December Family Newsletter
Hello, Families!
We had a busy November and the start of a busy December. Be sure to catch up on all that has happened or all that is to come in our newsletter this month.
Gobble Gathering
We loved hosting our first-ever Gobble Gathering! It was a joy to see our families come together with our school and community family and enjoy a meal together. We are looking forward to making this an annual event!
Field Experiences
November was filled with field experiences! Our 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th graders all visited a college campus this month. Scholars were able to experience "college life" by learning about program offerings, interacting with current students, touring key buildings on the campus, and much more. Students went to the University of Indianapolis, Marian University, IU Bloomington, and Purdue. We are excited for the rest of our scholars to visit other local colleges in the spring.
Athletics
We wrapped up our Elementary and Middle School Boys' Basketball seasons this month. Both teams showed teamwork, dedication, and perseverance. Special shoutout to our Middle School team, who had an undefeated season!
Winter Concert and Celebration
This month, we hosted our first Winter Concert and Celebration! We had an astounding turnout. Thank you for coming to support our K-6 scholars with their performance and celebrating the winter holidays with us. Special shoutout to Mr. Guise for organizing the winter concert. We hope that you will join us in the spring for our Spring Concert and Celebration.
Winter Break
Our winter break starts on 12/21. Classes will not be in session from 12/21 - 1/8. Classes will resume on 1/9/24. Our front office will be open on 12/21 from 7:30 AM - 1 PM and on 1/8 from 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM. We hope that you have a safe and happy holiday!
Important Links
November in Pictures
YOU ARE IN!
Scholars in grades K-7 automatically have a seat for the 2024-2025 School Year.
This is great because we are currently on a waitlist. We will reach out to confirm your seat for next year this winter.
School Year 2024-2025
-Emma Donnan will keep serving grades K-8
-We will be increasing the amount of athletics offered K-8 and the amount of clubs.
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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COMING Soon! Art to Remember
We are partnering with an organization called Art to Remember. This organization allows you to turn your scholar's artwork into a keepsake such as mugs, keychains, water bottles, notebooks, magnets and much more. In early February, you will receive a personalized order form with your scholar's artwork and directions for ordering. An extra perk to this program is that it is a fundraiser for our art program as well. We will receive a percentage of the profits and it will be put back into our art program for our scholars.
Family Advisory Council
January 16th, 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Thanks to all the families who completed our Family Satisfaction Survey!
Join us on January 16th for our Family Advisory Council Meeting. We'll be diving into the survey data and planning how to make your Emma Donnan experience even better.
Childcare and dinner will be provided for your convenience. Can't wait to see you there!

NEW! Take It To Go Program
Our Food Service and Operation teams have teamed up to minimize food waste from our lunch program. Instead of discarding unserved food after lunch, we are launching the Take It To Go Program. Our Food Service team will now package meals for weekly distribution to our families.
Here's how it works:
- Reserve your meal through online registration each week.
- You can reserve 1 meal per scholar enrolled at Emma Donnan.
- Meal pickup is available on Fridays during specific hours.
- Meals can be taken home by car-riders or walkers only; we cannot send meals home on the bus.


REMINDER: Holiday Assistance Program Pick Up
Below are the pick up times based on your sponsor. We ask that you follow your assigned pick time and day to ensure our pick up days run smoothly. Families will be able to shop in our holiday store and will receive a bag of food donations from the Great Harvest Pantry and the Patachou Foundation.
- Dec. 15th, 7:45AM - 9:30AM - Families sponsored by Project Play OR Individual Donors
- Dec. 14th, 5:30PM - 7:00 PM - ALL families registered for the program can choose to pick up during this time
Holiday Spirit Week
December 18th-20th
Holiday Hair Day - Monday, 12/18
Wear your BEST or CRAZIEST hair to celebrate the winter holiday season! All students must still be in uniform.
Holiday Character Day - Tuesday, 12/19
Dress as your favorite winter holiday character. Examples: Snowman, Grinch, Reindeer, Gingerbread, Santa, Elf etc.
Holiday Chaos Day - Wednesday, 12/20
Wear holiday socks, headbands, jewelry, shirts, and more! Deck yourself out!

Please note that scholars that are not participating must be in school uniform. Scholars in uniform violation will not be able to participate in the remainder of spirit week.
Community Events & Resources
List of Services
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REMINDER! Energy Assistance ProgramList Item 2
The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) can help you pay your heat and electric bills! EAP provides a one-time annual benefit that can assist you with the high cost of home energy and can help if you are disconnected or are about to get disconnected. For questions about the Energy Assistance Program, please contact the Community Programs team at eap@ihcda.in.gov.
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REMINDER! United Way's Winter Assistance FundList Item 3
The Winter Assistance Fund (WAF) is championed by United Way of Central Indiana for Marion County residents who struggle with increased utility costs but do not qualify for EAP. To apply, call or visit an application site near you.
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Holiday Fun
There are many events around Indianapolis to enjoy some holiday fun!
Also, if you have the Access Pass, you may be able to recieve discounted rates on events. Learn more about the access pass here, https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/hours/access-pass