Ralph Emerson Elementary
720 East Cypress Avenue (Get Map)
Burbank, CA 91501
Telephone: (818) 558-5419
Fax: (818) 843-2359
Principal: Ms. Linda Acuff
Welcome
We are so glad you decided to stop to check us out! Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary is situated in Burbank , California , approximately 9 miles northeast of Los Angeles . The composition of our school encompasses vast differences in income, language, ethnicity, culture, occupation and history, yet we all feel connected to each other. Emerson has 543 students, kindergarten through fifth grade. Emerson focuses on academic excellence by improving student acheivement in a dynamic teaching and learning environment.
Our school is especially proud of our Academic Proficiency Index (API) scores. Scores have increased by 33 points, for the past two years, accumulating to an API of 881. We attribute our gains to the commitment to achievment of high standards by all students. Currently Emerson has the highest API score, ranking 1st in the district. We ambitiously set targets by students, grade levels, teachers and school.
Proudly, we are a diverse population, speaking twenty-one different languages. Slightly under 24% of our students speak a language other than English while approximately 20% are enrolled in the Federal breakfast and lunch program. We recognize the vulnerabilities in a population like ours and work to ensure a positive, empowering elementary school experience for all our students that will set the tone for the rest of their lives. Our goals include providing a feeling of connectedness, respect for and appreciation of others, personal responsibility and an enjoyment of learning, all while being committed to a rigorous, standards based curriculum.
Emerson's staff includes the principal and 19 classroom teachers, a Special Day Class teacher, part-time resource specialist, a shared curriculum specialist, speech pathologist, psychologist, ELD teacher, various aides to assist English Language Learners, special needs students, and computer lab, one nurse and 3 health assistants. Visitors are greeted by ourwram and friendly Office Manager and office assistant. Two dedicated custodians support us all. All teachers have been trained in or are in training for certification to teach English language learners. All teachers are implementing Thinking Maps and Write from the Beginning. Furthermore, we are using Strategic Schooling to systematically approach student achievement. There is consistent collegial support and collaboration during grade level planning and annual DATA CHATS. As we seek to motivate, facilitate and enhance student learning, we provide a modernized library and computer lab, with internet capabilities throughout the school.
With a tradition of high academic standards, Emerson's staff works continually to assure a rigorous, meaning-centered curriculum. Our varied programs are designed to align curriculum and instructional practices with the unique characteristics and capabilities of each child. Methods are varied focusing on engaging 'every kid- everytime'.
Our families, and the community are strong advocates who contribute to the success of Emerson students. PTA is the heart of the school. Their spirit of inclusion celebrates our diversity and makes our school an example for what gets accomplished when families work together for the success of their children. Parents and grandparents help on campus, at home and as ambassadors in the community. We have active partnerships with local businesses, civic organizations and corporations.
At Emerson we hold our standards high, excite students to meet the challenge of personal improvement and empower them to become lifelong learners. We are very proud of Emerson and thank you once again for stopping to explore our web page. Drop by and say "hi" if you are ever in the neighborhood.
Fondly,
Ms. Acuff
Principal
Fall 2009
What makes Ralph Emerson Elementary school special?
Emerson offers a developmentally appropriate program in Grades K-2.
Literacy is a priority. All teachers have received training in ELIC and life reading strategies. Our school focus on writing extends the literacy program.
Our state of the art library features a fully automated card catalog with two student accessible computer terminals. Research is enhanced by our CD ROM Encyclopedia.
Computer literacy is addressed in our computer lab where Kindergarten through fifth graders come to work on reinforcing skills in all curricular areas. The PC stations serve as a multi-media writing/publishing center. Students strive to meet district standards for grades K-5. Each class visits the computer lab once each week and classroom computers are used daily.
Every classroom has state of the art support equipment including document cameras and projectors, student computers, teacher workstations, cable television, DVD, and CD/tape audio cassette players.
- Computer lab
- Active parent involvement
- CST scores at #1 in the district
- All k-5 teachers trained in effective reading strategies
- All teachers certified in Systematic English language development (SELD)
- High expectations that learning will take place for all students
- School-wide dress code
- Secure campus
- Crossing guard
- School-wide discipline policy
- Monthly recognitions for meeting class or individual goals
- Schoolwide Peacebuilder and Peacful playground programs
- Assemblies to recognize excellence in academics
Providing a safe, secure, and nurturing learning environment...
- We believe children are not things to be molded, but people to be unfolded.
- We know children want to learn and will learn in a nurturing environment.
- We accept children where they are academically and developmentally and provide experiences and curriculum that will allow them to work at a success level, yet be challenged to grow in their learning.
- We recognize the advantages of active parent involvement and encourage parent participation.
- We seek community support and have active Partnerships dedicated to improving our learning environment.
Our program
- produces readers by Grade 3
- prepares students in basic skills
- develops critical thinking skills
- uses technology to support curriculum
- enhances individuals' self esteem
- makes the home/school connection to maximize learning
Hours of Operation
We operate on a traditional calendar of August to May. Students are out for two weeks for winter break and one week in Spring. School hours vary according to the student's grade. The office is open from 7:45 a.m. to 4: p.m. daily. Generally the school day is from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.