February Family Newsletter

February 5, 2025

Dear Adelante Families,


February is Black History Month, a time to reflect, honor, and celebrate the rich history, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals who have shaped our world. At Adelante, we recognize that history isn’t just something to remember—it’s something we live, learn from, and build upon every day.


This month is a perfect time to reaffirm our commitment to standing with, beside, and for one another in support of the diversity that strengthens our community. We know that when we lift each other up, we all move forward together.


That belief is at the heart of everything we do—creating a school where every scholar feels safe, valued, and empowered to reach their highest potential.


Throughout February, we will engage in learning and activities that highlight Black voices, stories, and achievements. We encourage you to continue these conversations at home and celebrate the impact of Black history in everyday life.


Thank you for being part of a community that believes in the power of belonging and the promise of a bright future for all.


The Emma Donnan Team


Janaury in Pictures



Upcoming Events

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat

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ILEARN: Math Day 1 <Assessment>

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ILEARN: Math Day 2 <Assessment>

1

National Asian Pacific Heritage Month Begins <>

ILEARN: Science/Social Studies Day 1 <Assessment>

2

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

Show all

3

4

5

Staff Appreciation Week Begins <FYI>

Winter/Spring Club Showcase <Special Day/Event>

6

7

8

K-3 Soccer Clinic Ends <FYI>

10am Indians Game Ilearn Incentive

9

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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10

11

12

Field Trip: Fun Factory (6th/7th Grade)

K-3 Foundational Skills/Reading Growth Window Opens <Assessment>

13

NWEA MAP Growth EOY <Assessment>

Digital Healthy Habits Parent Workshop #3 <Event>

14

K-3 Foundational Skills/Reading Growth Window Closes <Assessment>

Field Trip IMPD Community Day (3rd Grade)

NWEA MAP Growth EOY <Assessment>

Show all

15

EOY Athletics Ceremony <Special Day/Event>

16

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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19

K-5 Field Day <Special Day/Event>

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21

Promotions <Event>

22

Last Day of School <Special Day/Event>

Q4 Report Cards <Grades>

Last Day of Q4 <Grades>

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23

Staff Work Day <Staff Work Day - No Scholars>

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25

26

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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Black History Month

Honoring Black History Month at school is a powerful way to celebrate Black individuals' rich contributions, achievements, and cultural heritage throughout history. It provides an opportunity to learn about the struggles and triumphs of Black communities, from the civil rights movement to the groundbreaking work of Black scientists, artists, and leaders. 


This month, students will be exposed to various activities to honor Black History Month. Not only will we highlight members of the Black community around the building through our visual school culture, but we will also host special assemblies featuring guest speakers and performances.

Black History Month Spirit Days


These days recognize important individuals, cultural milestones, and traditions in Black history, where each day will focus on different themes like historical figures, music, art, or African heritage.


  • February 7th - Throwback to the '90s: Hip Hop Hooray Day
  • This theme can celebrate the influential era of '90s hip hop, a genre that shaped culture, fashion, and music worldwide. Students can show off their best 90s-inspired streetwear, from baggy jeans and windbreakers to oversized shirts and bold accessories.
  • February 14th - Love and Legacy Day - Wear Red and Pink
  • A celebration of love, unity, and the legacy of Black history.
  • February 21st - Madam CJ Walker Day - Wear your favorite Hairstyle
  • Students can wear their favorite hairstyle, whether it's an updo, braids, curls, or anything that makes them feel confident, while learning about Walker’s groundbreaking work in hair care and her impact on Black entrepreneurship.
  • February 28th - Black Excellence Day - Wear All Black
  • This day can be a powerful expression of solidarity and pride, celebrating the strength, resilience, and excellence of the Black community. 

Meet Our New Director of Culture: Ms Patton


We are excited to welcome Mrs.Patton as the new Director of Culture at Emma Donnan! With over 20 years of experience working with children through the Department of Corrections and the Department of Child Services, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to student success. Her professional background also includes extensive experience in community-based services for children and families.


Mrs.Patton holds a Master’s degree in Child Law from Loyola University and is passionate about fostering a positive and supportive school environment. In her role, she will focus on building strong relationships with students and families while promoting a culture of accountability and growth through restorative practices.


She is eager to connect with the Emma Donnan community and looks forward to working together to ensure all students feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed!


Happening this Month

List of Services


Operations Reminders

Our goal is to ensure that we provide a safe and efficient experience for all of our students and families. In order to do so, it is important that families help us by following our established protocols.


Dismissal Changes

If your scholar is dismissing in a different way than usual, please be sure to call the front office by 1:00 PM to make the necessary change. This includes any changes such as a scholar no longer staying for after-school activities, switching from a car-rider to a walker, or any other dismissal adjustments. To ensure we can make the change smoothly and safely, please contact the office at 317-226-4272.


Field Experience (Trip) Permission Slips 

Field experience permission slips must be signed through your Powerschool Parent Portal before a scholar is allowed to participate in the trip. We are unable to accept verbal consent for these trips, so it’s important that the permission slip is completed online. If you’re having trouble accessing your Powerschool Parent Account, please contact the front office for assistance.


After-School Clubs

Exciting news—After-School Clubs are back! We’re introducing new clubs along with some fan favorites. Club assignments will be shared the week of February 10th, so you’ll find out which club you’ve been assigned to soon!


Get ready for fun, learning, and new experiences when clubs begin on February 24th!




Club Sign Up

Spring Athletics

It’s time to kick off registration for Spring Athletics! We are excited to offer sports options for all scholars in grades K-8.


  • Elementary Soccer - Grades 4th-5th - Co-ed
  • Middle School Soccer - Grades 6th-8th - Co-ed
  • Flag Football - Grades 6th- 8th - Co-ed
  • Soccer Clinics - Grades K-3 - Co-ed


All scholars trying out for our competitive league teams must meet our athletics eligibility requirements.


Spring Athletics Sign-Up

School Calendar Feedback

 

We need your input! We've moved to a two-year calendar cycle to give families and staff more time to plan trips and other commitments. We've also made adjustments to the number of remote learning days. Click the link below to review the drafts and share your feedback—it only takes a few minutes! A translated version will be available soon.



Calendar Feedback

Emma Donnan Yearbook - Order Now!

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!


Order today and secure your copy before it’s too late!

Order Your Yearbook

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?

    How I can help my K-2nd scholar in reading/writing this month?


    Students will be bringing home new trick words and passages each week. 


    - Ask your student to read their trick words top to bottom and bottom to top each night.

    - Ask your student to read their passages 4 times each night:

    •  First time- Read for accuracy and tap out any unfamiliar words.
    • Second time and Third Time- touch each word or scoop your words for fluency.
    • Fourth Time- read with expression and emotion.

    How I can help my K-2nd scholar in math this month?


    K-2 scholars are learning the basics of numbers and adding and subtracting. 


    So, to help your scholar...


    Kindergarten - Scholars need to master drawing and identifying digits 0-10. Practice drawing numbers 0-10 with your scholar. When you see numbers at home or outside, point and ask your scholar to name that number.


    1st Grade - Scholars need to master identifying digits 0-100 and adding those numbers. When you see numbers at home or outside, point and ask your scholar to name that number.


    2nd Grade - Scholars need to master adding and subtracting numbers up to 100. Give your scholar practice addition and subtraction problems to complete. Ex) 58 + 14, 78 - 65, etc.

  • What's Happening in 3-5?


    How I can help my 3rd-5th grade scholar in reading/writing this month? 


    As the ILEARN summative assessment approaches, students have been practicing how to write short responses using the RACE format.  When students write paragraph responses in their homework, be sure they are:

    - R: Restate the question using the title of the text

    - A: Answer the question

    - C: Cite two pieces of evidence to support your answer

    - E: Explain your evidence and how it connect to a big idea about the world


    How I can help my 3rd-5h grade scholar in math this month?


    3rd-5th scholars are preparing for the ILEARN test in April.


    So, to help your scholar...


    3rd, 4th, 5th - Scholars need to master identifying and adding/ subtracting fractions. One way to help is to have scholars cook with you with recipes so they are using fractions like 1/2, 1/3, 1/4 in a real-world way. 


  • What's Happening in 6-8?

    How I can help my 6th-8th grade scholar in reading/writing this month? 


    As the ILEARN summative assessment approaches, students have been practicing how to write short responses using the RACE format.  When students write paragraph responses in their homework, be sure they are:

    - R: Restate the question using the title of the text

    - A: Answer the question

    - C: Cite two pieces of evidence to support your answer

    - E: Explain your evidence and how it connect to a big idea about the world



    How I can help my 6th-8th grade scholar in math this month?


    6th-8th scholars are preparing for the ILEARN test in April. 


    So, to help your scholar...


    6th, 7th, 8th - Scholars need to master how to solve basic equations. For example, 5x = 10. One way to help them is to go onto Schoology and check their scores for the latest math assessment. Then, have them show you IXL and sit next to them for 10 minutes while they practice more problems.

    REMINDER! Please make sure your scholar is bringing their chromebook fully charged to school with them every day. This is especially important as we get closer to ILEARN testing and continue practicing skills in IXL and Zearn. 


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

    IndyEAP 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.

  • Free Medical and Dental Clinic by Gennesaret

    Gennesart offers free healthcare in Indy with their medical clinics, dental clinic, women's health services, and health recovery homes

  • Love Thyself Youth Summit For Girls

    Love Thyself Youth Summit for Girls is a transformative event that inspires self-love, self-awareness, and positive mental health.                                                                     


    Event Details:

    Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025

    Time: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

    Location: Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre                                                                                                         This The summit features interactive workshops, exciting surprises, and meaningful connections. Each participant will experience an overwhelming sense of encouragement and love, leaving empowered and uplifted.

    More Information
  • Shepherd Community Center - Food Access

    Feeding the hungry is about more than simply handing out food. It is about meeting our neighbors’ daily physical, emotional, spiritual, and academic hunger needs. That all starts with physical hunger. We can only meet these needs through relationships.


    No sign-up is needed. Serves anyone in the community 


    Food Pantry – Saturdays 8:30 – 10:30 am


    Mobile Pantry – 1st & 3rd Fridays of the month from 3 – 5 pm, a drive-through pantry for Shepherd to load food into our neighbors’ vehicles.


    Deliveries – Partnering with Gleaners Food Bank, we make 300+ deliveries Monday – Thursday to our neighbors without access to reliable transportation or access to the grocery store.

  • Beyond the Bell - Community Conversation

    Join Beyond the Bell to stay in the know about:

    1. IREAD Literacy Student Retention legislation
    2. Chronic Absenteeism and its impact on students 
    3. High school graduation requirements 
    4. 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 - Feb 11 - Shepherd Community Cetner 


    Tuesday - March 18 - Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center 


    Tuesday - April 22 - Global Village Welcome Center 

    More Information
  • Tax Assistance Program - FREE

    If 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. 

    More Information
  • FREE English Classes

    Want to learn English? Study with a professional teacher! 


    Monday and Wednesday at Southeast Community Services. 1-3 PM and 6-8PM


    Call for more information - 317-510 -0210


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