The Emerson School Parent Organization (ESPO) exists to support Emerson’s mission by creating opportunities for families to build friendships and community. Unlike a traditional PTO, ESPO is not an independent organization. Instead, it is made up of parent volunteers who partner directly with the school to facilitate activities that strengthen our community.
Grade Representatives encourage communication among families and assist faculty throughout the year, while Event Leads plan and carry out community events. The only fundraiser is the annual bake sale, with all proceeds dedicated to supporting faculty and staff appreciation. Thanks to the time and energy of our many volunteers, ESPO plays a vital role in making Emerson such a special place.
Throughout the year, ESPO hosts community-building events for families. Announcements and sign-ups are shared in the Emerson Family Newsletter and through Grade Representatives. Highlights of the fall include:
Tuesday, September 2 — First Day Coffee near the front doors of the school after drop-off. A chance to meet other parents and celebrate the first day.
Sunday, September 7 — Back to School Bash on the playground, 4:00–6:00 PM, with treats, music, and family activities. Meet your Grade Representatives in person.
Tuesday, September 30 — Parent Coffee in the Commons after drop-off, an informal gathering with parents and staff.
Another popular tradition is Pizza Lunch on Wednesdays, where parent volunteers distribute pizza during lunch periods. Sign-up links are provided in the Family Newsletter.
A Coordinating Committee and Event Leads ensure that events and programs run smoothly. For the 2025–2026 school year:
COORDINATING COMMITTEE
GRADE-LEVEL REPRESENTATIVES
Young Fives: Sona Wardius
Kindergarten: Kara Carwell
1st Grade: Kara Carwell, Jinan Hamood
2nd Grade: Sarah Cleve
3rd Grade: Michelle Sheler
4th Grade: Richa Modak, Alex Hristov
5th Grade: Trisha Heusel, Arielle Patton, Melissa Porter
6th Grade: Tiffany Beckerleg, Rupal Bhatnagar
7th Grade: Smriti Mohan, Jessi Arkwright
8th Grade: Holly Ross
EVENT CHAIRS
Welcome Back Bash: Diane Cooper
Lower School Family Dance: Emily Osment
Halloween Lead: OPEN
Faculty and Staff Meals: Christopher Bergmans
Book Fair: Carly Thanhouser
Bake Sale: Michelle Sheler
Teacher Appreciation: Sarah Rimer; Holly Ross; Sarah Cleve
Winter Family Event: Smriti Mohan
Field Day: Diane Cooper
We invite and encourage you to join us! No experience is necessary and any amount of time you would like to give is appreciated. If you are interested in being involved with ESPO, please speak to your Grade Representative or any ESPO member, or e-mail us at ESPO@emerson-school.org.
The mission of Emerson School is to provide a dynamic and nurturing learning environment that fosters empathy, communication, creativity, leadership, and above all, a lifelong love of learning.
We fulfill our mission with small class sizes, by providing individualized attention across a broad and rich, student-centered curriculum and through a committed, talented team of educators who help children achieve sustained academic success.