Emerson School News 01.23.20

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BearFacts News
January 23, 2020

Message from the Principal

Dear Emerson Community,

There are so many things to appreciate about our community. One aspect that I truly enjoy is the diversity we celebrate on our campus. For example, there are at least 10 identified languages spoken by Emerson families. We enjoy many different cultural perspectives, including celebrations, food, and practices. This weekend marks the Lunar New Year, which is celebrated in many Asian families. This holiday may be observed in various ways in countries such as China, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia and others. If you would like to learn more about the Lunar New Year and how it is celebrated, you can visit this link: https://www.sbs.com.au/radio/explainer/how-do-different-countries-celebrate-lunar-new-year

It is encouraging to find so many Emerson parents who are dedicated to ensuring their children attend a school that promotes inclusion and respect. During the first half of the year, I had the privilege of attending the Emerson Equity Study Circle with the amazing Ms. Pamela Harrison-Small. Each week a group of teachers and parents met to increase our cultural competency. We engaged in authentic conversations, which resulted in the removal of barriers. In turn, a stronger community was fostered for all our students. If you are interested in joining this dynamic group, the Spring Kick-Off session is Saturday, February 22nd, from 9am- 1:00 pm. The group will then continue to meet for five Tuesday evening sessions, from 6:00- 8:00 pm. Excellent child care is provided by Mr. John and delicious food is served. This event is sponsored by the PTA and free of charge to you. I encourage you to consider joining. You can pick up a flyer in the office or find more information at bit.ly/equitycircle.

We hope you will join us this Friday at 5 pm for the Winter Enrichment Class performances. It will be an exciting evening showcasing the students’ talents. The Spring Enrichment classes will open up for registration on the evening of January 24. Big thanks for our PTA Enrichment team for working so hard to coordinate afterschool enrichment activities for the students.

Have a great week and thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Jana Holmes

Upcoming Events & Key Dates

•    Tues, Jan 21- Mon, Feb 3: Enrichment class make-up classes
•   Fri, Jan 24: Free Coffee & Baked Goods on the Yard, 8am
•   Fri, Jan 24: Winter Enrichment Performance, 5pm Cafetorium
•   Fri, Jan 24 – Fri, Jan 31: Registration for Spring Enrichment classes
•   Mon, Jan 27: NO SCHOOL (Staff Development Day)
•   Fri, Feb 7: Free Coffee & Baked Goods on the Yard, 8am and All School Meeting, 8:30am
•   Fri, Feb 7: Payment Deadline Enrichment classes
•   Sat, Feb 8: Pancake Breakfast, 8:30am-10:30am at Emerson
•   Fri, Feb 14: NO SCHOOL (Lincoln’s birthday)
•   Mon, Feb 17: NO SCHOOL (Presidents’ day)
•   Wed, Feb 19: School Site Council, 5:30pm
•   Mon, Feb 24: Spring Enrichment classes begin

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

Fall Enrichment Classes

Join us for the Winter Enrichment Performance
Fri, Jan. 24 at 5pm in the Cafetorium

There will be Music & Dance and a Choir performance. There will also be a pop-up art gallery. Light snacks will be served.

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Registration for Spring Enrichment classes begins this week: on Friday 1/24 at 9am. Brochures will be in your student's Look folder.

Register at enrich.hero.net.
Registration is open from 1/24 at 9am until 1/31 at 5pm.

Fall Enrichment classes have ended but here is the make up class schedule:

Capoeira: Monday 2/3
Coding: Wed. 1/22 & 1/29,
Fiber Arts: Thurs. 1/23 & 1/30
Music & Dance: Friday 1/24
2D Art: Friday 1/24
Cooking: Wed. 1/23 & Thurs. 1/24.

Questions? emersonenrichment@gmail.com

Small Donations wanted for CBG "Treasures"

Mrs. Holmes is starting a new incentive for students earning Caught Being Good (CBG) tickets at school. Each week students will be entered into a CBG drawing. Mrs. Holmes will draw names and those students will be called to the office to choose a small “treasure." Any small donations are welcome. Please drop off donations with Ms. Gaby in the front office. Thank you!

Tuesday March 3, 2020 Election:
Measures for Berkeley Public Schools on the Ballot

Full text of the ballot measures available at:
https://www.berkeleyschools.net/march-2020-ballot/

Measure E - To increase our teacher and staff pay so we are no longer one of the lowest paid districts in the East Bay.
Measure H- To renew the property owner tax that funds school maintenance.
Measure G - To continue the bond program the school district uses to borrow money to fund school construction projects.

Deadline to Register to Vote is Feb. 18: forms available at public libraries, post offices, DMV and online: https://registertovote.ca.gov/
Use same website for address changes.

Vote Tuesday, March 3. Polls open 7 am to 8 pm.

Second Saturdays at BAMPFA – Free Events on February 8

Bite-Sized Universe of Color, Texture and Form
For ages 6-12 with accompanying adult(s); 11:30am or 1:00pm

Ron Nagle's unique small sculptures begin as drawing exploring color, texture and form as they assume their three-dimensional shape. After a tour of his exhibition, artist Jennie Smith will guide you in using gouache, pen, and a variety of tours to create surface texture as you make a painting inspired by Nagle's vibrant and fascinating art.

Roundtable Reading: One-Third Nerd by Gennifer Choldenko
Reading led by Jessica Lee, District Library Coordinator, BUSD
For ages 8 and up. Younger kids welcome as listeners Starts at 3:00pm & take home a copy to finish reading at home.

Liam lives in the Bay Area with his mom and two younger sisters: Dakota, who is fascinated by science and has a big personality but struggles to make friends, and Izzy, a child with Down syndrome, who makes friends easily. Dad lives across town, but he’s over a lot. And then there’s Cupcake, their loveable German shepherd, who lately has a problem—she’s peeing in the house. Can the kids make enough money to take her to the vet before their landlord finds out and makes them get rid of her?

UC Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) is located at 2155 Center St. in Berkeley.

Have You Donated to The Emerson Annual Fund Yet? Remember: No Spring Auction, So We Need Your Support!

Make your tax-deductible donation now to support our school. Donate online, or put a check (made payable to “Emerson PTA”) in the red Heart of Emerson mailbox outside the front office. Questions? Learn more about the Heart of Emerson campaign.

And, if you work at an organization that does employee matching, have them match your contribution to Emerson!

Do You know any businesses that might
contribute to Emerson?

If so, please reach out to Sarah Jarvis: sarah.o.j arvis@gmail.com

Getting too many reminder texts? Or not yet signed up?

You can get school reminders via email, text, or Remind app notifications.
Click the gear icon in the upper right-hand corner when you open the Remind app to choose how you want to get school reminders. If you aren't getting the messages, sign up at: https://www.remind.com/join/7f6hb

Questions? Visit the FAQ at http://bit.ly/EmersonRemind or email scott@levitas.com

Join the PTA Today!

The Emerson Parent-Teacher Association works for a positive school experience for all Emerson students. As a member, you can vote on programming and spending decisions. Parents, guardians, extended family or friends of Emerson students are invited to join.

Please renew membership every year.

You can sign up ONLINE at emerson.berkeleypta.org/pta-membership. A donation of $10/person is suggested but NOT required.

For questions, contact eklostuvali@gmail.com.

Find Emerson Online

Website: emerson.berkeleypta.org

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

Email: Somone in your family not getting BearFacts via email? Email us to subscribe: emersonschoolnews@gmail.com

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

About BearFacts News:
BearFacts News is a weekly publication created by parent volunteers. It is distributed each Thursday in students' Look Folders and via email.

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 © 2019. Emerson Elementary PTA. All rights reserved.

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

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BearFacts News January 23, 2020

BearFacts News
January 23, 2020