The Elisabeth Morrow School remains committed to fostering a community where every member feels a sense of belonging. Efforts related to community life, equity, and inclusion have been advanced collaboratively across departments and through partnerships among the Parents Association, faculty, staff, and administration. Together, these groups carried forward the school’s ongoing work to create equitable processes, enrich student experiences, and strengthen connections among families.
Parents Association Leadership
Over the past year, the Elisabeth Morrow School Parents Association (PA) mobilized a robust network of over 100 dedicated parent leaders. This comprehensive group — including class parents, affinity group facilitators, committee chairs, event leaders, and executive board members — successfully modeled strong community engagement and organizational leadership for all incoming and current EMS families.
Community Events and Traditions
The PA continued to enhance signature events, balancing tradition with fresh elements at the Fall Festival, Book Fair & Storytelling Festival, and Culture Fair. These gatherings foster community connection among students, parents, caregivers, and faculty.
To further strengthen relationships and celebrate the school community, the PA also organized the following events:
- Hosted a welcome breakfast for all parents in September as well as a variety of grade-level playdates, parent meetups, and divisional events throughout the year.
- Organized concert receptions, classroom celebrations, and ice skating outings at Van Saun Park and Englewood Field Club.
- Honored faculty and staff with the Faculty Tea at the Book Fair, Teacher Appreciation Week festivities, Faculty & Staff Gift Fund, and the end-of-year appreciation luncheon.
Community Highlights
- Community Service Committee: Coordinated the “All Wrapped Up” holiday gift drive last December, supporting Bergen County families in need.
- Health & Wellness Committee: Raised funds for the Lewin Walk, organized family ice skating, and launched a new walking club this past spring.
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee: Expanded the Culture Fair with new formats and an improved Gymkhana layout, highlighting countries and regions represented by EMS families, while celebrating the diversity and connections that make EMS so special.
- Green Committee: Hosted the annual Earth Day Celebration at the Tenafly Nature Center this past April, raising environmental awareness and funds for the Center. This committee also hosted a popular EMS clothing and sports-gear swap at the Fall Festival as well as a book swap at the Book Fair earlier this month.
- IFF Committee: Looks forward to hosting the biennial International Food Festival in February 2026, a culinary celebration that highlights the cultural diversity and shared traditions of our school community.
Building Community Through Affinity
Our identity-based affinity groups continued to evolve in 2024–2025, providing opportunities for parents and caregivers to connect and collaborate around shared experiences and identities. These groups help strengthen a sense of belonging within the EMS community while supporting school-wide cultural learning.
Throughout the year, affinity groups facilitated student-centered cultural shares during Little School assemblies, helping children build appreciation for world cultures and empowering them to share their own traditions. Several groups also hosted communitywide events:
- Parents and caregivers of Jewish students held a Hanukkah celebration for the community last year and will continue the tradition next month, sharing the holiday’s traditions and significance.
- Parents and caregivers of Black students held a Black History Month celebration for the community, highlighting influential Black innovators and inventors such as Nikki Giovanni. They will host again this February, spotlighting a new set of notable Black leaders.
- The PA DEI Committee led the biennial Culture Fair, which celebrated, raised awareness of, and reflected the school community’s cultures, heritages, and family identities through music, crafts, and games.
Lifelong Learners
In September 2025, members of our community came together for an insightful conversation focused on our shared summer read, “Building Resilience in Children and Teens” by Kenneth R. Ginsburg, M.D. Led by Head of School Marek Beck, Ph.D., and Jacklyn Beck, the conversation focused on strategies for boosting confidence and fostering lifelong grit.
Also at the start of the 2025–2026 academic year, Jason Craige Harris of Pollyana, Inc. led a dynamic session that ensured EMS faculty and staff would be equipped with the essential tools for building and maintaining healthy relationships with students, colleagues, and families. His work emphasizes building meaningful connections, navigating differences, and repairing trust — all vital elements for a thriving and inclusive school community.
2025–2026 State of the School Reports: Chilton House (age 2–K), Little School (grades 1–4), Morrow House (grades 5–8), Advancement, Auxiliary Programs, Communications and Marketing, Community Life, Enrollment, Facilities and Operations, and Finances.
