Building Starts with Demolition

Earthmoving equipment roared, crashing loads of asphalt and roots into idling dump trucks. Our construction project began with fencing off, tearing down, and pulling out the old, in preparation for what’s to come. It’s fitting that demolition began in December just before a big rain storm.
I’m thankful that we were able to hold a 6th grade promotion and a motivational assembly under the shade of the huge pine and pepper trees. All of the students said “good bye” to the soccer field and trees, knowing that progress would provide a much better learning environment than the portable classrooms currently in use.
More trees will be planted to replace the ones that had to be removed. Sixty five apple trees, each one a different variety, will form a new orchard in the middle of the buildings. Large shade trees will be planted on the south side of the buildings as well.
While we will miss the soccer field, we will still have a baseball-sized field in the corner, The existing “upper field” will be enlarged when the “bus turn-around” is eliminated. We are also going to change a portion of the fencing in the community garden to enlarge the shaded area of the playground.
The new buildings will be beautiful. They represent the trust that the community has in us as a school to educate and care for the children. Funded by Measure B, a voter-approved property tax, the building is paid for by all of us who live in the community. The funds cannot be diverted to pay for anything else other than construction. So, “Thanks!” to you, for helping us break ground on the Emerson addition!

Smoke, Evacuation, and Firetrucks...

This morning at about 8:15 a teacher reported smoke in room 2. After checking it out we decided to activate the emergency evacuation system.

Students reported to the field safely, lining up in the way that they have practiced many times before.

When the firetrucks arrived, the parking lot was at a standstill. Some parents dropping off their children were not quite sure what to do- drop them off, take them home or wait. (Waiting would be a good option, just as long as you are not blocking the emergency lanes. Instead, park across the street and wait at the park until you hear the "all-clear" bell.)

The emergency personnel did get in and checked for the origin of the smoke. They found that a heater motor had malfunctioned, causing the motor and insulation to over-heat. Our district HVAC crew took over making repairs. The fire department left by about 8:50.

Students' whose breakfast was interrupted were allowed to go back and eat. Everyone was back to class before 9 a.m. Thanks to all who helped us evacuate as we followed our Emergency Plan.

A few people have asked if the heater problem was related to the demolition work adjacent to the classroom, but it appears to be completely unrelated.

The construction (demolition) work is under way, but the heavy equipment had to take a break while the field dries out after the weekend storm. I'll share some photos of the demolition in my next post.

Parent Workshop a Magical Success

Over 185 Emerson parents and students joined together on December 10 for Emerson's first-ever Parent Language Arts Workshop. The students were mesmerized by The Great Raguzi; I was impressed by our PTA President, Sandy Ramirez, putting on a great spaghetti dinner; the parents were all thrilled with the new things they learned in the parent language arts workshops.

Teachers presented a variety of topics in language arts designed to support parents with difficult language issues. Some classes included make-and-take lessons with language learning games that could be played at home. Others included information on the Sound Spelling Cards and how parents can use spelling patterns as well as sounds to help their children become better readers. In fourth grade, Mr. Butler taught about such issues as how parents can help improve their child's reading fluency.

The children were enthralled with the magic show. As many of you know, The Great Raguzi has two children and two grandchildren at Emerson. It was exciting for his kids (as well as other Emerson students) to be called to the stage to help out with the illusions.

While there were many amazing things that occurred, perhaps the most miraculous was the selected recipient of the raffled computer. I went back to my office with a bowl filled with raffle tickets. I asked our night custodian, John Caballero, to help me draw a name, and he randomly drew the name of none other than Sandy Ramirez, our PTA President. I looked at him and he looked at me. We both shrugged our shoulders and realized that it really was a night of magic. I didn't feel quite as guilty loading up the dirty roasting pans in the back of her car...along with her new computer!