BearFacts News - 05.27.21

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


MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Emerson Community,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take good care, 

Jana Holmes


Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Thursday, May 27: Racial Equity Discussion, 7pm

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

Monday, May 31: Memorial Day, NO SCHOOL

Friday, Jun 4: Last Day of School

Find more dates/details: emerson.berkeleypta.org/calendar

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


RACIAL EQUITY DISCUSSION: KEEPING OUR RACIAL EQUITY LENS LASER FOCUSED

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

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

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

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


THANK YOU FROM THE HEART OF EMERSON

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

- from the Emerson PTA


PLEASE COMPLETE: CITY OF BERKELEY SAFETY SURVEY


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


COVID-19 TESTING

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

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


COVID-19 Vaccinations

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

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


Gardening Volunteers Needed

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


NUTRITION

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

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


Book List for API Bedtime Stories

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


Find Emerson Online

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. Typically, it is distributed each Thursday in students' Look Folders and posted online at emerson.berkeleypta.org. During Distance Learning, it is only posted on the website.

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

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

Copyright © 2020. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.


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