5th Graders Earn Major Achievements in Economy Competitions
Congratulations to Lucy Mehraban on winning 2nd place in the InvestWrite competition—2ND IN THE NATION! And to Kira Saporsky, Katie Swallow, and Alexandra Ulery, who won 1st place in the state in The Stock Market Game—another huge achievement.
+ More photos
Letter from the Head of School
Dear Parents,
It is May, and with May comes warmer weather, blooming flowers, and (at least for me) a little seasonal sneezing. But May is also the busiest month of the school year, a time when it seems that we pack as many events, projects, activities, performances, and field trips as we can into the calendar. This is why it surprises me when those outside of school say to me, “Well, you must be winding down by now.” How little they know! This is when we get wound up, in what I affectionately refer to as the Hundred Days of May. It’s impossible to be bored, when every day brings something new and wonderful!
So, to that end, I’ll keep this message short, with only one request. Please take extra time to look through both our newsletter and our teachers’ messages for important dates and deadlines. It is so easy to rush through these important messages, but do know that we try to keep our parents informed without being overwhelmed with daily reminders. Take a moment this weekend to update your calendars and plan out these next five weeks of school.
And with that, I’m off to help with the Lower School Science Olympiad! Or is it the Alumni Dinner and Middle School Art & Music Performance? Or the 6th grade Ohio Trip? Or the Piano Recital? Or the…
Be well,
John Huber
All School News and Info
Quiz Bowl Team Finishes 33rd in Nation
Today is Last Day to Submit Yearbook Ads
In addition to getting signatures, students look forward to seeing the ads their families create for them. You can purchase space in this year’s book at the following rates:
- Full Page (8.5”w x 11”h): $150
- Half Page (8.5”w x 5.5”h): $80
- Quarter Page (4.25”w x 5.5”h): $45
- Eighth Page (4.25”w x 2.25”h, roughly business card): $25
8th Graders Offered Complimentary Farewell Ad
Every 8th grade student is offered a complimentary quarter page ad space to leave a farewell message. Students can contact yearbook@emerson-school.org for questions or help.
+ More info and resources at www.emerson-school.org/yearbook
3 New Employment Opportunities Listed
Overviews for the three positions listed below have been posted on the Emerson website at www.emerson-school.org/employment. If you have any interest, or if you know of someone who might be a good fit, please visit the site to learn more.
- Assistant to the Head and Board
- Middle School Office Manager and Registrar
- Special Events Associate
Annual Alumni Dinner and Concert
Thursday, May 19 at 5:30pm in the Middle School Commons
Our entire alumni community of former students, parents, and teachers is invited to join for some food, fun, and reminiscing. We’ll provide the Q’doba, and you provide the stories and connections. If your alum played in the Band or Orchestra, they’re invited to perform on stage with the middle schoolers in their final concert of the year.
+ Learn more and RSVP
ESPO Positions Need Parent Volunteers
Help wanted. No experience required. Compensation: none. Benefits: the feeling that comes from volunteering and being involved with our Emerson community. There are a number of positions still available for next year’s ESPO. Particularly, we need a Co-Chair and Pizza Lunch Volunteer Chair and Co-Chair. What a great way to meet other families and to give back to the School.
+ More information and openings
+ Contact Chair Diana Rooks dskaram@umich.edu or Co-Chair Elizabeth Caswellewcaswell@alumni.duke.edu for additional information
Halloween Planning Begins at May 25 Meeting
Wednesday, May 25, 8:30am–9:30am in MS Commons
Emerson loves its Halloween Carnival. Are you interested in helping plan next year’s celebration? We are seeking committee chairs for areas such as Haunted House, Orange Café, Carnival Games, Entertainment, Logistics, and more. Our first meeting is Wednesday, May 25 from 8:30am-9:30am in the MS Commons. If you cannot attend, but are interested in volunteering, please contact Elizabeth Caswell at ewcaswell@alumni.duke.edu.
Annual Fund Goal: 75% Parent Participation
$5, $500 or $5,000, Your Participation Is What Matters
Your annual fund gift helps fill the gap between tuition and the cost of running the school, and it gets us closer to the goal of 75% family participation. Please join the 100% of faculty, staff, and trustees who participate in the Annual Fund by making your tax-deductible gift at emerson-school.org/give.
Parent Participation by Grade
Thank you to the 51% of families who have already given to this year’s Annual Fund. Please join them.
K: 63%, 1st: 61%, 2nd: 56%, 3rd: 56%, 4th: 73%, 5th: 52%, 6th: 61%, 7th: 60%,8th: 32%
Convenient Ways to Give
Online: By credit card
Curbside drop-off: cash or check accepted from your car
Offices: Send cash or a check with your child to drop off
Call: Beth at 734.665.9005, x305
Good Luck at the Science Olympiad!
Charitable Drives Happening at Emerson
An Emerson education includes learning about service, and many students have taken the initiative to create drives that support causes they believe in.
School Art Supplies to Heart for Art Project
May 5–20, and at all Art & Music Events
Emerson 6th Grader Gabby Taichman is collecting art supplies to give children the ability to express their creativity. Art supplies will be donated to Peace Neighborhood in Ann Arbor and Grace Girls Home in Sri Lanka (our partnering school in Sri Lanka), who in turn will distribute them to children in need. Collection bins will be in the Middle School Commons and Fish Bowl May 5–19.
+ Learn more and see items requested by grade level
Perform at Family-Friendly Open Mic Night
Last of the Year: Wednesday, June 1 at 6:00pm
The Family-Friendly Open Mic Nights just keep getting better. Check out this video with Mrs. B explaining how they work, and sign up to perform at the June 1 Open Mic Night—the last one of the year.
+ Learn more and sign up at www.thrivingchilda2.com
Middle School News and Info
2016-2017 1st Trimester Elective Sign-Ups
Open Now and Closes Monday, May 16
Students can now select their 2016-2017 first trimester electives. The elective forms will close at noon on Monday, May 16.
+ Elective descriptions
+ Directions on how to sign up
Band and Orchestra Concert
Thursday, May 19, Concert at 7:00pm
This special performance will feature the premier of Simple Springtime, written by Allen Borton, the band performance of Go West and William Tell Overture, and the orchestra performing The Magical World of Pixar. Then the band and orchestra will join together to perform An American Rhapsody in the style of Aaron Copland—a challenging and beautiful piece that we hope you will enjoy.
Community News and Events
New Art Instruction Center Opening Downtown
Open House on Sunday, May 15, 2:30pm–5:00pm
Flipside Art Studio is a new, 1500 square-foot art instruction center opening in downtown Ann Arbor, and it is hosting an Open House this weekend. See the space, make some art, and check out all of the opportunities to learn about art. It’s owned by Emerson parent Mary Kay Stevanus, which is a great bonus reason to pop by.
+ Learn more
Shoes for Love Collection at Emerson
Now Through May 17 at Emerson
Shoes of any size and shape are being requested for the Shoes for Love collection. All shoes will go to orphanages in Ecuador, Burkina, Faso, Africa, or Haiti, and can be dropped off in a bin located inside the main entrance.
+ Learn more
National Learn to Row Day
Saturday, May 21, 10:30am-1:30pm at Bandemer Park
Ann Arbor Rowing Club and the University of Michigan Men’s rowing team will be hosting National Learn to Row Day. Please tell your friends, co-workers, family, etc. to come on out and learn more about the sport on beautiful Argo pond. Emerson’s own Jennifer Conn and Lisa Psarouthakis are involved.
+ Learn more
Cyber Safety Initiative (CSI) Camp
June 20–23 and July 11–14, Free
CSI Camp is a free weeklong camp through the Washtenaw Area Council for Children that teaches middle school kids everything there is to know about cyber safety.They will learn valuable skills, like how to stay safe and respectful on the Internet, with fun activities, games, and snacks.
+ Learn more