Register to Attend the ESPO Back-to-School Picnic
Sunday, Sept. 11, 4:30pm – 7:00pm on the Emerson Playground
Please join us for the annual Back-to-School picnic, hosted by ESPO (Emerson School Parent Organization). There will be food, games for the kids, and a chance to mingle with old and new friends.Please RSVP to attend by Monday, August 29—it really helps with ordering food. Emailespo@emerson-school.org with any questions.
Editor’s Note: What to Expect, What’s New
Dear Parents,
We know you get a lot of email, so Emerson will continue to condense as much as possible and make it easy to digest. Here’s what to expect:
- A weekly newsletter on Thursday (a day earlier than previously)
These are packed with news, information, and dates, but the alternative would be sending many more individual emails each week. We’re moving it to Thursday to keep it from intruding on your weekend. - An email earlier in the week, if necessary
These will be important news, events, and announcements, but we’ll try to avoid sending reminders of what was in the newsletter. - Emails from teachers
Teachers regularly email their students’ parents with classroom updates, requests, and class newsletters. These are sent from the teachers themselves, not the school, and give the best insight into what your child is learning and what’s ahead. - A better experience reading on your phone or tablet
The newsletter and emails have been updated so the font is easy to read no matter what size screen you’re using.
Please commit to skimming the newsletter, at a minimum
Not everything will pertain to you, but they are organized so you can find the items that are by reading the headline. If it’s relevant to you, you’ll find more details below. Example:
Topic and Who It’s For
Dates and Deadlines in Subhead
Details about the topic, who to contact for questions, etc.
+ Link for more information or contact
Look at the newsletter calendar for what’s ahead
The newsletter calendar will have all of the school activities and events for the next two weeks or more, including athletics, band and orchestra, and theater arts. You can also subscribe to the online calendarsand always have them on your phone or computer.
All School News and Info
First Day of School is Tuesday, Sept. 6
Only 18 Days Left of Summer Break!
Full day of school on Sept. 6, except kindergarten (half days with dismissal at 11:45am until Monday, Sept. 19), and 1st grade (half days with noon dismissal until Monday, Sept. 12).
2016-2017 Events Calendar
You can now download the calendar with all of this year’s events, breaks, and happenings, or subscribe to the online calendars and always be up to date.
+ Download the 2016-2017 School Events Calendar
+ See and Subscribe to the Online Calendars
Sports Physicals for Grades 4-8
Required to Play on an Emerson Sports Team
Please return your child’s sports physical to the office if they plan on playing on an Emerson sports team. Students will not be allowed to participate in team practices or games until these are received. Please email yours to Joan Gregorka, or drop them off in the Lower School office ASAP.
7th Grade Immunization Records
Required of All 7th Grade Students
The State requires all schools to collect immunization records for 7th grade students before they can start school. Please email yours to Joan Gregorka, or drop them off in the Lower School office ASAP.
Bus Riders Must Register ASAP
Register if Your Student May Ride the AAPS Bus
If your student plans on riding an Ann Arbor Public Schools bus to or from Emerson this year (available to all families who live in the AAPS district), AAPS now requires you to register before the school year begins. See the Family Handbook for more information.
+ Register at www.emerson-school.org/bus
Beyond Measure Film Screening
Wednesday, Aug. 24, 6:30pm in AIC at Emerson
Beyond Measure follows a new vanguard of educators across the country who are pioneering a fresh vision for American schools. Pulling from expert research in education, child development, and cognitive and neuroscience, these leaders are creating a new type of classroom. They’re leading schools that redirect our focus away from homework, prizes, top grades and test scores. And they’re making room for curiosity, engagement, creativity, collaboration and independent thinking. By putting innovative models into practice, they’re finding inspiration in doing things differently – and changing how and what we teach.
This is a Thriving Child A2 community event, which means our entire community is invited to attend.
Lower School Band and Orchestra
Students in Grades 2–5 Invited to Participate
Everyone is welcome to join the band and orchestra program—no previous experience required. All students will be taught basic concepts to help them learn how to play their new instruments. This year will have new opportunities for our continuing students to build skills and to play exciting music with friends at Emerson!
+ Learn more
Order Pizza Lunch and Milk on RenWeb
Place Order by Monday, Sept. 6
Please place your orders in RenWeb for Friday Pizza Lunch and/or milk for lunch—all optional—by Sept. 6. Here’s how:
- Log into RenWeb (Parent Login button on top right of www.emerson-school.org)
- Click Student Information tab on left
- Click “Lunch”
- Click “Create Web Order” and make your selections for each student
• For milk, click “Lunch Items for Thursday” for options
• For Pizza Lunch, click “Lunch Items for Friday” for options - Click “Submit Order” to complete your order
Your account will be billed in October for milk and the first semester of Pizza Lunch. It will be billed again in February for the second semester of Pizza Lunch if you choose to continue it.
Order Lunches From What’s Cooking!
Orders Must Be Received by Sept. 6
Lunches will once again be provided by What’s Cooking!. These lunches are an optional service delivered to students Monday to Thursday (with some exceptions).
+ See ordering instructions at www.emerson-school.org/lunch
New Family Welcome
Thursday, Sept. 1, 1:30pm at Emerson
Lower School: 1:30pm–2:30pm
Middle School: 1:30pm–3:00pm
All families starting their first year at Emerson are invited to a New Family Welcome, where you will learn all about your new school, meet faculty and staff, and meet other new families.
+ Middle School schedule
New Student Health Appraisal Form
All students new to Emerson need to complete a Health Appraisal Form, available below or from most doctors’ offices. Please email yours to Joan Gregorka, or drop them off in the Lower School office ASAP.
+ Health Appraisal Form
Middle School News and Info
2016 Middle School Musical Auditions
Sept. 7 and 8, 3:00pm–6:00pm in AIC
Middle School students are invited to audition for the 2016 musical, The Little Mermaid Jr. A sign-up sheet will be posted for each audition day outside of the Arts and Innovation Center. More information is linked below, or you can contact Musical Director Julie Moon at jmoon@emerson-school.org with questions.
+ Learn more
Meet the Teams
Lear more about the compassionate, innovative, and creative educators working with your students this year.
*A couple inaccuracies were corrected after these were emailed earlier this week.
+ Meet the 6th grade team
+ Meet the 7th grade team
+ Meet the 8th grade team
+ Meet the World Language team, Enrichment team, Learning Support team, and Admin
Middle School Book Orders
Free Shipping Aug. 22–24
If you have not already ordered your books, please do so using the link below. MBS Direct is offering free shipping on orders over $99 Aug. 22–24.
+ Order Middle School books online
Technology @ Emerson
Complete the Tutorial by Friday September 9
All Middle School students must complete the online tutorial linked below by the end of the first week of school (Sept. 9). Doing so will demonstrate their understanding of the rights and responsibilities of using technology at Emerson, as outlined in the Acceptable Use Policy.
+ Review the Acceptable Use Policy
+ Complete the online tutorial
Middle School Class Supply Lists
Please review the list of supplies suggested for each grade level.
+ See the school supply lists
