The STAR
Weeks of January 4-18th
“At Ruby Bridges we are committed to every student’s potential by teaching to the whole child and holding high expectations.”
Happy New Year, 2021!
Welcome to 2021! Take a moment to inhale and exhale aware that we are in the midst of a marathon and a race. A marathon because we are we have many laps to go together and our endurance continues to be important. We are in a race because time is no friend to inequity. Many of our families and students are in crisis, seeking adequate resources and prioritizing many things beyond learning during this pandemic.
As we round the corner of this next lap, please take some time to appreciate yourself for all of the successes you have navigated and for all of the challenges you have embraced. Also know that we are here to support our families as best as we can. Thank you for having your children show up each day; our teacher-to-student relationships, student-to-student relationships, student-to-school relationships, and ATTENDANCE to learn are crucial for the success of our Stars.
Thank you for your ongoing support and efforts to support our Stars learning from home. Don't hesitate to contact us with questions, concerns, or needs.
Parent Liaison (assistance for parents)-jschmid@alamedaunified.org
Attendance clerk-sjones@alamedaunified.org
Social Emotional Learning needs and County Resources- bcooper@alamedaunified.org
Office manager: gmachrus@alamedaunifed.org
Technology Support/needs: jinkim@alamedaunified.org (Vice Principal)
Administration: dpharr@alamedaunified.org (Principal)
In partnership and looking forward to great things in 2021,
Principal Pharr-Matthews
Spirit Day- This Friday- Movie Star/TV Star Day!
This Friday is Movie and TV Star Day! Find your fun and dress up like your favorite Movie or TV Star! Spirit Day is the first Friday of every month. Let's show some school spirit. Find your sunglasses, baseball cap, jersey, t-shirt, wig, moustache, Movie Star or TV voice, cape, hat, or whatever you have, including your Star smile! Don't forget to bring the 4Be's.
Read-a-Thon SUCCESS
Students enjoyed the virtual celebration, the raffle prizes, and especially the eating challenge, where they egged on Ms. Kim and I to indulge in eating weird, gross, and downright crunchy items. As we shared, we'll do ALMOST anything for our Stars.... Thank you for reading and continue to do so. Looking forward to our next round of fun? Any ideas?
Kindness Week
TK/Kinder Information Nights
Come and learn about TK/Kindergarten at
Ruby Bridges
Transitional Kindergarten Parent Information Night
January 13, 2021 6:30 pm
For students who turn 5, with birthdates between September 2, 2016 and December 2, 2016 (Zoom link forthcoming)Kindergarten Parent Information Night
January 14, 2021 6:30 pm
Zoom link: https://alamedaunified.zoom.us/j/84783472007?pwd=U3BRaVVoczE2OEtsUGNDRzlDVUo2QT09
Meeting ID: 847 8347 2007 Passcode: 212351
TK/K Pre enrollment appts. begin
December Awards- This Friday!
January Life Skill- Optimism
This month we are learning about Optimism.
Toolbox for January
Throughout January we will focus on the following Toolbox Tools. Our tools help us deal with our feelings and emotions in manageable ways. Ask our stars about the tools.
Personal Space-I have a right to my space and so do you.
Using our Words- I use the right words in the right way.
Garbage Can-I let the little things go.
4 Be's
Notes from the Health Assistant
3 Ways to Stay Healthy for the Holidays
· Fend off Germs
· Dehydrate
· Exercise
Germs: Family gathering, airports & travel stops, shopping malls, and even libraries. They’re all places germs like to mingle. So protect yourself. Get a flu vaccine, wash hands A LOT. People can be contagious before they know they’re sick. Even just a sip from someone’s drink puts his or her germs in your body.
Dehydrate: Drink lots of water, less soda & or juices.
Dehydration can be the first sign of being thirsty. A person gets water by drinking & eating. You lose water when you sweat, urinate (pee), have diarrhea or throw up. You can even lose a little water when you breathe.
Exercise: Yoga, sports, running or even having a daily stretch.
Zoom Safety
- Please don’t interrupt your child unless s/he needs some help during class.
- Please be aware that loud background noise - such as music, appliances, conversations or arguments - can be distracting not only to your own child but to the teacher and other students in the class.
- Please watch your language! Please remember that the camera picks up what’s happening in the room where your child is working. As such, we ask that:
- You be fully clothed while your child is online.
- You avoid distracting behavior, such as dancing, cleaning, exercising, or eating.
- Please do not try to lead or teach in breakout rooms unless you have gone through our volunteer vetting process and are working directly with the teacher to support the class.
- If possible, please try to find a space where your child can work away from distractions and interruptions and possibly where the camera faces a wall.
Alameda Free Library
Every Ruby Bridges student is entitled to a free library card with the Alameda free library. In addition to easy check outs, the library offers a wealth of services including free homework tutoring, online check-outs, grab and go bags, stories online, and book talks. Please contact your child's teacher to ensure they can access a card or contact Alameda Free Library at https://www.alamedafree.org/PROGRAMS-SERVICES/Childrens-Services .
Thank you PTA for supporting this ongoing partnership. Students may also use Soar, in the Clever account, to access the library's catalogs of online books for free. Students will need to select Alameda Unified School District as the school when logging in through Clever.
Mark Your Calendar
1/4/21- Return to school
1/8/21- Spirit Day- Movie Star/ TV Star Day
1/8/21- Monthly Awards Presentation (December)
1/11/21-SSC Meeting, 4 pm- link to be shared via Parent Square
1/13/21-TK Info Night 6:30 pm
1/14/21-Kinder Info Night 6:30 pm
1/18/21 MLK Holiday-No School
1/25-1/29- Kindness week
2/6- PTA membership meeting 6pm
2/2021-Winter Craft Night
2/2021-Cultural Voices Celebration
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