Emerson Middle School News
January 10, 2025
Emerson Middle School
Email: em-office@d64.org
Website: https://www.d64.org/ems
Location: 8101 North Cumberland Avenue, Niles, IL, USA
Dear Emerson Families,
Welcome Back! I hope you all had a wonderful and restful break! We are excited to kick off the second half of our school year!
All the Best,
Tessa
2025/2026 Elective Night
6th and 7th Grade Students/Families ONLY
We would like to invite our current 6th and 7th grade families, including students, to Emerson's Elective Night on Wednesday, January 22nd from 6-7:30pm. This evening gives you and your student(s) the opportunity to learn about the amazing elective classes that Emerson offers.
From 6:00-7:30 pm, Our 7th and 8th grade encore and core elective teachers will be available in designated classrooms to answer any questions you may have about the different electives.
Attached is a helpful document that explains our elective offerings. In homeroom, on January 15th, each student will be given an elective choice form. Please review, fill out and sign this form with your student. They should return it to their homeroom teacher by January 29th. This will assist in scheduling your student for the 2025/2026 school year. Please note, not ALL requests will be able to be accommodated, but we do our best to make sure that students are placed in classes which they have more interest in.
We look forward to seeing you on January 22nd. Again, please reserve this evening for current 6th and 7th Grade students/families ONLY.
Uncle Pete's Lunches - Friday February 7th!
ASSP
Monday 1/13 - Math Room 301, LA Room 109
Tuesday 1/14 - Math Room 301, LA Room 102
Thursday 1/16 - Math Room 301, LA Room 202, Science/Social Studies Room 207
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
WEMS
January Notes From the Gym
Happy New Year! We hope this message finds you well and that everyone enjoyed a restful and joyful holiday break. Here is a brief recap of December and an overview of what’s ahead for January in PE.
In December, students participated in an exciting Volleyball unit, where they developed their skills and knowledge of the game. By learning the rules, strategies, and techniques, students not only honed their volleyball abilities but also explored how this sport can contribute to lifelong fitness. Alongside the unit, students continued their regular fitness center activities, focusing on building strength, endurance, and overall wellness.
This month, students will dive into our Dance unit, a creative and collaborative experience that combines movement, rhythm, and teamwork. Students will have an opportunity to form their own dance groups and select a song of their choice from the teacher created list. Students will be expected to choreograph a routine that incorporates at least five dance steps from a curated GIF bank; in addition, demonstrate movement sequences from various dance styles, maintain rhythm, and perform with enthusiasm, which aligns with our standard for Trimester 2. This unit emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and self-expression while promoting physical activity in a fun and engaging way.
Athletics Updates: our 7th and 8th grade Boys’ Basketball season continues! Stay updated by visiting the Emerson Athletics page for game schedules. In addition, 7th and 8th Grade Girls’ Volleyball Tryouts are currently underway, and the 2025 season is set to begin toward the end of January. For details, visit the Girls’ Volleyball Athletics page.
Intramural activities continue to be held throughout the school year, providing additional opportunities for students to stay active. Held after school from 3:00 to 4:00 PM. and the activity bus is available at 4:00 PM to take students home. For details on upcoming dates and activities, please click here.
Here’s to a fantastic start to 2025, filled with activity and learning opportunities!
B.O.P.A Fundraiser - Goldfish Swim!
Swim for a Cause!
Band Orchestra Parents Association (BOPA) Fundraiser at Goldfish Swim School
Looking for a fun place to bring your kids on their next day off?
Join us for a Swim to Donate!
BOPA Fundraiser at Goldfish SwimSchool
Monday January 20th
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Goldfish Swim School
678 N. Northwest Highway, Park Ridge
Registration Fee: $10
(ALL proceeds will go directly to D64 Band and Orchestra Parent Association)
SIGN UP HERE- registration required!
*You MUST register ahead using the link above. Only the first 90 registrants will be admitted.
*Children of all ages must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Registration fees can be paid through Zelle @ bopad64@gmail.com at the time of registration and are non-refundable. Please include Swim to Donate in the memo line when submitting payment and be sure to pay for each individual attending (adult and child). You will receive a confirmation email once your registration and payment have been received.
*Enjoy water play, snacks and giveaways!
Questions? Contact Christine Erickson at BOPAd64@gmail.com
Young Authors
Is your student an aspiring author? Here's a chance to let their creativity shine! The Young Authors Contest is a districtwide program for students interested in writing and publishing their work for others to read. It is running now through March 1st. Please see the guidelines for details and contact Mrs. Prokos with any questions.
Submissions are accepted through February 28th! We can’t wait to read our student's submissions. Best of luck to everyone in writing the winning manuscript!
Rainbows Student Peer Groups
Rainbows for All Children provides peer groups for kids in 1st - 8th grade. These groups provide a safe space for them to share their experiences associated with loss of a loved one and/or a changing family dynamic due to divorce, deployment, etc. Trained facilitators help encourage communication while identifying, navigating and discussing feelings amongst the group. Our next session begins on Tuesday, January 14th, 2025. This free program meets every Tuesday, from 5:30 - 6:30 pm, at the Park Ridge Community Church.
Please use this Google Form link to register your child/children and/or to be added to our communications list. Any general questions or interest in volunteering to become a facilitator, please contact rainbows64@att.net . For more general info please visit https://rainbows.org/
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YWOBWEERhlRwR0oLRee2bU1j89cOg4Qp7jEB0yCnS-E/edit
Vocal Music Notes
Emerson PTO
Upcoming Events
7th Grade Mid of Mid Party – Friday, Jan 24th 3-4:30pm
Winter Wonderland Themed–DJ, Snacks, Games and Fun!
Volunteers needed - New Sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0448A5AA2EA7FF2-54263595-7thgrade#/
Donate $5/$10 Gift Cards to raffle off. Drop off at the front office or at the Salah house 300 N Dee Rd, Park Ridge.
Donate Items for Party, See Link Above, Drop off at Quinn House, 605 Parkwood, Park Ridge
2025-26 PTO Board Members Needed!
We are recruiting for some open positions to begin next school year. It’s a great opportunity to be more connected to Emerson and help support the students and staff. Open positions include Treasurer, Special Event Chairs, and more.
Email ems.pto.64@gmail.com for more information!
Spiritwear Store Great Present ideas! 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.

