January Family Newsletter
A Message from Ms. Randle...
Happy New Year Emma Donna Families!
Welcome back to the second half of the 2024-2025 school year! We hope you had a joyful and restful Winter Break, and we are so excited to dive into 2025 with you and your students.
As we step into this transformational season, we’ll be preparing for some important milestones:
- Testing Season is right around the corner, and we’re ready to support our students as they demonstrate the incredible growth and hard work they’ve achieved so far.
- We’ve got exciting trips and events on the horizon, along with opportunities to celebrate how much our students have grown academically, socially, and personally.
- For our 8th Graders, we’re thrilled to announce a special trip to the Indiana Statehouse on Friday, January 24th! This will be an incredible opportunity for our students to engage with our state’s government and history. Permission slips for the trip are now available in PowerSchool, so please log in to complete them as soon as possible.
This semester is about transformation, growth, and achievement, and we are so excited to partner with you to make it one of the best yet. Let’s continue to push forward, support one another, and make this year a memorable one for every student.
Here’s to a fantastic 2025 together!
Best,
Principal Randle
December 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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Mark Your Calendars
January 20th - MLK Day - No School for Staff and Scholars
January 21st - 100th Day of School
- We will enjoy a day filled with exciting activities. Homeroom teachers will communicate specific plans for their classes as needed.
January 31st - January Birthday Celebrations
- Students with birthdays in January will enjoy a delightful ice cream treat! If your child has a birthday this month and wishes to celebrate at school, please ensure all treats are brought in on that day.
- Today also marks the birthday of Emma Donnan! Emma Donnan, a former IPS teacher and principal, is the namesake of our school.
February 14th - Classroom Valentine Day Celebrations
- Teachers will have the opportunity to hold a Valentine's Day party in their classroom. Homeroom teachers will share specific plans for their classes as necessary.
What’s on the Menu @ Adelante? BREAKFAST!
Did you know that most scholars at Emma Donnan truly enjoy the breakfast offered in the Colts Commons? Take a look at what one of our scholars mentioned, and be sure to inform your scholars that breakfast is available daily.
"I’m often rushed to get to school so I really like having breakfast at school. The food at school is good! I like the cereal and the hot honey chicken sandwich. I really like when breakfast is hot but there are a lot of choices which is really nice."
-5th Grade Adelante Scholar
Scholar Intent to Return
Next week, we will be launching our Intent to Return process for the 2025-2026 school year. We kindly ask that all families complete this form to let us know your plans for the upcoming year.
Whether your scholar will be returning to Emma Donnan or you are still undecided due to various circumstances, please take a moment to inform us of your intentions. This will help us determine the number of open seats available for new students in the next school year. All scholars that are returning will receive a FREE Emma Donnan t-shirt.
Please be on the lookout for a link on January 15th. Your prompt response is greatly appreciated and will assist us in planning effectively.
Onward to High School - Deadline Approaching
Our first High School Shadow Day was a success for the 8th graders who attended! They had the chance to experience high school firsthand and learn more about specific programs offered at the school.
Another group of 8th graders will have the opportunity to attend a Shadow Day on January 14th. This will give them a chance to explore high school life and ask questions about the programs and opportunities available.
We're excited to see more students engage in this valuable experience!
It is HIGHLY important that parents/guardians complete the Enroll Indy Application before January 24th. Submitting the application by this deadline will greatly increase the likelihood that your scholar will secure a seat at their first-choice high school for the next school year.Please take action as soon as possible to ensure your student has the best chance of getting into their preferred school.
As always, reach out to our front office for any assistance needed.
Healthy Digital Habits
Our team is excited to partner with you to create workshops focused on Healthy Digital Habits that will help ensure your scholar is using technology safely and responsibly. To tailor these workshops to your needs, we need your feedback!
Please take a few minutes to complete our Healthy Digital Habits Survey by January 15th. Your input will help us design the most relevant and helpful workshops for you and your scholar.

Stay Well: Keeping our Community Safe
With sickness on the rise, we want to ensure that your family, along with our staff and students, stay healthy and safe. If your child is running a fever, please ensure they are fever-free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school.
In addition, masks will be available for scholars who choose to wear one. We are also increasing our sanitary procedures throughout the building and classrooms, especially in high-traffic areas, to help limit the spread of germs.
As a reminder, all absences should be reported to the front office by 8:00 AM each day.
Lastly, don't forget about our partnership with Adult and Child that provides students direct access to primary care services. Our nurse can schedule same-day virtual appointments for students who need to see a doctor. These virtual appointments offer quick and convenient access to necessary care without students having to leave school. Furthermore, we can help with scheduling in-person visits at the Adult and Child Clinic in Garfield Park.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school community safe and healthy!
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?
K-2 families, please make sure that iPads are coming to school fully charged every day. We use them daily in Zearn and for a variety of literacy applications.
Additionally, scholars have free access to Amira, an AI program that scholars can read to, and they will be given real-time feedback! We will track the minutes scholars complete and they can earn rewards!
What's Happening in 3-5?
For 3-5 scholars, do the following for at LEAST 10 minutes daily will help them be successful:
1. Practice multiplication facts 0-12
2. Solve addition and subtraction equations
3. Practice division fluency facts
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.
What's Happening in 6-8?
This quarter, we continue using our Genre-based thinking jobs to read and comprehend fiction and nonfiction texts. We will also be focusing on grammar and developing strong writing skills. Students can practice these skills at home by completing their homework every night and continuing to edit the writing they complete in class.
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, commonly referred to as 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 Events with INDY Reads
English Conversation Circles
Sundays at 3pm
Join us for one or many free and easy English practice sessions! These conversation circles, facilitated by an Indy Reads staff member, are the perfect way to practice your conversational English skills. These are open to the public. Enrollment is not required.
Spanish Conversation Circles
Sunday, January 12 at 4pm
Join us for our Spanish practice sessions on the second Wednesday of each month at 4pm. All ages and levels are welcome to attend this free program, led by an Indy Reads student!
Book-to-Film Club at Kan-Kan Cinema: Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory
Sunday, January 12 at 4pm
Join Indy Reads at Kan-Kan Cinema for our monthly Book-to-Film Club! This month, we are screening Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory. Tickets may be purchased here. Free book discussion to follow!
MLK Day of Service
Learn MoreMLK Day of Youth Service
January 20, 9:30 – 11:15 AM & 1:30 – 3:15 PM
at Madam Walker Legacy Center
Join Seeds of Caring’s second annual MLK Day of Youth Service in partnership with Madam Walker Legacy Center’s 43rd annual MLK Day Celebration! Seeds of Caring will have multiple stations set up where kids ages 2 – 12, along with their grown-ups, can contribute to their community in meaningful ways in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Seasonal Affective Disorder Resource
More InformationThrough the winter months, be mindful of how the darker, shorter days may disrupt your scholar's mood! Talking with them, getting them to exercise, and eliminating screen time can all help with a shift in their day.
