Principal's Message
Dear Emery Community,
It’s time to soar into the 2025–2026 school year and what a year it’s going to be! I’m
thrilled to welcome our students, staff, and families back to campus for another exciting
year of learning, growth, and connection.
I hope your summer was filled with joyful family time, rest, and maybe a great book or
two. I revisited The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt—a powerful read for any
parent navigating the world of youth, technology, and social media. I highly recommend
it! It inspired me to take a closer look at the importance of play and digital citizenship.
At Emery, we’re committed to developing learning balance and responsible digital
citizens while using technology to spark curiosity, build skills, and prepare students for
the future.
It also sparked a renewed focus on our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and
Supports), which I’m excited to share with you throughout the year! We are committed
to teaching students autonomy in problem-solving, developing positive social skills, and
building strong relationships that contribute to the supportive and engaging learning
environment every student deserves. More to come!
What’s New at Emery?
We’re excited to welcome several new team members to our Emery
family:
● Ms. Stephanie Moon & Mrs. Emilia Goodrich – TK Teachers
● Ms. Alyssa Garza – Kindergarten Teacher
● Mrs. Michelle Batchler – Resource Specialist
● Ms. Rachel Rathjen – School Psychologist
● Mrs. Arla Little – now serving as our Assistant Principal
Their passion and expertise will strengthen our already exceptional staff.
New Bell Schedule for Emery 25-26 (link)
Our Vision for 2025–2026
At Emery, every child is encouraged to believe in themselves, belong to a caring and
supportive community, and become the best version of who they are meant to be. Our
staff has been hard at work building curriculum maps that are engaging, rigorous, and
rooted in 21st-century skills. With a strong emphasis on STEAM content integration and
interactive learning, we’re making sure every moment counts—so attendance all 180
school days is more important than ever!
We will continue with our excellent P.E. Program and have revamped our VAPA (Visual
and Performing Arts Program) to include singing, dancing, and theatre arts! It's going to
be exciting for our students!
Stay Connected
● The Aeries Parent Portal is open! Please complete Data
Confirmation as soon as possible to update your contact info,
permissions, and emergency contacts. Each child should be done
individually.
● Teacher assignments will be posted in Aeries on August 8 at 4:00 PM.
(As a reminder, we do not accept teacher requests. Our placement process is
thoughtful and based on student needs, program balance, and teacher
strengths.)
● Website: Is under construction and you will begin so see changes and updates
son. Visit the school calendar on our website https://emery.bpsd.us/
regularly, as it’s being updated with important events and activities throughout
the year.
Here is a link to the BPSD Instructional Calendar for Important Dates
TK /Kinder Students Soaring Start Dates
If your child is entering TK or K they are invited to come meet the teachers
and take a short assessment to help our teachers balance our classrooms
for the 25-26 school year. Please click on the link that applies to your child
below for specific assessment dates according to your child’s last name.
TK Soaring Start Info (click here)
Kindergarten Soaring Start Info (click here)
Also, TK/K are invited to come to Meet the teacher day on August
8th! Make sure you add it to your schedule:
TK - Get room assignment 7:45 - 8:00 / Meet the Teacher
8:00-8:45 am
Kinder - Arrive at 8:40 for teacher assignments / Meet the Teacher
9:00-10:00 am
Monday, August 11, 2025
● Early Release Schedule:
○ TK & Kinder: 12:20 PM
○ Grades 1–5: 12:30 PM
At this time, there are no scheduled campus tours prior to the first day of school. Rest
assured, we will have plenty of staff available to assist and guide you and your child to
their classroom on the first day.
Parents are welcome to walk their child to class on the first day; however, we kindly ask
that you plan to say your goodbyes promptly, as we begin fostering student
independence from day one.
Please note that Emery is a closed campus. Beginning on the second day of school, we
will resume regular safety procedures. This includes:
● Student drop-off at the front gate
● All visitors must check in at the front office
● A valid driver’s license is required for clearance through our Raptor Visitor
Management System
These protocols are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. We
appreciate your support and cooperation.
Free Lunches will be provided this year to any student that would like to
eat at school. However students may bring a healthy (low sugar lunch) if
they would like.
Summer Packets = Eagle Rewards
Did your child bring home a summer packet to
keep their skills sharp over the break? We hope they had
fun practicing and staying brain-strong all summer long!
If your child completed their packet, make sure
they bring it back on the first day of school to collect a
prize. These students will also be entered into a special
prize drawing for a chance to win an awesome Eagle
reward! Let’s celebrate their effort, dedication, and love
of learning!
Go Eagles!
Drop-Off/ Pick-Up, Parking & Safety (Map Link)
With nearly 650 students, opening day will be full of excitement! Please follow
all drop-off procedures and assigned parking guidelines.
A map detailing your child’s assigned drop-off/pick per grade is as follows:
★ 1st-5th Grade Walkers or Bike Riders - Use GATE 3 by the front office.
★ TK/K Students - Please walk children to GATE 2 for a safe hand-off and pick up.
★ 1st/2nd Graders - Drive Through Use GATE 1
★ 3rd/4th/5th Graders - Drive Through Use GATE 4
Please adhere to the designated paths to ensure a smooth and safe traffic flow.
Please do NOT make U-Turns in front of our school. Drive to the end of the Somerset
cul-de-sac instead so as not to cause a traffic jam.
Bus Riders- This is highly encouraged!
Please click here for a bus application on our district website.
These students receive front-of-school service and arrive on time
for breakfast. For bus pick up, students are picked up at the
Kenwood Gate.
TK/K students will be picked up by and aide and walked to the
bus at the end of the day.
Plan ahead and arrive early, and let’s show respect, patience, and kindness to one
another. A strong start sets the tone for a fantastic year!
Let’s make this a year of believing in potential, belonging to something meaningful, and
becoming all we are meant to be—together.
With great enthusiasm,
Rebecca Taylor
Principal, Charles G. Emery Elementary School
