News & Blog

Family Newsletter – Oct. 10, 2014

See original email

What a beautiful day to be outside and making works of art using all of the beautiful mediums given to us by nature.
+ More photos on Emerson’s Facebook page

Letter from Jerry

Jerry the SluggerHello Parents,

With the ESPO meeting fresh on my mind, I wanted to echo the group’s call for volunteers for a few upcoming events. Before I do so, however, let me express all of our gratitude for the spirit of giving and enthusiasm that defines our parent body and is so visible in the daily workings of this community. The generosity of spirit you show is truly a gift to our school community. Bravo and Thank You! Upcoming opportunities to show off that spirit are right around the corner.

Not to be too self-serving, but we are all so appreciative when you share your culinary delights during the Parent-Teacher conferences. See below if you would like to be added to the list of chefs taking care of us next week.

How about being a part of Emerson’s annual big party, the Auction? This coming Wednesday morning, Beth Anderson and Auction Parent Director, Christine Kim, will be hosting a volunteer meeting to start planning for next spring’s Auction. The volunteer army not only produces great revenue for the school, but even more great fun for the community.

Finally, there is Halloween! This big day of fun and fright is a parent-led extravaganza. The events during the day are all planned and managed by parents. And, what a day it is!
Thank you in advance for all the ways you benefit the students, faculty and staff by taking such a big part in the life of the school.

Enjoy this fall weekend.

Sincerely,

Jerry Loewen
Head of School

All School News

Conference Are Next Week, Sign Up Online

  • Wednesday October 15, 2014, 3:00pm – 8:00pm
  • Thursday October 16, 2014, 8:00am – 3:00pm

If you have not already, please take a moment to sign up for conferences online. If you have any questions, please contact Andy Zimmer (Middle School) or Kelly Vohland (Lower School).
+ Sign up for conferences

+ Instructions and scheduling info

Childcare Available During Conferences

  • Wednesday, Oct. 15, 3:00pm – 6:00pm
    Childcare ends at 6:00pm, though conferences end at 8:00pm
  • Thursday, Oct. 16, 8:00am – 6:00pm
  • Friday, Oct. 17, 8:00am – 6:00pm
    Full day only. Very limited space

+ More info, including hours, rates, and restrictions
+ RSVP by Oct 14

Potluck Dinner for Teachers at Conferences

Oct. 15 Potluck Dinner Provided by Parents

On Wednesday, Oct. 15th, teachers and staff will immediately follow up their busy school day with parent conferences, leaving very little time for dinner. As a way of saying ‘thank-you’, ESPO annually coordinates a parent potluck dinner for teachers.

Please consider providing food or volunteering your time. A few parents are needed to assist with set-up on Wednesday after school, as well as clean-up on Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.
+ Sign up to provide food or volunteer

Head Search: Provide Feedback for John Huber

Online Feedback Form Open Through Oct. 12

Thank you to all of the parents who were able to meet Head of School candidate John Huber this week. If you did not complete a print feedback form, please take a moment to complete the online form linked below.
+ John Huber info and resume
+ Head Search Position Description

Honors Composition Concert

The Honors Composition Concert is an outstanding event that provides an opportunity for students to compose and perform original music. It is open to students in grades K-12. Winners are invited to perform their compositions at the Michigan Music Conference (MMC), held in Grand Rapids, Michigan in January.
+ Learn more

Auction Planning Starts Soon

Wed., Oct. 15 at 9am in MS Conference Room 218

The Auction isn’t until March 13, but planning is already underway. Join us at our first meeting and learn how you can help prepare for the year’s most fabulous party, whether in a leadership and committee role, or with fun one-day tasks. Please contact Beth Anderson (734.665.5662, x305) to let her know if you can attend, or if you’re interested but can’t make it. We’d be thrilled if you just showed up too!
+ Learn more and volunteer

Be Part of the Halloween Carnival

Friday, Oct. 31 – Volunteers Needed

Many volunteers are needed to make this event possible. Any help you are able to give would be wonderful! Please use the carnival sign up genius to volunteer for a spot and feel free to contact Jamie Sinha with any questions or concerns.
+ Sign up to volunteer

A few notes about the carnival:

  • We ask that Kindergarten parents walk around with groups of Kindergartners. Keep that in mind when volunteering.
  • We will be having two orange cafes this year, one for K-2 and one for grades 3-5. We need twice as many volunteers!
  • The assembly will immediately follow the Halloween parade. Please consider that your child will remain in their Halloween costume during the hour long assembly.
  • There are several spots on the sign up genius to provide supplies (cider, donuts, coffee, mini-cupcakes). If you are unable be at the carnival and would like to help out, please consider contributing.

The Emerson STEAM Science Fair

November 12, 6:30pm – 7:45pm in the Emerson Gymnasium

This year our STEAM Science Fair will encourage students to design and carry out experiments, design and build inventions, make improvements to existing technology, investigate phenomena, explore mathematics of the world, or perhaps even fuse art talent or interest with science. We have lots of ideas and suggestions but you will be encouraged to dream on your own and you will quickly see that this year’s fair is wide open for all kinds of science connections.

An email was sent home this week with info on how to participate and some potential ideas. If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Vohland.

Sign Up for the Geography Bee

Friday, Nov. 21, 11:14am to 1:00pm

The bee is open to all Emerson students in grades 4 through 8. There is no charge. All that a student need do to register is hand Lenny a piece of paper with the students name and the letters GB legibly written on it BEFORE Lenny goes home at the end of the school day on Wednesday, November 19. That’s only 50 days away—don’t procrastinate!

Northwestern University’s Midwest Academic Talent Search (NUMATS)

The Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University offers students in grades 3 – 8 the opportunity to take the following standardized tests: Explore, ACT, and SAT. Registration is now open and test dates occur between Sept. 2014 and June 2015.
+ Learn more about the NUMATS and/or register

Emerson’s identification numbers: 

  • Middle School: 8200386
  • Lower School: 8200399
Although Emerson School reminds families of this opportunity, please understand that your child’s participation in these standardized tests is entirely optional and based entirely upon a family’s discretion.

Middle School News

Soccer: Emerson Finishes Perfect Season with Win

Coach Lenny Fulfills His Promise to Wear a Suit if Emerson Wins
The Emerson Middle School soccer team closed out the regular season against arch-rival Steiner school Thursday evening, and the game was fast paced and exciting, as is the norm when these teams meet. While the Eagles tended to carry the bulk of the possession…

Soccer: Two Wins Improve Record to 9-0

The Emerson Middle School soccer team improved its record to 9 wins without a loss or tie, with consecutive 5-1 victories over Ann Arbor Christian and St. Francis. With the wins, Emerson clinched its third regular season title in a row, and the top seed in the upcoming league tournament…
+ Read more

Community News & Events

MAGC Gifted Education Conference

Excelling with the Common Core

Oct. 11, 8:00am – 4:45pm at MSU Campus

Meet other parents and educators and learn strategies for identifying, raising, and educating gifted kids. Speakers, vendors, and school representatives will be on hand, including Emerson School.
+ Learn more

Chiller Author at Ann Arbor District Library

Sunday, Oct. 26, 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Jonathan Rand, author of the very popular Michigan Chillers and American Chillers series will be sharing his thoughts on writing and how he became a writer at the Downtown Main branch of the Ann Arbor District Library. While his books can be a little scary, his talk will not be. Folks who have met Jonathan Rand say he is funny, friendly, and well worth meeting. Expect a crowd for this very popular author.