Back to School Info Take 2

I am thrilled to welcome you to another exciting school year at Emerson Middle School! Mr. Stephens and I will begin our second year as Principal and Assistant Principal, and we couldn’t be more excited to see the continued growth and progress of our students.

We have a passion for creating an environment where all students can thrive. Our students are at a pivotal age where they are trying to discover who they are. Of course, that journey will have its challenges, but we believe with the support of our staff and our parent partnership, we can create an atmosphere where they can discover the best version of themselves as people and as learners. We are looking forward to partnering with all Emerson families to foster a strong sense of community.

This year, you will repeatedly see the mantra “Attitude | Effort | Energy.” We believe these three words capture the qualities we expect from our students, and from ourselves each day. We are also expanding our recognition system for students who make positive choices, enhancing our focus on academic growth, and creating more ways for students to be involved and their voices to be heard.

We hope everyone finishes this school year with the feeling of, "I'm glad this year happened" instead of "I'm glad that's over".

Sincerely,

Brian Jensen, Principal bjensen@livoniapublicschools.org
Eoghann Stephens, Asst. Principal estephen@livoniapublicschools.org

Monday, August 24 - 1st Day of School

• 7th Grade FULL DAY (8:00am - 2:50pm)
• 8th Grade 1/2 Day (12:00pm - 2:50pm)

Tuesday, August 25 - 1st Day of Tryouts for Volleyball and Cross Country 3:00 - 4:30

Friday, August 28 - Picture Day

• You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVT6PRP28. Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!

Friday, August 28 - 7th Grade Welcome Event 3:00 - 4:30 (Free Event)

Monday, August 31 - iReady Testing Math

September

Tuesday, Sept 1 - iReady Testing Math

Wednesday, Sept 2 - iReady Testing Reading

Wednesday, Sept 2 - Open House 6:00 - 7:30 (parents only)

Thursday, Sept 3 - iReady Testing Reading

Friday, Sept 4 - NO SCHOOL

Monday, Sept 7 - NO SCHOOL Labor Day

Tuesday, Sept 8 - School Resumes

Monday, Sept 28 - NO SCHOOL - Staff Professional Development

To minimize distractions and foster meaningful face-to-face connections, personal electronic devices (including but not limited to cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, smartglasses, and earbuds/headphones) are not permitted in classrooms, hallways, bathrooms, locker rooms, or instructional space.

All personal electronic devices should be silenced or powered off, and stored in the students assigned locker during instructional hours. Students may use their device during their assigned lunch period in the cafeteria.

If you need to reach your student during class time, please call the main office directly at 734-744-2665 or contact our office staff via email and our staff will pass on the important message. Alternatively, you may contact your student directly during their designated lunch period, as cell phones are permitted for appropriate use within the cafeteria.

• A Lunch - 11:00-11:25am

• B Lunch - 11:30-11:55am

• C Lunch - 12:00-12:25pm

Classrooms & Instructional Time:

All personal devices must be turned off or silenced and stored inside the student’s assigned locker. Devices may not be brought into classrooms.

Hallways & Passing Periods: Devices and earbuds/headphones must remain inside lockers. Phone use and wearing/carrying visible headphones or earbuds in hallways are prohibited.

Cafeteria / Lunch Periods:

Students may use personal devices for appropriate purposes (checking parent messages, listening to music with one earbud in, or playing games). Devices must be stored away before leaving the cafeteria and returned to lockers promptly before returning to class.

Prohibited use of communication devices includes the following:

1. Use anywhere/anytime during the regular school day (outside of lunch) without the approval of Emerson staff.

2. Photo & Video Recording: Taking photos or recording video/audio on school grounds at any time is strictly prohibited without consent of a staff member.

3. In-School Messaging: Texting, calling, or messaging students who are currently in a classroom.

4. Harassment: Engaging in any form of cyberbullying, harassment, or unauthorized sharing of media.

5. Unapproved Event Use: Using devices during assemblies, performances, or on school buses without explicit staff or driver permission.

6. Devices are strictly prohibited in all restrooms and locker rooms at all times and violations will result in immediate elevated consequences.

Per Michigan HB 4141, exemptions are permitted when explicitly documented and required as part of a student’s verified medical plan. Please contact the school if you have questions.

Drawstring or over the shoulder bags are meant to carry a few journals/notebooks, writing utensils, and folders between classes. Students are expected to use their lockers between classes to manage their personal belongings.

A good plan is to pack your drawstring bag with your morning items and then exchange items at lunch for your afternoon classes.

Full size backpacks should be stored in student lockers for the day.

The purpose of a dress code is to provide and maintain a safe school environment that is conducive to student learning. The primary responsibility for a student’s attire resides with the student and their family. The responsibility of the school is to create a learning atmosphere that does not interfere with the health, well-being, or safety of any student. The Emerson dress code was revised to reflect a gender-neutral set of guidelines that refrains from targeting students, while maintaining a level of decorum conducive to the main goal of Emerson Middle School, providing a fair and equitable education.

In summary, ensure your body parts are covered and that your shirt meets your waistband.

Full details are listed below.

1. Body parts that must be covered with opaque (non-transparent) material – buttocks, breasts/chest, and genitals. Undergarments should not be seen during the school day and may not be worn in lieu of an appropriate shirt or bottom.

2. Students must wear a shirt that covers the torso and is fitted under the arms, bottoms (pants, shorts, skirts, dresses, leggings, etc.), and shoes that are appropriate for school activities (PE, shop class, science class, etc.)

3. Students may wear hats (head scarves, religious head coverings, durags, etc.), pajama pants, tank tops (including spaghetti straps), ripped jeans (if undergarments and/or genitals and buttocks are not exposed), yoga pants, and athletic wear.

4. Students cannot wear violent language or images, images or language depicting drugs, alcohol, or pornography, clothing with hate speech or profanity, or any other image or language that creates a hostile or intimidating classroom environment.

5. Students will not be removed from class based solely on a dress code violation. Students will be asked to put their own clothing on to remedy a dress code violation.

6. In addition to the school handbook, the dress code will be clearly conveyed to students and families in the Emerson Bulletin, via social media platforms, and during building announcements.

If you have any questions regarding Health Care Plans or Medical Authorization Forms, please contact our Student Assistance Provider, Shannon Matuska at smatuska@livoniapublicschools.org

Please fill out this google form to sign up for Cross Country or Girls Volleyball.

The sign up deadline is Monday, August 24th at 8:00am

The first day of tryouts for both Volleyball and Cross Country are on Tuesday, August 25 3:00 - 4:30

Please fill out the following survey if your athlete is interested in either wrestling or swimming this year.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdfc1c57El2aZNuGttC-ihDfYtGK7bcClXlatAl1sPYXJbc4Q/viewform

To join the Emerson PTSA, please follow this link.

Your membership supports many student functions such as 8th grade send off, Cedar Point field trip, Staff Appreciation Week, Activity Nights, and Positive Behavior Rewards.

Student members also get perks like Cider and Donut parties, Pizza, Open Gym, discounted concession pricing, and more!

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)

Website: https://www.livoniapublicschools.org/Domain/13
Location: 29100 West Chicago, Livonia, MI, USA
Phone: (734) 744-2665
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EMSLivonia/