December Family Newsletter

Leah Kuruzar • December 4, 2025

A Message from Mrs. Kuruzar...


Dear Emma Donnan Families,



As we wrap up 2025 and look ahead to the new year, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks for your participation in our Family Satisfaction Survey back in October. Your input is invaluable in helping us understand what’s working well and where we can continue to improve.


We’ve thoroughly reviewed the data, and we’re excited to share that, once again, we’ve exceeded our goal of achieving 80% overall satisfaction—with an incredible 93% of families reporting they are satisfied with their experience at Emma Donnan! This is a tremendous accomplishment, and we couldn’t have done it without your support.


In addition, we were especially pleased to see a noticeable increase in responses related to our core question 2 about teachers and staff caring for students. It’s clear that our efforts to build meaningful connections between students and staff are making a positive impact. This feedback gives us even more motivation to continue fostering an environment where every child feels supported, valued, and cared for.


As we move into the new year, we are already hard at work analyzing the survey results and planning our next steps based on your feedback. We look forward to sharing those updates with you in the coming months and continuing to work together to make Emma Donnan an even better place for our students.


Thank you once again for your time, your input, and your ongoing commitment to our school community.


Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season, and we can’t wait to continue this journey with you in 2026!


Warmly,
Mrs. Kuruzar

Director of Engagement


BIG NEWS!

Adelante @ Emma Donnan Earns Massive Grant


For over a year, our team has been working on an application for a grant from The Lilly Endowment Inc., and this week we found out that we were one of the schools selected.


We were awarded $ 14.4 million, which will drive a massive investment in our school community. These funds will be used to increase access to programs, make additional building upgrades, including to the gym, and add a performance space. Learn more about the investments we're making by clicking below to read the blog post.


Lilly Endowment Inc. Grant
Around Emma Donnan
Swipe or scroll sideways to see highlights from the pasy few weeks.
Gobble Gathering Thanksgiving-style lunch.
Our annual Gobble Gathering took place in November. Thanks to all of the families and friends that joined scholars for a special Thanksgiving-style lunch made by The Commons.
Families and scholars at Gobble Gathering lunch.
Our annual Gobble Gathering took place in November. Thanks to all of the families and friends that joined scholars for a special Thanksgiving-style lunch made by The Commons.
Scholars performing at Winter Clubs Showcase.
Our Winter Clubs Showcase is always a blast—scholars get to show off their hard work and the new skills they’ve picked up.
Students on stage at Winter Clubs Showcase.
Our Winter Clubs Showcase is always a blast—scholars get to show off their hard work and the new skills they’ve picked up.
First grade students practicing coding in Digital Literacy.
First Grade is practicing coding in Digital Literacy class.
Students wearing tie-dye shirts from Spot Emotions lesson.
Ms. Staley’s class learned about the Spot Emotions and made tie-dye shirts.
First grade field trip to the zoo.
First Grade took a field trip to the zoo to learn about animals and their habitats.
Gingerbread house decorated to match a favorite book.
The Gingerbread house competition is on! This year, homerooms chose their favorite book and decorated their houses to represent it.
5th Grade visiting the Indiana State Museum.
5th Grade visited the Indiana State Museum.
8th Grade at Newfields Art Museum.
8th Grade took a field trip to Newfields Art Museum.


Happening this Month


Upcoming Events

December 2025

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1

<FYI> Penguin Holiday Shop

7pm <Sport> Futsal Game vs Global Prep @ Northwest Middle School

2

6pm <Sport> Elementary Boys Basketball vs. PATH School @ PATH School

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4

6pm <Sport> Elementary Boys Basketball vs. Global Prep @ Emma Donnan

7pm <Sport> MS Boys Basketball vs. Global Prep @ Emma Donnan

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<Field Trip> UINDY (2nd)

<Event> November Perfect Attendance Celebration

<Event> November Perfect Attendance Celebration

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8

9

<Assessment> Checkpoint #2: ELA

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<Assessment> Checkpoint #2: Math

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<Event> Winter Create & Celebrate Night (K-5)

5:30pm Winter Celebration Family Event

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13

14

15

<Assessment> mClass DIBELS MOY Opens

<Event> Holiday Assistance Pick Up

16

<Sport> Cheer Tryouts Season 2

<Sport> Elementary Girls Basketball Tryouts

<Event> Holiday Assistance Pick Up

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<Sport> MS Girls Basketball Tryouts

<Field Trip> Children's Museum (3rd Grade)

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<FYI> Dec. Birthday Celebrations

<Assessment> mClass DIBELS MOY Ends

<Grades> End of Q2/Semester 1

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<PD - No Scholars> Staff PD - No Scholars

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<No School> Winter Break

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<No School> Winter Break

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<No School> Winter Break

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<No School> Winter Break

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<No School> Winter Break

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<No School> Winter Break

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<No School> Winter Break

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<No School> Winter Break

1

<No School> Winter Break

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<No School> Winter Break

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Winter Celebration Family Event

Wednesday, December 11, 2026

5:30 - 7:00


Join us for a delightful evening of crafting and a winter holiday celebration! We’ll have winter-themed crafts, delicious hot chocolate, cookie decorating, and a special visit from the BIG guy himself. We hope you’ll join us for some winter fun from 5:30 - 7:00 PM on December 11th!


Please enter through Door 10. Families that attend will be entered into a raffle for a special Holiday Gift Basket.


Add the event to your calendar using one of the buttons below!

Enrolling for the 26-27 School Year

Do you have a friend or family member looking for a school for their child?


We are currently enrolling for the 2026–2027 school year! Share with them the things that make you say “yes” to Emma Donnan.


Interested families can complete the Enroll Indy application to claim their seat. Be sure to enroll before January 29th to secure a spot.


As a thank-you, families who refer a student who enrolls will be entered to win a gift card to our uniform shop! Just let the front office know that you referred someone.


Reminder for 8th Grade Families:  If you have an 8th grader, you will also need to complete the Enroll Indy application for their high school placement for next year.

Enroll Indy

Bears Bodega


Students are loving our Bears Bodega Positive Incentive Store! Every day, they earn Bears Bucks for demonstrating our core values, maintaining good attendance, and coming to school in uniform. Once a month, students get to spend their hard-earned Bucks at the Bears Bodega, choosing from a variety of fun and meaningful items.


Not only are they rewarding themselves for making positive choices, but they’re also gaining valuable financial literacy skills—learning to save, budget, and make smart purchasing decisions.


Scholars will shop at the Bears Bodega again on December 12th. Ask your child how they are earning their Bears Bucks!

Holiday Assistance Update


We are incredibly thankful for our generous donors who contributed to our Holiday Assistance Program. Thanks to your support, we can sponsor over 200 students this holiday season!


If your family is sponsored through the program, please mark your calendars for pick-up on December 15th–16th. Pick-up times are listed below.


  • December 15th - 7:45 AM - 9:30 AM OR 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
  • December 16th - 7:45 AM - 9:30 AM OR 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM


Each family will receive their sponsored items, a bag to fill at our Holiday Shop, and a bag of non-perishable items.


Please note: Any items not picked up during the scheduled pick-up windows will be donated back to the program for the next school year. Items cannot be held.


Updates/Reminders


Upcoming Events
Swipe or scroll sideways to see what’s coming up.
Winter Break
December 19 – January 5

Our winter break is December 19th through January 5th. There will be no classes during this time. Classes will resume on January 6th.

Looking for ideas on what to do during the break? Scroll down to our Community Resources section!

End of Quarter 2
December 18

Quarter 2 ends on December 18th. Report cards will be available on January 7th. You can log into your student’s PowerSchool account at any time to monitor grades throughout the school year.

We encourage you to reach out to your child’s teacher with any questions you may have.

Math and Science Night
January 15 • 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

We’re excited to announce our first-ever Math and Science Night this year! Join us for a fun evening of hands-on math activities and interactive science experiments for all grades. It’s a wonderful chance for students and families to explore STEM together in a creative and engaging way.

Google Apple Office 365 Outlook iCal MS Teams Yahoo

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100th Day of School
January 21

The 100th day of school is just around the corner, and we’re gearing up for a fun celebration! On this special day, we’ll be engaging in exciting activities and wearing our favorite 100th day gear.

Teachers will be in touch with specific activities and expectations for their classrooms. We can’t wait to celebrate this milestone!

Donnan Day
January 30

We’re excited to celebrate Donnan Day in honor of Emma Donnan, a beloved IPS teacher and principal whose legacy continues to inspire our school community.

To mark the occasion, all students will receive a birthday treat. It’s a fun way to celebrate her impact and contributions to education.

New Team Member: Director of Academic Collaboration Team

Our new Director of Academic Collaboration Team (ACT) joined our team after fall break. In this role, Ms. Clark oversees all programs and services that support students with disabilities.  Please read a message from her below.


It is an honor to join this incredible community and serve our students and families. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I could feel the warmth, pride, and commitment that make Adelante so special. I’m eager to work alongside our amazing teachers, staff, and families to ensure our students are inspired, challenged, and supported every step of the way. 


In this role, I look forward to supporting our teachers and staff as we work together to ensure every student receives the high-quality education they deserve. I am deeply committed to fostering collaboration, academic excellence, and a strong sense of community across our school.


I’m eager to connect with you throughout the year and partner with you in supporting your child’s growth and success. Thank you for welcoming me into the Adelante family. I look forward to meeting many of you soon and partnering to make this a wonderful school year full of growth and success for our children. I am truly excited for what we will accomplish together!
Contact Ms. Clark

ATHLETICS

  • Grades 4-8 Girls' Basketball

    Our girls’ basketball season is approaching!


    Girls in grades 4–8 are invited to sign up and try out for the Elementary or Middle School teams. All participants must meet the eligibility requirements for Emma Donnan athletics.


    Tryout Dates & Times:

    • Elementary School: December 16, 2:30–4:00 PM
    • Middle School: December 17, 2:30–4:00 PM
    Sign-up for Tryouts

  • Grades 4-8 Cheerleading

    2nd Season for Cheerleading


    Our second cheerleading season will take place during the Girls' Basketball season. Students in grades 4–8 may register to try out for the second season, provided they meet the athletic eligibility requirements. Current cheerleaders will need to try out for the 2nd season.


    Cheerleading Tryouts:

    • December 16, 2:30–4:00 PM
    Sign up for Tryouts

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!


Academic Supports

  • What's Happening in K-2?

    Field Experiences: 

    2nd Grade will be visiting UIndy on December 5th.  Please be sure scholars come prepared for the outside weather.


    Upcoming Assessments: 

    The week of 12/15 we will be administering our middle of year DIBELS benchmark.  This is an individual assessment that shows the growth your scholar has made.  Attendance is very important!  Please also be sure that your scholars are getting a goodnight rest.  We are so excited to see their growth!!!


    Metal Detectors: 

    We have implemented metal detectors at the entrances.  Please be sure your scholars are not bringing anything other than materials they need for class, folder and iPad.

  • What's Happening in 3-5?

    Upcoming Assessments:

    Scholars will be taking the ELA and Math ILearn Checkpoint #2 tests on Tuesday, 12/9 and Wedneseday, 12/10. These tests allow us to assess what students know, and track growth throughout the year. Please make sure your child is at school on time to begin testing and brings their chromebook fully charged.  


    Specific grade level reminders: 

    Please encourage your scholar to charge their chromebook every night, so they can bring it to school fully charged the next day. If you have any questions about your child's technology, please reach out to you scholar's homeroom teacher.

  • What's Happening in 6-8?

    Upcoming Assessments: 

    Scholars will be taking the ELA and Math ILearn Checkpoint #2 tests on Tuesday, 12/9 and Wedneseday, 12/10. These tests allow us to assess what students know, and track growth throughout the year. Please make sure your child is at school on time to begin testing and brings their chromebook fully charged.  


    Specific grade level reminders: 

    Please encourage your scholar to charge their chromebook every night, so they can bring it to school fully charged the next day. If you have any questions about your child's technology, please reach out to you scholar's homeroom 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.

  • Pre-K Enrollment at Concord Neighborhood Center

    Enrolling for the 26-27 school year! Seats available for ages 3-5. 

    Learn More

  • Winter/Holiday Events

     IMPD Southeast District Breakfast with Santa

    Join us for Breakfast with Santa, where childern can share their holiday wishes, get a photo with Santa, recieve a breakfast to go, and revel in the magic of the season.


    1150 Shelby Street

    Saturday, December 6th

    9AM - 11AM


    Conservatory Crossing 2025

    Come enjoy our winter wonderland! See the Conservatory decked out in its holiday best with a brilliant display of poinsettias, model trains and village, and thousands of twinkling lights. There will be a scavenger hunt to go along with the train display.

    • Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 am-5:00 pm
    • Sundays  1:00-8:00 pm
    • Admission: $6 person | $14 family (2 adults max

    SPARK Holidays on the Circle

    SPARK Holidays on the Circle will feature themed musical performances and appearances from Santa Claus within the northwest bollards of Monument Circle every Saturday and Sunday from 4-8 p.m. through December 22. 


    During SPARK festivities, hot coco and coffee will be available for purchase from the Container Café. 


    111 Monument Cicrle Ste 250

    November 28 - December 22

    Learn More

  • FREE Parent Workshop

    Raising Boys in the Digital Wild: Care & Community for Their Well-Being

    Tuesday, December 9, 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET

    • From social media to gaming and more, adolescent boys spend hours each day online. Join us to explore our latest research, in a conversation that gives parents and caregivers real insights into the content and spaces that boys are engaging with online. Our expert panelists share tips on having conversations (spoiler: be curious) and how to support meaningful, deeper human connection with our sons as they approach manhood.
    • Register Here

  • 2-1-1 Resources

    2-1-1 can get you connected to many resources! Get connected by phone Monday - Friday offering English and Spanish communication. 

    Learn More
Young person with basketball in gym, looking up.

Adelante Schools Secures Major Lilly Endowment Inc. Funding to Advance Instruction, Improve Learning Environments, and Fund Educator Advancement

December 1, 2025
A $14 million grant will advance Adelante’s rigorous instruction, staff development opportunities, and key facility improvements.

November Family Newsletter

By Leah Kuruzar • November 5, 2025
This November, Adelante Schools highlights safety initiatives and celebrates a community partnership with the Indianapolis Colts—another step in building scholar pride and connection.

October Family Newsletter

By Leah Kuruzar • October 1, 2025
Step into October with Adelante Schools, see what’s ahead this fall for our scholars, classrooms, and community.