Will Heavy Rains Muddy Up Opening of New Building?

The torrential rains created a muddy mess throughout the campus, especially downhill of the muddy hillside. The Tilden Coil Constructors were there cleaning up the mess and evaluating the drainage design of the new building. When the concrete work is complete, the swales, drainage basins and culverts will easily be able to handle heavy rain. But this week, we were not quite ready for it.

Shake Off Unrealistic Holiday Expectations!

How do I decide between getting Christmas gifts for the kids or sending in the car payment?  A local Mariage and Family Therapist,Mitchell Rosen, asks in his latest column in the Press Enterprise.  I don't always agree with him, but his article in today's PE he responded to a concern that I have heard many Emerson parents express lately.

He states that "We affirm our children with praise, gratitute, and stability.  It may sound trite- 'You get stability for Christmas' - except it isn't.  Of all the possible gifts, stability, values, priorities, and common sense trump Microsoft every time."

Further, he states, "Some moms and dads will ask, 'What will my kids think of me on Christmas morning when there are only cookies and gifts from the 99 cent store?' Actually, children are a lot more adaptable than we adults.  Sure they'll be disappointed...but kids take their cues from us."

As your child's principal, I wish your familiy a wonderful time together during vacation.  Don't sweat the presents.  Bake together, read, play some on-line math games together, visit relatives, and help others who have even less than you.

Do you Shop at Ralph's or Vons?

Ralph's and Vons both particiapte in the Labels for Education program.
Please register your Ralph's or Von's Card to start earning points automatically...plus when you register your card, the school earns 100 Bonus points! Start earning points now and register today!

Help Emerson earn merchandise points for sports equipment and other school supplies by collecting UPC barcodes of many Campbell's Labels for Education products, such as Goldfish crackers, soups, Prego Italian sauces, Swanson canned chicken and V8 drinks.  When you buy participating Labels for Education products and use your Rewards card, total points earned are automatically credited to Emerson.

Box Tops for Education

Box Tops help schools earn extra cash to buy the things they need. The PTA could really use your help to raise money through this easy method. Getting involved is so simple! Box Tops provides two easy ways to earn cash for our school through everyday activities: buying groceries, shopping online and making purchases with a credit card - all at no additional cost to you.

Clip the Box Tops coupons from hundreds of your favorite General Mills, Ziploc and Kimberly Clark products and send them into our schools. Each Box Top is worth 10 cents, Super box tops are worth 30 cents, and Bonus box tops can earn up to $2.00.

Start every online shopping trip at the Box Tops Marketplaces at boxtops4education.com. Shop at over 200 of your favorite stores including JC Penney and Lands' End. Our schools earns a donation of up to 8% from every qualifying purchase.

In addition, join the Box Tops for Education Booster Clubs. Your support will be rewarded with great benefits for you and your family like money-saving coupons and easy meal ideas. Best of all, it's absolutely free! School and family budgets are tighter than ever.

Please send in the Box Tops you collect until the end of the school year. We will send  in another submission at the beginning of the summer so that we get them all in by their expiration dates.

•Download a PDF file of the qualifying products

•Avery Office Products is now an official brand of Box Tops for Education! Watch for the Box Top Coupon on all Avery Office Products!

Target Red Card

Target's® "Take Charge of Education" program offers one of the easiest ways to raise money for Emerson. If you have a Target Visa or Target Guest Card, you can designate Emerson Elementary School to receive a cash donation equal to 1% of purchases made at Target and 1/2% of purchases made everywhere else. Once you sign up, Target tracks your purchases and distributes donations once a year in September. You do nothing except use your Target Visa or Guest Card as you normally would. The more you use your card, the more the school receives! Anyone can participate: parents, grandparents, interested community members. You don't need to live in the district; you just need to designate Emerson for your account.

Here's how to participate:
•Apply for a Target Visa or Target Guest Card
•Shop with your Target card
•Designate the school of your choice by going to https://sites.target.com/site/en/corporate/page.jsp?contentId=PRD03-001693 or call 1-800-316-6142

• or pick up a brochure at your local Target store.

Moving Day Photos

Winter Garden in Bloom



 These photos were taken in the Eastside Community Garden this morning. The rain as well as the heat have reaally made the garden grow and bloom!







 

  


  

 





The Big Move!

If we were weren't so anxious about getting moved in, we would would probably just scream with excitement!  It's moving week!  Today we held a parent meeting in the new building.  It was exciting to engage in great discussion about parenting, but details about the impending move kept pulling me away.  Why isn't there a trash can in this room yet? Is the air conditioner working?  Imagine that, in the middle of December!  Are the movers getting those boxes in the right room? 

No sooner than we move into the new classrooms, will we be starting a new Measure B funded construction project.  The Portable Classroom Re-Alignment and Lunch Shelter project starts on Friday, the day we finish moving out. Just in case you're not sure how the Big Move may impact you, here is a summary:

• All sixth grade classes will be on the wing overlooking the kindergarten playground.
• Two fourth grade classes, Mrs. Tenette and Miss Garcia's classes will be on the upper wing overlooking the library and the playground. 
• All fifth grade classes will be underneath the sixth graders, on the wing facing the new parking lot, closest to the street.
• The Speech and RSP classes will be upstairs. 
• Mr. Burns and Miss Barron's classes in the Severely Handicapped class will be downstairs, farthest from the street. 
• All buses will start dropping students off in the lower parking lot. 
• Parents dropping off their children will start using what was the bus lane.  New signage is forthcoming.
• The service entrance by the cafeteria will be locked and the area fenced off for the next phase of construction.
• Today we started moving boxes, and another moving crew will move the rest of the classes on Thursday and Friday. 
• New apple trees are being planted, and in combination with our existing trees, Emerson will have the largest apple tree orchard in the city of Riverside. 

After Winter Break, we are scheduled to be all moved in.  (I've posted a photo album of construction photos on the Emerson Eagles Facebook page.) No doubt there will still be some minor finishing touches to complete on the building.  Bu that's next years' worry- for now, let's get on with the excitement of the Big Move!

Students Pedal Away with Reading Awards

On Wednesday, Mike Catchat, the President of JensonUSA gave an inspiring speech during the trimester awards assembly just before opening the curtain to reveal the brand new bicycles that he donated to 20 Emerson students. 

The students were selected for their outstanding participation in the Accelerated Reader program.  Students also wrote a brief essay explaining why they wanted a new bicycle and why they should be chosen. 

Organized by the Easthills Division of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, the bicycle give-away is held at at a different school every year.  Altura Credit Union Branch Manager, David Fisher, helped to organize the event, which included many local dignitaries.  Both Mayor Ron Loveridge and Councilman Andy Melendrez joined Board of Education members Dr. Charles Beatty and Mrs. Kathy Allavie, as well as Superintendent Dr. Rick Miller and Assistant Superintendent Judi Paredes.  Several other guests included Dr. Abdulmumin (who will be teaching our parent class on Tuesday, December 13), and other officers and members from the Easthills Chambers of Commerce.

The big excitement was, of course, the bicycles!  Generally the bicycles are purchased at cost by the Chamber from a storefront bicycle retailer.  This year, their new member, who sells high-quality bicycles from a warehouse in our Emerson community.

The parents of the bicycle winners were very proud of their award-winning readers!  They each received a stealth phone call prior to the assembly notifying them about the award that their children would be receiving.

It is hoped that the 20 bicycle awards will motivate other students to increase their independent reading time as well. 

Emerson is very grateful to all of the benefactors who helped to motivate and reward students to achieve at high levels! 

 

Saving Money, Increasing Learning

A Venn diagram with saving money on one side and raising students' grades on the other could potentially show a significant overlap.  Almost everyone I talk with is struggling financially to some degree.  When families have less available cash, what is the potential impact on a child's grades? 

Many Emerson families are cutting back on services or products that were once considered to be necessities.  Many families have cut back on cable service.  Some families have "staycations" instead of going on long trips.  Instead of going to theme parks, some families are choosing to go to the neighborhood park, hike on local trails, or just let the kids enjoy increased time on video games or computers at home.  Sports and activities fees are no longer affordable for many.  Families are cutting coupons, looking for deals and cutting back on "extras."  For holiday gift, families are doing things with each other instead of buying elaborate gifts. Unemployment benefits may be ending for many Emerson families.

During all economic conditions, parents continue to want the best education possible for their children.  Many Emerson parents are unemployed, under-employed. or wish that they had higher paying jobs.  Education is often named as a key factor in how much can be earned in a job or career.  Parents generally want their children to "do better" than they have done- by avoiding some of life's pitfalls, to go farther in school than they have, and to be even happier than they are.  Education is recognized as a key to achieving greater happiness and stability. 

There may be a silver lining for student learning during the recession.  Because of the high unemployment rate, parents have more time to volunteer in their child's class.  Children have more time for homework.  Families are more focused on the value of education and how it can help them.  Parents appreciate the care that schools provide- especially with after school care- that allows them to focus on their careers (or job hunting) during their work day.  Students are less distracted by sports, practices, activities and vacations.  Decreased spending patterns have increased potential opportunities for students to study and for families to discuss schoolwork.  For parents, the additional time helping their children has the potential to increase their school achievement which in turn could prepare them to achieve academic goals, and therfore prepare them to earn a salary to provide for themselves and their own families someday.

Just from my own unscientific observations, I see that the stagnant economy in many cases is resulting in an increase in parent involvement. I pray for Emerson families who are in financial distress. Whatever your financial circumstance, my hope is that you will find additional family time to focus on activities that will support learning so that our children can meet their highest potential.

Parenting Workshop Announced

Emerson will be partnering with Dr. Abdulmunin from the Dubois Institute to offer a one day workshop entitled Effective Black Parenting. 

The class is designed for parents or guardians of students from the age of 2-18; especially for parents of students who are Black or African American; or who are the parents, grandparents or guardians of children of Black or African American heritage. 

The class makes use of 32 African proverbs as it teaches several major parenting strategies: the Pyramid of Success for Black Children, Modern Black Self-Discipline, the Thinking Parent's Approach, and Family Rule Guidelines.  It teaches a series of child management skills including effective praise, effective ignoring, verbal confrontation, time-out, and a point system method where children earn valued activities from a "Good Stuff" menu. 

If this class sounds interesting to you, please consider joining us on Monday, December 13, at 8:40 a.m.

Let's Get Real!

Because of new legislation, a new class of schools was inadvertently created: Distinguished, Low-Achieving Schools.  "How could a school be both distinguished and low-achieving at the same time?" you ask.  Such is the case with at least one local school under legislation supported by Brian Nestande, Riverside's Assemblyman.  The Press Enterprise reported that Nestande supported the creation of a list of the 1000 lowest performing schools. "This seemed like a reasonable approach to motivate them to improve their schools." he was quoted as saying.

Creating a list of the 1000 most low achieving schools was intended to "motivate"  low achieving schools to improve, however the legislation highlights the problematic nature of the State's current attempts to quantify the success (or failure) of schools.

Emerson is not on either list.  I do need to disclose, however, that a few years ago Emerson met the qualifications for California Distinguished School, but was not subsequently named as such. The 1000 lowest-achieving schools list identifies Real Elementary School in Perris is an example of one school that was named both as a California Distinguished School as well as a Low-Achieving by the State of California. 

While every school must take full responsibility to ensure that every child reaches his/her potential, at the same time, it's not a bad idea to point out that the system has flaws.  At a recent Riverside Board of Education meeting, President Lew Vanderzyl joked that it won't be long until all California Schools are in Program Improvement. 

As you probably recall, Emerson has experienced general academic growth for the past 3 years, but at the same time has landed the embarrassing label as a "Program Improvement" school.  We are carefully identifying reasons for not meeting our goals (i.e. not focusing on the rigor of the State Standards), designing programs (i.e. HEARTS, READ 180, and iScholars) and plans to improve (by carefully analyzing common assessments-quizzes, for example), using instructional strategies that improve learning, and intensely focusing on the rigor of the State Standards.  While we are taking the challenge very seriously to improve learning with every subgroup, I can't help but point out the problematic nature of the system.

The Emerson community is working strategically and diligently to meet the academic needs of each student and every sub-group, but at the same time we're experiencing the pain of our Program Improvement title. While we are not on the lowest 1000 list, I can't help but want to stand up for those who are, to say that punishing these schools with another sanction is not the right answer.  The two RUSD elementary schools who are on the 1000 most troubled schools list have been brilliantly implementing numerous school improvement strategies.  Assemblyman Nestande, haven't we had enough mud-slinging? Do you need to support another list intended to berate elementary schools by supporting this kind of legislation?

Emerson's achievement plight is not as extreme as Real's.  The State of California has a schizophrenic set of programs that reward achieving schools and call out low-achieving schools.  Real, we feel your pain.

Elementary Education in 2020

It's only 9 years away, but here are my predictions:

• Every child will have a hand-held computer all the time.
• Students will attend class between 10 and 16 days per month, based on need.
• Summer and winter vacations will become obsolete. Vacations and independent study can be scheduled.
• Individualized learning plans empower students to achieve their highest potential.
• Greater responsibility will be placed on parents for providing academic supervision on home-study days.
• Academic, on-line games will provide a large amount of customized and motivational instruction.
• Student will choose academic interests like home economics, robotics, engineering, drama, music, foreign/other languages, gardening, and more.
• Paper texts and books will become obsolete, students will read (and listen) using their computers.
• Students will become more involved in competitions, research projects, and group projects.
• Pre-school and kindergarten will become required, not optional.
• Teachers will have broad, easily accessible, real-time data on each child's current progress.
• 90% of all students will meet the core standards every year.
• Parent/teacher conferences will be scheduled at least 3 times per year.
• Tetherball and playing in the sand will still be favorite playground activities.
• Running in the hallways will still be our biggest safety concern.

What do you see as the future of elementary education?

Reasons to be Thankful at Emerson

As your principal, I am thankful for so many things- I couldn't narrow it down to just 10!
13.  I'm thankful for community partnerships such as those with Parkview Nursery, the Optimist Club, The Kiwanis Club, The City of Riverside Parks and Recreation, Altura Credit Union, The East Hills Chamber of Commerce, Chik-fil-a , and more!
12.  Our new PE program, Game Day, is high-energy, skills-based, and lots of fun!
11.  We have talented and welcoming classified employees who work in the cafeteria, in the front office, in classrooms, as custodians, on the playground and in the health office.
10.  Volunteers who "find a need and fill it!"
9.    We have four new staff members- Joseph Denham (Instructional Assistant, room 3), Leslie Stewart (Instructional Assistant, room 16), Annie Miecosz (HEARTS Coordinator), and Delmi Lara (Intervention and HEARTS)
8.   The New Buildings are almost ready for us to move into (really,this time!) 
7.   The PTA is doing a lot of great things to support learning.  A month-long family focus on the four domains of language arts is in the planning stages for the month of March.
6.  Mrs. Folger's Class Thanksgiving play from A-Z helped to help us feel a spirit of Thanksgiving!
5.  Emerson students are enthusiastic about school, strive to always answer in complete sentences, and are so excited to learn.
4.  Emerson teachers are working so hard to try to conference with as many parents as possible!
3.  Eight Americorps Members who are working in the classrooms provide tutoring and other support.
2.  Almost all of the teachers and staff who were laid off last year have been brought back to work.
1.  We have a one week vacation to think about everything for which we are thankful.  See you back at school on November 29!

Parent Teacher Conferences, Math Update

I hope that you all had a great 4 day weekend!  This week the students will only have a 4 day week; there are no classes on Friday.  Teachers have been communicating with parents to discuss parent teacher conferences.  Report cards are scheduled to be sent home on Thursday, November 18, or given during a scheduled conference. 

We are one third of the way through the school year and half-way through the instructional year prior to State Testing.  Unfortunately, our benchmark mathematics scores for the year appear to not be increasing.  As a school, we are working to address this through a variety of strategies, efforts and measures.  We ask for you, as well, to double up your efforts and support for your students' success in math.  Using SuccessNet at home has the potential to really help.  Ask your teacher for more information.

History Day Project Ideas

HISTORY DAY 2010-2011

4TH GRADE

SUGGESTED TOPICS

DEBATE AND DIPLOMACY

FAILURES, SUCCESSES & CONSEQUENCES

Early European Explorers
Diplomacy on el Camino Real
Junipero Serra’s Diplomacy in building the Missions
Diplomacy within the Missions
Mexico Gets the Missions, How did it Happen?
Debate and History of Rebuilding the Missions
Revolt and Death at Mission San Diego
Decision to move Mission San Carlos Borromeo inland
Father Francisco de Lasuen’s Defense of the Mission system
Lorenzo Asisara’s Defense of the Mission Indians
Cry of Dolores
Pablo Vicente de Sola’s Negotiations
Secularization of the Missions, Winners and Losers
Mexican War for Independence, Effect on the Missions
Statehood vs Fugitive Slave Act
John Bidwell’s Role in the Bear Flag Revolt
Bernarda Ruiz’s diplomacy with John c. Fremont
Gold Rush Diplomacy, How to get a Claim
Juana Briones de Miranda, Working with the Indians
Toypurina’s Planned Revolt
Bear Flag Revolt, Debate and Diplomacy
California Ranchos’ Rise to Power
Gold Rush: Miners vs Chinese Immigrants
California Statehood: The Monterrey Convention
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
California’s First Constitution
Land Act of 1851
Freedom for Biddy Mason
Theodore Judah’s Plan for the First Transcontinental Railroad
Modoc War (1872-1873)
Willliam Mulholland and the Los Angeles Aqueduct
John Muir

Luigi or Farmer John?

On a whim last Friday, I decided to put on my "Farmer John" overalls and boots so that I wouldn't have to endure the annual Halloween deadpan joke- "I know, you're dressed up as a principal!" This year, they interrupted their own question, "Mr. McCombs, what are you dressed up...." when they started reading. "Farmer J...Who is that?"  But then, almost every child exclaimed, "You look like Luigi!" 

A few times during the costume parade, I wished I could have traded in my John Deere cap for a bright green beret emblazoned with an "L."  But I was Farmer John.  I knew that I looked pretty corny, but I did learn a lesson.  Our kids generally know more about Luigi, than about an archetypical farmer. 

A little disappointed, especially because Emerson has a farm fresh salad bar with locally grown produce, and a two-acre community garden, I wondered if our kids were learning enough history, fairy tales and other essentials described in E. D. Hirsch's Core Knowledge.   Don't our kids need to know a farmer when they see one? 

Yesterday a teacher shared with me that as she was reading a story to her class, there was a picture of a farmer, dressed in overalls.  Almost in unison, the students asked "oh, is that what Mr. McCombs was trying to dress up like?"  A read aloud made me, Farmer John, almost relevant!

While I think it's fine to play a game of Mario Party once in a while, I am thankful for everyone who reads to children, helping them build core knowledge.  I wonder if someday, when our kids are adults, they will dress up as Luigi and their kids will ask them "Who are you supposed to be?"

Helmet and iPod Winners

Here are the winning ticket numbers for the PTA Walk to School drawing:
1218,  1220, 1239, 1243, 1307, 3095, 3103, 3104, 3105,
Please comment below or come in to see Mr. McCombs if you have a winning ticket!

HEARTS After School Program Starts Monday!

Here are the basic facts:
It's free!

We are starting the program FULL, with over 100 students already enrolled.

There is now a waiting list for additional students.

The program runs every day, from 2:40 until 6 p.m.

Attendance is required every day.

Students will have an academic hour, a snack, and finally an enrichment/recreation time.

The Emerson HEARTS Coordinator is Annie Miekosz.

Emerson teachers will teach during the academic hour.

The YMCA will staff and coordinate the enrichment/recreation hour.

There will be a daily homework completion/support time.

At 6 p.m., parents will pick up their child from the cafeteria door on Ottawa Ave.

Extending the learning day will be the greatest benefit for our students.  Other schools who have HEARTS, have found that students are often able to move up one entire performance level (i.e. Basic to Proficient) during a one year period.

Was Math Night a Trick or Treat?

The families who missed the Parent Math Night and BMX trick show, missed a treat! 

  

Some highlights of the evening included math and patriotic songs performed by students, activities to practice at home, math games, and tours of the Pearson SuccessNet website.

The spaghetti dinner, provided by the PTA, made it easy for families to get all the kids fed.  Thanks to everyone who supported the event!  We hope that parents will now have even more tools to help their children with math at home. 

If you have a photo of the event, please send it to me and I'll add it to this post.

Each at His/Her Highest Potential

It is truly disheartening when I find students who are not attaining their highest potential.  Basic or Below Basic, when they could be Advanced.  Some don't read independently at night, some rarely complete homework and some can't seem to pass quizzes even though they have been engaged in high quality instruction with world-class teachers.  As much as we as a school think that we communicate a message of attaining every child's highest potential, our test scores paint an underwhelming picture.

Passing the high school exit exam (CAHSEE) is one goal that students are working towards.  Planning backwards from that point, a child must be at least Proficient every year starting in Kinder.  When a child is Basic in language arts or math, he/she is at risk of not graduating on time.  High school drop out rates are alarming throughout the nation, and the impact of not being educated is devastating.

Emerson has made academic growth for the past 3 years overall. As we reflect on this general pattern of growth, however we find that we are not doing enough to meet our goals with every subgroup of children.  In response, we have set in motion a comprehensive plan, analyzed data, strengthened our curriculum and instruction, and worked to implement focused interventions.  Despite this, we still find students scoring Below Basic and not meeting their goals for growth.

I have been scheduling meetings with several parents every week, explaining the urgency of making sure that their children catch up and do their best.  But there are so many; and each family has a unique background and story. Every child is so unique.  I've been individually meeting with each teacher, together talking through numerous steps that should ensure each student's success. 

If we decide that, as a community, can't tolerate even one child's failure, what should our response be?   Together don't we need to react as if they are in imminent danger?

Electronics Before Reading?

Lately, the most common conversation that I have with parents often begins something like this: "How long do you require your child to read before letting them turn on their video games?"  Often this question is met with a blank stare, which I often interpret to say "Are you serious, Mr. McCombs, video game time is the most peaceful time of my day! Do you think that I want to enter into a non-virtual battle with my kids for an hour over reading?" 

The next conversation is similar to it: "Do you know if your child has passed a reading quiz lately?"  The parents who know what AR is (Emerson has been using Accelerated Reader for at least 8 years) still don't know how to tell if their child has passed a quiz.  "They have to take and pass a quiz EVERY week," I tell them, knowing that their child has not passed a quiz yet this year. 

A follow up conversation often continues, "Do you know your child's ZPD or reading level?"  Looking down, embarrassed, they rarely do.   I continue, "If you do decide to tell your kids to turn off the electronics and read, what do you have them read?"  Often, they proudly say that they have dozens or even hundreds of books at home to choose from.  Wanting to encourage, I ask how they decide which books are at their child's current reading level.  Looking down again, they admit that most of the books are either picture books that the child looks at, or books that are really easy reads. 

Children who are reading below grade level don't want to be caught by their friends with a thin picture book, but instead with something of Harry Potter thickness.

"Captain Underpants? Diary of a Wimpy Kid?" I suggest a few popular titles.  "No, we don't have those," followed with giggles.

The only way to really keep up with it, if they are reading an hour a day, is to take them to the public library.  Now that the Emerson library is open, they can check out two books per week.  Miss Banuelos can print a list of books in your child's reading level.  "This would be a good start," as we walk to the new library together.  "This as much as I can help you, the rest is up to you.  Remember, no electronics before reading!"

While the Kindle and other similar devices may shuffle this around a bit, the rule will still basically be the same- no playing before reading.

This conversation is so easy for me not only because of daily parent conferences, but as a reminder to myself- my own four kids LOVE electronics. Ready for battle?

Math Night Postponed!

Due to the forecast of showers tomorrow night, we have decided to postpone Parent Math Night for one week. Originally scheduled for the 19th, we will now be holding our Parent Math Night and student assembly on Tuesday, October 26. Dinner starts at 5:00. The student performances begin at 6:00, and the main events start at 6:30.


The book fair is currently underway. Volunteers are needed to open the bookfair before and after school on Tuesday and Wednesday. If you are available, please contact Kara at milogorey@gmail.com 

Perfection on Wheels, Tuesday Night!

http://www.perfectiononwheels.com/

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT to be Made by Principal on Math Night!

As the principal, I have a huge announcement.  It will have an impact every day on every student for the rest of the year.  This BIG CHANGE will impact the freedoms that I have been offering Emerson students for the past 8 years. 

I will make the announcement after the dinner (which starts at 5:30); after students sing (they start singing at 6:00); but before the BMX stunt show (6:30); and just before the  parents leave to go to the Math Night classes.  I apologize in advance for leaving you hanging like this, but I want to make this BIG ANNOUNCEMENT  for the first time in front of the teachers, the students and the parents as well. 

We all have to make important choices.  I hope that you will respect this BIG CHANGE that's coming-and it will probably be good for the school in the long run. 

Riverside Magazine Highlights Mini-United Nations School!

To see a copy of the Riverside Magazine, Follow this link.

At Emerson, a “mini-United Nations"— Jerry Rice

With students from 13 foreign countries, Emerson Elementary in Riverside is a cosmopolitan school that literally gives students a global view.

“Everyone is more aware of world issues, which helps them break out of the local microcosm that they know,” said principal John McCombs. “It helps them expand their knowledge of the world, their understanding of how other people live and what the realities are for people around the world.”

The school was dubbed a “mini-United Nations” a few years ago, but in reality the school has hosted children from many countries for decades. Foreign professors and students who work at or attend UC Riverside often bring their families with them, McCombs says.

Many of the children arrive knowing few, if any words in English. There are 155 English-learners currently at Emerson, out of 750 students.

Special initiatives, including a new iScholars program, help foreign students not only assimilate with their classmates, but succeed. iScholars combines a curriculum for GATE students along with components of advanced language fluency for English learners in the same classroom.

“It’s really exciting to see students come in, move through the different levels of language acquisition, and then be able to score ‘advanced’ on the California Standards Tests for language arts,” McCombs said.

Over the years, Emerson has recognized each student and the country they’re from with a flag. Seventy-five flags now hang along one hallway.

— Jerry Rice