Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year and to our Emerson Elementary monthly newsletter! This bulletin is a vibrant reflection of the wonderful things happening throughout our school community. Each month, we will share important updates, upcoming events, celebrations, and highlights that keep our families connected and informed.
We are excited to announce our theme for the 2026–2027 school year: Back to the Future: We are Rooted in Our Past, Driven by Our Future, and standing tall Together as a Community!
As we look ahead, we are proud of Emerson’s rich history and the traditions that have helped shape our school community. At the same time, we are excited to embrace new opportunities, innovative ideas, and meaningful partnerships that will help our students thrive.
We continue to see exciting growth and improvements at Emerson. Our Guiding Coalition and teacher leaders are working together to strengthen our school community, expand educational supports and resources, and maximize the opportunities made possible through our Community Schools Grant.
Together, we are creating a school where every student feels supported, every family feels connected, and every member of our community has the opportunity to thrive.
We are rooted in our past, driven by our future, and moving forward together—one Bulldog at a time!
With Kindness,
Mrs. Vanessa Arevalo, Principal
Read Mrs. Arevalo's welcome letter:
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A heartfelt thank you to all of our amazing parents and PTA members who generously donated items and volunteered their time to help make our First Day of School Kickoff such a wonderful celebration! Your generosity, support, and commitment helped us create a warm and exciting welcome for our students, families, and staff as we began the 2026–2027 school year.
We are so grateful for the donations, time, and energy that went into making this special day possible. It truly takes a village, and we are thankful to have such an incredible school community. Thank you for helping us kick off the school year with Bulldog pride and enthusiasm!
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We were honored to welcome Superintendent Anita Chu to Emerson Elementary on the first day of school! Her visit was a wonderful way to begin the 2026–2027 school year and demonstrated her continued commitment to our students, staff, and school community.
We are incredibly grateful for Superintendent Chu’s support, leadership, and dedication to student achievement. Her presence on the first day brought encouragement and excitement as we welcomed our Bulldogs back to campus and began another year of learning and growth.
Thank you, Superintendent Chu, for taking the time to celebrate this special day with us and for your continued partnership in helping Emerson students learn, grow, and thrive!
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For a third year in a row Emerson Elem. has been awards the Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) award.
In 2024 our team started the process and won the Bronze Level. In 2025 our team worked on achieving Silver.
This last school year we worked on our PBIS efforts to make school a safe and welcoming place for all students. We also have policies and procedures in place for our positive behavior efforts.
We have been recognized by California PBIS as a GOLD award winner.
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Students is grades TK-3rd grade attended a presentation, guide by Mrs. Arevalo. Students talked about expectations in and around school. We focused on giving our students the knowledge to succeed n all areas of the campus |
Upper grade students were guides on a walk around campus. They visited pivotal stations around campus where behaviors tend to escalate. Students were asked questions and earned BARK Bucks for their knowledge of school expectations. |
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Check out the time blocks! |
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Be prepared for BACK TO SCHOOL Night. |
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We are looking for 2 parents and
1 community member to serve on our
Community Schools Collaborative team.
The Community Schools Collaborative team
determines how our grant money is spent.
The term is from October 2026 to June 2027.
We meet every other month.
If you are interested in running for a position, or if you have questions, please contact Ms. Calderon at acalderon@gesd.us
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Our first Coffee with the Principal will be on Friday September 11, 2026.
We will cover the following topics:
- Parent Involvement
- Recruitment for ELAC and School Site Council
- Title 1: Annual Informational Meeting
- ,Parent Square reminders and support from the district if you have not signed up yet.
- Setting the stage for the year.
We hope to see you there!
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Our PTA Membership Drive is coming soon, and we would love for every Emerson family to be part of our PTA community!
When you join PTA, you are doing more than becoming a member—you are investing in our students and our school. PTA helps support exciting opportunities and experiences for our Bulldogs, including school events, student activities, enrichment opportunities, celebrations, and special projects that make Emerson a place where students feel connected and proud to belong.
Your membership makes a difference! Whether you have time to volunteer or simply want to show your support, every membership counts. You don’t have to attend every meeting or volunteer at every event. Joining PTA is one simple way to let our students know that their families believe in them and support their school.
One school. One community. One Bulldog family.
Be on the lookout for more information about how you can join our PTA and help us make the 2026–2027 school year our best one yet!
Together, we support, and we make a difference!
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As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, we encourage all families to check out our school calendar on the Emerson Elementary website and start planning for the year! From school events and celebrations to important dates and activities, the calendar is a great way to stay informed and make sure you don’t miss out.
📌 Please note: Dates are subject to change, so be sure to check back regularly for updates.
Stay connected with Emerson through ParentSquare, our school website, and Instagram. These are great ways to receive important announcements, reminders, and updates throughout the school year.
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Have you checked out our new Emerson Elementary webpage?
Visit us online to find important school information, upcoming events, the school calendar, announcements, resources, and helpful information for families—all in one place!
Our website is a great way to stay informed, connected, and up to date throughout the school year. Be sure to check back often for new updates and information.
Stay connected. Stay informed. Go Bulldogs!
Link to our website:
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Regular school attendance is one of the most important factors in your child’s success. Each day of learning builds on the day before, and when students are present, they grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Please help us by ensuring your child arrives on time and attends school every day, unless they are ill. Together, we can support our Bulldogs in reaching their full potential!
September is Attendance Awareness Month! Each month we will celebrate student attendance during our Monday Morning Kick-Off. In addition, classrooms will have the chance to win a traveling Attendance Trophy for having the highest percentage of attendance.
Whenever your child is absent, please contact the office to report the reason.
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Wednesdays are early dismissal days at Emerson!
Students are dismissed at 1:35 p.m.
We ask all families to please plan ahead and arrive on time for pick-up. Being on time helps students transition home safely and keeps dismissal running smoothly for everyone.
Please make arrangements in advance and allow extra time for traffic and parking.
Reminder there is no pick up or drop off in our staff parking lot!
Your prompt arrival helps us ensure that every Bulldog gets home safely and efficiently. Thank you for your continued partnership and support!
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Does your child need access to a device at home? Take-home laptop applications are now available!
Students who do not have reliable access to a laptop or tablet at home may qualify to receive a laptop to use at home for schoolwork and learning.
📌 Please note: Quantities are limited, and laptops will be distributed based on eligibility and availability. Families interested in receiving a device are encouraged to complete and apply as soon as possible. You may pick one up from Emerson’s Main Office
Providing students with access to technology helps ensure they have the tools they need to complete assignments, practice skills, and continue learning beyond the classroom.
Apply today and help your Bulldog stay connected and ready to learn!
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Our Emerson volunteers make a difference! Whether you are helping in the classroom, supporting a school event, or assisting with one of our many activities, your time and support help make Emerson a stronger school community.
We welcome parents and community members who want to get involved. To ensure the safety and well-being of all our students, all volunteers must follow the procedures and expectations outlined in our Volunteer Handbook.
📌 New this year: All Emerson volunteers must be Mandated Reporters and complete the required training before volunteering on campus. Link to a free online mandated training on the State of California website: https://mandatedreportertraining.com/california/
** Please note there is a FEE for your certificate.
Thank you for partnering with us and helping create a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for every Bulldog!
Your time matters. Your support matters. Our students matter!
Links to our Volunteer Handbooks: https://emerson.garvey.k12.ca.us/volunteer-opportunities
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Celebrate weekly spirit days this year.
Wednesday is Woodcraft Wednesday. All Woodcrafters are encouraged to wear their Woodcraft tee. Wear yours from years past or from summer camp.
Thursday is College Tee Shirt day! Pre-order you grade level college tee shirt. Last day to order will be on September 14th. Turn in your cash and order from to your child’s teacher or the front office. ASAP! Orders will be submitted for a 6-8 week turn around. In the meantime- wear your favorite college tee.
Friday is Emerson Spirit day! We encourage our students to wear Emerson gear every day, but on Friday’s we wear our RED spirit gear and Emerson gear. Show your pride by wearing your school colors!
Monthly Spirit days and events will be sent out via parent square and posted on Instagram. Check it out!
Next week will be Friendship Spirt Week!
More details on our website: https://emerson.garvey.k12.ca.us/weekly-spirit-days
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We love celebrating our student’ achievement at school. We know that birthdays are an important part of growing and developing new friendships.
We encourage all families, who would like to celebrate their child’s special day to consider bringing in goodie bags for each student in the classroom filled with stickers, erasers, pencils, squishy stress balls, and other items that cannot be eaten. We do have a lot of students who may have allergies. To help avoid any allergic reactions, we ask that the celebration/ gift not have any food attached to the day. Please follow the new guidelines from the district.
Always communicate with your child's teacher prior to brining in goodies.
Thank you for your help!
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If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links below:
- Main Office & Attendance 626-307-3333
- Mrs. Arevalo' s email: varevalo@gesd.us
- School Website: https://emerson.garvey.k12.ca.us/
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