Fifth Grade Scientists

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Parents,

Just thirty minutes ago, prior to composing this newsletter article, I was cheering on Emerson’s cross-country teams as they competed in their final match of the season.  Once again our students performed well, with many Emerson athletes receiving ribbons in both the JV and Varsity races.  Congratulations to Coach Bryan Seymour and to all of our young athletes on another fabulous season!

Cross-country is such a wonderful sport, and I’m pleased that Emerson maintains a vibrant team.  This is a sport in which students at all levels of athleticism can join.  There’s a sense of gender equity, as both boys and girls can participate in the same races of the same lengths.  Families need not invest in expensive equipment or rent practice space – all a runner needs is shoes and a place to run.  Running is also a lifelong sport, one that students can take into their adult lives.  I particularly like the warm, supportive spirit of the crowds at cross-country matches, as spectators will cheer on all of the runners, down to the very last person on the course.

Perhaps the sport’s greatest strength, though, is that the focus is on each runner to strive for his or her personal best.  While teams and schools compete, each athlete can work to achieve personal improvement.  Collectively, it’s important for every runner to improve his or her time – it’s not just about a select few star athletes.  The message at the end of each race is, in a nutshell, “You did well.  Can you do better?”

If this isn’t a philosophy for living, then I don’t know what is.  Perhaps this can be the message you have with your child, as you come away from parent conferences next week.  You did well.  Where can you do better?  Celebrate the achievements, and work toward steady improvement.

Be well,
John

All School News and Info

Last Chance for Conference Sign-Up

Please Sign Up Before Oct. 12 at 9:00pm

Conference sign-ups are open until Monday, October 12, at 9:00pm.
+ More information about conferences and how to register
+ Information on Childcare programming during conferences

ESPO’s Fall 2015 Teacher Conference Potluck

Food and Volunteers Needed Wednesday, Oct. 14

On Wednesday, Oct. 14, Emerson teachers and staff follow up their busy school day with parent conferences. Many teachers will only have a short break that doesn’t allow them to leave, so ESPO parents generously provide a potluck dinner to get them through to the end of the night.
+ Learn more and volunteer

Volunteers needed for Halloween Carnival

Sign up early to secure your preferred spot

Halloween is quickly approaching and plans are underway for our ESPO Halloween Carnival (Friday, October 30)! This is such a fun event for the kids (and adults), but we need lots of help. There are many ways to help – donating items, spending time helping decorate, and helping on the day of the carnival.
+ Contact Jamie Sinha with questions
+ Sign Up to help!

Pledge Your Support

New this Year: Our Fall Pledge Focus

Every member (100%) of Emerson’s Faculty & Staff and every Emerson Trustee has already made their gift or pledge to the 2015-2016 Annual Fund. But we still need the support of 100% of Emerson families because tuition revenue does not cover the full cost of your child’s Emerson education.

• NEW – Fall Pledges: Make your commitment today and fulfill your pledge before June 15. Call,  or use the pledge card received in your first day packet or pick one up at the office.
• Give Online: Check it off your list by giving at www.emerson-school.org/give.

+ Questions? Contact Beth Anderson, (734)665-5662 x305

No Parking Along Curbside After School

School Bus picks up students between 3 and 3:30

For the safety of the students, please do not park along curbside (the pickup/dropoff lane) between 3:00 and 3:30pm. The Ann Arbor School Bus uses this area to pick up bus riders and requires the curbside lane to be car-free.

Get in on the Auction Planning Starts Soon

Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 9am in MS Conference Room 218

The Auction isn’t until March 11, 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 or committee role, or with fun one-day tasks. Please contact Beth Anderson (734-665-5662, ext. 305) 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

Earn Thousands for Emerson by Shopping

Shop at Stores that Give to Emerson

Clip Box Tops and Labels for Emerson

Parents can also help Emerson raise $1,000 through Box Tops for Education and Labels for Education, just by clipping the labels on many items you already buy. Thanks to everyone who continues to contribute to BTFE and LFE. If you have box tops or labels at home, Emerson’s BTFE and LFE collection container is located in the Fish Bowl.
+ Learn more or contact Dana DeBord, BTFE and LFE Parent Coordinator

Lower School News and Info

Lower School Conferences

• Tuesday, Oct. 13, 3:30pm – 6:00pm
  Regular child care available 2:45pm – 6:00pm
• Wednesday, Oct. 14, 3:30pm – 6:00pm
  Regular child care available 2:45pm – 6:00pm
• Thursday, Oct. 15, 8:00am – 3:00pm
  Full-day and drop-in child care available 8:00am – 6:00pm, email bethm@emerson-school.org to register

Childcare Available During Conferences

Awesome programming is available from our After School Programming staff. Space is limited and registration is required!
 + Information on Childcare programming during conferences
 + Contact Beth Muszkiewicz at bethm@emerson-school.org to register or to ask questions.

Middle School News and Info

Middle School Conferences

• Wednesday, Oct. 14, 3:00pm – 8:00pm
  Child care ends promptly at 6:00pm and the normal late fee of $4/minute applies. No child care available 6:00pm – 8:00pm.
• Thursday, Oct. 15, 8:00am – 3:00pm
  Full-day and drop-in child care available 8:00am – 6:00pm, email bethm@emerson-school.org to register

Cross Country Achieves Personal Bests

Final meet of the season is October 22

Community News and Events

Free Tickets to E.T. at the Michigan Theater

Sponsored by Emerson on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 1:30pm

Emerson School is a sponsor of the special screening of E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, a classic family movie, and we have passes for Emerson families and friends to see it for free. Pick up complimentary passes for kids and adults in the Lower School office.
+ Learn more

Helping Your Anxious Child: A Group for Parents

4-Week Group Starting Soon

This is a four-week group for parents of children dealing with anxiety and stress at the start of the school year. Dr. Beth Pearson will be teaching parents practical strategies from evidence-based approaches, including what to say, tips, exercises, and how to avoid accidentally increasing fears.
+ Learn more

Eighth Grader, Kendra Wolter, in Ypsi Youth Theatre’s presentation of Twisted Tales of Terror

Friday, Oct 16 – Sunday, Oct 18 at the Riverside Arts Center

A night of chills! An evening of frights! A barrel of laughs! Ypsilanti Youth Theatre presents Twisted Tales of Terror. A storyteller too silly to be sinister and her husband, a hunchback with a heart of gold, decide to guide their audience through some of the world’s most famous horror stories, but the witches, mummies, werewolves and vampires have other ideas about how their stories should end. An uproarious comedy suitable for all ages of children and monsters.
+ Times, ticket and venue information

Fall Auditions Open for the Boychoir of Ann Arbor

Boys aged 7 1/2 to 17 are eligible, auditions are by appointment

The Boychoir of Ann Arbor announces Fall Auditions for all three of its choirs. The Boychoir’s training programs enhance the musical education boys are already receiving through school or private lessons. We focus on competency in sight-singing (reading music) as well as vocal training through semi-private voice lessons.
+ Learn More

Issues for Parenting: Cyber Safety

A free educational series for parents from the Washtenaw Area Council for Children

Life in the internet age is replete with opportunity and connectivity as well as challenges to kids’ privacy and safety. Educators from the Washtenaw Area Council for Children address key cyber safety topics in this free presentation on Thursday, October 22nd, at 7:30pm.
+ More Information – free event but registration required