Gathering
This week Herman Via, the head chef at Gemeinshaft, shared stories from his life in our Gathering this week.  He talked about growing up in Roanoke, Virginia when the schools were first integrated.  He also spoke about lessons he learned from his mother and grandmother, about valuing people for who they are not for the color of their skin.

Next week, Les Helmuth, former director of development at EMS, will read a story and speak to the students.  This is our first guest reader during reading month. Parents are welcome to join us Wednesday mornings from 8:50 – 9:10.

Basketball
Here is the game schedule for this coming Saturday, February 20.
9:00 am    EMES 3-5B @ BRCS
10:05am   EMES K-2    @ HMS
11:10am  EMES 3-5A   @ HMS

Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming next week, March 1st – 5th.  There will be a large variety of books displayed in the Gathering space at EMES.  Students will be able to shop, make a wish list, and purchase books.  In addition, if you would like to donate books to your child’s class, there will be wish lists available.  If you are interested in volunteering, please call Crystal Jackson. The Book Fair will be open during school hours of school each day, on March 2nd from 3:00 – 5:00 and on March 4th from 6:00 – 8:00.  Even an ice cream social is planned!

Reading Month
March is reading month at EMES.  The theme this year is multicultural literature “We are Many People, Many Colors.”  Our goal K-5 is to read 400 books.  Each class will have separate goals as well. Each student will have a “passport” where they can keep track of the books that they read. As you know Storybook Character Day was today, kicking off the month.  March 19th is Pajama Reading Day where students will wear their pajamas, bring sleeping bags, and have lots of time to read.  

We have invited various guest readers to read stories to us during our Gathering times this month.  Students will also have the opportunity to give book talks on their favorite books read during this month.  Susan Stoltzfus put together a display in the Gathering area that introduces our theme.  This is where we will keep track of the book count.  We hope this is a great month of reading for the students!

EMES Choir
For grades 3-5--Do you enjoy singing?  Do you enjoy working as a team with other classmates?  You are encouraged to consider joining EMES' first choir. It is open to any student in grades 3 through 5 and will meet every Tuesday from March 2 to June 1 (except for April 6 and May 25) from 2:45-3:15 p.m.  Performance opportunities will include singing in the community (time and place to be determined), at the Spring Concert, and  at 5th grade graduation.  Attendance at 9 out of the 12 rehearsals is expected in order to participate in performances. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Monica Carlson by e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Equestrian Camp
You may have noticed the display from the Camp Horizons Equestrian Program at our recent Science Fair.  Anna Buchanan will be running another session of Equestrian Camp this spring similar to the fall camp.  Anna Buchanan, a certified riding instructor will offer a 6-week after-school program for children ages 8-12.  The program will feature riding and horse care.  It will run from April 15 – May 20th every Thursday afternoon.  The students will be picked up from EMES at 3:00 and returned to EMES by 5:00 P.M.  If you are interested in having your child participate in this program, you can pick up a registration form in our office.  Responses are needed by April 2nd.

Upcoming Events
Friday, March 12 – 3-5 to Library
Saturday, March 13 – Soup & Arts Fest
Friday, March 19 – Pajama Reading Day
Friday, March 26 – No School – Teacher Work Day
Thursday, April 29 – Dessert Theatre
Friday, May 14 – 3-5 Field Trip to DC