April Family Newsletter
Dear Emma Donnan Families,
Spring is here, and with it comes one of the most important times of the school year—testing season! Throughout the month of April, our 3rd-8th grade scholars will be engaged in statewide assessments that allow us to measure their academic growth and ensure they are on track for success.
To help our scholars perform at their very best, we need your support! Here’s how you can help set them up for success during this crucial time:
✅ Ensure Your Child Arrives on Time – Testing begins promptly in the morning, and late arrivals may have to wait for a make-up session. Please help your scholar starts their day smoothly by getting them to school on time!
😴 Prioritize Rest & Routine – A well-rested mind is a sharp mind! We encourage families to establish an early bedtime to ensure students get at least 8-10 hours of sleep each night.
📩 Send a Note of Encouragement – A few words of encouragement can make a world of difference! We invite families to write a short letter or note to their child before testing day. This could be a simple message reminding them that they are prepared, capable, and supported. A note tucked into their backpack or lunchbox can boost their confidence and brighten their day!
🎉 Encourage & Motivate – A positive attitude goes a long way! Remind your child that they are ready and capable. Let’s celebrate their hard work and help them approach testing with confidence!
We know our scholars have been working hard all year, and this is their time to shine! Thank you for your partnership in making sure our students are ready, rested, and confident for this testing season.
As always, we appreciate your support in making Emma Donnan a place where every scholar thrives!
With gratitude,
Ms. Randle
March in Pictures
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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Happening this Month
Order Here
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Field ExperiencesList Item 1
While we may be nearing the end of the school year, the fun doesn’t stop here! Several of our grade levels will be wrapping up the year with exciting and memorable trips. All permission slips are shared with families through our Powerschool Parent App. Scholars must have a signed permission slip to attend their field trip.
April 3rd - 1st Grade is visiting the IU Indianapolis Campus.
April 8th - Kindergarten is visitng the Butler Univerisity Campus.
April 11th - 4th Grade is visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
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Staff Appreciation Week - May 5th - 9thList Item 2
As we celebrate Staff Appreciation Week, we want to encourage our students to take a moment to express their gratitude for the incredible teachers and staff who work so hard to support and inspire them every day. One meaningful way students can show their appreciation is by writing a heartfelt letter, creating a thoughtful card, or even making a small craft as a token of their thanks. These gestures, big or small, are a wonderful way for students to reflect on the positive impact these educators and staff members have had on their lives. We hope that together, we can make this week extra special for everyone who helps make our school such a welcoming and inspiring place!
Thank you for your continued support!
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ILEARN Testing ScheduleList Item 3
ILEARN Testing will take place this month for our 3rd -8th grade scholars. Testing starts at 7:50 AM on the days below. It is critical that students arrive on time (7:30 AM) to ensure they are ready for testing. Scholars that receive perfect attendance during ILEARN testing will be entered into a raffle for a special Emma Donnan suprise!
April 22nd - ELA Day 1
April 23rd - ELA Day 2
April 24th - ELA Day 3
April 29th - Math Day 1
April 30th - Math Day 2
May 1st & 2 - Science and Social Studies (Grades 4-6 only)
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Quarter 4 Progress ReportsList Item 4
Progress Reports will be sent home on April 16th. Families can always access their scholar's grades through Powerschool Parent. Grades are posted weekly. If you need help accessing your Powerschool Parent account, please contact our front office.
Safety Matters
As the weather warms up this April, many students will be riding their bikes to school. For your safety, always ride with the flow of traffic. This makes you more visible to drivers and helps prevent accidents. Additionally, when biking near school zones, be extra cautious and slow down, as there may be more pedestrians and vehicles around.
We have a bike rack located at Door 8 where students can securely store their bikes during the school day. Be sure to bring a lock to keep your bike safe while you're inside. Remember, it's also important to wear a helmet, follow traffic signals, and use bike lanes when available. Stay safe and enjoy your ride
Digital Health Habits Workshops
Our first Digital Healthy Habits Workshop was a great success! During the workshop, parents had the opportunity to learn how to support their scholars at home with homework using tools like Schoology, IXL, and Zearn. It was inspiring to see families engage and gain valuable insights into how they can help their children thrive academically. We are incredibly grateful for the partnership we have with our families, as working together is key to ensuring the success of our scholars. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this event such a success.
Our next Digital Healthy Habits Workshop is scheduled for April 22nd from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. This session will focus on important topics like internet safety and cyberbullying, helping families better navigate the digital world and protect their children online. In addition, we will be sharing the results of research that IU Health has been conducting in partnership with Patachou on the impact of sugary beverages and food. We look forward to discussing these findings and gathering input from families on the next steps. Dinner will be provided during the session, and we encourage everyone to join us for this informative and engaging event. We’re excited to continue working together to support the well-being of our scholars! RSVP is required.
After-School Activities
- Our Spring sport seasons are starting! Be sure to check our school calendar and come to cheer on the Bears at an upcoming game!
- K-3 Soccer Clinics start Friday, April 4th.
- Mark your calendars for our After-School Club Showcase on May 5th! All families are invited to see what our scholars are learned in their clubs this session.
Emma Donnan Yearbook - Last Chance!
Get Your 2024-2025 Yearbook Now – Only $13!
Don’t miss out on capturing this unforgettable year! The 2024-2025 yearbook is your chance to relive the memories, celebrations, and milestones of the school year.
Just $13 for a lifetime of memories!
Orders due by April 10th!
What's Happening?
Our objective is to keep you informed about the topics that teachers are focusing on in the classroom and how you can support their learning journey at home. Be sure to check our What's Happening section each month for the latest updates!
Visit our website for academic resources to support your scholar at home!
What's Happening in K-2?
How I can help my K-2nd scholar in reading/writing this month?
As students are preparing for their end of year DIBELS assessment, please be sure students are practicing their trick words each night by:
- Reading the word 3 times
- Skywriting the words 3 times
- Writing the words 3 times
Students should also practice their connected text passages that they bring home every Friday by:
- Tapping out any unfamiliar words
- Using the scoops to practice reading with appropriate phrasing
What's Happening in 3-5?
April 1st begins Slam the Exam as we prepare our students to take the ILEARN summative exam for ELA (April 22nd - 24th) and Math (April 29th and 30th). Our students are going to crush the test and below are some ways you can help at home:
- Be sure your student comes to school on time every day.
- Students should be getting a good night's rest each and every night.
- All students will be assigned IXLs that correspond to the ILEARN summative exam for both ELA and Math.
Scholars must complete 4 IXL levels per week at a 90% during the month of April as homework. Support your scholar by giving them a quiet, dedicated place to work on their IXL homework & see that they finish it each night. If your scholar is struggling to complete the level, don't hesitate to email or message their teacher.
What's Happening in 6-8?
April 1st begins Slam the Exam as we prepare our students to take the ILEARN summative exam for ELA (April 22nd - 24th) and Math (April 29th and 30th). Our students are going to crush the test and below are some ways you can help at home:
Be sure your student comes to school on time every day.
- Students should be getting a good night's rest each and every night.
- All students will be assigned IXLs that correspond to the ILEARN summative exam for both ELA and Math.
Scholars must complete 4 IXL levels per week at a 90% during the month of April as homework. Support your scholar by giving them a quiet, dedicated place to work on their IXL homework & see that they finish it each night. If your scholar is struggling to complete the level, don't hesitate to email or message their teacher.
Community Resources
Our vibrant community offers an abundance of resources and a diverse array of events designed to engage and enrich the lives of our members. From educational workshops and networking opportunities to recreational activities and cultural celebrations, there is something for everyone to enjoy and benefit from.
Energy Assistance Program
EAPIndyEAP Program is now taking applications!
The Energy Assistance Program, called IndyEAP, provides financial assistance to income-eligible households in Marion County to maintain utility services during the winter. The program assists with electricity and heating but does not assist with water bills.
Career Readiness Boot Camp
May 5th-8th
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Workshop for those looking for employment or career building.
- Training includes resume building, mock interviews, and certification.
- Earn $50 upon completion.
- Earn funding for career training opportunities
Contact macyb@southeastindy.org to register or for more information.
Beyond the Bell - Community Conversation
More InformationJoin Beyond the Bell to stay in the know about:
- IREAD Literacy Student Retention legislation
- Chronic Absenteeism and its impact on students
- High school graduation requirements
- Tips for choosing a school
All events are from 6-8 PM. Free dinner is served from 4:45 PM - 5:45 PM. Free childcare. Translation in Spanish and Haitian Creole.
Tuesday - April 22 - Global Village Welcome Center
Tax Assistance Program - FREE
More InformationIf you make 59,000 or less annually, you're eligible to have your taxes filed for FREE!
Southeast is operating on an appointment-only basis. Time slots for the Saturday morning appointments will become available on January 13th by calling (317)236-7400. We ask that you do not call to schedule these appointments before January 13, 2024.
Summer Camp: Peace Learning Center
Learn MoreOur camp offers an array of exciting programs each week desigend for youth school ages K- middle school. From engaging empathy workshops and calming mindful moments to story time adventures, there's something for everyone!
Summer Camp Fair
Register HereMarian University invites you and your family to JOIN US for the Summer at Marian - Summer Camps Fair on Sunday, April 6th from 2pm – 4pm inside Alumni Hall and outdoors located at 3200 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis, IN 46222.
This is a FREE community & family centered summer camps fair which will showcase our K-12 summer camps, live summer camp registration, scholarship giveaways, DJ music, interactive games, outdoor activities, delicious food, raffles, campus tours, and more!Non-working Youth: Participants under the working age of 14 can connect with local service providers offering summer and year-round programs, as well as volunteer opportunities designed for young people of all ages.
Working Youth: Teens and young adults can connect with job, internship, and volunteer opportunities.
Summer Camp: Keenan Stahl Boys and Girls Club
More Summer ActivitiesThe Kennan Stahl Boys and Girls Club will be offering registration sessions for NEW members during the month of April. All registrations must take place in-person.
Program Dates: June 2 - July 18th
Monday - Friday: 8AM - 6PM
Program Fee: $50.00
- April 7 - 6PM & 7PM
- April 16 - 6PM & 7PM
- April 21 - 6PM & 7PM
- April 23- 6PM & 7PM
Dia Del Nino at Be My Neighbor Day
Learn MoreSaturday, April 26
9:00am - 2:00pm
Central Library
Families with young children are invited for a celebration of language and literacy! Activities include concerts, storytimes in English and Spanish, games, art, and more! Make sure to see Daniel Tiger. Free books and giveaways for every child!
Read, write, talk, sing, and play in Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood! At this event, you can play and learn in the playground, read and sing in storytimes, dance your wiggles out at concerts from 123 Andrés, get a temporary tattoo, and write thank you letters to first responders in our post office.
