May Family Newsletter

Leah Kuruzar • May 8, 2025

A Message From...

Dear Emma Donnan Families and Scholars,


I hope this message finds you well. Today, I write to share some bittersweet news regarding our beloved principal, Ms. Kendra Randle. After five years of dedicated service to Emma Donnan, Ms. Randle has decided to transition from her role as principal. Her leadership has had a profound impact on our school, and she will be deeply missed by all of us.


As we embrace this change, I am pleased to announce that Mr. Kyle Gavin, a former 6th Grade math teacher and one of our current Assistant Principals, will be stepping into the principal role effective July 1, 2025. Mr. Gavin has been an integral part of our leadership team and I am confident that he will continue to foster the nurturing and academically rigorous environment for our students and staff that Ms. Randle has established.


We understand that transitions can bring about questions and concerns, and we want to ensure that our community feels supported during this time. To facilitate this, we invite you to meet Mr. Gavin at our upcoming Back to School Bash on July 26th. This will be a wonderful opportunity to get to know him and share in the excitement of the new school year. He will also be present at most end-of-year events so feel free to stop by and say hello if you have a chance. Additional dates for future meet-and-greet sessions will be communicated soon.

You can find a heartfelt message from Ms. Randle below and an introduction from Mr. Gavin as well.


Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our school community. Together, we will honor Ms. Randle’s legacy while looking forward to a bright future under Mr. Gavin’s leadership.


Onward,

Mr. Rangel, CEO

Dear Emma Donnan Families and Scholars,


As we approach the final stretch of the 2024–2025 school year, my heart is filled with both excitement and deep gratitude. I am incredibly proud of everything our scholars have accomplished this year — from academic growth to building lifelong memories. We have much to celebrate as we prepare for important milestones like our Kindergarten and 8th Grade Promotion Ceremonies, as well as end-of-year field trips and celebrations for those scholars who have consistently met expectations and worked hard all year long.


As I share these updates, I also want to share some personal news. At the close of this school year, I will be transitioning out of my role as the Executive Principal of Emma Donnan Elementary and Middle School. 


Serving the Emma Donnan community has been an honor. I am sincerely thankful for the lessons I have learned — lessons about resilience, hope, collaboration, and the incredible power of education to transform lives. Our scholars have inspired me daily with their perseverance and potential, and our families have taught me the true meaning of partnership and trust. Every challenge, every success, and every memory has helped shape me into a better educator, leader, and person. For that, I will always be grateful.


This school will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will forever cherish the relationships and experiences that we built together.


In these final weeks, I look forward to celebrating our scholars’ achievements, enjoying the moments that make the end of the year so special, and continuing to support our students in finishing strong. Let's make these last weeks full of pride, joy, and meaningful memories.


Thank you for allowing me to be part of your child's journey. It has been an absolute privilege.


With heartfelt gratitude,

Principal Randle

Dear Emma Donnan Families and Scholars,


It is with great excitement and gratitude that I write to you as the incoming principal of Emma Donnan Elementary and Middle School. Having served as both a teacher and assistant principal here, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with so many of your incredible children. Emma Donnan holds a very special place in my heart, and I am honored to continue serving our community in this new role.


As we look ahead to the coming school year, I’m energized by the opportunity to build on the strong foundation Ms. Randle has created. I am deeply committed to fostering a school culture where every student feels seen, supported, and challenged to reach their fullest potential. I believe in the power of collaboration, and I look forward to working hand-in-hand with families, staff, and students to make Emma Donnan the very best it can be.


If we have not yet had the opportunity to meet, I look forward to speaking to many of you at our end-of-year events and the Back to School Bash on July 26th!


Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. Here’s to a joyful and successful year ahead!


Warmly,

Kyle Gavin

Incoming Principal



March in Pictures


Upcoming Events

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<Sport> MS Cheerleading Tryouts

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<Field Trip> Conner Prairie (2nd)

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<FYI> Oct. Birthday Celebrations

<Sport> Cheerleading Clinics K-3

<Field Trip> Marian University - 3rd Grade

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<Field Trip> Indy Zoo (1st Grade)

<Field Trip> Newfields - 8th Grade

<Important> Gingerbread House Contest Begins

6pm <Sport> MS Boys Basketball Game vs. Global Prep @ Global Prep

6pm <Sport> Elementary Boys Basketball Game vs. Phalen 103 @ Emma Donnan

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7pm <Sport> Futsal Game vs Enlace @ Northwest Middle School

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6pm <Sport> Elementary Boys Basketball Game vs.KIPP @ Emma Donnan

7pm <Sport> MS Boys Basketball Game vs.KIPP @ Emma Donnan

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<Sport> Cheerleading Clinics K-3

<Event> October Perfect Attendance Celebration

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6pm <Sport> Futsal Game vs Cold Spring @ Northwest Middle School

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<Important> Veteran's Day

<Important> Veteran's Day

6pm <Sport> Elementary Boys Basketball Game vs. Enlace @ Emma Donnan

7pm <Sport> MS Boys Basketball Game vs. Enlace @ Emma Donnan

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6pm <Sport> Futsal Game vs Monarca @ Emma Donnan

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<Field Trip> Indiana State Museum - 5th Grade

<Important> World Kindness Day

6pm <Sport> Elementary Boys Basketball Game vs.Herron Prep @ Emma Donnan

7pm <Sport> MS Boys Basketball Game vs.Herron Prep @ Emma Donnan

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7pm <Sport> Futsal Game vs PATH 67 @ Emma Donnan

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6pm <Sport> Elementary Boys Basketball Game vs. Liberty Grove @ Emma Donnan

7pm <Sport> MS Boys Basketball Game vs.Herron Prep @ Emma Donnan<Sport> MS Boys Basketball Game vs. Enlace @ Emma Donnan

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<Grades> Q2 Progress Reports

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<Important> Education Support Professionals Day

<FYI> Fall Club Showcase

<Important> Education Support Professionals Day

6pm <Sport> Elementary Boys Basketball vs. Edison @ Emma Donnan

7pm <Sport> MS Boys Basketball vs. Edison @ Emma Donnan

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<FYI> Nov. Birthday Celebrations

<Event> Gobble Gathering

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<Remote Learning Day - Synchronous>

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<Remote Learning Day - Asynchronous>

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<No School> Thanksgiving

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<No School> Thanksgiving

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<No School> Thanksgiving

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<FYI> Penguin Holiday Shop

7pm <Sport> Futsal Game vs Global Prep @ Northwest Middle School

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6pm <Sport> Elementary Boys Basketball vs. PATH School @ PATH School

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6pm <Sport> Elementary Boys Basketball vs. Global Prep @ Emma Donnan

7pm <Sport> MS Boys Basketball vs. Global Prep @ Emma Donnan

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<Field Trip> UINDY (2nd)

<Event> November Perfect Attendance Celebration

<Event> November Perfect Attendance Celebration

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Happening this Month

We are so excited for our K–5 Field Day on May 19th! This is a great opportunity for students to get outside, stay active, and have fun with their classmates. Please review the important details below:


Field Day Details & Reminders:


Class Color Accessories: Each homeroom will be assigned a specific color. Scholars are encouraged to wear that color and accessorize their outfit with that color!

Examples: Shirts, headbands, socks, shorts, sunglasses, hats, etc. (Accessories must be school-appropriate.)


  • Kindergarten(IU )- Red
  • Kindergarten( Miami) - Gray and Black 
  • First (UINDY) - Maroon
  • First (Michigan) - Gold
  • Second (UPenn) - Navy
  • Second (Xavier) -White
  • Third (FAMU) - Green
  • Third (Florida) -Orange
  • Fourth (TSU) - Blue
  • Fourth (Ball State) - Red
  • Fifth (Purdue) - Gold and Black
  • Fifth (DePauw) - Yellow


Stay Hydrated:

Please send your child with a reusable water bottle. Water refill stations will be available throughout the day.


Volunteers Welcome:

Immediate or extended family members (e.g., grandparents, aunts, uncles) are welcome to volunteer for Field Day!

If you’d like to help out, please sign up here.


Dress Code Reminder: Scholars may wear athletic shorts or pants on Field Day.

Shorts must:

  • Be at least 4 inches above the knee
  • Have no cut-offs, biker shorts, or rips
  • Fit appropriately around the waist

Please note: Students must come dressed for Field Day—there will be no opportunity to change at school.


We can’t wait to celebrate a fun, active day with your scholars!


Also 6-8 graders will not have a Field Day this school year. They will be participate in end of the year trips instead.

Order Here


Important Due Dates


Library Books Due – May 9th


All library books are due by Friday, May 9th. To make things fun, Mrs. Bernacchi is hosting a competition! The first homeroom to return ALL their books on time will win a Dog Man & Donuts party! Don’t miss out, get those books turned in!


Device Collection – May 19th



Ms. Homburg will be collecting all student devices on Monday, May 19th.


Prior to turning in their device, scholars should remove any stickers that have been placed on the device or case. Please assistance your scholar in doing this at home.


Scholars will need to be sure to bring their device and charger to school on May 19th to turn in.


If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Homburg.


Digital Healthy Habits Workshops- Final Session

Join us for the final session of our Digital Healthy Habits Workshop as we focus on preparing for a Limited Tech Summer and getting ready for the 2025–2026 school year!


Workshop Highlights:

  • Topic: Limited Tech Summer & Back-to-School Preparation
  • Date: Tuesday, May 13th
  • Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
  • Location: Emma Donnan


What to Expect:

  • Guest speakers sharing free or low-cost summer programs
  • Academic resources to help avoid the "summer slide"
  • A PowerSchool Parent Tutorial to help you start the next school year strong
  • Breakfast will be served
  • All participants will receive a FREE summer activity bag for their scholar!


We hope to see you there for this informative and supportive session to help your family finish the year strong and prepare for a successful summer.



Sign up today!

New Uniforms Options Coming Soon!

We’re excited to announce that new uniform options are being added to our school store! Thanks to input from our Student Council, we’ve created fresh designs and colors that let students express themselves while still fostering a strong sense of school community.


New styles will be available later this month, so keep an eye on the school store!


Important Reminder:

  • To ensure your scholar receives their new uniform tops before the first day of school, place your order by July 15th.
    Don’t wait until the last minute—order early to avoid delays!




Online Store

 Yearbooks Still Available

There’s still time to purchase a 2024–2025 school yearbook!


Yearbooks can be ordered online and will be shipped directly to your home.



Don’t miss out on the chance to capture and remember all the memories from this school year!

Order Your Yearbook

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!


Academic Supports
  • What's Happening in K-2?

    Kingergarten through 2nd grade scholars will begin end of year benchmark testing in May! It is highly crucial that they are at school on time, in uniform, and ready to crush their test! To prepare, make sure they are completing trick word homework, IXL assignments, as well as reading 20-30 minutes a night! Let's end this year strong! On  May 19th we will celebrate all of their hardwork with Field Day! In order to participate, scholars must be present for their DIBELs reading benchmark assessment as well as maintain Emma Donnan behavior expecations!  Additionally, we have Kindergarten Promotion on May 21st, we will send more details soon! 

  • What's Happening in 3-5?

    3rd - 5th grade scholars just completed ILEARN testing. YAY!!! As the school year is coming to a close please ensure and encourage your scholar to still be their absolute best. 3rd graders will be taking their EOY DIBELS to show off the hardwork they have been doing this year. Please encourage your scholar to continue practicing basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts.

  • What's Happening in 6-8?

    This week concludes our ILearn testing in Math and ELA! Scholars have been working extremely hard, using their strong habits and doing their best. As we near the end of the school year, please make sure your scholar is continuing to arrive on time, with their laptop fully charged. We have a lot of fun opportunities coming up, and want all scholars to be able to participate. Additionally, we have 8th grade Promotion on May 21st, we will send more details soon!


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.

  • WSCA Summer Arts Program

    When: June 9th - July 11th, 9AM - 3PM


    Week 1: Dance

    Week 2: Theatre Arts

    Week 3: Music and Song Writing 

    Week 4: Visual Arts

    Week 5: Film Production 


    $125 per week 



    Learn More
  • Franklin College Volleyball Camps

    Youth Camp


    Grades 2-6


    July 7th - 10th, 9 AM - 3PM


    Boys ID Camp


    July 12th, 11AM - 3PM


    Girls ID Camp


    July 11th, 11 AM - 3PM


    Learn More
  • Summer Day Camp at CONCORD Neighborhood Center

    The CONCORD Neighborhood Center is offering a Summer Camp for Southside Families focused on education, social emotional learning, STEM, arts & crafts and more!

    • Serves grades K-8
    • Open 6AM - 6PM
    • Includes lunch and snack
    • Accepts CCDF
    Email to Learn More
  • Discovery Day Camp - Camp Belzer

    Based out of the Skip and Alex Lange Innovation Center, Discovery Day Camp is open to the public. In addition to the "Invention Convention" theme for the summer, your camper will also participate in Camp Belzer favorites like obstacle courses, The Maze, range and target activities, swimming, science experiments, crafts, and much more.  With range and pool time everyday, Discovery Day Camp is your home for the entire summer. 


    Discovery Day Camp serves youth age five to ten years old in age specific groups of 5-6 year olds, 7-8 year olds and 9-10 year olds.  Each group has two dedicated staff members.


    Get 20% off additional weeks of Discovery Day Camp when you register your child for multiple

    Learn More
  • Co-ed City Wide Basketball - Ages 10-12

    • FREE
    • May 20th - July 8th
    • Practices: Thursday
    • Games: Tuesday
    Learn More

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