Star News
Ruby Bridges Elementary- Where the STARS come to shine!
Life Skill Focus for February: Forgiveness
"Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning."
-Desmond Tutu
Forgiveness for Kids
"The act of sincerely forgiving someone is a powerful choice that demonstrates self-love and empathy for others. It allows the person who chooses to forgive, the opportunity to release negative energy and not become overwhelmed by anger. The ability to manage emotions in a productive way doesn’t come easy for most. The act of forgiveness is an important skill that needs to be learned and regularly put into practice."
- Recognize and support – Acknowledge instances that leave your child feeling angry. Don’t discredit your child’s feelings, kid’s need validation just like adults. Sometimes just the fact that you showed support and allowed your child to own their feelings can be enough to put the youngster at ease.
- Let go of stress – Let your child release the feelings of frustration. There is nothing wrong with feeling angry. The buildup of such negative emotions will create stress for the child. When a difficult scene arises, shift your kid away to a place where the child can vent. Several minutes of screaming, stomping or pounding on something soft will release the bad energy and help restore calm.
- Have a dialogue – When your child has regained composure, encourage a simple discussion with the person involved in the conflict. Teach them to speak their minds and stand up for themselves. Try to come up with forgiveness games for children as a way to lighten the mood.
- Inspire empathy – Analyze and explain the situation in a way that allows your child to consider the other person’s feelings. Encourage activities to teach forgiveness and caring for others.
- Say “I forgive you” aloud – Saying the words out loud will help rid the child of some negative feelings and help move the healing process forward. The goal is for the child to realize that relationships are important and that we all make mistakes. Forgiveness for kids can be learned and will become a rewarding habit.
https://www.kidsu.ca/teaching-kids-about-forgiveness/
What example of FORGIVENESS is in the video below?
Toolbox: Please and Thank You Tool- I treat others with kindness and appreciation.
Taking Time Tool-I take time-in and time-away.
Black History Month
"Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of blacks in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history."
Please plan to join the Ruby Stars in celebration of Black History Month! Continuing this month and throughout the year, students will learn about the many cultures that make us fantastically diverse.
Also, mark your calendars for the 11th Annual Ruby Bridges Cultural Voices Assembly on February 26, 2020 at 8:45 a.m. Students have been working hard on presentations in tribute to African Americans and their many contributions to the United States and the world.
Read more at:
https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month
https://www.readingrockets.org/calendar/blackhistory
https://www.familyeducation.com/entertainment-activities/black-history-month
Year of the Rat- Lunar New Year Jan.25 - Feb.8th
RAT CHILD (2008, 2020)
Personality traits
- Clever
- Charming
- Generous to loved ones
- Stubborn
Compatibility with other family members
HIGHEST: Ox, Dragon, Monkey
LOWEST: Horse, Rooster
Parenting the Rat child
DO: Kick back and enjoy reasonably relaxed parenting, as Rat children are most likely to be forgiving of your parental transgressions, and also most likely to look after you in old age.
DO NOT: Throw out their toys and other belongings without their permission. They are quite protective of their possessions.
DO: Gently discourage their tendency to make mountains out of molehills.
Ruby Bridges PTA Invites YOU!
All Ruby Bridges Families are invited to attend the upcoming PTA meeting and STEAM presentation by Ruby Bridges teacher Ms. Cline.
When: Tuesday, February 4th at 6:15pm
Where: Ruby Bridges Media Center (school library)
Did you know that Ruby Bridges is the only STEAM school in Alameda? Come to the PTA meeting to learn how the STEAM program works and impacts your student’s education.
Other topics will also be discussed at the meeting, including: the PTA budget, the future of the PTA at Ruby Bridges, and the election process for next year’s PTA board.
All are welcome! (Including students and siblings.) Pizza and light refreshments will be provided.
Ruby Spirit Wear
Apparel and Accessories are now on sale ONLINE! Show your school spirit by sporting gear featuring the Ruby Bridges All Star design and the NEW Ruby Bridges School Scape Design.
To order visit: https://aglschoolspirit.com/collections/ruby-bridges
If you need assistance with ordering, please email Johanna Schmid, RBE Family Liaison at jschmid@alamedaunified.org
Please note: All orders are printed on-demand, sizes cannot be exchanged once garment has been completed. Orders take 5-7 business days to complete.
Thank you Mrs. Cline for coordinating.
ELPAC Testing- February 2020
The ELPAC is the test that is used to measure how well students in kindergarten (K) through grade twelve understand English when it is not their primary language. Information from the ELPAC helps your child’s teacher provide support in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Who will be administered the ELPAC?
The Summative ELPAC is given to students who are identified as English learners.
When will it be administered for 2019/20?
February 2020- May 2020
How can I prepare my child?
- Read to your child, or have your child read to you, on a regular basis.
- Use pictures and ask your child to tell you what they see in the picture or what is happening in the picture.
- Provide your child with opportunities to use language outside of school.
- Talk with your child’s teacher about your child’s listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills to help support your child’s progress.
- Use the practice tests available at this link: https://www.elpac.org/
Who can I contact with questions?
Please contact your child's teacher or our VP, Ms. Kim, with questions. She can be contacted at: jinkim@alamedaunified.org
More information about the ELPAC can also be found on the California Department of Education ELPAC web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/documents/elpacpgtu.pdf
CAASPP scores- State Testing Results
Parent/Caregiver information on CAASP Scores:
Parents and caregivers are likely receiving communications from Educational Testing Service to deliver videos explaining students CAASPP reports. Parents have reached out wondering what these are and if they are spam. They are not spam. They are helpful in understanding the reports. Please be sure to let your families know that these are helpful videos that can help them to better understand their children’s CAASP scores.
CAASPP Samples:
English: https://prod.spotlight-education.com/v-Keh45mPXRPLw.mp4
Tagalog: https://prod.spotlight-education.com/v-KRHJp4PegPzy.mp4
Hmong: https://prod.spotlight-education.com/v-KRHJd5qTcXBb.mp4
Spanish: https://prod.spotlight-education.com/v-KRHI8I2YdF5m.mp4
Vietnamese: https://prod.spotlight-education.com/v-KRHJuigqDCNU.mp4
Chinese: https://prod.spotlight-education.com/p-KRYksbFluNhK
ALL LANGUAGES IN ONE VIDEO:
Feb.3rd- PTA Board Meeting 6:15 p.m.- Media Center
Feb.4th- Spring Picture Day
Feb.4th- PTA General Meeting 6:15 p.m.- Media Center
Feb.7th- MINIMUM Day- 12:30 dismissal (1st-5th)
Feb.7th- Spirit Day- Twin Day
Feb.14th- PTA 8:20 Family Cafe /- Room 301
Feb.14th-EDMO Closed for PD Feb.15th - PTA Sat. Play Date
Feb 17th-21st – No School- President’s Week
Feb.24th- Mar. 6th- 2020 Golden Sneaker Contest
Feb.24th- Faculty Meeting 3:15-Media Center
Feb.25th - SSC meeting- Media Center- 3:15-4:30 p.m.
Feb.26th -11th Annual Ruby Bridges Cultural Voices Assembly- 8:45 a.m.
Feb.27th - 9 AM Lockdown Drill
Feb.28th - End of Trimester
Ruby Stars show the 4 Bs- Be safe, be responsible, be respectful, be a friend!
Ruby Bridges students, faculty, and families believe all students can be STARS by following the 4Bs ! Following the AUSD Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) system, we strive to Be: Safe, Responsible, Respectful, and a Friend to All. These expectations are taught, modeled, learned, and practiced at Ruby Bridges.
School-wide PBIS focus areas and behavior expectations:
Arrival and Dismissal- walking to and from safely
Cafeteria/respect property- remain seated; clean behind self
Basic behavior- indoor voices, following the 4 Bs, waiting calmly
Courtyard/line- 3 point touch following recess; walk calmly to line
Acknowledgements for following the 4 Bs:
Star Cards and lunchtime drawings
Positive acknowledgement
Shout outs during morning announcements
Classroom incentives
Assemblies
Nut Free Classrooms
Toolbox Tools
This month we are reviewing the first four tools: breathing tool, listening tool, empathy tool, safe, quiet place tool.
Please ask students about the tools.
Visit our Twitter page: @RB_Stars
How to reach the Stars:
Email: Dpharr@alamedaunified.org
Website: https://rubybridges-alamedausd-ca.schoolloop.com
Phone: 510-748-4006
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RubyBridgesElementary
Twitter: @RB_Stars