Letter from Jerry
Hello Parents,
Last week, under the cover of fading light, Lee Horvath led me through the emerging Arts and Innovation Center. Oh my gosh! Standing on that stage, looking out into the empty house and imagining the future performances, events, celebrations, and learning of all kinds was enough to bring on the goose bumps! Close behind the chills were the waves of gratitude and amazement at what our volunteers and donors have made possible in such a short amount of time.
As was shared with you in our Monday announcement, reaching the minimum campaign goal a year ahead of schedule enables us to focus on two equally vital goals. Most fundamentally, we want to develop the broadest base of participation possible so that the ownership and the excitement of this new resource is felt by everyone in the Emerson community. Currently, 31% of our families have made contributions—big and small. How close to 100% can we come?
Secondly, we now have the opportunity to think beyond the basic elements of our new space and its carefully monitored budget. As we begin to explore the “what ifs”, we have begun to compile lists of physical additions, as well as lists of ideas that will influence future programing, training, and the range of uses our beautiful new space will provide for generations of Emerson students to come.
Researching the educational landscape for “school spaces of the future,” so many elements of our building already match these needs: flexible spaces, collaborative spaces, performing spaces, common spaces where students of varying age groups can cross paths, spaces where technology can easily be employed to make the virtual destination an everyday learning opportunity, and spaces where people from outside the Emerson community will come to learn. Now is the time to make certain those spaces come to life this year and every year thereafter. Some of these ideas, and the cultivation of others, will require funding from this year’s efforts and will ensure that we make the most of this facility and honor the hard work and vision of those who have made this possible.
We look forward to your participation as we all eagerly anticipate the completion of our new space!
Sincerely,
Jerry Loewen
Head of School
All School News
Head Search: Q&A with Finalist John Huber
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 5:30pm – 6:30pm in the Middle School Commons
Thursday, Oct. 9, 8:45am – 9:45am in the Orchestra Portable
The Search Committee for Emerson’s next Head of School has identified three finalists. John Huber will visit Emerson October 8-10 with his wife Janine. He and Janine have three sons, two high school aged and one in elementary school. John has a BA in Classics from Cornell University and an MA in Educational Leadership from Villanova. John is the current head of school at the Barnesville School (K-8) in Dickerson, MD.
+ Oct. 2 email announcing three finalists
+ 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
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!
Conference Dates and Sign-Ups
- Wednesday October 15, 2014, 3:00pm – 8:00pm
- Thursday October 16, 2014, 8:00am – 3:00pm
Parents can once again sign up for conferences online beginning this Sunday at 9:00pm. Detailed instructions were emailed yesterday and are also available online. Please contact Andy Zimmer (Middle School) or Kelly Vohland (Lower School) if you have any additional questions.
+ 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
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.
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
Northwestern University’s Midwest Academic Talent Search (NUMATS)
+ Learn more about the NUMATS and/or register
Emerson’s identification numbers:
- Middle School: 8200386
- Lower School: 8200399
Middle School News
Soccer: 3 Wins on 3 Game ‘Road Trip’
Eagles Preserve Perfect 7-0 Record
High School Information
Father Gabriel Richard Open House
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
ADHD and Learning Disabilities Workshop
Three-Session Workshop, Oct. 7, 15, 23 at U of M
Parents can share ideas and receive resources on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Learning Disabilities (LD), the emotional impact of learning problems, and community supports for parents and children. Receive new tools, practical information, and engage in discussions at our free workshop.
+ 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.
Creature Conservancy Camps
Children in grades K-6 can spend their day(s) off from school with the animals at The Creature Conservancy! Students get to help with care and feeding of select animals and enjoy up close and personal time with some of our animal ambassadors!
+ Learn more
