Letter from Jerry
Hello Parents,
Sometimes in the midst of the complicated nature of our lives these days, it is worth seeking the advice of wise people to show us a saner way. As driving habits in our parking lot are tending toward the dangerous in recent days, I have found simple wisdom from Monty Python:
Some things in life are bad
(like being late getting out of the house this morning)
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse
(like “why don’t you pull all the way forward!”)
When you’re chewing on life’s gristle
(like work, kids, traffic, running late, etc.)
Don’t grumble, give a whistle
And this’ll help things turn out for the best…
(we all want our kids to be safe)
And… always look on the bright side of life…
(and slow down, take a breath, smile….)
♪ Whistle ♪
If life seems jolly rotten
(is it really that bad to be in the parking lot for just a few minutes longer?)
There’s something you’ve forgotten
(parking lots can be dangerous when you are distracted)
And that’s to laugh and smile and dance and sing
(and slow down, check your blind spot, pull forward in your parking space)
When you’re feeling in the dumps
(will I ever get out of this parking lot?)
Don’t be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle
– that’s the thing.
And… always look on the bright side of life…
(and PLEASE hang up your phone….)
♪ Whistle ♪
For the full version of wisdom, enjoy this YouTube video.
Let’s take pride in how seriously and carefully we all take the safety of our students and children.
Sincerely,
Jerry Loewen
Head of School
All School News
Enterovirus and Ebola Information
+ Learn more
Head Search: Alan Barr Parent Mtgs Oct. 27, 28
Monday, Oct. 27, 5:30pm – 6:30pm in Room 209
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 8:30am – 9:30am in Room 129 (portable)
Alan Barr and his wife Kelly will visit Emerson. Alan and Kelly have a son in middle school and a son in high school. Alan has a BA in Managerial Economics from Hampden-Sydney College and an MS in Educational Leadership from Longwood University. Alan served as head of The O’Neal School a PK-12 institution in Southern Pines, NC.
+ Head Search Position Description
+ Alan Barr resume
+ Alan Barr feedback form (to be completed after his visit)
Share Your Feedback About All Three Finalists
If you have not already, please share your feedback with the search committee about their three finalists.
+ Ned Murray feedback form
+ John Huber feedback form
+ Alan Barr feedback form
Middle School Information Meeting
Oct. 29, 7:00pm 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
The Halloween Carnival is One Week Away
Friday, Oct. 31 – Volunteers Needed
Halloween is fast approaching! The school is decorated and the kids are getting exciting. We need lots of help for the carnival itself. If you are able to volunteer (painting nails or applying tattoos in our Halloween Boo-tique, serving food in the Orange Cafe, working in the Haunted House, running our Cupcake Walk, helping with the scavenger hunt or running a game in the gym), please sign up today!
Feel free to contact Jamie Sinha with questions. Thank you!
+ Sign up to volunteer
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
Private Music Classes Still Available
Violin
Thursday: 5:00pm – 5:30pm
Friday: 4:00pm – 4:30pm
Trumpet/Trombone
Flute
Saxophone
Michael Bambery Parent Presentation
Strategies to Help Kids Manage Stress and Build Academic Resiliency
Thursday, Nov. 6th at 7:00pm in the Emerson Library
Emerson Book Fair
“Fall for Books” at Nicola’s on Nov. 9, 5:00 – 8:00pm
Come browse the book shelves, enjoy some refreshments, mingle with classmates, teachers, and friends, and support the Emerson School Library! The book fair will be an evening filled with fun, student performances, and author signings. So come one, come all, to this fun-filled event! Volunteers are needed, so please sign up if you can help with this event.
+ Sign up to volunteer
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.
It’s not too late to sign up. Please complete the form below or email Kelly Vohland to participate.
+ Science Fair ideas
+ Participation form
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
Second Trimester Electives Open Mon. at 3:00pm
Register Online for Electives by Nov. 3
Elective selections must be made online no later than noon on Monday, November 3rd. Elective forms are only available through the student account.
+ 2nd trimester elective descriptions
+ Instructions on how to sign up
Community News & Events
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.
