Singing No School Tomorrow at the Winter Sharing Celebration
+ Watch the video
Letter from the Head of School
In lieu of a letter from the Head,
I offer you this short poem instead.
Winter Break has come again!
A chance to set aside my pen
and read a book inside my den.
(I thought it snowed in Michigan!)
Please take this chance to reconnect
with family, friends, and those select
relations whom you so respect.
(Forgive if I am too direct.)
This doggerel verse may not be clear,
but sentiments should be sincere.
Your time to break is coming near,
We’ll see you in the brand new year!
John
All School News and Info

Lower School Band, Orchestra, and Chorus Concert
Our youngest musicians and vocalists put on an incredible concert last night. For many it was their first performance, others were proudly leading by example, but every one of them were stars.
+ More photos

Around the World with Google Expeditions
Students Go On 360º Virtual Reality Field Trips
On Monday, Dec. 14, more than 200 Emerson School students traveled to destinations around the world on 3D virtual field trips. Google Expeditions provided 3D Cardboard viewers and phones for every student, a facilitator, and a tablet that allowed Emerson teachers to lead virtual journeys to historical sites, Mars, underwater reefs, National Parks, and dozens of other landmarks…
+ Read more
+ More photos
+ Watch a video of 2nd graders on an Expedition
ERB Testing Starts Next Month
Jan. 25 for Grades 6-8, Feb. 1 for Grades 4-5
During the weeks of Jan. 25–Feb. 5, 2015, all 4th-8th grade students will take the Comprehensive Testing Program (CTP) standardized tests published by Educational Records Bureau (ERB). Makeup tests will be held Feb. 8-12 for any snow days, illness, or bereavement.
This year the Middle School students will take the online tests on their own devices. Students in grades 4–5 will take their tests in their classrooms on their Chromebooks. Classroom teachers will serve as proctors for their grade.
+ Please see this comprehensive FAQ for more information about ERB testing

Shailen Chugh Wins 2015 Geography Bee
A new Emerson Geography Bee champion was crowned on Tuesday. Shailen Chugh edged out two-time defending champ Casey Lewis in the championship round. Shailen will now take a written test in an attempt to qualify for the state geography bee, which will be held on Friday, April 1, 2016…
+ Read more
Winter After-School Enrichment Classes
Register Now for Classes Jan. 11 – Mar. 18
Winter Enrichment Classes let children dive even deeper into the subjects they love. Parents can now register for Winter Enrichment Classes, which begin the week of Jan. 11 and end Mar. 18. 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
2015 Year-End Giving Reminders
Thank you to the 34% of families who have already made a pledge or donated to the Annual Fund. If you’ve not yet made your gift or pledge, please know that gifts at every level are important; we value your participation!
Current Giving Level by Grade:
K: 42%, 1st: 39%, 2nd: 34%, 3rd: 28%, 4th: 62%, 5th: 32%, 6th: 36%, 7th: 38%,8th: 23%
2015 Receipt Deadlines
Our offices are closed beginning at noon on Friday, Dec. 18th 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 2015 receipt, please hand submit by Dec. 18 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 adviser 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.
Students Raise $410 for UNICEF
Thank you to everyone who supported the UNICEF Halloween fundraiser, which raised $410.23!

Continuing Hour of Code at Home
Emerson students have been participating in 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
Lower School News
Science Olympiad Registration is Open
Open to All 2nd–5th Graders, Coaches Needed
Emerson School will once again participate in the Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO), a county-wide science event scheduled for May 14, 2016. All students in grades 2-5 are encouraged to participate, and parents are needed to coach teams.
+ More info, including event descriptions and resources
+ Register online by Dec. 21
5th Graders Going Up to the Future
Tuesday, Jan. 19 in the Emerson Middle School
Emerson 5th graders will venture into the Middle School to get a taste of life as a 6th grader. Students will meet their future teachers, visit classes, spend time with current middle schoolers, participate in team-building games, and have opportunities to ask any questions they might have. It will be a fun and informative morning for all.
Middle School News
High School Info Sessions at Emerson
Session 2: Wednesday, Jan. 6, 1:00pm–2:00pm in the AIC
Representatives from the following high schools will be visiting Emerson to share information about their programs with 7th and 8th graders. Parents are welcome to observe the presentations and stay after for a brief Q&A with the representatives.
• 1:00-1:20 – Cranbrook
• 1:20-1:40 – Father Gabriel Richard High School
• 1:40-2:00 – Early College Alliance
Session 1 was on Wednesday, Dec. 16 with Community, Steiner, and WIHi. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Lisa Psarouthakis.
High School Info and Events
Community High School Orientations
Families interested in applying for Community High School’s freshmen slots should attend one of the five scheduled orientations. Applications will be available Jan. 4 and the application deadline is Friday, Feb. 5 at 4:00pm.
+ Learn more
- Sunday, Jan. 10, 2:00-3:30pm at Community HS
- Tuesday, Jan. 12, 7:00-8:30pm at Community HS
- Tuesday, Jan. 19, 7:00-8:30pm at Clague MS
- Sunday, Jan. 24, 2:00-3:30pm at Scarlett MS
- Wednesday, Jan. 3, 7:00-8:30pm at Community HS
Community News and Events
4th Grader Coordinating Toasty Toes Sock Drive
Emerson 4th grader Parini Rao and alum Anvit Rao have coordinated the Toasty Toes Sock Drive for several years and provided hundreds of socks to families in our community. Collection boxes are located throughout the school and near entrances, but families are encouraged to bring their socks on Friday, Dec. 18 to receive $1 off their Pancake Breakfast (see above).
+ Learn more