Middle School Students Construct Their Own Planetarium
Letter from Jerry
Hello Parents,
As the coming week brings us into the month of April and one week closer to the end of the school year, I want to bring you up to date on our transition plans welcoming John Huber as the 6th Head for Emerson School. While John will not officially start until July 1st, he and I have been in regular communication since his appointment last fall. Additionally, John visited campus on Monday and Tuesday of this week meeting with administrators, ESPO representatives, trustees, and was able to spend time with the faculty over lunch. Many more specific meetings with teachers and staff will begin in earnest this summer.
The objective of these visits and conversations has been to bring John up to speed on all things Emerson. While at times it must feel like trying to drink through a fire hose, we have been mindful of prioritizing the information that is most vital and most useful for a smooth transition. The topics range from daily routines around school to the major milestones in our school history, to major education trends as they impact Emerson, to the most pressing needs facing our school in the next few months and next few years.
While recognizing that the primary responsibility of the Head of School is to be the chief steward of the school’s mission and vision, the challenge in any Head transition is also recognizing that each new Head brings new interests, new talents, and a new approach to his or her new school. What makes that transition from the “old” to the “new” most successful is the passing on of the most objective information possible from as many sources as possible.
I look forward to my continuing conversations with John and his more robust conversations with all of you in the very near future.
Sincerely,
Jerry Loewen
Head of School
All School News
Big Week of Student Achievements
Science Olympiad Takes 3rd at Regional Tournament
Emerson’s Middle School Science Olympiad team earned third place (and a team trophy) at the Science Olympiad Regional Tournament last weekend.
Quiz Bowl is 7th in the State
In their very first season, the Emerson Quiz Bowl team finished 7th at Michigan Middle School State Championships last weekend.
Model UN Competes at MSU and Wins Two Awards
Emerson students competed at the MSU Red Cedar Model UN Conference this weekend, with Henry Branch and Tyler Lee winning honorable mentions.
Two Top Finishes in K-3 Michigan Junior Chess Championships
Representing Emerson School at the Michigan Junior Chess Championship in Kalamazoo, Eleanor Klinger won 4 of her 5 games to finish 3rd overall, and Parini Rao took 2nd in the 3rd Grade Division. Emerson alum Anvit Rao competed in the High School Championship, even though he is a current 6th grader.
Child Care Available During Spring Break
Apr. 6 – 10 (No school or childcare on Friday, Apr. 3)
You can sign up for individual days as needed. We are available from 8am-3pm ($60/day) with after care from 3-6pm ($6/hour). Space is limited and fills on a first-come, first-served basis. Reminder: There is no school and no childcare on Friday, April 3.
+ Learn more
+ Register by emailing Beth Muszkiewicz
8th Graders Are Headed Into Space—Join Them
High Altitude Weather Balloon Project Taking Off
Last week, Emerson 8th graders began planning their 3rd trimester project: planning, designing, and launching a high altitude weather balloon (HAWB). A HAWB is a balloon that is launched into the atmosphere, and can help detect weather conditions. Students will be launching two HAWBs and conducting experiments on things like the level of pollution or the temperature at certain heights. To find out more and stay updated along the process, please check out their pages below.
+ Website | + Instagram | + Twitter
+ Contact the HAWB Public Relations team with questions or feedback
$8,238 Raised for Emerson in Online Auction
The Online Auction topped off an incredible Live Auction, bringing in an additional $8,238 dollars for Emerson students. Thank you to everyone who participated, and enjoy your items!
Emerson Earns Emerald Green School Status
Students are once again learning in an official Michigan Green School – Emerald Level! The school has completed at least 15 activities relating to reduce/reuse/recycle, energy, environmental protection, and others.
+ Learn more about Michigan Green Schools
Order K and 2nd Grade Projects by Monday
All orders for the Kindergarten Memory game or 2nd grade pillowcase/tote bag must be received by Monday, Mar. 30. If you placed an order, please submit payment ASAP.
+ Email Beth Anderson to order
New Emerson Summer Camp: Bollywood Beats!
July 20 – 24, 9:00am – 12:00pm, for Grades 3 – 5
Join us as we groove to the energetic beats of Bollywood; the music of the Indian film industry! Bollywood dancing is a versatile, colorful dance form that incorporates styles from around the world, such as Latin, hip-hop, Indian classical, and jazz. In this camp, students will join friends in learning fun choreography and putting together a dance. We’ll introduce students to the music, the style, and most importantly, the fun that comes with being immersed in modern Indian culture.
+ Learn more and register
Renew Your Kroger Grocery Cards
You can earn money for Emerson every time you shop at Kroger, but you need to re-enroll every year and now is the time. Please visit the Kroger Community Rewards Program and enroll/re-enroll using Emerson’s school code (82607). Then just swipe your card when you shop.
2015 Emerson Red Cross Blood Drive
Tuesday, Apr. 21, Noon to 6:00pm in the Emerson Gym
The goal is to collect 50 pints of blood, and Mr. Wilson’s 8th graders and 4th graders in Rob Bauman’s class need you to donate. All donations should take 60 minutes or less, from check-in to check-out, and donors will be treated to a WiFi waiting area with work tables, snacks, and lots of TLC.
+ Learn more
Middle School News
Pioneer High 9th Grade ‘Meet and Greet’
Wednesday, Apr. 22, 11:15am – 2:30pm
Students will have a tour of the school and lunch with fellow 8th graders. There will be an extra curricular fair with representatives of several school clubs and athletic teams. Meet at the Clock Tower Entrance.
+ RSVP to Jen Kunec by April 10th
Father Gabriel Richard Freshmen Welcome Event
Tuesday, Apr. 28, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Incoming freshmen and parents are invited to attend.
Community Events
Digital Media Academy STEM Summer Camps
$125 Off for Emerson Community
The Digital Media Academy is offering STEM-based summer camps at University of Michigan this summer, and they are offering two ways to attend at a discounted rate:
- Exclusive $125 savings for the Emerson community through March 31
- Need-Based Scholarships – families in need are invited to apply for financial assistance.
+ Learn more about the Digital Media Academy
+ Contact DMA about discounted registration
MAGC Conference Catalog Cover Art Contest
Entry Deadline is Mar. 31
The Michigan Association for Gifted Children (MAGC) programs and conference planning board is looking for a gifted artist, aged 12 to 15, to create our next conference cover. The winner and finalist’s artwork
will be used in marketing and conference materials for 2015-2016.
+ Learn more
U of M Summer Engineering Academy
Applications Due Tuesday, Mar. 31
This program’s goal is to expose students to engineering and open to all students with an interest in engineering. The Center for Engineering Diversity and Outreach particularly encourages applications from students who are from underrepresented groups in engineering.
+ Learn more
Middle School Learn to Row
Starts April 13 for All 6th – 8th Graders
Get on the water and try an incredible sport with the Washtenaw Rowing Center! Rowing (aka crew) is flourishing in our community, with nationally competitive boys and girls teams in Washtenaw County, as well as top collegiate programs at universities throughout the state. Now middle school students also have the chance to give it a try, in a fun and relaxed atmosphere where they’ll learn basic technique and get on the water to experience what this exciting sport is all about!
+ Find more information and sign up, or contact Program Director Kit Bennett
