President’s Day - Campus Closed
February 16th
In observance of Presidents’ Day, there will be no school on Monday, February 16.
February Family Newsletter
Leah Kuruzar • February 5, 2026
Hello, Emma Donnan Families,
February is full of moments worth celebrating across our school community! We are incredibly proud of two of our 8th grade boys basketball players who earned spots on the district All-Star Team—an exciting honor that reflects their hard work and dedication. This week, we’re also cheering on one of our 3rd graders and one of our 4th graders as they represent our school at the district spelling bee. Throughout the month, we are excited to honor and celebrate Black History Month, recognizing the powerful contributions, achievements, and history that continue to shape our school and world.
Looking ahead, IREAD testing for our 2nd and 3rd grade students will take place during the first week of March. Families can help support their students by ensuring they arrive at school on time each day so they are settled and able to eat breakfast before testing begins. Making sure students go to bed on time will help them come to school well-rested and ready to focus. Finally, a few words of positive encouragement before sending them off can go a long way in helping students feel confident and prepared to do their best.
Thank you for your continued support!
Adelante,
Mr. Gavin
Principal
Events
Muffins in the Morning
Join your scholar and our staff for a light breakfast and a strong start to the day!
Learn more +
Enjoy a quick morning meet-up with muffins, fruit, juice, and coffee before the day begins.
- Who: All families
- When: 2/12/26, 6:40 AM – 7:15 AM
- Logistics: Doors open at 6:40 AM. Enter at Door 10.
We can’t wait to see you there!
School Day Activity
Kindness Week
Our Student Council will be spreading KINDNESS throughout the school for staff and scholars!
Learn more +
The Student Council is planning daily activities to spread kindness throughout our school community. Join us for Kindness Week by supporting our Stock Our Pantry and Library Initiative.
- Who is this for? Students and Staff
- What is happening? Students are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for our community food box or a gently used book for our Little Library Box. Our Student Council will be working this spring to install the Little Library on our campus and help share the joy of reading with others.
- Dates / deadlines: 2/8/26 – 2/13/26
Details: Be sure to ask your scholar each day this week what they learned about kindness.
School Day Activity
Valentine’s Day Celebration - K-5 Only
K-5 students will celebrate friendship, kindness, and caring through a Valentine’s Day celebration on February 13th.
Classroom Celebration InfoLearn more +
K-5 students will celebrate friendship, kindness, and caring through a Valentine’s Day celebration on February 13th from 1:30 - 2:00 PM. If you would like to contribute to this celebration, please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher and follow our guidance for classroom celebrations.
- Who: K-5 Students
- When: 2/13/2026, 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
- Details: Contact your child’s classroom teacher if you would like to contribute.
Assessment
IREAD Testing
Students in grades 2-3 will take the IREAD Assessment the first week of March.
IREAD Family ResourcesLearn more +
2nd and 3rd graders will be taking the state required IREAD-3 test the first week in March. Preparation for this has been ongoing since Kindergarten, so we are confident that scholars are prepared to do their best. For 3rd grade scholars, the state does require your scholar to pass this assessment to be promoted to the 4th grade. Please be sure your scholar is arriving at school on time to set them up for success! Testing will begin first thing in the morning.
- Who: Grades 2-3 students (and may apply to grades 4-5 if they have not passed previously)
- Dates: 3/3/2026 – 3/4/2026
- Logistics: Arrive on time—testing begins first thing in the morning.
Thank you for supporting your scholar with a strong start each testing day.
Event
IPS Spelling Bee
We have two Emma Donnan scholars that are competing in the IPS District Spelling Bee on Feb. 10th.
Learn MoreLearn more +
IMPORTANT DATES
Upcoming Events
Swipe or scroll sideways to see what’s coming up.
Remoting Learning Day - Staff Professional Development Day
February 17th
Scholars will need their Chromebooks or iPads to sign in for attendance. Attendance will be determined by assignment completion.
K-8 Spring Concert
March 12th • 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Our K-8 scholars will perform for families in are Spring Concert from 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Spring Break - Campus Closed
March 16th - 20th
Scholars will return to school on Monday, March 23. Enjoy your break and have fun!
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<FYI> Jan. Celebrations
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<Event> January Perfect Attendance Celebration
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Winter After-School Club Registration Closes <FYI>
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<Field Trip> Indiana History Center (6th Grade)
<Event> Muffins in the Morning
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<No School> Presidents' Day
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<Remote Learning Day - Asynchronous> Staff PD Day
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Winter After-School Clubs Begin <FYI>
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<FYI> Feb. Birthday Celebrations
<Assessment> WIDA Window Closes
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After-School Programs
After School & Athletics
Swipe or scroll sideways for the latest updates.
Registration Open
K-3 Soccer Clinics
K-3 Soccer Clinics registration is open. Scholars will learn the fundamentals of soccer.
Registration Open
After-School Clubs
After-School Club registration is open until Friday 2/6. Club placements will be shared the week of 2/9. Clubs begin the week of 2/23.
Tryouts Open
Spring Sports Tryouts
Registration for Elementary and Middle School soccer tryouts and Middle School Flag Football Tryouts are open. Students must be registered by 2/20 in order to participate.
GRADE LEVEL NEWS
What's Happening in K-2?
Math SupportAbsences/Tardies: Being present and on time is crucial to your scholar's academic success. Content instruction begins promptly at 7:50 with extra practice beginning at 7:35. Please be sure your scholar is present and on time each day. Frequent absences and tardies has a direct impact on learning which is then reflected in there data and grades.
Math Support: Are you struggling to support your scholar with math? Check out this website for videos on how you as the adult can help your scholar.
Kids Dance Outreach (KDO):
Ms. Bedfords homeroom class will have their KDO showcase on Feb. 19th at 9:45 AM. We invite families to come and watch what your scholar has learned in the program.
Ms. Bree's homeroom will begin their KDO class on Feb. 26 and their showcase will be on Apr. 16th at 9:45 AM.
What's Happening in 3-5?
Math SupportAbsences/Tardies: Being present and on time is crucial to your scholar's academic success. Content instruction begins promptly at 7:50 with extra practice beginning at 7:35. Please be sure your scholar is present and on time each day. Frequent absences and tardies has a direct impact on learning which is then reflected in their data and grades.
Uniform + Extra Materials: Reminder that scholars need to be in uniform each day, which includes a uniform shirt, approporiate pants, and closed toe/heel shoes. Additionally, coming back from Winter Break, we are seeing an uptick in the amount of extra nonessential items being brought to school, including things like gum, toys, and snacks/sodas. For school, scholars only need their Chromebook and folder each day. Please help set them up for success by giving your scholar this reminder each day.
Math Support: Are you struggling to support your scholar with math? Check out this website for videos on how you as the adult can help your scholar.
What's Happening in 6-8?
High School Enrollment for 8th Graders: Our 8th scholars have been working with Mr. Breedlove and Mrs. Fonseca to create a high school plan and enroll for 9th grade.
If you have not enrolled your student for 9th grade yet, please reach out to either of them for support. Our goal is to ensure that 100% of our scholars are enrolled for high school.
Around Emma Donnan
Swipe or scroll sideways to see highlights from the past few weeks.
Celebrating 100 days of school!
Future engineers at our Math and Science Night!
Science Lab with Mr. Keys!
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.
Food in Transit
Learn MoreIndyGo’s Food in Transit will now run year-round expanding access to free, nutritious food for Indianapolis residents. Food in Transit: Winter Edition, in partnership with Second Helpings, was an overwhelming success, serving more than 300 people and distributing more than 1,000 pounds of food during the December pilot program.
The next Food in Transit distribution is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 3:30 p.m., at the Julia M. Carson Transit Center (CTC), 201 E. Washington St.
Future Food in Transit distributions will take place every second and fourth Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. at the CTC.
Boys and Girls Club Spring Break Program
Looking for child care during Spring Break?
The Boys and Girls Club at Keenan - Stahl is hosting spring break activities. Hours are 9AM - 6PM. If you are interested in enrolling, reach out the club at 317-784-4561.
Club Membership Fee: $25
2-1-1 Resources
Learn More2-1-1 can get you connected to many resources! Get connected by phone Monday - Friday offering English and Spanish communication.
January marks a fresh start at Adelante Schools. See what’s ahead this semester, key reminders, and how we’re setting scholars up for success.
We’re ending the year on a high note! Learn about Adelante’s exciting new grant, see highlights from the semester, and celebrate all we’ve accomplished together.
A $14 million grant will advance Adelante’s rigorous instruction, staff development opportunities, and key facility improvements.
