September Family Newsletter

Leah Kuruzar • September 3, 2025

Welcome Back, Emma Donnan Families!


We were thrilled to see so many of you at both the Back to School Bash and Back to School Night! Our first two weeks of school have been AMAZING, and we’re excited to continue building on the strong foundation we’ve set for this year.


We’re also excited to share a new update about our Friday Meeting of the Minds! This year, grades K–5 and 6–8 will participate in Crew simultaneously every Friday.


Even more exciting, on the last Friday of every month (starting in September), we’ll host a K–8 celebration to recognize our Scholars of the Month. Families of those scholars will be invited to join us for this special event. More details will be shared soon!


We’re looking forward to a fantastic year ahead!


Kyle Gavin

Principal

July & August in Pictures

View more


Happening this Month


Upcoming Events

September 2025

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat

31

1

<No School> Labor Day

2

<PD - No Scholars> Staff PD Day

3

6pm <Sport> Volleyball Game -ELEM. @ Emma Donnan

7pm <Sport> Volleyball Game -Middle School @ Emma Donnan

4

5

<Sport> K-3 Basketball Clinics

<FYI> After-School Club Registration Closes

<Event> August Perfect Attendance Celebration

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6

7

8

<Event> Scholastic Book Fair

6pm <Sport> Volleyball Game -ELEM. @ Northwest

7pm <Sport> Volleyball Game -ELEM. @ Northwest

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9

10

<Grades> Progress Reports - Q1

6pm <Sport> Volleyball Game -ELEM. @ Emma Donnan

7pm <Sport> Volleyball Game -Middle School @ Emma Donnan

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11

<Event> Literacy and Social Studies Night

12

<Sport> K-3 Basketball Clinics

13

14

15

6pm <Sport> Volleyball Game -ELEM. @ Enlace

7pm <Sport> Volleyball Game -Middle School @ Enlace

16

<Event> Picture Day

<Event> Picture Day

<Event> Picture Day

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17

6pm <Sport> Volleyball Game -ELEM. @ Emma Donnan

7pm <Sport> Volleyball Game -ELEM. @ Emma Donnan

18

19

<Sport> K-3 Basketball Clinics

20

21

22

<FYI> Fall Clubs Begin

23

24

<Field Trip> Franklin College (4th Grade)

6pm <Sport> Volleyball Game -ELEM. @ Emma Donnan

7pm <Sport> Volleyball Game -Middle School @ Emma Donnan

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25

<Field Trip> Children's Museum (K- Five Senses)

<Sport> Elementary Boys Basketball Tryouts

26

<FYI> Sept. Birthday Celebrations

<Field Trip> IU Bloomington 6th Grade

<Sport> K-3 Basketball Clinics

<Sport> MS Boys Basketball Tryouts

<Sport> Cheerleading Clinics K-3

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27

28

29

<Important> Conference Sign-Ups Open

<Important> Conference Sign-Ups Open

30

1

<Important> National Custodian Day

2

<Field Trip> Depauw University (7th Grade)

3

<Sport> K-3 Basketball Clinics

<Sport> Cheerleading Clinics K-3

<Event> September Perfect Attendance Celebration

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4

Fall After School Clubs - Sign-Ups End Friday, 9/5


We’re looking forward to a new session of Fall Clubs! Club sign-ups are now open through September 5th. We’re excited to offer a mix of returning favorites and some fun, new options this season.


Notification letters for club placements will be shared the week of September 15th, and clubs will begin the week of September 22nd.


Be sure to save the date for our Club Showcase on November 19th from 3:00–3:45 PM!

Sign-Up for Clubs

Scholastic Book Fair Starts September 8th


The Scholastic Book Fair will be open for students during the week of September 8th! Each classroom will have an assigned preview day and shopping day, which your child’s teacher will communicate to you.


On their preview day, students will bring home a wishlist to share with you before their shopping day. If you plan to send money with your student, please place it in an envelope with their name clearly written. You can also set up an eWallet for your child to use at the book fair. Visit our book fair page linked below to create an account and fund your child’s eWallet.


We look forward to a fun and exciting week of reading!

Emma Donnan's Book Fair Page

Progress Reports - September 10th


Progress Reports will be sent home with students on Wednesday, September 10th. These reports provide a snapshot of how your child is doing midway through the grading period, including academic performance, classroom behavior, and areas for growth.


Please take time to review your child’s report and contact their teacher if you have any questions. Progress Reports are a great opportunity to stay informed and work together to support your child’s success before final grades are given.


Reminder! You can also access grades anytime by using the PowerSchool app.


Access PowerSchool

Literacy and Social Studies Night - September 11th, 5:30 - 7:00 PM -


Come explore the exciting world of learning at our Literacy and Social Studies Night! Families can shop the Scholastic Book Fair, discover how to use online learning platforms at home to support reading and academic growth, and get a first look at our new Social Studies curriculum – TCI. It’s a fun and informative evening designed to help families support student success both in and out of the classroom.


During this event, our Scholastic Book Fair will be open for shopping and dinner will be provided.


Picture Day - September 16th


Picture Day will take place on Tuesday, September 16th. Students may wear attire of their choice on this day.


An order form will be sent home with your scholar prior to Picture Day if you’d like to purchase photos. Please keep an eye out for this form and return it by the date listed on the envelope or order online. To order online, follow the link below and enter code: 6176ZMMXZJADMC.


We can’t wait to see all those smiling faces!

Order Pictures Online


Updates


Birthdays!


We love celebrating our students’ birthdays at school! To make sure everyone gets a special moment, we recognize all student birthdays with a school-wide treat at the end of each month.


This celebration is also the designated time when students may bring in individual items (such as pre-packaged snacks or small treats) to celebrate with their classmates. If your child would like to bring something in, we kindly ask that:


Items are brought in on the specific monthly celebration date listed below:


  • September Birthdays - 9/26/25
  • October Birthdays -  10/31/25
  • November Birthdays - 11/21/25
  • December Birthdays - 12/18/25
  • January Birthdays - 1/30/26
  • February Birthdays - 2/27/26
  • March Birthdays - 3/27/26
  • April Birthdays - 4/24/26
  • May/June/Birthdays - 5/15/26


Treats follow our school's wellness guidelines (nut-free, pre-packaged, and portion-appropriate)


While sweet treats are always fun, non-food options are even better! Consider sending in small items like:


  • Stickers or pencils
  • Fun erasers or bookmarks
  • Mini coloring books or party favors

These items are festive, safe for all students, and last longer than a cupcake!


Amplify Math Study


Each year, we grow our academic programming to better serve your child's academic needs. This year, we are starting a math intervention program for every scholar. Taught by teachers, your child will have daily additional support in mathematics to support their unique needs and track their growth. We are partnering with Amplify (the provider of Math & Science curricula) in a study to pilot assessments to (1) diagnose what your scholar needs most and (2) track their progress on those skills over time. 


If you have questions about your child's role in this pilot study, please reach out to Matthew Rooney, Chief Mathematics Officer, by email at mrooney@adelanteschools.org. If, for any reason, you do not wish your scholar to participate, an opt out form is attached.


We are excited to be able to provide your child with help in the specific unique areas they need support. We look forward to continuing to build your scholar's academic mastery and confidence. Thank you!


Opt Out Form

General Reminders


School Uniform Policy

At Emma Donnan Elementary and Middle School, we believe that maintaining a consistent uniform supports a focused learning environment for all our students, and our uniform policy reflects our core values:


  1. Ownership: We own the culture that we create, not as a “gotcha”, but as a shared commitment to the systems that guide how we operate
  2. Swing: We are one team, and like any team, we have a uniform that represents who we are and what we value
  3. Optimism: We believe the future is bright and want to prepare our scholars for the future jobs they will obtain, which will require them to dress for success 
  4. Solidarity:  We are one human family that leads with equity and believes scholars should not be distracted by who is wearing which new designer labels


When the uniform policy is not followed, students will receive an infraction. Consequences are based on the number and severity of offenses and may include:

  • A verbal reminder
  • Lunch detention
  • In-School Suspension (ISS)
  • A parent meeting (may be requested)

Athletics

Elementary and Middle School Boys Basketball

Tryouts for the upcoming boys basketball season will take place at the end of the month:

  • Elementary School: Thursday, September 25
  • Middle School: Friday, September 26
  • Time: 2:30 PM – 3:45 PM

T

o participate, students must meet all eligibility requirements listed on the registration form. Be sure to review and complete all necessary steps in advance.


K-3 Basketball Clinic

The K–3 Basketball Clinics will begin on Friday, September 5, and run every Friday from 2:30 PM to 3:40 PM through October 10.


  • Limited spots available – Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Want to help out?
    We’re looking for volunteers to support the clinics!         More volunteers = more spots for students. If you're interested in helping, please get in touch with Mr. Keys.


K-3 Cheerleading Clinic

Our K–3 Cheer Clinics begin on Friday, September 26, and run every Friday from 2:30 PM to 3:40 PM through November 7.

  • Limited spots available – Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Volunteers Needed! More volunteers mean more spots for students! If you’re interested in helping, please get in touch with Mr. Keys.
  • Clinic Performance: Participants will perform during halftime at one of the Boys’ Home Basketball games this season!
Sign-up

Adult and Child Acute Care

We partner with Adult & Child not only for mental health services but also for primary care! Through their collaboration with Emma Donnan, healthcare is more accessible for our families.


Our school nurse, Sonia Coleman, evaluates student symptoms and can determine if a virtual acute care visit with a primary care physician is needed. If so, that visit is just a phone call away! We can even assist in scheduling a virtual visit if your child is absent due to illness, making it easier than ever to get the care they need from home.


To help the process move quickly if you ever need care, reach out to our school nurse to receive a consent form to complete. This form will be kept on file and will make scheduling appointments much faster.


If you have any questions about this service, please don’t hesitate to contact Nurse Sonia Coleman.

Contact Nurse Coleman

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?

    5 Rules: We are so excited to have 5 School Rules that we use to guide students in being successful.

    1. Follow Directions Quickly

    2. Raise Your Hand for Permission to Speak

    3. Raise Your Hand for Permission to Leave Your Seat

    4. Make Smart Choices

    5. Be Safe


    iPads: It is expected that iPads come to and from school each night. It is the student's responsibility to charge the device each night at home after completing their homework and to bring it back to school the next day. 


    Extra Change of Clothes: As scholars are getting back into a school schedule sometimes accidents happen.  Also, sometimes food or drink get spilled or scholars fall outside.  This can be upsetting to them.  It is helpful for ALL scholars to have an extra change of clothes to keep in their backpack and/or lockers.

  • What's Happening in 3-5?

    Chromebooks: We are so excited to send Chromebooks home, especially with homework starting! Homework will be assigned Monday-Thursday through Schoology. Just as a reminder, Chromebooks must be charged each night so that our scholars can use their computers for daily instruction.                                                                                                                          

  • What's Happening in 6-8?

    Homework: Scholars will have nightly homework in ELA, Math, Science, and Global Lit. Homework must be completed by Friday, and scholars will receive a homework grade every week. Nightly homework is essential to reinforce skills they are learning in class. Visit our school website for assistance with access our online programs for homework. 


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.

  • FREE Immunization Clinic

    University of Indianapolis 

    1400 Campus Drive Indpls, IN 46227 Schwitzer Student Center 

    Tuesday Sept. 23rd 

    10 am - 4 pm 


    Available vaccines include  tetanus, Hep A/B, HPV,  meningitis, pneumonia, shingles,  RSV, flu & the latest COVID-19 


    Walk-ins welcome or register


    Enrollment code: IN65942

    Select: U Indy-9/23/25



    Register Here!

  • FREE Events at Garfield Park Library


    Career & Computer Help Center

    Thursday, September 4

     10:30 AM - 12:30 PM


    Do you need help with resume writing, job searching, or job applications? Or are you interested in learning new computer skills? Join us for this weekly drop-in program for one-on-one assistance.


    Age Group: Seniors, Adults


    Storytime at Garfield Park

    Saturday, September 6

    10:30 AM - 11:00 AM


    Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents/caregivers are invited for stories, songs, and movement activities.


    Age Group: Preschoolers, Babies and Toddlers



    Career & Computer Help Center

    Thursday, September 11

    10:30 AM - 12:30 PM


    Do you need help with resume writing, job searching, or job applications? Or are you interested in learning new computer skills? Join us for this weekly drop-in program for one-on-one assistance.


    Age Group: Seniors, Adults


    Learn More

  • FREE Events at Southeast Community Services

    Career Readiness Bootcamp 

    September 8-11

    9am-12:30pm


    A career/job-focused workshop for those looking for employment or interested in furthering their career with a job training.

    Work with our career coaches to build your job search skills, practice interviewing, and prepare for your next career step.


    Contact Macy at macyb@southeastindy.org to learn more and register. 


    Produce for the People 

    Every Wednesday

    12-2pm


    Free produce, while supplies last.


    924 Shelby Street

    No registration required.


    Food Pantry

    Mondays 2-4pm

    Thursdays 3-5:30


    924 Shelby Street


    Registration required - https://www.southeastindy.org/pantry


    Email to Learn More

  • FREE Admission Day at Conner Praire

    Free Admission Day September 14, 2024


    Conner Prairie’s Free Admission Day is an annual celebration that allows guests to explore their curiosity through free entry.

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