News & Blog

Family Newsletter – May 2, 2014

Letter from Jerry

Jerry's Call to ParentsHello Parents,

In addition to Art-Music Nights, Middle School trips, portable classroom demolition, construction undertakings, and the always upward learning trajectory in every classroom, we are also still in our admissions season for the 2014-2015 school year.

As of this email, we will be welcoming 53 new students to Emerson next year, and many more families are in the admissions process. While we are ahead of the admissions pace from years’ past, our new students are spread out across all the grade levels much more evenly than in most years. This means that we currently have openings at many grade levels.

Thank you to everyone who has talked about Emerson’s special, joy-filled learning environment with someone else. Your word of mouth continues to be the driving force behind families learning about Emerson. We will be hosting our final K-8 Admissions Information Meeting next Tuesday, May 6th from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. If you know of families whose children would be a good fit for Emerson School, please encourage them to join us.

AND, thanks to ESPO and all our performers and exhibitors who made Passport to the World possible last Friday night. It was an entertaining, stimulating, and educational community event that put on display one of the major reasons Emerson School is so unique.

Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,

Jerry Loewen
Head of School

All School News

Faculty Changes for 2014-2015

We have reached that point in the year when faculty and staff changes begin to come to light. The following teachers are among those who will be departing or transitioning to new roles at the end of this school year.

  • Judy Barthwell, Lower School Music and Chorus Director
  • Nancy Dever, 6th Grade Social Studies
  • Dr. Mary Ellen Flaherty, 6th Grade Math
  • Joyce Gerber, 5th Grade
  • Yukiko Kobayashi-Miller, Middle School Japanese

If you missed the full announcement, you can read it here. Nancy Dever’s quote was missing from this announcement, but is included below.

Nancy Dever, 6th Grade Social Studies

Nancy has been a teacher at Emerson School since 1983, making her one of Emerson’s most veteran teachers. Generations of students have been fortunate to learn from Nancy. But with a total of 36 years of teaching under her belt, including 31 at Emerson, she has decided to put down her chalk at the end of this school year.

“When I first came to Emerson, it was my plan to only stay two years. Let, me tell you–this is a difficult place to leave. For over three decades this school has been like home to me; the people I work with are family. This decision to retire has been a difficult one.  I recently received a fortune cookie that read, “A part of us remains wherever we have been.” I believe this, but I also know a part of Emerson will always be in my heart.”
—Nancy

Faculty & Staff Appreciation Luncheon

Tuesday, May 6, 11:30am – 1:00pm
This Tuesday ESPO and parent volunteers will put on a western-style barbecue in appreciation of our wonderful teachers and staff. Thank you to all of the volunteers who have signed up to help, offered to bring a dish, or donated funds to help cover the cost of the catered barbecue, decorations, and favors!

Contribute

There are a few more items needed, including food, drinks, and monetary donations (envelope in Joan’s office).

Volunteer

We are still looking for  a few more volunteers for set up Monday 4-6PM in the Gym/kitchen, and to be “floaters” during the luncheon (11:00am – 1:00pm) to cover classrooms, playground, serving, or wherever needed.
+ Sign upThank you again!
Co-chairs Melissa Knauth (713) 882-7781 and Debi Rasche (734) 355-8969.

 

All Families Invited to Building STEAM Gatherings

6:00pm – 7:00pm on Monday, May 19 and Wednesday, May 21

Emerson parents are hosting two Building STEAM gatherings, and you are invited. Please join us for wine, hors d’oeuvres, and to learn more about Emerson’s exciting expansion project.

Adults only please. Free childcare, with pizza and snacks is provided for the Monday, May 19 gathering. 

Both events will be in Emerson’s Black Box Theatre (Middle School room 206)
RSVP for May 19, 6:00pm – 7:00pm – Hosted by K-1 Parents
RSVP for May 21, 6:00pm – 7:00pm – Hosted by 5-8 Parents

For questions or to RSVP in person, please email Chris Barry, or call (734) 665-5662 x314 by Friday, May 16.

Pick Up Dishes and Utensils from Passport

A reminder for parents to pick up any plates, dishes, or serving utensils left at Passport to the World. These will be available for pick-up in the kitchen.

 

Community News & Events

Students Performing in The Wizard of Oz

May 16 – 18, Afternoon and Evening Performances

Emerson students will be performing in the Young People’s Theater production of The Wizard of Oz. All performances will be at the Power Center for Performing Arts in Ann Arbor, and afternoon and evening shows are available.
+ Learn more and purchase tickets

Ann Arbor Rowing Club Learn to Row Day

Sunday, May 17, 11:00am – 2:00pm at Bandemer Park

Come join the Ann Arbor Rowing Club and the University of Michigan’s Men’s Crew and learn to row. At this free event you can ask questions, learn the basics, and get out on the water.
+ Learn more