May Family Newsletter
A Message from Mr. Gammons...
Hello EDEMS families!
As we enter the final month of the 2023-2024 school year, it's incredible to see how time has flown by. Despite being near the end of this academic year, our scholars continue to engage in the daily pursuit of learning.
During the first week of May, scholars will complete their ILEARN testing. We extend our gratitude for their unwavering commitment and dedication to attendance and active participation throughout the testing period. Scholars were honored with special lunches and rewards for their dedication to excellence during the assessments. In this month, scholars will partake in extra celebrations linked to ILEARN. A select group of scholars will experience an in-house visit with Sub Zero Ice Cream and/or enjoy a movie screening at the nearby AMC theater. Permission slips will be sent home soon!
Additionally, as part of the ILEARN testing process, preliminary results will be communicated to the school in May. There will be a designated period where families and schools can request a rescore for scholars who are on the verge of passing. Mr. Rooney will be making personal contact with families who fall under this category within the initial weeks of May. Families can anticipate receiving their scholars' final scores during the summer.
This month's newsletter is packed with details about the numerous events happening in May. Please thoroughly peruse it to stay updated on all the upcoming activities. We look forward to having you join us
at one of our events.
Onward,
Mr. Gammons
Upcoming Events
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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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Juneteenth - Campus Closed <No School>
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SATURDAY: Stronger Together: A Community Event
May 4, 2023 11AM - 1PM
Join us at our 3rd Annual Stronger Together Community event! More than 20 organizations will be present to showcase their services. Expect music, complimentary food, games, inflatables, and much more!
Franciscan Health will be administering school vaccines at the event. Note: starting next school year, it is mandatory for all students to have updated vaccine records before the first day of school.
Adult and Child will be conducting sports physicals on-site. Also starting next school year, all athletes in grades 4th-8th must have an updated physical on file to participate. Forms can be picked up in the front office or completed the day of the event. There is a $20 fee.
Organizations Attending
- Fathers and Families Center
- Southeast Community Services
- RISE Indy
- Immigrant Welcome Center
- Citizens Energy Group
- Paws and Think
- And MORE!

Kindergarten and Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremonies
May 23rd
Excitement is in the air as we prepare to honor the academic accomplishments of our kindergarten and 8th-grade scholars, marking a significant milestone in their educational journey.
The families of our kindergarten and 8th-grade scholars are cordially invited to a special promotional ceremony. Please limit the number of additional guests to 4 to ensure ample seating for all.
Scholars should dress in their finest attire for this occasion, as it will be memorable. Following the ceremonies, there will be opportunities for photos to capture the joyful moments.
Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony - 8:30 AM - 9:15 AM
Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
There is no RSVP required.

Save the Dates: Upcoming Events

Club
Showcase
Monday, May 6, 2024
3:00-3:45
For all of our scholars participating in an after-school club, we invite their family to join us for our
Club Showcase
on May 6th from 3:00 - 3:45 PM. See what scholars have been learning and creating over the 9 - week club session this winter/spring.

Athletics
Awards Dinner
Grades 4-8
Monday, May 20, 2024
5:30-7:00
RSVP Required
All scholars in grades 4-8 who took part in our Athletics Program (e.g., volleyball, basketball, or soccer) are invited to join us at the Athletics Awards Dinner. This special occasion is to celebrate the achievements of our athletes. Look out for the invites coming your way, or RSVP below.

Field
Day
K-6th: Monday, May 20, 2024
7th-8th: Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Field Day is an exciting event to commemorate the conclusion of the academic year! Students will engage in a combination of outdoor and indoor games and activities. Each student will be given a complimentary Field Day t-shirt to wear on their designated day.
We are seeking classroom parents to assist with Field Day for grades K-6. Please register below!
Classroom News
Check out what your scholar will be learning in the month of May!
Did you know that the Marion County Public Library staff support with homework help? Click the button below to learn more!
Kindergarten
Kindergarten with Ms. Bales and Ms. Sullivan!
What are we learning?
ELA:
- Students will read books with correct accuracy and one to one correspondence.
What can I do at home?
- When students are reading at home, have your student touch each word as they read (one to one correspondence).
- If your student comes to a word they do not know, have them tap it out and then go back to the beginning of the sentence to reread.
Math:
What are we learning?
- Addition and subtraction 0-10
What can I do at home?
- Work alongside your scholar in counting 0-100, practicing writing numbers 0-20, and practice adding and subtracting numbers together.
- Zearn and IXL are great resources for scholars to get more practice with numbers, addition, and subtraction
First Grade
1st Grade with Ms. Bedford and Mr. Ford
What are we learning in ELA?
- Reading and spelling words that follow the “vowel constant e” or “silent e” rule! (bike, tape, mule, home, Pete)
What can I do at home?
- Echo read any story with your child and have your child try to pick out the words following this rule. (Tip: At school, we say that the silent e tells the vowel to say its name.)
What are we learning in Math?
- Place value of 2 digit numbers (tens and ones)
What can we do at home?
- Give your scholars 2 digit numbers and ask how many tens/how many ones are in that number
Second Grade
2nd Grade with Mrs. Nally and Ms. Nigam
What are we learning in ELA?
- We are learning to read and write new words, read smoothly, and answer questions after reading.
What can I do at home?
- IXL provides practice for all of these skills. They can login from home using thier Clever accounts.
Third Grade
3rd Grade with Mr. Jones and Ms. Johnson
What are we learning in ELA and Math?
- In class, we are preparing for ILEARN.
What can I do at home?
- Have scholars work on IXL Skill Plans that have been assigned to them.
Fourth Grade
4th Grade with Mrs. Finn and Ms. Hill
What are we learning in ELA and Math?
- In class, we are preparing for ILEARN.
What can I do at home?
- Have scholars work on IXL Skill Plans that have been assigned to them.
Fifth Grade
5th Grade with Ms. Birt and Ms. Hills
What are we learning in ELA and Math?
- In class, we are preparing for ILEARN.
What can I do at home?
- Have scholars work on IXL Skill Plans that have been assigned to them.
Sixth Grade
6th Grade with Mrs. Bernacchi and Mr. Sterling
What are we learning in ELA and Math?
- In class, we are preparing for ILEARN.
What can I do at home?
- Have scholars work on IXL Skill Plans that have been assigned to them.
Seventh Grade
7th Grade Ms. Roney and Ms. Lund
What are we learning in ELA?
- Students will locate 2 pieces of evidence to support their thinking.
What can I do at home?
- Ask student a question about what they've read.
- Ask, "Where is your text evidence to support your thinking?"
What are we learning in math?
- In class, we are preparing for ILEARN.
What can I do at home?
- Have scholars work on IXL Skill Plans that have been assigned to them.
Eighth Grade
8th Grade with Mr. Ewing and Ms. Hogan
What are we learning in ELA?
- Students will locate 2 pieces of evidence to support their thinking.
What can I do at home?
- Ask student a question about what they've read.
- Ask, "Where is your text evidence to support your thinking?"
What are we learning in math?
- In class, we are preparing for ILEARN.
What can I do at home?
- Have scholars work on IXL Skill Plans that have been assigned to them.
Family Advisory Council Meeting
Join us on May 14th from 5:30 - 6:30 PM for our last Family Advisory Council Meeting of the school year. Come reflect on the past year and get a sneak peek into what's ahead for the next school year. Dinner and childcare will be provided. Giveaways for participation!
Kindly RSVP so we can ensure an accurate food count for the event.
See you there!

Uniform Reminder!
As we move into the warmer seasons, please keep in mind that your scholar should consistently wear closed-toe and closed-heel footwear. Crocs, slides, and slippers are not compliant with our uniform guidelines. Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes serve as a protective shield against potential risks such as accidental knocks, sharp items, and falling objects. We appreciate your support with ensuring the safety of our scholars.