Frequently Asked Questions:
What are school hours?
A warning bell rings at 8:08 a.m., the final bell at 8:10 a.m. After the final bell, the schoolyard gate is locked and late students must enter through the school office.
School lets out on the following schedule:
K: 1:30 (Monday-Friday)
1-3: 2:15 (Wed: 1:25)
4-5: 2:20 (Wed: 1:30)
How will we know who our child’s teacher is?
Class lists for grades 1-5 are posted in the school hallway at noon the day before school starts each year. Kindergartners spend the first three days of school rotating in groups through each kindergarten classroom, getting to know each teacher, after which permanent assignments are announced.
What about lunch?
BUSD Nutrition Services serves a healthy, low-cost lunch every school day. You can sign up online at myschoolbucks.org, or pay by check. An application for free lunch is sent home to all families at the beginning of the school year. A free breakfast is served every day to all children.
Do you offer after-school care?
Kids’ World is Emerson’s after-school learning program. It runs until 6 p.m. Monday-Friday. We also offer after-school enrichment classes such as art, Spanish, science, and chess.
How do I know what’s happening at school?
A “Look” folder is sent home every day with your child. It contains essential information from teachers, administration, and Emerson PTA, so please check it every day. Our biweekly school newsletter, Bear Facts (El Oso in Spanish) also comes home in the folder. You can receive the newsletter and other notices via email by sending a request to emersonschoolnews@gmail.com. Information is also on the website at www.emersonelementary.org.
When are report cards issued?
There are three grading periods each year, in November, February and June.
How can I contact my child’s teacher?
Teachers may be reached by email, by sending a note to school in the Look Folder, or leaving a message with the front office. Parent conferences are in November. You may also request a conference with a student’s teacher at any time during the school year.
Can my child take the bus to school?
BUSD provides bus transportation for children living further than 1.5 miles from school. Call the BUSD Office of Transportation at 644.6182 for more information.
When does state testing take place?
Testing for second to fifth graders takes place in May. Visit www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ for more detailed information.
Does the Emerson community have social events?
Every Friday morning on the schoolyard, parents can buy coffee and homemade pastries and mingle with other adults at our Friday Coffee. The PTA also sponsors a Welcome Barbecue in September, a crafts fair in December, and other potlucks and social get-togethers. Join the Emerson PTA and learn about all we have to offer!