Emerson Elementary Newsletter
August 11th, 2026
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! If you are new to Emerson, a warm welcome to our wonderful community.
As your new principal, I am incredibly excited to welcome all of our preschool through fifth-grade students and families this fall! At Emerson, we are dedicated to maintaining a joyful, safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every child feels they belong and can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
As an educator and lifelong learner, I believe in the power of inspiring curiosity through authentic and creative learning opportunities. This year, we are fully committed to bringing the Vision of a Lakewood Ranger to life in our classrooms. By fostering a growth mindset, encouraging critical thinking, and practicing empathy daily, we are not just teaching academics—we are helping our students develop the foundational skills they need to navigate and succeed in an ever-changing world.
The elementary years are such a magical and pivotal time in a student’s journey. Emerson truly is a special place, and I know that by working hand-in-hand—staff, students, and families together—we can accomplish great things. I am confident each of our students will grow, lead, and succeed this year, and I look forward to celebrating those moments with you.
Please know that I am always here to support you and your child. I look forward to partnering with you to make this an amazing school year!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Amanda Zapotechne
Principal, Emerson Elementary
Please read on for important back to school information:
NOW: Update contact information in Infinite Campus (student information system) on the district website.
August 19: 4:00 pm, individual class placement finalized in Clever
August 19: 4:00 pm, class lists posted on the main office glass doors.
August 20: New Student Welcoming Tour, 3:00 PM (Call the office to reserve your spot.)
August 20: Grades 1-5 Back to School Night, 4:30-6:00 PM
Open House Style: Meet new teachers, drop off student supplies, and reconnect with other staff, students and families!
Connect in the classrooms 4:30-5:00, 5:00-5:30, or 5:30-6:00 PM
Popsicles on the Playground provided by our wonderful PTA, 4:30-6:00 PM
All family members are welcome!
Kindergarten back to school bash is Wednesday, August 26
August 24: First Day of School for Grades 1-5
8:45 AM, We gather by the playground in classroom lines for day one. Teachers have signs to join the lines.
August 24: Preschool Open House
Morning class 9:30-10:30 AM Afternoon class 1:15-2:15 PM
Choose one time. Caregivers and PK students attend.
August 24, 25, 26: Kindergarten Screening by appointment.. Look for a letter through the US Mail with details.
August 25: First day for Preschool (Regular Hours 9AM-3:00 PM)
August 26: Kindergarten Back to School Night, 4:30-6:00 PM
Additional information will be shared at your screening appointment
August 27: First Day of School for Kindergarten Students
Caregivers are invited to gather at the PTO’s First Day Cafe after dropping off their K student
September 7: No School for Labor Day
September 14: Emerson PTO Meeting, 7 PM (Caregivers: Come join us!)
September 17: Father’s Walk 8:30-8:45 AM: Father figures walk children to school & take a picture together. More info to come!
September 21-25: Hike & Bike Week
September 28: Connect with families at the Emerson Fun Run!
Please join us in welcoming the following new staff members.
Ms. Julie Cook: PreK Teacher
Ms. Bangahm: Small Group Instructor
Ms. Schramm: STARS Teacher
Ms. Zahursky: 4th Grade Teacher
Ms. Coe: 4th Grade Teacher (coming to Emerson from Lincoln)
Returning families must update permissions and contact information for the 2026-27 school year, through the Infinite Campus parent portal. You should have received an email Aug. 1 with the necessary info to make your student updates. Need help logging in? Click here.
School and district updates will continue to be sent regularly via email. If you do not have internet access and need a hard copy of school communications, or a translated version, please let your student’s teacher know and we will be sure to provide what you need.
8:30am Doors open for breakfast
8:45am Doors open and the day begins
8:50am Announcements
8:55am Tardy bell, Instruction begins
3:15pm Dismissal
BREAKFAST: Students eating breakfast will go directly to the cafeteria at 8:30 AM. Breakfast closes at 8:50 AM so please arrive by 8:30 AM.
ARRIVAL TIME: 8:45-8:55 AM is student arrival to school for walkers and car riders. Please do not arrive earlier as there is no supervision available prior which creates a safety risk to children.
RIGHT TURN ONLY when entering the parking lot. Please avoid blocking neighbor driveways.
CLIFTON PLAYGROUND CIRCLE PERMIT REQUIRED for contracted vans, preschool & special needs.
PLAYGROUND is CLOSED prior to school.
TARDY BELL: Students who are tardy (after 8:55 AM bell) must report to the office for a late pass to class.
PRESCHOOL ARRIVAL: 9:00 at the circle drive off Clifton
3:00: Preschool dismissed at the circle drive off Clifton
3:10: Kindergarteners dismissed to parents, by classroom teachers, at Jackson glass doors
Older siblings should meet up at the door of younger siblings
3:15: Walkers dismissed (Walking parents can meet teachers at these doors and avoid the car line)
1st grade at Jackson doors
2nd-3rd grade at Clifton doors
4th-5th grade at second set of Jackson doors
3:05: Car Rider line begins
When there is room to pull forward, always pull all the way up to the stop sign.
Safety: Remain in the car & have students enter on your car passenger side.
Please be patient. Our goal is to exit students as safely & efficiently as possible.
Right turn only when entering our parking lot. Please avoid blocking neighbor driveways
Clifton playground circle is PERMIT ONLY for vans & special needs only.
Walkers may not be picked up by adults at the car rider doors.
Note: Please notify your child’s teacher of any dismissal changes. If you have a change in dismissal routine after the school day has begun, please call the office by 2:00 PM to help us plan for a safe and efficient dismissal.
Research shows that attendance plays a very significant role in student achievement and long
term success. This year, Ohio’s House Bill 96 requires districts to notify families when their student has missed 5% of the minimum number of hours required in the school year. (This equates to about 1 day a month.) We look forward to working with you to support your student in being at school as many days as possible. Let’s start strong Lincoln!
Parents/guardians can now pay school fees via the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. See the following link for directions on making a payment: Fee payment instructions. Those who do not wish to pay fees online may submit their payment to their school office. If you have questions about fees, please contact the office.
