The STAR
September 15, 2020
Routines, Routines, Routines
We are just about 5 weeks into our school year and WOW, our Stars are showing up in virtual class demonstrating responsibility and respect. Seeing their excited faces on Zoom reminds me of the joy that the school season brings. While things are certainly different this year, student excitement around learning should not be different. We want our Stars to feel welcome, safe, and a part of their own learning journey, even virtually. We also want to support parents in our partnership as it has truly been a shift for you and your household as well.
As mentioned in the title, routines will be important in this virtual learning moment. Families should discuss and plan a routine and stick to it, including a time for going to bed and getting up in the morning, personal hygiene, breakfast and other meals, and so on. In an effort to mirror school and set the tone for learning, the following suggestions should help:
Make space for learning- Your children will achieve their best work in a quiet, comfortable, and dedicated space that is strictly devoted to learning. This space should be a different set-up than where they normally play games or watch television.
Maintain breaks like snack and recess-Around break/lunch time, encourage them to get up, get some fresh air, go for a walk or bike ride, or have a snack so that they are not sedentary for the entire day.
Keep in touch with other parents-Each parent that has a child home is going to be going through a new experience. Check in with other parents to see what they’ve found effective, and ask if they need help as well.
Don't treat this time as vacation time-This time at home might feel like a vacation for your child, but it’s important to remind them that their education still comes first.
Schedule time for fun-While this is most certainly not a vacation, it’s important to have some fun with your children while they are at home- family card games, charades, or chess, or getting outside for a hike or walk together.
Keep a schedule/routine- A schedule, for your work and your child’s work, is extremely important. Having a clear vision of what is expected of your child will help them see that just because they are home does not mean they don’t have work to do. Experts recommend helping them prioritize and learn to create goals, tasks, and deadlines, just like adults do when they go to work.
www.the ladders.com
20/21 Theme: Being our Best selves- Being the Best we can be!
Principal Pharr-Matthews
Back to School Business
Attendance- Daily attendance is mandatory. Students are expected to log in to a daily Zoom session where attendance will be counted. If you experience any trouble logging in, please email your teacher. If your student will be absent for the day, make sure to notify the attendance line by emailing Ms. Jones at sjones@alamedaunified.org.
Schedules- Our school day begins at 8:30 a.m. daily. Students should be dressed, in a suitable learning environment, and ready to learn. For the first four weeks of school, an Equitable Start schedule has been shared. Following this four-week period, schedules and class assignment may be adjusted. Teachers will share final schedules following the Equitable Start.
Technology- If you are in need of a device or tech support please contact our Vice Principal, Ms. Kim, at jinkim@alamedaunified.org.
School supports and resources-Please contact Ms. Schmid, our Parent Liaison at jschmid@alamedaunified.org.
Afterschool enrichment- Camp EDMO director, Ms. Ortiz at hortiz@amaledaunified.org.
School business and site enrollment questions- Office Manager, Ms. Machrus, gmachrus@alamedunified.org
Parent Square-parentsquarehelp@alamedaunified.org
Hispanic/Latin X Heritage Month
National Hispanic (Latinx) Heritage Month is from September 15 to October 15. It is a time when the history, culture, and contributions of Americans with Hispanic background are celebrated.
What does Hispanic (Latinx) mean? Hispanic describes Americans whose families come from Spain, Mexico, and Spanish speaking countries in the Caribbean and Central and South America.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, communities have festivals, special events, and activities to celebrate Hispanic people and their important influence on American culture and history.
Ruby Bridges School Site Council- Informational Meeting
The School Site Council (SSC) is an group of teachers, parents, classified employees, and students who work with the principal to develop, review, and evaluate funds for school improvement programs.The SSC helps guide decisions about how state categorical funds will be spent.
Please join us at our upcoming informational session:
Who: Ruby Bridges Parents/Guardians
When:Monday, September 21, 2020 from 4-5 pm
Where: Via Zoom - Link to be emailed on 9/20/20
What: Learn about SSC at RB and how you can get involved.
We are seeking new SSC officers and participants for 20/21. Please email me with questions at: dpharr@alamedaunified.org
September Lifeskill- Cooperation
Cooperation: to work together as a team to complete a task
Students who are cooperating with each other:
- listen to each other without interrupting
- encourage everyone to join in
- discuss problems calmly
- show respect for each other
- take responsibility for their part of the task
- are willing to work towards the success of the group rather than their own individual success
Toolbox
This months Toolbox tools are:
The Breathing Tool- I calm myself and check in.
The Quiet Safe Place Tool- I check in with my inner self.
4 Bs
Upcoming Events
9/21- SSC Informational Session- Link to be shared 9/20/20 via Parent Square
10/2- Virtual Awards Ceremony
10/12-10/14- Supplies and materials distribution
Thank you to our Community Partners
- Alameda Education Fund: Thank you for the GENEROUS donation of backpacks and supplies. Over 400 students were the recipients of these gifts.
- Local Book Clubs- Donation of books for our Kindergarteners- Parker Looks Up
- Children Rising- Donation of food vouchers/coupons
- Community-Donations of PPE
- All Good Living- Ongoing partnership and donation of items
- RB PTA- Ongoing support for all Stars
The list goes on and on! Thank you for supporting Ruby Stars!
Ruby Bridges Elementary School- Home of the Stars!
Email: dpharr@alamedaunified.org
Website: https://rubybridges-alamedausd-ca.schoolloop.com/
Location: 351 Jack London Avenue, Alameda, CA, USA
Phone: 510-748-4006
Twitter: @RBStars