BearFacts News - 12.01.22

 
 

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! We are looking forward to cramming lots of fun events into the month of December before our Winter Break. This Friday, December 2nd, we will enjoy the BHS Jazz Band. On Thursday, December 8th, the students will be treated to a special school wide reward for their good behavior when the https://www.littleexplorerspettingzoo.com/ visits campus. The next day, on Friday, December 9th, we will recognize our student shout outs during the All School Meeting at 8:30 am. On Wednesday, December 14th, Ms. Rachel (Librarian) and Ms. Jeannie (Literacy Coach) will host a special Family Literacy Night with hot cocoa in the Emerson Library from 5- 6 pm. Check out the flier with more information here. Friday, December 16th, is the last day of school before Winter Break and also a Spirit Day: send your child to school in their most comfortable and coziest pajamas! This is going to be a great month! 

Big Shout Out to Steven and Jessica Wilson who coordinated and facilitated the Cal Football Fundraiser this fall! It is a big project that they have successfully led for many years. This year, with Grade Level Parent volunteers, we raised over $20,000 toward the Emerson program and projects to support students and staff. Thank you to the Wilson family and all parents who gave up their time this fall to park and supervise the cars of Cal Football fans.

We appreciate all the families who are working together to keep the Emerson COVID-19 cases low this fall. We sent COVID-19 test kits home with all students and staff prior to the Fall Break. We strongly recommended that everyone test prior to returning to school this week. We will send kits home again before the Winter Break. If your child does have COVID-19, please remember to keep them home and report to Covidcase@berkeley.net and Leahlopez@berkeley.net.

As part of our ongoing Covid mitigation efforts, we have been doing our best to keep our All School Gatherings outside. However, as we enter the rainy season, it is not always possible for us to do so. Indeed, the Berkeley Symphony performance had to be canceled because the musicians could not play outdoors in the cold. This week, the forecast calls for rain. Therefore, we are making the difficult decision to hold the BHS Jazz Band performance inside the MultiPurpose Room. We do not have the space to include parents. If you would like your child to wear a mask, please tell them and make it clear to them in the morning before they come to school. We will continue to hold large meetings outdoors as weather permits. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding.

Finally, we encourage you to make a donation to the Heart of Emerson Fundraising Campaign. You can check out our progress here: https://emersonelementary.org/heart-of-emerson. We have one more month to reach out goal of $135,000. Can you help us with your tax deductible donation? Here is a link to donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=2UF5NCDM76YFC. We are thankful for your support during this season of giving– we can not do it without you! 

Take care,

Jana Holmes

Check out this video of the November All School Meeting, which includes student performances and shout outs: https://youtu.be/rxTgDhBpYn8


UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

Friday, December 2 - BUSD Jazz Band Student Performance, 8:30 am

Thursday, December 8 - Petting Zoo Reward for students during Lunch Recess

Friday, December 9 - All School Meeting, 8:30 am on the blacktop (parents invited)

Wednesday, December 14 - Family Literacy Night, 5-6pm pm in the Library 

Thursday, December 15 - School Site Council at 7:00 pm via zoom

Monday, December 19 - Monday, January 2: No School (Winter Break)

Tuesday, January 3: Students return to school

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!


PTA UPDATE - HEART OF EMERSON

Thank you for participating in Giving Tuesday! We raised almost $12,000 in ONE single day, in addition to the $20,000 committed for the Giving Tuesday Challenge.

But this is not enough, we need EVERYONE'S participation, the sooner the better so we can be confident of securing full Art & PE, and other resources for 2023-2024.

Watch this short Video hosted by Principal Holmes & Students to see where the money goes:
https://youtu.be/0JkRtPfvFQU

Please donate TODAY if you haven't already! https://emersonelementary.org/heart-of-emerson

The Heart of Emerson needs you!! We only have one more month to reach our goal of $135,000 - and we can ONLY do it together.

Thank you! From the Emerson PTA Board and Fundraising Committee


Art Corner - School Beautification Project

Our huge beautification project is underway!!

By the time this newsletter reaches all of you, every class will have had their first painting session. The solid colors, one for each grade level, have been painted and the next session will be dedicated to adding designs, words and/or images.

Thank you to all of the parents and caregivers who have volunteered so far and those who will be volunteering. A more complete thank you will come at the end of the project. I couldn't do it without help, so thank you to all of our awesome volunteers!

Ms. Ames


JOIN US AT THE KINDERGARTEN FAIR 12/3/22

The Emerson K Tours are going great, thanks to our amazing roster of Volunteer Kindergarten Tour Guides and our flexible and caring teachers who have opened their classrooms on Thursday mornings for prospective Emerson families. There is still an opportunity to share your love of Emerson with prospective Kindergarten families - staff the Emerson table at the Kinder fair at the BUSD District Office (2020 Bonar St) on 12/3/22!

Sign up to staff the Emerson Table at the 12/3 Kinder Fair here.

Please email tours@emersonelementary.org or eleanor.hollander@gmail.com with questions.


Family Literacy Night - December 14th!

Emerson Families: Come and join us in the library on Wednesday, 12/14 at 5 pm for our cozy Family Literacy Night! You are invited to check out books with your children, take home FREE books, and enjoy some hot chocolate and cookies! All Emerson families and caregivers are welcome! Please see this flyer for more information.


BHS African Diaspora Dance Winter Showcase

Don't miss this special event presented by the BHS African American Studies Department. It's a celebration of community, dance, and spirit!

Friday, 12/9, at 7 pm
King Middle School Auditorium, 
1781 Rose Street, Berkeley
Wheelchair accessibility entrance on Grant St.

Children 0-2 in laps are free.
$5 Students, Children, Seniors
$10 General Admission
$15 Reserved (Cash only, limited supply per show. Email dawnwilliams@berkeley.net for information)

All tickets, except for Reserved, can be purchased online at: https://africandiasporadance2022.bpt.me.

Volunteer opportunities: Email dawnwilliams@berkeley.net if you would like to volunteer and receive free entrance to the show.


Volunteer with Building Futures

Please consider volunteering with your families, friends, classrooms for Building Futures, workplace of one of our Emerson parents, Ana Maria Mahiri.

"Building Futures has come a long way from the single overnight shelter that welcomed a homeless grandmother and her grandchild on Christmas Eve, 1986". From Ana Maria: We run three homeless shelters for women and children, including a domestic violence safe house. We also get people into state housing after sleeping in their cars. We offer crisis response for domestic violence and a 24 hour hotline.

Deadline to receive gifts and items December 12. I can go to somebody’s house and pick them up. More details here: http://www.bfwc.org/holiday
Ana Maria Mahiri <aMahiri@bfwc.org>


Find Emerson Online

Websitehttps://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebookwww.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:
BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.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 bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. 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 and include alt-text. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2022. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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


BearFacts News - 11.17.22

 
 

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 Thanksgiving!  I am so grateful to be the Principal of Emerson.  For those of you who have students in the upper grades, you know how much we have been through as a community.  Four years ago, when I was a new Principal here, I had no idea that a world wide pandemic was coming.  When it did happen, we pulled together, staff, parents and students!  We adjusted and we  got through it together.   As we emerge on the other side, we are stronger, more cohesive and with an enhanced capacity to face challenges together.  As a staff, we have high expectations, value inclusion and diversity, and provide excellent academics for our students.  I am proud of us and I thank you for your support! 

Big Shout out to the Emerson PTA Equity Team for planning our first, of a three part series titled: Meetings on the Bridge.  Ms. Pamela Harrison–Small, Educational Consultation, will guide us through courageous conversations that will equip us to navigate our diverse community in kind and compassionate ways.  These workshops are welcome to all and are free!  Childcare (for Emerson children, no babies please) and dinner will be provided. If you missed the first one this week, we hope you will plan to join us for our future meetings in January and February 2023.  

Disappointingly, the Berkeley Symphony event was canceled last week due to their policy against performing outdoors.  Up until this point, we have avoided gathering as a school inside the MultiPurpose Room.  As the pandemic transitions into an endemic, we may reexamine the practicality of continuing some of our COVID mitigation strategies if they hinder our ability to expose our students to special events.  We will talk more about this and gather staff and parent input at Staff meetings, PTA meetings and School Site Council.  You are always welcome to reach out to me individually with your thoughts, concerns and suggestions as well.  

Finally, as the weather shifts we are accumulating more and more lunch boxes, sweatshirts and jackets.  We encourage you to label your child’s items, as they are much easier to return that way.  Items are kept by the blacktop gate in a rack that you can check, or encourage your child to check.  Unclaimed items are donated at the end of each month.  

Take care,

Principal Holmes 


UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

Saturday, November 19: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - All Grades host (more info here)

Friday, November 25: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - Kindergarten hosts (more info here)

Monday, November 21 - Friday, November 25: No School (Fall Break)

Friday, December 2 - BUSD Jazz Band Performance, 8:30 am on the blacktop (parents invited)

Thursday, December 8 - Petting Zoo Reward for students during Lunch Recess

Friday, December 9 - All School Meeting, 8: 30 am on the blacktop (parents invited)

Thursday, December 15 - School Site Council at 7:00PM via zoom

Monday, December 19 - Monday, January 2: No School (Winter Break)

Tuesday, January 3: Students return to school

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Note to Readers: BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy.  Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.


CELLULAR PHONE REMINDER

If you send your student to school with a cell phone, please be advised that it must be turned completely off and be out of sight during the school day. The school will not be responsible for lost, stolen or damaged cell phones. Use of cell phones at any time during the instructional day will result in confiscation and possible disciplinary action. Please refer to Administrative Regulation 5131 (adopted June 4, 2003), or Section 9.9 of the Parent-Student Handbook 2022-2023 for more details. In addition, we also encourage you to monitor your child’s text messages and social media, encouraging age-appropriate and safe communication. Thank you for your partnership to keep our students safe.


Thank You Emerson PTA!

Emerson students love to read and need lots of books!

This year our wonderful PTA has generously allocated $400.00 per classroom to update our classroom libraries.

Classroom teachers have been so excited to purchase new books. So far teachers have purchased: fiction and nonfiction books to support content areas, new book series, current high interest books and so much more.

Thank you to the Emerson Community for supporting our classrooms! We are so grateful.

❤ The Emerson Teachers


PTA UPDATE - HEART OF EMERSON

We are the Heart of Emerson!

This week the Emerson PTA launches our main fundraising campaign, the Heart of Emerson, to raise at least $135,000 before the end of the year, to support the next academic year. This will guarantee Art and PE for all grades every week (the only BUSD school to do so), office support, field trips, STEAM events, equity programs, and more. Thanks to the generosity of last year’s donors, THIS academic year the PTA is investing $900 per student, for 286 students!

A big thank you to our intrepid fundraising chairs, Liz Valley (Kindergartener in Ms. Carter’s class) and Stephanie Boys (Kindergartener in Ms. Bella’s class), who are leading this campaign for our community!

Please wear your Heart buttons, stickers, and shirts from years past this Friday morning for coffee on the yard before our First Friday All-School Meeting.

We have a special prize when we reach 80% participation, all amounts count so please donate early (this week!). And please ask for participation from your communities: family/friends, workplace, place of worship, and neighbors!


Art Corner - Colorful Sheep

Artists in First and Second grade had the book Brian the Brave read to them. It tells of some sheep who, at first, didn't want to be friends with another sheep if it had horns or if it had stripes or if it said "Meheheh" instead of "Baaaah." Brian stood up to them all and they realized that it was just fine (better than fine) if they were all different. Artists created whichever kind of wooly, colorful coat they preferred and added heads, tails and legs. In art it is so easy to celebrate our uniqueness.


Yard Beautification Project coming up!

Starting just before the Thanksgiving Break and then into the two weeks after, every Emerson student will be painting a long piece of wood. These will be installed on the exterior wall by the Kindergarten entrance. It's going to be a bright colorful spot on the yard.

The kids will paint the wood slat in a solid color (by grade level) the first session and then add designs in a different color (by class) on top. They'll be using acrylic paint. We will use smocks, but it would be best to remind kids not to wear their best clothes that day as once dry, acrylic paint is permanent!! (Schedule is below.)

I would love to have help during the art classes-- Here's the volunteer signup

Thanks so much!

Ms. Ames

Thursday Nov. 17th:

4th grade 12:30-2:30

Monday Nov. 28th:

5th grade 8:15-10:15

1st grade 10:15-12:40

2nd grade 12:40-2:30 (Morgan and Davis)

Wednesday Nov. 30th:

2nd grade 8:15-9:20 (Suzuki)

3rd grade 9:10-11:20

Kindergarten 12-1:30

Thursday Dec 1st:

4th grade 12:30-2:30

Monday Dec 5th:

5th grade 8:15-10:15

1st grade 10:15-12:40

2nd grade 12:40-2:30 (Morgan and Davis)

Wednesday Dec. 7th:

2nd grade 8:15-9:20 (Suzuki)

3rd grade 9:10-11:20

Kindergarten 12-1:30


VOLUNTEER KINDERGARTEN TOUR GUIDES NEEDED

Emerson K Tours - Volunteer Kindergarten Tour Guides Needed for just a few more dates! Share your love of Emerson with prospective Kindergarten families - be a tour guide!

Tours will take place for prospective families at Emerson Thursdays from 8:15 am - 9:45 am, November 10th - January 26th. 

We will have two leaders per tour this year, and are eager to welcome new tour guides. We’ll provide you with talking points, answers to FAQ’s, and other information to make the job easy and fun. We need tour guides for just a few more dates:  1/12, 1/19, and 1/26 and we also could use a few folks to staff the Emerson table at the Kinder Fair on 12/3/22. 

Sign up to co-lead a tour or staff the Emerson Table at the 12/3 Kinder Fair here

Please email tours@emersonelementary.org or eleanor.hollander@gmail.com with questions.


Find Emerson Online

Websitehttps://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebookwww.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:
BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.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 bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. 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 and include alt-text. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2022. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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


BearFacts News - 11.10.22

 
 

Si tiene alguna duda sobre esta nota debido a la traduccion,
por favor comuniquese con Rafael Friedmann via email: rfriedmann@aol.com


MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Emerson Families,

Welcome to the Heart of Emerson Fundraising season! Will you help us kick off the campaign with your generous donation today?  Our goal is to raise $135,000 to support Art, PE, Office Staff, Field trips, materials and supplies, and much more!  Please take a moment to read this Kick Off Letter with links to donate today: Heart Of Emerson Donation Letter 2022.  There are many ways to donate, here is a link to get you started: Donate online (PayPal/Credit Card/Debit card). 

Big Shout out to the Grade Level Parents who planned fun weekend get togethers for each class this fall.  With the exception of the 3rd grade Play Date, which will be rescheduled due to rain, each grade has come together on the weekend to spend time together and build community.  Thank you PTA! 

Emerson students are in for a treat this morning when the Berkeley High School Symphony will visit and perform for us.  We hope that our students will be inspired by the high school students, who represent the culmination of the excellent K-12 performing arts program in BUSD.  If our students stay committed to the instruments they begin learning in the fourth and fifth grades they too may join the esteemed high school music program.

Did you know that Emerson has a Student Advisory Committee?  This diverse group of 4th and 5th grade students meets with Ms. Lily, Office of Family Engagement & Equity and the School Principal about once a month.  The purpose of the group is to give students a voice, and empower them as stakeholders in our school community.  Each year this group of students also designs an equity based school service project.  The Student Advisory Committee is an important leadership opportunity that demonstrates the power and value of student’s input in school.  

As we near the holiday season please do your best to help staff and students stay healthy at school. We have very few substitutes to cover when our staff becomes sick.  If your child is sick, with a fever or COVID/ flu symptoms, please allow them to recover at home.  Report your student's absence to Leahlopez@berkeley.net and all COVID cases to the school nurse at Covidcase@berkeley.net.  We will send COVID test kits home with your student before Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks.  We wish you a safe and healthy winter season.

Sincerely,

Jana Holmes 


UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

Friday, November 11: No School (Veterans’ Day)

Friday, November 11 - Sunday, November 13: Mrs. Dalloway’s School Benefit Fundraiser

Saturday, November 19: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - All Grades host (more info here)

Friday, November 25: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - Kindergarten hosts (more info here)

Monday, November 21 - Friday, November 25: No School (Fall Break)

Monday, December 19 - Monday, January 2: No School (Winter Break)

Tuesday, January 3: Students return to school

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Note to Readers: BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy.  Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.


CELLULAR PHONE REMINDER

If you send your student to school with a cell phone, please be advised that it must be turned completely off and be out of sight during the school day. The school will not be responsible for lost, stolen or damaged cell phones. Use of cell phones at any time during the instructional day will result in confiscation and possible disciplinary action. Please refer to Administrative Regulation 5131 (adopted June 4, 2003), or Section 9.9 of the Parent-Student Handbook 2022-2023 for more details. In addition, we also encourage you to monitor your child’s text messages and social media, encouraging age-appropriate and safe communication. Thank you for your partnership to keep our students safe.


Congratulations, November Shout Out Students


PTA UPDATE - HEART OF EMERSON

We are the Heart of Emerson!

This week the Emerson PTA launches our main fundraising campaign, the Heart of Emerson, to raise at least $135,000 before the end of the year, to support the next academic year. This will guarantee Art and PE for all grades every week (the only BUSD school to do so), office support, field trips, STEAM events, equity programs, and more. Thanks to the generosity of last year’s donors, THIS academic year the PTA is investing $900 per student, for 286 students!

A big thank you to our intrepid fundraising chairs, Liz Valley (Kindergartener in Ms. Carter’s class) and Stephanie Boys (Kindergartener in Ms. Bella’s class), who are leading this campaign for our community!

Please wear your Heart buttons, stickers, and shirts from years past this Friday morning for coffee on the yard before our First Friday All-School Meeting.

We have a special prize when we reach 80% participation, all amounts count so please donate early (this week!). And please ask for participation from your communities: family/friends, workplace, place of worship, and neighbors!


Art Corner

5th Grade Collages Inspired by Beatriz Milhazes

Fifth Grade Artists learned about how Beatriz Milhazes draws inspiration from the Botanical Garden next to her studio in her native Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Her art is anything but realistic! She uses colorful shapes to convey the feelings of the places (or foods, experiences, etc) that she loves. In art class we layered larger pieces of scrapbook paper first, then added medium size shapes and finished off with many circle stickers. We tried to balance our art so that the viewer's eye will keep moving around the piece. Each work is titled to give the viewer an idea of what the artist was thinking about.


Sneak Peek: Something beautiful is coming to the yard!

(And volunteer opportunities along with it…)

Starting just before the Thanksgiving Break and then into the two weeks after, every Emerson student will be painting a long wood slat. These will be installed on the exterior wall by the Kindergarten entrance. The photo shows some of the color schemes we are testing out. It's going to be amazing!!

*** Special thank you to Brad Sanford who is cutting all of the wood for us and Michelle Falise who has helped with every step of the design process. ***

This is a huge undertaking, and I will appreciate every hour of volunteer help that you are able to give! There will be a more formal sign up genius request sent as the dates get closer, but for now here's the schedule if you'd like to save the time in advance. Please consider helping with painting during your child's grade level classes (Or any classes at all!). It will be fun! Thank you for considering!

Thursday Nov. 17th:

4th grade 12:30-2:30

Monday Nov. 28th:

5th grade 8:15-10:15

1st grade 10:15-12:40

2nd grade 12:40-2:30 (Morgan and Davis)

Wednesday Nov. 30th:

2nd grade 8:15-9:20 (Suzuki)

3rd grade 9:10-11:20

Kindergarten 12-1:30

Thursday Dec 1st:

4th grade 12:30-2:30

Monday Dec 5th:

5th grade 8:15-10:15

1st grade 10:15-12:40

2nd grade 12:40-2:30 (Morgan and Davis)

Wednesday Dec.12th:

2nd grade 8:15-9:20 (Suzuki)

3rd grade 9:10-11:20

Kindergarten 12-1:30


VOLUNTEER KINDERGARTEN TOUR GUIDES NEEDED

Emerson K Tours - Volunteer Kindergarten Tour Guides Needed for just a few more dates! Share your love of Emerson with prospective Kindergarten families - be a tour guide!

Tours will take place for prospective families at Emerson Thursdays from 8:15 am - 9:45 am, November 10th - January 26th. 

We will have two leaders per tour this year, and are eager to welcome new tour guides. We’ll provide you with talking points, answers to FAQ’s, and other information to make the job easy and fun. We need tour guides for just a few more dates:  1/12, 1/19, and 1/26 and we also could use a few folks to staff the Emerson table at the Kinder Fair on 12/3/22. 

Sign up to co-lead a tour or staff the Emerson Table at the 12/3 Kinder Fair here

Please email tours@emersonelementary.org or eleanor.hollander@gmail.com with questions.


EQUITY CORNER

The PTA Equity Team invites you to join us in a 3 part series, Meetings on the Bridge, to grow our cross-cultural skills to create a more equitable school to benefit our children and our community!

The first session is November 15, 2022, facilitated By Ms. Pamela Harrison-Small from 6pm-8pm with food and childcare provided. The workshop will begin at 6:30pm; all are welcome! Please RSVP by November 13 here: https://tinyurl.com/MOB1115 and indicate childcare needs and dietary preferences.

Be sure to check your LOOK! folders for more information in the form of a flyer and reach out to the equity team with any questions at equity@emersonelementary.org

-cielo, rachel, and silvia


LIBRARY CORNER

November is Indigenous People's Heritage Month, and BUSD Library Services has updated our reading lists with some new, wonderful books!

These reading lists, organized by grade level, represent books published in the last 5 years that are devoted to celebrating, representing, and affirming Indigenous heritage, featuring Indigenous authors, characters and the North American Indigenous experience.
All of these books are available at the Emerson Library as a physical and/or digital book. If an ebook is available through Sora, you can access it by clicking the cover of the book.


This Weekend - Mrs. Dalloway’s School Benefit Fundraiser

Shop at Mrs. Dalloway’s (in person or online) between November 11th and 13th. Save your receipt and turn it into the school office. Mrs. Dalloway’s donates 15% of your pre-tax sales to Emerson!


BAMPFA Second Saturday

Second Saturday is this Saturday, November 12

Gallery + Studio: The Structured Stitch with artist Lizzy Blasingame | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Gallery+Studio integrates art on view at BAMPFA with a related art project. Sign up at the Art Lab 10 minutes ahead of the session. For ages 6 - 12 and their grown-ups.

Hannah Levy’s art is a study in contrasts--hard edges, soft textures, organic shapes and industrial materials. Explore shapes, colors, textures and sewing as you connect shapes and build your own sculptures.

¡Roundtable Reading Bilingüe!: Dancing Home / Nacer bailando by Alma Flor Ada & Gabriel Zubizarreta | 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. No advance sign-up needed; just show up at 2:00 ready to read!
For ages 8 and up (younger kids welcome as listeners)
Reading led by Angela Loza, Librarian at West Contra Costa Unified

Margie has finally convinced the other kids at school she is one-hundred percent American—just like them. But when her cousin Lupe visits from Mexico, the image she’s created crumbles. Things aren’t easy for Lupe, either. Mexico hasn’t felt like home since her father went North to find work. Her hope of seeing him in the U.S. comforts her, but learning a new language in a new school is tough. Little by little, the girls’ individual steps find the rhythm of a shared dance, and they learn what “home” really means.


Find Emerson Online

Websitehttps://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebookwww.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:
BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.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 bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. 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 and include alt-text. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2022. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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


BearFacts News - 11.03.22

 
 

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 had such a fun time celebrating Halloween at Emerson. It was truly a joy to revive our parade through the community and we were happy that so many caregivers were able to join us. Thank you for your continued support as we renew some of our past traditions. 

It’s time for the Heart of Emerson fundraising campaign! Big Shout Out to our Kindergarten parents, Ms. Stephanie Boys and Ms. Liz Valley, who have stepped up to chair this committee. As we approach the holidays, please consider donating to Emerson, supporting your child’s community, and writing your donation off on your 2022 taxes. Some companies also match. Our goal is to raise $135,000 to support Art, PE, Office Staff, field trips, materials, and supplies. Please take a moment to read this Kick-Off Letter with links to donate today: Heart Of Emerson Donation Letter 2022.  There are many ways to donate, here is a link to get you started: Donate online (PayPal/Credit Card/Debit card).  

Another pre-Covid practice that we are bringing back are the incoming Kindergarten Tours. We are asking for volunteers who can help introduce Emerson to prospective incoming parents. All volunteers will be provided with a “script” and work with a partner. The tours will be offered on Thursday mornings, between November and January, from 8:15 am to 10:00 am. If you have time and are able to support us in this special way, please sign up here. If you have questions, please contact Ms. Eleanor Hollander at eleanor.hollander@gmail.com.  

As we move closer to Thanksgiving and Winter Break, it is a good time to remind families of the importance of regular school attendance. We encourage you to plan your travels on non-school days. Family travel is not an excusable reason to miss school; however, we still want to know if your students will be absent. Email your child’s teacher and Ms. Leah Lopez, Attendance Clerk, at Leahlopez@berkeley.net, with the reason for your absence. Please make school attendance a priority this winter season. 

In addition, we will continue to take mitigation measures against illness and COVID-19. Please keep your child home if they are experiencing symptoms, and, if they do have COVID-19, please report it to covidcase@berkeley.net and Leahlopez@berkeley.net. We will continue to keep our doors and windows open for ventilation, wash and sanitize hands frequently, use our air purifiers, and send home COVID-19 test kits in response to cases. We encourage you to stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations and flu shots. Let’s keep our school community as healthy as possible!  

We hope to see you this Friday, November 4th, at 8:30 am on the blacktop for our All School Meeting. Thank you PTA, for providing coffee for the caregivers who attend. We will enjoy student performances, teacher shout outs to students, spirit committee presentations, and much more.  Come join us!  

Thank you for your support and take good care,  

Jana Holmes


UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

Friday, November 4: All School Meeting

Tuesday, November 8: Election Day

Friday, November 11: No School (Veterans’ Day)

Saturday, November 19: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - All Grades host (more info here)

Friday, November 25: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - Kindergarten hosts (more info here)

Monday, November 21 - Friday, November 25: No School (Fall Break)

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.


PTA UPDATE - HEART OF EMERSON

We are the Heart of Emerson!

This week the Emerson PTA launches our main fundraising campaign, the Heart of Emerson, to raise at least $135,000 before the end of the year, to support the next academic year. This will guarantee Art and PE for all grades every week (the only BUSD school to do so), office support, field trips, STEAM events, equity programs, and more. Thanks to the generosity of last year’s donors, THIS academic year the PTA is investing $900 per student, for 286 students!

A big thank you to our intrepid fundraising chairs, Liz Valley (Kindergartener in Ms. Carter’s class) and Stephanie Boys (Kindergartener in Ms. Bella’s class), who are leading this campaign for our community!

Please wear your Heart buttons, stickers, and shirts from years past this Friday morning for coffee on the yard before our First Friday All-School Meeting.

We have a special prize when we reach 80% participation, all amounts count so please donate early (this week!). And please ask for participation from your communities: family/friends, workplace, place of worship, and neighbors!


VOLUNTEER KINDERGARTEN TOUR GUIDES NEEDED

Emerson K Tours - Volunteer Kindergarten Tour Guides Needed for just a few more dates! Share your love of Emerson with prospective Kindergarten families - be a tour guide!

Tours will take place for prospective families at Emerson Thursdays from 8:15 am - 9:45 am, November 10th - January 26th. 

We will have two leaders per tour this year, and are eager to welcome new tour guides. We’ll provide you with talking points, answers to FAQ’s, and other information to make the job easy and fun. We need tour guides for just a few more dates:  1/12, 1/19, and 1/26 and we also could use a few folks to staff the Emerson table at the Kinder Fair on 12/3/22. 

Sign up to co-lead a tour or staff the Emerson Table at the 12/3 Kinder Fair here

Please email tours@emersonelementary.org or eleanor.hollander@gmail.com with questions.


EQUITY CORNER

The PTA Equity Team invites you to join us in a 3 part series, Meetings on the Bridge, to grow our cross-cultural skills to create a more equitable school to benefit our children and our community!

The first session is November 15, 2022, facilitated By Ms. Pamela Harrison-Small from 6pm-8pm with food and childcare provided. The workshop will begin at 6:30pm; all are welcome! Please RSVP by November 13 here: https://tinyurl.com/MOB1115 and indicate childcare needs and dietary preferences.

Be sure to check your LOOK! folders for more information in the form of a flyer and reach out to the equity team with any questions at equity@emersonelementary.org

-cielo, rachel, and silvia


LIBRARY CORNER

Do you love organization and children's books? All in a quiet space?? The Emerson Library is looking for volunteers! I'd love 2-3 volunteers who are able to come to the library a couple hours a week. The main tasks will be shelving books, but there may be other organizational and fun projects at some point. Our students really love to read, so the circulation rate is high! Having some volunteers would be super helpful :) 

Please email me if you are interested: rachelbudge@berkeley.net


Find Emerson Online

Websitehttps://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebookwww.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:
BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.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 bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. 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 and include alt-text. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2022. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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


BearFacts News - 10.27.22

 
 

Si tiene alguna duda sobre esta nota debido a la traduccion,
por favor comuniquese con Rafael Friedmann via email: rfriedmann@aol.com


MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Emerson Families,

It is such a joy to be the Principal of Emerson!  Part of the reason I enjoy serving the Emerson community is because of our shared core values.  Working together we create an inclusive environment, where students learn to respect each other and their differences.  We have high academic expectations and we learn in a safe environment.  This week, we finished our first trimester and teachers met with parents to share student progress.  To prepare for conferences, the staff reviewed academic data, identified students who need extra support, and created plans to build upon students' strengths in the next trimesters. 

Big Shout out to the Emerson parents who are helping in many ways this school year.  This past Sunday, Ms. Cielo Rios led a team of volunteers to build the annual Dia de Los Muertos Ofrenda in the library.  Students and staff are encouraged to bring a photo or memento to honor loved ones who have passed away.  Thank you to the PTA After School Program Group, led by Ms. Rana Cho, who set up a robust offering of enrichment classes.  We appreciate Ms. Eleanor Hollander who has stepped up to Lead the Kindergarten Tour Committee this Winter.  Keep your eye out for the Heart of Emerson Fundraising Campaign Kick-Off in November, led by Kindergarten parents Ms. Stephanie Boys and Ms. Liz Valley.  We could not do it without all of these wonderful parent volunteers and we are so grateful for all you do!

The Emerson Community would like to give a special thank you to Mr. Steven Wilson and Mrs. Jessica Wilson for the many hours they have spent organizing and hosting the Cal Football Parking fundraiser!  The understanding is that each Grade Level takes a turn volunteering to supervise the blacktop during Cal Game Days.  We would like to give special thanks to the parents who stepped up to work the Cal vs. UW game on Saturday, October 22.  Robert Lewis, Michelle Falise and Ken Braslow: we appreciate you!  

As we move further into fall, we need to be prepared for another possible COVID-19 surge.  Indicators show that cases are on the uptick in Europe, which means that we may see more cases in the Winter months ahead. I would like to remind you to keep your child at home and test them for COVID-19 if they are showing signs of illness.  Alert Leahlopez@berkeley.net if your child is absent and Covidcase@berkeley.net if your student tests positive.  At Emerson, we will continue to practice our mitigation strategies, which include open windows and doors, the use of our new overhead ceiling fans and air filters, along with frequent hand washing and sanitizing.  If your child is a close contact you will get a letter unless we enter a surge, in which case the notification policies change.  I encourage you to take advantage of flu shots and stay up to date with covid vaccinations and boosters.  We will send COVID-19 testing kits home with students before Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks.  Let us all stay safe and healthy as we move into the Holiday Season.

Thank you for your support,

Jana Holmes


UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

October 27: Parent Teacher Conferences (Special Minimum Day Schedule)

Friday, October 28: No School

Saturday, October 29: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 1st Grade hosts (more info here)

Monday, October 31: Halloween March after Lunch/Recess (Caregivers welcome)

Tuesday, November 8: Election Day

Friday, November 11: No school (Veterans’ Day) 

Saturday, November 19: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - All Grades host

Saturday, November 25: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - Kindergarten hosts

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.


VOLUNTEER KINDERGARTEN TOUR GUIDES NEEDED

Share your love of Emerson with prospective Kindergarten families - be a tour guide! Tours will take place Thursdays from 8:15 am to ~ 9:45 am, November 10 - January 26.

If you are new to the role and would like to buddy up with an experienced tour guide for your first tour, we’ll be glad to make that happen. We’ll also provide you with talking points, answers to FAQs, and other information to make the job easy and fun.

Sign up here to be a tour guide.

Can't make the early morning hour? No problem! We need volunteers to staff the Emerson table at the BUSD Kinder Fair on Saturday, December 3 and Kinder Information night on Thursday, January 19 in the Emerson Library at 7pm.

Sign up to help here to staff an Emerson table.

Please email Eleanor Hollander with questions: Eleanor.Hollander@gmail.com.


ART CORNER - Dia de los Muertos Calaveras

In 2017 I was lucky enough to go to Oaxaca, Mexico for "Muertos." I showed third grade artists a slideshow with examples of all the beautiful artistry of the holiday: decorated gravesites, parades of costumed revelers, so many beautiful altars, and of course, skulls and skeletons.  The artists drew their own calaveras (skulls) and added color with markers.  They cut them out and glued them to a colored background to which they added more colorful accents: stickers and metallic marks and tissue paper "pops."  

Lucy Ames, Art Teacher (she/her)

Picture of colorful skulls made from construction paper and markers, and hanging from clothespins.

LIBRARY CORNER

October is a busy month! Currently on display in the library, we have some beautiful books out for Fillipinx American History Month, LGBTQ+ History Month, and of course, Halloween! Always feel free to email me for book suggestions or requests for you and your family to read at home: rachelbudge@berkeley.net

Picture of children's books on a table with titles like "Journey For Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong" and "Pan de Sal Saves the Day" next to a pink, printed sign that reads "Filipinx American History Month!"
A picture of children's library books on a table with titles like "Poultrygeist" and "Just Say Boo!"

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

It was wonderful to share with our community this past Sunday and build our community Ofrenda to celebrate Dia de los Muertos.  This year, we have cempasúchil, papel picado, mariposas, and some very special custom calaveras and chiquitito perritos made by Emerson students!  We invite you to share an image, a favorite item or a special note to include on our Ofrenda this year in honor of loved ones who are no longer with us.

Your student may also get a paper craft Nicho (picture frame) or Calavera mask that they can assemble and decorate at home to bring in to contribute to the altar. (Please email equity@emersonelementary.org so we can help get one to your student.) Be sure to include your student’s name and classroom on any items shared so we can return them to you.

The picture shows a colorful ofrenda. There's a table with decorated skulls, colorful textiles and orange and yellow flowers. Hanging off the table and strung over it are delicate pieces of multi-colored paper with intricate designs cut into them.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS COMMUNITY EVENT AT BERKELEY HIGH SCHOOL

BUSD is partnering with BAHIA, Inc., Latinos Unidos de Berkeley, and many other community organizations on October 29 to host Día de los Muertos: Sacred Footprints, a community event held from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Berkeley High School. This community event is free & open to all.

BUSD will share student poetry and information about district services and will recognize Latinx staff. There will be an ofrenda (altar) and art exhibition, children’s activities, a Lowrider car show, Mariachi & performances, raffles, bike repair and tune-ups, arts and crafts vendors, a food pantry, and flu vaccines. Visit the Bahia website for the event schedule and how to participate in the community ofrenda & raffle.


DIWALI

Picture of hands, decorated with henna designs cupping a candle.

"Happy Diwali" by Shrini Photography is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

What is Diwali?

By Rahul Brown, Emerson Parent

Diwali is a five-day festival of lights which falls in October or November and is celebrated worldwide by more than a billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and even some Buddhists. The holiday symbolizes a spiritual victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. The festivities correspond to the homecoming of Prince Rama and his wife Sita after years of exile, as recounted in the ancient Indian epic Ramayana, wherein every home in his kingdom lit small lamps, or diyas, to illuminate his return to the palace. Diwali also honors Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, who is bound to bring her good fortune and prosperity where goodness, knowledge, and light prevail. In addition to lighting diyas, Diwali is often celebrated by exchanging sweets, buying a new pair of clothes, and lighting some fireworks! This year, Diwali falls on Monday, October 24th, though the festivities officially run October 22nd - 26th.

How to celebrate, Emerson style: Do 5 random acts of kindness this week, and then light a diya or candle as you share the stories with your family. Sharing stories of practicing kindness and generosity only makes the light and goodness of these small acts grow, and you’ll be inviting the true spirit of this holiday into your life year round as the ripples keep spreading!


FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

On October 25, 2022, we celebrated Larry Itliong, a Filipino activist who centered his advocacy for those without a voice; he was a community organizer and a trailblazer for civil and labor rights.  After securing eight-hour work days and overtime pay by forming the Alaska Cannery Workers, Itliong emerged as a leader in the Filipino-American community and brought his advocacy to Stockton, CA after serving in WWII.  There, Itliong helped organize the first agricultural strike in 1948; in 1956, he founded the Filipino Farm Labor Union; he also helped create the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC), and went on to advocate for grape workers in Coachella Valley and also worked with Mexican labor leaders, voting to lift the voices and support the farm workers toiling in the grape fields in Delano, CA.  Larry Itliong is also in the California Hall of Fame, where he is recognized as one of the most important civil rights leaders of the 20th century, and a father of the West Coast labor movement.

Celebrate this life and work of Larry Itliong by listening to the song "Our Friend, Larry Itliong" Official Music Video by AJ Rafael with your student and share more about the history of labor rights work in California; share this poster of Larry Itliong, and check out this incredible book, Journey for Justice, the life of Larry Itliong. Enjoy a video response by some Emerson kids made last year in response to the Larry Itliong story and a poetry reading by Pinay Youth leaders, BHS Senior Juniper Dorado, Castro Valley Senior Zoe Dorado and recent OSA graduate Aly Mohar performed at SF City Hall last year. "Dahil Sa'yo" was written by Alameda County Youth Poet Laureate Zoe Dorado. (link starts at the beginning of the poem)

Drawing of a man in a straw hat, wearing glasses and with his chin tilted, looking off into the distance.The sky behind him is colored orange. The picture says "October 25 Larry Itliong Day" and also October is Filipino American History Month.

Find Emerson Online

Websitehttps://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebookwww.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:
BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.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 bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. 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 and include alt-text. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2022. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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


BearFacts News - 10.20.22

 
 

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,

Can you believe it's the time of the year when we start thinking about next year’s enrollment? For the first time in three years, we will offer in-person incoming Kindergarten tours! This is an exciting time for new families to consider becoming a part of our wonderful community. We are asking our current K-5 parents to volunteer as tour guides. We’re offering tours on Thursday mornings from November through January. Tour guides are equipped with a script and tour information ahead of time. This newsletter includes more details below, and we hope you will consider this a fun way to get involved and support our school.  

Parent/teacher conferences are next week (Oct 24- Oct 27). If you do not yet have an appointment scheduled with your child’s teacher, please email them directly as soon as possible. When you arrive at the school for your conference, please knock or ring the doorbell and then sign in and receive your visitor pass. After 4:00, parents can enter through the blacktop gates (Kids World checkout) and meet teachers in their classrooms. On conference days, we will have a shortened day schedule with students in Kindergarten released at 12:30 pm each day and Grades 1-5 at 1:10 pm. There will not be any PTA after-school classes, but Kids World will be in session. 

Students participated in the California Great Shake Out Earthquake Drill on Thursday morning. This is a time when students learn to prepare and be safe during an earthquake. We follow this drill with a fire drill evacuation to the blacktop. The Emerson Safety Committee meets periodically throughout the year to make sure we are ready for emergencies. Each teacher has a safety backpack in their room that is equipped with supplies. We also have a storage shed on the blacktop that contains materials for triage, safety, and community support in times of emergency. This fall I attended a Disaster Training Preparedness session at the district office with a member of our Site Leadership Team. We are doing our best to keep safety at the forefront at Emerson.

We look forward to celebrating Halloween on Monday, October 31. Parents are welcome to join us for our march in the community at 12:45pm. Please enter through the blacktop gate and line up with your student’s class. Again, we ask that you refrain from sending your child in costumes that are scary, including weapons or depicting another person’s culture.  

Thank you for your support,

Jana Holmes 


Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Friday, October 21: Hearing Screening (Grades K, 2, & 5)

Saturday, October 22: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 2nd Grade hosts (more info here)

Sunday, October 23: Decorate the Ofrenda at the Emerson Library, 9am

October 24-27: Parent Teacher Conferences (Special Minimum Day Schedule)

Friday, October 28: No School

Saturday, October 29: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 1st Grade hosts

Monday, October 31: Halloween March after Lunch/Recess (Parents welcome) 

Saturday, November 19: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - All Grades host

Saturday, November 25: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - Kindergarten hosts

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.


Volunteer Kindergarten Tour Guides Needed

Share your love of Emerson with prospective Kindergarten families - be a tour guide! Tours will take place Thursdays from 8:15 am to ~ 9:45 am, November 10 - January 26.
If you are new to the role and would like to buddy up with an experienced tour guide for your first tour, we’ll be glad to make that happen. We’ll also provide you with talking points, answers to FAQs, and other information to make the job easy and fun.
Sign up here to be a tour guide.
Can't make the early morning hour? No problem! We need volunteers to staff the Emerson table at the BUSD Kinder Fair on Saturday, December 3 and Kinder Information night on Thursday, January 19 in the Emerson Library at 7pm.
Sign up to help here to staff an Emerson table.
Please email Eleanor Hollander with questions: Eleanor.Hollander@gmail.com.


ART CORNER - 2nd Grade Birds & Birdhouses

The young artists learned about warm and cool colors. The warm colors are reds, oranges, and yellows-- think of sunshine, lava, and fire. Cool colors are blues, greens, and violets -- think of water and the colors that are made with blue. Although birds in nature would prefer to be camouflaged, for art we want more contrast. “Contrast” means different-- we wanted our birds to pop. So the artists created cool birds and warm houses, or warm birds with cool colored houses.

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



Dia de los Muertos Community Event at Berkeley High School

BUSD is partnering with BAHIA, Inc., Latinos Unidos de Berkeley, and many other community organizations on October 29 to host Día de los Muertos: Sacred Footprints, a community event held from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Berkeley High School. This community event is free & open to all.

BUSD will share student poetry and information about district services and will recognize Latinx staff. There will be an ofrenda (altar) and art exhibition, children’s activities, a Lowrider car show, Mariachi & performances, raffles, bike repair and tune-ups, arts and crafts vendors, a food pantry, and flu vaccines. Visit the Bahia website for the event schedule and how to participate in the community ofrenda & raffle.


Decorate the Ofrenda at Emerson Library

Join us as we build and decorate our yearly community Ofrenda in the Emerson Library on October 23, 2022 at 9:00am. Bring your student to work on crafts in the back garden that can be added to the Ofrenda as well as worksheets and discussion about the meaning and significance of this important holiday in Mexican culture.

Flyer for the event

This event is open to our entire community!


Find Emerson Online

Websitehttps://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebookwww.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:
BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.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 bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. 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 and include alt-text. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2022. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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


BearFacts News - 10.13.22

 
 

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,

Parent/Teacher Conferences take place the week of October 24, 2022.  Your classroom teacher has shared information regarding their conference sign-ups.  It is very important that every parent/caregiver meet with their child’s teacher.  This is a time when the teacher will give you your child’s First Trimester Report and explain their progress. This is also a time when you can ask questions and learn more about how to support your child’s education.  If you do not have an appointment yet, please reach out to your child’s teachers via email, Remind message, or phone call as soon as possible.  

We ask that you make arrangements for the Special Shortened Day Schedule for the week of Parent Teacher Conferences.  Kids World will continue the week of October 24, but there will NOT be any PTA After School classes.  Kindergarten students will be released from school at 12:30 pm, and Grades 1-5 will be released at 1:10 pm.  Students who ride the school bus will be picked up according to the early release schedule.  There will be NO SCHOOL on Friday, October 28.  Please make plans to pick up your child according to the Special Shortened Day Schedule.

We are happy that October is Filipino American History Month!  Filipino Americans are the second-largest Asian American group in the nation and the third-largest ethnic group in California.  This month we will honor the achievements and history of Filipino Americans through classroom lessons, story-times, and celebrations. If you would like to partner with us and teach your child about the rich Filipino culture you may find this website helpful:  About Filipino American History Month - FANHS.  

The Emerson School Site Council elections are complete. Our first meeting will be on Thursday, October 20 at 7:00 pm.  During this meeting, we select our School Site Council Chairperson and Secretary.  We will also determine our representatives for the district committees including BUSD Planning and Oversight, BUSD Parent Advisory Committee, and the District English Learning Advisory Committee.  Anyone may attend the School Site Council meeting, but only the elected board member can vote.  Here is the link for you to join us on Oct. 20 from 7:00- 8:00 pm

As previously mentioned, our Halloween March will be on Monday, October 31st after Lunch Recess at 1:00 pm.  Please do not dress your child in a costume that represents a person’s culture, is scary, or includes weapons.  See this Cultures Aren’t Costumes Checklist in English and Spanish. Parents are welcome to join us as we march in our costumes through the Elmwood community.  It will be fun! 

Thank you for your support,

Jana Holmes


Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Friday, October 14: End of 1st Grading Period

Tuesday, October 18: 1st PTA Association Meeting, 7 pm, via Zoom

Friday, October 21: Hearing Screening (Grades K, 2, & 5)

Saturday, October 22: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 2nd Grade hosts (more info here)

Sunday, October 23: Decorate the Ofrenda at the Emerson Library, 9am

October 24-27: Parent Teacher Conferences (Special Minimum Day Schedule)

Friday, October 28: No School

Saturday, October 29: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 1st Grade hosts

Monday, October 31: Halloween March after Lunch/Recess (Parents welcome) 

Saturday, November 19: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - All Grades host

Saturday, November 25: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - Kindergarten hosts

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.


Update from the PTA

A reminder to RENEW or SIGN UP for your PTA Membership at Emerson! Our first Association meeting will be on October 18 at 7p via Zoom. Joining the PTA is a great way to get to know Emerson and our PTA programs and events which support and serve the entire school. The $10 fee is suggested but optional. And PTA membership is not a time commitment! Come join us to make Emerson for every student and everyone!

Thank you to our Grade Parents who have stepped up to be the community connections for their classrooms and grades. You’ll hear from them soon about upcoming Grade Playdates, a PTA-hosted playdate AT school on a weekend!

Herculean thanks to the Enrichment Team for launching the PTA After School Program! And thanks to the several volunteers who helped with "herding"!


ART CORNER - 4th Grade Pumpkin Patch

4th Grade artists created shading by using their fingers (or old erasers) to smudge black oil pastel.  Adding shading helps make objects appear more 3-dimensional. The pumpkins went from from flat shapes to round forms.

Lucy Ames, Art Teacher (she/her)
Emerson School: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday afternoons


October Shout Outs


Equity Corner

We are so fortunate to live in a community with so much to celebrate. This month is Filipino American History Month (FAHM)! The celebration of Filipino American History Month in October commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States, which occurred on October 18, 1587, when “Luzones Indios” came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza and landed at what is now Morro Bay, California, 200 miles south of Berkeley.

As we look forward to celebrating Larry Itliong Day on October 25th, we invite you to look at joining celebrations around the Bay area; on October 15-16, join the 6th annual Filipino American International Book festival at the SF Public library with Nobel Prize winning Filipina journalist Maria Ressa-- this celebration will also feature programming for kids and teens; check out the schedule of events here. Please also check out our Alameda County's Youth Poet Laureate, Pinay, and graduate of the Sama Sama Cooperative, Zoe Dorado; listen to her reciting her poem "The Golden Age" on KALW here.

As always, please reach out to us at equity@emersonelementary.org to share ideas, suggestions, volunteering opportunities, or just to say hello!

-cielo, rachel, and silvia


Decorate the Ofrenda at Emerson Library

Join us as we build and decorate our yearly community Ofrenda in the Emerson Library on October 23, 2022 at 9:00am. Bring your student to work on crafts in the back garden that can be added to the Ofrenda as well as worksheets and discussion about the meaning and significance of this important holiday in Mexican culture.

Flyer for the event

This event is open to our entire community!


Find Emerson Online

Websitehttps://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebookwww.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:
BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.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 bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. 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 and include alt-text. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2022. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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


BearFacts News - 10.06.22

 
 

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 last couple of weeks have brought serious and sad tragedies for the families of the Bay Area.  It is extremely upsetting to learn of the gun violence that is harming our precious youth.  The Emerson School Therapists and Equity and Family Engagement Specialist offered on site support at Berkeley High School this week.  In addition, our school staff made space for students to discuss and process these tragedies.  Here is an article you may find helpfu when discussing violence with your childrenl: Talking to Children When Violence Happens /  Hablando Con los Ninos Cuando Sucede La Violencia.

In spirit of community, we hope you will join us for the All School Meeting on Friday.  The Spirit Committee will lead the students in a new song.  Student Shout Outs will be presented by teachers and we will enjoy student performances.  I also plan to review “Student Safety”, which is one of our “5 B’s”.  I will remind students that we want to create a safe environment for all, which means we treat each other kindly and respect each other’s boundaries.  

Please mark your calendar for the Latine/X Storytime, hosted by fourth grade teacher, Ms. Elizabeth Medina.  The goal is to celebrate the stories and traditions of Latin culture.  We are asking for students and caregivers to participate by sharing what Hispanic, Latine/X Heritage Month means to you.  Email your response to Elizabethmedina@berkeley.net.  Then join us on October 11 from 6:00- 6:45 pm for the Zoom Here. 

Big Shout out to the PTA After School Team: Rana Cho, Ariel Clute, Merlin and Christina Edwards, Pamela Hyde, Jenny Nelson and Chelle Putzer!  They created a full line up of After School options for families, including scholarships for each session.  This was a huge undertaking, completed by this dedicated team of volunteers. Thank you PTA After School Team! 

With Halloween approaching at the end of the month, you may be thinking about what costume your child will wear this year.  We ask that you avoid costumes that depict a culture, that are scary or include weapons.  You are invited to join the Halloween March in the community, which will begin after the last recess at 1:00 pm.  If you have costumes that no longer fit your child, and are in good condition, you can donate them to the school.  Each Halloween we offer a costume to children who do not have one. 

Next Monday, October 10th is a Professional Development Day for the School District. All schools will be closed so we can meet as a group to continue our training regarding improving Literacy outcomes.  The Emerson staff will also review our assessment scores from 2021- 2002 and this fall.  School will resume on Tuesday, October 11th.  

We also want to remind you that the last week of October is a special minimum day schedule, with Kinders released at 12:30 pm and Grades 1- 5 released at 1:10 pm, Monday through Thursday for Parent/ Teacher Conferences.   There will not be school on Friday, October 28, 2022.  If you have yet to sign up for a Parent / Teacher Conference, please reach out to your student’s teacher as soon as possible.  We want to meet with every parent/ caregiver. 

Take care, 

Jana Holmes


Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Friday, October 7: All School Meeting, 8:30 (Parents welcome)

Monday, October 10: Teacher Work Day, No School

Tuesday, October 11: Latine/x Zoom Storytelling Night, 6 - 6:45 (Zoom)

Wednesday, October 12: Walk and Roll to School Day (details to follow)

Friday, October 14: End of 1st Grading Period

Tuesday, October 18: 1st PTA Association Meeting, 6 pm, via Zoom

Friday, October 21: Health Screening (Grades K, 2, & 5)

Saturday, October 22: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 2nd Grade hosts (more info here)

October 24-27: Parent Teacher Conferences (Special Minimum Day Schedule)

Friday, October 28: No School

Saturday, October 29: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 1st Grade hosts

Monday, October 31: Halloween March after Lunch/Recess (Parents welcome) 

Saturday, November 19: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - All Grades host

Saturday, November 25: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - Kindergarten hosts

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.


International Walk and Roll to School Day - Wednesday, October 12

Join families at Emerson and around the world in active commuting to school. Walk, run, bike, scooter, or roller skate for a carbon-free and physically active start to your day!


The Emerson PTA After-school Program has LAUNCHED!!!

Many thanks to the Enrichment Team! We are: Chelle Putzer, Jenny Nelson, Merlin Edwards II, Christina Edwards, Ariel Clute, Rana Cho. 

And thank you volunteers who signed up for the 15-minute shifts between classes - THIS IS A CRITICAL ROLE, as you witnessed firsthand!

 Some numbers:

  • 70+ families participating

  • 164 enrollments across 17 classes

  • 8 enrichment providers (local small businesses) receiving $31K

  • 18 scholarships (16 donated by Enrichment Instructors, 2+ donated by families)

  • = over 100 kids enriched!

  • = over 2100 hours of enrichment this session!

Please reach out to us with questions, suggestions, comments (we love to hear about how your student is enjoying their class!): enrichment@emersonelementary.org

First Fridays is NOT limited to Oakland! October 7 is our First Friday Coffee hosted by the PTA - join us on the schoolyard after dropoff for coffee and homemade treats, then stay for the All-School Meeting at 9am!

A reminder to RENEW or SIGN UP for your PTA Membership at Emerson! Our first Association meeting will be on October 18 at 7p via Zoom. Joining the PTA is a great way to get to know Emerson and our PTA programs and events which support and serve the entire school. The $10 fee is suggested but optional. And PTA membership is not a time commitment! Come join us to help make Emerson for every student and everyone!

Thank you to our Grade Parents who have stepped up to be the community connections for their classrooms and grades. You’ll hear from them soon about upcoming Grade Playdates, a PTA-hosted playdate AT school on a weekend!


EMERSON FAMILY HANDBOOK

The 2022-23 Emerson Family Handbook is now available online in English and Spanish. If you would like a hard copy, you may pick up one from Ms. Michelle in the front office at morning drop-off, or by emailing her at Leahlopez@berkeley.net to send one home in your student's backpack.


EQUITY CORNER

This month, Joemy Ito-Gates, BUSD Ethnic Studies TSA, has shaared October's Ethnic Studies Newsletter with valuable community information as we begin October-- the culmination of Latinx Heritage month and the beginning of other community and cultural celebrations and significant days: Filipino/x American History Month, LGBTQ+ History Month, Gojoseon (Korea), Yom Kippur, Dussehra, Navratri (link to Youtube Video), Eid Milad un-Nabi, Sukkot, and Indigenous People's Day (October 10, link to video of 5 girls sharing why they are proud to be Native American.

We are thrilled to support the first Latinx Storytelling evening on October 11, 2022; Join Ms. Medina (4th grade) and Ms. Rachel (our librarian) for English and Spanish readings to celebrate our Latinx community. Everyone is welcome-- let's celebrate and read together!

We are also planning our community Ofrenda for Dia de los Muertos and will share more information on our community celebration of this Mexican holiday.

Please email us if you have any suggestions, ideas, or ways we can help share our community celebrations with the entire school! our email is equity@emersonelementary.org

-cielo, rachel, and silvia


Calling all bakers!

Looking for families that want to bake or bring pastries for the PTA’s First Friday Coffee on the yard. Our next First Friday Coffee will be tomorrow, October 7th. We’re looking for 1-3 bakers to donate baked goods for coffee on the yard. If interested in baking for October (or in the future) please contact cluteariel@gmail.com for details.


ART CORNER

First graders explored shape and color in this abstract art project. First we practiced our ruler skills by drawing straight lines across our papers. Next we used just the primary colors (red, yellow and blue) to create new colors. We used liquid watercolor paints and mixed our new colors right on our papers. We ❤️ mixing colors!

Lucy Ames, Art Teacher (she/her)
Emerson School: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday afternoons


UC Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive

Come spend part of your Saturday with us and participate in the family-friendly programs below:

Second Saturday - October 8, 2022 -

11:30AM - 1:00PM - Gallery + Study: Spirit-Animal Flag

Inspired by the many animal companions in Candice Lin’s art, make a personal spirit animal flag featuring your favorite animal!

2PM - Roundtable Reading: Maizy Chen's Last Chance by Lisa Yee

Enjoy reading about Maizy as she bonds with her grandparents, discovers the joys and pains of growing up, and learns about her family’s Chinese American heritage.

As a reminder, there is no advance registration online for these in-person programs. Please arrive promptly to secure your space and so that you get the full experience! Find more info at bampfa.org/program/family-events

We continue to recommend that our guests wear face masks during their visit to the museum. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, we request that you visit another day. Thank you for your consideration.


Find Emerson Online

Websitehttps://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebookwww.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:
BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.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 bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. 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 and include alt-text. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2022. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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


BearFacts News - 09.29.22

 
 

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 staff at Emerson is working diligently to create an inclusive environment in which students see the value in all cultures. For our community to thrive, we continually examine our school practices, policies and procedures, discovering areas we can improve and building upon our successes. This week, the staff will engage in an hour long workshop, led by Educational Consultant Pamela Harrison- Small. The topic will be confronting bias and microaggressions in the classroom and school yard. Our goal is to create common language and practices that will enable our students to learn to respect each other and celebrate differences. We hope you will consider partnering with us in this work by joining the Spring PTA Equity Circle. As part of our comprehensive commitment to an inclusive community, the circle will be available to parents and staff. Stay tuned for more information in the months ahead.  

Today is the last day to vote for this year's School Site Council Parent/ Community Representatives. The ballot consists of nominated individuals, who, if elected will have voting privileges. This committee makes important decisions regarding the use of funding from the state and federal government. They also learn about BUSD’s programs and apply them to our school site. Please vote for 5 board members and two alternates. The ballot closes on September 30. Use this link to vote: https://forms.gle/rkDq2ho9RRYenz849. Anyone can attend the School Site Council meetings, but only the elected individuals can vote. Our first meeting will be on October 20, 2022 from 6- 8 pm via Zoom (link to follow).  

Would you take a moment now to fill out the application for free and reduced lunch?  It is vital that each family completes this form. Federal funding for our school is directly related to the percentage of students who qualify for free or reduced priced means. An application is available at EZMealApp. The information you enter is confidential and secure. Please help us secure funding for Emerson by completing the form. The deadline for the application is Friday, September 30.  

Halloween falls on a Monday this year. We will plan to reintroduce our community Halloween march on College Avenue after lunch/ recess. Parents are welcome to join us for this fun and traditional event. When considering costumes, please avoid scary costumes and/ or any weapons. Please steer clear of costumes that characterize cultures. As always, the staff will have a secret theme, which will be revealed on the big day! 

Mark your calendar for the next All School Meeting, which will be held outside on the blacktop on Friday, October 7th at 8:30 am. We look forward to recognizing our students with some teacher shout outs and enjoying exciting student performances. We have talented students who are eager to show their skills. Go Emerson Bear Cubs!

Take care,

Jana Holmes


Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Thursday, October 6: Picture Day

Friday, October 7: All School Meeting, 8:30 (Parents welcome)

Monday, October 10: Teacher Work Day, No School

Tuesday, October 11: Latine/x Zoom Storytelling Night, 6 - 6:45 (Zoom)

Wednesday, October 12: Walk and Roll to School Day (details to follow)

Friday, October 14: End of 1st Grading Period

Tuesday, October 18: 1st PTA Association Meeting, 6 pm, via Zoom

Friday, October 21: Health Screening (Grades K, 2, & 5)

Saturday, October 22: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 2nd Grade hosts (more info here)

October 24-27: Parent Teacher Conferences (Special Minimum Day Schedule)

Friday, October 28: No School

Saturday, October 29: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 1st Grade hosts

Monday, October 31: Halloween March after Lunch/Recess (Parents welcome) 

Saturday, November 19: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - All Grades host

Saturday, November 25: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - Kindergarten hosts

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 FAMILY HANDBOOK

The 2022-23 Emerson Family Handbook is now available online in English and Spanish. If you would like a hard copy, you may pick up one from Ms. Michelle in the front office at morning drop-off, or by emailing her at Leahlopez@berkeley.net to send one home in your student's backpack.


EQUITY CORNER

This coming month, we will be reaching out to invite you to celebrate Dia de los Muertos by helping our children to decorate our yearly ofrenda in the library, share stories, make art, and connect.  If you are interested in joining our group (there are many more celebrations to come!), please reach out to us at equity@emersonelementary.org 

-cielo, rachel, and silvia


PTA After School Classes

By the time you’re reading this, we have opened signups for PTA-sponsored Afterschool Classes! AND we have a deadline of Friday September 30 5pm PST to meet minimum class signup requirements, so encourage your friends to sign up together!

The PTA is volunteering to set up and manage this process with no markup, and scholarships (1 for every 7 paid) are built into the pricing. You are paying the class instructor/organization DIRECTLY through the Homeroom registration site (instructions here).

As smooth as it may be on the signup side, we are having classes cancelled and replaced at the last minute - it is rough resuming this after a three year break!

 We have eight providers, up from two (Yama Yoga and KALA Art Institute) last spring during our pilot mentioned in Berkeleyside. With limited space and volunteers, we can only grow and adjust in phases while the district catches up with our resourceful and responsive Enrichment Team: Chelle Putzer, Jenny Nelson, Merlin Edwards II, Christina Edwards, Ariel Clute, Rana Cho. 

We need help with on-site day-of coordination managing class changes. Sign up HERE for a 30-minute shift, a single “day” or a series of days, the most important being the first two weeks of our program starting October 3rd. 

Volunteering for on-site day-of coordination “Logistics”: sign up here

Do keep reaching out, this helps us finetune for Spring '23: enrichment@emersonelementary.org

Our Homeroom registration site: www.homeroom.com/sites/emerson-elementary-2800-forest-ave-berkeley-berkeley

PTA letter explaining Afterschool Classes: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aFX9fkbRTUBhYUaLLYa3-2m6mFTCcROm/view?usp=sharing


Calling all bakers!

Looking for families that want to bake or bring pastries for the PTA’s First Friday Coffee on the yard. Our next First Friday Coffee will be October 7th. We’re looking for 1-3 bakers to donate baked goods for coffee on the yard. If interested in baking for October (or in the future) please contact cluteariel@gmail.com for details.


Teachers’ Corner

Thank you, Emerson PTA! Emerson teachers would like to thank the amazing Emerson PTA for their generosity and support. Emerson PTA contributions are providing for essential online programs, updating classroom libraries, and helping with parking costs. We appreciate you!


ART CORNER

Kindergarteners have been learning all about different kinds of lines-- straight and curved, horizontal, vertical and diagonal. We've drawn zigzag lines, loop de loop lines, wavy lines and more. They've used markers and paintbrushes, crayons and paper strips. Last week in art class the artists turned their paper strip lines into shapes and 3 dimensional sculptures. Some of their sculptures reminded us of roller coasters and playgrounds. There are so many ways to create art!


Find Emerson Online

Websitehttps://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebookwww.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:
BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.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 bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. 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 and include alt-text. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2022. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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


BearFacts News - 09.22.22

 
 

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 marks the Fall Equinox and the beginning of shorter days and (hopefully) cooler temperatures.  We have lots to look forward to, including Parent Teacher Conferences and the Halloween March! We are kicking our Positive Behavior Intervention Plan into high gear, rewarding random students every Friday with a trip to the Principal’s office for a prize and school-wide rewards once a month.  If you have not signed up for Remind yet, please do so asap, as this is my primary way of communication with parents, especially during an emergency.  You can sign up for Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or www.remind.com/join/7f6hb.

In terms of Halloween, the special day falls on a Monday this year.  We will plan to reintroduce our Community March on College Avenue after lunch/ recess.  Parents are welcome to join us for this fun and traditional event.  When considering costumes, please avoid scary costumes and/ or any weapons.  Please help us to be inclusive by steering clear of costumes that characterize cultures.  As always, the staff will have a secret theme, which will be revealed on the big day! 

The Lost and Found is overflowing with sweatshirts, jackets, and sweaters. We encourage you to take a look at the clothing rack during morning drop-off or afternoon pick-up.  We also have a healthy supply of abandoned water bottles, which we keep on a bench just inside the gate.  Moving forward, we will donate unclaimed clothes to local charities at the end of each month. 

I am so grateful for the love and care that Ms. Gaby, School Secretary, and Ms. Michelle, Attendance Clerk, show the Emerson students.  Although it is not part of their official duties, they regularly supply ice and bandaids for bumps and bruises, comfort students who don’t feel well, hand out fresh masks, call home to parents, and much much more.  Rest assured that your children are cared for when they are at school with us.  Sometimes students soil their pants at school.  One thing we could use in the office is a donation of pants.  Here is what we are requesting: We are in need of pants, in sizes 5-14.  Leggings, sweatpants, and other stretchy bottoms are preferred, jeans are good too- but not as versatile.  Please no shirts, underwear, or any other types of clothing, we have plenty of those- but we are very low on pants.  Thank you for your consideration!

Please mark your calendars now:  

  • Monday, October 10th, is Teacher Professional Development Day, which means there will not be school instruction for students. 

  • The week of October 24- October 27 is Parent-Teacher conferences, with a special minimum day schedule.  Kindergarten students will be released at 12:30 pm and Grades 1-5 at 1:10 pm, Monday through Thursday.  Please make arrangements for these early release days. 

  • There will not be school instruction for students on Friday, October 28.  

It’s time to vote for the School Site Council Parent/ Community Representatives.  The ballot consists of nominated individuals, who, if elected will have voting privileges.  Please vote for 5 board members and two alternatives.  The ballot closes on September 30.  Use this link to vote: https://forms.gle/rkDq2ho9RRYenz849

Take care and thank you,

Jana Holmes


Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Saturday, September 24: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 3rd Grade hosts

Thursday, October 6: Picture Day

Friday, October 7: All School Meeting, 8:30 (Parents welcome)

Monday, October 10: Teacher Work Day, No School

Tuesday, October 11: Latine/x Zoom Storytelling Night, 6 - 6:45 (Zoom)

Friday, October 14: End of 1st Grading Period

Tuesday, October 18: 1st PTA Association Meeting, 6 pm, via Zoom

Friday, October 21: Health Screening (Grades K, 2, & 5)

Saturday, October 22: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 2nd Grade hosts (more info here)

October 24-27: Parent Teacher Conferences (Special Minimum Day Schedule)

Friday, October 28: No School

Saturday, October 29: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 1st Grade hosts

Monday, October 31: Halloween March after Lunch/Recess (Parents welcome) 

Saturday, November 19: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - All Grades host

Saturday, November 25: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - Kindergarten hosts

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 FAMILY HANDBOOK

THE 2022-23 Emerson Family Handbook is now available online in English and Spanish. If you would like a hard copy, you may pick up one from Ms. Michelle in the front office at morning drop-off, or by emailing her at Leahlopez@berkeley.net to send one home in your student's backpack.


EQUITY CORNER

This week begins our community celebration of Latinx Heritage Month!  Check out this amazing newsletter compiled by Joemy Ito-Gates, Ethnic Studies Teacher on Special Assignment; this resource is rich with ways to participate and celebrate nuestra communidad Latinx!  There are videos and short reads on Latinx culture, lived experiences of Latinx people as well as coloring pages, music, and a link to the incredible Book List our beloved librarians have assembled for all of our childrenBe sure to also check out the family events at Berkeley Public libraries this month--  this Saturday, Cuauhtli Mitotiani Mexica will be performing at the North Branch lawn at 11:00am.

This coming month, we will be reaching out to invite you to celebrate Dia de los Muertos by helping our children to decorate our yearly ofrenda in the library, share stories, make art, and connect.  If you are interested in joining our group (there are many more celebrations to come!), please reach out to us at equity@emersonelementary.org 

-cielo, rachel, and silvia


PTA After School Classes

Announcing PTA After School Class start on October 3 with the following schedule and class offerings. Here is a flyer with the information also listed below:

Kinder Classes Tuesdays, and Thursdays: 1:35-2:45, 2:35-3:35, and 3:40-4:50

First - Fifth grade classes Monday, Tuesday,Thursday, and Friday: 2:35-3:35 and 3:40-4:50

Kinder - Fifth on Wednesdays: 1:35-2:45, 2:50-4:00

* Art with Kala * Lego Bots * CHESS *Movement *YOGA * Theater * UKULELE. * Hip Hop

Priority registration for NON Learns families opens FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 23rd

Learns families sign up opens MONDAY SEPTEMBER 27th

For information: enrichment@emersonelementary.org
Merlin & Christina Edwards & Chelle Putzer
PTA VPs of Academic Enrichment

Contact Lily Howell for scholarship requests at lily.howell@gmail.com


ART CORNER

5th grade artists are currently working on art which incorporates a sentence or phrase about themselves.  We drew inspiration from a poem that Paul Klee turned into an artwork, "The Gray of Night."  The fifth graders filled a grid with their phrase, each letter in a square and are now painting all of the (negative) shapes around the letters.  Since each letter must touch 2 to 4 sides of the square it is in, sometimes the phrases can be hard to read.  Most of the artists seem fine with that because that's when the viewer can really appreciate the beautiful colors and shapes of the art.

5 pictures of students sitting at tables painting with watercolor paints on white paper with black outlined grids. Grids have words.

CITY OF BERKELEY COVID BOOSTER CLINICS

The City of Berkeley is currently offering clinics for 12+ for the new bivalent "Omicron" booster:

-Every Tuesday in September 2022 at Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch Library, 1901 Russell St, clinic hours: 11am - 6pm (register here)

-Saturday September 24 2022 at 1460 8th St, clinic hours 9am - 4pm (register here)

You can also look for appointments at https://myturn.ca.gov/, your local pharmacy, or contact a healthcare provider.


Find Emerson Online

Websitehttps://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebookwww.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:
BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emersonelementary.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 bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. 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 and include alt-text. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2022. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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


BearFacts News - 09.15.22

 
 

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 for partnering with us to survive the historic California heat wave last week. We are fortunate that the district maintenance department is working to install ceiling fans in the classrooms. Since we do not have AC, our classrooms can get very hot. These ceiling fans will enable us to turn off the fluorescent lights and turn on the softer lights that are in fans. In addition, they will help with our air circulation. During our very hot days, we move PE into the classroom or into the Cafeteria after school lunch is completed. 

If you have not signed up for Remind yet, please do so ASAP, as this is my primary way of communication with parents during an emergency. You can sign up for Remind: text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb.

The nominations for the School Site Council closed on Wednesday. This committee is composed of parent/ community volunteers and school staff. We review district plans and policies and apply them to our school.  We also review the Single Plan for Student Achievement and oversee the federal and state funds awarded to Emerson. The next step will be for you to vote for the parent/community volunteers who will become the voting members of the Committee. Anyone from our community is welcome to attend the meetings, but only the elected School Site Council Members can vote. Please complete your SSC Ballot, which will be shared via Remind soon. 

Sept 15- Oct 15 is National Latino Heritage Month. Here is the BUSD resolution, passed spring of 2021, in support of culturally responsive schools: Latinx Resolution. Emerson staff have been working with Ms. Medina, our Equity Teacher Lead, to create lessons to celebrate Latinx Heritage. Emerson staff is also looking forward to an equity training let by Ms. Pamela Small, Educational Consultant. If you would like to read books that celebrate this month you can take a look at the BUSD reading list, which will link you to books found in our electronic Emerson library.  Here is the link: Latine/x Heritage Reading Lists.  

I want to thank Mr. Nickalous who has been Guest Principal this week in my absence. I underwent a medical procedure that required some time to recuperate. I look forward to rejoining the Emerson staff in service of your children as soon as possible. 

Take care,

Jana Holmes


Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Sunday, September 18: BPTA School Board Candidate Meet and Greet, 2-4pm @ Strawberry Creek Park - (Update 9/17/22 2:37 pm: This event is postponed due to rain.)

Saturday, September 24: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 3rd Grade hosts

Monday, October 10: Staff Professional Development Day, No School

Tuesday, October 18: 1st PTA Association Meeting, 6pm, via Zoom

Saturday, October 22: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 2nd Grade hosts (more info here)

Saturday, October 29: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 1st Grade hosts

Saturday, November 19: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - All Grades host

Saturday, November 25: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - Kindergarten hosts

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.


ART CORNER

Second-grade artists created the fish photographed below using a variety of materials. After drawing the fish with crayon, they used a glue-and-water solution to collage tissue paper onto the main body of the fish. They used magenta, yellow, and turquoise blue tissue paper in overlapping layers in order to create areas of orange, green, and purple tissue colored areas as well. The following week they added more color in crayon and marker and then cut out the fish.



Library Corner

This Thursday, 9/15 is the start of Latine/x Heritage Month, and the BUSD Library Services team has updated our recommended reading lists!

These reading lists, organized by grade level, represent books published in the last 5 years that are devoted to celebrating, representing, and affirming Latine/Latinx heritage, and celebrating the invaluable contributions of our Latine/Latinx community.
All of these books are available through the library as a physical and/or digital book. Additionally, in support of this project, our school library will receive copies of some of the newest books on the lists in both English and Spanish. For more information about any of these books, or to check one of them out, email Ms Rachel (rachelbudge@berkeley.net) or stop by the library anytime!


FREE BUSD Chromebook Checkout

BUSD is pleased to announce a FREE Chromebook checkout program for students who can use this technology at home for schoolwork or research for this school year. These Chromebook are faster than earlier versions, offer a touchscreen, and can be used in tablet mode. To acquire a Chromebook for your student:

  1. Complete this form (if you need help printing out a copy, please email equity@emersonelementary.org and we will help!)

  2. Have your student bring a copy to the Emerson library…(if your student previously checked out an older Chromebook, your student can bring back the old one when they pick up their new one!)

If you have any questions about the Chromebook checkout process, please email chromebookhelp@berkeley.net 


BPTA School Board Candidate Meet and Greet

DATE: Sun 9/18/22
TIME: 2-4PM
LOCATION: Strawberry Creek Park
ADDRESS: 1260 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94702

Please join us for an informal session to meet our candidates in person:

Ka'Dijah Brown
Mike Chang
Norma Harrison
Reichi Lee
Tatiana Guerreiro Ramos
Jennifer Shanoski


Find Emerson Online

Websitehttps://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebookwww.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 bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. 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 and include alt-text. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2022. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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


BearFacts News - 09.08.22

 
 

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,

Last Friday’s All-School Meeting was really a treat. The best parts were when the students took center stage, such as the Spirit Committee and the Student Shout-Outs. We are happy to bring back the beloved All-School Meetings which will take place on the first Friday of each month.  If your child would like to participate in the soft audition for student performances they should listen for the lunchtime announcement to meet in Ms. Salyk's room for grades K-1, Ms. Barnes's room for grades 2-3, and Ms. Rachel’s Library for grades 4-5. Plus, the PTA provided coffee and breakfast treats for all the caregivers who were on campus.  We look forward to more exciting and student-focused All-School Meetings throughout the school year.

As we face more incremental weather, please help us keep the children as cool as possible. We have cold water bottle refill stations in the lunch room and hallway.  It is helpful if you remind your child to drink water throughout the day. Don’t forget the sunscreen; you can also send them with a hat.  We do have tents outside that students can sit or stand under if they need to get out of the sun. The downstairs classrooms and library have been equipped with ceiling fans, and we are eagerly awaiting the fans for the upstairs classrooms. Let’s hope this heat wave is the last one of this summer/fall. Here is a link to the district's 2022-23 AQI Response Plan.

The Cal Football Fundraiser was a big success. Shout out to Mr. Steven Wilson and Ms. Jessica Wilson for taking the lead on this huge fundraiser for the school. We really appreciate the 5th Grade parents who stepped up to this kick-off event too. They managed to fit over 70 cars onto our blacktop, which raised approximately $4,000 for our students. We will be looking for volunteers each weekend during the football season, moving from one grade level to another. Thank you for your consideration in giving your time this fall. 

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

Take care,

Jana Holmes


Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Saturday, September 10: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 4th Grade hosts

Tuesday, September 20: 1st PTA Association Meeting, 6pm, via Zoom

Saturday, September 24: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 3rd Grade hosts

Monday, October 10: Staff Professional Development Day, No School

Saturday, October 22: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 2nd Grade hosts

Saturday, October 29: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 1st Grade hosts

Saturday, November 19: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - All Grades host

Saturday, November 25: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - Kindergarten hosts

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.


MESSAGE FROM THE PTA BOARD

We have almost all classrooms represented amongst our Grade Parents! Thank you for volunteering, and thanks for Grade Parent leadership by Krysten Curtis and Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell.

PLEASE renew your PTA Membership, opt in to Where's Waldo, and MORE - A reminder to fill out the Back to School Questionnaire, this will help us connect everyone for the coming year! 

PTA-supported after-school classes will begin Monday, October 3rd. Look for ways to sign-up via Remind in the coming weeks.  

Parking is hosted by grades, but you can sign up for ANY home game weekend. Sign up with our football (parking) captain Steve Wilson at: soccerfan311@gmail.com Bring some friends, pack a lunch, and make a playdate out of the parking shift!

Home games coming up:

  • 4th Grade - 9/10 - UNLV - 1pm

  • 3rd Grade - 9/24 - AZ - TBD (Homecoming Game!)

  • 2nd Grade - 10/22 - WA - TBD (Hall of Fame)

  • 1st Grade - 10/29 - Oregon - TBD

  • ALL GRADES - 11/19 - BIG GAME #125 / 40th Anniversary

  • Kindergarten - 11/25 - UCLA - 1:30


STudent Shout-Outs


Art Corner

The artists in both third and fourth grade created these "getting to know you" paper sculptures. They were given a key with directions such as "pink zigzag for every sister you have" or "yellow arch if you like to read" or "orange spiral if you play a musical instrument." When we came back for the second round, they could make up their own clues and shapes. It was a fun way to do art while getting to know each other a little bit better.


EQUITY CORNER

We are happy to share that our Equity Working Group continues to meet to review Emerson’s Desired Racial Equity Outcome Plan and is looking forward to sharing our collective suggestions for continuing to provide intentional support to the entire Emerson community.  If you are interested in volunteering directly, please reach out to us at equity@emersonelementary.org.  There are many, many ways to *show up* for our community, whether that is joining a PTA-funded Equity workshop like Meetings on the Bridge or the Spring Equity Circle, offering public comment at a BUSD meeting to advocate for our students, sharing your culture with our community through cultural celebrations at Emerson, or helping to coordinate childcare and food for Equity meetings!  All are welcome; join us!

I wanted to share a definition of Racial Equity from RaceForward.org that has been resonating for me as we review the Plan for Emerson:

Racial equity is a process of eliminating racial disparities and improving outcomes for everyone. It is the intentional and continual practice of changing policies, practices, systems, and structures by prioritizing measurable change in the lives of people of color.

Please reach out to talk more about how we can show up for one another.

-cielo, equity co-vp


FREE BUSD Chromebook Checkout

BUSD is pleased to announce a FREE Chromebook checkout program for students who can use this technology at home for schoolwork or research for this school year. These Chromebook are faster than earlier versions, offer a touchscreen, and can be used in tablet mode. To acquire a Chromebook for your student:

  1. Complete this form (if you need help printing out a copy, please email equity@emersonelementary.org and we will help!)

  2. Have your student bring a copy to the Emerson library…(if your student previously checked out an older Chromebook, your student can bring back the old one when they pick up their new one!)

If you have any questions about the Chromebook checkout process, please email chromebookhelp@berkeley.net 


BPTA School Board Candidate Meet and Greet

DATE: Sun 9/18/22
TIME: 2-4PM
LOCATION: Strawberry Creek Park
ADDRESS: 1260 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94702

Please join us for an informal session to meet our candidates in person:

Ka'Dijah Brown
Mike Chang
Norma Harrison
Reichi Lee
Tatiana Guerreiro Ramos
Jennifer Shanoski


Find Emerson Online

Websitehttps://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebookwww.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 bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. 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 and include alt-text. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2022. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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


BearFacts News - 09.01.22

 
 

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 had a great turnout for our first in-person Back To School Night in three years.  It was a joy to see so many caregivers on campus and in the classrooms. A big thank you out to the PTA, who provided beverages and arranged for child care for those who would not have been able to attend without it.  Please reach out to your child’s teacher to obtain a copy of the slideshow presentation if you were unable to attend.

We are excited for our first All School Meeting of the school year, which will be held this Friday, September 2nd.  We will hold the meeting outside on the Blacktop.  Parents are invited to join us. If you bring your child to school on Friday, you can just stay on campus and enjoy the meeting.  We will review the “5 B’s” and recognize our first student recipients of the Student Shout Out Awards.  These All School Meetings are a valuable opportunity for us to create a strong school community that encourages positive behaviors and school unity.

Your child participated in a Safety Drill this week.  Teachers evacuated students to the blacktop for a fire drill.  The Emerson Safety team is working in conjunction with the district office to make sure that our students and staff are safe and ready for emergency situations.  If one should occur, I will alert parents via the Remind messages app.  You can sign up for Remind, the school’s primary communication platform that supports both emails and text announcements by sending a text @7f6hb to 81010; or going to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb.

As always, we are looking for volunteers to help us have a successful and event-filled school year.  If you would like to support your child’s classroom teacher, you may consider being a Grade Level Parent.  This is a very important role, in which you will work closely with a team of parents to plan and provide support for classroom activities.  The PTA is in need of a Heart of Emerson Fundraising Chair(s).  This position provides an opportunity to ensure Art, PE, Office, and student enrichment support for our future.  You may also want to consider joining the School Site Council.  The SSC provides guidance regarding state and federal monies provided to the school and reviews the plan for student achievement.  The SSC needs a new President this year.  Here is the form to nominate yourself for the ballot: SSC Nomination form 2022-2023 The deadline for SSC nominations is Wednesday, September 15th.  The ballots will be shared on Thursday, September 16th.  We appreciate your consideration. 

If you haven’t done so already, please take a moment to complete the application for Free/Reduced Lunch.  All families are encouraged to fill out the form online at ezmealapp.com.  We also have paper applications available in the office. This form needs to be completed by October 1, 2022, and is tied to important state and federal funding for our school.  Even if you do not qualify for free/ reduced lunch, we encourage you to complete the form today. 

Take care,

Jana Holmes

 

EMERSON 5 B’s

*Be respectful

*Be responsible

*Be safe

*Be a Scholar

*Be an Ally


Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Friday, September 2: First Friday Coffee (during drop-off) and All School Meeting at 8:20am

Saturday, September 3: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 5th Grade hosts

Monday, September 5: Labor Day, No School

Tuesday, September 20: 1st PTA Association Meeting, 6pm

Monday, October 10: Staff Professional Development Day, No School
Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Note to Readers: BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy.  Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.


MESSAGE FROM THE PTA BOARD

Back To School Night felt so sweet and fresh after all these years! Most of us needed directions to find classrooms, because most of us (Kindergarten through 3rd grade) have NOT had a single year of elementary school that is pre-pandemic. This is heartbreaking to dwell on, but we are all here together at Emerson put the pieces back together, better and stronger than ever.

UPCOMING EVENTS, DATES:

The Next First Friday Coffee will be Friday September 2nd after morning drop-off. Then stay for the first All-School Meeting of the year, which will be on the blacktop.

Once we have Grade Parents signed up, we’ll have our Welcome Back Playdates in September/October. 

Cal Football Parking now through November is a simple BUILT-IN fundraiser for Emerson, by sheer fact of our location. We park up to 77 cars on the schoolyard! But we need your help to sell out our spots. Each grade, in descending order, is assigned a game day, but anyone can volunteer on ANY game day, just ask Steve Wilson! soccerfan311@gmail.com Bring the kids and make a playdate out of it! The PTA is open to ideas such as bake sales and fundraising during these days. Again, just ask! 5th Grade - 9/3 - UC Davis - 1pm

  • 4th Grade - 9/10 - UNLV - 1pm

  • 3rd Grade - 9/24 - AZ - TBD (homecoming!)

  • 2nd Grade - 10/22 - WA - TBD (Hall of Fame)

  • 1st Grade - 10/29 - Oregon - TBD

  • ALL GRADES - 11/19 - BIG GAME #125 / 40th Anniversary

  • Kindergarten - 11/25 - UCLA - 1:30

PTA-sponsored after-school enrichment classes - Please be patient with us while we work out details with the district.

 URGENT ROLES, NEEDS:

Reminder to fill out the Back to School Questionnaire, this will help us connect everyone for the coming year! You can renew your PTA Membership as well. https://forms.gle/jMXTWV3TkRmkMckw6

And please bookmark our new website!!! We are now: EMERSONELEMENTARY.ORG


EQUITY CORNER: A BRIEF HISTORY OF EQUITY AT EMERSON

Back in 2013, a group of caregivers joined the Emerson PTA to lift issues around Equity in our school community; in 2015, led by the question of how we as a community create a more welcoming school created the Desired Racial Equity Outcome Plan.  The PTA now funds Equity programs and has three dedicated equity liaisons this school year-- Cielo (4th grade parent), Rachel (1st grade parent), and Silvia (1st grade parent).  Each Spring, our community is invited to join the Spring Equity Circle, facilitated for our community by Ms. Pam.  We are looking forward to meeting you and your family and providing space to meet up, let our students play, and show up for one another.

Keep in touch with us at equity@emersonelementary.org or click here to sign up for our email list so we can connect with you for upcoming events and cultural celebrations.  If you have ideas or want to help contribute to our community, cultural celebrations, or anything else, please let us know!


GETTING CONNECTED: BEARFACTS & WHERE’S WALDO

Would you like to receive this weekly BearFacts in email? Subscribe HERE.
If your family's time at Emerson has ended, you may unsubscribe at the bottom of any BearFacts email.
Would you like to access our online school directory, Where’s Waldo? Set up your account HERE.
Here are step by step instructions for setting up and managing your Where’s Waldo profile.
Both of these services are OPT-IN so be sure to sign up!
Questions? Email communications@emersonelementary.org


Find Emerson Online

Websitehttps://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebookwww.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 bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. 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 and include alt-text. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2022. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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


BearFacts News - 08.25.22

 
 

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 for a great first week of school!  We continue to build strong relationships with our students and establish our practices and procedures. We appreciate your partnership, which leads to our student’s success!  

We hope to see you at Back To School Night this evening, Thursday, August 25 from 5:30-7:00 pm.  Meet us on the blacktop at 5:30 for light refreshments.  We will start out there, with Welcome and Comments from School Staff and PTA President Rana Cho.  Afterward, you will be invited to the classroom for presentations.  You may consider wearing a mask when you enter the building- this is optional; however, we will have masks available if you would like to wear one. If you are unable to attend or would like to review afterward, the Teacher’s Slideshow presentations will be made available. We are excited to have parents inside the school for this important evening.  

Good news - the CDC has reclassified COVID transmission rates for Alameda County from “high” to “low” as of August 18th.  Within the school, we continue to follow safety procedures such as frequent hand washing and sanitizing.  In the classrooms, teachers continue to leave classroom windows and doors open, along with air purifiers in each classroom.  To move the airflow in the cafeteria, we have placed three air purifying units and three box fans to keep the circulation from the open doors moving.  PE classes have been moved outside this school year, which encourages healthy motor development in the open air.  In coordination with BUSD’s new at-home testing policy, students will come home with a COVID test if we need to contract trace due to a classroom outbreak. If your student tests positive, please keep your child at home and report to covidcase@berkeley.net and Attendance Clerk Leahlopez@berkeley.net.  

Recently, I became aware of the allocation of Chromebooks throughout BUSD. This standard is one cart for each 4th or 5th grade classroom. In grade 3, it is one cart for every two classrooms. Each year there will be fluctuations in the number of students at each school and at times this will cause a shuffling of the Chromebooks. This is indeed the case for Emerson this year. I want to reassure you that we have the correct allocation of Chromebooks for our students.

As always, we are looking for volunteers to help us have a successful and event-filled school year.  You may also want to consider joining the School Site Council.  The SSC provides guidance regarding state and federal monies provided to the school and reviews the plan for student achievement.  The SSC needs a new President this year.  Here is the form to nominate yourself for the ballot: SSC Nomination Form 2022- 2023.  The deadline for SSC nominations is Wednesday, September 15th.  The ballots will be shared on Thursday, September 16th.  We appreciate your consideration.  

If you haven’t done so already, please take a moment to complete the application for Free/Reduced Lunch.  All families are encouraged to fill out the form online at ezmealapp.com.  We also have paper applications available in the office. This form needs to be completed by October 1, 2022, and is tied to important state and federal funding for our school.  Even if you do not qualify for free/ reduced lunch, we encourage you to complete the form today.  

I would like to provide a friendly reminder that I am always open to hearing your comments, questions, feedback, and concerns.  You can reach me at janaholmes@berkeley.net or by calling the front office at 510-644-6890.  Most mornings I am at the gate to greet students and again to say goodbye at the end of the day.  I hope that you will find that you can talk to me and I look forward to partnering with you for your child’s success.

Take care,

Jana Holmes 


Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Thursday, August 25: Back to School Night 5:30-7pm, In Person

Wednesday, August 31: School Board Candidates Forum 7-9:30pm, Willard Middle School Auditorium, 2425 Stuart St.

Friday, September 2: First Friday Coffee (during drop-off) and All School Meeting at 8:20am

Saturday, September 3: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 5th Grade hosts

Monday, September 5: Labor Day, No School

Tuesday, September 20: 1st PTA Association Meeting, 6pm

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.


MESSAGE FROM THE PTA BOARD

We have a new website!!!

We are now: EMERSONELEMENTARY.ORG

What does this mean? For you, nothing’s changed - our website looks the same, works as before, and holds our community resources like our Calendar and Directory.

For the PTA Board, EVERYTHING has changed! This new URL is a new virtual office with tools and processes that streamline our PTA work. We are a volunteer-run non-profit organization, and now we clearly represent YOU, our Emerson community, as EmersonElementary.org. The pandemic years are severely straining our organization, but that pressure is helping us rebuild our board intentionally and efficiently.

Gratitude and glory to Amy Fire! Parent of 4th grader Fenris and 1st grader Phoenix, Amy is also our Co-Treasurer, and she single-handedly migrated our archives, set up new emails for each Board member, and created workflows tailored to our PTA’s many functions (including this newsletter!). Amy accomplished the equivalent of starting up a company 100% remotely! Thank you Amy! The Emerson community is already benefiting from this major change!

UPCOMING EVENTS, DATES:

  • The Next First Friday Coffee will be Friday, September 2nd after morning drop-off. Then stay for the first All-School Meeting of the year, which will be on the blacktop.

  • Once we have Grade Parents signed up, we’ll have our Welcome Back Playdates in September/October. 

  • Cal Football Parking now through November. Each grade, in descending order, volunteers to support our Football Parking fundraiser, starting with the 5th Grade on Saturday, September 3.

  • PTA-sponsored afterschool enrichment classes - Signups coming soon! Classes will begin the week after Labor Day (Sept 12), and scholarships will be offered.

 URGENT ROLES, NEEDS:

  • PTA Board positions for Fundraising, Communications, and Advocacy To learn more, reach out to rana.cho@emersonelementary.org

  • Grade Parents!!! Sign up via Questionnaire or email to learn more: krysten.curtis@emersonelementary.org

  • Volunteers for Cal Football Parking on Saturday, Sept 3 (and other home games this season): Steve Wilson soccerfan311@gmail.com

Reminder to fill out the Back to School Questionnaire, this will help us connect everyone for the coming year!  (https://forms.gle/jMXTWV3TkRmkMckw6)


EQUITY CORNER: A BRIEF HISTORY OF EQUITY AT EMERSON

Back in 2013, a group of caregivers joined the Emerson PTA to lift issues around Equity in our school community; in 2015, led by the question of how we as a community create a more welcoming school created the Desired Racial Equity Outcome Plan.  The PTA now funds Equity programs and has three dedicated equity liaisons this school year-- Cielo (4th grade parent), Rachel (1st grade parent), and Silvia (1st grade parent).  Each Spring, our community is invited to join the Spring Equity Circle, facilitated for our community by Ms. Pam.  We are looking forward to meeting you and your family and providing space to meet up, let our students play, and show up for one another.

Keep in touch with us at equity@emersonelementary.org or click here to sign up for our email list so we can connect with you for upcoming events and cultural celebrations.  If you have ideas or want to help contribute to our community, cultural celebrations, or anything else, please let us know!


ART CORNER WITH MS. AMES

"Just make a mark and see where it takes you." From The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds

First graders through 5th graders all made dots in celebration of International Dot Day (which happens in September). Well, we mostly made them in celebration of the unique creativity each of us brings to art class. 

They are all hanging in the hallways now. 

Ms. Ames


GETTING CONNECTED: BEARFACTS & WHERE’S WALDO

Would you like to receive this weekly BearFacts in email? Subscribe HERE.
If your family's time at Emerson has ended, you may unsubscribe at the bottom of any BearFacts email.
Would you like to access our online school directory, Where’s Waldo? Set up your account HERE.
Here are step by step instructions for setting up and managing your Where’s Waldo profile.
Both of these services are OPT-IN so be sure to sign up!
Questions? Email communications@emersonelementary.org


City Council and School Board Candidate Forums

Southeast Berkeley Candidates Forum

Sponsored by: Claremont Elmwood Neighborhood Association (CENA), Willard Neighborhood Association (WNA), Bateman Neighborhood Association (BNA), Halcyon Neighborhood Association (HNA), and Panoramic Hill Association (PNA)

Come hear from the candidates. Ask them questions! This is your opportunity to find out where the candidates running for School Board and City Council District 8 stand on issues that matter to you and to the sponsoring organizations.

Berkeley School Board Candidates Forum (at-large seats) - All Candidates Invited

Willard Jr. High Auditorium | 2425 Stuart St.

Wednesday August 31, 2022 

Doors Open 6:30pm | Meeting 7pm to 9:30pm (2 ½ hours)

Candidates:

Ka’Dijah Brown

Mike Chang

Tatiana Guerreiro Ramos                                           

Norma J F Harrison

Reichi Lee

Jennifier Shanoski

THIS ACTIVITY IS NEITHER SPONSORED NOR ENDORSED BY THE BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT.


Find Emerson Online

Websitehttps://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebookwww.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 bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. 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 and include alt-text. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2022. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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


BearFacts News - 08.18.22

 
 

Si tiene alguna duda sobre esta nota debido a la traduccion,
por favor comuniquese con Rafael Friedmann via email: rfriedmann@aol.com


Message from the Principal

Dear Emerson Families,

Welcome to the 2022- 2023 school year!  We are so excited to get started and glad that you and your child are joining us.  I am pleased to begin my fourth year as Principal.  I feel very fortunate to be a part of this outstanding community.  As you know, we have an excellent staff, dedicated parent support and the best students in all of Berkeley!  We invite you to the campus on Thursday, August 25 for Back To School Night.  We hope you will join us to meet your child’s teacher and hear about the exciting plans for this school year.  

This year, we look forward to staying safe, even as we shift some of our practices.  We continue to follow the City of Berkeley and California Public Health Guidance.  We encourage you to use the COVID take home test kits we will send with students every other Friday. If your child does have COVID, please email Leahlopez@berkeley.net, Attendance Clerk, and Covidcase@berkeley.net so you may receive directions from the District Nurse and we will excuse your child’s absences.  You can review BUSD’s updated Covid plan here: https://www.berkeleyschools.net/covid/campus-safety/

As always, we are looking for volunteers to help us have a successful and event-filled school year.  If you would like to support your child’s classroom teacher, you may consider being a Grade Level Parent.  This is a very important role, in which you will work closely with a team of parents to plan and provide support for classroom activities.  The PTA is in need of a Heart of Emerson Fundraising Chair(s).  This position provides an opportunity to ensure Art, PE, Office, and student enrichment support for our future.  You may also want to consider joining the School Site Council.  The SSC provides guidance regarding state and federal monies provided to the school and reviews the plan for student achievement.  The SSC needs a new President this year.  Here is the form to nominate yourself for the ballot: SSC Nomination Form 2022- 2023.  The deadline for SSC nominations is Wednesday, September 15th.  The ballots will be shared on Thursday, September 16th.  We appreciate your consideration.  

If you haven’t done so already, please take a moment to complete the application for Free/Reduced Lunch.  All families are encouraged to fill out the form online at ezmealapp.com.  We also have paper applications available in the office. This form needs to be completed by October 1, 2022 and is tied to important state and federal funding for our school.  Even if you do not qualify for free/ reduced lunch, we encourage you to to complete the form today.  

I would like to provide a friendly reminder that I am always open to hear your comments, questions, feedback and concerns.  You can reach me at janaholmes@berkeley.net or by calling the front office at 510-644-6890.  Most mornings I am at the gate to greet students and again to say goodbye at the end of the day.  I hope that you will find that you can talk to me and I look forward to partnering with you for your child’s success.

Thank you for your support, 

Jana Holmes 


Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Wednesday, August 24: BUSD School Board Meeting 7pm, Zoom

Thursday, August 25: Back to School Night 5:30-7 pm, In Person

Saturday, September 3: Cal Football Parking Fundraiser - 5th Gr hosts

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.


MESSAGE FROM THE PTA BOARD

Welcome back, on behalf of the Emerson Elementary PTA Board! We are a group of volunteers committed to support our Emerson students through fundraising and planning programs. Through the ongoing pandemic, PTA Board has been remote since March 2020. We've come back stronger and streamlined, but strained. Help us help you! Please share your time, resources, or both as you can. Our goal is to rebuild and resume events and programs SUSTAINABLY, to reduce burnout and burden, and increase community connections.

Thank you for joining us for First Day Of School Coffee on the schoolyard, it was so sweet after all these years! The PTA will regularly host First Friday Coffees to coincide with First Friday All-School Meetings. The Next First Friday Coffee will be Friday September 2nd.

For the first half of the school year, we are focusing on grade-level community-building events like the Welcome Back Playdates in September/October and Cal Football Parking now through November. Then we will have more school-wide events in the second half, like the Moveathon (in May 2022 was our first in-person event since February 2020!).

We are especially proud to resume PTA-sponsored Afterschool Enrichment after 2.5 years! We are one of the only BUSD elementary schools offering Enrichment on-site. More information and signups coming soon! Classes will begin after Labor Day, and scholarships will be offered.

Come early at 5:30 to socialize before Back To School Night on Thursday August 25. Meet the PTA Board! Stay for school sightseeing! This is our first Back To School Night on campus since 2019!

URGENT ROLES, NEEDS:

  • PTA Board positions for Fundraising, Communications, Advocacy: rana.cho@emersonelementary.org

  • Grade Parents!!! Sign up via Questionnaire or email: krysten.curtis@emersonelementary.org

  • Cal Football Parking for Saturday Sept 3 (and more!): Steve Wilson - soccerfan311@gmail.com

Reminder to fill out the Back to School Questionnaire, this will help us connect everyone for the coming year!  (https://forms.gle/jMXTWV3TkRmkMckw6)


EQUITY CORNER: A BRIEF HISTORY OF EQUITY AT EMERSON

Back in 2013, a group of caregivers joined the Emerson PTA to lift issues around Equity in our school community; in 2015, led by the question of how we as a community create a more welcoming school created the Desired Racial Equity Outcome Plan.  The PTA now funds Equity programs and has three dedicated equity liaisons this school year-- Cielo (4th grade parent), Rachel (1st grade parent), and Silvia (1st grade parent).  Each Spring, our community is invited to join the Spring Equity Circle, facilitated for our community by Ms. Pam.  We are looking forward to meeting you and your family and providing space to meet up, let our students play, and show up for one another.

Keep in touch with us at equity@emersonelementary.org or click here to sign up for our email list so we can connect with you for upcoming events and cultural celebrations.  If you have ideas or want to help contribute to our community, cultural celebrations, or anything else, please let us know!


ART CORNER WITH MS. AMES

Welcome back to school and to the Art Room! We jumped right back into art making on the first day of school with some art inspired by Peter H. Reynold's book The Dot. Artists used crayons and "Dab-o-Ink" (bingo) daubers to create some very creative dot-inspired art.

Please be aware of your child's art day so that A) you can make sure they don't wear their best clothes on that day and B) so that you can ask them what they learned in art that day.  As usual, I will be holding on to most of the art for the bulk of the year so that it doesn't get damaged in backpacks getting home.  You will surely be delighted with all of the work in your child's portfolio at Open House.

That said, if you ever wish to see what they are working on, you are welcome to come volunteer during an art class or make an appointment after school on a Monday, Wednesday or Thursday to see their work. Please email me --- lucyames@berkeley.net.

Here are the art days of the week for the various classes:

Mondays:
5th Grade
1st Grade
2nd Grade: Ms. Davis and Ms. Powell

Wednesdays:
2nd Grade: Ms. Suzuki
3rd Grade
Kindergarten

Thursdays:
4th Grade

I am looking forward to another year of learning and creativity with your children!
Ms. Ames

Children in a classroom holding circular colorful papers with different designs using dot art..

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL PTA COFFEE

In top left, a room with purple walls, white curtained window , a long table with breakfast food. Bottom right has a long table. The top right and bottom left have trees in the back of a school yard with adults talking in small groups.

GETTING CONNECTED: BEARFACTS & WHERE’S WALDO

Would you like to receive this weekly BearFacts in email? Subscribe HERE.
If your family's time at Emerson has ended, you may unsubscribe at the bottom of any BearFacts email.
Would you like to access our online school directory, Where’s Waldo? Set up your account HERE.
Here are step by step instructions for setting up and managing your Where’s Waldo profile.
Both of these services are OPT-IN so be sure to sign up!
Questions? Email communications@emersonelementary.org


Find Emerson Online

Websitehttps://emersonelementary.org/

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebookwww.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 bearfacts@emersonelementary.org. 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 and include alt-text. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2022. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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


BearFacts News - 06.02.22

 
 

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 is the last Bear Facts Newsletter of the 2021- 2022 school year.  What a year it has been!  We have learned how resilient we are.  COVID had a huge impact this school year.  It was difficult to cover classes with staff absent for 10 days at a time.  Big Shout out to our faithful guest teachers, who filled in the gaps many, many days: including retired teachers Cindy Schafer, Lori Perenon, and Stefani Woolridge.  Big Smile to our Interventionists, Kim Shevelson and Jeannie Wang, and Librarian Rachel Budget, for many days of guest teaching across the grade levels. Hugs to Emerson's Parents who got Substitute Credentials to help us:  Amy Fire and Shawna Matilla.  We could not have made it in person without “All Hands on Deck”!  

Thank you to all the parents who cooperated with all the COVID restrictions.  You kept your symptomatic students at home in order to prevent more spread and absences of staff and students.   Let’s hope we can all get some rest and gear up for another year, which is sure to bring its challenges in 2023. 

In the wake of the horrific mass shootings, some have asked what we do at Emerson to keep students safe.  Here are just some of the safety measures we have in place:

1) Emerson doors are locked.  You cannot enter the school without coming through the front door and ringing the doorbell or knocking on the door.  

2) All visitors sign in at the office.

3) We have cameras that record the inside and the outside of the building 24 hours, 7 days a week. 

4) We have two Campus Supervisors on campus who monitor for safety.

5) We have a Safety Plan and Safety Committee that meets regularly and updates the plan annually.

Personally, I am frustrated by the lack of action on the part of our elected officials.  Instead of leaving the responsibility of keeping students safe solely to school staff, I beg to see some gun safety legislation.  Here in the Bay Area, elections are coming up on Tuesday, June 7.  This is our chance to elect officials who care about Gun Safety / Violence / Domestic Terrorism and our children’s futures.  Please do vote – I am mailing in my ballot this week.  

This week we look forward to celebrating the end of school and the beginning of summer with a PTA-sponsored Jumpy House / Ice Cream Day on Thursday,  June 2nd.   We are rewarding the students for their hard work by extending lunch recess so everyone can enjoy it. 

On Friday, June 3rd, the 5th Grade students will be promoted, with a special ceremony from 8:30- 10:00 am on the blacktop.

 Don’t forget students will be released early on the last day of school, with Kindergartners excused at 12:30 and 1st- 5th Graders at 1:10.  Kids World will dismiss at 5:00 pm.  Please make arrangements to pick up your child on the last day of school according to the early release times.  

School resumes on Monday, August 15, 2022.  The first three days of the 2022- 2023 school year will be early release, with students dismissed at 1:30 each day.  We look forward to welcoming you back after the Summer Break. 

Take good care and thank you for your support,

Jana Holmes


Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Thursday, June 3: 5th Grade Class Promotion. 8:30-10:00am.

Thursday, June 3: Last Day of School. Kindergarten dismissed at 12:30pm; Grades 1-5 at 1:10pm.

Monday, August 15: 1st Day of 22/23 School Year!

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.


Thank You

Thank you PTA members, Grade Parents, and all of the volunteers who helped connect our Emerson community this year. School's out, but not the PTA! Expect some messages from us over the summer, especially for welcoming our incoming Kindergarten families. And we continue to seek Board members for these roles:

VP of Advocacy
VP of Fundraising
Co-VP of Communications


Summer Reading Bingo

Yay! It's Summer! It's the perfect time to...READ!!!! Emerson students spend all year reading each and every school day. Reading over the summer keeps your student's reading muscles strong. Try Summer Reading Bingo for fun! Happy Summer Reading!

Ms. Jeannie

Summer Reading Bingo-English

Summer Reading Bingo-Spanish

Summer Reading Lists for All Grades


A MIGHTY THANKS

As we come upon this last issue of the Bearfacts, your weekly Emerson newsletter that keeps you in the know, you might be wondering how it all gets done week after week! Behind the scenes, every week, without fail, is a team of parent volunteers who are rotating Editors, preparing the newsletter. Thank you to our Editors: Amy Fire, Nathan Fisher, Ashleigh Kanat, Jenn Petrucelli, and Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell. These folks also share the role of draft reviewers with PTA board members and Ms. Holmes so the Bearfacts is ready to go live on the Emerson News page on our website, in your Remind, and in your email inboxes every Thursday morning!  Lastly, thank you to many of who you contributed to the content from community information, special events, student artwork with Ms. Ames, the equity corner, PTA updates, and always Ms. Holmes weekly letter and so much more. A mighty thanks for helping keep communication and information flowing at Emerson!


JOIN THE COMMUNICATIONS TEAM

The Bearfacts is one component of Emerson’s PTA communication system. This system includes the Parent Handbook, Communications Card, Where’s Waldo School Directory, Bearfacts, Website, Remind and more! As you can imagine, it takes a team of people to hold different parts to make it all happen. As you think about next year and your participation in the life of Emerson School, consider joining the Communications Team. For more information or to raise your hand, email emersonschoolnews@gmail.com… you won’t regret it!


Gift Collection for Enrichment Teachers and Support Staff—THANK YOU!

The generosity in this community is nothing short of amazing. In just one week, we were able to collect enough funds from families to give $135 gifts to each of the 37 enrichment teachers and support staff at Emerson—WOW! What a way to send all of these incredible humans off into summer break! Thank you all again for your generosity and for acknowledging ALL the people who interact with our kids. Have a great summer break!


Free COVID Resources

Residential households in the US are now eligible for another order of free at home tests on USPS.com; each order now includes 8 rapid antigen COVID-19 tests (4 tests in each package) and the entire order ships to you for free.  Please share this free at-home testing resource with your community! https://special.usps.com/testkits 

The CDC continues to offer Free respirators (N95) to communities through local pharmacies.  To find a location near you, follow this link; please also call before to ensure they have inventory as the site lists participating locations but does not include current inventory levels.


Summer Vaccine Clinic Availability


Find Emerson Online

Websiteemerson.berkeleypta.org

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebookwww.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:
BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emerson.berkeleypta.org. 

BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy.  Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to emersonschoolnews@gmail.com. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. Send images as an e-mail attachment. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

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


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


BearFacts News - 05.26.22

 
 

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 2021-2022 school year is drawing to a close.  I want to say thank you to our parent community for your patience, support, and cooperation as we taught our first full year in-person during this ongoing pandemic.  It wasn't easy.   There were lots of new procedures, expectations, and staff and student absences.  However, rather than learning through a computer screen, we know everyone benefited greatly from seeing each other on campus.  As we experience yet another COVID surge this May, we return to wearing masks indoors.  We do not know what the future holds.  However, we are encouraged by our strong, caring, Emerson community. 

For the next two weeks, teachers will begin sending work home in backpacks, finishing up student assessments, and cleaning up classrooms for summer.  Students in Grades 3-5 will complete the CAASPP testing/make-ups in the library.  You can expect to receive your child’s final report card, sent home on the last day of school.

Please note that we have an Early Release Schedule on Friday, June 3, the last day of school.  Kindergarten students will be excused at 12:30pm and Grades 1-5 at 1:10 pm.  Students who ride the bus will also be transported home at the early release times.  If your child participates in the Kids World After School program,  plan to pick them up by 5:00 pm on the last day of school.  

We are happy that our Asian-Pacific Islander Families are hosting a special API Bedtime Stories TONIGHT, Thursday, May 26, from 7- 8pm.  Put on your PJs, snuggle up with your favorite stuffie, and celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with a selection of children's books read by Emerson families and students.  We'll be sharing some of our favorite stories of family, culture, and lore, as we prepare to close out APAHM in the coziest way possible....together!

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85083748758?pwd=NWgrRUt1RVRPaG9RRXVnRTNud0lVdz09

Meeting ID: 850 8374 8758; Passcode: 447789

Next week on Thursday, June 2, students will be treated to a special lunch recess, with extra  time to celebrate the end of the school year.   The PTA has paid for jumpy houses and the Read-aThon team is providing all students with a reward: Ice Cream!  

Let’s finish this school year strong.  Thank you for your support of Emerson!  We could not do so successfully without your partnership. 

Sincerely, 

Jana Holmes


Upcoming Events and Key Dates

May 30: Memorial Day, School Holiday

June 3: 5th Grade Class Promotion. 8:30-10:00am.

June 3: Last Day of School. Kindergarten dismissed at 12:30pm; Grades 1-5 at 1:10pm.

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.


End-of-Year Gifts for Enrichment Teachers and Staff

The end of the year is upon us and what a year it has been! We are amazed and grateful for the many ways the entire community of adults at Emerson show up, support, challenge and love our kids. There are so many people who enrich our kids' experience at school–from Principal Holmes to Ms. Rachel in the Library, from in classroom Instructional Aides to Ms. Ames for Art, from Ms. Gaby and Ms. Michelle in the front office to Coach Robinson, and many more. This gift collection aims to collect gifts for this group of 37 support staff and enrichment teachers at Emerson. You can see the full list of teachers and staff we are collecting for at the link. 

The deadline to donate to this gift collection effort is Wednesday, June 1. If you plan to and are able to donate, please act fast. We are determined to be able to acknowledge each person on this list as this school year comes to a close. More information and details about the collection can be found at the link below or by scanning the QR code with the camera on your phone.

Thanks in advance for your generosity and for appreciating our enrichment teachers and support staff! End of Year Gift Collection for Enrichment Teachers and School Support Staff

[Note: There are other collections happening for 1) Classroom Teachers (grade level parents are organizing) and 2) Kid’s World (Michelle Medeiros and Jenny Wang are organizing). Please look for other communications about those collections.]


Summer Reading Bingo

Yay! It's Summer! It's the perfect time to...READ!!!! Emerson students spend all year reading each and every school day. Reading over the summer keeps your student's reading muscles strong. Try Summer Reading Bingo for fun! Happy Summer Reading! Ms. Jeannie

Summer Reading Bingo-English

Summer Reading Bingo-Spanish

Summer Reading Lists for All Grades


Art Portfolios

After a wonderful year of art making, it is finally time to take our work home. If your child hasn't brought home his or her art portfolio yet, it should be arriving soon! Please take the time to have a little "Art Show." There is a list of projects in the bag, and kids drew their favorite project and favorite art supply and (except for Kindergarten) wrote something they love about doing art. Perhaps your child can teach you a new concept, but most importantly I hope that you will encourage your child to take pride in their art. If possible, let them choose one or more pieces to hang in your home. (And if you are really taken with a piece you may be able to find a ready made frame in the right size and add a framed piece of amazing original art to your walls.) Enjoy! Ms. Ames

Below a photo of first graders organizing their work for portfolios.

Lucy Ames, Art Teacher (she/her)



GET YOUR RECEIPTS INTO THE PTA BY JUNE 2ND

The deadline for the submission of any final expenses, receipts, or requests for payment is 5pm on Thursday, June 2. Please submit a reimbursement request form with attached documentation either via email to emersonptatreasurer@gmail.com or in to the Treasurer mail slot in the office at school. Any expenses that miss this date may need to wait for approval at the next Association meeting in October.


API Bedtime Stories

Thursday May 26, 7-8pm

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

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85083748758?pwd=NWgrRUt1RVRPaG9RRXVnRTNud0lVdz09
Meeting ID: 850 8374 8758
Passcode: 447789


Free COVID Resources

Residential households in the US are now eligible for another order of free at home tests on USPS.com; each order now includes 8 rapid antigen COVID-19 tests (4 tests in each package) and the entire order ships to you for free.  Please share this free at-home testing resource with your community! https://special.usps.com/testkits 

The CDC continues to offer Free respirators (N95) to communities through local pharmacies.  To find a location near you, follow this link; please also call before to ensure they have inventory as the site lists participating locations but does not include current inventory levels.


Find Emerson Online

Websiteemerson.berkeleypta.org

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebookwww.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:
BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emerson.berkeleypta.org. 

BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy.  Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to emersonschoolnews@gmail.com. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. Send images as an e-mail attachment. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

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


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


BearFacts News - 05.19.22

 
 

Si tiene alguna duda sobre esta nota debido a la traduccion,
por favor comuniquese con Rafael Friedmann via email: rfriedmann@aol.com


Message from the Principal

Dear Emerson Families,

It’s hard to believe there are only a few weeks of school left.  I thank the Emerson Staff for last week’s informative Open House.  If you missed the Zoom, you can watch it here: Emerson Open House 2022. Although we missed seeing everyone in person, it was nice to hear from each grade level in one Zoom.  We were all impressed to hear how each grade level builds upon the next to create a robust, comprehensive academic program that incorporates social-emotional learning and a culturally responsive curriculum.  We have a great school!

This Friday, May 20, is H​​arvey Milk Day and is also Emerson Spirit Day!  Students have been learning Anti-Bullying / Discrimination and Inclusive Lessons through our board-approved Welcoming Schools Curriculum.  On Friday, we remember Harvey Milk, who was the first openly Gay Person elected to the California Legislature as SF City Supervisor.  This day has become a time when we celebrate and call attention to the progress and ongoing work to stop discrimination against LGBTQ people.  We are asking students to come to school on Friday, wearing their class colors which are:

  • Kindergarten:  Red

  • 1st Grade: Orange

  • 2nd Grade: Yellow

  • 3rd Grade: Blue

  • 4th Grade: Green

  • 5th Grade: Purple 

We will take a school photograph on the blacktop, which will represent the colors of the Rainbow and our support for the LGBTQ community.  Thank you for partnering with us on this last Spirit Day of 2022. 

Superintendent Stephens recently sent an email to families asking you to consider having your child wear masks indoors.  We are experiencing an uptick in COVID-19 Cases.  Here is the district COVID-19 dashboard:  https://www.berkeleyschools.net/coronavirus/case-dashboard/

We had numerous COVID-19 cases this week, including an outbreak in one of our classrooms.   As in the past, if your student was exposed you will be notified by the district nurse's close contact letter.  Please monitor and keep your child home if they are exhibiting symptoms and email Leahlopez@berkeley.net (Attendance Clerk, Ms. Michelle) if your child stays home.  We will need to see an emailed picture of a labeled and dated, negative Covid test for your child to return to school. Let’s work together to finish the year as safely as possible. 

Thank you for your support,

Jana Holmes


Upcoming Events and Key Dates

May 30: Memorial Day, School Holiday

June 3: 5th Grade Class Promotion. 8:30-10:00am.

June 3: Last Day of School. Kindergarten dismissed at 12:30pm; Grades 1-5 at 1:10pm.

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.


PTA UPDATE

On Tuesday May 17th at our last Association meeting of the school year, the PTA elected VPs to Emerson's PTA Board for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year.

Big thanks to the Nomination Committee led by Executive Vice Presidents Erica Carter and Kyla Portugal, our trailblazing teacher Board members!

  • President: Rana Cho

  • Executive VP/Parliamentarian: Krysten Curtis & Arabelle Malinis

  • Treasurer: Scott Hofmeister, Aya Nagano, Amy Fire

  • Secretary: Kevin Jude

  • School Support & Academic Enrichment: Chelle Putzer, Merlin Edwards II, Christina Edwards

  • Teacher Reps: K-2: Lori Barnes and Jenny Weddle

  • VPs of Equity: Cielo Rios, Rachel Terp, Silvia Kim Ahn

  • VP of Community Building: Ariel Clute

  • VP of Community Outreach: Elise Kneram

  • Co-VP of Communications: Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell

We continue to seek Board members for these roles:

  • VP of Advocacy

  • VP of Fundraising

  • Co-VP of Communications


Get Your RECEIPTS INTO THE PTA by JUNE 2nd:

The deadline for the submission of any final expenses, receipts, or requests for payment is 5pm on Thursday, June 2. Please submit a reimbursement request form with attached documentation either via email to emersonptatreasurer@gmail.com or in to the Treasurer mail slot in the office at school. Any expenses that miss this date may need to wait for approval at the next Association meeting in October.


CELEBRATING AAPI HERITAGE:

You are invited to share in celebrating AAPI Literary Voices this Thursday from 6-730pm on Zoom. Innosanto Nagara, Panda Dulce, and Shanthi Sekaran will read selections of their work; the authors are also asking for students to submit questions in advance of the event that will be shared with the authors.

Please also check out “Lifting Up AAPI Voices”, a visual campaign to share narratives with our students and broader community; we are delighted to see our 2nd grade elementary teacher, Ms. Suzuki sharing her story alongside other members of our school communities. We are so fortunate to have Ms. Suzuki as a teacher at our school and appreciate her sharing her story, starting with a very big trip when she was 6 years old from Tokyo to Chicago.


EQUITY CORNER

dignidadrebelde, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Yuri Kochiyama, born on May 19, 1921, turned her Japanese-American family’s experience in internment camps into action in pursuit of racial and social justice. In 1941, shortly after graduating from Compton College, Yuri and her family were forced from their homes and moved into 3 successive internment camps; after meeting her husband in one of the camps, they both moved to Harlem, where they lived in public housing, the only affordable option for their family that was made available because of her husband’s veteran status. Driven by her lived experience, Yuri began hosting artists and activists (also called salons) to connect with the local community to bridge the people to the racial and social justice movement. Yuri’s focus on fighting racial injustice extended in her work fighting against nuclear proliferation, supporting union labor, safer streets, and integrated education. Yuri could be found attending rallies for Puerto Rican independence, supporting anti-war efforts, advocating for reparations for Black Americans, and lobbied for the Civil Liberties Act in the 1980’s. Yuri died in Berkeley in 2014 and was recognized by the White House for her dedication to the pursuit of social justice for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community and all communities of color.

Adults, to learn more about Yuri’s life and work, please check out this episode of Throughline


FREE COVID RESOURCES:

Residential households in the US are now eligible for another order of free at home tests on USPS.com; each order now includes 8 rapid antigen COVID-19 tests (4 tests in each package) and the entire order ships to you for free.  Please share this free at-home testing resource with your community! https://special.usps.com/testkits 

The CDC continues to offer Free respirators (N95) to community through local pharmacies.  To find a location near you, follow this link; please also call before to ensure they have inventory as the site lists participating locations but does not include current inventory levels.


COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTY

COME ONE, COME ALL!

After a really tough year, the Berkeley Public Schools Fund will be celebrating educators and the larger BUSD community at our first-ever Spring Block Party on Saturday, May 21, 12-3 PM! 

We’ll be closing off part of downtown Berkeley (Shattuck & Center) for an all-community, open-air celebration with music, speakers, kids’ activities, a biergarten, and the unveiling of a very special mural. The mural is being painted by BHS alums and was commissioned by the Schools Fund, in honor of the educators, volunteers and parents who held BUSD together over the past 2 years.

Bring your people and join us in celebration!


RAINBOW FAMILIES PLAYDATE


EMERSON GARDEN HELPERS NEEDED

Friends are needed to spruce up the Emerson Garden and make it ready for the summer. Everyone is welcome! The plan is to do two hours of light weeding in May and then a few hours in June to spread mulch.
Anyone that is interested, please email Miss Jeanette at  jeanettekjobmand@berkeley.net.


Find Emerson Online

Websiteemerson.berkeleypta.org

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebookwww.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:
BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emerson.berkeleypta.org. 

BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy.  Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to emersonschoolnews@gmail.com. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. Send images as an e-mail attachment. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

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


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


BearFacts News - 05.12.22

 
 

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,

Big Thank You to Rana Cho and Elise Kneram for an awesome Move-A-Thon Party last weekend.  It was so fun to see so many families come together to celebrate Spring and our wonderful community.  The band got us moving, the treats and coffee kept us nourished, and the free prizes made us smile.  The 3rd Grade Students completed the most laps around the track.  They will be treated to a pizza party at Monkey Island!  

We also had a great time at our last All School Meeting on the Blacktop.  We were pleased to honor our Promoting 5th Grade Parents who have volunteered in many ways throughout the years.  We also enjoyed a beautiful student performance of the song Dos Colores led by Ms. Randella, the Music Teacher.  The Spirit Committee announced that Friday, May 20 will be Rainbow Day, with each grade level wearing a specific color of clothing.  We will take a school picture, so please help your child participate in the fun by coming in their grade level’s designated color. 

The Emerson Open House is tonight from 6- 7 pm via Zoom.  Please check your child’s backpack for student work sent home, which will be highlighted during the grade-level presentations.  You will be asked to discuss and review the work sent home with your child.  We appreciate your participation. You can join the Zoom: here.

If you haven’t done so already, please let us know if you plan to return to Emerson next year.  We are working on creating class lists now, and we want to plan ahead to create balanced sections for each teacher.   We ask that you complete the form sent home in your child’s backpack and return it by tomorrow, Friday, May 13.  You can also fill out the form electronically here:  Returning / Non-Returning Student Survey 2022- 2023.

Thank you for your support of Emerson and take good care,

Jana Holmes


Upcoming Events and Key Dates

May 12: Elementary Open House Night, 6:00 PM, Zoom Link

May 16: Malcolm X’s Birthday Observed, School Holiday

May 17: Final PTA Association Meeting: 2022-2023 Budget & Board Roster

May 30: Memorial Day, School Holiday

June 3: 5th Grade Class Promotion. 8:30-10:00am.

June 3: Last Day of School. Kindergarten dismissed at 12:30pm; Grades 1-5 at 1:10pm.

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.


Final Shout-Outs of the year!


ART CORNER

It's Okay to Be Different—Portraits inspired by Todd Parr

Kindergartners used "paint markers" (bingo daubers filled with India ink) to draw these wonderful characters. Then they colored them with colored bingo daubers. Don't they make you smile?


Congratulations, Readers!

Emerson students are amazing. Our 2022 Read-a-Thon goal was to read at least 250,000 minutes. Not only did we achieve that goal, Emerson students read for a mind-blowing 353,000 minutes - woo-hoo! We're working out the final details of the school-wide prize - stay tuned!

Big congratulations to the top three readers in each grade! We're so proud of you!

Kindergarten
Lillian M.-L.
Kabir B.
Sean W.

1st Grade
Seva T.
Billie C.-K.
Madeleine S.

2nd Grade
Anna B.-T.
Mussa K.
Jaajay R.-H.

3rd Grade
Danica W.
Dorothea H.
Clementine H.

4th Grade
Aya B.-T.
Julian H.-W.
Nachi V.-T.

5th Grade 
Eamon L.
Mira W.
Emmett M.

In addition, at each grade level, the class that read the most minutes earned an It's-It ice cream party. Congratulations to the following classes: Kindergarten - Ms. Bella; 1st Grade - Ms. Salyk; 2nd Grade - Ms. Susuki; 3rd Grade - Ms. Barnes; 4th Grade - Ms. Griz; and, 5th Grade - Ms. Lewis. 

We would never have pulled this off without the leadership and organizational prowess of our literacy coach, Ms. Jeannie! Thank you, Ms. Jeannie!. And huge thanks to Ashleigh Kanat,  Tessa Rexroat, Michelle Falise, Ms. Rachel, Ms. Gaby, Mrs. Holmes, the room parents who entered each student's minutes, and, of course, Emerson's fabulous teachers who are instilling all Emerson students with a love of reading and who supported the Read-a-Thon in the classroom. THANK YOU to Emerson families for supporting your readers and helping your students collect pledges! We raised more than $35,000! We appreciate you!


PTA Update

Third Grade Wins The Move-a-thon!

CONGRATULATIONS to the Third Grade who won the Move-a-thon! It was a close competition, with 1st Grade in 2nd place, and 5th Grade rallying from last place to 3rd place during the last thirty minutes. Third Grade wins a pizza + popsicle party at Monkey Island during schooltime! 1st Grade and 5th Grade win Move-a-thon water bottles! 

Thank you volunteers and Royal Point Keepers! And our Culture Corner community offerings: Ethiopian coffee, Filipino Halo Halo, Indonesian Nasi Goreng, and Korean Kimbap!  Extra thanks to Kindergarten parent Elise Kneram for leading this landmark event, our first on-campus all-school event in over two years! We plan on making the Move-a-thon an annual tradition!

PTA Association Meeting

Please join us for the final Association meeting of our school year. Tuesday May 17 at 7p, Zoom Link here. We will be presenting the election of the PTA Board for the next school year 2022-2023. If you have access needs, please email emersonbearcubspta@gmail.com in advance of the meeting, and we will try our best to meet your accessibility needs.

Budget documents for the meeting: Amended budget for 2021-2022 and Budget for 2022-2023.


Teacher Appreciation - Gratitudes All Around!

Thank you families for your participation in Emerson’s Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week! Many thanks to the PTA, volunteers and donors, and each student and family that sent some gratitude greetings to an Emerson Staff member. If the week flew by you, it’s never too late to send some words of thanks or a treat!  There is a lot of love here at Emerson and let's share it whenever we can!


EMERSON GARDEN HELPERS NEEDED

Friends are needed to spruce up the Emerson Garden and make it ready for the summer. Everyone is welcome! The plan is to do two hours of light weeding in May and then a few hours in June to spread mulch.
Anyone that is interested, please email Miss Jeanette at  jeanettekjobmand@berkeley.net.


Find Emerson Online

Websiteemerson.berkeleypta.org

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebookwww.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)


About BearFacts News:
BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at emerson.berkeleypta.org. 

BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy.  Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.

If you have a news item or announcement to include in the BearFacts News, please send an email to emersonschoolnews@gmail.com. Please keep your message brief and include all the pertinent details including dates, times, locations and contact information. Send images as an e-mail attachment. The deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

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


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


BearFacts News - 05.05.22

 
 

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

May 1, 2022

Dear Emerson Parents,

Happy May Day!  We welcome Asian American Pacific Islander Month with a local author visit by Innosanta Nagara.  To quote from his amazing children’s book A is For Activism, “M is for Megaphones Marching, Movimiento Music, Hip, Hip, Hooray!  It must be May Day!” 

We are happy to encourage parents to visit the campus this week.  The last All School Meeting of the school year is tomorrow, on the blacktop at 8:30 am.  We will recognize our final student Shout Outs, our Read-a-Thon winners, thank the promoting parents who have contributed significantly to Emerson as volunteers and enjoy student performances.  We hope you will return to campus on Saturday for the Move-A-Thon!  This promises to be a wonderful celebration, with games, prizes, opportunities to move, a live band, and your beloved community.  The Move-A-Thon is a free event, from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday, May 7.

Next week, the School Site Council will review the Single Plan for Student Achievement for the 2022- 2023 school year.  In preparation for the plan, the consequences of the pandemic have become apparent.  Our enrollment is down, many of the past practices have yet to return or have been reimagined, our funding and staffing have been cut, and the PTA is filling in many of our financial gaps.  Still, we see that student test scores have improved since the return to in-person learning.  We can not do this without parent support and we are grateful for your help. 

Please mark your calendars for the Open House.  It will take place virtually this year on Thursday, May 12 from 6:00- 7:00 pm.  Teachers will send home student work, which will be highlighted during the grade level presentations.  You will be asked to discuss and review the work sent home with your child.  We appreciate your participation. You can join the Zoom: HERE.

It is also the time of year when we need to plan ahead.  Please complete the Returning Students Survey 2022- 2023 so that we can build classes.  We ask that you complete the survey by May 13, 2022.  Here it is: Returning / Non-Returning Student Survey 2022- 2023

We hope to see you soon,

Jana Holmes


Upcoming Events and Key Dates

May 2 - 6: Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week

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

May 7: Emerson Move-A-Thon (formerly called “Walkathon”), 9 AM - 1 PM

May 9: School Site Council Meeting, 6:00 PM, Zoom Link

May 9: PTA Budget Sub-Committee Meeting, 7:30 PM, Zoom Link

May 12: Elementary Open House Night, 6:00 PM, Zoom Link

May 16: Malcolm X’s Birthday Observed, School Holiday

May 17: Final PTA Association Meeting: 2022-2023 Budget & Board Roster

May 30: Memorial Day, School Holiday

June 3: 5th Grade Class Promotion & Last Day of School

Add the Emerson Google Calendar to yours!

Note to Readers: BearFacts articles and calendar items are based on submissions from the community and reviewed and edited under the PTA communication policy.  Inclusion of an item in BearFacts by itself does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the PTA, Emerson school staff, or BUSD.


MOVE-A-THON PARTY
THIS SATURDAY, MAY 7th, 9 AM - 1 PM

You're invited to EMERSON’S MOVE-A-THON PARTY!

Bring your family and join us at Emerson's first in-person party in over 2 years!
We'll have a DJ and LIVE BAND, healthy snacks, POPSICLES, and PRIZES for everyone!

Where: Emerson Elementary, Berkeley
What to bring: Water Bottle & BYO (Bring Your Own) Lunch
What to Wear: Your favorite color!

8 - 9 AM:  Check-in, warm up!
9 - 11 AM: Grade-level competition - score points for your grade by running laps, shooting hoops, hula hooping, and more!
11 AM:  PRIZES for everyone, and PARTY AWARD for the winning grade!
11:30 AM - 1 PM: dancing, socializing, and having fun!

The winning grade gets a special party DURING school! Pizza and ice cream at Monkey Island Park on a school day!

three dancers in orange and blue clothings dancing on a round orange and red rug

Hosted by the Emerson PTA with thanks to our sponsors:
Law Office of Arabelle Malinis, Trust and Estates Law
Cho/Small Family
Kneram Family

Culture Corner Presented By:
API Families of Emerson
Bruk Abebe


LAST SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL MEETING FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR

Join the last School Site Council Meeting on Monday, May 9 at 6 pm on Zoom. The Single Plan for Student Achievement for the 2022- 2023 school year will be reviewed.
Zoom Meeting Link Meeting ID: 832 5521 7477 Passcode: 866907


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.  Attend the meeting on May 9 at 7:30 PM 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.comMeeting Link


Celebrating AAPI Heritage month!

This month, we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.  Earlier this week, Willard’s AAPI club held a night market to celebrate culture and family and this month is full of events to celebrate community!  On May 19th, from 6:00 -7:30 PM, celebrate the Year of the Tiger with special guests Innosanto Nagara (author of A is for Activist), Panda Dulce (founding queen of drag queen story hour), and Shanthi Sekaran (author of The Samosa Rebellion and BUSD parent).

Please also encourage your Emerson student to submit questions directly to our AAPI celebration event guests that will be answered during the event— click here for a link!

Check out BUSD AAPI reading lists by grade for some wonderful stories to read together!

Please also check out the amazing resources compiled by Joemy Ito-Gates, Ethnic Studies Teacher on Special Assignment (TSA); Listen, Learn, Lift Up, and Love to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month in May and beyond:

AAPI Heritage Month Family Guide (English) 

AAPI Heritage Month Family Guide (Arabic) 

AAPI Heritage Month Family Guide (Spanish) 


TEACHER AND STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK

Thank you, Emerson families, for celebrating Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week! It’s not too late to show your gratitude to your beloved Emerson staffers! They are the best and let’s take time to show them how much we care and appreciate all of their efforts this school year. Send in your notes and flowers and other inspirations! Here is a list of all the staff and some thoughts lifting up the unique work they each do for our children!


ART CORNER

House of our Dreams

First graders created these imaginative houses inspired by Daniel Pinkwater's book The Big Orange Splot.  When Mr. Plumbeam's house gets an unexpected splash of orange paint dropped on its roof, he takes the opportunity to recreate his house so that it looks like all of his dreams.  First graders had a wonderful time imagining what their dream houses would look like.  They even added a door that opens and drew themselves inside.
- Lucy Ames, Art Teacher (she/her)

Four rows of 4our colorful houses in each row created by students.

EMERSON GARDEN HELPERS NEEDED

Friends are needed to spruce up the Emerson Garden and make it ready for the summer. Everyone is welcome! The plan is to do two hours of light weeding in May and then a few hours in June to spread mulch.
Anyone that is interested, please email Miss Jeanette at  jeanettekjobmand@berkeley.net.


Hear us Roar!
Celebrating AAPI Literary Voices in The Year of the Tiger

Join the district-wide AAPI Heritage Month event on Thursday, May 19th from 6:00-7:30 PM

Event flyer: Hear us Roar! Celebrating AAPI Literary Voices in the Year of the Tiger!

Zoom Link

Special presenters include children’s book author, Innosanto Nagara, author of A is for Activist; Drag Queen Story Hour founding queen, Panda Dulce, who will read celebratory AAPI stories; as well as the author of upper grades novel, The Samosa Rebellion, Shanthi Sekaran, who is also a BUSD parent!

Read the books ahead of time (if you are able) and have your child submit questions to our presenters through this form HERE.

This is a poster for an event with the following information: Hear us Roar! Celebrating AAPI Literary Voices in the Year of the Tiger! Join us for a Berkeley Unified School District celebration of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month on T

Banner with the words Community Block Party, Celebrating our Educators, May 21, 2022 12-3 pm,. Street Signs read Center and Shattuck, Other description includes Music, Beer Garden, Kids Activities, and Mural Unveiling

COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTY

COME ONE, COME ALL!

After a really tough year, the Berkeley Public Schools Fund will be celebrating educators and the larger BUSD community at our first-ever Spring Block Party on Saturday, May 21, 12-3 PM! 

We’ll be closing off part of downtown Berkeley (Shattuck & Center) for an all-community, open-air celebration with music, speakers, kids’ activities, a biergarten, and the unveiling of a very special mural. The mural is being painted by BHS alums and was commissioned by the Schools Fund, in honor of the educators, volunteers and parents who held BUSD together over the past 2 years.

Bring your people and join us in celebration!


EFFICIENT AND HEALTHY SCHOOLS

The U.S. Department of Energy and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory are conducting a series to share energy efficiency and indoor air quality (IAQ) best practices to help school districts improve their facilities through the Efficient and Healthy Schools program and the first session is this Friday, May 6th at 10:00 AM PST. This webinar will review efforts undertaken at two schools and experts from LBL (brilliant scientists just up the road from Emerson at Cal!) will present on this as well as share information about ways to effectively improve school site Air Quality.  The DOE is welcoming comments for the recently released Request for Information for the $500M grant program for K-12 school's energy upgradesClick here to register to attend (FREE!)


Find Emerson Online

Websiteemerson.berkeleypta.org

Remind: Text @7f6hb to 81010; or go to www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Facebookwww.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