WELCOME We are so glad you chose to stop by! Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary is a California Distinguished School situated in Burbank, California, approximately 9 miles north east of Los Angeles. Emerson has recently completed modernization due to a bond measure passed by Burbank citizens. The composition of our school encompasses vast differences in income, language, ethnicity, culture, occupation and history, yet we all feel connected to each other, like the varied and colorful threads of an Indian blanket, woven together we have beauty, purpose and strength. Emerson has 570 students, kindergarten through fifth grade speaking twenty-one different languages. More than half of our students have a primary language other than English while one-third are enrolled in the Federal breakfast and lunch program. We recognize the vulnerabilities in a population like ours and work to assure a positive, empowering elementary school experience for all our student s that will set the tone for the rest of their lives. Our goals include assisting all student to develop a positive sense of self, a feeling of connectedness, respect for and appreciation of others, personal responsibility and control over behavior and an enjoyment of learning - all while being committed to a rigorous, standards based curriculum.

Emerson's staff includes the principal and 28 classroom teachers, Special Day Class teacher, resource specialist, curriculum specialist, literacy resource teacher, guidance advisor, speech pathologist, psychologist, ELD teacher, technology, classroom and library aides, nurses, and clerical staff. Nearly all teachers have been trained in or are in training for SB 1969 or CLAD. There is consistent collegial support and collaboration during release planning days. As we seek to motivate, facilitate and enhance student learning we provide a modernized library/media center, a technology lab and anticipate internet capabilities in classrooms this school year.

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. Modalities are broad and creative to engage all learning styles. SAT9 Test scores are consistently above the District's average. Our multi-talented teachers are recognized as district leaders in new strategies for literacy. All K-3 grade classrooms are configured 20: 1 in order to implement Emerson's 'Bringing Early Literacy to Life", a balanced literacy approach to teaching reading.. Families, school and the community all contribute to the success of Emerson. PTA is the heart of the school. Their spirit of inclusion has celebrated our diversity and made the school a showcase for what is accomplished when all 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 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. Stop in and say "hi" if you are ever in the neighborhood.

Cordially,
Mrs. Acuff
September, 1999