Emerson’s two robotics teams did so well at the big competition last Saturday! Competing against students in grades 4–8, Emerson’s veteran Rising Robots team of 5th and 6th graders took 2nd place overall—and an invite to the state championships—while the 4th and 5th grade Cyber Eagles team earned the Rising Star award for best rookie team! And Emerson alum Caleb Burgess received the Student Mentor award for his dedication to the team. GO EAGLES! + See more photos
Letter from the Head of School
Dear << Test First Name >>,
This past Sunday morning when I woke up, it suddenly felt like Thanksgiving Break had already arrived. Some magical combination of the drop in temperature, the light dusting of snow, flannel sheets on the bed, extended family in the guest room, a tidied up house—it all contributed to a sense of stillness that falls at break time.
And that time has now come. Please enjoy this opportunity for family, for food, and for fellowship. Pull out the puzzles and family games—I’m a fan of Settlers of Catan, but will also consent to the occasional round of Exploding Kittens if pressed. Set your email on auto-reply, and try your hardest to disconnect from the ever-present pull of electronics.
And don’t forget, next week when return, we’ll be greeting you with a cup of coffee or cocoa at curbside as part of Giving Tuesday. It’s our way of thanking you for your support of Emerson.
Have a joyful break,
John
All School News and Info
Grandparent and Special Friends’ Day
Hundreds of grandparents and special friends joined us today and put some huge smiles on the faces of our students. We are thankful for that! + See more photos
Astrofest Needs Space Enthusiasts
Emerson’s Astrofest Science Fair is scheduled for the evening of January 26th. In order to offer the Emerson community unique astronomy experiences and information, we are looking for scientists and enthusiasts who would be willing to present their expertise, passions, and/or materials/resources that evening. Maybe you are in the field of astrophysics or space exploration, or know of someone who is, and would be willing to share your knowledge? + Please send your reply to kvohland@emerson-school.org
School Dress Code Has Been Updated
Students, teachers, and administrators have spent many months evaluating and reworking Emerson School’s dress code. The goal has been to develop a policy that provides common-sense guidelines, while better reflecting our commitments to diversity, equity, and justice. The result is the policy linked below, which expands on the abbreviated policy included in this year’s Family Handbook. + Read the updated Dress Code & Appropriate Clothing Policy
Giving to You on Giving Tuesday
Complimentary Curbside Coffee & Cocoa on Nov. 29
To thank you for all that you do for our school, we are giving to you on Giving Tuesday. Just pull forward after dropping off your children at curbside and an Emerson trustee or staff member will take your oder for a steaming cup of coffee or cocoa—you don’t even need to get out of your car.
Basketball News by Coach Lenny
Emerson’s boys varsity basketball team had their home opener Thursday evening, after an up and down start on the road. Having overwhelmed Spiritus Sanctus, but then falling at Ann Arbor Christian in a tight one, Emerson hosted Steiner School. The Eagles had a hard time getting going offensively, but the defense threw a shutout through the first nine (minutes), by which time the offense was starting to get it in gear… + Read more
Open Mic Night: A Special Coffee House Edition
Nov. 30 at 6:00pm at Emerson School
Children and adults can sing a song, play an instrument, read original poetry, perform a monologue, play as an ensemble, etc. Each performer has about five minutes each to share their talents and passions in front of a laid-back and supportive audience of families from schools throughout the greater-Ann Arbor area. This Open Mic Night will have a special coffee house feel—don’t miss it!
Open Mic Nights are part of the Thriving Child A2 series, presented by Emerson School. Families from any school are welcome to participate, so please invite others.
Thank you for making a difference with your support
At Emerson, as at most independent schools, tuition does not fully cover operating costs. Annual Fund gifts help bridge the gap, and we are counting on your gift this fall.
Your gift will help to sustain this creative, nurturing school. It will help Emerson’s passionate educators engage our bright students by tapping into their curiosity and encouraging their search for answers. It will inspire in our children a love for learning that will last a lifetime. When we are all in, we all win! + Make your gift online at ww.emerson-school.org/give.
Parent Community Event: Technology and Your Child, presented by Washtenaw Area Council for Children
Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7:00pm in the AIC
The Washtenaw Area Council for Children will lead families through an exploration of the world of technology at our students’ fingertips. They will share data on current trends and challenges, as well as provide strategies for helping your child handle this unprecedented access to information. The WACC will also share information on cyber safety, strategies for protecting your child in this age of access, and what concerning behaviors adults should watch out for in their children.
Emerson Geography Bee Sign-Ups
Sign Up by Friday, Dec. 16
The Emerson Geography Bee, open to all Emerson students in grades 4 through 8, is scheduled for Tuesday, December 20, at 11:15, in the library/media center. There is no cost, and registration couldn’t be easier – just give Lenny Dale a piece of paper with your name and the letters GB legibly written on it before he leaves school on Friday, December 16.
Bee questions cover a wide range of topics. Sample questions from previous years can be found on the National Geographic website. The school bee winner gets to take an on-line test to try to qualify for the state bee.
Community Activities
Emerson Student Performed in Silent Night
Congratulations to Emerson 8th grader Marcellin Barbeau, who performed in the sold out Michigan Opera Theatre production of the Pulitzer prize winning opera, Silent Night!
AAHOM ScienceFest: Space Odyssey
Nov. 25–27 at the Hands-On Museum
3….2…..1…..blast off! Visit the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum for an unforgettable odyssey through the wonders of space. From rocket science to astronomy, engineering to astrophysics, we’ll explore what lies beyond our own world. With hands-on activities, demos, and more for preschoolers to grandparents, there will be plenty for the whole family to enjoy. + Learn more
TEDxYouth@AnnArbor Seeking Middle School Presenters
Auditions the Fist Two Weeks of December
It’s that time of the year again for TEDx talks. TEDxYouth@AnnArbor is holding auditions during the first two weeks of December for our event next April. We invite middle schools students to participate. You do not need to have a full speech prepared, just pitch us your good idea worth spreading at auditions. + Learn more
Emerson Students Performing in Nutcracker
Dec. 16–18 at the Power Center in Ann Arbor
Emerson students Chiara Bichakjian, Francesca Bichakjian, Alita Cunningham, Chloe Eavy, Elena Mychaliska, Asha Owens, John Umbriac, Joseph Ranzini, and Liliana Ranzini will be performing in the Ann Arbor Ballet Theatre’s production of Nutcracker. Way to go Emerson stars! + Learn more
