News & Blog

Family Newsletter – Sep. 22, 2016

First K-2 Sing-Along Unleashed the Wiggles and Voices!

The first K-2 sing of the year, where students get to sing, move, and have a little fun together. Students are working out their wiggles in this picture, but you can click on the link below to see their animated, enthusiastic singing of BINGO.
+ Watch the sing-along

Letter from the Head of School

Blindspots

Dear Parents,

This summer, I picked up a fascinating book titled Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People by Mahzarin Banaji and Anthony Greenwald. At its heart, the authors posit the following about our hidden biases:

These bits of knowledge [about social groups] are stored in our brains because we encounter them so frequently in our cultural environments. Once lodged in our minds, hidden biases can influence our behavior toward members of particular social groups, but we remain oblivious to their influence. Most people find it unbelievable that their behavior can be guided by mental content of which they are unaware.

I appreciate the authors’ approach—namely, to acknowledge that we all have biases, and that it requires effort to recognize and address them. And if you’re not convinced that you have hidden biases, I encourage you to go to Project Implicit’s website to try one of their quick tests. Trust me, it’s worth the 10 minutes—the results may surprise you.

This year, we begin a schoolwide focus on the themes of diversity, equity, and justice. As part of this work, our faculty Diversity Team has led discussion groups with our teachers and administrators, shown videos addressing race consciousness, and developed a list of resources for all educators to use. Members of our faculty are attending key conferences and workshops, and they will be bringing back this knowledge to the Emerson community. We are doing important and good work – and we’ve only just begun. We will need the support and effort of our entire community to grow, and we look for your help to do so.

One of the most significant things we can do in our work in diversity, equity, and justice, is to open ourselves to change. To that end, I would highly recommend Bryan Stevenson’s book Just Mercy.

So—where are our blindspots?

John Huber

All School News and Info

Middle School Curriculum Night

Tuesday, Sep. 27 at 6:45pm, No Childcare

Current middle school families are invited to learn more about their child’s experience in middle school. Families will follow a typical middle school schedule and learn about grade level academics, our enrichment courses, the electives their child has selected, and how we will support the social and emotional growth of their child through advisory.

Conferences Sign Up Form Opens Sunday

Conferences are October 13-14, No Childcare

The online scheduler for fall Parent-Teacher Conferences opens Sunday, Sep. 25 at 9:00pm. Detailed instructions for online scheduling will be emailed on Friday, Sep. 23.

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held Thursday, October 13, 3:00pm – 8:00pm and Friday, October 14, 8:00am – 3:00pm.

Emerson Loves Volunteers!

2017 Emerson School Auction

Save the Date: Friday, March 10, 2017
Thank you to all the parents who have already expressed interest in volunteering for this year’s annual auction. If you haven’t had a chance, please complete your Auction Volunteer Form (found in your first day folder). Or, stop by the Main Office and chat with Lorna Hildebrandt or Beth Anderson. It’s not too late to join the FUN! We love volunteers and want you on our team!
+ Contact Lorna Hildebrandt to learn more

Lower School Art Square 1 Fundraiser

Artwork Must Be Submitted by Oct. 18

The Lower School art classes will once again participate in theSquare 1 Art fundraiser. This fundraiser is an opportunity for families to purchase mugs, greeting cards, t-shirts, phone cases, pillow cases, and key chains—just a few of huge array of items available—and many families like to use these as gifts for the holidays.. Purchasing items is completely optional, but the proceeds will offset some of the cost of buses for the Toledo and Detroit art museums trips in the spring.
+ Learn more

Free Pizza and Smiles Could Be Yours!

Volunteer to Serve ESPO Pizza Lunch on a Friday

Please sign up to help with an ESPO Pizza Lunch on a Friday! It’s fun, easy, and a very small time commitment. Choose a Friday that works for you—opportunities are available throughout the year—and enjoy the smile on your child’s face when they see you helping out at school! Volunteers also receive a complimentary slice of pizza.
+ Sign up to volunteer

Carpool to Save Time, Money, and Help Families

Participate in the Emerson Carpool Map

Transportation to and from school is an issue for many Emerson families. Car pooling makes good sense and can free up time for everyone. Please consider adding your name and address to our Emerson car pool map. It’s a great way to meet your Emerson neighbors and save time and money on gas.
+ Participate in the Carpool Map

Shop and Earn Thousands for Emerson

Arbor Farms, Busch’s, and Kroger Give to Emerson

Last year parents, faculty, and staff earned more than $4,784 for Emerson School just for doing their normal shopping at Arbor Farms, Busch’s, and Kroger. See how easy it is to join in, and contact Beth Anderson with any questions.
+ Learn more

Parent Community Event: Being Bigger Than Your Triggers – Annie Zirkel

Thursday, Oct. 6, 7:00pm

Local relationship consultant, Annie Zirkel, will present to current and future middle school families about the impact that triggers can have on students and adults. She will discuss the physiological impact of being triggered, the neuroscience behind the triggered brain, and how we can support students when they are triggered. We may even learn more about how we can support ourselves when we are triggered. Please visit Annie Zirkel’s website for more information on this session (http://www.anniezirkel.com/)

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

Middle School News and Info

High School Placement Information Night

Tuesday, Oct. 4

Current and future middle school families are invited to learn how Emerson will support them in the transition to high school. We will share information on the high school placement process, what local schools require (and when), and how we can support families in the high school selection process.

Community Activities

Trimathlon Community Event

Sunday, Nov. 5 at 9:00am

Mathnasium of Dexter will host a fun math competition open to all students who are in grades 2, 3, 4 and 5.
+ Learn more

Free Haircut with Blood Donation

Make a Red Cross blood donation during the month of September, and you’ll not only save a life, but receive a free haircut from SportsClips
+ Learn more

Testimonial

Teachers always let students find a way that works for them and appreciate students coming up with a way to do something.

Bridget C., Emerson Student

Emerson Fact

Emerson Infographic
of Emerson Band and Orchestra students participate in performing ensembles.

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