Back to School Info Take 2
Emerson Middle School
October 23, 2026
From the Principal's Desk
Hello Emerson Families,
We always value parent feedback as it helps us identify areas of strength and opportunities for continued improvement. At the middle school level, roughly 50% of our student body changes each year, bringing new perspectives and experiences. Our annual parent survey allows us to identify trends over time, recognize areas where we are doing well, and better understand where we can grow. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share your feedback.
Parent Survey Link
If you missed the LPS Updates Email, it contained important information regarding school safety including our districts Safety Flipbook. Please click here to learn more. https://canva.link/safetyupdate-fall-2026
Congratulations to our Robo-Eagles on their clean sweep of the competition in their first meet. Our team is currently ranked 11th in the world in the initial rankings. Way to go Robo-Eagles!
Proud to be an Eagle,
Mr. Jensen, Principal - bjensen@livoniapublicschools.org
Mr. Stephens, Asst. Principal - estephen@livoniapublicschools.org
Attitude | Effort | Energy Students of the Week
At Emerson, our school mantra, Attitude | Effort | Energy, reflects the values and behaviors we strive to instill in our students. These three words closely align with Livonia Public Schools' Community with Character initiative, which emphasizes respect, responsibility, empathy, integrity, grit, confidence, mindfulness, and reflection. Attitude is reflected in how we approach challenges, treat others with kindness and respect, and take responsibility for our actions. Effort represents the grit and perseverance needed to overcome obstacles, learn from mistakes, and continue growing. Energy is the positive contribution we bring to our classrooms, relationships, and school community through active participation, encouragement, and support of others. Together, these values reinforce our belief that success extends beyond academic achievement. By consistently demonstrating Attitude, Effort, and Energy, we are helping students develop the character, habits, and interpersonal skills that will serve them well beyond their time at Emerson.
Upcoming Events
October 26 - 30 - Spirit Week
October 26 - 1st Day of Marking Period 2
November 2 - Report Cards are viewable on Parent Connect.
November 6 - PTSA Student Membership Cider and Donuts (Eagle Time)
November 3 - No School Election Day. Teacher PD Day.
November 25 - 27 - No School Thanksgiving Break
November 30 - School Resumes
Spiritwear Is Available Until November 1st
BSN Spiritwear - https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/BRGxm1rSXk
Inkorporate Spiritwear - https://emerson-2026.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Club Information
If your student has an idea for a club, please have them contact their counselor or our activities coordinator, Mr. Dewey.
Anime Club - Sponsor Ms. Glossett - Permission Slip located in the counseling office.
Chess Club - Sponsor Mr. Power - Permission Slip located in Room 17.
Career and College Exploration - Sponsor Ms. Colvin - Permission Slip located in the counseling office.
Dungeons and Dragons Club - Sponsor Ms. Demeter - Permission Slip located in Room 1.
E-Sports - Sponsor Ms. Faulkner - Permission Slip located in Room 9.
Homework Club - Sponsor Ms. Lynn - Permission Slip located in the counseling office.
Library Crew - Sponsor Ms. McGuire - Permission Slip located in the library.
Magic the Gathering - Sponsor Mr. Colling - Permission Slip Link
Robotics Team - Coach Voorheis - tvoorhe@livoniarobotics.org
Self Care Club - Sponsor Ms. Berman - Permission Slip located in the counseling office.
Weightlifting Club - Sponsor Ms. Hinderliter - Permission Slip located outside the fitness room.
Yarn Crafts Club - Sponsor Ms. King - Permission Slip located in Room 4.
Yearbook Orders
Student Support Services
Supporting a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is the belief that skills and abilities can improve through effort, practice, and learning from mistakes. Helping children develop this mindset can build persistence, confidence, and resilience when schoolwork or other challenges feel difficult.
What Does a Growth Mindset Look Like?
Believing “I can get better with practice.”
Seeing mistakes as opportunities to learn.
Being willing to try something challenging, even when it may not come easily.
Focusing on effort, strategies, and progress rather than being “good” or “bad” at something.
How Parents Can Help
Praise the Process, Not Just the Result
Instead of saying, “You’re so smart,” try:
“I noticed how hard you worked on that.”
“You kept trying even when it was difficult.”
“What did you learn from that?”
Encourage Challenges
Help your child see difficult tasks as opportunities to grow:
“Let’s try it another way.”
“What could you do differently?”
“It’s okay if this is hard. Keep going.”
Let Them Struggle a Little
Resist the urge to immediately fix problems. Give your child time to think, try different strategies, make mistakes, and work through frustration. Solving problems independently builds confidence and persistence.
Teach “Bounce-Back” Statements
Encourage phrases such as:
“I can’t do it yet.”
“Mistakes help me learn.”
“I can try a different strategy.”
“I can take a break and try again.”
Model Persistence
Let your child see you work through your own challenges. Talk about mistakes you have made, what you learned, and how you kept going.
Acknowledge Frustration
You don't have to make frustration disappear. Try saying, “I can see this is really frustrating. What might help you keep going?”
Remember
A growth mindset doesn't mean everything will be easy. It means helping children believe that with effort, practice, and the right strategies, they can learn, grow, and improve.
Want more ideas? Read the full article,Supporting a Growth Mindset | Mount Sinai Parenting Center
Garfield Garments and Groceries just had it's grand re-opening. This amazing facility provides fresh, free food along with new and gently used clothing to local families in need. Check out the pictures further in the newsletter. If you have any questions, please reach out to me or Shannon Matuska at smatuska@livoniapublicschools.org.
Perishable and Non-perishable foods
Greenhouse Grown Produce
New and Gently Used Clothing
Swim and Basketball Spirit Wear
Best Way to Contact Us
We will often post relevant and important information on social media for families, and many families find it helpful to contact us on Facebook and Twitter. The absolute best way to contact us and get a reply, however, is by emailing the appropriate staff member or by phone (734) 744-2665.
Our website is also one of the best places to find a variety of information!
These staff members can help with the following topics:
- Athletics - Mr. Colling (acolling2@livoniapublicschools.org)
- Counselors:
- Mrs. Berman (aberman@livoniapublicschools.org) supports students with last names A-K
- Ms. Colvin (fcolvin@livoniapublicschools.org) supports students with last names L-Z
- Health Care Plans - Mrs. Matuska (smatuska@livoniapublicschools.org)
- Registration - Mrs. Farrell (jfarrell2@livoniapublicschools.org)
- Special Education - Mrs. Downs (kdowns@livoniapublicschools.org) or Mr. Kowalski (dkowalsk@livoniapublicschools.org)
- Student Activities - Mr. Dewey (bdewey2@livoniapublicschools.org)
- Washington D.C. Trip Coordinator - Mr. Kramer (wkramer@livoniapublicschools.org)
QUICK LINKS
Emerson Middle School
Website: https://www.livoniapublicschools.org/Domain/13
Location: 29100 West Chicago, Livonia, MI, USA
Phone: (734) 744-2665
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EMSLivonia/