September Family Newsletter
Leah Kuruzar • September 2, 2026

A message from...Mr. Gavin


Hey Adelante Families!


It has been a fantastic start to our school year! We're excited to welcome over 450 scholars to EDEMS this year, and the energy across our halls this first month has been amazing. Seeing so many of you at our Back-to-School Bash and Open House was the perfect way to kick things off. It's already been inspiring to watch our scholars settle in, build confidence, and make real academic and social growth in just a few short weeks.


To stay engaged throughout the year, be sure to check out our Emma Donnan Family Hub, where you'll find resources shared at all of our school events, along with important information on key policies and systems at our school. Your presence and partnership mean the world to our school community, and we're thrilled to continue this journey together!


Onward,

Mr. Gavin

School Principal


Sign-Up to Volunteer
Scholastic Book Fair is here
During School Day Event

Scholastic Book Fair

The Scholastic Book Fair will visit Emma Donnan the week of September 14th.

Create an e-wallet for the fair!
Learn more + Add to your Calendar +

Scholars will have an opportunity to preview the book fair on September 14th. Each class will be assigned a designated day and time to shop at the fair.

  • Who this is for: Parents and Guardians
  • Dates: September 14–18, 2026

Add the Book Fair to your calendar:

Family reading together
Family Event

Literacy and Global Studies Night

Join us for our Literacy and Global Studies Family Event on September 17th.

Learn more + Add to your Calendar +

Join us for a special Literacy & Global Studies Family Event! Families will come together to explore the joy of reading, discover new cultures and perspectives, and celebrate learning through engaging activities. The Scholastic Book Fair and the Black Worldschoolers Mobile Bookstore will be on site.

  • Who this is for: Parents and Guardians
  • Date: September 17, 2026, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Add this event to your calendar:

School Picture Day information
School Event

Picture Day

Picture Day is September 22nd. Families can begin ordering online September 8th.

Learn more +

Picture Day is coming up on Tuesday, September 22nd! Flyers will be sent home with scholars, and families can also place orders online.

  • Picture Day: September 22nd
  • Online ordering opens: September 8th
  • Online Order Code: 6176ZMMXZJADMC

The online ordering link will become active two weeks before Picture Day and will remain available for 24 hours after Picture Day.

Order School Pictures Online →

Family Engagement Kits
Academic Support at Home

Family Engagement Kits

Support scholar learning at home with our Family Engagement Kits!

Check Out a Kit
Learn more +

Utilize our skill kits to assist your scholar with extra practice at home! Each skill kit is a hands-on learning activity where families can work together with their scholars to improve math or reading skills—a great way to support your scholar at home. Kits can be checked out using the link above; you may keep the kit for 1 week before returning it to school.

  • Who this is for: Parents and Guardians
  • Dates: Form opens 9/4/2026
  • Kits are delivered to your scholar within 48 hours of the request and must be returned within 7 days
Reminders

Arrival and Dismissal

A few quick arrival and dismissal reminders to help keep drop-off and pickup safe, smooth, and efficient for everyone.

Learn more +

Arrival: To help carline move quickly and safely, please have your scholar exit from the driver’s side door with their backpack already on or in hand before the car comes to a complete stop. This helps keep our line moving while keeping scholars safely away from traffic on the passenger side.

Dismissal: Please make sure your PikMyKid dismissal plan is up to date. Any changes to how your scholar will get home must be submitted by 1:30 PM to avoid delays at pickup. If you need assistance, please contact the front office.

Car Rider Pickup: Families picking up by car should have a QuickPin number clearly displayed on their vehicle. If you do not have a QuickPin, please contact the front office for assistance.

  • Who this is for: Parents and Guardians
School Safety

School Safety and Attendance

A safe, connected, and consistent school experience starts with all of us working together.

Learn more +

The safety and well-being of our students and staff remains one of our highest priorities. While there have been no safety concerns or incidents at our school, we believe in being proactive and maintaining a culture of awareness and preparedness. As part of our daily safety practices, students go through metal detectors as they enter the building.

We also encourage a “See Something, Say Something” approach. This means being mindful of what we see and hear—whether on school property, during conversations, online, or in other settings—and sharing concerns with a trusted adult or staff member when something does not feel right. Our goal is not to create worry, but to ensure that everyone understands that we all play a role in keeping our school community safe, supportive, and welcoming.

Regular attendance is another important part of student success and connection. Our goal is to reach 95% average daily attendance, and every day matters. When students are in school consistently, they are connected to their teachers, classmates, and support systems and have more opportunities to learn and grow. We appreciate our families partnering with us to make attendance a priority and helping us reach this important goal together.

  • Who this is for: Parents and Guardians

IMPORTANT DATES

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Upcoming Events
Swipe or scroll sideways to see what’s coming up.
No School - September 7th-8th
September 7 & 8

Monday is Labor Day; Tuesday is staff professional development. No school for scholars either day — regular schedule resumes Wednesday, September 9th.

Picture Day
September 22

Online ordering opens two days before and closes 24 hours before picture day—use code 6176ZMMXZJADMC. Scholars may dress to impress or wear their uniform.

September Birthday Celebrations
September 25

All September birthdays will be celebrated with an ice cream treat! To celebrate at school, contact your scholar’s classroom teacher.

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<Grades> Q1 Progress Reports

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<Important> Family Conference Sign-Ups Begin

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After-School Programs

After School & Athletics
Swipe or scroll sideways for the latest updates.
Coming Soon!
After-School Clubs Registration

After-School club registration opens on September 16th at 6PM.

Register Here!
In Season
Elementary and Middle School Volleyball

Our volleyball season has started! Check out the school calendar to catch a game to cheer on our players.

Starting Soon!
K-3 Basketball Clinics and 4-8 Development Clinics

Both clinics begin on September 2nd and end on October 7th.


GRADE LEVEL NEWS

  • What's Happening in K-2?

    September Focus for K-2

    Our primary focus in the first month of school is to build a strong culture of systems and routines to ensure scholars are set up for learning.  Please continue to support by building stamina for sitting with an activity, asking for help and support, and showing patience.


    Field Trip for Kindergarten

    October 1st, Kindergarten witll be go on their first field trip to the Childrens' Museum.  Please be on the lookout for messaging from teachers in September.   Permission slips will only be submitted digitally through the PowerSchool Parent App. 


    Homework

    K-2 will start  homework prodedures after Labor Day.  Please be on the lookout for further instructions on how to support your scholars. 

  • What's Happening in 3-5?

    From Ms. Nigam, 3-5 Assistant Principal

    What an exciting start to the year!  It has been amazing walking into classrooms and seeing scholars dive right into content, whether that's the different forms of energy in 4th grade, the Nez Perce Tribe in 5th grade, or geography in 3rd grade. 


    Our primary focus in the first month of school is to build a strong culture of systems and routines to ensure scholars are set up for learning. Additionally, we are working on independence and problem-solving skills. Please continue to support by building confidence and stamina, and urging them to try a strategy to solve something before asking for help.


    OSOS Trackers 

    As a reminder, scholars are being sent home with OSOS trackers in their folders each night; they share how their behavior was each day. Please sign and return it with your scholar each night.


    Kids Dance Outreach Partnership (KDO)

    3rd grade scholars will be engaging with Kids Dance Outreach during their Integrated Arts block. With them, they have the opportunity to express themselves through music and movement. We will share the date and time for a showcase later on. 


    Homework

    We will be starting our homework procedures after Labor Day. Please be on the lookout for further instructions on how to support your scholars.

  • What's Happening in 6-8?

    Middle School is off to a strong start, as we approach the third week of school! It is so great to be back together and I am so excited to see how much scholars grow throughout the year!


    Our primary focus in the first month of school is to build a strong culture of systems and routines to ensure scholars are set up for learning.  Please continue to support by asking scholars what they learned about, encouraging them to ask for help and support, and showing patience.


    Field Trips

    On September 4, select middle school art students will be attending the Butter Art Fair! Please log into Powerschool Parent to complete their permission slip. 


    On September 24, 7th graders will go on their first field trip to Depauw University! Please be on the lookout for messaging from teachers in September.  Permission slips can only be submitted digitally through the PowerSchool Parent App.


    Homework

    We will be starting our homework prodedures after Labor Day.  Please be on the lookout for further instructions on how to support your scholars

    Starfish Initiative Program

Around Emma Donnan

Highlights from the past few weeks.

Emma Donnan staff gathered together before the start of the school year
Staff came together to prepare before welcoming scholars back.
Families talking with Emma Donnan staff at the Back to School Bash and Open House
Families connected with our crew at the Back to School Bash.
Mouse the therapy dog visiting with scholars in the classroom
Mouse, the therapy dog, visited our 2nd, 4th, and 6th graders.
Mr. Keys, Middle School Science teacher, being recognized by a former student
Mr. Keys was recognized by a former student for his lasting impact.

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.

  • Wed, Sep 9: Webinar on raising a critical thinker

    Wednesday, September 9, 7:00 p.m. Eastern

    Online


    With a constant stream of information coming at us, kids need to be able to spot credible sources and think about their own responsibilities as media creators and consumers. This session covers ways to build a healthy dose of digital skepticism.

    Register Here
  • Sat, Sep 12: Inspiring Abilities Expo, free

    Saturday, September 12 

    Perry Meridian High School


    9:00 to 10:00 a.m., educational speaker sessions 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., exhibit hall open


    A free community event bringing together organizations, service providers, businesses, and community resources in one place. Find information on therapies, recreation, education, employment, advocacy, assistive technology, and community services.

    Learn More and Register
  • Sat, Sep 19: Bean Creek Flea Market and Garage Sale

    Saturday, September 19, starting at 8:00 a.m. Garfield Christian Church


    Browse crafts, jewelry, baked goods, toys, electronics, clothes, and household items. Food and drinks for sale.


    Vendors: text Jay at 317-502-3616 by September 18 to reserve a space. $10 per space. No firearms or fireworks.

  • Ongoing: Home repair help, up to $20,000

    For homeowners in Twin Aire, Norwood, SECO, Prospect Falls, or Christian Park


    SEND's Home Repair Assistance Program covers essential repairs including roof leaks, plumbing, furnace and water heater replacement, electrical hazards, and accessibility improvements. Applicants must own and occupy a single family home in one of those neighborhoods and meet income requirements.


    Contact housing@sendcdc.org for more information.

    Email SEND about home repairs

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