News & Blog

Family Newsletter – Oct. 16, 2014

See original email

1st Grader Pumpkin Painting

Letter from Jerry

Jerry the SluggerHello Parents,

What a start to conferences last night! Despite the long day it creates for teachers and parents, the wonderful dialogue, the reinforcement of our shared commitment to the growth of your child, and the delicious food you brought made it a wonderful, energy-filled evening.

Parent-teacher conferences allow for some of the most important conversations of the year. I hope yours were rich ones, but more importantly, that they set the stage for the even richer dialogue that will ensue throughout this school year. Our partnership around the shared aspirations and objectives for your child is what brings us all to the same table.

A special thank you to everyone who contributed to the potluck. Your outpouring of generosity and kindness filled the faculty lounge last night, and grateful teachers continue to enjoy it today. “Nothin’ says lovin’ like gifts from the oven!”

Thank you again for taking the time to meet with your teachers, and for all of your generosity. Have a wonderful long weekend.

Sincerely,

Jerry Loewen
Head of School

All School News

Head Search: Ned Murray Parent Meeting Oct. 23

Thursday, Oct. 23, 8:30am – 9:30am in Room 209

Our second finalist, Dr. Ned Murray, will visit Emerson Oct. 22 and depart on Oct. 24. This brief visit only allows for one parent meeting and we hope you will join us there.

Dr. Ned Murray will visit Emerson with his wife Lucy. They have two high school-aged sons. Ned has a BA in English from The University of the South, an MEd in Supervision and Administration from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and a DMin in Educational Leadership from Virginia Theological Seminary. He is the current head of a PK-8 school in Augusta, GA—Episcopal Day School.
+ Head Search Position Description
+ Ned Murray resume
+ Ned Murray feedback form (complete following the meeting)

Feedback for John Huber Still Being Accepted

Please share your feedback about John Huber ASAP.
+ John Huber resume
+ John Huber feedback form

Middle School Information Meeting

Oct. 29, 7:00pm – 9:00 in the Middle School Commons

Parents of 4th and 5th graders are encouraged to attend and learn about the new challenges, unique opportunities, and rigorous curriculum in store for your children as Emerson Middle School students. You will learn what to expect, go on a tour of the Middle School, and have opportunities to ask teachers and staff questions.

If you know of others who might be interested in Emerson’s Middle School, please invite them to attend.
+ Upcoming admissions events

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

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.

Service Project: Trick-or-Treat with UNICEF

Students to Receive Boxes on Wednesday, Oct. 29

Beth Nazario’s 7th grade advisory has undertaken this community service opportunity, learning about the impact of donating what seems like small change to UNICEF. For example, six cents provides a drink of safe, clean water for one thirsty child. Boxes of change should be returned to collection containers in the school by Friday, Nov 7th so that Beth’s advisory can count them. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Beth Nazario.
+ Learn more

Auction 2015 is Now Underway

Save the Date: Friday, Mar. 13, 2015

Thank you to all of the parents who attended this week’s Auction Kick-Off meeting. Many have already stepped up to fill important roles, but volunteers are still needed to chair committees, serve as a leaders, or to be Auction Ambassadors. Please get involved and join the fun.
+ Contact Beth Anderson to learn more

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. Please contact Kelly Vohland with any questions.

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—only about five weeks away.

Middle School News

Soccer: Eagles Win Tournament to End Season

Team photo with their trophy
The Emerson Middle School soccer team put the finishing touches on an excellent season this past weekend, winning the Ann Arbor Independent Athletic Association tournament. Having finished first in the regular season, with a perfect 10 wins in 10 games, the Eagles were the top seed, and so faced…
The joy of winning

Community News & Events

Mrs. C Performing in Orchestra Concert on Fri.

Oct. 17 at 8:00pm, Birmingham Bloomfield Orchestra

Ms. C is performing in the Birmingham Bloomfield Orchestra concert this Friday night. The program features a cello solo and Mozart’s famous Symphony No. 40. The BBSO welcomes guest soloist Yannis Tsitselikis to perform Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme.
+ Learn more and purchase tickets

Michigan International Festival

Saturday, Oct. 18, 5:00pm at the Michigan Theater

If you’re interested in enjoying a Saturday night of great international food, great international performances, and great fun, this is for you. Two keynote speakers, Justice Bridget McCormack (MI Supreme Court) and Ari Weinzweig (Co-Founder of Zingermans) will be presenting.
+ Learn more

How to Go On Living When Someone You Love Dies

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 7:00pm – 8:30pm

the kite network is proud to sponsor, in conjunction with the UMHS Grief Week Committee, Therese Rando, Ph.D. and her lecture, “How to Go On Living When Someone You Love Dies.” This outstanding lecture will provide information about coping with grief and loss, and how those who are bereaved can move forward in their healing.
+ 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.