Interdisciplinary Art/Literature Project Takes Students to U of M Museum

On Wednesday, these 5th graders visited the U of M Art Museum with their elder buddies from Silver Maples to learn about Celadon pottery, its earliest beginnings, and how it changed and evolved. It was the culmination of an interdisciplinary art/literature project that combined art history with historical fiction that students, elders, and museum docents all read.
+ See more photos

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Parents,

Before you depart for your well-deserved Spring Break, on this first day of April, I wanted to bring to your attention a wonderful opportunity for Emerson.

At the beginning of this calendar year, StoneCo made a public donation of the 262-acre former sand and gravel quarry located on Zeeb Road to Ducks Unlimited to support wildlife conservation efforts. I am pleased to share that Ducks Unlimited has in turn donated the entire parcel to Emerson School. This is an unexpected and incredible donation, and we are deeply humbled by the generosity of the organization.

Many families may be familiar with the former quarry, as it joins Emerson’s property along the southern edge, and it is currently fenced off to prevent students from entering the space due to the steep drop. With this recent donation, however, we are eager to fully utilize the new space for active student use. Assistant Head Peggy Wilson is working with our physical education teachers to incorporate outdoor rock climbing for the spring. Be assured that we will follow all proper safety procedures so as to minimize risk. We will also make the space available for recess sledding in the winter. Additionally, the deep pit lends itself to science experiments, and so Middle School Director Andy Zimmer is currently developing student electives for the fall, including a unit on pyrotechnics. He is also pleased to introduce a downhill mountain biking activity for the students. Assistant Director of Development Beth Anderson is beginning plans to stage Emerson’s first ever outdoor tented auction.

I hope that you join me in our excitement over this new development. I encourage you to share with me additional ideas for the new space as we begin to brainstorm ideas. Before you pass along this news to your child, though, I would encourage you first to consider today’s date, and recognize that perhaps in this one instance, my newsletter contains fabrications appropriate for the date.

I wish you a happy Spring Break!

Take care,

John Huber

All School News and Info

ESPO Meeting Special Guest: Roger Lauer, Ph.D.

Topic: The Impact of Multimedia Multitasking On Children’s Thinking and Executive Functions

Wednesday, Apr. 13, 8:30am–9:00am, Q&A Until 9:15am

Psychologist Roger Lauer has a long-standing relationship with Emerson School. He will be joining us at the upcoming ESPO meeting on on April 13 to discuss the impact of multimedia multitasking, and how it impacts our lower and middle school students.

Spring Enrichment Classes Enrolling Now

Register Today for Classes Apr. 11 – May 26

Enrichment Classes let children dive even deeper into the subjects they love. Parents can now register for Spring Enrichment Classes, which begin the week of April 11 and end May 26. Class registration is on a first-come first-served basis, and most fill quickly, so please register as soon as possible.
+ See class times, descriptions, and how to register

Thank You for Another Successful Auction

More than $202,000 Raised for Emerson Students

Thank you to everyone who participated in what preliminary numbers suggest will be one of Emerson’s most successful Auction ever. More than $202,000 was raised, including $5,925 from the Online Auction—and $66,000 raised for Financial Aid!

It takes a special community to host an Auction like this, and it wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers who devote countless hours to its success. And, of course, the generosity of our community is awe-inspiring, from the items donated to the bids made. Thank you to everyone who gave, big and small, and supported learning and financial aid at Emerson.

Renew Your Kroger Grocery Cards

You can earn money for Emerson every time you shop at Kroger, but you need to re-enroll every year and now is the time. Please visit the Kroger Community Rewards Program and enroll/re-enroll using Emerson’s school code (82607). Then just swipe your card when you shop.

Potluck Dishes and Utensils in Fishbowl

Thank you to all of the parents who cooked, baked, smoked, and bought so much delicious food for Emerson teachers. If you have containers, dishes, and utensils you haven’t picked up yet, they are in the Fishbowl.

Submit Yearbook Ads and Dedications by May 2

In addition to getting signatures, students look forward to seeing the ads their families create for them. You can purchase space in this year’s book at the following rates:

• Full Page (8.5”w x 11”h): $150
• Half Page (8.5”w x 5.5”h): $80
• Quarter Page (4.25”w x 5.5”h): $45
• Eighth Page (4.25”w x 2.25”h, roughly business card): $25

8th Graders Offered Complimentary Farewell Ad

Every 8th grade student is offered a complimentary quarter page ad space to leave a farewell message. Students can contact yearbook teacher Jeri Elie for questions or help.
+ More info and resources at www.emerson-school.org/yearbook

Middle School News and Info

Parent-Teacher Conference Survey – 4 Questions

Changes were made to the spring parent-teacher conference format in all three grade levels, and we want to know what you thought. Please help improve the conference experience for both families and faculty by participating in this quick four-question survey.
Please provide any and all anonymous feedback using this online form

Community News and Events

TEDxYouth@AnnArbor 2016

Saturday, Apr. 23, 8am – 4pm at Skyline High

The 2016 theme is Taking the World by Storm. This is the third annual TEDxYouth@AnnArbor event, where high school aged students share their ideas, vision, and innovation to contribute to and influence the future of Ann Arbor.
+ Learn more

Middle School Learn to Row

First Full Week in April for All 6th – 8th Graders

Get on the water and try an incredible sport with the Washtenaw Rowing Center. Middle school students can give it a try in a fun and relaxed atmosphere where they’ll learn basic technique and get on the water to experience what this exciting sport is all about!
+ Find more information and sign up, or contact Program Director Kit Bennett

Adolescent Depression and Resiliency:

What you need to know

Tuesday, Apr. 19, 7:00pm–8:00pm at Forsythe Media Center

In case you missed the opportunity to learn about this topic at Emerson, you can see the same experts from the University of Michigan Depression Center and for a presentation about depression and anxiety in adolescents.
+ Learn more