Principal's Message
Thank you for taking your time to visit our website. It is my pleasure to be the Principal of Emerson: we have a great school with a wonderful tradition, and trust that with the support of our community we can continue that tradition of academic excellence.
The school melds three important programs into one great school; a traditional strand of student’s k – 6, the International Pathways/ELP Dual Immersion program, presently grades 1 –6, and three units of Special Education classes. These three programs bring roughly 440 students to our school and create a wonderfully diverse community: representative languages and cultures from, English, Spanish, Dutch, Tongan, German, Chinese, Korean, French, Portugese, and various European languages and cultures plus a wide variety of academic programs combine to give our students a rich experience in their education, both academically and socially.
We are fortunate to have teachers who care about their students, and who understand that their responsibility is to ensure students learn. To help we have a solid cadre of volunteers who serve our students through tutoring. Regularly students are tutored in Language Arts and Mathematics, one-to-one or in small groups. One volunteer has instructed classes in art throughout the year. Another focuses on Early Intervention in Literacy and Math. Emerson also has a Family preservation/Tutor coordinator. We welcome any person interested in becoming involved with our school on a regular basis to contact me or Karen Nelson.
Our Emerson community places high value on the Fine Arts. We are happy to have two music specialists who visit our school and bring music instruction to every student. Every month we hold an assembly which features a variety of visiting artists. In the spring we will be hosting an Artist in Residence for 3-4 weeks where every child will receive instruction in visual art/ceramics. Throughout the year, several teachers prepare drama or music programs within their class to perform for the school and parents. These and programs such as the “I can Dance” program, through Ballet West for all our fifth graders, or the PTA supported Drama and Opera programs ensures every student receives a variety of art education and exposure.
The diversity of students, programs and teachers, plus the wonderful support of parents generates a unique feeling within our building. We welcome any inquiries regarding the International Pathways Dual Immersion Program or our Traditional Track and invite anyone to come and visit our school.
Kenneth Jones
Principal