2015 Emerson Science Fair: Hydrofest
+ See more photos of Hydrofest
Letter from the Head of School
Dear Parents,
In less than a week, it will be Thanksgiving. Many of our families will gather together in this annual celebration of the harvest season to enjoy a sumptuous meal together, watch a parade, and maybe catch a football game. I for one count Thanksgiving as my favorite holiday, both for its humility (no one complains about “Thanksgiving decorations” starting too early) and its focus on family and food.
It is also a season of giving thanks. In this spirit, I want to shine a spotlight on three outstanding Emerson educators who have collectively dedicated over 55 years of service to our students. These three professionals will be retiring at the close of the 2015-2016 school year, and I ask that you join me in thanking them for their hard work, deep compassion, and many achievements.
Cindy Annchild arrived at Emerson in 2001, and she has helped to shape our successful Learning Support Program. Cindy is a true child advocate, and the joy she feels in helping students achieve is readily apparent. Cindy is an optimist at heart, always cheerful, always striving to make the school (and the world) a better place. She is the consummate team player with her colleagues, working collaboratively to problem-solve issues facing our students. We will miss her warmth, her wit, and her wisdom!
At the end of this school year, Marcia Keys will have completed her 27th year at Emerson. Marcia’s deep passion has been the education of gifted students, and this has been evident in her great success teaching Kindergarten. She is a dedicated researcher and a lifelong learner, always on the lookout for new materials and strategies. So many prospective families coming to Emerson have developed their first impressions based upon Marcia’s clear presentations at Open Houses. Marcia combines a loving, affectionate manner with a firm, sensible guidance of children, and we wish her well in retirement.
Jan Walker joined our Technology Team at Emerson in 1999. In her role as Lower School Technology Teacher, she has been a continual source of information on the latest and greatest educational resources for the faculty. Jan guides “digital immigrants” with infinite patience, humor, and kindness. She also helped streamline our process of administering the ERB tests, for which we are thankful. Jan is a lover of animals (as you can see when entering her classroom), as well as Halloween, having organized our Carnival for many years. Best wishes to you, Jan!
Take care,
John
PS: In two weeks, I’ll share a summary of feedback received from my Coffees with the Head. Stay tuned!
All School News and Info
Bake Sale Needs Food and Volunteers
Tuesday, Nov. 24, 7:30am–3:00pm
ESPO really needs parent participation to make the Bake Sale happen. It’s a favorite of our kids and Grandfriends alike, and your baked good contributions make this event a success. All proceeds will benefit Emerson’s Technology Department. More volunteers are needed both Monday and Tuesday. Please visit the SignUp Genius
Please drop baked goods off Monday morning if possible. Homemade and store-bought are welcome. Curbside drop-off will be available.
+ Sign up to provide food or to volunteer, and do see packaging info
+ Allergen checklist to accompany all donated items
Sign-Ups Open for the 2015 Geography Bee
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 11:15am–1:15pm in the AIC
All Emerson students in grades 4–8 are welcome to participate in the free, fun competition. Signing up is very easy: Students write their name and the letters “GB” on a piece of paper, then hand it to Lenny Dale any day between now and when he leaves school on Friday, Dec. 11. Understand that Lenny thinks kids should learn to deal with deadlines, and this one is firm. There is no ‘too early’, but there is definitely ‘too late’.
Thanks for Giving
Getting Closer to 100% Participation
Thank you to the 22 percent of families who have already made their Annual Fund gifts or pledges. Our goal for participation is always 100 percent, and we ask you to consider making your gift to Emerson’s Annual fund as you wrap up your 2015 charitable giving. Please know that gifts at every level are important; we value your participation.
There are 3 easy ways to give or pledge:
- Give Now Online at www.emerson-school.org/give
- Give or Pledge using the reply card you received in the mail or stop by the office
- Give or Pledge by phone: call Beth Anderson at 734.665.9005, x305
Two Coaches Needed for Girls on the Run Team
We’d love to have an Emerson parent or friend coach Emerson’s 3rd-5th grade Girls on the Run team this year. Training is provided and you’ll receive a discount registration for your child. Practices will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00pm-4:30pm at Emerson, March 7 through May 20, with a celebratory 5K on Sunday, May 15. Please contact Rose Hacker with any questions.
+ More information about Girls on the Run
+ Sign up to be a Coach online
You Can Still Support the Book Sale
25% of Nicola’s Purchases Go to Emerson Through Saturday
Don’t forget the Emerson Book Fair continues at Nicola’s Books through Saturday, November 21st. Simply let the staff at Nicola’s know that you are with Emerson School and 25% of your purchase price will go to the Emerson library. Not in need of new books? No problem, there are a number of teacher wish list books still available, or gift cards to use at a later date or share with friends.
Congrats to these Book Sale Raffle winners
- K-2: Aleandra Strauss (K)
- 3-5: Margaret Loszewski (4th)
- 6-8: Katie Wu (8th)
- Gift certificate winner: Maddie Lowen (3rd)
Bonus Box Tops at Sam’s Club
Earn as many as 400 box tops ($40 value) with bonus Box Tops for Education through July 3, 2016 at Sam’s Club.
+ More information and instructions
Community News and Events
5 Emerson Students in YPT’s Shrek Musical
Nov. 19–22, Various Times, at Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre
Support Emerson students Emily Cooper, Emma Hudson, Sophia Kleer, Katie Swallow, and Hannah Ziegler as they perform in the Young People’s Theater’s production of Shrek The Musical! Remaining performances are Friday, Nov. 20 at 7:00pm, Saturday, Nov. 21 at 1:00pm and 7:00pm, and Sunday, Nov. 22 at 2:00pm.
+ Learn more
Emerson Alum in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Nov. 20–22, Various Times, at Skyline High School
Emerson alumna Emma Throm will perform in “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” at Skyline. It’s the classic love story between a lovely maiden and a loathsome beast cursed to remain a beast forever unless he can earn a maiden’s love before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose. Showtimes: Friday and Saturday, November 20 and 21, at 7:30pm; and Sunday, November 22 at 2:30pm.
+ Learn more
Emerson 8th Grader Performs in The Nutcracker
Friday, Nov. 27–Sunday, Nov. 29 at the Power Center
Emerson 8th grader Kristen Umbriac (playing Girl and Mouse) will be performing in the Ann Arbor Ballet Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker at the Power Center for the Performing Arts. Kristen will perform in all shows over Thanksgiving weekend: Friday, Nov. 27 at 7:00pm; Sat Nov. 28 at 1:00pm and 7:00pm, Sunday, Nov. 29 at 1:00pm
+ Tickets available online or at 763-TKTS
Middle Schoolers Invited to Audition for TEDxYouth@AnnArbor
Auditions on Dec. 7, 9, 15, and 17
Does your student have an idea worth spreading? For the first time, middle school students can audition to be a speaker, host, or performer in the third annual TEDxYouth@AnnArbor event. Every high school in Ann Arbor participates in this incredible student-led, student-attended event.
+ Learn more and sign up to audition
Emerson Alum in Nutcracker with Dance Alliance
Sunday, Dec. 13, 2:00pm and 7:00pm at Saline HS
Looking for something festive and fun for family this holiday season? Emerson Alum Alexis Huczek will be performing in Flowers, Soldiers, Chocolate and Snow, as part of The Nutcracker, presented by the Dance Alliance. See these talented girls perform a holiday favorite on Sunday, December 13th at Saline High School.
+ Learn more
Skyline Pom Clinic for 5th–8th Graders
Saturday, Jan. 30 (Register by Friday, Jan. 8)
Emerson alums Nia Moore, Lindsay Michaels, and Cammie Treiber are on Skyline Pom and invite 5th-8th graders for a pom clinic on Jan. 30. Please register by Jan. 8.
+ Learn more
