Emerson Students Shine at Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad
Congratulations to the 77 Emerson students who participated in the 2016 Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad. An incredible 83% earned a medal, and as you can see from the smiles, embraces, and jumps for joy, everyone had fun! Most importantly, we are so proud of the sportsmanship and spirit our students displayed.
+ Read more and see the list of all participants and awards
+ More photos on Facebook
Letter from the Head of School
Dear Parents,
When the London Tube system was constructed, its design handbook mandated:
Every Underground station should include at least one moment of delight and surprise, to improve customers’ journeys and the working environment for staff.
I love seeing our own elements that, intentionally or unintentionally, cause moments of delight at Emerson. Right now, as I type this, I see students climbing up the large rock in the grassy front yard of the school. Does the rock serve a purpose? No. Do students like it? Absolutely! I see this as well with the colorfully painted letters near the curb that young children hop on as they enter the building.
In that vein, I hope you find the same delight and surprise that new and prospective families will when exploring our school on Google Maps. This 360-degree tour was completed last weekend, and the timing captured all our beautiful student artwork on display, preserving some of the joy that makes Emerson so wonderful. Click here to come and play!
Be well,
John Huber
All School News and Info
Middle School Band and Orchestra Concert
+ More photos on Facebook
Childcare Available on June 17, Graduation Day
No School Except for Band and Orchestra Performing
The last official day of school for grades K-7 (excluding Band and Orchestra performing at graduation) will be Thursday, June 16, 2016. This day will be used for school-wide awards and events as we have done in the past. Then on Friday, June 17, our regularly scheduled graduation exercises will be held in the Arts and Innovation Center, with Band and Orchestra performing as before. Our 8th grade families (including siblings) are invited to attend graduation.
As this was a change to this year’s schedule, free childcare will be provided for Emerson students in grades K-7 on Friday, June 17 from 7:30am–12:00pm. Reservations are required.
+ Email Beth Muszkiewicz to reserve childcare for your child
URGENT: Bone Marrow Drive for Jill Nolan
Join the Registry Online or at Emerson Next Week
In March, Jill Nolan (1st Grade Teacher at Emerson School) was suddenly diagnosed with AML leukemia. Jill has conquered her first round of chemo and is now back in the hospital undergoing her second round of chemo. Now she needs to find a bone marrow donor.
You can find out if you are a qualified donor for Jill (age requirement is 18-44) by joining the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry, which is where the doctors are looking for Jill’s match. It is as simple as giving a saliva sample, and you can do it one of two ways:
- Pick up a test kit in the Lower School Office. Once you complete your swab test and paperwork return it to the office, Emerson will send it back to Be The Match.
- Online at www.bethematch.org. Enter promo code “emerson16” to be associated with Jill’s drive.
+ Read the complete letter from Jill’s family here
+ Learn more about the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry and join
24% More Needed to Reach Annual Fund Goal
$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.
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
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.
Emerson Used Book Sale is June 2-3
Donate Books Now Through June 2 at Noon
Now is the time to free up bookshelf space and donate to the annual Used Book Sale. Books (no textbooks please), movies, games, and puzzles for all ages are welcome, but remember that kids of all ages will be looking through them (i.e. please do not send inappropriate books). Children’s books will all be just 10 cents, and books for adults and games will never be more than 50 cents. And for every 10 items donated, the family gets one item of their choice for free.
The Library ELFs (Emerson Library Friends—5th grade volunteers) will help with the sale and has chosen to donate the proceeds to the American Cancer Society, in honor of Jill Nolan. Additional volunteers are needed 7:30–9:00am and 2:15–3:00pm each day, and to set-up on Wednesday 3:00–6:00pm.
+ Contact Linda the librarian with questions or to help
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
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
Hand-On Fire Safety Learning and Fun
+ More photos on Facebook
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
Community News and Events
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