News & Blog

Family Newsletter – Apr. 4, 2014

Letter from Jerry

Jerry's Call to ParentsHello Parents,

What better send off could there be for Spring Break than the jazz musings of Emerson’s Band and Orchestra? Last night both the Lower School and Middle School performers—more than 100 musicians strong—came together and gave a tremendous performance in front of a standing room only crowd.

Bravo to all of the performers and the incredible leadership of Michelle Borton and Leslie Capozzoli. If you have ever wondered what it looks like to be in their shoes directing these talented musicians, take a look at this rehearsal video on Emerson’s YouTube page.

Have a great break!
Sincerely,

Jerry Loewen
Head of School

All School News

Volunteer for Passport to the World

Passport to the World is set for April 25, 2014 and ESPO needs your help to ensure everyone has a wonderful time traveling the world!!! Emerson students and families have volunteered to share many traditions (clothing, food, music) from cultures around the world- South Africa, India, Australia are just a few of the places you can travel.  If you are able, please sign-up for one of the time slots listed to make Passport to the World an excited evening.  Thank-you.
+ See openings and volunteer

Chinese Added to World Language Curriculum

Earlier today we announced the addition of Mandarin Chinese to Emerson’s World Language curriculum for the start of the 2014-2015 school year. This comes after careful research at the local and national levels, a thorough review of parent feedback, and many conversations with our own faculty.

  • Chinese will replace Japanese for all 4th and 5th grade students.
  • Chinese will be offered to 6th grade students along with Latin, French, and Spanish.
  • Middle School students who are currently enrolled in Japanese will be able to continue and complete their three years of study as 7th and 8th graders.
  • Rising 7th and 8th graders may have a one-time opportunity to switch from their current language to introductory level Chinese.  We are analyzing student surveys to determine if those switches are likely to occur, and if the number of interested students warrants the additional sections of Chinese.
  • Additional opportunities to make Japanese available to students as an after-school enrichment offering or as a middle school elective are being considered.

Spring After School Enrichment Classes

After School Enrichment Classes start the week of April 14. Many classes still have openings, but won’t for long! Be sure to check out:
  • Karate for Kids on Tuesdays for 1-4 Graders
  • Sculpey on Tuesdays (a returning favorite!)
  • Kito’s newest class: Brain Games on Wednesdays
  • Robot Builders Extravaganza on Wednesdays
  • Walk in the Woods on Thursdays (perfect for exploring the Spring)
  • For a new language experience try Spanish Songs on Thursdays andMonet’s Garden on Fridays

+ Learn more

Last Chance to Submit Yearbook Ads

If you would like to include an ad for your student, please email it toyearbook@emerson-school.org today, April 4. Any family can place an ad in the yearbook, but all 8th graders receive a free quarter-page ad.
+ Learn more about yearbook ads and find helpful resources

Register for the 5th Annual Blood Drive

Jab donates blood at the 2013 Blood Drive

April 29, 2pm – 7:30pm

Last year the Emerson Blood Drive, organized by Joyce Gerber’s 5th grade class, raised 39 pints of blood that benefitted 117 people. Help us exceed that total for 2014. Contact Joyce for questions.
+ Schedule an appointment to donate blood

Art Room Needs Long Sleeve Shirts

Third graders are working on kid size puppets for their Art Music Night performance and they need long sleeve shirts.  If you have any shirts you could donate to the cause it would be much appreciated.  We may need to cut a hole in the back, so nothing too special please. They can be dropped off in the art room through April 4.

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.

Lower School News

2nd/3rd Grade Art Music Night

Wednesday, April 23 at 7:00pm

The program should last about one hour. This is a change from the original calendar due to the Passport-to-the-World event scheduled for Friday, April 25. Every child will have an important part, so we would like all second and third grade students to attend. Look for a letter with more details after the break.

Help Hang Artwork

Hanging all of the artwork for Art Music Night is a major undertaking, but a lot of fun. Amy Woodruff is leading the charge and needs your help.
+ Volunteer to help prep

Community News & Events

Victoria as the Wicked Witch in Wizard of Oz

April 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13 at Jane Tasch Performing Arts Theatre

Middle School teacher Victoria Rondeau will star as the Wicked Witch and costumer in the Pinckney Players production of The Wizard of Oz.
+ Learn more

Comic Opera Guild: Her Highness the Prince

April 5 at 8:00pm & April 6 at 3:00pm

Emerson Science Teacher Pat Petiet is performing in the Comic Opera Guild’s spring production, Her Highness the Prince. It’s, “A hilarious musical spoof of gender expectation.” It will be shown for the first time in Ann Arbor, and then prepared for a run on the east coast.
+ Learn more

Middle School Learn to Row

Starts Monday, April 14, for all 6th-8th graders

Get on the water this spring 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 at all three Ann Arbor high schools, 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! Space is limited- sign up today to get your spot!
+ Find more information and sign up, or contact Program Director Kit Bennett

Mom to Mom Sale

Sunday, April 26, 9:00am – 1:00pm

The Mom 2 Mom Sale is an event, similar to a rummage sale, where people can sell their new or gently used children’s items. All proceeds to benefit inaugural WIHI Prom and WIHI PTO (sellers keep 100% of table profits).
+ Learn more