Letter from Jerry

Hello Parents,

With our fabulous building rising behind us and nearing completion, it is hard not to recognize and celebrate our commitment to the arts. Not only do we have a few exciting events planned this month, but 2015 promises an even wider range of arts events and activities thanks to our new space and our expanded capabilities.

Fitty Emerson Middle School students will begin “tech week” on Monday—the culmination of months of hard work and dedication to their craft. The halls are echoing with the sounds of Pirates and Maidens singing and dancing, brandishing play swords and projecting their lines with gusto. The Pirates of Penzance, Jr. will be presented to all 4th grade – 8th grade students next Thursday as explained in this newsletter. The show will also be performing on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. The show will be fabulous and it will be our last theatrical production off-campus!

Perhaps the most famous song of all the Gilbert and Sullivan operas describes the very essence of an Emerson experience. In “Modern Major-General”, Major General Stanley describes his impressive and well-rounded education:

“I am the very model of a modern Major-General,
I’ve information vegetable, animal, and mineral,
I know the kings of England, and I quote the fights historical
From Marathon to Waterloo, in order categorical…”

The following week will play host to the last Emerson Band and Orchestra concert to be performed in the gymnasium! The Lower School concert is set for Tuesday, December 16th and will be full of great music, amusement, and entertainment.

I hope to see you at these wonderful performances and celebrations of the arts at Emerson School.
Sincerely,

Jerry Loewen
Head of School

All School News

Two Students Accepted Into All-State Orchestra

Congratulations to Maya Akhoury and Lukas Jonnson on their acceptance to the All-State Orchestra! It is a terrific honor to be chosen from among the 2000+ students who auditioned for the ensembles. Maya and Lukas will be performing with the All-State Orchestra this January in Grand Rapids with other ensemble members from across Michigan. Congratulations to all of the students who auditioned for the All-State program…
+ Read more from Mrs. C

Emerson Musical: The Pirates of Penzance, Jr.

Friday, Dec. 12th at 7:00pm, Saturday, Dec. 13th at 2:00pm

A group of fabulous Emerson Middle School Students have been rehearsing non-stop to perform this year’s Musical—is a high-spirited and funny adventure, suited for the whole family. A group of Pirates from Cornwall, England are celebrating the birthday of one of their own, Frederic, who has reached his 21st year. Finally having served his required time with the Pirates, he intends to leave the group and become an upstanding citizen. However, his plans might be foiled based on a technicality. For a play that was written by Gilbert and Sullivan almost 140 years ago, it is amazingly fresh and showcases the musical talents of our Emerson Staff and Middle School Students. Don’t miss out on an incredible show!

Pirates will be performed at the Washington Street Education Center (500 Washington St., Chelsea, MI 48118). This will (thankfully) be the last year the Emerson Musical will be held at an offsite venue.

All Emerson Students will receive a ticket for a free admission with a paying adult admission.
+ Purchase $10 general admission tickets online 
+ Questions or special requests? Contact the Box Office Manager Amy Longcore

Students Participating in Hour of Code Dec. 8-12

The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics. All Emerson students well once again participate in Lower School Computer classes and in Middle School Advisories.
+ Learn more

New After School Art Class

Creative Expression for Kids Starts in December

In these new individual art classes, we will be exploring ways to open up creative expression through the mediums of drawing, painting, and collage. Each class will begin with a prompt that students will interpret through creation, play, and exploration. Students will learn that they are never too young to tap into the personal creative expression of their individual identities in a fun and supportive atmosphere! Instructor: Sarah Brennan.

• K-2nd Grade: 
  Thursday, December 4
  Friday, December 5
  Friday, December 12
• 2nd –5th Grade
  Monday, December 8
  Thursday, December 11

Space is limited, so register with Beth Muszkiewicz today for one, two, or three of these individual, stand-alone classes for $15 each (billed to your account at the end of December).

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

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

$2,100+ Raised for Tech at Bake Sale

Thank you to the bakers, shoppers, volunteers, and buyers who made the ESPO Bake Sale incredibly tasty, fun, and successful. We made more than $2,100 for Emerson’s Technology Department. Congratulations to Lucas Caswell for winning the “giant cupcake” made by Mr. Loewen.  Please remember to pick up any dishes from the kitchen. Thanks again!  — Dana DeBord and Mary Kay Stevanus

Auction Parent Packet Arriving Tuesday

Save the Date: Friday, March 13, 2015 at Barton Hills

We will be sending the Emerson Auction Parent Packet home on Tuesday, December 9th via backpack mail. Invitations will be mailed in early February. We are looking forward to another fabulous evening that greatly benefits your children.

2015 Auction Leadership

• Parent Director:  Christine Kim
• Acquisitions Chair:  Shannon Stewart
• Class Baskets Chair:  Stephanie Zabinko
• Data Team:  Caroline Begola, Dana DeBord, Suzan Duenyas
• Decorations Chair:  Dana DeBord
• Displays & Packaging Co-Chairs:  Elizabeth Caswell and Barbara Hoffman
• Donation Pick up Chair:  Diana Rooks
• Raffles & Classroom Offerings Co-Chairs:  Lori Pearson and Stephanie Zabinko
• Wine Pull Chair:  Lisa Huczek

+ Please contact Beth Anderson to learn more about the Emerson Auction

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

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

New National Junior Honor Society Chapter

Emerson Middle School is excited to announce the opening of our own National Junior Honors Society chapter. The NJHS recognizes students who make a consistent positive contribution to both their school and the broader community. This fits with the values which Emerson promotes of perseverance, integrity, and compassion.

Students who demonstrate strength in leadership, citizenship, community service, and academic study can request to be considered for selection. Carol Kelly, 8th grade teacher, is the school’s NJHS advisor, and students in the current 7th and 8th grades should speak to her for information and a selection pack. Paperwork should be completed and returned to Carol by the end of January 2015. Sixth grade students will be eligible for selection consideration later in the second trimester.

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 03 to 19, 2014.
+ Learn more

The Nutcracker with The Ann Arbor Ballet Theatre

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

Emerson 7th grader Kristen Umbriac (playing 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