There Must Be Something in the Water Samples
Real-World, Hands-On Math and Science in 6th Grade
+ Photos on Facebook
Letter from the Head of School
Dear Parents,
The other day, a group of Middle School students interviewed me for the WEMS weekly newscast, and they asked what interested me in coming to Emerson. I rattled off a fairly long list—the school’s mission, the richness of the program, the leadership of its board and administration, among many other things. I also shared that I’m smitten with Ann Arbor itself, and I’ve been told by one of my colleagues that this pleasant autumnal weather lasts all year long (I hope she’s correct).
But at its heart, what interested me most in coming here is the opportunity to work with the faculty and staff. This is a deeply dedicated group of professionals whose focus is on the students’ growth and development. When I surveyed the faculty at the beginning of the year, asking them to rank what matters most in their experiences at Emerson, they shared that interactions with students mattered most, above safety, above salary, above all other work conditions,and that they are very satisfied with these student interactions.
I must share with you the most recent example of our faculty’s excellence. In just the first week of school, the entire faculty and staff made their commitment to the school’s Annual Fund. We are at 100% for the fifth straight year. Not only this, but overall giving increased almost 20% from last year! These are individuals who give tirelessly of themselves, so for them to make this additional commitment is incredibly meaningful. I look forward to our entire school community following their outstanding example!
On a separate note, please know that we will be opening our online conference schedule this Sunday. Though I will have the pleasure of meeting many of you during my weekly grade level Coffees with the Head, I recognize that some of you may not be able to attend one of these gatherings, or you’d like the chance to meet with me individually. I will be happy to meet with families during conferences, so once you’ve signed up to meet with your child’s teachers, feel free to add an additional meeting with me.
Be well,
John
All School News and Info
Conference Sign-Ups Begin Sunday
Scheduler Opens Sunday, Sept. 27 at 9:00pm
Parents can sign up online for conferences beginning Sunday, Sept. 27, at 9:00pm and will remain open until Oct. 12 at 9:00pm.
+ More information about conferences and how to register
Pizza Lunch: Monday is Last Day to Make Changes
If you would like to make changes to your child’s Pizza Lunch order, please email Stephanie Zabinko, Pizza Lunch Ordering Chair. All changes must be submitted by Monday, Sept. 28.
+ Email Stephanie with a Pizza Lunch change
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
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
Understanding Teen Depression and Suicide Risk
Thursday, Oct. 1, 7:00pm at Emerson School AIC
It can be difficult for parents to navigate the minefield of adolescent emotions. How do you tell the difference between teen angst and something more serious? Please join us as Mary Grambeau Gass, a clinical social worker with the University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry and Depression Center, shares her expertise on teen depression. There will be time for questions after her presentation.
+ Contact Carrie Berkley, Emerson School Counselor, with questions
Music Lessons and Enrichment Classes
Classes and Lessons Still Available
There is still time to sign up for After School Music Lessons and Enrichment Classes. We are now excited to offer voice lessons on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays! See attachments for more details.
+ Fall Music Lesson info and times (updated)
+ Fall Enrichment Class info and times (updated)
Pizza Lunch Volunteers Still Needed
Most needed are two Pizza Leads
Pizza Lunch happens (almost) every Friday throughout the school year, but only with the help of an army of volunteers. Thank you to all of the parents who signed up to volunteer, whether for next week or months from now. We still need more volunteers, especially one or two people to serve as Pizza Leads.
+ More information from Pizza Lunch Volunteer Coordinator Theresa Romens-Woerpel
+ Sign up to volunteer for Pizza Lunch
Author Gennifer Choldenko Visits Emerson
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 9:00am for Grades 4 – 7
Thanks to Nicola’s Books, author Gennifer Choldenko will be at Emerson with her new book Chasing Secrets. Copies can be pre-ordered by getting a check or cash for $17.50 (including tax) to Emerson Librarian Linda in the library by Sept. 28. A limited number of books may be available at the signing but to guarantee a copy, but pre-orders will guarantee a copy. Books will be autographed by the author.
+ Learn about Chasing Secrets and read a synopsis
Earn Thousands for Emerson by Shopping
Shop at Stores that Give to Emerson
+ Learn more
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 – 2:00pm
Full-day and drop-in child care available 8:00am – 6:00pm, email bethm@emerson-school.org to register
Lower School Curriculum Night
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
One of the most valuable and well-attended annual events is Lower School Curriculum Night. This is your opportunity to meet your child’s Homeroom and Specials teachers, get a taste for their classes, and hear more about what they will be learning this year. Please plan to attend.
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
Soccer Update by Coach Lenny
Emerson Defeats Steiner 5–1
The Emerson Middle School soccer team took a short trip to Steiner School Tuesday, to play their rivals, the Stars. After an easy game last week against Plymouth Spiritus Sanctus, the kids were anticipating a tougher match, and they were not disappointed. Steiner opened the game with numerous pushes into the Emerson penalty area…
+ Read more
Cross Country Update by Coach Seymour
Meet Thursday, Sept. 24 at Honey Creek
- Olivia Rasche (7th grade) – 1st place girls race
- Sarah Roberts (8th grade) – 2nd place girls race
- Elena Sweeney – (5th grade) – 4th place girls race
- Anthony VanOyen (5th grade) – 5th place boys race
Father Gabriel Richard High School Info
Admission information, including Ann Arbor placement testing dates, open house dates, and application info is now available.
+ Learn more about FGR High School admissions
Community News and Events
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
Kensington Astronomy at the Beach
Friday and Saturday, Sept. 25–26, 6:00pm–Midnight
You’re invited to the biggest science and astronomy event in Southeast Michigan. It’s free, and kids and adults can look through big telescopes, take a 3D tour of the solar system, and crawl into a planetarium. The University Lowbrow Astronomers are partners in this big event, and many Emerson families have enjoyed stargazing at their events in the past.
+ Learn more
U of M Electrical and Computer Engineering Family Fun Night
Friday, Sept. 25, 6:30pm Open, 8:30pm Laser Show
Enjoy fun for the whole family, including carnival style refreshments, live music, a laser light show, inflatables, demos, games, arts and crafts, giveaways, and more.
+ Learn more and RSVP
