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

MONTHLY MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Emerson Families,

Students have a legal right to a safe education, free from harassment. Federal and state laws protect students from immigration officers at school. Emerson staff have received training. We have copies of BUSD School Board Policy 5111.5, that prohibits immigration activity on campus. If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to Lilyhowell@berkeley.net, Family Engagement and Equity Coordinator for Emerson and Willard. We care about our students and families and want to support you during this challenging time. Please see the following links for resources and information for undocumented families, compiled by BUSD:

English: BUSD-Information for undocumented families

Spanish: BUSD-Información para familias indocumentadas

BUSD and Emerson continue to honor the history and achievements of Black Americans during Black History Month. As recognized through the School Board’s Resolution in Support of Black Lives Matter (2020), the first week of February is designated as Black Lives Matter Week. Emerson teachers will share books and lessons that you can access and read at home using this Black History Month BUSD Resource Guide.

We are excited that students in Grades 3-5 are participating in the Black History Oratorical Contest. This year’s theme is the Harlem Renaissance. The Emerson competition will take place during the March 7th All School Meeting. The Emerson finalist will be invited to the district competition at Oxford Elementary School on March 26th at 5:30pm. See flyer below for details.

We invite you to partner with us as we recommit to a culture of belonging and inclusion at Emerson. We are welcoming caregivers into the current Emerson Equity Circle. Meetings are held in the library on Thursday evenings throughout February and early March. This year, the series focus is academic improvement for all students. Dinner and childcare for Emerson students is provided at each session. Sign up here.

We are pleased to host author Carmen Bogan in the Emerson Library on Wednesday, February 26 at 6:00pm. She will read her book “Willis Watson Is A Wannabe”, which is about a young Black boy who is inspired by everyday heroes in his neighborhood. Light refreshments will be served. We hope you will join us.

Students will receive the second grading period report cards on Thursday, February 13th. Please check your child’s backpack and if you have any questions, please reach out to your student's teacher.

Take care,

Jana Holmes

UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

Thursday, February 6, 6-8 pm: Winter Equity Circle, session #2 (Emerson Library)

Friday, February 7, 8:30 am: February All School Meeting (Multi-purpose Room)

Thursday, February 13, 6-8 pm: Winter Equity Circle, session #3 (Emerson Library)

Friday, February 14: Lincoln's birthday (NO SCHOOL)

Monday, February 17: Presidents’ Day (NO SCHOOL)

Thursday, February 20, 6-8 pm: Winter Equity Circle, session #4 (Emerson Library)

Wednesday, February 26, 6 pm: Author event with Carmen Bogan (Emerson Library)

Thursday, February 27, 6-8 pm: Winter Equity Circle, session #5 (Emerson Library)

Thursday, March 6, 6-8 pm: Winter Equity Circle, session #6 (Emerson Library)

Friday, March 7, 8:30am: March All School Meeting & Emerson Oratorical Fest (Multi-purpose Room)

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.

FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The Berkeley Unified School District celebrates Black History Month to commemorate the histories, traditions, and important contributions of Black people to our nation.

BLACK LIVES MATTER READING LISTS

The reading lists are organized by grade level and represent recently published books that are devoted to cultivating Black joy, pride and love, and celebrating the incredible contributions and history of the Black community.

BLACK HISTORY ORATORICAL FEST

The 2025 Black History Oratorical Fest will be held at 5:30 pm on March 26 in the Oxford Elementary School Theatre (1222 University Ave., Berkeley, CA)

AUTHOR VISIT - SAVE the DAte!

PTA EQUIty CORner

WINTER EQUITY CIRCLE

Join the conversation to build a more inclusive Emerson at the PTA's annual Equity Circle this Thursday, February 6 at 6:00 pm!

Be part of a community dedicated to advancing diversity, inclusion, access, and belonging– all with the goal of improving academic success for every student.

If you’re interested in joining us for the Equity Circle, please RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/Equity-Circle-2025

In community,

Henriette & Lauren

LIBRARY CORNER

The Emerson Library has been so full of amazing books since the start of the new year!

January was Disabilities Awareness Month, and February is Black History Month! Please enjoy the reading lists for both of these months, as well as some photos below of our book displays! We've also been celebrating Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day!

PTA EVENTS

MOVIE NIGHTS AT EMERSON

TK through second grade families turned out last Friday evening for a night of popcorn and entertainment! Everyone enjoyed Finding Nemo. Thanks to organizer and PTA President Will Barton and his team of volunteers. Stay tuned for the third through fifth grade movie night announcement!

ART CORNER

SAVE THE DATE!

Family Art Night will be on the night of Friday March 21st.

It's going to be a blast– please plan on coming!

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENT

Fix It Fest

The Emerson School Community is invited to attend the annual third Fix It Fest of the year at Longfellow Middle School on February 8th from 1:00-4:00 pm.

Bring your broken electronics, appliances, toys, bikes, clothes, and more! We will provide a workspace, tools, and guidance from a volunteer repair coach to help you disassemble, troubleshoot, and hopefully fix your item.

For information on future events, to volunteer, or to pre-register an item for the first event, visit the Fix-it Fest website

FIND EMERSON ONLINE

Website: https://emersonelementary.org/

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

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emersonpta (or follow @emersonPTA)

About BearFacts News:

BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers and posted online at 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 submission deadline is each Monday at 6 p.m.

BearFacts News - 2.06.2025