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Emerson Middle School News

April 11, 2025

Emerson MiddleSchool NewsApril 11, 2025
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Emerson Middle School

Attendance - 847-318-8110

Email: em-office@d64.org
Website: https://www.d64.org/ems
Location: 8101 North Cumberland Avenue, Niles, IL, USA

Student Portal - TLC Schedule

Dear Emerson Parents,

We are culminating a long week of state testing with some kid-focused Q&A we thought you’d enjoy. Introducing eighth grader Emma Duffy and her 125 words a minute keyboarding scribe, Mikaelyn Keefe. The only guidance on my end other than formulating the questions was…be specific, and Emma did not hold back. Enjoy the weekend.


Dr. Randy Needlman

Interim Principal

Emerson Middle School



Dr N: Chips Ahoy, Double-Stuffed Oreos, or Thin Mints?

Emma: Thin Mints in a runaway because I can eat two sleeves without feeling sick, and there’s nothing like a frozen Thin Mint of course.


Dr N: Who was an Emerson student you remember from preschool, and how have they changed?

Emma: Lorelei Metzger. We were BFFs Pre-k through Kindergarten. We were in the same class, and her mom didn’t let her have Shopkins, and my mom did, so….. I brought 100 shopkins to school, and I split them with her. Then we would trade them. Where are those Shopkins?


Dr N: Canoe, Kayak, or Pontoon boat?

Emma: Pontoon boat because I have memories of my grandfather driving my cousins and I while we are tubing on the back.


Dr N: If I were to send Doordash to your house for you and four of your friends, what’s your order?

Emma: It’s all snacks. It’s Culver’s ice cream, cheese curds, and fries.


Dr N: What’s something an Emerson teacher did or said that gave you confidence?

Emma: Mr. Seider always tells me I am a leader, and Mrs. Harrington tells me I bring a smile to the classroom. I’ll always carry this with me.


Dr N: Lebron, Kobe, or MJ?

Emma: Lebron because of his memes on social media.


Dr N: Kendrick Lamar or Drake?

Emma: I would choose Drake because I like his music better, but Kendrick Lamar is a better person.


Dr N: Which Emerson teacher wears the coolest shoes?

Emma: Mrs. Gaggino, they are always so cool!



Dr N: What are you most excited about for high school?

Emma: I am excited to go to school with my friends from other schools. We’ve known each other a long time through sports and finally we get to go to school together!


Dr N: What’s the food a high school parent should have at home for you and your friends?

Emma: Definitely buttered noodles with parmesan, green crunchy grapes, and maybe a strawberry acai from Starbucks on special occasions, like for a birthday or when the braces come off.


Dr N: What’s a question you wish your parents wouldn’t ask you everyday, and something you wish they would?

Emma: I wish they didn't ask me everyday if I got my grades up. Let’s stick to where I want to go on vacation.


Dr N: Starbucks order?

Emma: Venti Strawberry acai lemonade with no berries.

Dr. N: Why no berries?

Emma: They get mushy and gross at the bottom. No one likes that.


Dr. N: Something you will leave Emerson with next month that will last in your mind, maybe forever?


Emma: DC was the best. I think I’ll get back there. Lincoln was even bigger in person. Thanks for the memories, Emerson!!

WEMS WEMS

WEMS - Friday, April 11th 2025

Green Team Clean Up Event Green Team Clean Up Event

Emerson Book Fair Emerson Book Fair

Dear Parents and Families:


Get Ready! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming our way (YAY!). Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them on their journey to becoming lifelong readers AND—as always—every purchase at the Fair benefits our school.


Students can visit before or after school during fair hours. They will also visit during the school day with their language arts class.


Hours

Tuesday, April 15

7:35-8:00 AM

3:00-3:30 PM


Wednesday, April 16

7:35-8:00 AM


Thursday, April 17

*there is no 4pm bus today - students must have a ride home*

7:35-8:00 AM

3:00-3:30 PM


We will send out photos of the fair so that students can preview materials before their visit. They can also browse the online flyer and our Virtual Book Fair website. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Need book ideas? Check-out these book blurbs.


When students buy from the Book Fair, some of their purchase money comes back to our school in the form of books! To pay for items, students can bring cash or use our Virtual Book Fair website to set-up a cash-free payment option called eWallet. This is a convenient digital account that your student can use for shopping at our Fair. Grandparents, friends, and others can contribute, too. Sorry, students cannot bring a credit/debit card unless it has their name on it. Please make sure to factor in our local tax rate (10.25%) when you estimate cost.


We’d like you to know upfront that even though the money loaded to your eWallet does not expire, there is no change given for remaining funds. The amount loaded must be spent at the fair, Scholastic's website, or donated to our school’s All for Books collection. To donate funds directly to our LRC book collection, visit the Emerson eWallet. Any size donation is greatly appreciated!


For every book purchased, students will receive an entry for prizes such as books, posters, pens, and even a full set of Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Books 1-19).


We’re excited to celebrate our love of books together at the Book Fair. Hope to see your students there!

Happy Reading,


Mrs. Contreras

EM Library Information Specialist

Class of 2025 - Judith Snow Award Class of 2025 - Judith Snow Award

Hello, Class of 2025!


District 64, Emerson/Lincoln, and your PTO have partnered to find two 8th graders at each school who have had a positive impact on the school to be awarded the Judith Snow Ethical Leadership Award. The recipients will be awarded $250 to spend as he or she chooses. The winners will also be recognized at the end-of-the-year celebrations and have their names on permanent display at the school.


Do you see yourself as this student? If so, read the information below or visit d64.org/judith-snow-awards. The deadline to have your application and recommendations submitted is Friday, May 2nd, 2025.


PURPOSE

The Judith L. Snow, Ethical Leadership Award, fosters awareness and respect for ethical behavior in a leadership role among District 64 8th-grade students. Award recipients will be recognized at the end-of-the-year celebration, as well as be presented with $250. The award is presented annually to one or two 8th-grade students at each middle school who demonstrate “ethical leadership."


Ethical leadership is defined as knowing your core values (Think Emerson SOARS and Lincoln ROARS), as well as having the courage to live by them in all parts of your life in service to the common good. It aligns your internal beliefs and values with your external behaviors and values for the purpose of advancing the common good. Ethical leaders are principled and lead with:


INTEGRITY | SELFLESSNESS | DEPENDABILITY | CARING | FAIRNESS


ELIGIBILITY

All D64 8th Grade students are eligible for the award. Members of the staff and student body should encourage any student who has demonstrated ethical leadership to consider submitting an application. Any student applying must secure a recommendation from a teacher or staff member, as well as a non-District 64 community member (coach, clergy, charitable organization leader). Student Application templates and recommendation forms are available online on the Emerson/Lincoln website.


SELECTION

Applications will be evaluated, and the award recipients will be announced at the end of the school year. The name of each award recipient will be engraved on the Ethical Leadership Award plaque displayed at each school. A monetary award to be used by the recipient as he or she chooses.


SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicant’s ethical and leadership skills, focusing on the following behaviors:

  • Conduct within an organization or group.

  • Demonstration of dependability, respect from/to others, giving to others, integrity, and teamwork.

  • Involvement in an activity or activities demonstrating an understanding and implementation of ethical leadership.

  • Recognition as an ethical leader by others.


IMPORTANT LINKS

Student Application Template

Teacher Recommendation Form

Community Member Recommendation Form




Remember to share your completed student application with Director of Communications - clilly@d64.org

*****8th Grade Promotion Info***** *****8th Grade Promotion Info*****

A detailed email was sent to all 8th grade families today. Please see the seperate email for more detailed information.


8th Grade Trip to Maine South for Anastasia: April 29, 2025

8th Grade Promotion Party: May 16, 2025

8th Grade Great America Trip: May 21, 2025

Promotion Practice: May 27, 2025 - (must ride bus from Emerson to Maine East)

Promotion: May 27, 2025 - 5:30pm


**NEW THIS YEAR - LAST DAY OF ATTENDANCE FOR 8TH GRADE**


May 27th will be the LAST DAY OF ATTENDANCE for our 8th grade students. 8th Grade students will attend a mandatory promotion practice at 9am at Maine East after homeroom attendance is taken (more info and permission slips forthcoming). Students will load buses at 8:45 am and return to Emerson at 11:30. They will then eat lunch and WILL BE RELEASED AT 12:15PM. Please fill out THIS FORM to indicate if your student will need to ride a bus home at 12:15 or if they will be picked up/walk home. We will be running limited bus routes (our usual 4pm activity routes) for any students who need bus transportation home. We need your reply so that we can assure that we have enough buses to accommodate those who need transportation. Thank you for your help!

Maine East - Class of 2029 Maine East - Class of 2029

April Notes From The Gym April Notes From The Gym

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March was an exciting month in PE! We wrapped up some engaging activities that challenged students in new ways while continuing to build their fitness and skills. Here’s a look back at what we accomplished and what’s ahead in April!


March Highlights…Students took aim and learned the fundamentals of Archery, focusing on safety, technique, and precision. It was incredible to see their confidence grow with each shot! Teacher Choice activities allowed for a mix of activities chosen to keep students engaged and moving, including skill-based challenges and fun competitions. In addition, we continued our work in the fitness center, helping students develop strength, endurance and personal fitness goals. Many students showed great progress in their workouts!


Looking ahead into April…It’s time to assess progress and begin our Spring fitness testing! This allows for the opportunity to track improvements from the Fall and set future fitness goals. District 64 utilizes the FitnessGram program which is a widely used fitness tool that is supported by the Cooper Institute. During Fitness Testing, students are encouraged to give their best effort while performing assessments aimed at the four Health Related Components of Fitness (muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance). The Push Up Test is used to assess muscular strength, muscular endurance is measured by performing the Curl Up Test, the Sit and Reach Test assesses flexibility, and the 20 meter PACER test is used to keep tabs on cardiovascular endurance.


Warmer weather means it’s time to get outside and begin our Track and Field unit! Students will participate in various events such as the long jump, high jump, shot put, hurdles, and various running events. These activities will help develop their skills in jumping, running and throwing, preparing them for friendly competitions and possible future participation in track and field.


Our intramural program continues to offer students opportunities to stay active after school. Sessions run from 3:00 to 4:00 PM, with an activity bus available at 4:00 PM for transportation. For details on upcoming activities, please click here.


As always, we encourage students to stay active outside of school, whether it’s walking, running, biking, or playing a favorite sport. Thank you for your support in keeping our students healthy and moving!

Career Day - Volunteers Needed! Career Day - Volunteers Needed!

Emerson will host a Career Day for 8th graders on Wednesday, May 14th! The purpose of Career Day is to expose students to a variety of careers in order to jumpstart their thinking about the future. We are currently recruiting parent volunteers to speak to homerooms (30 students) for 15 - 20 minutes. Parents will rotate to 4-5 homerooms. In addition to sharing information about your career, each session will include a few minutes for student questions. Career Day activities will occur between 8:40-11:20 a.m.


If you, a family member, or friend is interested in volunteering to speak about a career, please complete this form by Thursday, April 17.

Vocal Music Notes Vocal Music Notes

Vocal Music Notes #3.32

Vocal Music Notes #3.32

Vocal Music Notes #3.32 - Emerson Singers, Dancers, & Actors April 11 - 18 by Terry Broeker | This newsletter was created with Smore, an online tool for creating beautiful newsletters for educators, businesses and more

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D207 Summer Stem Camp D207 Summer Stem Camp

Emerson PTO Flower Power Fundraiser – Now Through May 15! Emerson PTO Flower Power Fundraiser – Now Through May 15!

Spring is just around the corner, and what better way to welcome it than by supporting Emerson Middle School through our Flower Power Fundraiser!


Shop Online: https://bit.ly/EMSflower

Now through May 15

Orders ship after April 1 (directly to your home, $6.99 shipping fee)

Products include: Bulbs, seeds, and seed mats


50% of all sales go directly to the Emerson PTO to support student events, classroom supplies, arts & music programs, staff appreciation, and more!


Your purchase helps our school bloom—thank you for your support!

6th Grade Dental Form Reminder 6th Grade Dental Form Reminder

As a reminder, the state deadline for 6th grade dental exams is in May. If you have not already done so, please upload your completed dental examination form to PowerSchool. An exam dated after 11/15/23 will fulfill the requirement. If you need to schedule an appointment, please do it now to ensure completion by the deadline. Thank you!

ASSP ASSP

Monday 4/14 - Math Room 209, LA Room 109

Tuesday 4/15 - Math Room 301, LA Room 102

Thursday 4/17 - Math Room 301, LA Room 207, Science/Social Studies Room 203


In ASSP, you can get help in math, language arts and miscellaneous (science and social studies) with a teacher from 3:05-4:00 PM. Come to ASSP if you need to:

  • prepare for a test

  • get questions answered from your homework

  • review a concept that you missed or confuses you

  • finish that writing assignment

Emerson PTO Emerson PTO

8th grade Promo Party

“Midnight in Paris” Friday, May 16th 7-9 pm. Tickets will go on sale now. https://emersonmspto.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/321507


Join the Emerson PTO on Thursday, April 17th at Raising Cane’s from 5-9PM for our next Dine to Donate. Use the attached flyer or code RCFUND96 and 15% will be donated.

Park Ridge Public Library Strategic Planning

Our friends at the Park Ridge Library have recently launched their strategic planning process, which cannot happen without input from the community. Please take a few minutes to respond to our online survey. Your answers will help the Library formulate a plan for the next four years, so they can continue offering programs, services and materials that work for the whole community.


Teacher Appreciation Week

The teacher appreciation gift/donation link is up! Please help us celebrate all our wonderful teachers May 5-9, by giving your desired amount using the membership toolkit link below. We are also looking for items to be raffled off. Do you have a favorite wine you’d like to give? A service or meal from a local business? A spa basket you would like to put together? A couple of must read books? Talk to your students and have them come up with a creative idea!

https://emersonmspto.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/326433


Please contact jiyonaubey@gmail.com or Christy Shebuski - clshebuski@gmail.com for drop off and if you would like to help.


Spiritwear Store

There are sales posted every week with flat rate shipping regardless of order size. Check out our updated store.


Not a PTO Member Yet or WANT TO VOLUNTEER with an Event?

Join the Emerson PTO for the 2024-25 school year and stay connected! Sign up here.

Emerson PTO Website - Click HERE!
Student-Parent Handbook

Student-Parent Handbook

At D64, our mission is to foster opportunities for discovery, engagement, and growth for all students. We accomplish this by nurturing interdependence, appreciation of differences, and care for self and others.

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