April Family Newsletter
Dear Emma Donnan Families,
As we enter April, I am excited to prepare for the testing season and enjoy some much-needed warm weather. With the arrival of spring, our campus is buzzing with excitement as we embark on a new chapter filled with learning, growth, and fun-filled activities. I
In this month's newsletter, you will find important updates, upcoming events, and academic information on what your scholar is learning and how you can support them at home. From classroom projects to extracurricular activities and field trips, there is something for everyone to celebrate and be proud of.
I encourage you to stay engaged with our school community, whether through volunteering, attending events, or simply having meaningful conversations with your child about their experiences at school. Your involvement plays a vital role in supporting our shared mission of providing a nurturing and enriching educational experience for all.
As we continue to navigate the joys and challenges of the school year, let us remain united in our commitment to the success and well-being of every child. Together, we can create a vibrant and inclusive community where every scholar feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership as we work together to make this school year a memorable and rewarding one for our scholars.
Warmest regards,
Miss Randle
Executive Principal
Upcoming Events
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ILEARN: Math Day 1 <Assessment>
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ILEARN: Math Day 2 <Assessment>
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National Asian Pacific Heritage Month Begins <>
ILEARN: Science/Social Studies Day 1 <Assessment>
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School Lunch Hero Day <FYI>
ILEARN: Science/Social Studies Day 2 <Assessment>
6pm Boys FF Game: ED vs. Arlington at Arsenal Tech HS
6:30pm Boys FF Game: ED vs. Arlington at Arsenal Tech HS
7pm Girls FF Game: ED vs. KIPP at Howe
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Staff Appreciation Week Begins <FYI>
Winter/Spring Club Showcase <Special Day/Event>
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K-3 Soccer Clinic Ends <FYI>
10am Indians Game Ilearn Incentive
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6pm Girls FF Game: ED vs. Howe at Howe
6:30pm Girls FF Game: ED vs. Harshman at Howe
7pm Boys FF Game: ED vs. Arlington at Arsenal Tech HS
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Field Trip: Fun Factory (6th/7th Grade)
K-3 Foundational Skills/Reading Growth Window Opens <Assessment>
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NWEA MAP Growth EOY <Assessment>
Digital Healthy Habits Parent Workshop #3 <Event>
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K-3 Foundational Skills/Reading Growth Window Closes <Assessment>
Field Trip IMPD Community Day (3rd Grade)
NWEA MAP Growth EOY <Assessment>
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EOY Athletics Ceremony <Special Day/Event>
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May/June Scholar Birthday Celebration
Field Trip: Back 9 (8th Grade)
6pm Boys FF Game: Tournament (TBD)
6pm Girls FF Game: Tournament (TBD)
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K-5 Field Day <Special Day/Event>
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Promotions <Event>
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Last Day of School <Special Day/Event>
Q4 Report Cards <Grades>
Last Day of Q4 <Grades>
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Staff Work Day <Staff Work Day - No Scholars>
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Campus Closed - 12 Month Vacation <No School - Scholars & Staff>
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Campus Closed - 12 Month Vacation <No School - Scholars & Staff>
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Campus Closed - 12 Month Vacation <No School - Scholars & Staff>
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Campus Closed - 12 Month Vacation <No School - Scholars & Staff>
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Campus Closed - 12 Month Vacation <No School - Scholars & Staff>
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Solar Eclipse - Remote Learning Day
April 8th
Monday, April 8th is designated as a Remote Learning Day due to the Solar Eclipse. Our campus will be closed, aligning with other area schools, to ensure everyone can fully enjoy this rare event and to prevent any transportation disruptions.
We are sending scholars home with glasses so that they can safely observe the eclipse. It's imperative to wear these glasses throughout the eclipse phases to protect against potential eye damage.
Slam the Exam Campaign
In April, our attention will turn to ILEARN preparation for 3rd-8th grade scholars. We are excited to introduce our Slam the Exam campaign. This initiative will provide scholars with essential test-taking strategies to excel during the assessment. Our goal is to infuse ebullience into this program to inspire and recognize achievements.
Here's what you can look forward to:
- Exciting giveaways
- Weekly "Slammys" award, will be given to scholars who demonstrate exceptional test prep strategies in their classrooms. Winning the "Slammys" award will grant students a special lunch with a staff member of their choice.
- Scholars with perfect attendance and punctuality from April 3rd to May 2nd will have the opportunity to participate in a fun out of school field trip. Furthermore, families of these scholars will be entered into a drawing for a grocery and gas gift cards as a token of appreciation for their support of the Slam the Exam initiative.
Save the Dates: Upcoming Events
Middle School Glow Fest Spring Dance
Grades: 7 & 8
Friday, April 12, 2024
6:00-7:30
Permission Slips Required
This promises to be an evening filled with music, dancing, and fun memories for our middle school scholars.
Sneaker Ball Family Dance
Grades K-6
Thursday, April 18, 2024
5:00-7:00
RSVP Required
This event will be a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, dance, and enjoy each other's company in a lively and festive atmosphere.
Club
Showcase
Monday, May 6, 2024
3:00-3:45
For all of our scholars participating in an after-school club, we invite their family to join us for our
Club Showcase
on May 6th from 3:00 - 3:45 PM. See what scholars have been learning and creating over the 9 - week club session this winter/spring.
Summer EBT Program
In summer 2024, Indiana will launch SUN Bucks, a new grocery benefits program that provides families $120 for each eligible school-aged child to buy groceries when school is out. Summer is a time when many children lose the free and reduced-price meals they get at school, and when households might need a little extra help putting meals on the table. Most families will get these benefits automatically, but some parents will need to apply. The new program is in addition to free meals that kids of all ages can get at summer meal sites in their communities.
Children are eligible for the program if:
- The household already participates in SNAP
- The child attends a school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program and the household income meets the requirements for free or reduced-price school meal
Many families will get SUN Bucks automatically if they are getting other benefits, but some families may need to apply.
- If the household already participates in SNAP, they will be automatically enrolled in the SUN Bucks program. Households do not need to fill out an application.
- If the household is not automatically enrolled and may be eligible, they can get SUN Bucks by filling out a simple application
We will provide you updates as more information is shared on the SUN Bucks program such as the application window and timeline for receiving funds.
Classroom News
Check out what your scholar will be learning in the month of April!
Each month, we will provide a high-level overview of what your scholar will learn in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math. Resources are linked to support you and your scholar with the practice of skills at home.
Remember to contact your scholar's teacher for additional information about their academics.
Remember to check out our academic support pages on our website for additional educational resources. This page is updated monthly!
Kindergarten
Kindergarten with Ms. Bales and Ms. Sullivan!
What are we learning?
ELA:
- For our end of year DIBELS reading test, we are learning how to tap out the sounds we hear in words. This is called segmentation.
What can I do at home?
- Say a word to your child, do not show them the word (examples: off, bet, quick, smile, am)
- Ask your child to tap out the sounds they hear in the word (example: o/f, b/e/t, qu/i/ck, s/m/i/le, a/m)
Math:
What are we learning?
- Addition 0-10
What can I do at home?
- Counting 0-100
- Writing numbers 0-10
- Adding numbers together.
First Grade
1st Grade with Ms. Bedford and Mr. Ford
What are we learning in ELA?
- Reading and spelling words that follow the “vowel constant e” or “silent e” rule! (bike, tape, mule, home, Pete)
What can I do at home?
- Echo read any story with your child and have your child try to pick out the words following this rule. (Tip: At school, we say that the silent e tells the vowel to say its name.)
What are we learning in Math?
- Adding and subtracting bigger numbers
- Place values(tens place/ones place)
What can we do at home?
- Practice additions and subtraction facts to 20
Second Grade
2nd Grade with Mrs. Nally and Ms. Nigam
What are we learning in ELA?
- We are learning to answer questions about a text we have read.
What can I do at home?
- Have your student read out loud to you each night.
- Ask them quesitons about the story.
What are we learning in Math?
- Dividing shapes into halves, thirds, & fourths
What can we do at home?
- Quiz your scholar by coloring in a half, third, or fourth of a simple shape like a circle or rectangle.
Third Grade
3rd Grade with Mr. Jones and Ms. Johnson
What are we learning in ELA?
- Narrative writing
What can I do at home?
- Read a book together with your child and have them write an alternate ending.
What are we learning in Math?
- Multiplication facts, adding and subtracting 3-digit numbers, word problems and fractions
What can we do at home?
- Multiplication facts flashcards
Fourth Grade
4th Grade with Mrs. Finn and Ms. Hill
What are we learning in ELA?
- How to write an opinion statement and support it with two clear reasons.
- Adding conclusions to paragraphs and essays.
What can I do at home?
- Give your scholars options and have them state an opinion as to which they prefer (i.e. McDonald’s or Burger King? Do they prefer basketball or football?)
- Have your scholar use the sentence frame “In my opinion _____ is better because _____ and _____.”
What are we learning in Math:
- How to draw points, lines, line segments, and rays and identifying these in various contexts and familiar figures.
- How to draw and identify acute, right, and obtuse angles.
What can we do at home?
- Work alongside your student to complete daily homework tasks
Fifth Grade
5th Grade with Ms. Birt and Ms. Hills
What are we learning in ELA?
- Find the main idea of a text and identifying the author's purpose in writing it.
What can I do at home?
- At home, encourage your scholar to read aloud to you and ask them questions about why the author may have written the text.
What are we learning in Math?
- Volume, shapes and area.
What can we do at home?
- Help your scholar with their homework packet
Sixth Grade
6th Grade with Mrs. Bernacchi and Mr. Sterling
What are we learning in ELA?
- Identify the main idea and details of a text and summarize a text in 2-3 sentences.
What can I do at home?
- Scholars can read aloud to family members at home or read independently.
Then ask students:
- What is the main idea?
- What are the most important details
- Can you summarize in one to two sentences?
What are we learning in Math:
- Solving word problems with ratios, multiplication, division, subtraction and addition using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
What can we do at home?
- Work alongside your scholar on their weekly test prep packets.
Seventh Grade
7th Grade Ms. Roney and Ms. Lund
What are we learning in ELA?
- As we prepare for ILEARN, we are learning to close read passages by annotating (taking notes) and highlighting evidence.
What can I do at home?
After your scholar reads:
- Ask what type of text is it? (Nonfiction- real or Fiction- story)
- If it's nonfiction, scholars should take notes on the author's purpose, text structure and the main idea.
- If it's fiction, scholars should take notes on the problem, attempts to resolve, solution, and theme.
What are we learning in math?
- Calculating the tax and tip
- Solving one step equations
- Graphing coordinates on a coordinate plane
What can we do at home?
- Have your scholar calculate the tip and tax for purchases or at a restaurant
Eighth Grade
8th Grade with Mr. Ewing and Ms. Hogan
What are we learning?
ELA:
- As we prepare for ILEARN, we are learning to close-read passages by annotating (taking notes) and highlighting evidence.
What can I do at home?
After your scholar reads:
- Ask what type of text is it? (Nonfiction- real or Fiction- story)
- If it's nonfiction, scholars should take notes on the author's purpose, text structure and the main idea.
- If it's fiction, scholars should take notes on the problem, attempts to resolve, solution, and theme.
What are we learning in math?
- Calculating the volume of cones, cylinders, prisms, and spheres
- Solving 1 and 2-step equations
What can we do at home?
- Practice finding the volume of cones, cylinders, prisms, and spheres at home by measuring dimensions and solving
Celebrating Perfect Attendance
At Emma Donnan, we take great joy in celebrating achievements! Every month, we honor scholars who have demonstrated punctuality and attendance throughout the month. This March, our scholars will be rewarded with a sweet treat. Moreover, families will have the chance to win prizes as well.
As we approach the final stretch of the school year, show your scholar encouragement to achieve perfect attendance. Their consistent presence and punctuality each day are crucial in making the most of their learning opportunities in the classroom.
National Stress Awareness Month
April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month to bring attention to the negative impact of stress. Managing stress is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Knowing how to manage stress can improve mental and physical well-being as well as minimize exacerbation of health-related issues. It’s critical to recognize what stress and anxiety look like, take steps to build resilience, and know where to go for help. The Mental Health American (MHA) provides some tips on how to reduce your stress by utilizing a Stress Screener. Also, take some time to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website and familiarize yourself with strategies for stress management.
March in Pictures
Community Events & Resources
