Emerson's Enquirer
Thursday, September 27th, 2018
Principal's Corner
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Now that we are finishing our sixth week of school, I am happy to say that students and teachers are finding their groove. We have begun practicing our safety drills and our students are doing a fine job following directions. We had a nice turnout of families at the Family Movie Night.
Here are some important topics for the coming months:
Veterans Day Celebration
Earlier in the week, I sent an email regarding a project for gathering videos and/or information of Emerson family members who are serving or have served in the military. Here is a link to my initial email. I hope you will join us in honoring our service men and women who have served and are serving, our country.
Teen Leisure Clubs (TLC)
One of the most important parts of middle school is for children to be active with other children after school through clubs, activities, and sports. Our TLC clubs are up and running. You can view the clubs, information about them, and when they meet online at the TLC webpage: https://sites.google.com/d64.org/emtlc/home.
Student Absence
If your child will not be attending school, please remember to contact the school attendance line prior to 7:15am. Due to the size of Emerson, it takes half the morning for our secretaries to identify who is absent from school and to ensure they are accounted for. You can call 847-318-8110 and dial 1 for the attendance line. Please make sure you give and spell out your child’s name and the reason for his/her absence. Your assistance in this matter will be greatly appreciated.
Lost and Found Table
Please make sure you or your child checks the lost and found table, which is located by the Multi-Purpose Room, for any lost items. The table is completely covered. At the end of the month, we will donate all items on the table.
Picture Retake
Picture retake date is Fri., Oct. 26, 2018. If your child missed the first picture day or you would like a new picture taken, please make sure you fill out the paperwork. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the school office.
Eighth Grade Promotion
Mark you calendars eighth grade parents. The Eighth Grade Promotion will commence at Maine East High School on Tues., June 4, 2019, at 7pm. More information will follow, as the date gets closer.
School Safety
Just a reminder, I am requesting that all of our guests be individually buzzed into the office, even if someone is entering the building in front of you. We will be asking all visitors who need access to the building—even for assemblies—for a state ID or drivers license, which will be run through the Raptor Identification System. This process only takes a short time to complete. A visitor pass will be printed and attached to a lanyard that you will be required to wear throughout the building. The office will hold your ID until you return the lanyard when your visit is complete. We request that you be patient with staff as we proceed with this district-mandated safety procedure.
Parent Portal Site
Now that school is in full swing, it is important to make sure that you visit the Parent Portal Site on Emerson’s website. The portal allows you to check your child’s assignments and grades throughout the school year. If you do not have the username and password to access the portal, please email Mr. Benka tbenka@d64.org or me jmorrison@d64.org, to get the information.
SOARS Days
Emerson continues implementing the Second Step Program, which is based on research from Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). We understand that students who have built a solid foundation of pro-social skills through SEL programming, are more likely to make safe, positive choices in school. It is our goal that the Second Step Program, which teaches students key social-emotional skills, will enhance our school climate and reduce instances of bullying throughout our surroundings. Research shows that a safe environment, which fosters connectedness to school and others, contributes to academic learning and achievement.
There will be 18 SOARS Days throughout the school year where students will spend time in their homerooms discussing various units: Mindsets and Goals; Values and Friendships; Thoughts, Emotions, and Decisions; as well as Serious Peer Conflicts
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Finally, I just want to remind you that Parent-Teacher Conferences are October 11, 15, and 16, 2018, 3:30-7:30pm. If you have not set an appointment to meet with your child’s teachers, please do so quickly. Only a few timeslots are available. Please contact your child’s teachers or visit their team website to make an appointment.
Looking forward to continuing with this great start to the school year.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jim Morrison, Principal
Emerson Middle School
Inspire every child to discover, learn, achieve, and care.
SOARS Flag Contest Winner
Congratulations to 7th grader, Sofia Nigro, who won our Emerson SOARS Flag contest.
We received a multitude of amazing submissions,
and Sofia's flag was voted as the winner among the students of Emerson.
Sofia's design will be displayed as a flag outside the main office next month.
Thank you to all of our students who submitted a design for this contest.
Choral Boosters
The District 64 Choral Boosters need your help! We are looking for volunteers for the Choral Boosters board! Choral Boosters raises money to support the Vocal program.
90% of funds go to the specific schools your children attend to purchase music, enrichment materials, and concert decorations; and to pay concert accompanists, instrumentalists, and guest clinicians.
10% of funds support Choral Booster initiatives, including music camp scholarships.
For more information, please contact Christine Mayer, President: csmayer86@yahoo.com
or Terry Broeker, tbroeker@d64.org
New District Transportation Email Address
The district has a new transportation email address (transportation@d64.org). This email is to be used for all busing related questions.
The link below will navigate you to the district bus information page.