News & Updates
Dear Parents,
As I begin my first year at Emerson I would like to extend a heartfelt welcome to you and your family. I am looking forward to a great 2018-2019 school year. I am also looking forward to meeting each of you and learning about your experiences at Emerson.
I am excited to be joining The Emerson Institute/Emerson Preparatory School, a school that has been serving students and their families for one hundred and sixty-six years as the oldest non-denominational college preparatory school in Washington, DC. What an amazing legacy.
As I am joining Emerson, so are a few other new faces. Please join me in welcoming the following new teachers to our faculty:
- Ms. Emily Feldman will be joining our English Department
- Ms. Ana Umaran joins us as our new Spanish Teacher
- Mr. Kaleb Banks is joining our Social Studies Department
- Mr. Vincent Cobb is joining our Mathematics Department and we are finalizing one more Mathematics position and our Digital Media opening, and we hope to have those positions filled by the end of this week.
I also want to alert you to some critical dates, please mark your calendars with the following information:
- Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. - All students new to Emerson Preparatory School will participate in an Orientation – (please note this orientation was originally scheduled to take place on Wednesday the 22nd) New students will be introduced to the entire faculty and then participate in several “get-to-know-you” activities.
- Thursday, August 23, 2018 there will be an ALL Student Orientation – details to follow
- Friday, August 24, 2018 – ALL students will attend classes on a ½ day schedule – 8:35 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.
- Monday. August 27, 2018 – First full day of school – 8:35 a.m. – 3:25 p.m.
- Thursday, September 6, 2018 is Back to School Night – more information will follow as we get closer to the 6th.
Please feel free to stop in at any time. I welcome your questions, concerns and celebrations as we collaborate to help your children grow academically and socially in a culture of kindness.
Looking Forward,
Dr. Peri-Anne Chobot
President/Head of School
Emerson Preparatory School
1816 12th Street NW - 4th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20009
202.785.2877
“Opening Minds Since 1852”
Announcement from the Emerson Board of Directors
Dear Members of the Emerson Preparatory School Community,
The Board of Directors of Emerson is excited to announce that Dr. Peri-Anne Chobot has been appointed as the next President – Head of School of Emerson Preparatory School.
Dr. Chobot is an outstanding education professional with over 30 years of experience. Most recently, Dr. Chobot served as the Head of School at Commonwealth Academy a private day school serving students with learning differences and ADHD in Alexandria, Virginia and prior to that she was the CEO and Head of School for The Kingsbury Center in Washington, DC.
Dr. Chobot has a track record as an innovative and creative leader with a particular focus on student success. She is very excited to be joining the Emerson Community and begin her tenure on Monday, July 2, 2018.
As we welcome Dr. Chobot, we must also acknowledge that Emerson has been fortunate to have benefitted from the financial acumen, direction, and commitment of Ms. SangMe Lee who stepped out of her retirement to serve Emerson and who leaves the school in great shape after serving as President and CEO for the past 2 years. She leaves the school ready to tackle the next phase of growth and expansion.
The Emerson Board looks forward to working with Dr. Chobot as she transitions to Emerson. Collectively, we will continue to collaborate as we honor Emerson’s remarkable history where our mission “is to find a happier and healthier path to a higher education for bright students who thrive in a small and inclusive community.”
Sincerely,
Mark Grovic
Chair, Board of Directors
Emerson Preparatory School
April newsletter
HAPPENING AT EMERSON
Imara’s Acceptances
Imara Glymph (’18) has been accepted to Bowdoin College, Goucher College, Eckerd College, the University of Vermont among others! Congratulation, Imara!
Out-of-Class Experiences
Ms. von Oehsen’s Painting class: National Portrait Gallery on 27 February to see President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama's newly completed portraits.
Walkout against Gun Violence: Emerson students participated in the walk out protest to honor Parkland victims on Wednesday, 14 March 2018.
Guest Speakers
Mr. Edgar Brookins, General and Circulation Manager for the Afro American Newspaper Washington office, visited with Mr. Harris’s Journalism class students on 23 February 2018
Self-Defense with Coach Anthony
All students are taking S.A.F.E. (Situational Awareness, Flight or Fight and Escape) self-defense program.
Community Service
Isabel’s New Internship: Isabel Fajardo (’19) was accepted to the Critical Exposure (a Thurgood Marshall Center organization!) internship program, which is a social justice awareness and action through photography and media program.
Food Bank: Emerson students joined a Student Global Ambassador Program community service event at the Capital Area Food Bank on Saturday, 24 February: Jen, Isabel, Marley, Aishah, Bethlehem, Imara, Paule, Dora, Dora's Mom Ms. Reinhart and her partner Josh.
Kára McCullough's Midterm Visit
Upcoming Events
Earth Week Out-of-school Experience
Emerson has been invited to the Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB) "Science on a Sphere” lecture on Wednesday, 18 April 2018. This is an all school event.
“Do not train children in learning by force and harshness, but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each.”
—Plato
march newsletter
Happening at Emerson
Paule meets Supreme Court Justice
Paule Ndjiki-Nya (’21) enjoyed an extraordinary opportunity to interact with Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor on 21 February in a Law Camp held at the Supreme Court. Congratulations Paule!
Joel accepted at top-choice College
Joel Hilware (’18) is accepted to his first-choice college, Becker College, for the Video Game Design program. Congratulation Joel!
Remembering Historic U Street
Emerson celebrated the Black History Month on 22 February with two distinguished speakers, Ms. Shellée Haynesworth, Exec. Producer/Creator of Black Broadway on U: A Transmedia Project, and Mr. Edgar Brookins, General and Cirulation Manager for the Afro American Newspaper Washington office. Both speakers have dedicated themselves to the preservation, dissemination, and creation of the history of DC's Shaw neighborhood known as Black Broadway, which was the heart of African American life in Washington DC and the epicenter of the arts, commerce, and community empowerment.
For Ahkeem Documentary Screening
On 7 February, Emerson Students watched For Ahkeem, a documentary about Daje Shelton, a young mother and student navigating to graduate from the court-supervised Innovative Concept Academy. The executive producer, Mr. Jeff Truesdell was truly impressed with our students during the post film discussion.
Out-of-Class Experiences This Month
Ms. Von Oehsen’s Scientific Illustration class: U S Botanical Gardens on 14 February.
Mr. Malone’s American Government class: American University School of Public Affair panel discussion on Bipartisanship in the Age of Trump, featuring Reps. D. Brat (R-VA) and J. Raskin (D-MD) on 13 February.
Ms. Rojas’ Spanish Two Class - La Foto " A selfie Affair" World Premiere by Gustavo Ott (Venezuela) directed by Abel López on 16 February.
Annual Fund: Matching Donation!
Emerson received a $5,000 matching donation from an anonymous donor! Please take this opportunity to help Emerson. So far, we met 34% of the fund target with 16% current family participating. Thank you! Donate Here Stock Donator or write a check.
Marshall in the City
Itali Marshall (’19) is making a documentary film on racism to be presented to middle school students. The Emerson community is invited to contribute opinions (to be shared to the public) and to talk about experiences of racism. To sign up for an interview, contact Itali at (202) 421-4716.
Upcoming Events
Midterm Exams: 21-22 March
1st and 3rd periods Exams: Wednesday, 21 March 2018 2nd and 4th periods Exams: Thursday, 22 March 2018.
Spring Break: 23 March to 2 April 2018
The Emerson will be closed for spring break from Friday, 23 March through Monday, 2 April 2018.
“If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a mistake.”
—Confucius
february NEWSLETTER
Happening at Emerson
Annual Fund Campaign launched
Please support the Emerson Annual Fund! We are targeting a 10% increase in donation and 100% participation from current families. Every dollar counts! Funds will be used for expanded course offerings in future terms. Donate Here Stock Donator
2018 Commencement Speaker Announced: Mr. Benjamin Wittes
Emerson is excited to announce that Mr. Benjamin Wittes, a parent of EJ Wittes ‘17, will be the 2018 commencement speaker. Mr. Wittes is an author, a journalist and a Senior Fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution, where he is the Research Director in Public Law, and Co-Director of the Harvard Law School Brookings Project on Law and Security.
Grades and Attendance
Grades/Attendance are updated biweekly in Gradelink. For login ID/password, contact Karlene Blackburn.
Social Media Campaign Kick Off
Emerson kicks off a social media campaign to increase the school profile. Please help us and
visit the Emerson Website,
like the Emerson Facebook Page, and Emerson Linkedin Page,
post reviews on Greatschool! Niche School and Google
Fajardo In the City
Spring Term in Full Swing
by Isabel Fajardo
Spring term is in full swing, bringing with it positive expectations from students and teachers alike.
Teachers expect full class participation. For instance, Mr. Malone has tried to instill in his students the idea that mass participation in society is critical and that participation begins by speaking up whenever possible, especially in the classroom.
Students are setting themselves up for success in the coming months. Common goals are to strive for good attendance and to work toward better grades. Although the goal is to pay attention in class and always work hard, Emerson places importance on maintaining one's mental health. This way, students can learn tactics to avoid stress and overworking.
Upcoming Events
Feb 7: For Ahkeem: Young Women of Color and the Juvenile Justice System
Emerson will host a special screening of For Ahkeem, a documentary about 17-year-old Daje Shelton, a young mother and student at the court-supervised Innovative Concept Academy who works to graduate while navigating communities, institutions, and systems that, instead of supporting her, appear to work against her at each turn.
Feb 16: Teacher/Guardian Conference
The Teacher/Guardian Conference is scheduled for Friday, 16 February from 6:15-8:00 PM. Please register by emailing main office by Wednesday, 14 February with Teacher/ Guardian Conference Request in the subject line, indicating which teachers you would like to meet. Look for future emails for details.
Feb 19: President’s Day. School closed
"Art is an organ of human life, transmitting man's reasonable perception into feeling"
—Leo Tolstoy
january newsletter
Happening at Emerson
Guest Speakers
Last term, Emerson hosted two very friendly and engaging octogenarians: Mrs. Dolly Rasmussen spoke to Mr. Malone's 3rd period 20th Century American Culture and History class about living at Pearl Harbor and experiencing the attack on December 7th, 1941 as a child; and Mr. Paul G. Zurkowski, Esq., the person who coined the phrase Information Literacy in 1974, spoke to Mr. Kelly's 4th period Information Literacy/Critical Thinking class.
Mr. Kelly’s Music Class Café Performance
Mr. Kelly's music class gave a fall term final performance in the café during 2nd period on Thursday, 14 December 2017.
Solve a 900-year old Math Problem for a Gift from Mrs. Sunn!
Last term, Mrs. Sunn’s Algebra II classes discussed a 900- year-old algebraic question first published in 12th century by Indian mathematician Bhaska II:
The square root of half the number of a swarm of bees is gone to a shrub of jasmine; and so are eight-ninth of the whole swarm: a female is buzzing to one remaining male that is humming within a lotus flower in which he is confined, having been allured to it by its fragrance at night. Say, lovely woman, the number of bees.
According to legend, Bhaskara consulted his beloved daughter’s horoscope and found, to his horror, that she was to remain childless and unmarried. Not prepared to bow to that fate, Bhaskara determined an auspicious moment at which her wedding should take place. To make absolutely sure the moment wouldn’t be missed, he constructed a water clock. But his daughter, by the beautiful name Lilavati, could not suppress her curiosity. When looking at the clock from close up, a pearl from her bridal dress fell into it. It blocked the hole through which the water flowed and thus the auspicious moment could never come. The wedding was off! To console Lilavati, a devistated Bhaskara promised to write a book in her name, a book that would exist forever. Luckily for her, the book was a maths book. The Lilavati is just one part of a greater work, called Crown of Treatise that covers an eclectic collection of mathematical questions. Some questions are directly addressed to Lilavati and many with a poetry our textbooks can only dream of, such as the one above.
Both Algebra 2 classes were successful in writing the equation:
Where x is the number of bees.
Emerson students who are not in the Algebra II class and would like to submit a solution should please hand their work to Mrs. Sunn. A gift will be given to the first student with a correct answer.
Upcoming Events
2017-2018 Spring Term
The first day of classes for the spring term is Thursday, 4 January 2018.
Emerson Back-to-School Night
Spend an evening meeting your student’s teachers and other Emerson caregivers at the Emerson Back-to-School Night on Thursday, 11 January 2018 from 6:30-8:00 P.M.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Emerson will be closed on Monday, 15 January 2018 for Martin Luther King, Jr, Day.
Support Emerson
Support the Emerson Annual Fund
Make Emerson Institute your Preferred Charity
Support the Emerson Family Association and the Emerson Alumni Association
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education”
—Martin Luther King, Jr,
december newsletter
Happening at Emerson
Natalie Alfaro ’18, the Next Generation of Medical Leader!
12th Grader Natalie has been awarded a Full Academic Scholarship to represent the District of Columbia at the 2018 Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Boston, Massachusetts. Natalie will attend forums and training workshops while immersed in an annual gathering of high-achieving, American high school students aspiring to be the next generation of medical leaders.
Congrats William Asher ’18. Our First College Acceptance
William Asher has been accepted into the upcoming freshman class of 2022 at Hampden-Sydney College! Please congratulate William on this truly awesome achievement!
2017 Graduate Sarah Meade Visit
Sarah Meade ’17 visited Ms. Lee’s Savings & Investment Class. She shared with the students her experience as a freshman at University of Vermont. She advised the students to learn to manage time, be organized and save money.
Upcoming Events
The Emerson Family Association Meeting to learn about Emerson and ways families can support the school will be on Monday, 4 December 2017 from 8:30-9:30 A.M. in the 1st floor conference room.
The Emerson Final Exam Schedule
Wednesday, 20 December 2017
- 2nd period classes: 10:00-11:30 A. M.
- 4th period classes: 12:30-2:00 P.M.
Thursday, 21 December 2017
- 1st period classes: 10:00-11:30 A.M
- 3rd period classes: 12:30-200 P.M.
Emerson will be closed for Winter Break from 4:00 P.M. on Thursday, 21 December 2017 through Tuesday, 2 January 2018.
Support Emerson
Support the Emerson Annual Fund
Make Emerson Institute your Preferred Charity
Support the Emerson Family Association and the Emerson Alumni Association
“The truth is not always beautiful nor beautiful words the truth”
—Lao Tzu
november newsletter
Happening at Emerson
Emerson In the City! Columnist Isabel
11th Grader Isabel Fajaro now writes a weekly column about Emerson events for the Spotlight on Schools section in Current Newspapers. Current has offered in-depth local coverage to DC area communities since 1967 in neighborhoods that include Chevy Chase, Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom, Georgetown, and the Palisades. Please send information about Emerson events past, present and future to Isabel at mainoffice@emersonprep.org
Emerson on Local News
11th Grader Trevor Williams and 9th Grader Paule Ndjiki-Nya were on local ABC network WJLA Channel 7 about their scholarships and experience at Emerson. The interview aired on October 20. Emerson on ABC News
Upcoming Events
“Emerson” Student Film Premiere & Aonzo Mandolin Trio, November 3, 2017
We invite you to an acoustic performance by the Carlo Aonzo Trio and the premiere of the student film “Emerson” on November 3, 2017 at the TMC gymnasium.
The film is about what makes Emerson a special place and was produced by the students in Mr. Trylch’s Documentary Filmmaking class.
The Carlo Aonzo Trio returns to Emerson. The trio performs throughout Italy and around the globe. Their spirited jazz, blues and folk pieces complement their keen sense of humor. We look forward to seeing you there.
College Fair, November 5, 2017
Please register for The National Association for College Admission Counseling Greater Washington, DC National College Fair to be held from 12:30-4:00 P.M. on Sunday, 5 November 2017 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Free registration is available with Ms. Reinhart.
After School Study & Test Prep
Sharing Study Skills
During an SAT/ACT Prep session, 10th Grader Yichen Zhang shared his experiences of SAT preparation with his classmates. Despite his heavy course load, Yichen completes a practice test every week and a good amount of reading every day. He also discussed tips on how to navigate testing time and his methods for managing test-taking stress. Yichen’s presentation was beneficial and inspirational for his classmates. For more information about after school math support or test prep and to sign-up, click AfterSchoolMathLab
Follow the ACLU Club on Instagram @emerson_aclu
November College Visits
2nd 11:30 Merrimack College
3:30 Washington College
3rd 3:30 American University
6th 3:30 Salisbury University
7th 11:30 Marshall University
14th 3:30 Adelphi University
16th 3:30 William Peace University
17th 11:30 Columbus College of Art and Design
Support Emerson
Support the Emerson Annual Fund with Emerson school supplies, gifts, and wear from the EmersonPrep1852Store
“Art is an organ of human life, transmitting man's reasonable perception into feeling”
—Leo Tolstoy
october newsletter
Before/After School Study & Test Prep
Math Lab:
- PSAT Prep: Mondays
- Core Skills/Foundation: Tuesdays
- Algebra Support: Wednesdays
- SAT/ACT Prep: Thursdays
After School Study Skills Support (3:45-4:45 P.M Monday-Wednesday).
Individual Tutoring 3:45-4:45 P.M. Monday-Thursday).
Free, Before School Study Hall (7:45-8:30 A.M Monday).
For more information and to sign-up click this link
Happening at Emerson
Emerson After School Clubs:
- Anime (Blackburn): Mondays
- Debate (Dotson): Tuesdays
- Yearbook (von Oehsen): Tuesdays
- Student Council (Malone): Wednesdays
- Business Club (Lee): Wednesdays
- Games Club (Muehlburger): Thursdays
- ACLU Club (Reinhart): Thursdays
Upcoming Events
The PSAT Exam for all Juniors (others are welcome to sign-up) will be given on Wednesday, 11 October 2017 at 9:00 A.M. Please email Ms. Reinhart (andrea.reinhart@emersonprep.net) for more information.
October 2017 College Visits
2nd 11:30 Maryland Institute College of Art (https://www.mica.edu/)
3:30 Hampshire College (https://www.hampshire.edu/)
3rd 11:30 Syracuse University (https://www.syracuse.edu/)
3:30 Miami of Ohio (https://www.miamioh.edu/)
4th 11:30 Pace University (http://www.pace.edu/)
3:30 State University of New York College (https://www.suny.edu/)
5th 11:30 Southeastern University (http://www.seu.edu/)
3:30 Saint Joseph’s University (https://www.sju.edu/)
3:30 Sarah Lawrence College (https://www.sarahlawrence.edu/)
6th 3:30 St. Edward’s University (https://www.stedwards.edu/)
10th 11:30 Hobart & William Smith Colleges (http://www2.hws.edu/)
3:30 Guilford College (https://www.guilford.edu/)
12th 3:30 The New School (https://www.newschool.edu/)
13th 11:30 Stonehill College (http://www.stonehill.edu/)
3:30 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (https://erau.edu/)
16th 3:30 Birmingham-Southern University (https://www.bsc.edu/)
17th 3:30 Washington & Jefferson College (http://www.washjeff.edu/)
19th 11:30 New York University (https://www.nyu.edu/)
3:30 George Mason University (https://www2.gmu.edu/)
20th 3:30 Bennington College (http://www.bennington.edu/)
23rd 3:30 Catholic University (https://www.catholic.edu/index.html)
24th 3:30 Vanderbilt University (https://www.vanderbilt.edu/)
25th 3:30 Goucher College (http://www.goucher.edu/)
30th 3:30 Fisk University (https://www.fisk.edu/)
Support Emerson
Support the Emerson Annual Fund with Emerson school supplies, gifts, and wear from the EmersonPrep1852Store
“But [computers] are useless. They can only give you answers”
—Pablo Picasso
September Newsletter
Before/After School Study & Test Prep
Math Lab begins on Monday, September 25, 2017 after school (3:45-5:00 P.M.) ($175-$500/Term):
- PSAT Prep: Mondays
- Core Skills/Foundation: Tuesdays
- Algebra Support: Wednesdays
- SAT/ACT Prep: Thursdays
Returning! After School Study Skills Support starts Monday September 25, 2017 ($175-$500/Term; Monday-Wednesday) (3:45-4:45 P.M).
Individual Tutoring is available ($65/Hour; Monday-Thursday) (3:45-4:45 P.M.).
Free & Before School Study Hall starts Monday September 25, 2017 in Math Classroom. Drop in!
For more information and to sign-up email mainoffice@emersonprep.net
Note: Opportunity Scholarship Funding available for a limited number of participating families.
Happening at Emerson
After School Emerson Clubs start on Monday, September 25, 2017.
Sign-up sheet on Elevator Bulletin Board.
- Anime (Blackburn): Mondays
- Debate (Dotson): Tuesdays
- Yearbook (von Oehsen): Tuesdays
- Student Council (Malone): Wednesdays
- Business Club (TBD): Wednesdays
- Games Club (Muehlburger): Thursdays
- ACLU Club (Reinhart): Thursdays
· Coming Attraction: The Emerson Video is in production by the Documentary Filmmaking class and is scheduled for release in October 2017.
Upcoming Events
The PSAT Exam is for all Juniors is on Wednesday, 11 October 2017 at 9:00 A.M. (others are welcome to sign-up). Please email Ms. Reinhart (andrea.reinhart@emersonprep.net) for more information.
September 2017 College Visits:
19th @ 11:30 A.M. St. John’s College (https://www.sjc.edu/)
19th @ 3:30 P.M. St. Mary’s College of Maryland (http://www.smcm.edu/)
20th @ 3:30 P.M. Radford University (https://www.radford.edu/content/radfordcore/home.html)
25th @ 11:30 A.M. Beloit College (https://www.beloit.edu/)
26th @ 3:30 P.M. Ohio Wesleyan University (https://www.owu.edu/)
27th @ 3:30 P.M. The George Washington University (https://www.gwu.edu/)
29th @ 3:30 P.M. Ursinus College (https://www.ursinus.edu/)
"Most of the shadows of life are caused by standing in our own sunshine."
—Ralph Waldo Emerson