Star News

This week, Monday 2/10 through Friday 2/14, is Attendance Spirit Week. As we see an increase of student absences the Friday before a week off from school, we're hoping that this encourages students and families to want to be at school and therefore, improve attendance and learning experiences.

Monday: Hat Day

Tuesday: Inside Out and Backwards Day

Wednesday: Role Model/Career Day

Thursday: Formal Day (Dress to Impress)

Friday: Star Colors Day (each grade has a specific color to wear) and we will be taking a special picture as a school.

Pre/TK/K:Blue

1:Red

2:Green

3:Yellow

4:Purple

5:White

If students come to school everyday/all 5 days next week, they will have an incentive/prize at the end of the day on Friday. On Monday, students will each receive a 5-day grid where teachers will help mark off each day they come to school. Even if students are tardy, they will still receive the point for that day. Their grid should stay at school on their desk/on top of their name tag so that the paper doesn't get lost. They MUST be present for all 5 days.

The actual themed spirit dress up does not affect the attendance grid. This is just a way to make the week fun and encourage students to want to participate and come to school for silly fun. Students do not need to dress up to receive credit for that day- their presence is what counts.

"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

Save the date! Heritage Night will be on Thursday, March 19th 6:15 - 8:00pm in the Ruby Bridges MPR. This is a beloved Ruby Bridges tradition that celebrates our beautifully diverse community. Heritage Night is a pot-luck feast! To participate please bring a food dish from your culture, and come prepared to eat delicious food that others have brought to share. Families and students are encouraged to wear clothing that represents their heritage. If you signed up to volunteer at this event you will be receiving an e-mail soon. Special thanks to Ms. Noor, Stephanie C., Carmen S., and Lynette T. for serving on the planning committee.

"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.

Hello Families,

With Valentine's Day approaching and associated classroom celebrations, I'd like to remind you that we have NUT FREE classrooms. Please consider this when sending items for school celebrations. Also, all donated items must be store purchased and packaged. Please consider items like pencils, stickers, and erasers as alternatives to ensure all of our Stars can be included.

What is it?

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

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:

https://vimeo.com/user33351924/review/362655560/25597cfbfe

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

March 11th-13th- Report card conferences- Minimum days

March 19th- Heritage Night @ 6:15 p.m.

March 20th- PTA Family Cafe- Room 301

March 25th-27th- Fifth grade Science Camp

March 30-April 3rd- Spring Break, No School

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

Email: Dpharr@alamedaunified.org
Website: https://rubybridges-alamedausd-ca.schoolloop.com
Phone: 510-748-4006
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RubyBridgesElementary
Twitter: @RB_Stars