April 28, 2022

BearFacts News - 04.28.22

April 28, 2022

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,

What a gift to have unexpected rain in April! Let’s hope this buys us a little more time before the dreaded fire season kicks in. We are really busy here at Emerson. We had an invigorating Climate March last Friday, in recognition of Earth Day. As we move into the Month of May, we look forward to AAPI Month, the Move-A-Thon, many PTA-funded field trips, Otter Pop Recess Day, and much much more.

We also continue to strive for academic excellence. During May, we will complete a 3rd round of comprehensive student assessments. Students in Kindergarten through 2nd Grade will take a final administration of DIBELS Assessment (Literacy Skills), Math Benchmark, and complete an In-Class Essay. Students in Grades 3-5 will take the CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress) for the first time in three years. These results will inform our Emerson Data Dashboard, which is visible to the public through the California Department of Education. Grade 3-5 Students will also take the STAR (Reading and Math Assessment) and write a final In-Class Essay. Our English Learner students completed the ELPAC (English Language Proficiency Assessment) earlier this Trimester. This certainly is a lot of testing, and we will use this data to inform our instruction, intervention and planning for the 2022- 2023 school year. If you have any questions about assessments, please feel free to reach out to me.

Tonight is the Night: BUSD Oratorical Contest! We encourage you to tune in at 5:00 pm to root for our two talented Emerson group entries who have moved forward to the district competition: Isabella Israel and Sophia Urquidez (Grade 4) and Lucy Merhige and Talula Price (Grade 5). This year’s theme - Get Up! Speak Up! Demonstrate Black Resilience and Joy! - will be inspiring and motivational for all. Here is the Zoom link: Attend at this Zoom link.

BUSD students are invited to attend the Alameda County Fair this summer. Tickets are at a discounted rate. You can use the linked QR code for a free ticket for Elementary school students: Free Elementary Ticket to Fair.

Don’t forget about the Outdoor All School Assembly at 8:30 am on Friday, May 6 and the PTA Sponsored Move- A-Thon on Saturday, May 7 from 9 am- 1:00 pm. We hope to see you at both events.

Take good care,

Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

May 2 - 6: Staff Appreciation Week

May 6: All School Meeting, on the yard - 8:30- 9:15AM

May 7: Emerson Move-a-thon (formerly called “Walkathon”)

May 9: School Site Council Meeting

May 17: Final PTA Association meeting to approve 2022-2023 budget and Board Roster

June 3: 5th Grade Class Promotion

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.

EMERSON PTA UPDATES

Afterschool Classes Update: We now have Yama Yoga on Mondays and Fridays, and KALA Art on Wednesdays (which filled up quickly). Thank you for signing up - based on this trial, the PTA will plan for more Enrichment classes for Fall 2022.

Move-a-thon on Saturday, May 7th, 9am - 1pm: Save the date for the biggest (and only!) all-school event this year! Forest Avenue will be blocked off for our traditional Walkathon laps, while hula hoops, dancing, jump-roping and more will be on the schoolyard with a DJ and LIVE BAND! We’ll compete for points to add up to a grade-wide prize, and everyone who shows up gets a prize, especially teachers and staff! Start training now!

Move-a-thon VOLUNTEERS

Please SIGN UP HERE as a 1-hr volunteer to help move the Move-a-thon along! We need your help with setup, cleanup, counting laps, and more!

Move-a-thon Party Sponsorships

Please consider sponsoring our Move-a-thon PARTY as an individual or business at the $250 or $500 level. The Emerson PTA will proudly display your name at the Move-a-thon Party, and related communications. We are hoping to raise at least $2500 to offset the live music and giveaways.

Join the PTA Budget Sub-committee

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 in the next couple of weeks to work on the budget, then the budget will be presented at the Emerson PTA Association for approval on May 17. Everyone is welcome and anyone may join.
To RSVP email: scott@levitas.com

Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week

May 2-6 is Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week. Check out the Week-At-A-Glance and the ways you and your child can make this week special for your classroom teacher and all the staff at Emerson.

Visit this Volunteer/Donation Sign Up to find ways to support the collective effort!

Art Corner

Hokusai's Great Wave

5th Graders learned about the Japanese printmaker Katsushika Hokusai. We looked at examples of his "36 Views of Mt. Fuji" and used The Great Wave off Kanagawa as our inspiration. We drew the lines first using wax pencils or sharpies and then completed the paintings with watercolor.

- Lucy Ames, Art Teacher (she/her)

Last Chance to Order Your 2021-2022 Yearbook!

All Grades represented!!

The book + plus tax is ONLY $20!
Orders need to be placed online by Friday April 29th. That’s tomorrow!!

https://link.entourageyearbooks.com/my/Emerson-Elementary-School-2022

The PTA wants every 5th grader to get a yearbook. If you can pay, please do.
Any purchasing questions, please contact David Miller at dmiller297@yahoo.com
Books will be distributed the last week 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 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

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

April 21, 2022

BearFacts News - 04.21.22

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

April 21, 2022

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 Earth Week! Students have been learning about how to address climate change by reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, and how solar, wind, and hydropower work. Each class also participated in a community clean-up. Students were equipped with safety gear, and we picked up trash around our school and community. The week will culminate with a Climate Action March. We are proud of our students and the care they show for preserving and sustaining our precious environment. Big shout-out to Ms. Salyk for coordinating our school-wide efforts!

We were so pleased that we had about a dozen students submit entries for the BUSD Oratorical Fest! Ms. Lily, Family Engagement and Equity coordinator, and I met with all the students last Friday for a pizza party. We awarded every student who submitted an entry with a trophy of recognition and appreciation. We encourage you to tune in Thursday, April 28 at 5:00pm to root for our two talented Emerson group entries who have moved forward to the district competition: Isabella Israel and Sophia Urquidez (Grade 4) and Lucy Merhige and Talula Price (Grade 5)! This year’s theme- Get Up! Speak Up! Demonstrate Black Resilience and Joy!- will be inspiring and motivational for all. Here is the Zoom link: Attend at this Zoom link.

We are looking for Board Members for the 2022- 2023 PTA. Parent volunteers are vital to the success of our school community. Detailed descriptions of each position can be found at https://emerson.berkeleypta.org/pta-board. Co-sharing a position with a friend is possible (good communication is key). Nominations are due by May 17. Here is the link to the flyer with more information: PTA Board Nominations 2022- 2023. Email questions to Ericacarter@berkeley.net. We hope you will consider joining the PTA.

Please mark your calendars for the May All School Meeting. We invite parents to attend outside, on the blacktop, on Friday, May 6 at 8:30 am. We will award our final school year Student Shout Outs and our Read-a-Thon winners and thank our promoting 5th grade parents who have volunteered consistently through the years. Join us again the next morning, Saturday, May 7, for a fun community celebration: the Move-a-Thon. All are welcome to this free event, from 9 am- 1 pm, complete with a live band, fun games, prizes, and all your Emerson friends!

Take care and thank you for your support,

Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

May 2 - 6: Staff Appreciation Week

May 6: All School Meeting, on the yard - 8:30- 9:15AM

May 7: Emerson Move-a-thon (formerly called “Walkathon”)

May 9: School Site Council Mtg

May 17: Final PTA Association meeting to approve 2022-2023 budget and Board Roster

June 3: 5th Grade Class Promotion

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

EMERSON PTA UPDATES

Move-a-thon - Saturday, May 7; 9am - 1pm

Save the date for the biggest (and only!) all-school event this year! Forest Avenue will be blocked off for our traditional Walkathon laps, while hula hoops, dancing, jump-roping and more will be on the schoolyard with a DJ and live band! We’ll compete for points to add up to a grade-wide prize, and everyone who shows up gets a prize, especially teachers and staff! Start training now!

Move-a-thon Party Sponsorships

Please consider sponsoring our Move-a-thon party as an individual or business at $250 or $500 levels. The Emerson PTA will proudly display your name at the Move-a-thon party and related communications. We are hoping to raise at least $2500 to offset the live music and giveaways.

Move-a-thon Volunteers

Please SIGN UP HERE as a one-hr volunteer to help move the Move-a-thon along! We need your help with setup, cleanup, counting laps, and more!

Art Enrichment Classes After School on Wednesdays

In partnership with Kala Art Institute, we are excited to offer an in person, after school visual art series for Emerson students. K-5 th grade students will engage in skill-based instruction, and hands-on projects and activities, and explore a variety of visual art media, techniques and concepts. Kala teaching artists will work closely with students to create a space for creativity, self-expression, and collaboration. Kids who love making their ideas come to life will have a blast in this after school art experience!
SIGN UP HERE
April 27- June 1, 2022, 6 weeks, Wednesdays, 1:30- 3:00pm; on-site at Emerson

There will be one scholarship slot for this art class series. Please email the Emerson PTA to apply: emersonbearcubspta@gmail.com

Join the PTA Budget Sub-committee

Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week

May 2-6 is our community-wide celebration of our Emerson teachers and staff! Start thinking about how your family might show your love and appreciation. This is our annual celebration, and we are looking for enthusiastic individuals to assist in planning for this week of thanks. If that is you, please contact Carol Wang at carol.wang@gmail.com or Rose Lynn at roselynn20@gmail.com. Stay tuned for more details!

Order the 2021-2022 Yearbook!

All Grades represented!!

The book + plus tax is ONLY $20!
Orders need to be placed online by Friday April 29th.

https://link.entourageyearbooks.com/my/Emerson-Elementary-School-2022

The PTA wants every 5th grader to get a yearbook. If you can pay, please do.
Any purchasing questions please contact David Miller at dmiller297@yahoo.com
Books will be distributed the last week 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 and posted online at emerson.berkeleypta.org.

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

April 14, 2022

BearFacts News - 04.14.22

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

April 14, 2022

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 in the final stretch of the school year- let’s make the best of it! Despite the many challenges, with your help, we have succeeded. The students have made great academic progress, as reflected by our reading, writing, and math scores. Students, staff and parents have reconnected with each other. We have emphasized the importance of inclusion and diversity, and our students are allies with each other. It is heartwarming to reward students with monthly Shoutouts in the All School Meetings and every Friday with Caught Being Good prizes in the main office. We are thriving!

Mark your calendars for a few fun events to celebrate the end of the school year:

You are invited to an outdoor on-campus All School Meeting on Friday, May 6, 8:30- 9:15 am. We will award the final Student Shout Outs and have lots of fun on the blacktop- come join us!
The next morning, Saturday, May 7, we will celebrate with the Move- A- Thon (formerly known as the Walk- A - Thon). Let’s get some exercise and party together, from 9 am to 1 pm.
The 5th Grade Class Promotion will be on the last day of school, on Friday, June 3rd, from 8:30- 9:30 on the schoolyard.

Spring, summer and good times are on the horizon. We hope to see you on campus for these events.

We are looking for Board Members for the 2022- 2023 PTA. Parent volunteers are vital to the success of our school community. Detailed descriptions of each position can be found at https://emerson.berkeleypta.org/pta-board. Co-sharing a position with a friend is possible (good communication is key). Nominations are due by May 17. Here is the link to the flier with more information: PTA Board Nominations 2022- 2023. Email questions to Ericacarter@berkeley.net. We hope you will consider joining the PTA.

Thank you for your support,

Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

May 2 - 6: Staff Appreciation Week

May 6: All School Meeting, on the yard - 8:30- 9:15AM

May 7: Emerson Move-a-Thon (formerly called “Walkathon”)

May 9: School Site Council Mtg

June 3: 5th Grade Class Promotion

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

EMERSON PTA UPDATES

After School Yoga at Emerson

Beth Houghton of Yama Yoga (2009, teacher to over 2000 kids) will be teaching a 1-hr yoga class on Mondays and Fridays beginning April 18. Please see the attached flyer for details. Enrollment is limited to 15 per class, and each class will be Kindergarten through 5th grade held outdoors.

Please sign up at https://www.yamakidsyoga.com/class-registration. This class has a special designation on the website, so the tab is the only way to sign up. Beth can be reached at 650-520-1937 or beth@yamakidsyoga.com.

There will be one scholarship slot (fees waived) per series (Mondays or Fridays) for families who are interested but have financial limits. Please email the Emerson PTA to apply: emersonbearcubspta@gmail.com

Move-a-thon - May 7th Saturday 9am - 1pm

Save the date for the biggest (and only!) all-school event this year! Forest Avenue will be blocked off for our traditional Walkathon laps, while hula hoops, dancing, jump-roping and more will be on the schoolyard with a DJ and LIVE BAND! We’ll compete for points to add up to a grade-wide prize, and everyone who shows up gets a prize, especially teachers and staff! Start training now!

Moveathon Party Sponsorships

Please consider sponsoring our Moveathon PARTY as an individual or business at $250 or $500 levels. The Emerson PTA will proudly display your name at the Moveathon Party, and related communications. Payments via PayPal or check (to "Emerson Elementary School PTA" and mail or drop off at school).

Teacher’s Corner

Moroccan Khamsas

Third grade artists created these Moroccan khamsas using 36 gauge aluminum tooling metal. First we looked at many examples of khamsas, learning that the word khamsa (or hamsa) means five in Arabic. Even when a khamsa doesn't look much like a hand we could always find five sections of the khamsa. We touched briefly on the five pillars of Islam, and we also saw Jewish and Christian symbols in some pieces as khamsas have been used for centuries by people of many backgrounds.

We started by practicing different textures on a small piece of metal. We continued by creating "thumbnail" (small) sketches. Once we had decided on the shape for our khamsa, we drew one actual size. Finally we could work on the metal. We added textures and lines from both sides of the metal and then colored them with sharpie.

Lucy Ames, Art Teacher (she/her)

April SHOUT-OUTs

Help Needed: Annual Staff Appreciation Week

This year continues to be like none other and our Emerson staff have remained steadfast in their support of students and families! Every month of this school year, grade levels have led the way in offering a monthly luncheon for staff, food for the soul! Staff have been so grateful! We will go deeper with our appreciation and celebrate for a whole week in early May for the National Staff Appreciation Week (May 2-6). This is our annual celebration, and we are looking for enthusiastic individuals to assist in planning for this week of thanks. If that is you, please contact Rose Lynn at roselynn20@gmail.com or Carol Wang at carol.wang@gmail.com!

Watch Baile Folklorico - From Cesar Chavez Day

Watch the Baile Folklorico performance at Emerson - from last month’s Cesar Chavez Day. https://youtu.be/ihuQLIwj_2w

Equity Corner: RAMADAN

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar and this year, it began in the evening of April 2, 2022 and will end the evening of May 2, 2022 (following the lunar calendar). This holy month is observed through fasting, prayer, study, and increased charity and generosity. Fasting is when you do not eat food or drink water. During Ramadan, families gather to eat before the sun comes up and after the sun goes down. Please check out this PDF lesson created by a student to learn more about Ramadan! Please also check out this resource on how to support students during Ramadan, books about Ramadan, and the BUSD Arab American Heritage Reading reading list full of wonderful stories to share with your student.

April is Arab American Heritage Month

April is Arab American Heritage Month and linked below are the Family Resource Guides in Arabic, Spanish, and English. While these are resources for all year round, we hope they will support a joyful celebration of Arab American contributions and history this April!

The AAHM Family Guide in English is HERE.

The AAHM Family Guide in Arabic is HERE.

The AAHM Family Guide in Spanish is HERE.

Order the 2021-2022 Yearbook!

All Grades represented!!

The book + plus tax is ONLY $20!
Orders need to be placed online by Friday April 29th.

https://link.entourageyearbooks.com/my/Emerson-Elementary-School-2022

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.

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

March 24, 2022

BearFacts News - 03.24.22

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

March 24, 2022

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,

This week we officially welcome Spring! It doesn’t seem like we had much of a Winter, which worked well for the students eating outside but might set us up for a difficult fire season. Let’s hope for the best and try to conserve our water.

If you turn on the news, you will see the horrifying images resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. If you would like some resources to talk to your children about this challenging time, Ms. Marlies, our School-Based Therapist has provided these resources: Helping Children Cope with Unsettling TImes and Talking to Children about War by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. At Emerson, we will continue to provide the children with unconditional support, both academically and emotionally.

The BUSD Oratorical is coming up soon. Submissions are due by Thursday, March 31, at the latest. They can be emailed to Lilyhowell@berkeley.net. There are several groups of students who have been working with Mr. Phil and Lily during the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade lunch on Thursday and Friday afternoons. Here is the flier with more information: here is the flier.

Thank you for your support of the Read- A- Thon! The final reading logs are due back to the classroom teachers on Friday, March 25th. The students really got involved, with many of them choosing to read during recess. A portion of the funds we raised will be dedicated to updating the teacher’s classroom libraries. We are pleased to be able to use the funds to support teachers and encourage even more reading!

COVID cases continue to be on the decline on campus. Masking is now optional, both indoor and outdoor. We will continue to test on Friday mornings and we ask that you monitor your child for COVID symptoms. If your child stays home from school due to illness we will need proof of the negative COVID test upon their return. Email absences and negative covid test results, with student name and date, to Attendance Clerk Leahlopez@berekeley.net.

We hope you had a chance to read your child’s Second Trimester Report Card. We encourage you to reach out to your child’s teacher via email or phone call if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you for your support and take care,

Jana Holmes

Lunar New Year 2022:
Class videos, courtesy of Volunteer Mr. Phil

Ms. Totten https://youtu.be/lTIqfpU-MdA
Ms. Weddle https://youtu.be/v3GnT4TonG8
Ms. Suzuki https://youtu.be/mE7H0Vp5Znk
Ms. Stuppi https://youtu.be/Dfv9wm6dLPs
Ms. Salyk https://youtu.be/pmQuLtwMbpA
Ms. Melgoza https://youtu.be/TpLnqDDLrXM
Ms. Medina https://youtu.be/hDIZM-6A11Q
Ms. Kyla https://youtu.be/RdhZ6uvD73s
Ms. Carter and Ms. Bella https://youtu.be/87UfgDcvOxQ
Ms. Davis https://youtu.be/FAJcD2VeE8A
Ms. Campbell Lewis https://youtu.be/Rs6pq60ILAU
Mz. Grz https://youtu.be/s_J9XrU4ieE

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

March 25: Emerson Read-a-Thon Logs Due

March 24: Ethnic Studies in BUSD: Listening Circle for Parents and Caregivers of Black and African Descendant Children, 7 pm Zoom Link

March 29: Listening Circle for Parents & Caregivers of Children of Arab American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander American Heritage 7 pm Zoom Link

April 4-8: Spring Break

May 7: Emerson Move-a-Thon (formerly called “Walkathon”)

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Read-a-Thon Logs Due Tomorrow

Yellow compass and below written in cursive, "Where will your book take you today?" Below it are three smaller items: Saturn like planet, a bug, and

Thank you, Emerson students, for participating in this year’s Read-a-Thon. Great job! Don’t forget to use the Reading Log to record your minutes. Your classroom teacher will let you know how to turn in your reading log. Please make sure it’s turned in by tomorrow, March 25th, to be eligible for the prizes.

Questions: contact Ms. Jeannie at jeanniewang@berkeley.net or Ashleigh Kanat at ashleigh.kanat@gmail.com. We’ll announce prize winners during the May All-School Meeting.

Emerson PTA Updates

Are you the next PTA Board member?

Do you want to represent the Emerson community? Help shape Emerson culture? One of many ways to serve Emerson, the PTA Board is visible and vital to supporting Emerson with fundraising, community building, and advocating in the greater Berkeley community.

It’s barely spring, but it’s time to plan our PTA Board for 2022-2023. Please consider nominating yourself or another Emerson community member. Our Election meeting, the third and last of our Association meetings, will be on May 17th. Please contact us (emersonbearcubspta@gmail.com) with your interest, nomination, and questions about the board roles, and feel free to reach out to current board members as well.

Save the Date: Move-a-thon - May 7th

It’s time to MOVE! You’ve heard of the Read-a-thon, next up is the May Move-a-thon*!

Our priority is physical fun and community building, students AND families ON campus finally OH MY! Join the planning of our biggest (and first in three years) community event with Move-a-thon Committee lead and Kindergarten parent Elise Kneram (kneram.elise@gmail.com).

*formerly the Walk-a-thon, renamed to be inclusive of abilities in our Emerson community

ETHNIC STUDIES IN BUSD: LISTENING CIRCLES

Purpose of the Listening Circle: Share ideas about how children should learn about their history and their heritages in our schools as we expand Ethnic Studies throughout all the BUSD grade levels.

FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN OF BLACK & AFRICAN DESCENDANT CHILDREN

When: Thursday, March 24 from 7-8 PM
Where: zoom link HERE Flier in English is HERE
Co-Hosted by ADAC, PCAD and BUSD’s Ethnic Studies TSA & PD Coordinator

FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN OF ARAB AMERICAN, ASIAN AMERICAN, AND PACIFIC ISLANDER AMERICAN HERITAGE

Arabic interpretation will be provided.
When: Tuesday, March 29 from 7-8 PM.
Where: zoom link HERE; Flier in English is HERE; Flier in Arabic is HERE.
Co-Hosted by BUSD’s AAPI Community Group and Ethnic Studies TSA & PD Coordinator

FOR ALL STAFF/CAREGIVERS/PARENTS/STUDENTS:

Complete and share this brief survey on Ethnic Studies in BUSD
For more information, visit BUSD Ethnic Studies website

Teacher’s Corner

2ND GRADE ARTISTS' SCENES FROM THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD INSPIRED BY JACOB LAWRENCE

Second grade artists looked at the work of Jacob Lawrence, including his book Harriet and the Promised Land. They noticed that his colors were mostly dark or muted and that he included the North Star as a symbol of hope. Artists created their scenes by first painting the landscape then adding details and cut-out people colored with colored pencil. Jacob Lawrence is sometimes called a "story painter" so we, too, thought about what story our art was telling about the people heading north to safety.

- Lucy Ames

Critical District Surveys: Complete Today!

BUDGET SURVEY
It’s not too late to fill out this BUDGET PRIORITY SURVEY to help the district understand community priorities for 2022-2023 to be approved in June. The district has pre-identified topics on the survey already and they have included space for your direct input district Please take a moment to fill this survey in to ensure the Emerson community is represented with your feedback and ideas!

Budget Priority Townhall on March 15, 2022 - Review the presentation HERE.

SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH SURVEY
The Berkeley Unified Board of Education is asking for your help in selecting our next superintendent. To ensure this is a collaborative and inclusive process, the Board is providing an anonymous online survey and encourages your participation. This is an opportunity to receive input from students, staff, parents, and the community. Take the survey at this link now. This survey will be open from Wednesday, March 16 to Friday, March 25, at 4:00 PM.

Stay tuned HERE for information on the ongoing process

Order the 2021-2022 Yearbook!

brown background with a black bear walking on the words Emerson Elementary. Above the bear is a red hear surrounded by black stars.

All Grades represented!!

The book + plus tax is ONLY $20!
Orders need to be placed online by Friday April 29th.

link.entourageyearbooks.com
Search for Emerson Elementary in Berkeley

Where’s Waldo Delivered

Where’s Waldo is Emerson’s Family Directory. It is available online on the Emerson PTA website. One print copy was sent home for each household last week. If you did not receive it, you may request one from emersonschoolnews@gmail.com

Set up your online access to Where’s Waldso!
Sign up one time! Adjust your preferences and use the search features to find information.
New Users: Create an account at https://emersonberkeleypta.membershiptoolkit.com/ with login and password.
Returning Users: Log in at link above, update your information anytime.
Click here for detailed instructions to set up your online access to Where's Waldo Emerson directory.

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.

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

March 17, 2022

BearFacts News - 03.17.22

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

March 17, 2022

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 St. Patrick's Day! This week marked a major shift in the pandemic. For the first time, in two years, masks have become optional for students and staff. This change in policy follows the recommendations of the California and Berkeley Health departments. Masking is still “strongly encouraged” and many staff and students continue to wear them, especially inside the school. As a staff, we have discussed this change with the students, while emphasizing how important it is to respect each individual’s decision. Please partner with us to have similar conversations at home, to clarify your expectations regarding masking. We will continue to conduct COVID testing on Fridays, wash and sanitize frequently, use air purifiers, and eat indoors (weather permitting).

We hope you are enjoying the Read-a-Thon and that you are able to log your child’s progress on the tracking sheet through Sunday, March 20th. Remember all independent reading that is not part of the assigned classroom reading counts, including homework, during lunchtime, Kids Worlds, and weekends. Our goal is 100% participation. The Read-a-Thon is a fun and academic fundraiser for Emerson. Big Smile to Ms. Jeannie, Ms. Rachel, and PTA Volunteers Ms. Kanat and Ms. Paine. It’s wonderful to see this Emerson tradition continue!

Don’t forget we are accepting submissions for the BUSD-Sponsored Oratorical Festival. This year’s theme is “Get up, Speak Up, Demonstrate Black Resilience and Joy.” If you have questions or your student has a video submission, please email Emerson’s OFEE Coordinator, Lilyhowell@berkeley.net by Thursday, March 31, at the latest. For more information, here is the flier.

Mark your calendars for the Cesar Chavez Day Celebration on Wednesday, March 23rd at 8:30 am. We are thrilled that Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno (BFM) will be on campus for a live presentation. Last year we were happy to broadcast them during a special Zoom meeting, and this year will be even better in person. The mission of BFM is to empower and educate the general public by providing a greater understanding and appreciation for Mexican culture and folklore through music, dance, and traditional art forms. We invite the Emerson Parents to join us outside, on the playground, for this PTA-sponsored event.

Please check your child’s backpack for report cards, which will be sent home this afternoon (Thursday). If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to your child’s teacher via email or a phone call.

Thank you for your support and take care,

Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

March 11-20: Emerson Read-a-Thon

March 29: Listening Circle for Parents & Caregivers of Children of Arab American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander American Heritage

May 7: Emerson Move-a-Thon (formerly called “Walkathon”)

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Read-a-Thon is underway

Emerson students - you rock! You’re challenging yourselves and discovering new types of books to read. Keep up the great work - you have a few more days left to read, read, read. The Read-a-Thon ends at the end of the day on March 20th. Don’t forget to use the Reading Log to record your minutes. Your classroom teacher will let you know how to turn in your reading log. Please make sure it’s turned in by March 25th to be eligible for the prizes. Questions: contact Ms. Jeannie at jeanniewang@berkeley.net or Ashleigh Kanat at ashleigh.kanat@gmail.com.

Emerson PTA Updates

Are you the next PTA Board member?

Save the Date: Move-a-thon - May 7th

It’s time to MOVE! You’ve heard of the Read-a-thon, next up is the May Move-a-thon*!

Our priority is physical fun and community building, students AND families ON campus finally OH MY! Join the planning of our biggest (and first in three years) community event with Move-a-thon Committee lead and kindergarten parent Elise Kneram (kneram.elise@gmail.com).

*formerly the Walk-a-thon, renamed to be inclusive of abilities in our Emerson community

Listening Circle for Parents & Caregivers of Children of Arab American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander American Heritage

Purpose of the listening circle: For family members and caregivers/parents of children of Arab American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander American heritage to share their ideas about how their children should learn about their history and their heritages in our schools as we expand Ethnic Studies throughout all the BUSD grade levels.

Arabic interpretation will be provided.

When: Tuesday, March 29 from 7-8 PM.
Where: zoom link HERE; Flier in English is HERE; Flier in Arabic is HERE.

Teacher’s Corner

1st Grade Artists' Elmer's Day Parade!

David McKee's book Elmer is a great story about a patchwork colored elephant who thinks he needs to be elephant colored to be loved. Of course by the end he realizes that his friends love him just as he is, and they decide to celebrate him with an Elmer's Day Parade once a year where they all dress themselves up to be more colorful like he is. For this project, first grade artists created a beautiful paper by rubbing crayons over many different texture plates. They cut their own loom out of the paper and then did a weaving with paper strips. Finally they created a head, tail and feet and glued them all together. This was a project packed with learning and the young artists did so well.

- Lucy Ames

District Budget Priority Survey

Berkeley Unified is planning out how they will spend money next school year...

And invites you to complete this budget priority survey to help the district understand community priorities for 2022-2023 that will be approved in June. The district has pre-identified topics on the survey already and they have included space for your direct input as well— so you can share your thoughts directly with the district, especially if you weren’t able to attend the Budget Priority Townhall on March 15, 2022.

Please take a moment to fill this survey in to ensure the Emerson community is represented with your feedback and ideas!

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.

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

March 9, 2022

BearFacts News - 03.10.22

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

March 9, 2022

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 March. Let’s hope we can get some more rain and that our COVID-19 numbers continue to fall. This month we will recognize Women’s History Month by learning more about amazing leaders in the current and past world. Later in the month, students will be treated to a live outdoor performance by Ballet Folklorico Mexico in honor of Cesar Chavez Day. Students will also enjoy an outdoor jazz performance by the talented BHS Band. We have a lot to look forward to this Spring!

The Superintendent sent out an email earlier this week confirming that BUSD schools will follow the City of Berkeley’s updated masking protocols. Starting next Monday, March 14, masks will no longer be required for staff or students at school. Masks are still “strongly recommended,” as they are an effective tool in COVID mitigation. We will continue school-wide COVID-19 testing on Friday mornings, eat breakfast and lunch outside, hand wash, and utilize ventilation and air purifiers to protect us. Teachers will explain the new masking policy and emphasize that students who choose to wear a mask are allowed to do so, and that we must respect each individual’s decision. Please discuss this change of policy with your child and let them know if you want them to continue wearing a mask or not. Masks will continue to be available for students in the front office.

The Office of Family Engagement and Equity Sponsored Oratorical Festival is back. This year’s theme is “Get Up, Speak Up, Demonstrate Black Resilience and Joy.” We would like to include all the videos created in one of our All School Meetings. We will also forward two video representations from Grade 3-5, selected by School Staff, to the district competition. Ms. Lily Howell, OFEE Coordinator, and Mr. Phil, Volunteer Video Producer, will meet with students who want to create a video to submit for the next three (3) Thursdays, March 17, March 24, and March 31 during the 3rd, 4th and 5th-grade lunch. The video submissions are due by April 1. Please talk to your child to see if they would like to participate in this year’s competition. Of course, you are also welcome to create your own video submission at home. Here is the flier. If you have any questions, or to submit a video, please email Lilyhowell@berkeley.net. We are happy that BUSD is continuing the Oratorical Tradition for 2022.

Don’t forget the Read-a-Thon starts tomorrow! This is a fundraiser for Emerson, with a portion of the money raised going to update teachers’ classroom libraries. All outside-the-classroom reading time is creditable, including parents reading to children. We will have a special Literacy Night on Wednesday, March 16, hosted by Ms. Rachel, Librarian, and Ms. Jeannie, Literacy Coach. It will include some fun conversation and an Elephant & Piggie book read- a- loud. Stay tuned for the Zoom link and please plan to join us.

As previously mentioned, the second trimester has come to an end. Teachers are working on report cards, which will reflect student academic progress and assessment results. Report cards will be sent home in the Thursday, March 17 Look Folder.

Take care and thank you for your support,

Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

March 11-20: Emerson Read-a-Thon

March 14: School Site Council, 6pm

March 15 (7:00-8:30pm): PTA General Association Mtg. Focus: Enrichment & Afterschool Care - Zoom LINK

March 16: Virtual Family Literacy Night

March 29: Listening Circle for Parents & Caregivers of Children of Arab American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander American Heritage

May 7: Emerson Move-a-thon (formerly called “Walkathon”)

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Read-a-Thon Begins Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the first day of our 2022 Read-a-Thon. For the next ten days, we encourage all students to read as much as they can, while raising money for Emerson. We’re striving for full participation - meaning we hope every student will find some time to read at home! There will be prizes for the top three students in each grade who read the most minutes, a prize for the classroom at each grade level that reads the most, and a schoolwide prize if all together we read 250,000 minutes! If you haven’t already, please visit https://app.99pledges.com/fund/emersonreads22 to find your student’s page. You can forward the link to your student’s page to friends and family far and wide!

Here are forms you may need: Student and Family Guide (English), Student and Family Guide (Spanish) and the Reading Log.

Questions: contact Ms. Jeannie at jeanniewang@berkeley.net or Ashleigh Kanat at ashleigh.kanat@gmail.com.

Emerson PTA Updates

From the PTA Board:

Please join us for our second Association meeting at 7pm on Tuesday March 15 via Zoom (link HERE). We invite you, our Emerson community of parents and caregivers, to join us for an exploration of After-school Care and PTA-supported Enrichment in preparation for the 2022-2023 school year. Variants pending, we would be resuming PTA-supported Enrichment for the first time in three years. We have some ideas for solutions based on our recent Enrichment survey and we will be exploring these during our meeting.

Are you the next PTA Board member?

Save the Date: Move-a-thon - May 7th

It’s time to MOVE! You’ve heard of the Read-a-thon, next up is the May Move-a-thon*!

Our priority is physical fun and community building, students AND families ON campus finally OH MY! Join the planning of our biggest (and first in three years) community event with Move-a-thon Committee lead and kindergarten parent Elise Kneram (kneram.elise@gmail.com).

*formerly the Walk-a-thon, renamed to be inclusive of abilities in our Emerson community

Equity Corner

The 2022 Equity Circle is back! Our thoughtful group has already met twice with Ms. Pamela Harrison-Small to begin exploring Equity in the context of our Emerson community. During our first session, we shared about ourselves and our respective experiences as well as experiences we have had in our own education, navigating systems and access disparity. We also studied historical CAASPP test results in ELA/Literacy and Mathematics at Emerson and spent time looking at shared language so that we have a base of understanding and reference for having conversations about topics like access disparity within institutions, intersectionality, and damage imagery (here are definitions from the Center for the Study of Social Policy). We are continuing to meet over Zoom for the next few weeks. If you have any questions or are curious about the Equity work in our Emerson community, please email emersonequitypta@gmail.com or come say hi at pickup! thanks! -cielo

Listening Circle for Parents & Caregivers of Children of Arab American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander American Heritage

Arabic interpretation will be provided.

When: Tuesday, March 29 from 7-8 PM.
Where: zoom link HERE; Flier in English is HERE; Flier in Arabic is HERE.

Read-a-Thon Special Event - March 16

Does your student want an extra 30 minutes to add to their Read-A-Thon Reading Log? Save the date for a special Read-A-Thon event.

Join us for a Virtual Family Literacy Night (Spanish flyer heres://docs.google.com/document/d/1s-EsX6o-7GXIktuqdZIJLEsuuaS4EMdJpBVXQ9BVbxo/edit?usp=sharing)! Back by popular demand: Elephant & Piggie read-aloud by Ms. Rachel and Ms. Jeannie.

Wednesday, March 16 from 7:00-7:30

Zoom Link: https://berkeley-net.zoom.us/j/85391611421?pwd=Y0N2UTZocmRtZldXK2p0VlM3SFQ5dz09

Self-Portraits Inspired by Angelica Dass

Fifth grade artists created these incredible self portraits by tracing over a photo of themselves on a transparency sheet. They are inspired by the photographs of Angelica Dass. From her website: "She is the creator of the internationally acclaimed Humanae project - a collection of portraits that reveal the diverse beauty of humanity." We watched her Ted talk, read her book and had some thought-provoking discussions. Artists painted a background paper to match their skin tones the best that they could. Ms. Dass uses the pantone color system to match the background of her portraits to the color of 11 pixels in the subject's nose. By using a transparency sheet, we were able to have the skintone show through for the face and the background and just needed to paint the shirt, hair and a few other details from the back. It was a challenging project, but the artists worked hard and the results are pretty amazing, don't you think? (Special thank you to Mr. Phil for taking the photos!)

Congrats to Emerson’s March Shout-Out Recipients!

March 12 BAMPFA In-Person Events for Kids

Join the UC Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) on March 12 as they resume onsite family events in their galleries, Art Lab, and Reading Room for the first time in two years.

GALLERY + STUDIO: Expressive Landscapes at 11:30 AM* - 1:00 PM

Gallery + Studio is a two-part workshop that integrates an interactive gallery tour with a related art project; the session lasts about an hour and a half and is for children ages 6 - 12 and their grown-ups.

Informed by both traditional Chinese painting techniques and a lifelong exploration of experimental brushwork, Hong Kong artist Wesley Tongson created intricate and expressive paintings inspired by the natural world. Using watercolor, ink, brush, and pen, work with artist Jennie Smith to create an abstract landscape of a place that holds special meaning for you.

*Space is limited to twelve kids (plus their grown-ups) per session, so please arrive promptly to sign up.

Roundtable Reading: Maya and the Robot by Eve L. Ewing at 2:00 PM

At Roundtable Reading, young readers read aloud to one another from the opening pages of a good book for about an hour. Children who participate at the event will receive a copy of the book to continue reading at home. This event is for ages 8 and up (younger kids welcome as listeners) and there’s advance sign-up needed; just show up at 2:00 ready to read!

Reading led by our very own Rachel Budge, Emerson’s Librarian

When shy, introverted Maya is assigned to a different fifth-grade classroom than her two best friends, she feels lonely and worried that she won’t make new friends. Until, that is, she puts her scientific and technological skills to use fixing up the abandoned robot she finds in a closet. Maya programs Ralph to do all sorts of interesting things, like greet people in other languages, grocery shop, and clean up around the house. Ultimately, Ralph helps her learn not just about science, but also about the power of friendship and believing in herself.

FYI: All staff and visitors at BAMPFA are required to wear face coverings. You can learn more about their public safety protocols at Plan Your Visit.

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.

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

March 3, 2022

BearFacts News - 03.03.22

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

March 3, 2022

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,

The Equity Circle with Ms. Pamela Harrison Smalls was a success, with a good turn out in the Garden Area. Equity and Inclusion remain a top commitment for the PTA and Staff, and as such, are happy to revisit the Circle as an important component of furthering this work. Shout Out to Ms. Cielo, PTA Equity Chair, for organizing the Spring Circle. Big Smile to Mr. John for hosting the Emerson students on the playground while their parents attended the first Circle.

This week BUSD lifted the outdoors mask mandate. The 5th Grade Student Advisory Committee, Lily Howell, Family Engagement & Equity Coordinator and I visited classrooms to review the change in policy. Students will now have the option of not wearing a mask when outside. This policy change applies to recess, PE class and Kids World. Staff and students are still required to wear masks inside. In classrooms, we discussed where to keep the mask when not wearing it, such as on a wrist, under the chin or in a pocket. We also stressed the importance of accepting each other’s decision to wear or not wear a mask, and that there should not be any bullying or teasing around this. You are encouraged to discuss your family preferences around outdoor masking with your child. Emerson staff will monitor the changes on the playground to facilitate a safe and comfortable environment with the new policy.

We are happy to announce the Read- A - Thon is back. This is fundraiser, is organized by our Lit Coach, Ms. Jeannie and PTA Volunteers Ms. Kanat and Ms. Paine. The Read- A - Thon runs from March 11 to March 20. We have a special Elephant and Piggie Story Night on Wednesday, March 16, hosted via Zoom by Ms. Rachel, Librarian and Ms. Jeannie, Literacy Coach (more information to follow). Students will use a Read- A Thon log for 10 days. Any independent reading that they do that is not part of the assigned classroom reading counts, including homework, during lunch time, Kids Worlds and weekends. Our good is 100% participation. Packets with information and reading logs will be sent home with every student.

Despite all the great things at Emerson, it is hard not to miss the crisis that has developed in Europe. With escalating tensions, we will need to be cognizant that this is a stressful situation for staff and students. In times like these, it is important to think of ways we can help, while also protecting ourselves from the mounting pressure and anxiety. The Emerson staff will be thinking of ways to create space and support as we go through this new, serious situation. Please feel free to reach out to me with any ideas or concerns that arise.

The second Trimester ends on Friday, Marcy 4. Teaching staff are finishing up student assessments this week. Report cards will be sent home in Look Folders on Thursday, March 17.

Thank you for your support and take care,

Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

March 4: All School Meeting

March 14: School Site Council, 6pm

March 15: PTA General Association Mtg. Focus: Enrichment & Afterschool Care - Zoom LINK

March 16: Virtual Family Literacy Night - details coming soon

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

New Option: Receive BearFacts Content by Email

Add yourself to the Emerson PTA Email List to receive the BearFacts by email (in addition to the usual Remind alert). As always, you can find current and old posts at Emerson News any time on the Emerson PTA website.

Read-a-Thon SPECIAL EVENT - March 16th

Save the Date for a special Read-A-Thon event.

Join us for a Virtual Family Literacy Night!

Back by popular demand: Elephant & Piggie Read Alouds by Ms. Rachel and Ms. Jeannie

Wednesday, March 16 from 7:00-7:30

More details coming soon...

Read-A-Thon PACKETS SENT HOME

Emerson Read-A-Thon packets were sent home with students earlier this week. The packet contains a student and family guide to how the Read-a-Thon will work, a reading log (which will replace your student’s regular reading log during the Read-a-Thon), and two bookmarks to color in and use during the Read-a-Thon. Tomorrow, the Read-a-Thon will be announced to students during the All-School Meeting, and parents will receive an email with a link to our Read-a-Thon campaign page. If you don’t receive an email, you can search for your student’s page here: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/emersonreads22. Questions: contact Ms. Jeannie at jeanniewang@berkeley.net or Ashleigh Kanat at ashleigh.kanat@gmail.com.

Circle Weavings by 3rd and 4th Grade Artists

As mentioned in a previous Teacher's Corner, the 3rd and 4th graders painted plates for their weavings using analogous colors. Most of their yarn stayed in that harmonious range, but when they asked if they could add some pops of contrasting colors, of course I had to say yes! I think most of us found the repetitive "over under, over under" quite relaxing. And the results are so beautiful!

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.

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

February 24, 2022

BearFacts News - 02.24.22

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

February 24, 2022

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 hope you enjoyed your long President’s Day Weekend. For me, it was a chance to reconnect with my family and look forward to the Spring Season ahead. I also ran into a few Bear Cubs around Elmwood during the long weekend. It’s a joy and a privilege to live so close to the community where I work. I love running into Emerson students and parents during the weekend, and I hope you feel the same way.

We have lots to be excited about, with the PTA Equity Circle starting up, the Cesar Chavez celebration in March, and the relaxation of some of the Covid mitigation strategies. Our positive case count has been dropping and we anticipate that as of next week, masks will be optional for students/staff outside. We will prepare students for these changes through school-wide classroom discussions.

The second trimester ends on Friday, March 4. Teachers are currently assessing students' progress with the STAR reading and math tests, Math Benchmarks, and DIBELS assessments. All of this data will be used to complete report cards, sent home with the Thursday Look Folder on March 17th. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s progress, please reach out to your classroom teacher.

Big Shout Out to the PTA for sponsoring our Lunar New Year celebration last Friday. The students and staff enjoyed an up-close Lion Dance with percussion. It was a beautiful day, one perfect for an outdoor school assembly, celebrating Asian culture and the Year of the Tiger. Ms. Jeannie Wang, Literacy Coach, kicked off the performance with an explanation of the importance of the holiday, which is practiced by billions of people around the world. The holiday signifies a time of hope and community. What a wonderful perspective for the Spring!

Take care and thank you for your support,

Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

February 26: Spring Equity Circle, Session 1, 9am, in the Emerson Garden

March 14: School Site Council, 6pm

March 15: PTA General Association Meeting

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

New Option: Receive BearFacts Content by Email

The Read-a-Thon is Coming!

The Emerson Read-A-Thon is a school-wide celebration of reading! Beginning March 11th through the 20th, we spotlight the power of reading, providing an opportunity for students and their families to focus on books and read together, with a little competition sprinkled in! We’re using a platform called 99Pledges to help us collect pledges. More information will be sent home with each student next week.

THANKS FROM MR. PHIL

Dear Emerson Families,

Today, February 3, 2022, John happened upon an envelope in the ball room. He opened it and realized that it was addressed to me as it had “Mr. Phil” printed on it. I was delighted to read the appreciative message and receive the very kind funds inside. It was a very timely arrival for me as today I realized that I have to buy more filament for the 3D printer. These funds will surely go to that cause.

Thank you very much. It is a pleasure being at the service of such a wonderful community.

Warmest regards,

Mr. Phil

FEBRUARY SHOUT-OUTS

Spring Equity Circle for 2022 starts THIS Saturday!

We are incredibly fortunate to offer an Equity Circle this new year, facilitated by Ms. Pamela Harrison-Small and generously funded by the Emerson PTA for our entire community— parents, caregivers, and staff. During these 6 sessions, we will engage in real talk about diversity and inclusion, improving student achievement, and increasing engagement (for community of all backgrounds). There is a 10 hour minimum time commitment spread across 6 sessions (2/26, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/29). Our kickoff session on 2/26 will be on-campus, masked, with food and childcare with Mr. John on site! If you are interested in joining these incredible sessions, please complete this Google Form or email me with any questions at emersonequitypta@gmail.com. You can also check out videos created by past members of this important group to learn more firsthand here and here -cielo

¡Reunión de Equidad para 2022 empieza ESTE Sábado!

Somos afortunados en ofrecer un “Equity Circle” este año nuevo, facilita de Pamela Harrison-Small (una experta de educación y equidad) y generosamente financiado de él PTA para toda nuestra comunidad de Emerson— padres, cuidadores, y personal. Durante estas 6 sesiones, participamos en conversaciones (a vez son difíciles!) sobre diversidad y inclusión, ayudando nuestros estudiantes, y también como podemos tener un comunidad diverso donde todos puede contribuir, tener su voz, y ofrecer apoyo. Hay un compromiso de tiempo mínimo de 10 horas repartidas en 6 sesiones (2/26, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/29). Si esta interesado, por favor complete este formulario de Google or envíeme un correo electrónico con cualquier pregunta en emersonequitypta@gmail.com. -cielo

Equity Corner: Mary Ann Pollar and Rainbow Sign

"Black and white photograph of Mary Ann Pollar, looking right of the photographer, smiling, in a floral blouse. Rainbow Sign Archive, courtesy of Odette Pollar, accessed from https://revolution.berkeley.edu/people/mary-ann-pollar/ 2/20/22”

On the corner of Derby and Martin Luther King Jr. Way (formerly Grove Street), Rainbow Sign, a groundbreaking center for Black culture, art, and politics opened in 1971. Mary Ann Pollar (1927-1999), the founder, created the cultural center to host Black artists where they could be featured, respected, and appreciated with the support of ten well-connected and professionally active Black women like Belva Davis, Edith M. Austin, Mary Jane Johnson, and Dorothy Pitts.

Over the six years Rainbow Sign occupied that corner, the cultural center hosted James Baldwin, Nina Simone, Maya Angelou, Shirley Chisholm, Mrs. W. E. B. DuBois, and many other inspiring artists. Its proximity to Longfellow, Malcolm X, and Berkeley High meant that lots of young people were able to use the space as a figurative “shortcut” between home and school.

Rainbow Sign’s membership brochure helped explain what the space was designed for:

“Rainbow Sign is a Black-oriented cultural center
an art gallery
a theater of performing artists
a Third World cinema

“Rainbow Sign is a facility for rent and use by the total Bay Area community
a non-profit corporation
a membership club

“Rainbow Sign is a restaurant
a catering service
a banquet facility
a meeting room
a quiet place to sit and read

“Rainbow Sign is a showcase of the best there is of the Black experience
a unique, vibrant, and never-before-seen
element of the culture and heritage we
sprang from and, in our several ways,
are perpetuating”
Copied from Rainbow Sign membership brochure, please click here for the full document.

In VP Kamala Harris’ book, The Truths We Hold, she wrote about the Rainbow Sign as the place where she first saw Black activists and artists and "learned that artistic expression, ambition, and intelligence were cool. It was where I came to understand that there was no better way to feed someone's brain than by bringing together food, poetry, politics, music, dance, and art.”

Please read more about Rainbow Sign here, and listen to more history of Rainbow Sign here and here.

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.

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

February 17, 2022

BearFacts News - 02.17.22

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

February 17, 2022

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,

Great news! The Omicron surge is subsiding - we tested the students and staff twice last week and did not detect any new cases. The Superintendent sent out an email last week, indicating that the COVID-19 mitigation strategies and protocols may soon be changing. Testing has been reduced to once a week, and soon, outdoor masking will be optional. We encourage everyone to get vaccinated and stay up to date with boosters- let’s be as safe as possible! We hope that Spring will bring us the sun and a feeling of rebirth and a return to more health!

Besides keeping our health and safety at the forefront, we keep our commitment to educating our students with high academic standards. We promote a healthy social-emotional learning environment that encourages an inclusive and socially just society. We are in the midst of celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Black Lives Matter, and Black History Month with various read alouds, individual, and class projects, and our school-wide march which you can view here: https://youtu.be/r-NMb7zcgLQ. This morning the entire school learned about the significance and importance of the Lunar New Year and was treated to an exciting Lion Dance presentation. Near the end of the month, Emerson students will participate in Jazz and Friends Day, which will be February 24, 2022. This day is one to acknowledge that when students read books where they see characters like themselves who are valued in the world, they feel a sense of belonging. To learn more, you can visit this link: Jazz & Friends National Day of School & Community Readings.

If you would like to partner with us in our passion for equity, inclusion, and diversity at Emerson, we invite you to consider joining the PTA Equity Circle, hosted by Consultant Pamela Harrison Small. This is a free opportunity that will give you the chance to learn strategies to enable your child to grow up with a more welcoming understanding of people who are different from themselves. In the Equity Circle, you will have an invaluable experience that will provide the opportunity to learn in a safe environment, where you will get to know other Emerson parents and staff members. Despite the challenges of the school year, the Emerson PTA remains committed to offering the Equity Circle and is happy to be able to offer it again. If you have any questions, please feel free to email emersonequitypta@gmail.com, or ask other parents or staff in the community. Many of us have attended and have great things to say about our experience.

Thank you for your continued support of Emerson and Take Care,

Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

February 18: Lincoln’s Birthday - No School

February 21: Presidents Day - No School

February 26: Spring Equity Circle, Session 1, 9am

March 14: School Site Council, 6pm

March 15: PTA General Association Meeting

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

SPRING EQUITY CIRCLE for 2022!

¡Reunión de Equidad para 2022!

Teachers’ Corner - Art HEARTS

Kindergarten artists learned about an artist named Jessie Raulet (whose brand is called EttaVee). She loves to use bold bright colors in her painted hearts and then adds smaller details in gold. Kindergarten artists used paint sticks and metallic sharpies to create these beautiful hearts.

Lucy Ames, Art Teacher (she/her)

BUSD FAMILY GUIDE FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Berkeley is fortunate to have Joemy Ito-Gates, the district’s Ethnic Studies TSA; please look at this month’s Listen/Learn/Lift Up/Love— this guide is thoughtfully put together and includes activities and ideas you and your student can do together. Check out the Ethnic Studies website here.

Call for March Student Performances

We are requesting student performances for the March All School Meeting! Please email your video taped performances (2- 3 minutes long) to Mollysalyk@berkeley.net (Grades K- 2) or TaylorTotten@berkeley.net (Grades 3- 5). Performances are due by Friday, February 25.

Equity Corner: mable howard

Have you noticed the BART tracks that go underground at Alcatraz and Adeline? That familiar underground hum marking the passing of the day for South Berkeley residents came about due to the work of Mable “Mama” Howard (1905-1994). Mama Howard was a powerful and influential community figure that protected the South Berkeley community from further racial division by filing a lawsuit against BART in 1968, to prevent the new transit tracks from further dividing our community, when she was 63.

Construction workers had already begun tearing down 517 homes to make way for the new raised BART tracks that would run along Adeline Avenue; Mama Howard was able to see the placement of the tracks as another boundary that would further segregate the families in South Berkeley from the rest of the city*. Pollution, visual blight, and displacement were other issues that motivated the entire city to tax themselves to fund the underground BART track because BART intended to build the tracks aboveground, regardless of community input. Mama Howard’s lawsuit stopped BART for nine months and forced BART to move the trains underground, supported by 80% of Berkeley residents who taxed themselves to fund the work.

*image of Mama Howard at the BART construction site, holding a white hard hat in her outstretched right hand, looking over her shoulder at the photographer, 1960’s, photographer unknown*

Mama Howard’s impact can be seen more clearly in this documentary, “Welcome to the Neighborhood” (links to PBS video player) that tells her story alongside her daughter, Mildred Howard, an accomplished artist who champions her mother’s work to change our community for the better. While the grassroots effort to rename the Ashby BART station after Mama Howard continues, an apartment building at 1499 Alcatraz (at California) bears her name.

*HOLC redlining, the FHA, and restrictive covenants only allowed people of color to purchase homes in South Berkeley. For a more thorough history of gentrification in Berkeley, read Darrell Owens’ History of Gentrification in Berkeley.

THE 2022 READ-A-THON IS COMING!

The Emerson Read-A-Thon is a school-wide celebration of reading - coming up in March (3/11 - 3/20)! Keep an eye out for more information in next week’s BearFacts!

BALLET AND BOOKS

Ballet and Books is a national, non-profit organization striving to reduce the literacy gap through the hybrid storytelling of dance and reading. Through extracurricular programming led by UC Berkeley student mentors, 6-9 year olds have the opportunity to improve their literacy skills through a combination of dance instruction and dialogic reading. Spring 2022 weekly program runs February 19 to April 23, in person outdoors at Willard Park each Saturday at 10:00 am. Dance will be a 45 minute session immediately followed by a 45 minute 1:1 mentoring session for a total 1.5 hours. Masks are required for ALL participants, parents, mentors, and family members.

Program information: English/Spanish. Download and complete this application (English/Spanish) For more information or to submit application, email berkeley@balletandbooks.com.

Free Masks and COVID-19 Tests for the Emerson Community

Free N95 masks (adult size)!

The U.S. Government is now giving 3 free adult-size masks to anyone who needs them. You can pick yours up at a nearby Community Health Center or pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Sam’s Club starting in mid-February.

Free At-Home COVID-19 tests

Residential households can order 1 set of free at-home COVID tests (you will receive 2 boxes; each box contains 2 tests) through the USPS here. If you have difficulty accessing the internet or need additional support placing an order, you can call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) to get help in English, Spanish, and more than 150 other languages – 8am to midnight ET, 7 days a week. The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) is also available to specifically help people with disabilities place their orders. To get help, call 1-888-677-1199, Monday-Friday from 9AM to 8PM ET, or email DIAL@usaginganddisability.org.

Submit Proof of COVID Vaccination

Take a picture of your child's full vaccination card and send it to Vax@berkeley.net for documentation.

COVID Vaccine and Testing Resources

COVID vaccinations and tests 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 emersonequitypta@gmail.com.

Would You Like to Receive BearFacts by Email?

Would you like to receive the BearFacts newsletter in an email? You may opt-in by completing this online form and adding yourself to the Emerson PTA Email List. If you have already done so, you will start to receive the BearFacts by email in addition to the Remind alert in the next few weeks. As always, you can find current and old posts at Emerson News any time on the Emerson PTA website.

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.

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

February 10, 2022

BearFacts News - 02.10.22

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

February 10, 2022

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 finally getting a little relief from the relentless positive cases of COVID-19. Our daily numbers are gradually dropping. The health experts say the case numbers are falling in the Bay Area. New COVID-19 Public Health Guidance is expected Mid- February. In anticipation, during BUSD's Wednesday, February 2nd Board Meeting, the Superintendent reviewed a list of possible changes to mitigation measures. This was followed by a School Board discussion regarding the timeline for implementation, in terms of Now, Soon, or Later. Some of the changes proposed were: no more outside masking and reduced on-site COVID-19 testing to once a week. I am sharing these proposals with you now in an effort of transparency, and also to let you know that more changes are on the horizon. Let’s continue to expect the unexpected.

Good news: the BUSD Oratorical Festival is back! This year’s theme is “Black Resilience and Joy.” Students may create a video for submission. As in the past, Lily Howell, OFEE Coordinator, will help interested students during lunch. We will provide more information as we receive it from Instructional Services. The actual date of the event is To Be Determined.

We are looking forward to a Lunar New Year Celebration on Thursday, February 17th. The students and staff will be treated to an exciting performance with Percussion and a Lion, brought to us by San Francisco’s Leung's White Crane Kun Seng Keng, Dragon and Lion Dance Association. Parents are welcome to watch the performance through the gate. The performance will start at 8:30 am and last approximately 30 minutes. Thank you, PTA, for paying for this cultural event.

Please consider signing up for this Spring’s Equity Circle with Consultant, Ms. Pamela Harrison- Small. I was fortunate to participate in this workshop during the Fall of 2019. The relationships I built with staff and students have been invaluable. Through the Circle, you will learn more about how to integrate Equitable Practices in your lifestyle and how to have the tough conversions necessary for a truly inclusive community. The Equity Circle is free and kicks off on Saturday, February 26. If you are interested in joining, complete this Google Form or email any questions to emersonequitypta@gmail.com.

We are winding up assessments this month, with Kindergarten through 2nd Grade students taking the DIBELS test, and Grades 3-5 taking the STAR Reading and Math. Grades K- 2 are also completing Math Benchmark Assessments. The teachers will gain good data regarding students' progress, which will guide instruction for the rest of the year. 5th Grade Students are taking the California Healthy Kids Survey. You can expect 2nd Trimester Report Cards to be sent home Mid- March.

Thank you for your continued support and take care,

Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

February 17: Lunar New Year Celebration on the Yard, 8:30am

February 18: Lincoln’s Birthday - No School

February 21: Presidents Day - No School

February 26: Spring Equity Circle, Session 1, 9am

March 14: School Site Council, 6pm

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Spring Equity Circle

We are incredibly fortunate to offer an Equity Circle this new year, facilitated by Pamela Harrison-Small and generously funded by the Emerson PTA for our entire community— parents, caregivers, and staff. During these 6 sessions, we will engage in real talk about diversity and inclusion, improving student achievement, and increasing engagement (for community of all backgrounds). There is a 10 hour minimum time commitment spread across 6 sessions (2/26, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/29). If you are interested in joining these incredible sessions, please complete this Google Form or email me with any questions at emersonequitypta@gmail.com.

¡Reunión de Equidad para 2022!

Teachers’ Corner - Black Lives Matter in Art Class

Kindergarten through 5th grade artists were shown a variety of artists who use their art to fight for social justice. We discussed different symbols that artists use, from peace signs to raised fists. Students worked independently or with partners to create their own mini posters. We used the fabulous new marker and crayon "Colors of the World" sets. Thank you again to the families that purchased those off of my wishlist. The artists also each drew a face in the large fist and colored it in a skin tone close to their own. This shows us how Emerson is a community that can work together to fight for social justice.

Lucy Ames, Art Teacher (she/her)

Emerson Students Stand United for Black Lives Matter Week!

Each student is represented in this school wide collage featured above.
Check out Emerson’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr All School March Video

Call for March Student Performances

Equity Corner: William Byron Rumford

William Byron Rumford (1908-1986) was a trail blazer, he owned Rumford Pharmacy (today the building houses his namesake medical clinic at 2960 Sacramento St.), and eventually became the first black state assembly member elected in California in 1948. Mr. Rumford is best remembered for 3 important pieces of legislation: the California Fair Employment Practices Act of 1959 (to reduce the impact of race in hiring decisions), the Good Samaritan Act of 1959 (the first law to protect professionals in emergency situations), and the Rumford Fair Housing Act of 1963. The Fair Housing Act was a very important piece of legislation that gave California important authority against race-based housing discrimination until the passage of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1968. Mr. Rumford understood the impacts of redlining firsthand because of Berkeley’s racially discriminatory housing practices that kept Black, Asian, and Latinx community from purchasing housing outside of South and West Berkeley through HOLC mapping. Mr. Rumford’s leadership, activism, civil rights championship, and care for community has had an incredible impact, and not just on Berkeley— to learn more about him and his legacy, please read https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/07/obituaries/william-byron-rumford-overlooked

Free One-on-one Music Tutoring

The Music Connection at UC Berkeley is a student-run volunteer organization that aims to provide free one-on-one music tutoring in collaboration with the Berkeley Unified School District. The Music Connection has expanded its piano and vocal tutoring to other instruments; however, other instruments will depend on tutor availability. All students in the private tutoring program will have the opportunity to participate at an end-of-the semester recital.

The Spring 2022 application process for private tutoring is underway! Please remember that if you have signed up before, you will need to fill out the application form each semester you are interested in being matched with a tutor. Lessons will be offered either virtually or in-person depending on which format both students and tutors feel to be most comfortable, effective, and safest.

Private music tutoring applications are due Friday, February 11th by 11:59 p.m. Here is the link to the form: https://forms.gle/fJ3Xk5UVePTHC3cL9

Please keep in mind there are often more interested students than volunteer tutors, so it is not guaranteed that your student will be matched with a private tutor upon filling out the application. However, The Music Connection does its best to prioritize reapplicants and students who qualify for their school’s free or reduced lunch program. For more information on The Music Connection and our programs, here is the website: https://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~tmc/

BAMPFA Virtual Roundtable

This Saturday, February at 2:30, we will be reading Black Boy Joy edited by Kwame Mbalia. It is a vibrant collection of short stories, comics, and poems through which we discover the power of joy and the wonder of Black boyhood. This will be BAMPFA’s LAST Virtual Roundtable Reading. We are hopeful to return to in-person Second Saturdays for Families starting March 12.

Free Masks and COVID-19 Tests for the Emerson Community

Free N95 masks (adult size)!

Free At-Home COVID-19 tests

Submit Proof of COVID Vaccination

Take a picture of your child's full vaccination card and send it to Vax@berkeley.net for documentation.

Help BUSD Operationalize COVID Testing

Can you help us help the district with COVID testing? BUSD is asking for any and all volunteers to step up and support COVID testing during the next 3-4 weeks of the surge. During 2-3 hour shifts, volunteers will be paired with and support a testing technician in the testing of students, staff and active volunteers. All training will be provided and “the work” will be either outdoors, in hallways, or in auditoriums.

This week the need for volunteers is greatest at the Berkeley Adult School, where testing is being conducted everyday 8:45am-4:30pm. Testing will ramp up next week at all school sites, and schedules and sign-ups will be available soon. Please note that you may volunteer at more than one testing location.

*** For details and sign-up links to COVID Testing Shifts and all open School Support volunteer opportunities, click HERE ***

Email if you have questions: sallymclaughlin@berkeley.net.

Thank you for supporting our students during this intense time.

As always, we are stronger together!

COVID Vaccine and Testing Resources

Would You Like to Receive BearFacts by Email?

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.

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

February 2, 2022

BearFacts News - 02.03.22

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

February 2, 2022

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 February, the shortest month of the year, often considered the last month of winter. We have lots to celebrate, including the Lunar New Year, Presidents Day weekend, Valentine’s Day, and Black History Month. All week we placed a special emphasis on Black Lives Matter, and Friday during our All School Meeting, we will continue our reflection of the challenges and accomplishments of our African American community. We are grateful for the opportunity to recognize the diversity in our community and the richness of the many cultures at Emerson.

As a friendly reminder, please don’t forget to turn in your Admissions paperwork for incoming Kindergarten and Middle School students. Round 1 Registration forms are due to the district office by February 4, 2022. You may refer to the BUSD Admissions page for more information at https://www.berkeleyschools.net/admissions.

We thank the PTA for today’s All-School Assembly by the two-time Grammy Nominated, Alphabet Rockers. At 10:00am students, staff, and the community can join the Webinar for a performance of You Are Not Alone, which is a new empathetic and inclusive children’s book that empowers kids to love themselves and their identities, stand up to hate, and have each other’s backs no matter what. Check out this music video with your child to help reiterate these important messages: New Book for Kids: You Are Not Alone (Music Video) | Music for Kids. Thank you, Rana Cho and the PTA for setting up this wonderful Virtual Assembly for us.

We also look forward to honoring the Lunar New Year on Thursday, February 17 with a special outdoor performance by San Francisco's Leung Whtie Crane Association. Students and staff will learn more about this holiday, which is practiced by many Asain people throughout the world. We will enjoy a traditional Chinese Lion and Percussion celebratory performance. If parents would like to join us, you may watch outside the gate at 8:30am. We anticipate a fun and educational experience.

As we move into February, we hope for falling COVID-19 infection rates. I encourage you to look at the BUSD Covid Dashboard to see updates on our cases. According to the District Nurse, BUSD Covid Team, and the Departments of Health, the virus is not primarily spread at school. However, we do see high numbers of cases at Emerson. Emerson has one of the highest testing participation rates of any BUSD school, which allows us to identify more cases. Until we see these rates fall, thank you for continuing to partner with us in our twice-a-week testing. We appreciate our parent volunteers who help test - we can not do it without you. Let us remain vigilant in our mask-wearing (at school and in the community) and hand-washing efforts. We are grateful for our partnership with you.

Take care,

Principal Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

February 18: Lincoln’s Birthday - No School

February 21: Presidents Day - No School

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Spring Equity Circle

Teachers’ Corner - Analogous Colors

What are analogous colors?

Third and fourth graders have finished painting the plates that will become looms for their circle weavings. I asked the students to limit their colors to create a harmonious design. Although true analogous colors use only 3 of the 12 colors on a color wheel, we stretched it a little further and also added tints. (A tint is a color plus white.) The analogous colors and patterns are beautiful, don't you think?

Lucy Ames, Art Teacher (she/her)

Free Masks and COVID-19 Tests for the Emerson Community

Free N95 masks (adult size)!

Free At-Home COVID-19 tests

Submit Proof of COVID Vaccination

Take a picture of your child's full vaccination card and send it to Vax@berkeley.net for documentation.

Help BUSD Operationalize COVID Testing

*** For details and sign-up links to COVID Testing Shifts and all open School Support volunteer opportunities, click HERE ***

Email if you have questions: sallymclaughlin@berkeley.net.

Thank you for supporting our students during this intense time.

As always, we are stronger together!

COVID Vaccine and Testing Resources

Would You Like to Receive BearFacts by Email?

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.

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

January 27, 2022

BearFacts News - 01.27.22

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

January 27, 2022

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 lots to celebrate and learn about this month! Please join the Emerson students and staff as we celebrate Black Lives Matter Week, Black History Month, and the Lunar New Year! We will be busy learning about the many accomplishments of African Americans, past and present, about allies and co-conspirators who stand with social justice, and respectfully join our Asian community as we honor a New Year. Stay tuned for the many ways we will recognize all of this together, starting with our All School Meeting on Friday, February 5, which will be shared with parents via a Remind message.

If you would like to learn more about Berkeley Unified Commitment to equity, inclusion and social justice you can read the Black Lives Matter and Asian Pacific Islander Board Resolutions Here: Denouncing Hate Crimes and Bigotry targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and BLM.

As we move into February, we hope that we can begin to shift our focus away from the all-consuming Covid 19 pandemic. January has really taken its toll at Emerson this month, with many students and several staff members affected. As always, you can monitor our cases, and really notice the surge at Emerson during January, as reflected on the BUSD Covid case dashboard: https://www.berkeleyschools.net/coronavirus/case-dashboard/. Again, we are grateful that the weather has permitted us to be outside as much as possible, especially during breakfast and lunch.

Masks, ventilation and regular testing continue to be our biggest tools in this fight against Covid. Please continue to partner with us to encourage masking at school and in the community. Here is a link to the best types of masks, currently recommended by the City of Berkeley: https://www.cityofberkeley.info/covid19-masks/. BUSD has supplied KN95 masks for staff and students, which are available upon request. We continue to keep our classroom windows and doors open, with Air Purifiers and additional fans blowing. As weather permits, we eat outdoors. We wash our hands and sanitize many times throughout the day, especially after using shared materials or eating. During this surge, we are offering twice a week Covid testing for students and staff. We do need volunteers to sustain this effort. We currently test on Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you are able to volunteer, and are fully vaccinated, please sign up at: Volunteer Covid Testing Support.

Through all of this craziness, the Emerson staff is happy to be on campus to teach your children in person. We get so much joy from seeing them every day! They delight us in their learning, laughs, creativity and enthusiasm. Thank you for continuing to support Emerson- this community means so much to all of us.

Take care, Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

January 31: District Professional Development Day - No School for Students

February 18: Lincoln’s Birthday - No School

February 21: Presidents’ Day - No School

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Art Corner - Happy Year of the Tiger

First and Second Grade Artists created these tigers using many different media. They started by mixing yellow and red paint to make the orange backgrounds. They used various texture tools (including forks) to create the implied texture of fur. The next week the students drew the tiger's shapes using a piece of light chalk to start. When they were satisfied they colored in the shapes and outlined all of the shapes with oil pastel. They painted leaves on the background papers with paint sticks and then cut and glued their tigers down. The Year of the Tiger starts on February 1st. The zodiac sign Tiger is a symbol of strength, and braveness.

Heart of Emerson t-shirt for each Emerson student and staff!

We are happy to announce that Emerson students and staff will receive a FREE t-shirt as a gift from the PTA for reaching our Heart of Emerson campaign goal! Please order through this form https://tinyurl.com/2022EmShirt or through the QR code below. T-shirt design can be viewed on the form. Extra t-shirts may be ordered for $12 each. (Big thanks to Michelle Falise for the awesome design of the shirt.)

Deadline: Orders will be accepted through TOMORROW, Friday, January 28th, 2022

Ways to to order:

Form: https://tinyurl.com/2022EmShirt

QR Code:

Submit Proof of COVID Vaccination

Take a picture of your child's full vaccination card and send it to Vax@berkeley.net for documentation.

Help BUSD Operationalize COVID Testing

*** For details and sign-up links to COVID Testing Shifts and all open School Support volunteer opportunities, click HERE ***

Email if you have questions: sallymclaughlin@berkeley.net.

Thank you for supporting our students during this intense time.

As always, we are stronger together!

COVID Vaccine and Testing Resources

Would You Like to Receive BearFacts by Email?

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.

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

January 20, 2022

BearFacts News - 01.20.22

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

January 20, 2022

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,

As we continue to push through the Omnicron surge, we thank you for your patience as the CDC, City Of Berkeley Health Department, and BUSD policies continue to change. To address the rise in cases, Emerson students and staff will now be tested twice weekly on Wednesdays and Fridays. We are asking for parent volunteers to make this possible. Vaccinated parents can register to assist with COVID-19 testing at Volunteer Covid Testing Support. Going forward, you are encouraged to check the district COVID-19 Dashboard at BUSD COVID-19 Case Dashboard to see how many cases have been identified on campus. At the time of this message, Emerson has had over 20 cases in January 2022. If you have not signed up for testing, you may do so here: https://my.primary.health/l/berkeley_usd. If your child is fully vaccinated, please send a copy of the vaccination card to: vax@berkeley.net.

As you may know, BUSD has adopted the newly-revised quarantine recommendations from the CDC. Vaccinated staff and students may now return to school on the sixth day of their quarantine, as long as their symptoms have improved and they test negative for COVID-19. The test needs to be proctored by a medical professional and results shared with Office Staff at LeahLopez@berkeley.net or janaholmes@berkeley.net. The Berkeley Adult School continues to be open for free, proctored COVID-19 rapid tests between the hours of 9:00 - 4:30 pm, Mondays through Fridays. Please utilize this resource for your testing needs.

On-campus, we continue to be as safe as possible. Thankfully, the weather has permitted us to eat outside every day and the future forecast is for more sunny days. It does get chilly, so please continue to send your children to school with layers. We continue to have classroom reminder conversations about how to safely wear masks over our mouth and nose. Teachers and school staff have cleaning products and sanitizer available to them. The custodians disinfect every classroom that has a COVID-19 case.

We enjoyed celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr this week, with a special march on campus. Next month we will honor Black Lives Matter Week and Black History Month. We are looking for student performances for our February All School Meeting. Please consider the February themes and send your videotaped (2- 3 minute submissions) to MollySalyk@berkeley.net (Grade K- 2) and/ or Taylortotten@berkeley.net (Grades 3-5). The deadline to submit is Friday, January 28. Tomorrow, Friday, is Spirit Day and the theme is: SHINE YOUR BRIGHTEST!

Thank you for your support- we appreciate you!

Sincerely,

Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

January 20: Superintendent’s State of the District - Webinar Link

January 31: District Professional Development Day - No School for Students

February 18: Lincoln’s Birthday - No School

February 21: Presidents’ Day - No School

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Art Corner - Kindergarten Penguin Collages

Kindergarten students are learning all about penguins in their classrooms, so we are doing penguin art as well. Students decorated their background papers with paint sticks in spirals and other wintery designs. They cut out the different parts of the penguins and added optional scarves and earmuffs. Sometimes professional (or any) artists create realistic art and sometimes they create silly art. These definitely fall in the silly category because we all agreed that you'd never see a penguin wearing a scarf or earmuffs! Next week we will try our hand at more realistic penguins. In art my goal is to give students a chance to try a wide variety of media and styles.

Heart of Emerson t-shirt for each Emerson student and staff!

Deadline: Orders will be accepted through Friday, January 28th, 2022

Ways to to order:

Form: https://tinyurl.com/2022EmShirt

QR Code:

Submit Proof of COVID Vaccination

Take a picture of your child's full vaccination card and send it to Vax@berkeley.net for documentation.

Help BUSD Operationalize COVID Testing

*** For details and sign-up links to COVID Testing Shifts and all open School Support volunteer opportunities, click HERE ***

Email if you have questions: sallymclaughlin@berkeley.net.

Thank you for supporting our students during this intense time.

As always, we are stronger together!

COVID Vaccine and Testing Resources

Would You Like to Receive BearFacts by Email?

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.

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

January 13, 2022

BearFacts News - 01.13.22

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

January 13, 2022

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,

Wow - what an intense return back to school after Winter Break! At the time of this letter, we’ve had eight COVID cases on campus, spread amongst grades 1, 2, 3, and 5. We also had a few staff members infected with COVID. This new variant is definitely presenting new challenges for us. This week the District Office is sending over an additional certificated staff member, who typically works as a Lead Librarian, to help us with classroom coverage. We appreciate all the support and encouragement that the parents have shown. The surprise donuts, muffins, and monthly grade level sponsored PTA lunches really do a lot to lift our spirits - food is comfort!

On-campus, we continue to be as safe as possible. Thankfully, the weather has permitted us to eat outside every day and the future forecast is for more sunny days. It does get chilly, so please continue to send your children to school with layers. This week, we are having classroom reminder conversations about how to safely wear masks over our mouth and nose. We offer N95 and double masks to students. Teachers and school staff have cleaning products and sanitizer available to them. The custodians disinfect every classroom that has a COVID case.

Schoolwide COVID Testing will continue on Friday mornings. Testing at school may prevent at-home quarantine if a positive case occurs on campus. If you have not signed up for testing, you may do so here: https://my.primary.health/l/berkeley_usd. If your child is fully vaccinated, please send a copy of the vaccination card to: vax@berkeley.net. BUSD will require COVID vaccinations for all students by March 2022, see the policy at: https://www.berkeleyschools.net/vaxupbusd/.

With all that is going on, let us not forget to celebrate and be thankful for the courageous and important work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. If it wasn't for his vision, accomplishments, and peaceful protests, I, a Black Woman, would never be able to be Principal of Emerson Elementary School. I am thankful for the diversity and freedoms we enjoy because of the sacrifices of civil rights leaders and their allies. Please enjoy your long weekend safely.

Take care,

Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

January 17: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday Observed - No School

January 20: Superintendent’s State of the District - Webinar Link

January 31: District Professional Development Day - No School for Students

February 18: Lincoln’s Birthday - No School

February 21: Presidents’ Day - No School

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Congratulations to January’s Shout Out Students

Mindful Mark-Making in Art

3rd, 4th and 5th grade artists were introduced to the beautiful work of an Oakland-based artist named Michele Theberge. Michele has had a meditation practice for decades and wants her work to invite quiet contemplation as well. Her repetitive arcs are like a mantra, a meditation for her. We, too, practiced mindful art by creating repeated marks while listening to meditative music. I hope that the young artists learned that art is always something one can turn to in an effort to relax during these not-so-easy times.

Ms. Ames

PTA Planning Season - We Need Your Help

We are so thankful for your support through volunteering and fundraising. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, our PTA hosted playdates, raised (exceeded!) our Heart of Emerson fundraising goal, and mobilized for canceled buses and testing signups. We now have a firm foundation to build on in order to consider the future of Emerson Elementary. That means planning for 2022-2023, and we invite you to participate in building our future together. Here are some ways to help:

Afterschool Care/Enrichment Survey

First and foremost, we hear you - we all need more afterschool care and enrichment. After two years of no on-campus enrichment, we are motivated to consider alternatives to serve our afterschool care and enrichment needs.

Please fill out this survey about Afterschool Care/Enrichment. Your responses will help guide our efforts to create Care/Enrichment options that can take place during the pandemic: https://forms.gle/wiZ2F4vriL3amtSN8

PTA Committees: Low Commitment + Big Impact

1) Enrichment Committee

Work with Rahul Brown to create a plan for after-school enrichment opportunities (and childcare) for Emerson families. Sign-up HERE.

2) Mission Statement Committee

Work with Arabelle Malinis to revise and renew the Emerson Elementary PTA's Mission Statement, our guiding principles. Sign-up HERE.

3) 2022-23 Emerson PTA Board Nominating Committee

Work with Erica Carter to recruit next year's PTA Board! Sign-up HERE.

Submit Proof of COVID Vaccination

Take a picture of your child's full vaccination card and send it to Vax@berkeley.net for documentation.

COVID Vaccine and Testing Resources

Help BUSD Operationalize COVID Testing

*** For details and sign-up links to COVID Testing Shifts and all open School Support volunteer opportunities, click HERE ***

Email if you have questions: sallymclaughlin@berkeley.net.

Thank you for supporting our students during this intense time.

As always, we are stronger together!

After-School Musical Theater Classes

Would You Like to Receive BearFacts by Email?

WHERE'S WALDO - EMERSON'S COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

Did you know our school directory can be found on our school website? Playdates, ride shares, resource sharing and more can be possible when Where’s Waldo is complete! It’s all available securely online and printable. Paper submissions are being updated as they come. If you have not done so already, please create an account to access the directory, make your own updates, and adjust your preferences by using the email you provided. Click here for the steps to joining Where's Waldo! Questions: email emersonschoolnews@gmail.com

STEM Ambassador Tutoring Program - Free

The CalTeach program is a teaching credential program for STEM majors at UC Berkeley. Free virtual tutoring program grew out of an effort to meet the needs many families currently have while they are at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, during the transition back to in-person, free virtual tutoring through the STEM Ambassador Enrichment Program will continue online in the spring serving K-12 students. If you are interested, sign-up HERE.
Questions? Contact CalTeach Student Services Coordinator by email: advising_calteach@berkeley.edu.

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.

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

January 6, 2022

BearFacts News - 01.06.22

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

January 6, 2022

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 New Year! Welcome back from Winter Break and we hope your family is safe and healthy. This month we look forward to celebrating Martin Luther King Jr, his vision, accomplishments, and continuing impact during the January All School Meeting and the On-Campus Student and Staff March. In the weeks ahead, School Staff will teach students about the Civil Rights movement, American History, and current Social Justice advocacy. Monday, January 17, is the MLK Jr Federal Holiday and is a non-school day, during which many families choose to engage in community service projects.

As you know, we are currently experiencing a nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases, which is reflected in our local community as well. As happy as we are to be back in person, at least a dozen Emerson families continued to quarantine at home after the break. We are thankful for your participation in the at-home testing program. It did work, as positive cases were identified and sick students were prevented from spreading infection at school. We ask that you continue to keep your child at home if they are sniffling, sneezing, coughing, upset stomach, fever, headache, etc. For a full list of symptoms, identified by the CDC see here: COVID 19 symptom list. Please alert our office staff at Leahlopez@berkeley.net and Covidcases@berkeley.net if your child has tested positive for COVID-19.

As we move into the second half of the school year, we remain dedicated to our Covid Safety Precautions. These include eating outside (as weather permits), washing and sanitizing hands frequently, keeping the windows and doors in the classrooms open (please send students to school in layers of clothing), utilizing air purifiers, grouping students according to class and grade level for contract tracing, and mask-wearing. Consider sending your child to school in an N-95 mask, or a triple layer surgical mask, avoiding cloth masks and “gater style” masks. We will continue to have masks available for students and staff in the main office. Thank you for partnering with us to encourage mask-wearing and handwashing when your child is with you in the community.

For families who have a Kindergarten Student who is enrolling for the 2022- 2023 school year, we invite you to attend the Incoming Kindergarten Night on Tuesday, January 11 at 7 pm. I will join our Kindergarten Teachers, Ms. Bella, Ms. Carter, and Ms. Medina, who will explain the program and answer questions. You can join the Kindergarten Zoom here. Other BUSD Elementary School Information Nights can be found by visiting https://www.berkeleyschools.net/admissions/information-nights/. Due to continuing Covid restrictions, we are not offering on-campus tours this year, but you can check out the Principals’ Virtual Campus Tour Here.

Students who will be transitioning to Middle School in the fall should visit the District Admissions page at https://www.berkeleyschools.net/admissions/enrollment/. The first round of Middle School applications are due between January 4 and February 4, 2022. In addition, the Middle Schools are hosting Informational Zoom sessions on the following dates:

Willard- January 5, 2022 at 7 pm

Longfellow- January 12, 2022 at 7 pm

King- January 19, 2022 at 7 pm.

Middle School Zoom Links can be found at: https://www.berkeleyschools.net/admissions/information-nights/.

As we move into the New Year, let us continue to work together for our continued vision of an excellent and safe educational experience for our students. I am fortunate to serve as your Principal in this strong collaborative effort.

Sincerely,

Jana Holmes

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Check out Mr. Phil’s Retro Emerson Playground Video Here, hosted by Current 5th Grade Students: https://youtu.be/x4aU_Oh9sQw

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

January 10: School Site Council Meeting - 6 pm - Zoom Link

January 17: Martin Luther King, Jr’s Birthday Observed - No School

January 20: Superintendent’s State of the District - Webinar Link

January 31: District Professional Development Day - No School for Students

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Kindergarten Mixed-Media Snow People

Kindergarteners created these snow people over the course of two art classes. They cut out the snow bank and circles then had the option of adding sparkle paint to the snow. The next week we had all kinds of fun choosing buttons, yarn and fabric pieces to give the snow people some personality. I hope they make you smile.

Ms. Ames

Equity Corner ~ Esquina de Equidad

We are incredibly fortunate to offer an Equity Circle this new year, facilitated by Pamela Harrison-Small and generously funded by the Emerson PTA for our entire community— parents, caregivers, and staff. During these 6 sessions, we will engage in real talk about diversity and inclusion, improving student achievement, and increasing engagement (for community of all backgrounds). There is a 10 hour minimum time commitment spread across 6 sessions (2/26, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/29). If you are interested in joining these incredible sessions, please complete this Google Form or email me with any questions at emersonequitypta@gmail.com. -cielo

Submit COVID Vaccine Proof

Covid 19 Vaccinations can be submitted at Vax@berkeley.net
Take a picture of your child's full vaccination and send it to Vax@berkeley.net for documentation.

COVID Vaccine and Testing Resources

January School Site Council Meeting

All are invited to attend the month Emerson School Site Council Meeting on Monday, January 10th at 6:00 pm. Preview the agenda: January SSC Agenda- Emerson

Zoom Link Here
Meeting ID: 849 7488 0991 ~ Passcode: 063703

WHERE'S WALDO - EMERSON'S COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

STEM Ambassador Tutoring Program - Free

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.

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

December 15, 2021

BearFacts News - 12.16.21

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

December 15, 2021

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 Holidays and New Year 2022! We have a busy week ahead of us as we prepare for Winter Break. This is a good time to thank you for your generosity in spirit, support, and donations during the first portion of the school year. We couldn't do this important work without your partnership!

As you know, we experienced an uptick in COVID-19 cases after the Thanksgiving break. Please keep in mind the CDC and Alameda County Office Education Travel Advice, which can be found here. In summary, unvaccinated individuals should quarantine for at least 7 days, and take a Covid test before returning to school. According to the CDC, one is considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after the second shot in a two-series Covid vaccination schedule. Your absences will be excused due to post-travel quarantine; just be sure to let Leahlopez@berkeley.net know.

We are pleased to send home the IHealth Home Covid Rapid Test with every student prior to Winter Break. These kits are provided by the Alameda County Office of Education in partnership with the City of Berkeley Health Department. We are asking each family to voluntarily give their student the Rapid Test twice before returning to school. The first test should be administered on Thursday and the second on Sunday prior to the return to school on Monday, January 3. If the result is positive, you should NOT send your child to school, but alert the Emerson office and follow up with a PCR test from your physician, local health pharmacy, or the testing center at Berkeley Adult School. The testing center at Berkeley Adult School will be open all day, extended hours, on Monday, January 3, and Tuesday, January 4. You can reach me at Janaholmes@berkeley.net with questions regarding positive covid cases during the Winter Break. I will check my emails periodically.

The Superintendent’s Office will begin vaccination requirement messaging after Winter Break. Families who have not submitted their vaccination information are encouraged to do so via email to vax@berkeley.net. The Grades 6- 12 vaccination deadline is January 3. Grades K-5 have a March vaccination deadline. You can read the district vaccination policy here: District Vaccination Policy.

Big Shout out to all the families who have donated to the Berkeley Schools Fund, who partnered with the Office of Family Engagement and Equity to donate to Emerson families in need. Due to your donations, we were able to provide holiday gift cards to 20 families in need during this holiday season. This is truly a generous and caring community, and we thank you for spreading joy. A Big Smile to the local organization, Our City Center, for donating additional gift cards and toys to Emerson families. We appreciate Lily Howell, OFEE Coordinator, who managed these gift-giving efforts.

Our holiday wish for your family is health, happiness, and safety.

Sincerely,

Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

December 20 - 31: Winter Break - No School

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

2022 Read-a-Thon: Seeking Parent Volunteers

The 2022 Read-a-Thon team (Jeannie Wang - Emerson Literacy Coach and Ashleigh Kanat - 4th grade parent) is looking for some additional help this year as we start planning the Spring Read-a-Thon, which will be in March. We're looking for help coordinating reading logs and entering minutes and helping with prizes. The time commitment for one or two volunteers will include a few planning meetings in February and then about 5 to 10 hours, spread out in March. This is a much-loved, community-building fundraiser that encourages READING. Please join us! Contact ashleigh.kanat@gmail.com for more information.

Please Donate Clothing to the Emerson Office

The Emerson office requests any and all donations of spare bottoms, preferably unisex, boys and girls sweatpants sizes 7-12.

The office will also gladly accept returned clothes they have loaned students so far this year.

HOLIDAY APPRECIATIONS

Here is more gratitude for all the ways our Emerson community has said thank-you to all the adults who make Emerson such a special place. So many of you have opted into contributing to your grade level collections and/or to the school-wide collection. A big thank you to our Grade Parents for taking on collections in their grade communities, and to Michelle Medeiros for leading our school-wide collection. Together, we are able to wish each Emerson Staff a happy holiday as they round out this unprecedented fall season. Staff always appreciate the special notes and small treats prepared by their Emerson students, so keep those coming too!

WHERE'S WALDO - EMERSON'S COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

STEM Ambassador Tutoring Program - Free

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 emersonequitypta@gmail.com.

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.

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

December 9, 2021

BearFacts News - 12.09.21

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

December 9, 2021

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,

First, let’s start with the good news! We did it- we met our Heart of Emerson fundraising goal! We are so thankful for the support we have received. Your generosity is outstanding and means so much to us. Our schoolwide PE and Art programs are safe for another year. This also means we will continue to have Office Support, which helps immensely with all of the Covid tracing protocols. The Equity Workshops for staff and families will also continue. Students will benefit from field trips, cultural enrichment programs, materials, and supplies. Big Shout out to Arabelle Malinis and Krysten Curtis, Fundraising Chairs, for all their hard work and dedication!

Now that the Big Football Game between Cal and USC is done (Cal won- Go Bears!), Steven Wilson can relax on the weekends. We are thankful for the many hours he spent organizing this important fundraiser. Shout out to everyone who took a turn hosting the Emerson parking lot for the PTA Cal Football Parking fundraiser this fall.

The troubling news is that we have seen an uptick in COVID-19 cases in the past couple of weeks. Our Friday student testing has uncovered positive cases, which shows testing works. In some ways, it is not surprising that there are more transmissions since folks have been traveling and gathering during this Holiday season. We ask that you consider the Alameda County Office of Education Travel Guidance, which can be found here. For those who are not fully vaccinated, please get Covid tested and quarantine for at least seven days after returning from travel. In general, a person is considered to be fully vaccinated two weeks after their second shot (in a two-shot vaccination series) as explained by the CDC here. Let’s work together to keep Emerson as safe as possible.

This is also a good time to remind everyone that in order to be eligible for the on-campus shortened quarantine, a student must be signed up to test on campus. If you have not done so already, please use this link to register with Primary Health for Friday morning Covid testing: https://my.primary.health/l/berkeley_usd. If a positive covid case is identified in a classroom, those students who are not displaying any symptoms will be tested twice weekly at school. Those who are not signed up to test must quarantine at home, and BUSD does not accept Covid test results from outside sources to shorten the 10 day quarantine period.

Again, let’s all work together to stay healthy this Winter. Please do not send your child to school if they are sick. Call the office or e-mail Leahlopez@berkeley.net with the reason for the absence.

If your student has recently received their second COVID- 19 vaccine, please scan or photograph the front and back of their vaccination card and email it to: vax@berkeley.net.

As we move closer to Winter Break, we will have some fun! We enjoyed the Oaxacan Wood Carver visiting campus (outside) this week. We are also planning a Lunch Time Party, with Music and a treat for the students. Friday, December 17th is a Spirit Day and the theme is “pajama day”. So, get those holiday jammies ready for school!

Thank you for your support and take care,

Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

December 13: School Site Council Meeting

December 20 - 31: Winter Break - No School

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Teachers’ Corner: 2nd Grade Artists create paintings of dogs "shaking off the blues" inspired by artist Iris Scott.

The young artists drew and painted the dogs in one class. The following week they cut out the dogs and glued them to a blue background. Then, just like artist Iris Scott, we used our FINGERS to finger paint the water drops coming off the shaking dogs! Some of us also used a special squirt bottle to spray some splatters on our paintings as well. It was a joyful mess!

DECEMBER SHOUT OUTS:

Holiday Gift Cards for Families in Need

The Berkeley Public Schools Fund and the Office of Family Engagement and Equity are working together to fundraise for Holiday Gift Cards for families in need in our schools. To support this effort, donations for Holiday Gift Cards can be made here. (Click on the link and then select Holiday Gift Cards as the program and complete the rest of the form.) If your family is needing support during the holiday season, please contact Lily Howell at lilyhowell@berkeley.net.

HOLIDAY APPRECIATIONS

A merry opportunity to join the collective holiday thank you to our amazing Emerson Staff! Just click HERE to contribute a bright appreciation to our outstanding admin, support staff, and Kids World team this holiday season! If you prefer an alternative method, please send a donation via your child’s Look Folder in a sealed envelope labeled with your child’s name and HOLIDAY GIFT.

This gift is for STAFF. Please look for your Grade Parents message about TEACHER gifts which are separate per child’s class.

For ease, please use this donation link OR send cash/checks via Look Folder (checks made payable to name below).

Let’s please contribute by Wednesday, December 13th. Any questions can be directed to: Michelle Medeiros at puravidamama@gmail.com and together we bring cheer!

WHERE'S WALDO - EMERSON'S COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

COVID Vaccine and Testing Resources

BERKELEY ART MUSEUM - Family PROGRAMS:

BAMPFA Second Saturday programs will be on December 11th:

Virtual Second Saturdays at BAMPFA - December 11th on Zoom

Virtual Gallery + Studio at 12:30pm (For ages 6 - 12)

Join us for a fun session combining personal awareness and expressive poster making inspired by the work of Oakland’s own activist-artist Favianna Rodriguez. Powerful and Positive Poster-Making Party will be led by artist, Raphael Noz.

Virtual Roundtable Reading at 2:30pm (For ages 8 and up)

This month, we will read Ways to Make Sunshine by Reneé Watson. We will meet Ryan Hart, who tries to see the best in everyone and to live up to her name. We will read through her challenges with Rachel Budge, Emerson Elementary School Librarian.

Advance registration required. The registration forms will be available online on Wednesday and Thursday, December 8 and 9, to receive a Zoom link on Saturday, December 11.

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.

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

December 2, 2021

BearFacts News - 12.02.21

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

December 2, 2021

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 hope you enjoyed your November Break and found time to reconnect with your loved ones. Can you believe that there are only a few weeks left in 2021? This year has certainly been eventful. I am thankful that our community is back in school together, in person, despite the continued challenges. We have been having lots of fun together on campus and appreciate learning and enjoying each other’s presence.

As you may be aware, we did have a positive case of COVID-19 on campus prior to the break, which was revealed through our weekly testing on Friday mornings. This is a good reminder that testing is an effective tool for the mitigation of the spreading virus. In addition, as travels increase due to the holiday season, let us be vigilant in the monitoring of COVID-19 symptoms. We are encouraging families to take advantage of the 5-year-old and up COVID-19 vaccinations. Appointments can be found at https://myturn.ca.gov/ and the vaccine is free to everyone age 5 and up. We are also asking families to send a copy of their child's vaccination card to Office Staff Leahlopez@berkeley.net or Gabriellaparra@berkeley.net and we update students’ immunization status in our records. The School Board has approved a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for all students for the 2022- 2023 school year.

Your child may experience COVID-19 symptoms after they are vaccinated. In some cases, students will need to stay home from school and be tested for COVID-19. Here is a handout from the county that details when students should stay home after receiving the vaccination, and when they can come to school. Note that this only applies when students are not in close contact with a case. Please see this document for more details about what you can expect:

Guidance for Symptoms after Vaccination

The Office Staff would like to remind you that if your child displays any of the symptoms below, you should not send them to school. Instead keep them at home and email or our office staff, and your child’s teacher with the reason for the absence. Students with COVID-19 symptoms will need a negative test, doctor's note, or complete a 10-day quarantine before they can return to school.

COVID-19 Symptoms:

runny nose/congestion
fever of 100 degrees/chills
cough
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
sore throat
fatigue
headache
muscle aches
nausea, vomiting
diarrhea
new loss of smell or taste

If you read the Superintendent’s letters and updates you know that BUSD is facing significant budget challenges for the 2022- 2023 school year. Just as many school districts in the Bay Area are required, our district must submit a list of proposed budget cuts to the Alameda County Office of Education in December. The early budget requirement is a reflection of the concern over tightened state-wide budgets. Our projected shortfall is $6.6 Million. For now, the proposed cuts are not at the site level. On the bright side, the state of California is projecting a $31Billion surplus—let’s hope some of that is directed toward schools.

Thank you for your continued support of Emerson, especially through our Heart of Emerson campaign! We have met our fundraising goal for the 2022- 2023 school year. This means you have made it possible to fund another year of Art and PE, Office Support, Equity Programs, and more for our community! A special thank you to our fundraising chairs: Ms. Krysten Curtis and Ms. Arabelle Malinis. We are so thankful for their hard work and dedication, leading to a successful campaign for all.

Sincerely,

Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

December 4: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - Kindergarten

December 13: School Site Council Meeting

December 20 - 31: Winter Break - No School

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Heart of Emerson: Thank You!

Dear Emerson Community,

We are deeply humbled by your generosity for Giving Tuesday and throughout the campaign. We have reached the matching challenge maximum of $10,500 AND we have met and exceeded our overall campaign goal of $110,000!! (We raised $27,200 on Giving Tuesday!) You have made it possible to fund another year of Art and PE for our students, office support, racial equity programs, and more for our community! You have demonstrated truly the Heart of Emerson!

All Giving Tuesday donors will have their names entered into an online randomizer to decide the giveaway winners. Please stay tuned. If donors need a receipt, please email heartofemerson@gmail.com

As a prize to celebrate our collective accomplishment, the Emerson PTA will give each student and staff a special Emerson, Berkeley t-shirt!

Thank you again for your generosity and support of Emerson!

Please continue to share the Heart of Emerson with your friends and family during the holidays and Winter Break. Every donation counts, through the end of the school year.

With Gratitude,

Krysten Curtis (Henry 3rd Barnes, Koraline 1st Salyk) Fundraising Co-chair
Arabelle Malinis (Taj 3rd Stuppi) Fundraising Co-chair

Teachers’ Corner: Drawing Paint Brushes in the Art Room

First Grade artists drew these unicorns after hearing the story Never Let a Unicorn Scribble by Diane Alber. Then they filled up a paper with colorful scribbles and glued down their cut out unicorn.

Jesus Sosa, Wood Carver from Oaxaca, Mexico will be at Emerson on Tuesday, December 7th

He will be demonstrating his carving and painting process for the classes on the playground during the school day. At the end of the day, carvings will be on sale from 2:20 to 5pm in front of the school on Forest Avenue. If you are interested in doing a little shopping, please come by after school. Cash preferred, checks accepted. Prices start at $10.

Equity Corner: Hanukkah

Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah) is an 8 day Jewish holiday that celebrates the power of light and miracles. Each night, a candle is lit on a menorah, to represent the sacred oil that that was only supposed to last for a single night but actually lasted for 8 nights. Hanukah means dedication in Hebrew and this celebration is sometimes also called the Festival of Lights. Hanukkah might have extra meaning for families this year, especially since this holiday can help remind us that the smallest of miracles can keep darkness away...

This year, Hanukah began on November 28th and continues until next Monday, December 6th. Some families celebrate Hanukkah by gathering to eat delicious dinner (like latkes and sufganiyot— jelly filled donuts!), and afterwards, light a candle for each day of the miracle, recite blessings, and sing songs. Sometimes there are gifts, dreidel games, gelt (chocolate coins) and other fun family traditions. -cielo

Esquina del Equidad: Hanukkah

Hanukkah (también escrito Chanukah) es una festividad Judía de 8 días que celebra el poder de la luz y los milagros. Cada noche, se enciende una vela en una menorá, para representar el aceite sagrado que se suponía que solo duraría una noche, pero en realidad duró 8 noches. Hanukah significa “dedicación" en Hebreo y esta celebración a veces también se llama "Festival de las Luces". Hanukkah podría tener un significado adicional para las familias este año, especialmente porque esta festividad puede ayudarnos a recordar que el más pequeño de los milagros puede alejar la oscuridad ...

Este año, Hanukah comenzó el 28 de Noviembre y continúa hasta el próximo lunes 6 de Diciembre. Algunas familias celebran Hanukkah reuniéndose para comer una cena deliciosa (como latkes y sufganiyot, ¡donas rellenas de gelatina!), Y luego encienden una vela por cada día del milagro, recitan bendiciones y cantan canciones. A veces hay regalos, juegos de dreidel, gelt (monedas de chocolate) y otras divertidas tradiciones familiares. -cielo

Holiday Gift Cards for Families in Need

COVID Vaccine and Testing Resources

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.

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

November 18, 2021

BearFacts News - 11.18.21

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

November 18, 2021

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,

Thank you to the PTA Room Parents and Board for organizing the grade level playdates. Big Shout out to Erwin, Emerson Night Custodian, for opening up the facilities for community use. One recurring theme this year is that our community wants to reconnect. We are grateful that families worked together to set up fun events for families to safely gather on the Emerson campus during October and November weekends. We hope you had a chance to participate, and if you did not, stay tuned for more opportunities after Winter Break.

We are excited to reward the students for their academic and behavioral achievements tomorrow! Students will have the opportunity to meet the Little Explorers Petting Zoo animals during the second recess and lunch. The Zookeepers are vaccinated and will be outside, under the supervision of Emerson Administration. We hope your child comes home happy, with a fun story about petting a zoo animal.

If you read the Superintendent’s letters and updates, you know that BUSD is facing significant budget challenges for the 2021- 2022 school year. Just as many school districts in the Bay Area are required, our district must submit a list of proposed budget cuts to the Alameda County Office of Education in December. The early budget requirement is a reflection of the concern over tightened statewide budgets. As we move into the giving season, please remember Emerson Elementary and the Heart of Emerson campaign. Your contributions go to supporting important programs such as full Art and PE programs for each student. You also support additional Office Staffing, Materials and Supplies, and the English Language Learner program. We hope you can make a contribution here: https://emerson.berkeleypta.org/heart-of-emerson. We still have a ways to go to meet our goal, and we are counting on our community to help us reach it.

We have been fortunate to have very low COVID-19 Transmision numbers here at Emerson. Thank you for your vigilance to keep your family safe when out in the community, which helps us here at school too. We encourage you to take advantage of the 5-year-old and up COVID-19 vaccinations. Appointments can be found at https://myturn.ca.gov/ and the vaccine is free to everyone age 5 and up. You can send a copy of your child’s vaccination card to office staff Leahlopez@berkeley.net or Gabriellaparra@berkeley.net and we will update your child’s immunization status in our records.

Keep in mind that eventually, COVID-19 vaccinations will become a requirement for in-person attendance. Here is a handout from the county that details when students/staff should stay home after receiving the vaccination, and when they can come to school. Note that this only applies when students/staff are not in close contact with a positive COVID-19 case. We will continue to conduct on-site COVID-19 testing for Emerson staff and students every Friday morning.

Have a safe and relaxing Thanksgiving Break!

Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

November 18: Picture Retakes (send back your child’s package on November 18 and take a new photo.)

November 22 - 26: Thanksgiving Holiday - No School

November 30: Giving Tuesday - Heart of Emerson Matching Challenge

December 20 - 31: Winter Break - No School

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Halloween Parade Video

Thank you, Mr. Phil, for documenting this year’s Halloween Parade! Link to video.

Holiday Gift Cards for Families in Need

The Berkeley Public Schools Fund and the Office of Family Engagement and Equity are working together to fundraise for Holiday Gift Cards for families in need in our BUSD community. Please join us in helping out our school community this holiday season! To support families at our school, tax-deductible donations for Winter Holiday Gift Cards can be made here. (Click on the link and then select Holiday Gift Cards as the program and complete the rest of the form.) If your family is needing support during the holiday season, please contact Lily Howell at lilyhowell@berkeley.net.

Equity Corner

Have you been to Coyote Hills (occupied land currently stewarded by East Bay Regional Parks) in Fremont? This park contains the protected site of the ancient village of Tuibun, one of the many Ohlone peoples living in the Bay Area over 2,000 years ago. Coyote Hills has a freshwater marsh, home to an incredibly versatile plant known as Tule (pronouced TOO-lee) that is used as a construction material— and in these videos, you can watch the Ohlone Youth Summit harvest, construct, and launch a Tule boat (from 2019) and learn more about Tule from EBRPD Naturalist Dino Labiste. As you look around the Bay Area, see if you can spot Tule in the marshes around us (look for the seed caps at the top of the tall plant!).

Esquina de Equidad

¿Ha visitado en Coyote Hills (tierra ocupada actualmente administrada por East Bay Regional Parks) en Fremont? Este parque contiene el sitio protegido del antiguo pueblo de Tuibun, uno de los muchos pueblos Ohlone que vivían en el Área de la Bahía hace más de 2.000 años. Coyote Hills tiene un pantano de agua dulce, hogar de una planta increíblemente versátil que se llama Tule (pronunciada TOO-lee) que se utiliza como material de construcción, y en este video, puedes ver la Cumbre Juvenil de Ohlone cosechar, construir y lanzar un Tule barco (desde 2019) y aprenda más sobre Tule de EBRPD Naturalist Dino Labiste. Mientras mira alrededor del Área de la Bahía, vea si puede ver a Tule en los pantanos que nos rodean (¡busque las tapas de las semillas en la parte superior de la planta!).

PTA "Welcome Back" Playdates and Giving Tuesday

Last Sunday November 14 the Grade Parents and PTA hosted an epic THREE playdates back to back from 9:30 - 3:30 (3rd, 5th, 4th Grades). These were after Saturday November 6th for 1st and 2nd Grades, Kindergarten's Playdate was on Halloween!

Thank you Shawna Matilla and Ariel Clute, our Community Building Co-Chairs for Emerson's PTA Board. And thank you Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell for solidifying our roster of AMAZING Grade Parents! You all helped connect our classmate families for these in-person events, our first at-school events since February 2020.

Thank you for everyone's patience as we navigate together the challenges of planning in-person events. We all appreciate the simple act of families showing up at the same time AT school. That's been so rare, and missed.

We learned a lot by delegating planning on the grade level. You may hear about how different grades planned their playdates. All this helps focus our community building on the GRADE level for now, to knit tighter these connections first.

As an outcome of these playdates, more families want to be connected with each other. Create or update your contact information in Where's Waldo, our opt-in school directory.

Save some thanks for GIVING TUESDAY on November 30, after our week-long break. A preview THANK YOU to our Giving Tuesday sponsors of the Matching Challenge!

- From the PTA Board

Alphabet Rockers

Take a listen to the opening song from Alphabet Rockers album The Love, with a powerful land acknowledgement of Ohlone Land. The Alphabet Rockers are making music that makes change, right here in the Bay Area.

Escuche la primera canción de los Alphabet Rockers álbum “The Love”, con un reconocimiento de tierras de los Ohlone. Los Alphabet Rockers están haciendo música que hace cambios, aquí mismo en el Área de la Bahía.

COVID Vaccine and Testing Resources

Guidance for Symptoms after Covid-19 Vaccine

Here is a handout from the county that details when students/staff should stay home after receiving the vaccination, and when they can come to school. Note that this only applies when students/staff are not in close contact with a positive Covid 19 case.

Heart of Emerson: Please Donate

We have raised over half of $110,000, which is our goal for the Heart of Emerson Campaign. This funds PE, Art, student programs, family engagement, office support, and more. If you can, donate at least $680, the amount Emerson PTA spends for each student. Donate more to cover costs for other Emerson students. You can see in this Heart of Emerson ART video, the positive impact of the Art class with Ms. Ames on students. Students describe the class as “fun, relaxing, always something new, expressing what you love and being okay with making mistakes.” In this Heart of Emerson dance video, led by Coach Robinson, we see students and staff have fun with movement. Coach Robinson makes PE class enjoyable for students each week. These videos are snapshots of the one-of-kind community we have here at Emerson Elementary! Finally, be on the lookout for information about our annual Heart of Emerson Giving Tuesday Challenge, which is happening on Nov. 30th. If you donate on Giving Tuesday, you will have an opportunity to score your own original Art work created by Lucy Ames and some Emerson Elementary swag. Stay tuned and thank you for your support!

Volunteers Needed for Vaccination Clinics

The Berkeley Public Schools fund is always in need of volunteers— particularly if you are bilingual or Spanish speaking! BUSD, the City of Berkeley, and Carbon Health have partnered to offer upcoming childrens’ vaccination clinics on Saturdays. You can help support the Spanish-speaking community by volunteering your time! Please check out this link and contact Valerie to to volunteer at upcoming clinics.

El fondo de las Escuelas Públicas de Berkeley siempre necesita voluntarios, ¡especialmente si usted es bilingüe o habla español! BUSD, la ciudad de Berkeley y Carbon Health se han asociado para ofrecer las próximas clínicas de vacunación para niños los sábados. ¡Usted puede ayudar a apoyar a la comunidad de habla hispana ofreciendo su tiempo como voluntario! Consulte este enlace y comuníquese con Valerie para ser voluntario en las próximas clínicas.

Where's Waldo - Emerson's Community Directory

It’s time to build our school/class directory called Where’s Waldo! Did you know it can be found on our school website? Playdates, rideshares, resource sharing and more can be possible when Where’s Waldo is complete! It’s all available securely online and printable. If you have submitted your information through a paper form, we are working to get your information updated. You will still need to create an account to access the directory and to adjust your preferences by using the email you submitted. Click here for the steps to joining Where's Waldo! Visit the Friday PTA table for help signing up!

Teachers’ Corner: Drawing Paint Brushes in the Art Room

Before creating these observational drawings of paint brushes, the 4th and 5th graders honed their observation skills by doing what is called a "blind contour" --- they were not allowed to look at their paper, but instead had to look closely at the brush and then let their pens follow the same journey that their eyes took. Let's just say that the final drawings look a lot more like paint brushes than those first ones did! After drawing these, they added some hatching and pencil rubbing to create shadows and then added watercolor paint.

Mock Newbery Virtual Author Visits

All 4th and 5th graders and their families are welcome to join us for a series of evening virtual author visits on Zoom. The Zoom link will be posted on our Mock Newbery Nights Website. Students and their families will have a chance to meet these featured authors, live in conversation with BUSD school librarians (and they’ll also be entered into prize raffles!) on Thursday evenings in December and January.

Each year, the American Library Association awards the The Newbery Medal to the author of the most “distinguished contribution to American literature for children.” In BUSD, students have the opportunity to join Mock Newbery Clubs to discuss and read a list of new books chosen by their BUSD librarians that reflect the diversity of our community and spark joy and a love of reading. Students then vote on their choice to receive the Berkeley Mock Newbery Medal. Last year, in lieu of our in-person clubs, we hosted several virtual evening events for families over Zoom - our “Mock Newbery Nights.”

And the Mock Newbery Nights were so much fun that we’ve decided to keep on hosting them! We are thrilled that these four authors will be joining us in the upcoming months!

Thursday, December 2, 6pm - Cynthia Leitich Smith

Thursday, December 9, 6pm - Kyle Lukoff

Thursday, January 6, 6pm - Shing Yin Khor

Thursday, January 13, 6pm - Nic Stone

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.

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

November 10, 2021

BearFacts News - 11.11.21

Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

November 10, 2021

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 entering the season of giving and thanks. I would like to take a moment to say thank you to the parents and guardians. You have been patient and supportive during the many months of this pandemic. The school staff enjoyed a delicious First Friday luncheon last week, which was provided by the kindergarten families. The Heart of Emerson fundraising campaign has raised half of its goal. You have adjusted to the changing protocols of this pandemic and partnered with school staff. Emerson is truly a special place for parents and families and you deserve credit for contributing to our strong community. Thank you, families!

You can mark your calendar for the Incoming Kindergarten Night Information Zoom, which will take place on Tuesday, January 11 at 7:00 pm. We will not offer on-campus tours this year, but families are welcome to check out the Kindergarten Recruitment Video for a peek into the school.

Parents of current 4th and 5th Graders may be interested to note the first round of applications for Middle School begins on January 4, 2022, and closes on February 4, 2022. You will need to complete the application forms that can be found on the district website. Parents of younger grades may be interested to learn more about the proposed changes to the Middle School Enrollment and Assignment process, which may affect the Emerson class of 2023. You can visit this site to learn more about possible Middle School Placement changes.

Did you know that by offering a second opportunity for students to eat breakfast this year, we have increased last Spring’s meal intake of approximately 30 - 40 breakfasts to approximately 160 a day? This year, we offer students a chance to eat again, later in the mid-morning, increasing the odds that they will eat. Shout-out to the kitchen staff and the campus supervisors for helping to make second chance breakfast, during first recess, a success!

Now that the FDA and CDC have approved the Pfizer Covid 19 vaccination for 5 - 11-year-olds, we hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity. The Covid Vaccination Clinic at Malcolm X Elementary was completely booked by mid-morning the first day the link was offered. I know some parents may have been upset that they were unable to schedule a vaccination through the school district, but it is good news that children are being vaccinated.

Ms. Lily, our Office of Equity and Family Engagement Coordinator, was able to call the Emerson families that we have identified for outreach. Some families expressed hesitancy to get the vaccine or had questions about how to proceed, which is why a one-on-one conversation to answer questions and begin to quell concerns is helpful. She will continue to work with our OFEE families as the next clinics open up. Each clinic will only have about 200 spots, with no walk-ups, so it’s appointments only. The links will be shared with the public after the targeted individual outreach is completed at the beginning of each week.

For the vaccination clinics at Berkeley’s elementary schools, our school district is partnering with Carbon Health & The City of Berkeley, and the upcoming clinics, which are by appointment, are:

-11.13.21, Rosa Parks Elementary

-11.20.21, Sylvia Mendez

In addition, families are encouraged to utilize local pharmacies, health care centers, and Kaiser.

The City of Berkeley will also be offering vaccines for children ages 5-11 on Tuesdays from 11:30- 6:30 pm at a clinic on 3282 Adeline St. Please visit the City of Berkeley vaccine information page for more details.

We will continue to conduct on-site Covid testing for Emerson staff and students every Friday morning.
Thank you for your continued support.

Take care,

Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

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 18: Picture Retakes (send back your child’s package on November 18 and take a new photo.)

November 22 - 26: Thanksgiving Holiday- No School

November 30: Giving Tuesday - Heart of Emerson Matching Challenge

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

COVID Vaccine and Testing Resources

Guidance for Symptoms after Covid-19 Vaccine

Heart of Emerson: Please Donate

Please donate to the Heart of Emerson Campaign. We have nearly raised half our goal of $110,000.

We are pleased to share this Heart of Emerson dance video, which captures the joy of movement in our Emerson community and harnesses the power of a collective. Coach Robinson taught students of each grade level this dance move, which is inspired by the Jerusalema Dance Challenge.

The Heart of Emerson Campaign funds PE, Art, student programs and family engagement. If you can, please donate at least $680, which is the amount that the Emerson PTA spends for each child. You can also donate more to support students and families who can’t afford to. Thank you to Mr. Phil, Coach Robinson, Emerson students and staff for making this video possible!

Holiday Gift Cards for Families

The Berkeley Public Schools Fund and the Office of Family Engagement and Equity are working together to fundraise for Holiday Gift Cards for families in need in our schools. To support this effort, Donations for Holiday Gift Cards can be made here. If your family is needing support during the holiday season, please contact Lily Howell at (510) 295- 7791.

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!

Volunteers Needed for Vaccination Clinics

Equity Corner: Indigenous and Native Heritage Month

Equity Corner: Indigenous and Native Heritage Month

As we continue to celebrate Indigenous Heritage Month, I encourage you to look around our community and imagine Huichin, the territory where the Chochenyo speaking Ohlone people live. The Bay area once had over 400 shellmounds, where mounds of earth were built up from shell and organic matter and served as burial and sacred sites for the Ohlone. Excavation of the shellmounds occurred between 1853 and 1910 and the above-ground shell midden and burial remains were sold as fertilizer and grading material for local roads. The West Berkeley Shellmound was, at points, 300 feet long and 30 feet high; despite archaeological digs that incorporated engineered soil to prepare the land for subsequent development, the shellmound still exists beneath the parking lot that covers the sacred space now. Learn more about the Ohlone Vision for the West Berkeley Shellmound here. -cielo

Portion of West Berkeley Shellmound, photo (ca. 1910) courtesy of Indian People Organizing for Change

Esquina del Equidad: Mes de la herencia Indígena y Nativa

Mientras continuamos celebrando el Mes de la Herencia Indígena, mire alrededor de nuestra comunidad e imagine Huichin, el territorio donde vive el pueblo Ohlone que habla Chochenyo El área de la bahía alguna vez tuvo más de 400 “shellmounds", donde se construyeron montículos de tierra a partir de conchas y materia orgánica y sirvieron como lugares de enterramiento y sitios sagrados para los Ohlone. La excavación de los “shellmounds" se llevó a cabo entre 1853 y 1910 y los restos de conchas y los restos de entierro se vendieron como fertilizante y material para las carreteras locales. El West Berkeley Shellmound tenía, en algunos puntos, 300 pies de largo y 30 pies de alto; A pesar de las excavaciones arqueológicas que incorporaron suelo modificado para preparar la tierra para el desarrollo posterior, el “shellmound" todavía existe debajo del estacionamiento que ahora cubre el espacio sagrado. Obtenga más información sobre Ohlone Vision para West Berkeley Shellmound aquí. -cielo

Where's Waldo - Emerson's Community Directory

Teachers’ Corner: 2nd Grade Tree Art

Second graders created these trees using paint sticks and watercolor paints. We started drawing the tree together, using "Y's" to create our branches. Then the artists could choose whether they wanted their trees to have realistic fall colored leaves or if they wanted to have a little more variety in their colors. I love how they all look so different.

Thanks for the Halloween Kindergarten Play Date!

The Kindergarten crew wants to thank everyone for making the Halloween play date a blast—so many great costumes and an amazing Pumpkin Fairy who had the kids twirling, jumping, and running after bubbles. She really knew how to keep them going! It was wonderful seeing the kids running around together in their costumes. Thanks also to the folks setting up, managing goody bags, tearing down, and cleaning up!

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!

¡Virtual Second Saturday Bilingüe! is on November 13 on Zoom.

Emerson families- below are two UC Berkeley Art Museum activities that might interest you this weekend:

¡Virtual Gallery + Studio Bilingüe! YOU ARE THE EARTH / TÚ ERES LA TIERRA will explore the relationship between yourself and the natural environment to make a landscape that expresses something about your children with artist Indira Urrutia

¡Virtual RoundtableReading Bilingüe! we will read VOYAGE OF THE DOGS / PERRONAUTAS by Greg Van Eekhout.

Ladito, Campeona, Bicho, and Margarita are Barkonauts, dogs specially trained to help human astronauts on missions in space. Aboard the spaceship Laika, their mission takes a disastrous turn and the Barkonauts on board suddenly find themselves completely alone on their severely damaged ship. Will it be a complete disaster or will the Barkonauts complete their mission?

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.

Message from the Principal

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

EMERSON PTA UPDATES

Join the PTA Budget Sub-committee

Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week

Art Corner

Hokusai's Great Wave

Last Chance to Order Your 2021-2022 Yearbook!

﻿Find Emerson Online

Message from the Principal

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

EMERSON PTA UPDATES

Join the PTA Budget Sub-committee

Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week

Order the 2021-2022 Yearbook!

﻿Find Emerson Online

Message from the Principal

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

EMERSON PTA UPDATES

Teacher’s Corner

April SHOUT-OUTs

Help Needed: Annual Staff Appreciation Week

Watch Baile Folklorico - From Cesar Chavez Day

Equity Corner: RAMADAN

April is Arab American Heritage Month

Order the 2021-2022 Yearbook!

﻿Find Emerson Online

Message from the Principal

Lunar New Year 2022:Class videos, courtesy of Volunteer Mr. Phil

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Read-a-Thon Logs Due Tomorrow

Emerson PTA Updates

ETHNIC STUDIES IN BUSD: LISTENING CIRCLES

FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN OF BLACK & AFRICAN DESCENDANT CHILDREN

FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN OF ARAB AMERICAN, ASIAN AMERICAN, AND PACIFIC ISLANDER AMERICAN HERITAGE

FOR ALL STAFF/CAREGIVERS/PARENTS/STUDENTS:

Teacher’s Corner

Critical District Surveys: Complete Today!

Order the 2021-2022 Yearbook!

Where’s Waldo Delivered

﻿Find Emerson Online

Message from the Principal

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Read-a-Thon is underway

Emerson PTA Updates

Listening Circle for Parents & Caregivers of Children of Arab American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander American Heritage

Teacher’s Corner

1st Grade Artists' Elmer's Day Parade!

District Budget Priority Survey

Find Emerson Online

Message from the Principal

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Read-a-Thon Begins Tomorrow

Emerson PTA Updates

Equity Corner

Listening Circle for Parents & Caregivers of Children of Arab American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander American Heritage

Read-a-Thon Special Event - March 16

Self-Portraits Inspired by Angelica Dass

Congrats to Emerson’s March Shout-Out Recipients!

March 12 BAMPFA In-Person Events for Kids

Find Emerson Online

Message from the Principal

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

New Option: Receive BearFacts Content by Email

Read-a-Thon SPECIAL EVENT - March 16th

Read-A-Thon PACKETS SENT HOME

Circle Weavings by 3rd and 4th Grade Artists

How to Connect!

Find Emerson Online

Message from the Principal

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

New Option: Receive BearFacts Content by Email

The Read-a-Thon is Coming!

THANKS FROM MR. PHIL

FEBRUARY SHOUT-OUTS

Spring Equity Circle for 2022 starts THIS Saturday!

¡Reunión de Equidad para 2022 empieza ESTE Sábado!

Equity Corner: Mary Ann Pollar and Rainbow Sign

How to Connect!

Find Emerson Online

Find Emerson Online

Find Emerson Online

Find Emerson Online

Lunar New Year 2022:
Class videos, courtesy of Volunteer Mr. Phil

Find Emerson Online