Afterward, the school Safety Team will debrief and learn how we can improve for our future drills. 

The first Trimester ends this Friday. Report cards will be sent home with students next Friday, October 22nd. Parent / teacher conferences will take place the week of October 25. If you have not done so already, please schedule one directly with your child’s teacher. This is a good opportunity to learn about your child’s progress and collaborate with school staff to support student success. During conference week, Kindergarten students are released at 12:30 pm and Grades 1- 5 are released at 1:10 pm, each day. Please make transportation arrangements for your child to get home early each day.  School Busses will come early and Kids World will continue to be offered for those who are in the program. There will not be school on Friday, October 29. 

We look forward to celebrating Halloween on Thursday, October 28.  If your child plans to wear a costume to school, please send them to school in their costume. In the morning, we will have an on campus parade.  It will be filmed by Mr. Phil, so everyone can watch it later.  We will not allow fake weapons, fake guns, or fake blood. We also ask families to respect the cultural diversity of our students at Emerson Elementary and not dress in costumes that represent other cultures. We plan to celebrate Dias De Los Muertos by learning more about the holiday and allowing students to visit and contribute to the PTA built ofrenda in the library.

Take good care,

Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Friday, October 15: First grading period ends

Monday, October 18: CCEIS Family Engagement Series session #2 at 6:00PM (see details below)

Thursday, October 21: Emerson School Site Council meeting at 7:00pm (open to everyone; see details below)

Saturday, October 23: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 2nd Grade

Week of October 25: Parent Teacher Conferences - MINIMUM DAYS (​​Kindergarten students will be released at 12:30, grades 1-5 will be released at 1:10)

Friday, October 29: Parent Teacher Conferences (NO SCHOOL for Students)

Saturday, October 30: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 1st Grade

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

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.

CCEIS Family Engagement Series 2021-22

Every Shut Eye Ain't Sleep: African American Families as Equal Status Partners in the Educational Process 

Session #2: First and Forever - Families as Partners in the Educational Process

Date and Time: 10/18/21 (6:00PM-7:30PM)
This presentation will prepare participants to assume partnership roles where they have greater confidence in their interactions with educators and to acquire tools to promote equal status relationships with those who serve their children. 

Presenters: Mary Montle Bacon, Ph.D.  Educational Consultant, Images of a Culture, BUSD Leaders, and Guest Presenters 

Series Themes: "Listen…Educate…Advocate" will be consistent themes throughout all sessions and will focus on a variety of topics related to the goals of BUSD'S CCEIS Plan that are designed to empower families in general and African American/Black families specifically to become more knowledgeable. 

Zoom Link https://berkeley-net.zoom.us/j/89676832165?pwd=N1czbTdYaTQrek8rci8yTEUwNFlsZz09

Meeting ID: 896 7683 2165 / Passcode: pI8V7nHx

Emerson School Site Council Meeting

You’re invited to join next week’s School Site Council meeting.

Date/time: Thursday, October 21 from 7:00- 8:00 pm

Zoom info: https://berkeley-net.zoom.us/j/87241233089?pwd=OGNpRUYwTFZINTdpWXU3U0hJWnJDdz09 (Meeting ID: 872 4123 3089 Passcode: 035014)

Below, for your information, is the list of elected School Site Council Members, and EVERYONE is invited to participate in the meeting!

site council.png

How to Connect!

Do you want to talk to another parent about Emerson, learn ways to connect with other families and support the school? Here are four things you can do:

1) Visit the PTA table on Friday mornings at drop-off!

2) Set up your profile in Where’s Waldo, Emerson’s online family directory.

3) Join the PTA .

4) Learn about the Heart of Emerson campaign!

Heart of Emerson

The Heart of Emerson fundraising campaign is happening NOW! The funds raised through the Heart of Emerson campaign are used to pay for student programs and community engagement at Emerson. Many of the programs that children love are paid for through this fundraising effort and not by the school district. Please use this letter and flyer to share within your communities and spread the word. Thank you!

TEACHER’S CORNER

The fifth graders recently finished up these watercolor and wax pencil artworks. Our focus was on noticing the negative (background) shapes between the lines of the letters and squares. These were somewhat inspired by the work of Paul Klee. They can be a little difficult to read but if you look closely you may learn a little bit about the artists. Enjoy!

Ms. Ames, Art Teacher

CD artwork

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 and posted online at emerson.berkeleypta.org. 

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. Send images as an e-mail attachment. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2021. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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

BearFacts News - 10.07.21




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,

It’s been such a joy to have the students back on campus this fall. However, we continue to adapt to all the changes brought about by Covid. It’s not always easy to eat outside everyday. Some days it is hot, others cool. Some days the wasps are particularly bothersome, others we don’t notice them at all. Thank you for your patience with all the changes and for doing what you can to help your children adjust. Please continue to send them with layers of clothing and their marked water bottles and lunch bags.

Adults continue to be restricted from campus. Those who are able to volunteer in a single classroom are able to go through the Berkeley Schools Volunteers training and vetting process. You can find more information here. We have a couple of volunteer parents who will be helping us this Thursday, Oct. 7 when we have picture day outside in the Garden Area. We are thankful to those who are able to help out. If you do not have time to come to campus, we understand. There are other ways you can help, such as by participating in the Heart of Emerson Fundraising Campaign, which has officially kicked off! Please stay tuned for more information and ways to donate and get involved.

We are gearing up for a modified, yet fun filled, Halloween celebration. This year our Halloween activities will be scheduled on Thursday, 10/28. This date is also a minimum day, due to report card conferences. Our staff is planning on having a march inside the school and onto the playground in the morning. Due to covid restrictions, we will not march in the community this year. We encourage students to report to school in their Halloween costumes. Students must still wear their “COVID” masks throughout the day and costumes need to be practical and comfortable so students can sit and complete classroom activities during the day. We will not allow fake weapons, fake guns, or fake blood. Families are responsible for putting on students' makeup before coming on campus. We also ask families to respect the cultural diversity of our students at Emerson and not dress in costumes that represent other cultures. Volunteer Mr. Phil has agreed to record the march, and a link will be sent home via Remind, so that you may enjoy the video of the festivities.

Thank you to the volunteer parents who are working mornings and weekends to continue the Emerson tradition of the Ofrenda in the Library. This is an opportunity to celebrate Latinx culture and express the value of honoring loved ones who have passed away. Students learn about the Ofrenda, have an opportunity to visit and contribute to it. More information will follow.

Monday, Oct. 11th is a Staff Development Day and there will be no school for students. In addition, Parent Teacher Conferences will take place the last week of October. Kindergarten students will be released each day at 12:30 pm and Grades 1-5 will be released at 1:10 pm. Please plan accordingly.

Thank you for your continued support and take care,

Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Thursday, October 7: Grade Parent Equity Training, 7 pm, Zoom Link

Friday, October 8: Spirit Day - Crazy Hat / Crazy Hair

Monday, October 11: Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL for Students)

Friday, October 15: First grading period ends

Saturday, October 23: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 2nd Grade

Week of October 25: Parent Teacher Conferences - MINIMUM DAYS (​​Kindergarten students will be released at 12:30, grades 1-5 will be released at 1:10)

Friday, October 29: Parent Teacher Conferences (NO SCHOOL for Students)

Saturday, October 30: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 1st Grade

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

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.

Heart of Emerson

The Heart of Emerson fundraising campaign starts TODAY! The funds raised through the Heart of Emerson campaign are used to pay for student programs and community engagement at Emerson. Many of the programs that children love are paid for through this fundraising effort and not by the school district. This letter and flyer are being sent home today in Look Folders. Use them to share within your communities and spread the word. Thank you!

TEACHER’S CORNER

Thank you!

Well, you granted my wishes! I was so happy to receive all of the books and materials from the wishlist I sent out last week. I am so appreciative. If I don't thank you personally, please forgive me--- some items came without any indication of who they came from. But I appreciate them all. What a great community we have here!

This week all of Emerson's students will be working on decorating CDs as a part of the Heart of Emerson campaign. So far we have had some great class discussions about what makes Emerson such a wonderful place to learn. Students could decorate however they wanted to, but each CD includes a heart--- to show our love for Emerson.

Ms. Ames, Art Teacher

CD artwork

October Shout-Outs

Congratulations, Shout Out Students! Kindergarten: Flynnie, Iyana, Malik, Sean, Charlotte. 1st Grade: Dominik, Devorah, Sage, Hijab, Henry, Lucca, Lila, Piper. 2nd Grade: Yazmine, Myles, Seyoum, Kaiya. 3rd Grade: Niko, Lehana, Lilah, Ilaias, Meilyn,…
Congratulations, Shout Out Students! 4th Grade: June, Jaiden, Jaap, Meriem. 5th Grade: Cyrus, Asa, Sam, Kashan, Mira, Tyler. P.E: Emilie G., Isabella I., Haedan C-S.

Equity Corner

Sonia Sotomayor is the first Latina and woman of color appointed to the Supreme Court in 2009 (and the third woman, for those keeping track!). Born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents, Justice Sotomayor dedicated herself to her education, to reading, to pursuing work in justice, and has also brought her life experience to the most powerful court in the country. Please watch this video to learn more from Justice Sotomayor about growing up Latina and her home, the Bronx. Please also check out this read-aloud, also produced by the Bronx Children’s Museum, Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx. There are several books at our wonderful Emerson library you can pick up and read more about Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor!

Esquina de Equidad

Sonia Sotomayor es la primera mujer latina nombrada para la Corte Suprema en 2009 (¡y la tercera mujer, para quienes están contando!). Nacida en el Bronx de padres Puertorriqueños, la Jueza Sotomayor se dedicó a su educación, a la lectura, a trabajar en la justicia, y también ha llevado su experiencia de vida a la corte más poderosa del país. Mire este video para aprender más de la justicia Sotomayor sobre crecer como Latina y su hogar, el Bronx* Consulte también esta lectura en Español en voz alta, Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx ¡Hay varios libros en nuestra maravillosa biblioteca de Emerson que puede recoger y leer más sobre el juez de la Corte Suprema Sotomayor!

*Puedes cambiar la lengua en “Settings” y “Subtitles/CC” y allí cambia a Espanol y luego, haga clic “refresh” y la traducción ser allí!

Connect with other API Families at Emerson!

Please join our online community of Asian and Pacific Islander families in the API Families of Emerson Elementary Google group. Connect with other families, share stories and resources, plan meetups and playdates, and organize events -- both virtual and (hopefully soon) IRL!

All Emerson families are welcome who wish to celebrate the shared and unique experiences of the API community. In the coming months, we'll be celebrating Filipinx Heritage Month, organizing a meet and greet for new families, enjoying an evening of API Bedtime Stories, and more!

Sign up for the group here: https://groups.google.com/g/api-families-of-emerson-elementary

See you online!

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 and posted online at emerson.berkeleypta.org. 

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. Send images as an e-mail attachment. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2021. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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

BearFacts News - 09.30.21




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 Community,

Welcome to fall!  Let it bring us rain, clean air, and vaccinations for the children.

You may have heard that schools are getting funds due to COVID-19. I want to review with you where that money is going at Emerson: 

-Additional Therapist Intern
-Additional School Campus Aide
-Increased English Language Learner Teacher Hours
-Increased Office Assistant Hours
-Release Time for Teacher Collaboration

This list was approved last Spring by the School Site Council, the School Leadership Team, and the BUSD Assistant Superintendent.  These supports help us with the emotional and social growth of our students, COVID-19 responses, safety on campus, and curriculum planning and implementation.  

Thank you for working together to keep our campus COVID-19 free.  The Office Assistants are diligently monitoring sick students. This is a friendly reminder NOT to send your child to school if they are sick.  

It is very important that we know why your child is absent as soon as possible.

In the morning, email Leahlopez@berkeley.net, Attendance Clerk, and the teacher, to report an absence.

We will work with you to inform you of the steps needed to clear your student to return back to school. If your child is home sick, they will need a doctor’s note or COVID-19 test administered by a medical professional to return.  We understand this is burdensome, but working together, we are following health guidelines set by the City of Berkeley Health Department and the BUSD School Board. 

We are in need of clothing donations for students.  Did you know we often need to give students a change of clothes after they have a bathroom accident or get sick on campus?  We need pants and underwear for boys (size 6- 10) and girl’s underwear (size 6-10).   Please send it with your child or bring it to Ms. Michelle, in front of the school in the morning.  

Thank you for your support, 

Jana Holmes

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL ELECTIONS CLOSE TODAY AT NOON

It is time to elect the 2021- 2022 Parent Representatives. Voting closes at noon on Thursday, Sept 30. We appreciate all the nominated community members.
The School Site Council is always open to all Emerson parents, with or without voting privilege.
Thank you for your participation. 

Click here for the online ballot.

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Thursday, September 30: Grade Parent Equity Training, 6 pm, Zoom Link

Monday, October 11: Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL for Students)

Week of October 25: Parent Teacher Conferences - MINIMUM DAYS (​​Students will be released at 1:10)

Friday, October 29: Parent Teacher Conferences (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.

Subscribe to the PTA Calendar

Stay up to date on key dates for Emerson! Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours! Click here to open and subscribe.

EQUITY CORNER

Do you know the story of Sylvia Mendez, the namesake of BUSD’s Two-Way Immersion elementary school?   You should!

In 1944, Sylvia Mendez was 9 years old and attending 3rd grade in Southern California.  After her family moved to a new school district, they were told she couldn’t enroll at the nearby school— it was "whites only”.  Mexican children were segregated into schools with few resources and were not able to receive an equitable public school education.  Sylvia’s family fought to end the discriminatory practices against Mexican students and ultimately succeeded in the courts, and further, when the Governor signed a bill to end school segregation in California.

Please watch and share this reading of an excellent book by Donald Tonatiuh about Sylvia and her family’s work to desegregate schools in California, “Separate is never Equal” or check this book out at the Emerson library

ESQUINA DE EQUIDAD

¿Conoce la historia de Sylvia Méndez, la tocaya de la escuela primaria de inmersión bidireccional de BUSD? 

 En 1944, Sylvia Méndez tenía 9 años y esta en el tercer grado en Orange County. Después de que su familia se mudó a un nuevo distrito escolar, les dijeron que no podía inscribirse en la escuela cercana, era "solo para blancos". Los niños Mexicanos fueron segregados en escuelas con pocos recursos y no pudieron recibir una educación pública equitativa. La familia de Sylvia luchó para poner fin a las prácticas discriminatorias contra los estudiantes Mexicanos y finalmente tuvo éxito en los tribunales y, además, cuando el gobernador firmó un ley para poner fin a la segregación escolar en California.

Mire y comparta esta lectura de un excelente libro de Donald Tonatiuh sobre el trabajo de Sylvia y su familia para eliminar la segregación de las escuelas en California, "Separar nunca es igual" o consulte este libro en la biblioteca de Emerson.

PTA UPDATE

Community Building Events Meeting: Tuesday, October 5 ~ 4:45 - 5:30 pm
Come Join us with your ideas + help us plan Community Events for the 2021-22 school year. Zoom Meeting: Tuesday October 5, 4:45-5:30pm

Email both Shawna and Ariel with YOUR interest in participating in planning or volunteering  in Community Events: shnawa1@gmail.com    cluteariel@gmail.com

Watch our first PTA Meeting held last Tuesday, September 21, featuring guest speaker Vice Mayor (and Emerson parent!) Lori Droste presented the Willard Park Clubhouse proposals for community feedback. Recorded Zoom Meeting HERE

Connect with the PTA by completing the PTA Sign-up Form.

Join the PTA today to help Emerson! Each year your membership must be renewed, and, if needed, we will gladly cover your $10 fee: https://emerson.berkeleypta.org/pta-membership

INTRODUCING YOUR GRADE PARENTS

Thank you to the 33 parents/guardians who have volunteered to serve as Grade Parents this year working together at each grade to support our students, teachers, and families! Your commitment and teamwork are critical to building the connection that creates Emerson’s supportive community.
In the coming weeks, families will be hearing from Grade Parents through your grade level’s Remind class. Find out who is on your Grade Parent Team HERE and see some open spots! Email tylerrickieblack@gmail.com if you are interested in joining a team for Ms. Barnes, Ms. Totten, Ms. Griz, or Ms. Lewis/Schafer.

TEACHER’S CORNER

Fourth Graders recently finished up an art project where they learned about shape, pattern and color. The artists divided their papers into 3 or 4 sections and then wrote either their full name or a very short sentence about themselves. They made sure to have each letter touch the line or edge above and below so that the thick, black India ink lines would create interesting shapes.  They used crayons to fill these shapes with patterns and then painted the shapes with watercolor. They are proudly displayed on the bulletin board by the library.

Artwork: Three columns of words in bold black capital letters stacked on top of each other in between wavy lines with multicolor background. Words in first column read ART, JACOB, ROPE, DAPHNE LOVES, PUPPIES, MERIEM, LOVES, EMERSON, SCHOOL. Words in…

Greetings Families,

It has been so very wonderful to have the students back in the art room!

This year, I want our art classes to include age-appropriate discussions that help us work toward recognizing biases and stereotypes, and help us appreciate each other as individuals. 

We need books and materials in the art room that can help our student artists explore these ideas through artistic expression.

In past years I could write a grant through the Berkeley Schools Fund. This is no longer an option as they have changed their mission and grants to specific classrooms are no longer available.

If you feel moved to support these efforts, a purchase from my Amazon Wishlist would be most appreciated.

And if not, no worries! I recognize you have been supporting the art program at Emerson in many ways, whether that be by asking your child what they did in art this week, by contributing to the Heart of Emerson or volunteering in the classroom.

With Gratitude,
Lucy Ames

BUSD FAMILY ENGAGEMENT SEMINAR SERIES

BUSD’s Family Engagement Seminar Series begins this Monday, October 4th from 6-7:30 with “Every Shut Eye Ain’t Sleep”, Celebrating the Historical and Contemporary Cultural Capital of African American Families. This series is designed specifically for AA/Black families to address the disproportionality of AA/Black students in special education disability categories and although the first session is designed for AA/Black families, this series is appropriate for all families and BUSD employees who want to become more knowledgeable. Please join the Zoom session HERE.

FREE AIR FILTERS FOR FAMILIES IN NEED

Do you need an air filter at home for smokey days?

There’s a new program from RAMP (Regional Asthma Management and Prevention) that provides portable air units to protect vulnerable families from harmful air quality in Alameda county. To see if your family qualifies, please contact AirFilters@baaqmd.gov or click this link to learn more: https://bit.ly/3htuDfR

COVID-19 VACCINE CLINIC

DATE: Saturday, 10/2 from 9 am - 1 pm LOCATION: Lake Merritt UMC 1255 First Ave, Oakland 94606
Click here for multilingual downloadable flyers.

No appointment, no ID, no insurance required. Walk-ins welcome! All vaccine types, and if you need a ride, get a $10 Lyft credit when you register online. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are available for those who completed their initial series at least 6 months ago and who meet at least one of the following: 65 years and older, 18+ who have underlying medical conditions, 18+who work or live in high-risk settings.

On-Campus COVID-19 Testing
Every Friday

Scan this QR code with your device to complete the Primary Health Registration form one time for weekly COVID-19 testing.

CITY OF BERKELEY TESTING SITES

Note: BUSD on-campus testing registration is found at https://my.primary.health/l/berkeley_usd

The City of Berkeley coordinates several COVID-19 testing sites, which are available to all, whether you have insurance or not.  Please click this link to learn about locations and appointments.  Translation is provided directly on the site along the left-hand side.

Nota: El registro de exámenes BUSD en el campus se encuentra en https://my.primary.health/l/berkeley_usd

La ciudad de Berkeley coordina varios sitios de prueba COVID-19, que están disponibles para todos, si tenga seguro médico o no. Haga clic en este enlace para obtener información sobre ubicaciones y citas. La traducción se proporciona directamente en el sitio a lo largo del lado izquierdo.

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 and posted online at emerson.berkeleypta.org. 

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. Send images as an e-mail attachment. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2021. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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

BearFacts News - 09.23.21




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,

It’s hard to believe but the first Trimester of the school year ends on Friday, October 15.  Please mark your calendars for Parent-Teacher Conferences, which will take place the week of October 25.  Each day will be a Minimum Day and appointments will be made to meet with your child’s teacher via Zoom.  There will not be school on Monday, October 11, or Friday, October 29.

As we move further into the school year, we are eager to reward students for their positive choices and behaviors.  Students are “Caught Being Good” and given a ticket, which they write their name on.  The tickets are collected in the Main Office and each Friday morning several students’ names are randomly selected.  Students then have the opportunity to visit the Principal’s office to choose a prize from the Reward Bin.  We reward students when they make positive choices, such as participating in class, choosing to be an ally, volunteering to clean up, etc. 

Another way we encourage students is through the Monthly Shout Out certificates.  This Emerson tradition is an opportunity to positively recognize every student in the school.  Your child’s strengths will be acknowledged in an All School Meeting, for all to see and hear.  Students will bring home a laminated certificate that you can proudly display.  All School Meetings are recorded via Zoom and shared with parents via Remind. 

Your child may come home complaining about the wasps outside during lunch.  They are attracted to the food, especially meat. I have requested insect traps from the district office.  We are also hanging up “dryer sheets” which are reportedly an aversion to the wasps.  This is a challenge that every Elementary School in Berkeley is facing.  We are not aware of any student being stung.  Thank you for your patience as we continue to face new challenges due to the pandemic. 

We are thankful that our Covid safety practices are working.  We wash hands in the classrooms at the start of each day, and again before students eat.  We also use hand sanitizer after eating, before sharing objects, and during most transitions throughout the day.  Students and staff are wearing their masks all day long.  We provide a new mask for anyone who needs one at any time.  

Please do not send your child to school if they are sick. Communication between school staff and parents is very important.  Contact your child’s teacher and Ms. Michelle, Office Assistant, if your child needs to stay home.  In addition, after the illness has subsided, you will need to provide Ms. Michelle, (LeahLopez@berkeley.net) a doctor’s note or negative Covid test result to return your student to school.  Thank you for being careful in the community during the evenings and weekends. 

Let’s continue to work together to keep our students in school.  We are so happy we are all here! 

Take care,

Jana Holmes

On-Campus COVID-19 Testing
Every Friday

Scan this QR code with your device to complete the Primary Health Registration form one time for weekly COVID-19 testing.

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Thursday, September 23: Grade Parent Orientation, 4:30 pm, Zoom | Meeting ID: 850 4431 7530 | Passcode: bears

Monday, October 11: Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL for Students)

Week of October 25: Parent Teacher Conferences - MINIMUM DAYS

Friday, October 29: Parent Teacher Conferences (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.

Subscribe to the PTA Calendar

Stay up to date on key dates for Emerson! Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours! Click here to open and subscribe.

EQUITY CORNER

Our local library is filled with the stories of Latinx heritage and our librarians have assembled a beautiful collection of books by grade to share with your family in both English and Spanish. Please check out the thoughtful reading lists organized by grade level here! To learn more about our incredible library or for more recommendations, please reach out to our librarian, Ms. Rachel at rachelbudge@berkeley.net

ESQUINA DE EQUIDAD

Nuestra biblioteca local está llena de historias de la herencia Latina y nuestros bibliotecarios han reunido una hermosa colección de libros por grado para compartir con su familia tanto en inglés o en español. ¡Por favor, consulte las listas de lecturas detalladas organizadas por nivel de grado aquí Para obtener más información sobre nuestra increíble biblioteca o para obtener más recomendaciones, comuníquese con nuestra bibliotecaria, la Sra. Rachel en rachelbudge@berkeley.net

-cielo@magicspoon.net, PTA equity vp

PTA UPDATE

Grade Parent Orientation

Grade Parents are invited to join an interactive orientation on Thursday, Sept 23, 2021 from 4:30-5:30 pm. Meet your Grade Parent Team and learn how your role together will help strengthen the Emerson community!

Zoom Link Meeting ID: 850 4431 7530. Passcode: bears

It's not too late to join! Special call out to willing parents in the following classes: Salyk, Kyla, Barnes, Totten, Lewis/Schafer.

Email Tyler tylerrickieblack@gmail.com to inquire or sign up.

Join the PTA today to help Emerson! Each year your membership must be renewed, and, if needed, we will gladly cover your $10 fee: https://emerson.berkeleypta.org/pta-membership

TEACHER’s corner

Many of our classes are learning how to mix primary colors to create secondary colors (Refresher in case you've forgotten: Yellow and blue mix to make green. Red and yellow together make orange. Blue and red make purple.) First graders made monsters based on the book Monsters Love Color by Mike Austin. Second graders created secondary colors on their fish by layering magenta, yellow and turquoise blue tissue paper. They finished the fish with crayon and marker. Color mixing is something we do in different ways throughout our years at Emerson.

-Lucy Ames, Art Teacher (she/her)

PXL_20210920_183201596.jpg

FREE AIR FILTERS FOR FAMILIES IN NEED

Do you need an air filter at home for smokey days?

There’s a new program from RAMP (Regional Asthma Management and Prevention) that provides portable air units to protect vulnerable families from harmful air quality in Alameda county. To see if your family qualifies, please contact AirFilters@baaqmd.gov or click this link to learn more: https://bit.ly/3htuDfR

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic

Saturdays: 9/25 and 10/2
9 am - 1 pm
1255 First Ave, Oakland 94606
No appointment, no ID, no insurance required.

Walk-ins welcome! All vaccine types, and if you need a ride, get a $10 Lyft credit when you register online. https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/alamedavax

Click here for multilingual downloadable flyers.

City of Berkeley Testing Sites

Note: BUSD on-campus testing registration is found at https://my.primary.health/l/berkeley_usd

The City of Berkeley coordinates several COVID-19 testing sites, which are available to all, whether you have insurance or not.  Please click this link to learn about locations and appointments.  Translation is provided directly on the site along the left-hand side.

Nota: El registro de exámenes BUSD en el campus se encuentra en https://my.primary.health/l/berkeley_usd

La ciudad de Berkeley coordina varios sitios de prueba COVID-19, que están disponibles para todos, si tenga seguro médico o no. Haga clic en este enlace para obtener información sobre ubicaciones y citas. La traducción se proporciona directamente en el sitio a lo largo del lado izquierdo.

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 and posted online at emerson.berkeleypta.org. 

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. Send images as an e-mail attachment. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2021. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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

BearFacts News - 09.16.21




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 don’t know about you, but the pandemic has really taught me to “count my blessings.” Each day that we go without a positive campus COVID case and that the sky above is blue, I am thankful. It is a privilege and an honor to be an educator during these extraordinary times. It makes it all worthwhile to witness the joy the students are experiencing to be back on campus. They are able to learn in person, play with their peers at recess, and go home tired and satisfied at the end of the day. After all we have been through, I believe we can all agree on the importance of school in a child’s life.

Thank you for continuing to do your part to keep our community safe. We now have over 90% of the student body signed up for weekly COVID testing. We realize that there are a few parents who do not receive their child’s test results immediately. This has been a concern at every school site, and we are working with Primary Health to remedy this delay. However, please know that the medical technicians do not leave our campus after Friday testing until they have reported whether any positive COVID cases were found. If we do have a positive case, contact tracing will begin immediately, and parents will be contacted. The student with the positive test will also be isolated, and the parent/ guardian will be notified and required to pick up their student as soon as possible. In all cases, we will maintain confidentiality.

Students will begin to take beginning-of-the-year academic assessments during September and October.  Teachers will administer the DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) test in grades Kindergarten through 2nd. The STAR (Standardized Test for the Assessment of Reading) will be administered in the areas of Reading and Math to grades 3- 5. The results will be used for teachers to determine how to best work with students. You will be able to learn more about your child’s progress during Parent and Teacher Conferences which will take place the last week of October.

You may begin to learn, see or hear about more visitors on the Emerson campus. The School Board and Superintendent have approved limited access to campus for visitors through the Berkeley Schools Volunteers program. Each school site volunteer will need to provide proof of vaccination, be trained, vetted, and cleared by the BSV Program. If you’d like to learn more about how you can volunteer, visit Berkeley Public Schools Fund Org website here. 

Thank you for your support,

Jana Holmes


 

On-Campus COVID-19 Testing
Every Friday

Scan this QR code with your device to complete the Primary Health Registration form one time for weekly COVID-19 testing.

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Saturday, September 18: Cal Football Parking by 4th Graders (to volunteer, reach out to Steve Wilson: soccerfan311@gmail.com)

Tuesday, September 21: PTA Association Meeting, 7 pm, Zoom

Thursday, September 23: Group Parent Orientation, 4:30 pm, Zoom

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.

FREE AIR FILTERS FOR FAMILIES IN NEED

Do you need an air filter at home for smokey days?

There’s a new program from RAMP (Regional Asthma Management and Prevention) that provides portable air units to protect vulnerable families from harmful air quality in Alameda county. To see if your family qualifies, please contact AirFilters@baaqmd.gov or click this link to learn more: https://bit.ly/3htuDfR

EQUITY CORNER

Beginning September 15, we celebrate Latina/o/x* and Hispanic Heritage month. Did you know the United States didn’t account for racial or cultural identity for Latinos (North and South America) or Hispanic (Spain) people in the Census until this law was passed in 1976 and even then, the label “Hispanic" encompassed every Spanish speaking person but did not account for people from Portugal or Brazil (Portuguese speakers)?

It wasn’t until 1997, when the OMB began to revise the Standards of Classification of Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity and clarified cultural identity by distinguishing between Latina/Latino/Latinx and Hispanic— so accounting for these different cultural identities didn’t actually begin until very recently.
*In Spanish, ALL nouns are classified by either a masculine (el/-o) or feminine (la/-a), though these classifications do not imply a male or female identity. For example: el libro means “the book” and la ciudad means “the city”. The introduction of Latinx began by a group of people who shared a common cultural identity but did not want to have their cultural identity gendered. Latinx is pronounced “Latin-EX” or “La-teen-yeh”, depending on the speaker’s preference.
for more information about this specific history, please check out: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/09/15/who-is-hispanic/ or email me to talk more about this!

-cielo@magicspoon.net, PTA equity vp

On behalf of the Emerson teachers and staff, congrats to all of our September shout-out students listed below!

Shout Out2.jpg

TEACHER’s corner

5th graders created the works of art below using the letters of their names. This was a very open-ended project so students could decide if they wanted their names to be obvious or hard to find. The one main requirement was that they needed to make sure their letters were different from the background. In art this is called CONTRAST. Strategies used were warm colors next to cool, light next to dark, solid next to patterned.

-Lucy Ames, Art Teacher (she/her)

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic

Saturdays: 9/18, 9/25/, 10/2
9 am - 1 pm
1255 First Ave, Oakland 94606
No appointment, no ID, no insurance required.

Walk-ins welcome! All vaccine types, and if you need a ride, get a $10 Lyft credit when you register online. https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/alamedavax

Click here for multilingual downloadable flyers.

City of Berkeley Testing Sites

Note: BUSD on-campus testing registration is found at https://my.primary.health/l/berkeley_usd

The City of Berkeley coordinates several COVID-19 testing sites, which are available to all, whether you have insurance or not.  Please click this link to learn about locations and appointments.  Translation is provided directly on the site along the left-hand side.

Nota: El registro de exámenes BUSD en el campus se encuentra en https://my.primary.health/l/berkeley_usd

La ciudad de Berkeley coordina varios sitios de prueba COVID-19, que están disponibles para todos, si tenga seguro médico o no. Haga clic en este enlace para obtener información sobre ubicaciones y citas. La traducción se proporciona directamente en el sitio a lo largo del lado izquierdo.

PTA UPDATE

Please join our first PTA meeting on Tuesday September 21 from 7p - 8p. We will introduce our Board, Grade Parents, and Committees, and our guest speaker Vice Mayor (and Emerson parent!) Lori Droste will present on the Willard Park Clubhouse.
Sign up for volunteering to be a Grade Parent, and for PTA activities and events:
PTA Sign-up Form

Join the PTA today to help Emerson! Each year your membership must be renewed, and, if needed, we will gladly cover your $10 fee: https://emerson.berkeleypta.org/pta-membership

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 and posted online at emerson.berkeleypta.org. 

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. Send images as an e-mail attachment. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2021. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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

BearFacts News - 09.09.21




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 enjoyed a great Labor Day weekend.  As we move into our first full month of school, we have lots to be grateful for.  We have a full, experienced, teaching staff, many of whom have taught at Emerson for over a decade.  Half of our teacher’s children currently attend Emerson, or are Emerson Alumni.  As tough as it is to be an educator in these challenging times, your child’s teachers are here because they care.  They value a high quality education and are exceptionally capable and dedicated.  Even though Staff Appreciation Week isn’t until May, I encourage you to thank and offer support to the staff throughout the year.  I am so appreciative of the Emerson staff, and I hope you are too! 

We also want to thank the PTA who have really stepped up this fall.  We enjoyed our August weekend “PTA Boot Camp”, facilitated by Co-Presidents Tyler Black and Rana Cho.  Indeed, the PTA has been busy behind the scenes.  They donated additional air filters to our large spaces, including the Library and Multi-Purpose Room.  They are also retooling our school web page and contributing classroom supplies.  The Cal Football Parking Fundraiser has been reinstated on home game days.  They have even provided school staff with multiple early morning breakfasts.  Last Friday morning, the PTA set up a table to answer questions about student COVID-19 testing sign-ups.  We are so appreciative of our PTA and the many ways they have stood tall for students and staff.

We are celebrating the 84% registration rate for student COVID-19 testing, but would like to push even higher. There is still time to sign up for weekly testing now at  https://my.primary.health/l/berkeley_usd.  This is a student administered, gentle nasal swab. Under certain circumstances, your child may be eligible to continue attending school within a modified quarantine, but they will need to sign up for regular on site school testing. Please remember that students should never come to school if they have symptoms of COVID-19.  Please call or email Attendance Clerk/Office Assistance Leahlopez@berkeley.net if you need to keep your child at home.  

As we move into September, we can anticipate fluctuations in our weather.  You can visit the district’s webpage here to learn more about Air Quality response during fire season. Sometimes we experience both cold and heat on the same day.  Please send your student to school with layers of clothing that can be added or removed throughout the date.  As always, please label the clothing so we may return it to your child if left behind on the playground. 

September 15-October 15 is National Latino Heritage Month.  Here is the BUSD resolution, passed last Spring, in support of culturally responsive schools: LatinX Resolution.  Emerson staff has been collaborating to create lessons to celebrate Latino culture and history this month (and throughout the year!).  We are happy your students are on campus and that we can teach them in person. 

Thank you for your support,

Jana Holmes 

 

On-Campus COVID-19 Testing
Every Friday

Scan this QR code with your device to complete the Primary Health Registration form one time for weekly COVID-19 testing.

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Saturday, September 18: Cal Football Parking by 4th Graders (to volunteer, reach out to Steve Wilson: soccerfan311@gmail.com)

Tuesday, September 21: PTA Association Meeting, 7 pm, Zoom

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.

Hello From The Art Room!

Check out these "Crazy Critters" by Third Graders. The artists drew beetles and then filled them with a wonderful variety of patterns.

Ms. Ames, Emerson Art Teacher (lucyames@berkeley.net)

PTA MEMBERSHIP

Join the PTA today to help Emerson! Each year your membership must be renewed, and, if needed, we will gladly cover your $10 fee: https://emerson.berkeleypta.org/pta-membership

CONNECT & VOLUNTEER

Do you want to learn more about Emerson? Do you want to connect with families and help foster community? 

Get Involved: Fill out the PTA Contact Form sent home in your Look folders. Return the completed form to school with your interests!

Grade Parent: Formerly known as Room Parents, Grade Parents volunteer to help teachers and classrooms in a range of needs, from collecting materials, coordinating events, connecting families to resources. During the pandemic, Grade Parents are THE person-to-person connection we rely on. This is a relationship role, more than a time commitment.  Contact Rose Lynn (4th gr, Nora) at roselynn20@gmail.com.

Where’s Waldo Directory: Update your contact information in Where’s Waldo, our opt-in directory: https://emersonberkeleypta.membershiptoolkit.com/ 

Remind: Get messages from school by text or email. Sign up by going to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb OR text @7f6hb to 81010 

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic

Four Saturdays: 9/11, 9/18, 9/25/, 10/2
9 am - 1 pm
1255 First Ave, Oakland 94606
No appointment, no ID, no insurance required.

Walk-ins welcome! All vaccine types, and if you need a ride, get a $10 Lyft credit when you register online. https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/alamedavax

Click here for multilingual downloadable flyers.

City of Berkeley Testing Sites

Note: BUSD on-campus testing registration is found at https://my.primary.health/l/berkeley_usd

The City of Berkeley coordinates several COVID-19 testing sites, which are available to all, whether you have insurance or not.  Please click this link to learn about locations and appointments.  Translation is provided directly on the site along the left-hand side.

Nota: El registro de exámenes BUSD en el campus se encuentra en https://my.primary.health/l/berkeley_usd

La ciudad de Berkeley coordina varios sitios de prueba COVID-19, que están disponibles para todos, si tenga seguro médico o no. Haga clic en este enlace para obtener información sobre ubicaciones y citas. La traducción se proporciona directamente en el sitio a lo largo del lado izquierdo.

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 and posted online at emerson.berkeleypta.org. 

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. Send images as an e-mail attachment. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2021. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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

BearFacts News - 09.2.21

Emerson BearFacts header




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 starting on-campus COVID testing tomorrow.  The Rapid Antigen COVID test will be Administered by a Health Professional and is a Gentle Nasal Swab.  Please complete this Primary Health registration form today, so your student can be tested during surveillance testing tomorrow. It also enables your student to be tested if we have an instance of a modified quarantine. To avoid quarantine at home, your child will need to be tested twice weekly during the quarantine period. This testing must take place at school, and BUSD will not be able to accept outside test results because of the complexity of tracking testing information. The goal is 100% of the Emerson staff and students to participate in regular COVID testing.  Sign up now!

We need members for the 2021- 2022 School Site Council.  This is an important group of teachers, parents and classified employees that works with the Principal to develop, review and evaluate school improvement programs and school budgets. The members of the site council are generally elected by their peers. For example, parents elect the parent representatives and teachers elect teachers.  We typically meet once a month, usually for 1.5 hours. If you would like to participate please complete this nomination form by Thursday, September 16th.  To select members an election via email will follow. 

Parent Nomination Form for Emerson's 2021- 2022 School Site Council

As we move into September, we can anticipate fluctuations in our weather.  You can visit the district’s webpage here to learn more about Air Quality response during fire season. Sometimes we experience both heat and cold on the same day.  Please send your student to school with layers of clothing that can be added or removed throughout the date.  As always, please label the clothing so we may return it to your child if left behind on the playground.  

Despite the many challenges we face this year, we are also planning for some fun.  Although we have to postpone the Little Petting Zoo until visitors are welcome on campus, we will celebrate the student’s excellent attendance, behavior and participation with a treat and dance party during Friday’s lunch recess. 

Thank you for your support,

Jana Holmes 

The header box says housekeeping and has a light yellow background. There is a picture of a broom at the top right. A text box with blue background is below this and has five bullet points. First, every Wednesday is early release, please plan to pic…
 

On-Campus COVID-19 Testing
Every Friday

Scan this QR code with your device to complete the Primary Health Registration form one time for weekly COVID-19 testing.

Box with a QR code. Text in the box reads To register for testing at Berkeley USD. Need Help Registering? Contacting us at (650) 275-5419. Bottom right: California Department of Public Health logo. Bottom left: Primary Health logo
Header text box says in orange type “What about the fires?” Air Quality Index Response” Text box underneath says BUSD schools can stay open during most instances when smoke from wildfires is in the East Bay. All classrooms and offices have HEPA 17 a…

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Friday, September 3: First All School Meeting, 8:20 a.m.

Friday, September 3: Student Reward: Dance Party on Campus during lunch

Saturday, September 4: Cal Football Parking by 5th Graders (to volunteer, reach out to Steve Wilson: soccerfan311@gmail.com)

Monday, September 6: Labor Day (No School)

Wednesday, September 8: BUSD Board Meeting, 7 pm, Zoom

Saturday, September 18: Cal Football Parking by 4th Graders (to volunteer, reach out to Steve Wilson: soccerfan311@gmail.com)

Tuesday, September 21: PTA Association Meeting, 7 pm, Zoom

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.

HELLO FROM THE ART ROOM!

This is just a quick note to say how great it is to have Emerson's young artists back in the Art Room. Apparently one of the first or second graders who had art today is happy about being back at school too.  I found this note on one of our "messy mats." 

Ms. Ames, Emerson Art Teacher (lucyames@berkeley.net)

White paper with child’s drawing in black crayon. A cloud with four different size hearts and the words inside the cloud that read School is great!!.

PTA MEMBERSHIP

Join the PTA today to help Emerson! Each year your membership must be renewed, and, if needed, we will gladly cover your $10 fee: https://emerson.berkeleypta.org/pta-membership

CONNECT & VOLUNTEER

Do you want to learn more about Emerson? Do you want to connect with families and help foster community? 

Get Involved: Fill out the PTA Contact Form sent home in your Look folders. Return the completed form to school with your interests!

Grade Parent: Formerly known as Room Parents, Grade Parents volunteer to help teachers and classrooms in a range of needs, from collecting materials, coordinating events, connecting families to resources. During the pandemic, Grade Parents are THE person-to-person connection we rely on. This is a relationship role, more than a time commitment.  Contact Rose Lynn (4th gr, Nora) at roselynn20@gmail.com.

Where’s Waldo Directory: Update your contact information in Where’s Waldo, our opt-in directory: https://emersonberkeleypta.membershiptoolkit.com/ 

Remind: Get messages from school by text or email. Sign up by going to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb OR text @7f6hb to 81010 

City of Berkeley Testing Sites

Note: BUSD on-campus testing registration is found at https://my.primary.health/l/berkeley_usd

The City of Berkeley coordinates several COVID-19 testing sites, which are available to all, whether you have insurance or not.  Please click this link to learn about locations and appointments.  Translation is provided directly on the site along the left-hand side.

Nota: El registro de exámenes BUSD en el campus se encuentra en https://my.primary.health/l/berkeley_usd

La ciudad de Berkeley coordina varios sitios de prueba COVID-19, que están disponibles para todos, si tenga seguro médico o no. Haga clic en este enlace para obtener información sobre ubicaciones y citas. La traducción se proporciona directamente en el sitio a lo largo del lado izquierdo.

Screen shot of City of Berkeley COVID-19 testing site with an arrow pointing to the language box.

Start Your Year with Emerson Gear

LIVE LINK HERE

Green background, black outline drawings of t-shirt, cap, water bottle, and mug before Emerson bear logo. Text on the flyer reads “Start your year with Emerson gear! hoodies, baseball T’s, water bottles, mugs, pins, pajamas, socks, stickers, caps. V…

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 posted online at emerson.berkeleypta.org. 

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. Send images as an e-mail attachment. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2021. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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

BearFacts News - 08.26.21

Emerson BearFacts header




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 have one week under our belt and we are off to a great start!  The students are happy to be back on campus and are quickly adjusting to the new routines and structures.  Thank you for all your support and for bringing them back to school! We love having them on campus!

It is true that this year will be extremely challenging. We continue to face the dual threats of COVID and the wildfires that affect our air quality.  We will do our best to keep your children safe under all circumstances.  Our goal is to provide a top-notch, caring and safe environment.  No doubt our ability to communicate, pivot, and adjust to changing circumstances will be paramount.  I ask that you continue to be patient with school staff as we support your students in this unprecedented time. 

If you are not receiving the Remind messages please sign up by: 

going to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb OR text @7f6hb to 81010 

Please join us tonight, Thursday, August 26 for our Virtual Back to School Night.  The first hour, from 5:30- 6:30, will be a time for the School Administration and the PTA Co-Presidents to introduce the school and the PTA and to review COVID procedures/policies.  We also will leave time for a question and answer forum.  From 6:30 to 7:30, you will visit your student’s grade level Teacher Zoom.  The evening will be recorded.  Join us on Zoom:  Meeting ID: 882 7097 7372, Passcode: 335252. 

Next week we will begin on site COVID testing for students and staff.  We strongly encourage you to enroll for this free testing service: https://my.primary.health/l/berkeley_usd. Emerson will test on Friday mornings. 

After you complete this registration your student can be tested every week by Vestra Labs. The consent covers both rapid antigen testing and PCR testing. If you need assistance with registration, you can contact a call center representative Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm PST at 650-275-5419. For more information about COVID on site testing for staff and students visit: https://www.berkeleyschools.net/busd-covid-19-student-testing-2021-2022/.   Keep in mind, we do not accept home testing kits as proof of testing. For more information about where to get tested outside of school you can visit: https://www.cityofberkeley.info/covid19-testing/. 

Let us continue to work together to keep the school safe.  Please encourage your child to wear a mask, wash their hands with soap and water frequently and vaccinate everyone in your household as soon as they are eligible.  Each family should use the Daily Student Health Screener to monitor for symptoms and do not send your child to school if they are sick.  We are all in this together! 

We are now in Wildfire Season and poor air quality remains a threat.  In order to keep students safe from COVID, we eat breakfast and lunch outside most days. However, if we have a poor air quality day and the Air Quality Index reaches 101 (Orange Color Tier), we will bring the students inside to eat and teachers may choose whether or not to close their classroom windows.  If we reach 151 or higher, the doors and the windows will be closed and students will continue to eat inside.  If we reach 201 or higher, district officials will meet to determine whether or not school should be closed.  In addition, if we experience a power outage, which would mean that we can not run our air filters, district office staff will make a decision whether or not to close schools.  If you want to come take your child home under any of these circumstances, please call the front office to let us know. We will also do our best to communicate with you through our usual tools of Remind, email and/or an automated phone call home. To learn more about the BUSD Air Quality Policy read here.

As you can see, there are many factors to consider this year.  There are also many ways to get involved to support your child and our school.  Now is the time for School Site Council Nominations.  The School Site Council meets once a month, and reviews and approves the Safety Plan, and the School Site Plan, which includes much of the budget. If you are interested in joining this important committee, made up of parents, school staff, and community members, please complete this nomination form before Thursday, Sept. 16th.  An electronic election will take place after the nominations are in.  Here is the form. 

Thank you so much for standing by Emerson!  We appreciate your support, your collaboration and your dedication to our community.  

Respectfully,

Jana Holmes 

Message from the PTA

We hope your school year is off to a strong start! We’re so grateful for our Emerson community!

Get Involved! We know many of you are looking for ways to get involved. PTA Signups and a Contact Form will be sent home with students on Friday. Please review, sign up for whatever feels right, and return with your student on Monday.

Grade Parents! Formerly known as Room Parents, Grade Parents volunteer to help teachers and classrooms in a range of needs, from collecting materials, coordinating events, connecting families to resources. During the pandemic, Grade Parents are THE person-to-person connection we rely on. This is a relationship role, more than a time commitment. Please get in touch with Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell (Parent of Nora, 4th grade - Grzanowski, roselynn20@gmail.com).

Join the PTA. Simply signing up helps Emerson! Each year your membership must be renewed, and, if needed, we will gladly cover your $10 fee: https://emerson.berkeleypta.org/pta-membership

Please update your contact information in Where’s Waldo, our opt-in directory: https://emersonberkeleypta.membershiptoolkit.com/

In service,
Tyler Black - PTA Co-President (Nina, 3rd Grade - Barnes)
Rana Cho - PTA Co-President (Haedan, 3rd Grade - Barnes)

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Thursday, August 26: Back to School Night, 5:30 p.m. | Join Zoom Meeting | Meeting ID: 882 7097 7372 | Passcode: 335252

Friday, September 3: First All School Meeting, 8:20 a.m.

Friday, September 3: Student Reward, Little Explorers Petting Zoo on Campus during lunch

Saturday, September 4: Cal Football Parking by 5th Graders (to volunteer, reach out to Steve Wilson: soccerfan311@gmail.com)

Monday, September 6: Labor Day (No School)

Saturday, September 18: Cal Football Parking by 4th Graders (to volunteer, reach out to Steve Wilson: soccerfan311@gmail.com)

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.

Communications Volunteers Needed

Seeking several enthusiastic volunteers to help manage some key systems that keep us all connected! If you are interested, please call/text Rose Lynn (626.695.0687) and Bruk (510.944.5972) or email emersonschoolnews@gmail.com.

  • Where’s Waldo Directory - Manage updates to our online directory

  • Grade Parents - Connect grade cohort families with each other and coordinate support for teachers/classrooms

City of Berkeley Testing Sites

The City of Berkeley coordinates several COVID-19 testing sites, which are available to all, whether you have insurance or not.  Please click this link to learn about locations and appointments.  Translation is provided directly on the site along the left-hand side.

La ciudad de Berkeley coordina varios sitios de prueba COVID-19, que están disponibles para todos, si tenga seguro médico o no. Haga clic en este enlace para obtener información sobre ubicaciones y citas. La traducción se proporciona directamente en el sitio a lo largo del lado izquierdo.

Screen shot of City of Berkeley COVID-19 testing site with an arrow pointing to the language box.

Screen shot of City of Berkeley COVID-19 testing site with an arrow pointing to the language box.

Start Your Year with Emerson Gear

Live link here

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 posted online at emerson.berkeleypta.org. 

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 © 2021. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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

BearFacts News - 08.19.21




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,
Welcome to the 2021-2022 School Year!  We are so thrilled to start this school year in person.  Our goal is to provide your child with nurturing support and a stellar educational experience.  We are so excited to be able to do that on campus this year. 

Every week I will write a message to update you about the happenings in our school. As we begin a new school year, we will continue many of the safety practices we employed last Spring when we returned to school.  Last May, the City of Berkeley health department toured our campus and Dr. Liza Ortiz said, “We were impressed to see how Emerson is making the most of a small campus, a factor that makes implementation of COVID-19 safety measures all the more challenging… we congratulate you and your team on Emerson Elementary School’s effective implementation of safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We encourage you, your staff and your families to remain vigilant and continue to take all recommended precautions to keep our community healthy and safe.”  

This school year, all students and staff are required to wear masks, except when eating and drinking.  Each classroom and office is equipped with a Merv Air Filter and a CO2 Air monitor.  Tents have been set up outside to shelter students in inclement weather.  On most days, students will eat breakfast and lunch outside. Parents and visitors are not permitted to come onto campus.  If you do need to speak to someone in the office, please call (510) 644-6890 or find Ms. Michelle at a desk outside the campus front doors between 8:00-8:45 am. 

We continue to follow guidance from the CDPH and City of Berkeley Public Health. Students will wash hands before eating and/ or sharing equipment.  Students will eat with their classmates, but may play in grade level groups during both recesses.  

The district is no longer requiring families to complete a health screening form prior to coming to campus. However, families are expected to monitor their child’s health and keep students home if they are demonstrating signs of illness, listed here.  If your child does contract COVID-19, do not bring your child to school and notify me, Ms. Gaby or Ms. Michelle at (510) 644- 6890 immediately.

All families who are exposed to a student with COVID-19 will be notified by our front office staff, and provided quarantine directions designed by BUSD District Nurses and City of Berkeley Health Department. Please join us and do your part, as parents, to keep everyone safe. 

For more information about COVID-19 mitigations practices and policies district wide see the Berkeley Unified School District 2021- 2022 Safety Plan.  If you were unable to attend the Principal and PTA Co-President Meet and Greet last week, which detailed Emerson’s site specific procedures, you may view the slideshow presentation here. Finally, the district website includes a Fall Reopening Page with useful information here.  

This year, more than ever, let’s stick together.  We are all on the same team: one community! I look forward to collaborating with you for a successful year.
Sincerely, 

Jana Holmes

Message from the PTA

Welcome back to Emerson! And an extra warm recognition of our Kindergarten and new-to-Emerson families!

We are so thankful to resume in-person school, especially to the staff and Principal Holmes. We are all navigating these challenging times together, and that is the energy we need to support our students and families. Thank you for your patience while we, the PTA, revise our events and programs to fit pandemic guidelines. 

We’re thankful to have hosted the Kindergarten Playdate, Chalk the Yard, and Back to School Staff Appreciation so far (see pictures below).  At the time of this letter, we are limited to remote/virtual events; any in-person events will be outdoors, spaced, and masked beyond school hours. The Emerson School Playground is open to the public beyond school hours, as public parks are. This may change.

Unfortunately, we cannot sponsor afterschool enrichment this year again, but the PTA can support parents and caregivers who want to initiate interest clubs or sessions outside of school. Please get in touch with us and Grade Parents if you want to start something!

Grade Parents! Formerly known as Room Parents, Grade Parents volunteer to help teachers and classrooms in a range of needs, from collecting materials, coordinating events, connecting families to resources. During the pandemic, Grade Parents are THE person-to-person connection we rely on. This is a relationship role, more than a time commitment. Please get in touch with Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell (Parent of Nora, 4th grade - Grzanowski, roselynn20@gmail.com).

Please join the PTA, simply signing up helps Emerson! Each year your membership must be renewed, and we will gladly cover your $10 fee: https://emerson.berkeleypta.org/pta-membership

Please update your contact information at Where’s Waldo, our opt-in directory: https://emersonberkeleypta.membershiptoolkit.com/

In service,
Tyler Black - PTA Co-President (Nina, 3rd Grade - Barnes)
Rana Cho - PTA Co-President (Haedan, 3rd Grade - Barnes)

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Thursday, August 26:  Back to School Night (zoom - link to follow via Remind message)

Saturday, September 4: Cal Football Parking by 5th Graders (Steve Wilson: soccerfan311@gmail.com)

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.

Communications Volunteers Needed

Seeking several enthusiastic volunteers to help manage some key systems that keep us all connected! If you are interested, please call/text Rose Lynn (626.695.0687) and Bruk (510.944.5972) or email emersonschoolnews@gmail.com.

  • Where’s Waldo Directory - Manage updates to our online directory

  • Grade Parents - Connect grade cohort families with each other and coordinate support for teachers/classrooms

City of Berkeley Testing Sites

The City of Berkeley coordinates several COVID-19 testing sites, which are available to all, whether you have insurance or not.  Please click this link to learn about locations and appointments.  Translation is provided directly on the site along the left-hand side.

La ciudad de Berkeley coordina varios sitios de prueba COVID-19, que están disponibles para todos, si tenga seguro médico o no. Haga clic en este enlace para obtener información sobre ubicaciones y citas. La traducción se proporciona directamente en el sitio a lo largo del lado izquierdo.

Screen Shot 2021-08-16 at 12.09.37 PM.png

Welcome Back Events

Kindergarten Playdate

Kindergarten Playdate

Chalk The Yard on August 13

Chalk The Yard on August 13

Emerson 5th Grade Pride

Emerson 5th Grade Pride

Back to School Staff Appreciation for our amazing Emerson Staff on the first day of school!

Back to School Staff Appreciation for our amazing Emerson Staff on the first day of school!

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 posted online at emerson.berkeleypta.org. 

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 © 2021. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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

BearFacts News - 06.03.21

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 Community,

It’s time for summer!  It is encouraging that we are heading into the next school year with vaccinations for elementary school students on the horizon.  Even this summer, with California “opening up” later in June, we may be able to enjoy more time with family and friends than we have in many months.  My hope is that you and your family have a chance to reset and recharge this June and July.  We look forward to seeing you back on Monday, August 16th. 

As shared with you, Emerson had a Visit from the City Of Berkeley on May 18th.  This week we received formal feedback and Dr. Liza Ortiz says, “We were impressed to see how Emerson is making the most of a small campus, a factor that makes implementation of COVID-19 safety measures all the more challenging...we congratulate you and your team on Emerson Elementary School’s effective implementation of safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We encourage you, your staff and your families to remain vigilant and continue to take all recommended precautions to keep our community healthy and safe”.  

You can expect a full school day for the 2021- 2022 school year.  As our youngest elementary students may not be fully vaccinated yet, we anticipate that masks will still be required for students and staff.  As possible, we will continue to socially distance and retain cohorts. It is likely we will continue with outside breakfast and lunch, limit adults on campus, and any other safety precautions to prevent spread of Covid.  As state and local recommendations change, our policies and procedures may as well.  As mandated by Governor Newsom, we also anticipate that the Independent Studies Program will take the place of Distance Learning.  In any case, I will continue to communicate all changes and updates, through our familiar channels of Bear Facts, Remind, Phone Calls and Meetings with the Principal.  

As we close out for the summer, here are some housekeeping reminders:

  • If you have yet to return an Emerson or District Chromebook, please send it or bring it back to the school as soon as possible.

  • 4th Grade families should keep their instruments over the summer for use in the fall. 

  • Let us know if you plan to return to Emerson next year by completing this form.

  • Lost and found clothes are displayed for students during first and second recess.  Any unclaimed clothes will be donated at the end of this week. 

The end of this school year feels like a milestone. We have transitioned back in person after so many months away. I want to thank all the volunteer parents who have helped in big or small ways during the past 14 months.  Thank you for your patience and commitment to Emerson.  You have attended PTA and SSC meetings, donated and delivered school supplies, planned and attended Equity Circles, Queer Family Meet Ups, AAPI Family Meets!  You supported Staff Appreciation Week, raised much needed funds for the Heart of Emerson, decorated the school inside and out, planned the 5th Grade Promotion. You managed passwords, logged your student into Zoom, attended virtual All School Meetings, and much much more!  

We have been through so much together during the last 14 months.  We never saw it coming and yet we banded together.  We are a public school that is a reflection of the community.  And I am proud of what we have accomplished.  Thank you so much.  I look forward to emerging even stronger in 2021- 2022!

Have a safe and fun summer.

Take good care,

Jana Holmes 

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Friday, Jun 4: Last Day of School

Monday, Aug 16: First Day of 2021/2022 School Year

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.

Congratulations to Our May Shout Outs

Hello, Emerson Community! We want to celebrate and congratulate our May Shout Out students! Please check out this Flipgrid to see special video shout outs from your teachers.


K-3.JPG
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THANK YOU Emerson PTA

Thank you so much to our outgoing PTA Board Members and those of you who are staying on another year - we know you give hours and hours of your time and so much of your creativity and energy, and we couldn’t support our students, our teachers, or Mrs. Holmes the way we were able to this past year without you. At the PTA Association meeting last week, new members were elected to join next year’s PTA Board, and we extend a warm welcome to all of you!

Next Year’s PTA Board Members:

President: Rana Cho and Tyler Black

Executive VP/Parliamentarian: Erica Carter & Kyla Portugal

Treasurer: Scott Hofmeister, Aya Nagano, and Jeff Schlags

Secretary: Kobie Mahiri and Kevin Jude

School Support & Academic Enrichment: Rahul Brown

Teacher Reps: K-2:  Molly Salyk         3-5: Lori Barnes and Jenny Weddle

VP of Equity: Cielo Rios

VP of Advocacy: Lily Howell

VP of Fundraising: Krysten Curtis and Arabelle Malinis

VP of Community Building: Ariel Clute, Shawna Matilla, and Braneya Wilson

VP of Community Outreach: Open    

VP of Communications: Bruk Abebe and Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

The Association also approved the preliminary budget for the 2021/22 school year. Please take a look: https://bit.ly/Emerson2021-2022

We wish you a fun and relaxing summer and we look forward to seeing you in the fall!

- from the Emerson PTA

COVID-19 Vaccinations

The Covid-19 Vaccine is here and everyone in California will get a turn! If you need help scheduling an appointment for a vaccine in California, you can call 1-833-422-4255 or link to CA’s My Turn Website

¡La vacuna Covid-19 está aquí y todos en California tendrán su turno! Si necesita ayuda para programar una cita para una vacuna en California, puede llamar al 1-833-422-4255 o conectarse a https://myturn.ca.gov/

Gardening Volunteers Needed

Emerson Garden needs some summer volunteers! All COVID safety rules apply. Please contact Ms. Jeanette at jeanettekjobmand@berkeley.net if interested.

NUTRITION

All meals (breakfast and lunch) are free to all students through next school year - June 2022. 

You are encouraged to take advantage of these free meals. For students who are not in person at Emerson, BUSD has Grab and Go Meal sites at Washington, Rosa Parks, BAM, Willard, Longfellow, King and BHS. Distribution is Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:45 - 11:00am. BUSD provides meals to cover 7 days a week both breakfast and lunch. Families can go to any of those sites, food is free to any child ages 18 and younger.  This information is covered in detail on the website at berkeley.net.

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

BearFacts News - 05.27.21

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 Community,

We have a little over one week left in the school year. This is a good time to reflect on how far we have come. Emerson is such a special place, and I feel so fortunate to be a part of it. It has truly been a joy to have so many students back on campus for the final nine weeks of the school year. We missed them so much! Nothing can replace the joy of seeing the students learning from their talented teachers and playing together during recess. As we all prepare for a much deserved summer break, we wish our families who have remained in distance learning a safe and happy holiday from school.  

This past week I was inspired by the conversation at the PTA Racial Equity Circle. Ms Pamela Small, our Consultant/Leader, let us in a discussion around the phenomenon of “otherness.” Otherness occurs when you are made to feel that you do not belong because systems are not set up for your racial and/or gender group's success. We spent considerable time talking about the current crisis of bullying and harassment toward the Asian and Pacific Islander Community and exploring how we can all stand as allies. We are meeting again this Thursday at 7:00 pm and we invite you to join here. 

As APAHM month comes to an end, let us remember to show support through our actions. We can speak up against hate, we can shop at Asian businesses and learn more about Asian cultures. We look forward to continuing these inclusive conversations throughout the 2021- 2022 school year. 

We do have a bit of housekeeping to close out this school year. Here are some updates:

-If you have yet to return an Emerson or District Chromebook, please send it or bring it back to the school as soon as possible.

-5th grade families: Musical instruments should be returned to the Visual & Performing Arts Office on May 27 or May 28 between 7 am- 5 pm (2110 Browning St, in the parking lot).

-4th Grade families should keep their instruments over the summer for use in the fall. 

-Let us know if you plan to return to Emerson next year by completing this form.

-5th Grade families: Sign up for the (optional) In-Person Promotion Ceremony (assigned seats, hearth screening required, 2 guests per student) here.

Finally, you may have heard that the district technology department is moving away from the Illuminate Data System. The district will be adopting a new program called Infinite Campus. The Infinite Campus system is where you will find 2021- 2022 attendance, report cards, standardized test results, receive emails, etc. In order to avoid missing any important information, we need your current email address. Between July 12 and July 30, you will receive more information. Please pay attention and respond so you are kept informed and current. 

I hope you enjoy your long Memorial Day Weekend and let’s enjoy our last week of school. 

Take good care, 

Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Thursday, May 27: Racial Equity Discussion, 7pm

Friday, May 28: Spirit Day, Theme = Summer Day

Monday, May 31: Memorial Day, NO SCHOOL

Friday, Jun 4: Last Day of School

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: KEEPING OUR RACIAL EQUITY LENS LASER FOCUSED

We're never going back to the pre-pandemic normal. Let's take from this past year a renewed commitment to fight together for racial justice, to stand up to oppression in all forms, and to be the examples for our kids that we wish we'd seen. Everyone at every stage of interest is welcome to the second of a 2-night series (no problem if you missed last week - come anyway!) with Ms. Pamela Small:

Actions Can Heal: Thursday May 27, 7-8:30pm

Use real time tools to bring racial healing and health to your community.

Join Zoom Meeting rmd.me/aaO1kmlXfv1 Meeting ID: 845 7448 7275 One tap mobile +16699006833,,84574487275# US (San Jose)

THANK YOU FROM THE HEART OF EMERSON

The Emerson PTA thanks you for your participation in the Heart of Emerson, which made it possible for our school to emerge from this past year stronger and more secure. Please read our letter of gratitude, relive the Heart of Emerson success, and be confident that we will provide again this coming school year.

- from the Emerson PTA

PLEASE COMPLETE: CITY OF BERKELEY SAFETY SURVEY


Our very own Vice Mayor Lori Droste would like to remind the Emerson community to please complete the City survey regarding public safety.

COVID-19 TESTING

Student & Staff Covid Testing takes place on Friday - May 28.

Forms to register your child are available from Ms. Michelle, Office Assistant, between 8:00 - 8:45 am in front of the school.  You may also register electronically by following these steps:

COVID-19 Vaccinations

The Covid-19 Vaccine is here and everyone in California will get a turn! If you need help scheduling an appointment for a vaccine in California, you can call 1-833-422-4255 or link to CA’s My Turn Website

¡La vacuna Covid-19 está aquí y todos en California tendrán su turno! Si necesita ayuda para programar una cita para una vacuna en California, puede llamar al 1-833-422-4255 o conectarse a https://myturn.ca.gov/

Gardening Volunteers Needed

Emerson Garden needs some Spring volunteers! All Covid safety rules apply. Please contact Ms. Jeanette at jeanettekjobmand@berkeley.net if interested.

NUTRITION

All meals (breakfast and lunch) are free to all students through next school year - June 2022. 

You are encouraged to take advantage of these free meals. For students who are not in person at Emerson, BUSD has Grab and Go Meal sites at Washington, Rosa Parks, BAM, Willard, Longfellow, King and BHS. Distribution is Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:45 - 11:00am. BUSD provides meals to cover 7 days a week both breakfast and lunch. Families can go to any of those sites, food is free to any child ages 18 and younger.  This information is covered in detail on the website at berkeley.net.

Book List for API Bedtime Stories

Thank you to the 25 plus zoom squares and the families in them who gathered to enjoy stories shared by Emerson API families. What a great way to continue the celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! Check out the books read by your Emerson family members of all ages.

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

BearFacts News - 05.20.21

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 Community,

I hope you enjoyed your long weekend with your family.  It’s hard to believe that this school year is rapidly approaching its end.  There have been so many changes and transitions this year and I know we all deserve a break this summer. I am so proud of our students, who have demonstrated patience, resilience and fortitude since the start of this pandemic last March.

I want to give special recognition to this year’s promoting 5th grade class of 2021.  We look forward to an All School Virtual Promotion Ceremony on Tuesday, June 1st at 8:30 am.  This Zoom will celebrate ALL promoting students, in person and in distance learning. In addition, all 5th grade families are invited to bring up two (2) family members to celebrate an in person, cohorted Promotion Ceremony on campus on Wednesday, June 2 and Thursday, June 3rd.  This in person Promotion is an optional event and families are asked to RSVP here . 

In the next few weeks, we will be accelerating our planning for the 2021- 2022 school year. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the plan is to return to full, five day a week in- person instruction for students.  If you have not done so already, please take a few moments to let us know if you plan to return to Emerson on August 16, 2021.  Here is the Returning Student Form.  

We are beginning to think about the PTA Afterschool Enrichment classes for next school year.  We are still not sure what can be offered, but we have a group of parent volunteers who would like your feedback.  As you may know, the PTA Enrichment Classes have historically been offerings that focus on academics, arts and sports for students after school. Classes are typically registered for within the first few weeks of the new school year and are offered for a few months at a time.  Classes are fee based, and scholarships are typically available upon request.  Please complete this short survey to help the volunteer team plan: https://forms.office.com/r/22pfT75AGB.

In planning for the 2021- 2022 school year, we will continue to work closely within State and City Health Department Guidelines to create a safe environment for students on campus.   This week, the City of Berkeley Health Department will visit our campus to see how we are implementing health guidelines.  This is an opportunity for accountability, for continued advice and to learn about changes in the policies.  

This past week, the CDC approved vaccines for students 12 years old and up.  In the months ahead, students 2 years old and up may also be approved for the vaccine.  As the percentages of youth and adults who are vaccinated increases, guidelines and recommendations for schools may evolve.  We will continue to provide the safest environment possible while following the expectations of BUSD and the Health Departments.  Your students' safety is our top priority.


Take good care,

Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Thursday, May 20: Racial Equity Discussion, 7pm

Friday, May 21: All School Meeting, 8:30am

Wednesday, May 26: PTA Association Meeting, 6pm - please note this is a change to the original schedule

Thursday, May 27: Racial Equity Discussion, 7pm

Friday, May 28: Spirit Day, Theme = Summer Day

Monday, May 31: Memorial Day, NO SCHOOL

Friday, Jun 4: Last Day of School

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: Keeping our Racial Equity Lens Laser Focused

We're never going back to the pre-pandemic normal. Let's take from this past year a renewed commitment to fight together for racial justice, to stand up to oppression in all forms, and to be the examples for our kids that we wish we'd seen. Everyone is welcome to an engaging 2-night series with Ms. Pamela Small:

Words Can Hurt You & Beliefs Have Consequences: Thursday May 20 7-8:30pm

Develop change agent skills for leading conversations about racial equity and social justice.

Actions Can Heal: Thursday May 27, 7-8:30pm

Use real time tools to bring racial healing and health to your community.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83260155614?pwd=TnFUL0FUeGlZL0V0R1VLeC84Z2pLQT09
Meeting ID: 832 6015 5614
Passcode: 915879

EMERSON’s PTA BOARD IS LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS

The Emerson Parent Teacher Association is a volunteer organization made up of parents/guardians and teachers/staff of Emerson. Our mission is to encourage and support a positive school experience for all Emerson students. The PTA strives for Community, Inclusivity, and Accessibility in every policy and program that we sponsor.

The PTA Board meets monthly to discuss and implement programs, activities, and expenditures designed to support Emerson students and staff. We strive for Community, Inclusivity & Accessibility in every policy and program we sponsor.

The PTA is looking for diverse people to help support our students and staff in 2021-22. Here is a link to the interest form to nominate yourself or someone else. For additional information, please check-out this link.

Questions? Erica Carter EricaCarter@berkeley.net or Cielo Rios cielo@magicspoon.net

Please consider joining us to come back stronger than ever next year!

COVID-19 TESTING

Student & Staff Covid Testing takes place on Friday - May 28.

Forms to register your child are available from Ms. Michelle, Office Assistant, between 8:00 - 8:45 am in front of the school.  You may also register electronically by following these steps:

COVID-19 Vaccinations

The Covid-19 Vaccine is here and everyone in California will get a turn! If you need help scheduling an appointment for a vaccine in California, you can call 1-833-422-4255 or link to CA’s My Turn Website

¡La vacuna Covid-19 está aquí y todos en California tendrán su turno! Si necesita ayuda para programar una cita para una vacuna en California, puede llamar al 1-833-422-4255 o conectarse a https://myturn.ca.gov/

Join the BearFacts Team for 2021/22

The team of BearFacts editors assembles this newsletter each week to help Emerson families stay informed and connected. It’s a minimal time commitment and valuable work you can do from home, and there’s training and support offered along the way! The BearFacts editors are part of the larger PTA communication team. Curious? Reach out and we can tell you more! Please contact Jen Petrucelli (jenpetrucelli@gmail.com) and Ashleigh Kanat (ashleigh.kanat@gmail.com).

Gardening Volunteers Needed

Emerson Garden needs some Spring volunteers! All Covid safety rules apply. Please contact Ms. Jeanette at jeanettekjobmand@berkeley.net if interested.

NUTRITION

All meals (breakfast and lunch) are free to all students through next school year - June 2022. 

You are encouraged to take advantage of these free meals. For students who are not in person at Emerson, BUSD has Grab and Go Meal sites at Washington, Rosa Parks, BAM, Willard, Longfellow, King and BHS. Distribution is Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:45 - 11:00am. BUSD provides meals to cover 7 days a week both breakfast and lunch. Families can go to any of those sites, food is free to any child ages 18 and younger.  This information is covered in detail on the website at berkeley.net.

API Bedtime Stories - Tuesday May 25, 7-8pm

Put on your PJs, snuggle up with your favorite stuffie, and celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with a selection of children's books read by Emerson families and students. We'll be sharing some of our favorite stories of family, culture and lore, as we prepare to close out APAHM in the coziest way possible....together!

Join Zoom Link

Meeting ID: 817 5912 4717

Passcode: 051783

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

BearFacts News - 05.13.21

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 Community,

I hope everyone enjoyed their Mother’s Day this past weekend.  I am reminded how many sacrifices parents have made during the past year and a half to support their children’s academic and social health. I am thankful for our community, all our volunteers, and the partnership we have formed for the benefit of our young people.

During May, we continue to highlight the achievements, history and challenges faced by the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. We are asking Emerson students to stand as Ally’s with our APPI friends.  Please consider seeking out an Asian elder for a brief interview to be recorded and submitted for our May 21 All School Meeting. Students may use these suggested questions as conversation prompts.  As always, please email K-2 submissions to MollySalyk@berkeley.net and 3-5 to LoriBarnes@berkeley.net.  We also ask for the Parent Permission Form. 

In the next few weeks, we will be accelerating our planning for the 2021- 2022 school year. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the plan is to return to full, five day a week in- person instruction for students.  If you have not done so already, please take a few moments to let us know if you plan to return to Emerson on August 16, 2021.  Here is the Returning Student Form.  

We will offer Covid testing for students and staff on campus this Friday.  Testing will be conducted by PMH Laboratories and is a self administered, oral swab. If you are interested in learning more about PMH Laboratories, visit https://pmhlaboratory.com/about/pmh-laboratory.  You can sign your child up for testing by completing this one time registration form: :https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/5619f4c1079c4526a99df0a20180817e and this One Time Parent Consent Form.  The Patient Test Request Form. will need to be completed each morning that your child takes the test. If the Patient Test Request form is not filled out the Friday morning of the testing, your child will not participate.  Finally, this form only needs to be completed if you do not currently have insurance: Uninsurance Program.  

We are finishing up the STAR Literacy, Math and Reading grade level assessments this week. It has run smoothly and I will hold make up sessions for students who were absent.

The 5th Grade promotion plans have been finalized.  We will hold a Virtual Celebration, which ALL families are invited to view on Tuesday, June 1st at 8:30 am.  

  • Ms. Schafer/Ms. Lewis class will have an in person ceremony on the Emerson Campus on Wednesday, June 2, from 8:30- 9:15 am. 

  • Ms. Jeannie/Ms. Weddle’s in person ceremony will take place on the Emerson Campus on Thursday, June 3rd from 8:30- 9:15 am.  

Families who are in distance learning are invited to participate in person, with their assigned classroom teacher. Due to Health Guidelines, Attendance will be limited to two (2) family members, who have rsvp’d, completed a health screening following masking and social distancing guidelines.  A rsvp is required and 5th grade families may do so here. RSVP is due by Friday, May 21, 2021.

We are so happy to honor our Class of 2021 for their resilience and fortitude! 

Finally, I want to remind families that we have a wonderful On Site School Based Therapist named Ms. Marlies.  She is happy to support families in person and in distance learning.  Ms. Marlies is on the Emerson campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  If  you would like to talk to her about challenges you are facing, due to the pandemic, life changes/ stressors, you may reach out to her at mrosmark@bacr.org or (510) 559- 3039. 

Take care,
Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Monday, May 17: Malcolm X Birthday, NO SCHOOL

Wednesday, May 19: School Site Council, 5:30pm

Thursday, May 20: Racial Equity Discussion, 7pm

Friday, May 21: All School Meeting, 8:30am

Wednesday, May 26: PTA Association Meeting, 6pm - please note this is a change to the original schedule

Thursday, May 27: Racial Equity Discussion, 7pm

Friday, May 28: Spirit Day, Theme = Summer Day

Monday, May 31: Memorial Day, NO SCHOOL

Friday, Jun 4: Last Day of School

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.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Our Final All School Meeting will be held on Friday, May 21 and we will be asking for student performances and interviews of Asian elders.  Here is a Guideline/ Script which can be used for these conversations. As always, send your Kindergarten -Grade 2 performances for MollySalyk@berkeley.net and Grade 3-5 to Loribarnes@berekley.net.  Don’t forget to submit All School Meeting Parent Permission Form.  

Emerson's Staff Appreciation Week

Thank you families for your participation in Emerson’s Teacher and Staff Appreciation week! The staff felt the love from far and near!  Thank you all for supporting the effort in so many different ways. There is a lot of love here at Emerson!

Many thanks to these volunteers: Jeff Schlags, Carole Wang, Vivi Andrijani,  Mia Villanueva, Nathan Fisher, Rebecca MIller, David Miller, Arabelle Malinis, Krysten Curtis, Kevin Jude, Maggie Robinson, Mike Robinson, Sumita Soni, Ana, Rana Cho, Matt Small, Amy Fire, Delilah Raybee, Marjorie Henriquez, Christine Cox Jude, Thuan Tran, Jen Petrucelli, Heather Waterman, Kathy Woo, Alex Torres, Mr. Phil, Tyler Black, Elif Lostuvali, Cielo Rios, Rob Kopf, Sarah Jarvis, Jacquie Sánchez, Whitney Morris, Mrs. Holmes and the PTA! (Any exclusions here are inadvertent and please know you, too, are deeply appreciated!)

It's not too late to appreciate! Here are two important ways:

  1. Virtual Shout Out Gathering continues thru Wed, May 18. We've received some heartwarming messages, dance/acrobatic performances, uke duets, and more! The more the better! Please add your video shout out!
    https://www.tribute.co/emerson-elementary-teachers-and-staff/

  2. Honoring our Caregiver Co-Teachers in Distance Learning Households - Join in appreciating our fellow families in Distance Learning households and let's lift them up during this time as they serve double duty in caring and educating alongside our teachers/staff in distance learning. Now, more than ever, let's circle up our Emerson community in this way. Email/call Rose Lynn to help out!

Questions/support, contact Rose Lynn at roselynn20@gmail.com or 626.695.0687

Thank you, Rose Lynn, for your dedication and coordination!

None of this would have come together without you!

EMERSON’s PTA BOARD IS LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS

The Emerson Parent Teacher Association is a volunteer organization made up of parents/guardians and teachers/staff of Emerson. Our mission is to encourage and support a positive school experience for all Emerson students. The PTA strives for Community, Inclusivity, and Accessibility in every policy and program that we sponsor.

The PTA Board meets monthly to discuss and implement programs, activities, and expenditures designed to support Emerson students and staff. We strive for Community, Inclusivity & Accessibility in every policy and program we sponsor.

The PTA is looking for diverse people to help support our students and staff in 2021-22. Here is a link to the interest form to nominate yourself or someone else. For additional information, please check-out this link.

PTA BOARD - ZOOM INFO SESSION - TONIGHT AT 6PM

We’ll be holding a zoom info session, TONIGHT, Thursday 5/13 at 6PM, for anyone interested in learning more.
ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84472967007?pwd=Uk44aDdRV2lPRW5kcE8wUXo0R2xRZz09
Meeting ID: 844 7296 7007Passcode: 733019
Add'l info can be found here at this link.

Questions? Erica Carter EricaCarter@berkeley.net or Cielo Rios cielo@magicspoon.net

Please consider joining us to come back stronger than ever next year!

CHECKING IN WITH DISTANCE LEARNING FAMILIES, TEACHERS, and STAFF

Last week, EdSource published an article outlining the variety of ways students are learning in California (distance, hybrid, in person); this is a worthwhile read to get a sense of how learning is happening all around the state!

https://edsource.org/2021/new-data-55-of-california-public-school-students-remain-in-distance-learning/653848

Take a peek at what Ms. Soni and Ms. Miller’s 3rd grade DL classes studied this last week:

Although we are studying some classic Fairy Tales (in addition to fractured fairy tales and tales from around the world), we are also looking at them through a critical lens, asking questions about what we notice is missing: "Where are the strong women?" and "Where are the characters of color?" were questions asked today. 

Another student said, "I want to protest that the princess always needs help from the prince! I am a boy and I know that's not true!” Students are revisiting these classic fairy tales so they can be more inclusive and reflective of the society we hope to have; some books they will be reading this week are Power to the Princess: 15 Favorite Fairytales Retold with Girl Power and Cinderella, Liberator and they will be incorporating the 7 plot elements of a classic fairy tale in their own completely original works and new twists on classics!  

Stay tuned for more updates on what’s happening with Emerson students everywhere they’re learning!

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS!  If you’d like to volunteer to help out with upcoming materials distribution for Emerson DL students, please email me so we can connect you to classrooms needing an assist!  

Thank you!

Cielo Rios | cielo@magicspoon.net

COVID-19 TESTING

Student & Staff Covid Testing takes place on Fridays - May 14 and May 28.

Forms to register your child are available from Ms. Michelle, Office Assistant, between 8:00 - 8:45 am in front of the school.  You may also register electronically by following these steps:

COVID-19 Vaccinations

The Covid-19 Vaccine is here and everyone in California will get a turn! If you need help scheduling an appointment for a vaccine in California, you can call 1-833-422-4255 or link to CA’s My Turn Website

¡La vacuna Covid-19 está aquí y todos en California tendrán su turno! Si necesita ayuda para programar una cita para una vacuna en California, puede llamar al 1-833-422-4255 o conectarse a https://myturn.ca.gov/

Join the BearFacts Team for 2021/22

The team of BearFacts editors assembles this newsletter each week to help Emerson families stay informed and connected. It’s a minimal time commitment and valuable work you can do from home, and there’s training and support offered along the way! The BearFacts editors are part of the larger PTA communication team. Curious? Reach out and we can tell you more! Please contact Jen Petrucelli (jenpetrucelli@gmail.com) and Ashleigh Kanat (ashleigh.kanat@gmail.com).

Gardening Volunteers Needed

Emerson Garden needs some Spring volunteers! All Covid safety rules apply. Please contact Ms. Jeanette at jeanettekjobmand@berkeley.net if interested.

Picture Day in the Park

Roots & Shoots Photography is hosting a 2nd safe, socially-distanced Picture Day in the Park the morning of Sunday, May 16 at Willard Park in Berkeley. 

HERE is the order form to sign up if you are interested. Please read all information carefully, and if you have any questions, reach out to them directly at grow@roots-shoots.com. They will be happy to assist you! :)

NUTRITION

All meals (breakfast and lunch) are free to all students through next school year - June 2022. 

You are encouraged to take advantage of these free meals. For students who are not in person at Emerson, BUSD has Grab and Go Meal sites at Washington, Rosa Parks, BAM, Willard, Longfellow, King and BHS. Distribution is Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:45 - 11:00am. BUSD provides meals to cover 7 days a week both breakfast and lunch. Families can go to any of those sites, food is free to any child ages 18 and younger.  This information is covered in detail on the website at berkeley.net.

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

BearFacts News - 05.06.21

Emerson header

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 Community,

I hope everyone enjoyed their Mother’s Day this past weekend.  I am reminded how many sacrifices parents have made during the past year and a half to support their children’s academic and social health. I am thankful for our community, all our volunteers, and the partnership we have formed for the benefit of our young people.

During May, we continue to highlight the achievements, history and challenges faced by the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. We are asking Emerson students to stand as Ally’s with our APPI friends.  Please consider seeking out an Asian elder for a brief interview to be recorded and submitted for our May 21 All School Meeting. Students may use these suggested questions as conversation prompts.  As always, please email K-2 submissions to MollySalyk@berkeley.net and 3-5 to LoriBarnes@berkeley.net.  We also ask for the Parent Permission Form. 

In the next few weeks, we will be accelerating our planning for the 2021- 2022 school year. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the plan is to return to full, five day a week in- person instruction for students.  If you have not done so already, please take a few moments to let us know if you plan to return to Emerson on August 16, 2021.  Here is the Returning Student Form.  

We will offer Covid testing for students and staff on campus this Friday.  Testing will be conducted by PMH Laboratories and is a self administered, oral swab. If you are interested in learning more about PMH Laboratories, visit https://pmhlaboratory.com/about/pmh-laboratory.  You can sign your child up for testing by completing this one time registration form: :https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/5619f4c1079c4526a99df0a20180817e and this One Time Parent Consent Form.  The Patient Test Request Form. will need to be completed each morning that your child takes the test. If the Patient Test Request form is not filled out the Friday morning of the testing, your child will not participate.  Finally, this form only needs to be completed if you do not currently have insurance: Uninsurance Program.  

We are finishing up the STAR Literacy, Math and Reading grade level assessments this week. It has run smoothly and I will hold make up sessions for students who were absent.

The 5th Grade promotion plans have been finalized.  We will hold a Virtual Celebration, which ALL families are invited to view on Tuesday, June 1st at 8:30 am.  

  • Ms. Schafer/Ms. Lewis class will have an in person ceremony on the Emerson Campus on Wednesday, June 2, from 8:30- 9:15 am. 

  • Ms. Jeannie/Ms. Weddle’s in person ceremony will take place on the Emerson Campus on Thursday, June 3rd from 8:30- 9:15 am.  

Families who are in distance learning are invited to participate in person, with their assigned classroom teacher. Due to Health Guidelines, Attendance will be limited to two (2) family members, who have rsvp’d, completed a health screening following masking and social distancing guidelines.  A rsvp is required and 5th grade families may do so here. RSVP is due by Friday, May 21, 2021.

We are so happy to honor our Class of 2021 for their resilience and fortitude! 

Finally, I want to remind families that we have a wonderful On Site School Based Therapist named Ms. Marlies.  She is happy to support families in person and in distance learning.  Ms. Marlies is on the Emerson campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  If  you would like to talk to her about challenges you are facing, due to the pandemic, life changes/ stressors, you may reach out to her at mrosmark@bacr.org or (510) 559- 3039. 

Take care,
Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Monday, May 17: Malcolm X Birthday, NO SCHOOL

Wednesday, May 19: School Site Council, 5:30pm

Friday, May 21: All School Meeting, 8:30am

Wednesday, May 26: PTA Assoc Mtg, 6:00pm - pls note this is a change to the original schedule

Friday, May 28: Spirit Day, Theme = Summer Day

Monday, May 31: Memorial Day, NO SCHOOL

Friday, Jun 4: Last Day of School

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.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Our Final All School Meeting will be held on Friday, May 21 and we will be asking for student performances and interviews of Asian elders.  Here is a Guideline/ Script which can be used for these conversations. As always, send your Kindergarten -Grade 2 performances for MollySalyk@berkeley.net and Grade 3-5 to Loribarnes@berekley.net.  Don’t forget to submit All School Meeting Parent Permission Form.  

EMERSON’s PTA BOARD IS LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS

The Emerson Parent Teacher Association is a volunteer organization made up of parents/guardians and teachers/staff of Emerson. Our mission is to encourage and support a positive school experience for all Emerson students. The PTA strives for Community, Inclusivity, and Accessibility in every policy and program that we sponsor.

The PTA is looking for diverse people to help support our students and staff in 2021-22. Here is a link to the interest form to nominate yourself or someone else. For additional information, please check-out this link.

Look for our information table on Piedmont TOMORROW at drop-off and pick-up. Current PTA Board members will be on hand to answer questions.

In addition, we’ll be holding a Zoom info session soon. Look out for Remind messages and upcoming BearFacts for details.

Questions? email Ms. Carter at EricaCarter@berkeley.net

Please consider joining us to come back stronger than ever next year!

CHECKING IN WITH DISTANCE LEARNING FAMILIES, TEACHERS, and STAFF

Last week, EdSource published an article outlining the variety of ways students are learning in California (distance, hybrid, in person); this is a worthwhile read to get a sense of how learning is happening all around the state!

https://edsource.org/2021/new-data-55-of-california-public-school-students-remain-in-distance-learning/653848

Take a peek at what Ms. Soni and Ms. Miller’s 3rd grade DL classes studied this last week:

Although we are studying some classic Fairy Tales (in addition to fractured fairy tales and tales from around the world), we are also looking at them through a critical lens, asking questions about what we notice is missing: "Where are the strong women?" and "Where are the characters of color?" were questions asked today. 

Another student said, "I want to protest that the princess always needs help from the prince! I am a boy and I know that's not true!” Students are revisiting these classic fairy tales so they can be more inclusive and reflective of the society we hope to have; some books they will be reading this week are Power to the Princess: 15 Favorite Fairytales Retold with Girl Power and Cinderella, Liberator and they will be incorporating the 7 plot elements of a classic fairy tale in their own completely original works and new twists on classics!  

Stay tuned for more updates on what’s happening with Emerson students everywhere they’re learning!

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS!  If you’d like to volunteer to help out with upcoming materials distribution for Emerson DL students, please email me so we can connect you to classrooms needing an assist!  

Thank you!

Cielo Rios | cielo@magicspoon.net

COVID TESTING

Student & Staff Covid Testing takes place on Fridays - May 14 and May 28.

Forms to register your child are available from Ms. Michelle, Office Assistant, between 8:00 - 8:45 am in front of the school.  You may also register electronically by following these steps:

COVID-19 Vaccinations

The Covid-19 Vaccine is here and everyone in California will get a turn! If you need help scheduling an appointment for a vaccine in California, you can call 1-833-422-4255 or link to CA’s My Turn Website

¡La vacuna Covid-19 está aquí y todos en California tendrán su turno! Si necesita ayuda para programar una cita para una vacuna en California, puede llamar al 1-833-422-4255 o conectarse a https://myturn.ca.gov/

Join the BearFacts Team for 2021/22

The team of BearFacts editors assembles this newsletter each week to help Emerson families stay informed and connected. It’s a minimal time commitment and valuable work you can do from home, and there’s training and support offered along the way! The BearFacts editors are part of the larger PTA communication team. Curious? Reach out and we can tell you more! Please contact Jen Petrucelli (jenpetrucelli@gmail.com) and Ashleigh Kanat (ashleigh.kanat@gmail.com).

Gardening Volunteers Needed

Emerson Garden needs some Spring volunteers! All Covid safety rules apply. Please contact Ms. Jeanette at jeanettekjobmand@berkeley.net if interested.

Picture Day in the Park

Roots & Shoots Photography is hosting a 2nd safe, socially-distanced Picture Day in the Park the morning of Sunday, May 16 at Willard Park in Berkeley. 

HERE is the order form to sign up if you are interested. Please read all information carefully, and if you have any questions, reach out to them directly at grow@roots-shoots.com. They will be happy to assist you! :)

NUTRITION

All meals (breakfast and lunch) are free to all students through next school year - June 2022. 

You are encouraged to take advantage of these free meals. For students who are not in person at Emerson, BUSD has Grab and Go Meal sites at Washington, Rosa Parks, BAM, Willard, Longfellow, King and BHS. Distribution is Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:45 - 11:00am. BUSD provides meals to cover 7 days a week both breakfast and lunch. Families can go to any of those sites, food is free to any child ages 18 and younger.  This information is covered in detail on the website at berkeley.net.

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

BearFacts News - 04.29.21

Emerson header

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 Community,

May is Asian Pacific Islander Month. We are so happy to partner with our families to celebrate and validate the diverse experiences and backgrounds of our Asian community at Emerson. Here are some of the ways we will commemorate this month:

  • The Last All School Meeting will be held on Friday, May 21 and we will be asking for student performances and interviews of Asian elders.  Here is a Guideline/ Script which can be used for these conversations. As always, send your Kindergarten -Grade 2 performances for MollySalyk@berkeley.net and Grade 3-5 to Loribarnes@berekley.net.  Don’t forget to submit All School Meeting Parent Permission Form.  

  • Throughout the month, teaching staff will implement lessons that amplify Asian voices and experiences.  These lessons are crafted by BUSD Instructional Services and adapted for our Emerson community. 

  • You can continue the conversation at home by taking advantage of the Library Services team’s list of AAPI books; these reading lists, organized by grade level, represent books published in recent years that are devoted to uplifting Asian-American and Pacific Islander history, celebrating heritage, affirming identity, and promoting antiracism. Sharing these books is one part of our effort to develop anti-racist consciousness with and for our youth and ensure they know they are not alone and that they can speak out to help stop the spread of bigotry. 

  • PTA is hosting an Asian Pacific American Heritage Month ZOOM Meet Up tomorrow, Friday, April 30 at 6:00 pm.  You are invited to join: 

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85616790299?pwd=V1MrVjMzaHNqM2h2YUdSNnhESkNuZz09

    Meeting ID: 856 1679 0299

Our goal is to counter the exacerbated anti-Asian sentiment created by hateful rhetoric surrounding Covid-19.  Research indicates  (reported) violence rates increasing 150% between 2019 and 2020 in major cities, and 68% specifically against Asian WOMEN. According to the Pew Research Center survey, “three in 10 Asian Americans (31%) report having experienced racial slurs or racist jokes since the beginning of the pandemic.” This is happening at work, at school, in public, across ages and class. Assume that it has happened to every Asian American you know.  Let’s do our part at Emerson to stand as Allies against Asian Hate. 

Thank you for your support,

Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Friday, Apr 30: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Meet Up @6pm via zoom

Wednesday, May 12: PTA Association meeting via zoom

Monday, May 17: Malcolm X Birthday, NO SCHOOL

Wednesday, May 19: School Site Council, 5:30pm

Friday, May 21: All School Meeting, 8:30am

Friday, May 28: Spirit Day, Theme = Summer Day

Monday, May 31: Memorial Day, NO SCHOOL

Friday, Jun 4: Last Day of School

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.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Meet Up

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM)!

Let's connect as a community, when our unity matters more than ever. Families of Asian and Pacific Islander ancestry, and those who self-identify as those cultures, please join us for a Meet Up via Zoom, hosted by Mia Villanueva, Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell, and Rana Cho.

Consider takeout from your favorite API restaurants for the Meet Up so we can break bread and support our community businesses at the same time. Here's our inspiration: #iwilleatwithyou https://www.instagram.com/p/B-chMxIASoT/

Friday, April 30, 2020, 6pm via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85616790299?pwd=V1MrVjMzaHNqM2h2YUdSNnhESkNuZz09

Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week

May 3-7 is Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week at Emerson

Let’s work together to show our Emerson Teachers & Staff how much we love and appreciate them! 

Here are 3 ways you can share your appreciation:

#1 Virtual Tribute- Record a tribute for Emerson Teachers and Staff
Virtual Tribute to Teachers and Staff - Click here and complete a recording right on your device. If you're having technical difficulties, email your file to roselynn20@gmail.com

#2 Personal Letters/Notes and/or Flowers

Show: Your gratitude for teachers and staff How: Letters, cards, drawings, photographs, flowers, plants, love! Bring these to school! Note that teachers in Distance Learning will receive your cards and flowers, too, so please send them to school! Plans are underway so they can receive them by special courier! When: All next week (May 3-7)

#3 Lend a Hand!
There are more festivities planned for the staff as a whole and we could use several helping hands. For questions/information on how to help with some other surprise efforts, contact Rose Lynn at roselynn20@gmail.com or 626.695.0687. Big thanks to several folks who’ve already shared their time and talents!

New! Contactless Farm Box

Ecology Center's Youth Environmental Academy (YEA) is excited to pilot a new contactless Farm box Pickup on Saturdays in partnership with the Berkeley Farmers' Markets! Order here <https://ecology-center-youth-farm-box.square.site> through their Square site, or direct by calling them at 510.697.4808 (they also accept CalFresh/EBT by phone!). On Thursdays, select your pickup window, order and pay online or by phone; on Saturday AM, YEA staff will gather veggies and pack your box. Check out their website for more information!

CHECKING IN WITH DISTANCE LEARNING FAMILIES, TEACHERS, and STAFF

Did you know:

Distance Learning students make up the largest elementary school in the district right now?  As of 4/20, 750 students were enrolled in DL; approximately 18% of TK-5 students that comprise 27 classrooms, per Michelle Sinclair, the DL Administrator!

Last week, we shared a letter from concerned members of the Emerson community and wanted to share the responses the signers received for transparency (please use the “outline” navigation along the left hand side to access responses directly)  https://docs.google.com/document/d/19jImluoa1EJRF4RCc3LBEAQkRYP8wGclcaK9evi6Ac4/edit?ts=607fab9e

This week, DL families are working on projects like materials distribution, connecting friends that are missing each other, and other supports as we learn about them.  If you’d like to volunteer to help out with upcoming needs (particularly in materials distribution, please email me so we can connect you to classrooms needing an assist!

Again, please consider joining the Berkeley Unified Distance Choice Advocates Facebook group (link here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/537409180744349) – to stay apprised of what’s going on for DL Kids and their families around the district.

Questions? Email Cielo Rios at cielo@magicspoon.net

COVID TESTING

Student & Staff Covid Testing takes place on Fridays - April 30, May 14, and May 28.

Forms to register your child are available from Ms. Michelle, Office Assistant, between 8:00 - 8:45 am in front of the school.  You may also register electronically by following these steps:

Picture Day in the Park

Roots & Shoots Photography is hosting a 2nd safe, socially-distanced Picture Day in the Park the morning of Sunday, May 16 at Willard Park in Berkeley. 

HERE is the order form to sign up if you are interested. Please read all information carefully, and if you have any questions, reach out to them directly at grow@roots-shoots.com. They will be happy to assist you! :)

NUTRITION

All meals (breakfast and lunch) are free to all students through next school year - June 2022. 

You are encouraged to take advantage of these free meals. For students who are not in person at Emerson, BUSD has Grab and Go Meal sites at Washington, Rosa Parks, BAM, Willard, Longfellow, King and BHS. Distribution is Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:45 - 11:00am. BUSD provides meals to cover 7 days a week both breakfast and lunch. Families can go to any of those sites, food is free to any child ages 18 and younger.  This information is covered in detail on the website at berkeley.net.

Virtual Second Saturdays at BAMPFA

Here's what's coming up next, on Saturday, May 8. If you'd like to attend, please sign up next Wednesday or Thursday (May 5 or May 6).
Virtual Gallery + Studio: Mixed-Media Takarabako - 12:30 PM (For ages 6-12)

Make your own beautiful takarabako (treasure-chest box) from a simple pattern and materials found at home in this workshop with artist Beth Krebs.

Virtual Roundtable Reading: Hannah Saves the World by A.M. Luzzader - 2:30 PM (Recommended for ages 8+)

Hannah thinks it might be up to her to save the world! As she and her best friend Mia investigate the mysterious spaceship hovering in the stratosphere, they find unexpected clues to other unsolved mysteries in their town. Enjoy reading from this sci-fi/mystery adventure story with other kids!

Join the BearFacts Team for 2021/22

The team of BearFacts editors assembles this newsletter each week to help Emerson families stay informed and connected. It’s a minimal time commitment and valuable work you can do from home, and there’s training and support offered along the way! The BearFacts editors are part of the larger PTA communication team. Curious? Reach out and we can tell you more! Please contact Jen Petrucelli (jenpetrucelli@gmail.com) and Ashleigh Kanat (ashleigh.kanat@gmail.com).

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

BearFacts News - 04.22.21

Emerson header

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 Earth Day! This week many staff have been leading students in discussions about sustainability and preservation of our world’s precious natural resources. As shared in last week’s BearFacts, students are encouraged to participate in the district’s Earth Week activities. The BUSD Sustainability Team has put together a list of activities, projects and challenges for students to participate in. Each day on campus, we are careful to compost, recycle and send to the landfill sparingly. Students also learn about gardening from our beloved Ms. Jeannette. We encourage you to partner with us in our efforts to build a better future for our children. 

Last week, over 100 students and staff participated in COVID testing offered by PMH Laboratories. Each time we conduct testing on campus, we get better at the process. When you fill out the form electronically, they are not sent to the school but the company. If you make a mistake, we encourage you to fill it out again and resubmit. You can also come to the school in the morning and get the paperwork from Ms Michelle, who sits in front of the office outside from 8:00 to 8:45 am each day. She will give your paperwork to the nurse on Friday when she arrives on campus. Once your child is registered, they still need an updated Health Screening Form completed the night before (or day of) the test. Here are the links you will need: 

-You can sign your child up for testing by completing this one time registration form: :https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/5619f4c1079c4526a99df0a20180817e 

- One Time Parent Consent Form

- The Patient Test Request Form will need to be completed EACH Thursday night or Friday morning of testing (testing is every two weeks) 

-if you do not currently have insurance: Uninsurance Program.  

Our next testing days will be April 30, May 14 and May 28. COVID test results will be directly emailed to you by PMH Laboratories. If your child tests positive, the school will be alerted, but you should contact our main office as well. Do not send your child to school if they test positive for Covid. All results are confidential but all families who come in close contact with an infected classmate will be notified and will need to quarantine immediately. You may also check the district website page which posts confirmed Covid cases. Thank you for your help in keeping our Emerson community safe. 

The final administration of the STAR literacy, reading and math will begin next week. Once again, this is not used to determine placement or grades, but to help teachers understand how students are progressing and how we can best support them. Final scores will be available for parents on the Illuminate portal once the assessments are completed in mid-May. 

It is time to begin considering Summer School. Here is a link to the catalog, which includes information about the district learning loss recovery and social emotional program, the BEAR programs, City of Berkeley opportunities and the popular Camp Edmo: Summer Catalog 2021 and Catálogo de Verano 2021. If you want your child to be referred to summer school, please email Lily Howell, Family Liaison Coordinator, at lilyhowell@berkeley.net or me at janaholmes@berkeley.net.

This Friday we look forward to our All School Meeting Reward with Unique Derique. He is a talented, inspirational and amusing Bay Area performer who has magic tricks and motivational stories to share with us! Out of respect for our families in Distance Learning, we will meet on a Webinar at 8:30 am. Here is the link. Thank you to our Fundraising Chairs, Ms. Rana Cho and Mr. Michael Robinson, for coordinating this Special Event!

Thank you for your support and take good care, 

Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Friday, Apr 23: Read-a-Thon Reward Performance @ 8:30am via webinar

Monday, Apr 26: PTA Budget Subcommittee @ 6pm

Friday, Apr 30: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month happy hour @6pm via zoom

Wednesday, May 12: PTA Association meeting via zoom

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 Students Read Nearly 200,000 Minutes!

Thank you Emerson families for supporting this year's Read-a-Thon. Students read nearly 200,000 minutes and earned more than $35,000 to support our school. Thank you to Ms. Jeannie, Ms. Rachel, Michelle Falise, Rana Cho, Rafael Friedmann, Ashleigh Kanat, Room Parents volunteers, teachers, and Mrs. Holmes for making it happen!

The top readers in each grade were announced at the All School Meeting on the 16th. Huge congratulations to the following superstar readers, each of whom has received a gift card to Scholastic:

Kindergarten: Wesley Paine, Eris Burstein, and Koraline Curtis

1st Grade: Anna Bowman-Toyozumi, Addison Mettler-Lee, George Winarsky, and Winnifred Harris (tie)

2nd Grade: Danica Willis, Haedan Cho-Small, Henry Curtis

3rd Grade: Aya Bowman-Toyozumi, Isabella Israel, Caroline Montoya

4th Grade: Jacob Rose, Emmett Morton, Mira Willis, Eamon Lee (tie)

5th Grade: Ginger Dreicer, Nava Boyarin, Liam Byrnes

As a thank-you reward, the whole school community (in-person and distance-learning students and families) will get to enjoy a performance by Unique Derique this Friday, April 23.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Happy Hour

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM)!

Let's connect as a community, when our unity matters more than ever. Families of Asian and Pacific Islander ancestry, and those who self-identify as those cultures, please join us for a Happy Hour Zoom, hosted by Mia Villanueva, Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell, and Rana Cho.

Consider takeout from your favorite API restaurants for the Happy Hour so we can break bread and support our community businesses at the same time. Here's our inspiration: #iwilleatwithyou https://www.instagram.com/p/B-chMxIASoT/

Friday April 30 2020

6pm via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85616790299?pwd=V1MrVjMzaHNqM2h2YUdSNnhESkNuZz09

April Shout Outs!

Hello, Emerson Community! We want to celebrate and congratulate our January Shout Out Students! Please check out this Flipgrid to see special video shout outs from your teachers.

As always, have a fine, fine day! 

Love, The Emerson Staff

April Shout Out Awards1.jpg
April Shout Out Awards2.jpg

SUPPORT DISTANCE-LEARNING FAMILIES, TEACHERS and STAFF

We miss our distance learning families and teachers – and look forward to seeing everyone back on campus down the road. In the meantime, we want to stay connected. This has been a time of big transitions – for everyone, including families and staff who are staying in distance learning – with challenges along the way.

Please read this letter from concerned parents and staff to Brent Stephens, the BUSD School Board and Michelle Sinclair (principal of the new DL school), and consider signing on with your support: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19jImluoa1EJRF4RCc3LBEAQkRYP8wGclcaK9evi6Ac4/edit?ts=607fab9e

Also, please consider joining the Berkeley Unified Distance Choice Advocates Facebook group (link here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/537409180744349) – to stay apprised of what’s going on for DL Kids and their families.

Thank you!

Cielo Rios (cielo@magicspoon.net)

Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week

May 3-7 is our community-wide celebration of our Emerson teachers and staff! Start thinking about how your family might show your love and appreciation. If you would like to help out with this effort, contact Rose Lynn at roselynn20@gmail.com or 626.695.0687. More details to come!

Picture Day in the Park

Roots & Shoots Photography is hosting a 2nd safe, socially-distanced Picture Day in the Park the morning of Sunday, May 16 at Willard Park in Berkeley. 

HERE is the order form to sign up if you are interested. Please read all information carefully, and if you have any questions, reach out to them directly at grow@roots-shoots.com. They will be happy to assist you! :)

Join The PTA Budget Subcommittee

Want a voice in how the Emerson PTA plans its programs and budget? We're looking for people to join the budget sub-committee to help us plan for next year.

There will be a Zoom meeting on Monday, Apr 26 at 6pm to work on the budget, then the budget will be presented at the Emerson PTA Association for approval on May 12. Everyone is welcome and anyone may join via zoom.

To see the draft budget and learn more see: http://bit.ly/Emerson2021-2022

To RSVP email: emersonptatreasurer@gmail.com

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

BearFacts News - 04.15.21

Emerson header

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 now into the swing of things!  Our students who have remained in distance learning have met new classmates from neighboring schools and are acquainted with their teachers.  Students returning to the Emerson campus have quickly adapted to the new procedures and processes.  Parents, we thank you for continued support and for completing the Daily Health Screener each morning before leaving your child on campus.

As promised by the district, student testing for Covid is now available. This is an optional program for students.  Every other Friday, students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade will be able to take an oral test, administered by a Nurse on campus.  Testing will be conducted by PMH Laboratories. If you are interested in learning more about this organization visit https://pmhlaboratory.com/about/pmh-laboratory.  You can sign your child up for testing by completing this one time registration form: :https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/5619f4c1079c4526a99df0a20180817e and this One Time Parent Consent Form.  The Patient Test Request Form. will need to be completed each morning that your child takes the test. If the Patient Test Request form is not filled out the Friday morning of the testing, your child will not participate.  Finally, this form only needs to be completed if you do not currently have insurance: Uninsurance Program.  

We recognize that the Daily Health Screening is a time consuming process that we request your cooperation and patience with.  Although this is not a requirement for the City of Berkeley Health Department, it is a negotiated safety procedure linked to the reopening of in-person instruction.  The goal is to move from a manual computer check each morning, to a verbal confirmation with each family that is verified after school starts in the main office. Once we can see that the majority of the families are completing the Health Screening, we can move to the streamlined process. Please complete the health screening every single morning:  http://bit.ly/berkeleyhealthscreener.  Remember to keep your child at home if they are displaying any Covid related symptoms.  

The State of California has requested a waiver from the Federal Government for the Standardized California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress.  However, we do not know if it will be granted yet or not.  As of now, we are preparing to administer the final Spring Assessment of the STAR Reading and Math Test, along with the State of California test.  We will begin the STAR testing the Week of April 26th and potentially continue with the standardized assessments through the end of May.  We will keep you informed of the assessment  requirements and schedules.  

Our families who have remained in Distance Learning are very important to us.  Going forward, the remaining All-School Meetings will take place from 8:30 to 9:00 am.  This will allow everyone to participate.  Our April All School Meeting will be tomorrow, April 16th and our Read-a-Thon Reward Performance will be next Friday, April 23rd.  Also, we are continuing the library book distribution for our Distance Learning students and everyone will receive a free Emerson T-Shirt as a thank you gift from the Heart of Emerson!  Let’s stay strong together,  and show our School Spirit on Wednesday, April 21st by wearing our new Emerson Strong Shirts!

Take good care, 

Jana Holmes 

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Friday, Apr 16: All-School Meeting

Saturday, Apr 17: School Picture Day (see below for more information); Order by Apr 15

Wednesday, Apr 21: School Spirit Day - wear your new free Emerson Strong T-Shirt

Friday, Apr 23: Read-a-Thon Reward Performance

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.

Read-a-Thon Update

Thank you, Emerson students for participating in this year’s Read-a-Thon. You’re really, truly amazing!! Results and prizes will be announced during the All-School Meeting on April 16th. There will be a surprise performance offered as a reward for the whole school to enjoy on April 23rd..

Please bring back your Pizza Box Art Kits

(It's not too late if you forgot!)

Here are some suggestions for how to do that so we will have more time for art and less time spent on supply management!

1. Put your name on the pizza box.

2. Put all of the loose art supplies in the plastic pouch for use at school (paint, crayons, gluestick, etc). Bonus points if you write your name on the pouch with a Sharpie!

3. Leave the various unused papers in the box.

4. Keep all of your own art at home to enjoy!

Thank you!!

Ms. Ames

Join the Berkeley Community in Taking Action for Earth Day!

April 22nd, 2021 is Earth Day!

BUSD has put together a list of diverse activities, projects, and challenges for students to participate in. By the end of Earth Week, student projects will be highlighted in a District-wide slideshow.

Picture Day in the Park

Roots & Shoots is offering a safe, socially-distanced opportunity to have your student’s school picture taken on SATURDAY, APRIL 17TH (order deadline Thursday April 15th)

More information here: https://order.roots-shoots.com/form-5851357/picture-day-in-the-park-spring-2021

 A few notes:
-Once the order form is received and your payment is complete, you will receive a confirmation email from PayPal.
-After the order deadline, you will receive another email from Roots & Shoots with info about specific location meetup and your student's small group time slot. We are going to break up each time slot into smaller slots with no more than 6-7 students.
-Space limited.

ZOOM FRIENDLY RULE REMINDERS

  1.  Be prepared for class by wearing clothes, putting away toys and ready to participate

  2.  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.

  3. Mute yourself when you enter the meeting use the microphone bottom and wait for the teacher to call on you to unmute.

  4. Raise your hand and wait for the teacher to call on you- take turns and practice being patient. 

  5. 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