BULLDOG BARK

Important Contact Information:

Main Office Phone: 586-439-6700

Absentee Phone Line: 586-439-6790

24 hour recorded line, please leave your child's reason for absence and length of time out. Absences reported to this line, ensure most timely and accurate record.

Fax: 586-439-6701

Emerson Principal: Mr. Sam Argiri

Email: Samuel.Argiri@fraserk12.org

School Administrative Assistant: Ms. Christina Salisbury

Email: christina.salisbury@fraserk12.org

Building Hours - 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

School Hours: 8:35 am – 3:30 pm
First Bell: 8:30 am
Instructional Bell: 8:35 am

On Monday we take time away from school to honor the memory of a great American, Martin Luther King. While several King quotes have stood the test of time, one that stands out is, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” A list of Detroit area MLK activities appears further down this newsletter.

Dr. Rick Repicky

The staff and students of Emerson Elementary would like to thank the Fraser School Board for all their time and efforts to ensure all of our students receive the best education possible.

Mr. Scott Wallace, President

Mr. Todd Koch , Vice President

Mrs. Robyn Norbeck, Treasurer

Mr. Dan Stawinski, Secretary

Ms. Abigail Wasil, Trustee

Dr. Kathleen Moco, Trustee

Mrs. Rebecca Jensen, Trustee

With the resignation of Fraser Public Schools Board Secretary, Dan Stawinski, the Board will be appointing a new trustee in February.

Anyone interested in serving the district in this capacity can obtain the form necessary using the link below. The form will be posted until January 30. Interviews will take place in early February.

Web page for Board Vacancy = https://www.fraser.k12.mi.us/Page/412

On January 15, Emerson hosted an all-school assembly featuring Jim “Basketball” Jones. Mr. Jones dazzled the students with spinning basketball tricks. While the tricks were amazing, they were a mere prelude to what followed.

The first highlight was the emphasis placed on kindness. To illustrate kindness, Mr. Jones called several students to lineup across the front of the gym. Two younger kids were the last to come up. Seeing a full line, they stood 10 feet away, confused as to where to go. Recognizing their discomfort, two 5th grade heroes, Levi Holman and Tucker Rochleau, spontaneously sprang from the crowd to help. The boys took the young ones by the hand and led them to a place in line. Mr. Jones commented, “That’s what kindness looks like.”

The second highlight was creating Emerson’s version of Dancing with the Stars. Mr. Jones generated Emerson Electric Energy that rivaled Saturday’s Ford Field Frenzy by pairing nearly every teacher with a student for a dance competition. The crowd went wild watching the cross-generational dance moves. Cheers shook the gym walls as students were awed watching the participants strut their stuff. Two couples advanced from the group. Ms. DuFresne and her fifth-grade partner Armond “Smooth Move” Gaines had a dance-off versus Mrs. Basilisco and her second-grade partner Owen “Strollin” Bradley. In the end the boogie moves of Basilisco & Bradley narrowly drained the 1st place hopes of DuFresne & Gaines. The pictures below show several of the dance teams. Clearly there were no losers, just good sport winners promoting positive school behavior.

Dance Contest Winners

Dance Contest Runner-ups

Tucker Rochleau & Levi Holman

Even when the temperature feels like 11°F, recess is an important part of your child’s day. Fresh air and physical activity benefit their health, mood, and ability to focus in class. Our 6th-grade students love going outside for recess, even when the temperatures drop! It’s their chance to stretch, move around, and enjoy the fresh air.

Here are some tips to help your child enjoy recess, even in the cold:

1. Use a Warm Coat: Choose a winter coat designed for cold weather, ideally with a hood for extra warmth
2. Wear Proper Accessories: A warm hat, gloves or mittens, and a scarf are essential to protect exposed skin.
3. Protect Feet: Boots will keep feet warm and dry. No Crocs please!

Cold weather doesn’t stop the fun, but staying warm and safe is key!

District policy is recess will be outside in windchill temps at 11 degrees and above unless there is extremely wet or icy precipitation.

Keep an eye on the Fraser Chronicle for a story on “Cody’s Corner.” This is the space in the Emerson media center that holds a special collection of books donated in memory of Cody Conser-Quarterman’s mother.

As a reminder, there is no school Monday, January 20 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This is a perfect time to honor the work of Dr. King and continue learning with your child(ren). Below is a compilation of events happening in our area.

Clinton Macomb Public Library
Children ages 5-12 are invited for a story and craft to celebrate the life and contributions of Martin Luther King, Jr. The events are free but registration is required.

2 p.m. at North Branch

6 p.m. at South Branch

Charles H Wright Museum of African American History
This year's theme, "The Strength to Dream: Resilience in the Legacy of Dr. King," highlights his courage and determination in facing adversity.

As we come together to honor Dr. King's commitment to justice, equality, and peace, we are reminded of his deep belief in the power of resilience, unity, and love to create lasting change in our world.

The day features a series of ticketed and free events that provide activities for every age. As we commemorate Dr. King's contributions, we’ll embrace our shared responsibility to promote justice and equality, and reaffirm our collective commitment to carrying forward his legacy.

The Henry Ford Museum
Celebrate the life and lasting legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with three days of featured programs, performances and living history demonstrations from January 18-20. Admission and parking to Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is also free on the recognized holiday, January 20.

Detroit Historical Museum
Join the Detroit Historical Museum in celebrating the life of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. This year's program is Remembering the Life of Freedom Rider Viola Liuzzo, which will include a few panel discussions. There will be storytelling and arts and crafts for guests' engagement, as well. Explore the museum through a history hunt to learn more about the events that Dr. King experienced from 1955 through 1968. End the day of learning and celebrating and join us in singing Happy Birthday! Participation is free but registration is required.

We encourage all of our Fraser Families to take advantage of one or more of these opportunities during MLK Day, Black History Month or any time throughout the year.

Mantra- I can problem solve to find a solution and learn something new.

Quote- “Success isn’t about the end result, it’s about what you learn along the way.” -Vera Wang

1/20 -- MLK Day - No School

1/29 -- Early Release - 1:30 Dismissal

1/29 -- PBIS BINGO Incentive

2/5 -- Young 5's Field Trip

2/10 -- Dave and Busters

2/12 -- Count Day

2/17-2/18 -- No School (Mid-Winter Break)

2024-2025 District Calendar

· Discussion over Teachers’ Lounge improvements focused on school vs PTO purchase responsibilities.

· Santa Shop broke all records netting about $1,800. Congrats to all Santa Shop volunteers. Some profits set aside for teachers’ lounge purchases.

· Upcoming events

o Conflict to be resolved between the next skate party & next PTO meeting – both scheduled for March 12 – Stay tuned for details

o Jan 15 – Family Dinner Night Red Robin

o Feb 10 – Dave & Busters

o May 21– Family Fun Night 5:30-8:00

President – Lauren Brown

Vice President – Angela Welch

Treasurer – Joe Paletto

Secretary – Becki Kolbe

Faculty Liaison – Shelby DuFresne

All students, grades Young 5s-12 use Canvas, a learning management system. Classroom teachers use Canvas to provide instruction, resources, activities, and assessments for students, as well as parent communication.

Parents are encouraged to set up a parent/observer account to stay abreast of student learning. Canvas will allow parents to:

• Contact their child’s teacher
• View grades, due dates, and events
• See, and in many cases access, what the child is doing at school
• Support an absent student
• View classroom and building announcements

Downloadable directions are linked below. In addition, helpful videos and walk-throughs may be found linked HERE.

If you have any trouble at all, please reach out to Emerson's Media Clerk, Jennifer Barozinni at Jennifer.Barozzini@fraserk12.org or Kim Keith at kimberly.keith@fraserk12.org..

CARE is a resource in our community that helps families and individuals who are experiencing difficulties with mental health or substance abuse. CARE's Student Assistance program offers families the opportunity to receive a thorough assessment for children who are experiencing mental health issues. CARE will then provide resources to assist with concerns. CARE also is a great place to attend parenting classes for Early Childhood through Teen. Speciality classes related to anger management and play and learn groups for younger children are also programs provided through CARE. For more information or for a referral to CARE's Student Assistance program please contact our social worker, Ms. Gentry, or contact CARE at 586-541-CARE.

For the fastest support please use the link and complete the JotForm for tech support from Mrs. Barozzini. Please remember Mrs. Barozzini is not available for nonscheduled calls or pop in visits because she is working on the submitted JotForms.