Lower School and Middle School Band and Orchestra Performance

Letter from Jerry

Hello Parents,

Space! For our students, it is hardly the “final frontier” Captain Kirk described long ago. Our students today see space as something just as fascinating, but much more accessible and close at hand. While we are not yet booking lower schoolers on Virgin Galactic’s flights to space, two recent Middle School studies serve as examples of ways students are engaging in the wonders and opportunities present in space.

Tim Wilson’s 6th graders are observing the expanses of the night sky each day without having to stay up late or venture outdoors. His homemade observatory constructed from black plastic, duct tape, an electric box fan, and precisely placed holes pierced through the dome, is a perfect location for our students to identify and locate constellations, share the mythology behind these celestial arrangements, and discuss BIG ideas like the speed of light, black holes, and life on other planets.

Up in 8th grade, 59 students overseen by Mr. Wilson will soon be constructing and then launching two high altitude weather balloons (HAWB) into space—like 100,000 feet into space! What is even more impressive is that the entire project is student-run, and each of the students have an important responsibility on one of 12 teams, from launch site exploration, to design, to website development and communications. Among the more goose-bump-inducing details of this venture are the facts that the flight up will take 150 minutes while the flight down will take only 30 minutes. It is likely that the temperature at the height of the voyage will drop to minus 50 degrees fahrenheit. And, due to  diminishing air pressure, the 8-foot balloon on the ground will expand to 30 feet at the apex of the journey. The entire adventure will be viewed real time thanks to on-board cameras!

May your Spring Break be half as inspiring and involve far fewer miles than these two STEAM adventures.

Sincerely,

Jerry Loewen
Head of School

All School News

Head Transition Team Announcement

A Letter From Jen Pinto on Behalf of the Transition Team

Dear Emerson Community,

With spring knocking at our door and the third trimester underway, it seems timely to provide an update regarding the Head Of School (HOS) transition taking place at the end of the school year.  As with the search itself, there are terrific resources to help guide a successful transition.  Fortunately, we have two seasoned professionals in Jerry Loewen and John Huber, both working to ensure outstanding results for Emerson!

At the recommendation of our search consultant, the board, in consultation with administration, has created a team to help facilitate this transition.

The team includes:

• Tim Wilson, Middle school teacher, former Head of School and alumni parent
• Nancy Laitner, Word Study teacher, Learning Specialist and alumni parent
• Sue Johnson, Development Director and alumni parent
• Lisa Psarouthakis, Assistant to the Head of School and alumni parent
• Allison Zeglis, Trustee, current and alumni parent
• Jennifer Pinto, Trustee, current and alumni parent, chair of transition team

The team will work closely with all parties involved to ensure a smooth transition…
+ Continue reading about the Head of School transition

New Business Operations Director: Margie Cole

Starting Monday, April 13

Please join the Emerson community in welcoming Margie Cole to our school. She combines extensive and wide ranging experiences with the financial expertise and perspective to keep our school fiscally healthy and thriving for many years to come. Margie will be a fitting compliment to the exceptional talent already present in our Business Office.

Art Music Night Volunteers Needed

Sign Up To Prepare and Hang Art

Emerson’s Art and Music Nights are coming up soon. ESPO could use your help with preparing and hanging the hundreds of beautiful works of art created by your children. Please check out the volunteer times below, and sign up!
– Amy Woodruff and Dana DeBord
+ Learn more and volunteer

Child Care Available During Spring Break

Apr. 6 – 10 (No school or childcare on Friday, Apr. 3)

You can sign up for individual days as needed. We are available from 8am-3pm ($60/day) with after care from 3-6pm ($6/hour). Space is limited and fills on a first-come, first-served basis.
+ Learn more
+ Register by emailing Beth Muszkiewicz

Sign Up Online for the Emerson Blood Drive

Tuesday, Apr. 21, Noon to 6:00pm in the Emerson Gym

The goal is to collect 50 pints of blood, and Mr. Wilson’s 8th graders and 4th graders in Rob Bauman’s class need you to donate. All donations should take 60 minutes or less, from check-in to check-out, and donors will be treated to a WiFi waiting area with work tables, snacks, and lots of TLC.
+ Student interview with Red Cross organizer
+ Sign up online

Follow Our 8th Graders Into Space

High Altitude Weather Balloon Project Taking Off

Last week, Emerson 8th graders began planning their 3rd trimester project: planning, designing, and launching a high altitude weather balloon (HAWB). A HAWB is a balloon that is launched into the atmosphere, and can help detect weather conditions. Students will be launching two HAWBs and conducting experiments on things like the level of pollution or the temperature at certain heights. To find out more and stay updated along the process, please check out their pages below.
+ Website  |  + Instagram  |  + Twitter
+ Contact the HAWB Public Relations team with questions or feedback

New Emerson Summer Camp: Bollywood Beats!

July 20 – 24, 9:00am – 12:00pm, for Grades 3 – 5

Join us as we groove to the energetic beats of Bollywood; the music of the Indian film industry! Bollywood dancing is a versatile, colorful dance form that incorporates styles from around the world, such as Latin, hip-hop, Indian classical, and jazz. In this camp, students will join friends in learning fun choreography and putting together a dance. We’ll introduce students to the music, the style, and most importantly, the fun that comes with being immersed in modern Indian culture.
+ Learn more and register

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.

Middle School News

Pioneer High 9th Grade ‘Meet and Greet’

Wednesday, Apr. 22, 11:15am – 2:30pm

Students will have a tour of the school and lunch with fellow 8th graders. There will be an extra curricular fair with representatives of several school clubs and athletic teams. Meet at the Clock Tower Entrance.
+ RSVP to Jen Kunec by April 10th

Father Gabriel Richard Freshmen Welcome Event

Tuesday, Apr. 28, 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Incoming freshmen and parents are invited to attend.

Community Events

Middle School Learn to Row

Starts April 13 for All 6th – 8th Graders

Get on the water and try an incredible sport with the Washtenaw Rowing Center! Rowing (aka crew) is flourishing in our community, with nationally competitive boys and girls teams in Washtenaw County, as well as top collegiate programs at universities throughout the state. Now middle school students also have the chance to 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

12 Emerson Students Star in YPT’s Mary Poppins

May 15 – 17 at Power Center for the Performing Arts

Young People’s Theater’s production of Mary Poppins will feature 99 young people, including Emerson students Julia Ammer, Emily Cooper, Benjamin Faulkner, Lydia Hall, Emma Hudson, Kyra Kahana, Sophia Kleer, Lauren Nishi, Gabby Pacifico, Aydrey Weizer, Violet Weizer, and Hannah Ziegler.Tickets go on sale April 6.
+ Learn more