The Elisabeth Morrow School community is experiencing a gradual return to larger and more frequent gatherings with the easing of pandemic health restrictions and concerns.
Community Events
The community has been able to gather for Curriculum Nights, the Fall Festival, Book Fair & Storytelling Festival, division-wide events, a number of concerts, including the Winter Arts Festival, multiple fireside chats, and to celebrate the recent honor of being named an Apple Distinguished School for 2022–2025.
Upcoming Opportunities to Gather
The Parents Association is organizing a new biannual event, with planning led by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, to take place during the years in which the biannual International Food Festival does not. The Cultural Fair will be held from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, 2023. This event is an opportunity to learn and grow from each other’s cultures and heritages in celebration of the EMS community’s rich diversity, with live performances and table displays. EMS families are encouraged to participate, and their sign-up deadline is Friday, March 3.
Other upcoming community events include a return to BergenPAC for the Morrow House musical and the annual Spring Benefit on May 18, 2023. EMS families will receive details through the weekly announcement newsletter, the Wednesday Envelope, and additional emails.
Diverse and Inclusive Community
New Parents Association Affinity Groups
Established the Caregivers of Korean Students affinity group and are exploring others (e.g., Caregivers of Neurodivergent Students affinity group)
DEIB Professional Development
2 professional development days focused on DEIB for all faculty and staff
Additional Reading
All faculty and staff reading “Identity Conscious Educator”
Heritage Month Activities
are now part of Morrow House advisory
Morrow House Assemblies
include student-led content around different cultural holidays
NYAIS Diversity Job Fair
presence so that EMS can continue to hire and retain a diverse staff
Universal Statement
condemning acts of all kinds of violence and hatred, to be adopted as part of a community-wide activity; the Board of Trustees will also begin reviewing its statement on diversity
Parents Association Updates
The Parents Association will be accepting nominations soon for next year’s executive board. Every single parent and guardian at EMS is a member of the PA and is welcome to participate! Any EMS parent or guardian can nominate themselves or others. The nomination form will be included in the Wednesday Envelope in the spring.
EMS would like to thank Lauren Camarinos for her service as president of the Parents Association. Camarinos, who does much for the school community, completes her two-year term this spring. (Pictured L-R: Lauren Camarinos, Tricia Eickelberg, and Dana Ranawat at the Book Fair and Storytelling Festival)
HIGHLIGHTS FROM EMS’ DIVISIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENTS
2022–2023 State of the School: Updates from Chilton House, Little School, and Morrow House, as well as Enrollment, Advancement, Auxiliary Programs, Communications & Marketing, Facilities & Operations, Finances, and Community Highlights
