Welcoming New Students on Their First Day of School
Top Tips From Veteran Students
Being new is often intimidating, which is why these Emerson students are sharing their best tips and suggestions for starting the school year off right. It includes helpful advice, like how to respond to yogurt sword fight requests.
+ Watch the welcome video
Letter from the Head of School
Dear Parents,
It’s Thursday afternoon on the last week before the start of school, and I have just returned to my office after walking around the hallways. The classrooms look beautiful, the grounds look fantastic, and everything is in its proper place. There’s a certain stillness of the campus, a feeling of something big about to begin. It’s like the moment of nervous silence as runners take their mark on the starting line, as they wait for the starting pistol to fire.
We’re ready.
We are ready! Our faculty and staff have taken part in a rich, engaging week of professional development in preparation for our students’ return. We have learned how to use technology to best support all our students through universal design. We have talked about how to be brave in our words and our deeds on topics of diversity, equity, and justice. We have reviewed our obligations as mandated reporters in ensuring that all students are safe. And most importantly, we have met to discuss your children, our students, so that we may best educate our many students and hit the ground running.
I hope that you all enjoy this long Labor Day weekend. Rest up—school is starting soon!
Be well,
John Huber
All School News and Info
First Day of School is Tuesday, Sept. 6
Full day of school on Sept. 6, except kindergarten (half days with dismissal at 11:45am until Monday, Sept. 19), and 1st grade (half days with noon dismissal until Monday, Sept. 12).
Pick-Up and Drop-Off 101
A Curbside How-To Guide for Families
If you’ve never picked up or dropped off a child at Emerson, or if you just need a refresher, this video will give you an overview of the process and etiquette.
+ Watch the video
Medication: Return Forms and Drop Off
Required if Students Regularly Take Meds at School
If your student takes any prescription or non-prescription (over-the-counter) medications, please return the appropriate form linked below to the office with their medication. All medications must be stored in the office and can only be administered under the supervision of faculty or staff.
+ Prescription Medication Form
+ Non-Prescription Medication Form
Bus Riders Must Register ASAP
Register if Your Student Will Ride the AAPS Bus
Due to changes in the AAPS bell times, Emerson’s bus routes have been substantially cut. Only one morning and one afternoon stop will be available. If your child will ride the bus, you must complete the contact information form below and on the Emerson Website, and they must ride on a regular basis.
+ Register at www.emerson-school.org/bus
Emerson Bus Schedule
- Morning Bus (#104) – Departs at 7:15am from Bach School (600 W Jefferson St, Ann Arbor) with pick-up on 5th Street side of the school, arriving at Emerson at 7:30am (Childcare will be provided to bus riders).
- Afternoon Bus (#55) – Departs from Emerson at 3:10pm with drop off at Burns Park Elementary (1414 Wells St, Ann Arbor) at 3:30pm (Childcare will be provided while waiting for bus).
We are trying to add a second afternoon drop off but they are unable to accommodate us at this time. Please contact Durham Bus Services directly if this impacts your child getting to Emerson on time (Durham Bus Service 734-994-2330).
Carpooling is Available at Emerson
Opt In to Participate in the Carpool Map
Find families who live nearby and are interested in carpooling. Only families who voluntarily opt in to participate are visible on the map, and only those who participate can view it. Of course, you can also opt out at any time.
+ Participate in the Carpool Map
After School Program Info
Drop-In Childcare; Music Lessons; Classes
Students can drop into the After School Program before or after school—no registration or pre-payment required. There’s also enrichment classes and music lessons available for all students.
+ More After School Program info and news
+ Fall Music Lesson
+ Fall Enrichment Classes
Family Handbook Now Available Online
New Families Will Receive Printed Copy
The 2016-2017 Family Handbook is now available for download. Families can also find it on the Emerson website at any time, and all new families will receive a printed copy at the New Family Welcome.
+ Download the 2016-2017 Family Handbook
ESPO Welcome Back Coffee
Tuesday, Sept. 6, 7:30am–9:00am. Near the Entrance
After dropping off the kids on the first day of school, parents and caregivers are invited to come together, share some summer stories, and celebrate the new school year in style with complimentary Mighty Good coffee and Washtenaw Dairy donuts! Stay and chill a bit, or grab a donut and run—it’s all about the WELCOME BACK!
Coffee with the Head of School Dates
By Grade, 7:30am–9:30am on the Dates Below
Parents are invited to start the school year with a cup of coffee and candid conversation with Head of School John Huber. It’s a great opportunity to meet John, and to share whatever is on your mind—the good and the bad.
To accommodate working parents, these coffees will begin at 7:30am (complimentary childcare available, reservations required). Come early and leave by 8:30am, or arrive at the normal school start time and stay through 9:30am.
- 8th Grade: September 16
- 7th Grade: September 23
- 6th Grade: September 29
- 5th Grade: October 7
- 4th Grade: October 21
- 3rd Grade: October 27
- 2nd Grade: November 11
- 1st Grade: November 18
- Kindergarten: November 21
2016-2017 Events Calendar
You can now download the calendar with all of this year’s events, breaks, and happenings, or subscribe to the online calendars and always be up to date.
+ Download the 2016-2017 School Events Calendar
+ See and Subscribe to the Online Calendars
Sports Physicals for Grades 4-8
Required to Play on an Emerson Sports Team
Please return your child’s sports physical to the office if they plan on playing on an Emerson sports team. Students will not be allowed to participate in team practices or games until these are received. Please email yours to Joan Gregorka, or drop them off in the Lower School office ASAP.
7th Grade Immunization Records
Required of All 7th Grade Students
The State requires all schools to collect immunization records for 7th grade students before they can start school. Please email yours to Joan Gregorka, or drop them off in the Lower School office ASAP.
Back-to-School Picnic
Sunday, Sept. 11, 4:30pm – 7:00pm at Emerson
Please join us for the annual Back-to-School picnic, hosted by ESPO (Emerson School Parent Organization). There will be food, games for the kids, and a chance to mingle with old and new friends. Please RSVP to attend ASAP—it really helps with ordering food. Email espo@emerson-school.org with any questions.
Lower School Band and Orchestra
Students in Grades 2–5 Invited to Participate
Everyone is welcome to join the band and orchestra program—no previous experience required. All students will be taught basic concepts to help them learn how to play their new instruments. This year will have new opportunities for our continuing students to build skills and to play exciting music with friends at Emerson!
+ Learn more
Family-Friendly Open Mic Nights
6:00pm on the Wednesdays Listed Below
A stage for students, parents, and teachers to perform—not compete—and share their talents and passions. Sing, play, read, dance, joke, act, etc. in front of a laid-back and supportive audience of families from schools throughout the greater-Ann Arbor area.
- Sep. 21, 2016
- Nov. 30, 2016
- Jan. 25, 2017
- Mar. 22, 2017
- May 31, 2017
Order Pizza Lunch and Milk on RenWeb
Place Order by Monday, Sept. 6
Please place your orders in RenWeb for Friday Pizza Lunch and/or milk for lunch—all optional—by Sept. 6. Here’s how:
- Log into RenWeb (Parent Login button on top right of www.emerson-school.org)
- Click Student Information tab on left
- Click “Lunch”
- Click “Create Web Order” and make your selections for each student
• For milk, click “Lunch Items for Thursday” for options
• For Pizza Lunch, click “Lunch Items for Friday” for options - Click “Submit Order” to complete your order
Orders will be billed as they are placed. Last week’s newsletter incorrectly stated parents would be billed in October, as they had been in previous years.
Order Lunches From What’s Cooking!
Orders Must Be Received by Sept. 6
Lunches will once again be provided by What’s Cooking!. These lunches are an optional service delivered to students Monday to Thursday (with some exceptions).
+ See ordering instructions at www.emerson-school.org/lunch
New Student Health Appraisal Form
All students new to Emerson need to complete a Health Appraisal Form, available below or from most doctors’ offices. Please email yours to Joan Gregorka, or drop them off in the Lower School office ASAP.
+ Health Appraisal Form
Most Likely to Succeed Screening
Wednesday, Sept. 14, 6:30pm in the AIC at Emerson
How do we best prepare our students for their future? The award-winning documentary Most Likely to Succeed explores this question, and you’re invited to join fellow parents, educators, and community members for a special screening at Emerson.
MLTS looks at the impact of learning environments, building on passion and expertise, giving students a voice, and leveraging partnerships with parents and school community. This film reaffirms some of the great things we are doing in our schools, and raises questions about what else can be done to provide our students with the best education.
Middle School News and Info
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2016 Middle School Musical Auditions
Sept. 7 and 8, 3:00pm–6:00pm in AIC
Middle School students are invited to audition for the 2016 musical, The Little Mermaid Jr. A sign-up sheet will be posted for each audition day outside of the Arts and Innovation Center. More information is linked below, or you can contact Musical Director Julie Moon at jmoon@emerson-school.org with questions.
+ Learn more
Meet the Teams
Lear more about the compassionate, innovative, and creative educators working with your students this year.
*A couple inaccuracies were corrected after these were emailed earlier this week.
+ Meet the 6th grade team
+ Meet the 7th grade team
+ Meet the 8th grade team
+ Meet the World Language team, Enrichment team, Learning Support team, and Admin
Middle School Book Orders
Free Shipping Aug. 22–24
If you have not already ordered your books, please do so using the link below. MBS Direct is offering free shipping on orders over $99 Aug. 22–24.
+ Order Middle School books online
Technology @ Emerson
Complete the Tutorial by Friday September 9
All Middle School students must complete the online tutorial linked below by the end of the first week of school (Sept. 9). Doing so will demonstrate their understanding of the rights and responsibilities of using technology at Emerson, as outlined in the Acceptable Use Policy.
+ Review the Acceptable Use Policy
+ Complete the online tutorial
Middle School Class Supply Lists
Please review the list of supplies suggested for each grade level.
+ See the school supply lists
