K–8 Math & Science Night
January 15 • 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
See the announcement above for full details.
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
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:
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!
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 FormLearn 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.
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.
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.
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
28
29
<No School> Winter Break
30
<No School> Winter Break
31
<No School> Winter Break
1
<No School> Winter Break
2
<No School> Winter Break
3
4
5
<PD - No Scholars> Staff PD - No Scholars
6
7
<Grades> Q2 Report Cards
8
9
<Event> December Perfect Attendance Celebration
10
11
12
<Assessment> WIDA Window Opens
13
14
15
<Event> K-8 Math and Science Night
16
<Event> Semester 1 Honor Roll & Perfect Attendance Crew Celebration
17
18
19
<No School> Dr. MLK Jr. Day
<No School> Dr. MLK Jr. Day
20
21
<Event> 100th Day of School
<Event> Parent IREAD Meeting
<Event> 100th Day of School
<Event> 100th Day of School
<Event> 100th Day of School
Show all
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Winter After-School Club Registration Opens <FYI>
29
30
<FYI> Jan. Celebrations
<Event> Donnan Day (Celebrated)
31
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.
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 🧪
Prize winner moment with the principal—well done!
Engaged, hands-on learning every day.
Creativity on display in our holiday village—built by every homeroom.
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
Learn MoreEnrolling for the 26-27 school year! Seats available for ages 3-5.
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.
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.
This November, Adelante Schools highlights safety initiatives and celebrates a community partnership with the Indianapolis Colts—another step in building scholar pride and connection.
