News & Blog

Family Newsletter – Jan. 29, 2016

Passion Project Presented at The Center for Empowerment

Middle School Intersession Week

Passion Projects Presented by Students Today

Emerson Middle Schoolers spent the week discovering, understanding, and cultivating their passions in a weeklong activity called Intersession Week. The resulting Passion Projects included working machines, videos, presentations, food drives, dances, software, music, and more—all meant to make an impact on the world. This picture is Tiffany Li (right) and Mara Krupka (left) giving their presentation about female empowerment at The Center for Empowerment.
+ See more photos

 

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Parents,

We have a talented and dedicated staff here at Emerson. Back in 2014, when I was in the process of considering Emerson both as a prospective head of school and a prospective 3rd grade parent, one of this school’s great attractions was our faculty’s depth of experience. Indeed, from my very first meetings with the teachers and administrators, I could tell that they were thoughtful professionals with deep knowledge in how best to educate our children and lead our school. The statistics help to tell the tale—the average tenure of our faculty and staff is more than 12 years, and roughly two-thirds of our teachers possess a master’s degree or greater.

I take this opportunity now to highlight those teachers and administrators who have reached milestone years of service here at Emerson. Note that these milestones are just for tenure here at Emerson, and they do not begin to account for the many years of professional achievement prior to arriving here.

Celebrating their 5th year at Emerson: Beth Anderson, Carol Kelly, Mike Wilson

10th year: Marchell Burgess, Sue Johnson, Robin Joye, and Lisa Psarouthakis

15th year: Cindy Annchild, Carrie Berkley, Joan Gregorka, Julie Moon, andKathy Salley

25th year: Miriam Del Valle and Peggy Wilson

Please join me in thanking these wonderful members of the Emerson community for their many years of exemplary service! They are what make our school outstanding.

Take care,

John

All School News and Info

No Bus Service on Monday, Feb. 1

Ann Arbor Public Schools, which provides bussing for Emerson Students, will be closed on Monday, Feb. 1. As a result, no bus service will be available for students on this day.

ERB Testing Begins Monday for Lower School

Feb. 1–5 for 4th and 5th Grades

All 4th and 5th grade students will take the Comprehensive Testing Program (CTP) standardized tests published by Educational Records Bureau (ERB). Makeup tests will be held Feb. 11-12 for any illness or bereavement.
+ Please see this comprehensive FAQ for more information about ERB testing

Re-Order Hot Lunch—Orders DO NOT Carry Over

What’s Cooking! Orders Must Be Placed by Sunday, Jan. 31

School lunches can be ordered for students, delivered Monday through Thursday, from What’s Cooking! LLC. New orders must be placed by this Sunday, Jan. 31 for the 2nd semester; first semester orders do not carry over.
+ Place your lunch order with What’s Cooking! by Jan. 31
+ Detailed ordering instructions

Pizza Lunch Volunteers Needed for Spring Term

A Plea from Theresa Romens-Woerpel, ESPO Pizza Lunch Volunteer Coordinator

Our spring term of Pizza Lunch begins on Friday, February 5th. ESPO has finalized updating everyone’s pizza orders, but to keep things running smoothly we need parents to volunteer for a pizza lunch shift. Volunteering is a great way to meet other parents, to peek in at your child during the school day and to give a bit of your time to support ESPO’s largest school fundraiser.
+ Sign up for a Pizza Lunch shift

Students and Alums Top Musicians and Composers in Michigan

Congratulations to 7th grader Ella Cunningham and 8th grader Josh Moss, who were recognized as two of the top middle school musicians in Michigan at the All State Band this past Saturday; to 8th grader Austin Zeglis, who was one of only 14 students selected to have their original compositions presented at the Honors Composition Concert; and to the many Emerson alums who performed with the All State Band and Orchestra!
+ Read more

Girls on the Run Needs 4 More Students to Continue

Will Be Canceled if More Girls Don’t Sign Up by Feb. 15

Girls on the Run inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. It is open to Emerson girls in grades 3–5, and will run on Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:00pm-4:30pm, March 7th – May 20th. A 5K celebration will also be held on Sunday, May 15 at the U of M North Campus. The cost is $150
+ Register online by Feb. 15

Support the Emerson Auction

Friday, March 11, 2016 at Barton Hills Country Club

+ Auction info and forms
Look for your invitations in the mail next week, and let us know if you would like one mailed to family and/or friends. To volunteer or ask questions, email Beth Anderson or call 734-665-5662 x305.

Donations Are Still Needed

Contribute to Class Baskets: Each grade’s Class Basket Chair is assembling a unique basket of goodies to be part of the silent auction. Reply to the email they sent if you would like to contribute.

Donate Your Own Item: Donate an item, restaurant gift card, wine, tickets to an event, etc. Just complete the online form and we’ll collect or pick up your items later.
+ Donate an Item

Help Stuff Invitations Tuesday, Feb. 2, 8:30am–12:00pm

Join a group of volunteers in the Fish Bowl for an easy way to participate and have fun.

Financial Aid Applications Due by Feb. 15

Can Use 2014 W2 Information

All Financial Aid Applications for the 2016-2017 school year must be submitted by February 15, 2016. This allows your award to be included with your re-enrollment contract. You can use your 2014 W2 if your 2015 W2 information is not yet available.

Please submit your applications ASAP. Decisions about Financial Aid will be made immediately following the Feb. 15 deadline, and aid may not be available to late applicants.
+ More info about applying for Financial Aid
+ Apply for Financial Aid at https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/4JYYZ

Perform at Open Mic Night on Wednesday, Feb. 3

A stage for students, parents, and teachers to sing a song, play an instrument, read original poetry, perform a monologue, play as an ensemble, etc. Each performer has five minutes each to share your talents and passions in front of a laid-back and supportive audience of families from schools throughout the greater-Ann Arbor area.
+ Learn more and register at ThrivingChildA2.com

 

 

Lower School News

ADMISSIONS: Middle School Experience Tour

Thursday, Feb. 11, 9:00am–11:00am, Starting in Arts and Innovation Ctr.

To understand what makes Emerson’s Middle School so special, parents should experience it in action. This Information Meeting will be during the day so parents can tour the school while it’s abuzz, see learning happening in classes, and ask faculty and staff questions.
+ Please email Jackie Ebels, Admissions Director, if you might attend

How to Prepare for Middle School

Tuesday, Feb. 23, 8:30am–9:30pm, Arts and Innovation Ctr.

Middle school can be a big transition, and this is an opportunity for parents to learn about what to expect, regardless of where your child will be attending. Topics will include adolescent neuroscience and brain development, how to support adolescents through this transition, technology use in adolescence, and the transition from a single homeroom to multiple classes with multiple teachers.
+ Please email Andy Zimmer, Middle School Director, if you might attend

Middle School News

3rd Trimester Elective Sign-Ups

Elective Sign-Up Opens Monday, Feb 1 at 3:00pm

Students can select their electives on RenWeb beginning Monday, Feb. 1 at 3:00pm. The elective forms will close at noon on Monday, Feb. 8th.
+ Learn more

 

High School Info and Events

Community High School Orientations

Wednesday, Feb. 3, 7:00-8:30pm at Community HS
Families interested in applying for Community High School’s freshmen slots should attend one of the five scheduled orientations. Applications are available now and the application deadline is Friday, Feb. 5 at 4:00pm.
+ Learn more

Community News and Events

FGR Hockey Invites Middle Schoolers to Game

Saturday, Jan. 30, 3:30pm at Ann Arbor Ice Cube

The Father Gabriel Richard High School Hockey Team invites all Middle School students to come check out a game against Jackson Lumen Christi. Admission for students: Bring a canned good to support the Emergency Food Program through CSSW. Adults: $5. The new team locker room will be open for tours following the game.
+ Learn more

Chinese New Year Celebrations at Briarwood

Saturday, Feb. 6, 1:00–5:00pm in the Sears Wing

Celebrate the Year of the Monkey with Ann-Hua Chinese School of Ann Arbor. Learn about the celebration, enjoy crafts with the kids, and delight in entertainment.
+ Learn more

Adolescent Depression and Resiliency:

What you need to know

Tuesday, Apr. 19, 7:00pm–8:00pm at Forsythe Media Center

In case you missed the opportunity to learn about this topic at Emerson, you can see the same experts from the University of Michigan Depression Center and for a presentation about depression and anxiety in adolescents.
+ Learn more