January Family Newsletter
Leah Kuruzar • January 13, 2026

Welcome Back!


We hope you enjoyed a restful holiday break. We’re excited to welcome our scholars back as we kick off Semester 2 and head into the second half of the school year.

As we move forward, we want to share how we’re responding to feedback from our recent Family Satisfaction Survey.


We’re focusing on clearer, more consistent communication with families—highlighting both student successes and areas for growth—and being more proactive in sharing updates on student progress.

We’re thrilled to have scholars back in the building and can’t wait to see all they accomplish this semester.


Adelante,


Mr. Gavin

Principal



Students and families participating in math and science activities
Family Event

Math & Science Family Night

Thursday, January 15 • 5:30–7:00 PM
Join us for a fun evening of hands-on math activities and interactive science experiments for all grades.

Learn more +

We’re excited to announce our first-ever Math and Science Night! This event is a wonderful chance for students and families to explore STEM together in a creative and engaging way.

  • Hands-on math activities
  • Interactive science experiments
  • Fun for all grade levels

Good to know:

  • 🍕 Pizza and giveaways provided
  • 🚪 Please enter at Door 10

Add this event to your calendar:

Students celebrating at school
Events

100th Day of School – 1/21

The 100th Day of School is January 21st and scholars in grades K–2 can celebrate by dressing up.

Learn more +

On the 100th day, scholars are invited (but not required!) to dress in a way that shows 100. Some fun ideas include:

  • Dressing like you’re 100 years old
  • Wearing a shirt with 100 dots, stickers, or shapes
  • Showing 100 of something (buttons, paper hearts, stars, etc.)
  • Anything creative that represents the number 100!

Please remember:

  • Participation is optional
  • Scholars should still be able to learn, move, and play comfortably
  • All outfits should follow the school dress code
  • This is only for scholars in grades K–2

We can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with our scholars!

Emma Donnan scholars in the school community
Action Needed

Save Your Seat for the 2026–2027 School Year

Please complete the Intent to Return Form by January 30 to save your scholar’s seat for next school year.

Complete the Intent to Return Form
Learn more +

It’s that time of year to let us know your plans for the 2026–2027 school year. We ask that all families complete the Intent to Return Form so we can plan effectively to best serve our scholars and families.

Even if you are still unsure about your plans, we kindly ask that you complete the form anyway.

As a thank-you:

  • Scholars will receive $100 in Bear Bucks for a completed form.
  • Scholars who are returning will also receive a FREE school shirt.

Thank you for taking the time to complete the form and for your continued partnership.

Students working with teachers in a classroom
Assessment

WIDA ACCESS Testing

Students in English learner programs will participate in the annual ACCESS for ELLs language proficiency assessment.

Learn more +

Each year, students in English learner programs take the ACCESS for ELLs assessment. This test measures academic English language proficiency for students learning English in our school and throughout our state.

Teachers use this information to:

  • Make instructional decisions for your child
  • Monitor progress toward English language proficiency
  • Ensure students are receiving appropriate support

Testing window:

  • January 20 – February 27

Families will receive a letter the week of January 6 if their student is required to participate in testing by federal law.

Students arriving at school in the morning
Reminder

Arrival Reminder

Please help us keep arrival moving quickly and safely each morning.

  • Please remind your scholar to have their Chromebook or iPad out when entering the building.

IMPORTANT DATES

Upcoming Events
Swipe or scroll sideways to see what’s coming up.
K–8 Math & Science Night
January 15 • 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

See the announcement above for full details.

No School
January 19 • MLK Jr. Day

School is closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

100th Day of School
January 21

See the announcement above for details and classroom plans.

IREAD Family Meeting Night
January 21

Join us for an IREAD family meeting night. More details are shared above.

Winter Club Registration Opens
January 28

Registration opens for winter clubs. Watch for sign-up details.

We Celebrate Emma Donnan’s Birthday!
January 30

We celebrate Emma Donnan—our school’s namesake—who would be 174 this year.

Save the Date: Muffins in the Morning
February 12 • 6:30 AM

Family event—more details coming soon!


Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat

29

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<FYI> SPRING Spirit Week

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<Sport> K-3 Soccer Clinics

<Field Trip> IMS (4th)

7pm <Sports> MS Soccer at Edison School of the Arts

Show all

1

2

<Event>K-8 Spring Carnival

<Field Trip>: Children's Museum (2nd)

<Important> Paraprofessional Appreciation Day

Show all

3

<Event> March Perfect Attendance Celebration

<Event> March Perfect Attendance Celebration

5:30pm <Sport> Girls Flag Football at Arsenal Tech High School

6pm <Sport> Girls Flag Football at Arsenal Tech High School

6:30pm <Sport> Boys Flag Football at Arsenal Technical

7pm <Sport> Boys Flag Football at Arsenal Technical

Show all

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5

6

<Important> National Assistant Principals Week Begins

<Important> National Assistant Principals Week Begins

<Important> National Assistant Principals Week Begins

Show all

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<Sport> K-3 Soccer Clinics

6:30pm <Sports> MS Soccer at Monarca Academy

8

6:15pm <Sports> Elementary Soccer @ Indianapolis Parks & Rec

7pm <Sports> Elementary Soccer @ Indianapolis Parks & Rec

9

<Field Trip> Butler University (Kindergarten)

6pm <Sports> MS Soccer at Enlace Academy

10

<Sport> Grils Flag Football at Arsenal Tech High School

<Sport> Girls Flag Football at Arsenal Tech High School

<Sport> Girls Flag Football at Arsenal Tech High School

<Sport> Girls Flag Football at Arsenal Tech High School

<Sport> Girls Flag Football at Arsenal Tech High School

5:30pm <Sport> Girls Flag Football at Arsenal Tech High School

6pm <Sport> Girls Flag Football at Arsenal Tech High School

6:30pm <Sport> Boys Flag Football at Arsenal Technical

7pm <Sport> Boys Flag Football at Arsenal Technical

Show all

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14

<Sport> K-3 Soccer Clinics

6pm <Sports> MS Soccer at Enlace Academy

15

6:15pm <Sports> Elementary Soccer @ Indianapolis Parks & Rec

7pm <Sports> Elementary Soccer @ Indianapolis Parks & Rec

16

7pm <Sport> MS Soccer at Merle Sidener Academy

17

5:30pm <Sport> Girls Flag Football at Arsenal Tech High School

6pm <Sport> Girls Flag Football at Arsenal Tech High School

7:30pm <Sport> Boys Flag Football at Arsenal Technical

8pm <Sport> Boys Flag Football at Arsenal Technical

Show all

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<Assessment> ILEARN: ELA

6pm <Sport> MS Soccer at Merle Sidener Academy

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<Assessment> ILEARN: ELA

<Grades> Q4 Progress Reports

6:15pm <Sports> Elementary Soccer @ Indianapolis Parks & Rec

7pm <Sports> Elementary Soccer @ Indianapolis Parks & Rec

Show all

23

Winter After-School Club Showcase <FYI>

<Assessment> ILEARN: ELA

<Assessment> ILEARN: ELA

<Assessment> ILEARN: ELA

Show all

24

<FYI> Apr. Birthday Celebrations

5:30pm <Sport> Girls Flag Football at Arsenal Tech High School

6pm <Sport> Girls Flag Football at Arsenal Tech High School

7:30pm <Sport> Boys Flag Football at Arsenal Technical

8pm <Sport> Boys Flag Football at Arsenal Technical

Show all

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<Assessment> ILEARN: Math

<Assessment> ILEARN: Math

29

<Assessment> ILEARN: Math

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<Assessment> ILEARN: Science & Social Studies

1

<Assessment> ILEARN: Science & Social Studies

5:30pm <Sport> Girls Flag Football at Arsenal Tech High School

6pm <Sport> Girls Flag Football at Arsenal Tech High School

6:30pm <Sport> Boys Flag Football at Arsenal Technical

Show all

2


ATHLETICS

Updates & News
Swipe or scroll sideways for the latest athletics news.
In Season
Girls Basketball

Come out and cheer on our elementary and middle school girls basketball teams! All game dates, times, and locations are listed on the school calendar on our website.

Coming Soon
Spring Sports

Spring sports begin in March and include:

  • Elementary Soccer
  • Middle School Soccer
  • Middle School Girls Flag Football
  • Middle School Boys Flag Football
  • K–3 Soccer Clinics

Interested in coaching or volunteering? Please reach out to Mr. Keys.

Sign-Up for Tryouts →

GRADE LEVEL NEWS

  • What's Happening in K-2?

    Winter Weather: Scholars will continue to have recess outside if the windchill temps are above 15 degrees.  Please be sure your students come with coats/gloves/hats.  If you need assistance with this please reach out.


    Technology: Your student's school device must come to school charged EACH day.  This is imperative to their learning in class and to complete assignments. Coming without tech could impact their grades.


    Attendance:  In order for your student to get their learning and be prepared for the next grade, they must be in class to get the instruction.  


    Grades: Q2 has come to an end and reports will be coming home.  Teachers will be reaching out with concerns about grades.

  • What's Happening in 3-5?

    Winter Weather: Scholars will continue to have recess outside if the windchill temps are above 15 degrees.  Please be sure your students come with coats/gloves/hats.  If you need assistance with this please reach out.


    Uniform: Reminder that our school policy states that students must wear a uniform shirt and appropriate pants every day. This also includes shoes with a closed toe and heel. As the weather is getting colder, students may wear a sweater or sweatshirt under their school uniform. But, the outer layer must be school attire. 


    Technology: Your student's school device must come to school charged EACH day.  This is imperative to their learning in class and to complete assignments. Coming without tech could impact their grades.


    Attendance: In order for your student to get their learning and be prepared for the next grade, they must be in class to get the instruction.  


    Grades: Q2 has come to an end and reports will be coming home.  Teachers will be reaching out with concerns about grades.

  • What's Happening in 6-8?

    Uniform: Reminder that our school policy states that students must wear a uniform shirt and appropriate pants every day. This also includes shoes with a closed toe and heel. As the weather is getting colder, students may wear a sweater or sweatshirt under their school uniform. But, the outer layer must be school attire. 


    Technology: Your student's school device must come to school charged EACH day.  This is imperative to their learning in class and to complete assignments. Coming without tech could impact their grades.


    Attendance:  In order for your student to get their learning and be prepared for the next grade, they must be in class to get the instruction.  


    Grades: Q2 has come to an end and reports will be coming home.  Teachers will be reaching out with concerns about grades.


Around Emma Donnan
Swipe or scroll sideways to see highlights from the past few weeks.
Second graders getting hands-on in science
Second graders getting hands-on in science 🧪
Families and scholars at Gobble Gathering lunch.
Prize winner moment with the principal—well done!
Scholars performing at Winter Clubs Showcase.
Engaged, hands-on learning every day.
Students on stage at Winter Clubs Showcase.
Creativity on display in our holiday village—built by every homeroom.
First grade students practicing coding in Digital Literacy.
Creativity on display in our holiday village—built by every homeroom.

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
  • 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

By Leah Kuruzar March 31, 2026
April at Adelante Schools brings spring events, important reminders, and preparation for ILEARN as our scholars continue building toward success.
By Leah Kuruzar March 3, 2026
We’re heading into a busy stretch of the semester. Catch the latest updates, key dates, and what families should know this month.
By Leah Kuruzar February 5, 2026
This month, our school is celebrating kindness while staying focused on the weeks ahead. Read our February update for important information and upcoming dates.