Letter from Jerry

Hello Parents,

Just when I fully embraced that we are well into the month of December, it now hits me that 2015 is only 18 days away. Shortly behind this realization comes the list of year-end considerations, including those financial and philanthropic.

Among many compelling reasons to donate to Emerson’s Annual Fund, an especially relevant one today is that your donations are tax deductible. Not only does your generous support fill the gap between tuition revenue and the actual cost of operating our school, your gift smiles on your 2014 tax returns just as it smiles upon Emerson School!

Every Annual Fund dollar impacts your child’s education—from access to new technology and books, to a Professional Development Fund that keeps their teachers sharp and engaged in the latest educational advances. Thanks to your support, teachers this year are learning at:

• The National Association for Gifted Education Conference
• The Annual ISACS Conference
• Greg Tang Math Workshop
• The NAIS People of Color Conference
• The Michigan Association for Gifted Children Conference
• Learning and the Brain Conferences
• Ron Ritchhart Visible Thinking Workshops
• Graduate classes
• World Language seminars
• Science Olympiad Clinic
• Michigan Music Conference
• Michigan Art Education Association Conference
• Many more regional and national seminars and conferences

Suffice it to say that teachers are modeling the lifelong learning we hope to foster in our students. Your year-end, tax deductible donation makes it possible. Our entire school community benefits from your generosity and enthusiasm each and every day. Thank you.

Happy New Year in 18 days!

Sincerely,

Jerry Loewen
Head of School

All School News

Report Cards are Available on RenWeb

Accessible through Jan. 5

+ Log into RenWeb > Student Information tab > Report Card > Print preview
+ Middle School 1st Trimester Elective Synopses
+ Questions? LS contact Joan Gregorka, MS contact Deborah Hodges

2014 Year-End Giving Reminders

Thank you to the families and friends who have already donated to the Annual Fund. If you’ve not yet made your gift, please know that gifts at every level are important; we value your participation!

2014 Receipt Deadlines

Our offices are closed beginning at noon on Friday, Dec. 19th and hand deliveries should be made before that date.

• Credit card online: Receipted the same day your gift is made.
• Credit card by reply card: Receipted the day it is processed. For a 2014 receipt, please hand submit by Dec. 19 or mail so it will arrive by Dec. 24.
• Check by reply card: Receipted for the date written on your check.
• Gifts of Securities: Typically initiated by mid-December (contact your financial advisor for their guidelines). Contact Sue Johnson for transfer instructions.

+ Make your gift by credit card online
+ Print a reply card to accompany a check or credit card gift in person or by mail
+ Questions? Please contact Beth Anderson at (734) 665-5662 x305.

4 Students Accepted to DSO’s Honor Band

Congratulations to John Byers, Lily Gillman, Michael Pelosi and Ben Whiting for being accepted to participate in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Honor Band. These students were selected based on their musicianship, participation in summer camps or community ensembles, willingness to challenge themselves…
+ Read more

Lower School Band and Orchestra Concert

Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 7:00pm

Please join us for a holiday concert with the Lower School Band and Orchestra. Performers have a dress rehearsal that begins at 6:15pm. Parents, please visit the website to see all of the concert details regarding attire, reception items, and materials.
+ Learn more

Emerson Spirit Week Dec. 15 – 19

Students, faculty, and staff will show their school spirit all week.
+ Learn more

• Monday: Emerson Day (school colors)
• Tuesday: Crazy Hat/Hair Day
• Wednesday: Decade Day
• Thursday: Character Day
• Friday: Pajama Day

Pancake Breakfast for Food, Fun, and Service

Friday, Dec. 19, 7:30am – 9:30am

This annual pancake breakfast brings our students and community together around food and supports Emerson’s community service initiative. This year the funds raised will go to support Emerson’s community service efforts throughout the year, and any student who brings in a winter coat, hat, or pair of gloves will receive $1.00 off their pancake breakfast.  This winter apparel drive will support the Ann Arbor Area Community Fund’s “Warm the Children” program.

+ Learn more about cost, schedule, and ingredients/allergy info

Full Day Child Care Available Jan. 5th & 19th

• ​8:00am – 3:00pm is $55 each day, with lunch and snacks included
• ​3:00pm – 6:00pm ​​afternoon child care​ available ​$6/hour​
• Space is limited and registration is required.

+ To register or for more info, email Beth Muszkiewicz

Check Your Student’s Backpack for Auction Info

The Emerson Auction Parent Packet was sent home in student backpacks on Wednesday, Dec. 10. Make sure to take a look for information about volunteering, donating items, sponsorship, and advertising in the catalog.
+ Please contact Beth Anderson to learn more

Crochet Class for Parents and Staff

Friday, Jan. 9, 3:45pm – 5:15pm

Several parents of crochet class students have commented that they would like to learn how to crochet along with their children. Parents and staff are invited to join me for an afternoon of crochet on Friday, Jan. 9, from 3:45pm –5:15pm. There is no charge for the class, but participants will need to shop for yarn and a crochet hook prior to the class. We will be making a cowl with bulky yarn that is perfect for Michigan winters! Beginners and experienced crocheters are welcome to participate.
+ Contact Leslie Capozzoli If you are interested

Ribbon Cutting for Arts and Innovation Center

Thursday, Jan. 15, 2:45pm – 3:45pm

Students will soon have their first classes and activities in the Arts and Innovation Center, which means it’s time to celebrate again as we officially cut the ribbon and tour our new spaces. All of our Emerson community is invited to participate—students, parents, grandparents, alumni, friends, faculty, and staff.
+ Learn more and RSVP

Hour of Code Can Continue at Home

This week all Emerson students participated in The Hour of Code, which is a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics. Students and parents can continue to learn about coding at the Hour of Code website linked below.
+ Learn more

Help Find Owner of VFW Hat Found in Parking Lot

This hat was found in the Emerson Parking Lot. If you know who the owner might be, please contact Deborah Hodges in the Middle School Office.

Middle School News

Scholarship Auditions for Band and Orchestra

Applications Due Friday, Dec. 19

Middle School Band and Orchestra members are eligible to audition for a $500 Kiwanis Club Scholarship at Skyline on Feb. 1. Students should see their director for an application, which is due to the AAPS Music Office at Balas on Friday, Dec. 19.

Positive Parenting Consultant Annie Zirkel Presents:

Your Daughter and the Middle School Experience

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 7:00pm at Emerson School

The ups and downs, the social drama and the emotionality can be difficult to watch. How can you help your daughter traverse this new universe where the rules are different and she must figure them out as she goes? Join in a discussion withPositive Parenting Consultant Annie Zirkel, MA LPC to understand more of what your daughter may be experiencing and learn strategies to help you help her navigate middle school on her way to growing up.

To help Annie better understand and facilitate the discussion, she asks that participants consider completing this anonymous online form: Your Daughter and the Middle School Experience. You can also send your thoughts directly at Annie@practicehow.com.

This speaker is intended for middle school parents, but any interested Emerson parents are welcome to attend.
+ Questions? Please contact Andy Zimmer

WIHI Informational Sessions

Parents of 8th grade students are invited to attend one of the Washtenaw International High School Informational Sessions for Prospective Students.
+ Learn more

• Jan. 8, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
• Jan. 27, 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Community News & Events

Donate Socks to Toasty Toes Project

Donate A Pair of Socks and Make a Difference

Emerson 3rd Grader Parini Rao is collecting socks to keep kids happy and healthy this winter. Socks will be donated to Ozone House in Ann Arbor, who in turn will distribute them to children in need. Collection bins will be in the Middle School Commons and Fish Bowl from December 3 – 19, 2014.
+ Learn more

The Nutcracker with The Ann Arbor Ballet Theatre

Dec. 12 – 14 at the Power Center for Performing Arts

Emerson 5th grader Veda Diptiman (as a Sugar Plum) and 7th grader Kristen Umbriac (as Clara Puppet) will be performing in the Ann Arbor Ballet Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker at the Power Center for Performing Arts. Kristen will perform in the Saturday night and Sunday matinee shows on December 13th and 14th.
+ Learn more

The Nutcracker with The Dance Alliance Repertory Company

Dec. 14 at Saline High School

Emerson 8th grader Alexis Huczek will be perform in the Dance Alliance of Saline’s 17th annual production of The Nutcracker. Both performances will be on Sunday, December 14 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm in the Ellen A. Ewing Performing Arts Center at Saline High School.
+ Learn more

A Christmas Carol at Meadow Brook Theatre

Nov. 14 – Dec. 21 at Meadow Brook Theatre

Emerson 5th grader Olivia Goosman will perform in the Meadow Brook Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol. It’s a holiday classic about a mean-spirited miser and the ghosts that haunt him. Save 20% by indicating you’re a friend of Olivia’s.
+ Learn more