Hello, Snow!

Snow, in the eyes of children, can never come too early in the year.  Yesterday, our second graders spent their recess building the school-year's first snowman.

9th Graders...

Good to see some familiar faces at the Book Fair last night
(Photo: Ms. McConville)

EMS ELECTION DAY

This morning's debate mediated by Head of School Aaron Cooper in Morrow House.

Mirroring national events, EMS students organized and participated in it's own Election Day voting and debating.  The initiative was the culmination of months of preparation at the middle school level.  We plan on future posts to follow up on today's results.

All EMS Citizens have their say - the ballot box in Little School!

Book Fair Is On!

After a trying week, it was great to see the Annual EMS Book Fair all set up, on schedule and ready to roll this morning.  Click here for the class Book Fair visit schedule.  This morning welcomed Dr. Robert McAllister, discussing his book An Alzheimer's Love Story, pictured at right with EMS Early Childhood teacher, and daughter, Laura McConville.  There's much more planned, including visits/discussions by authors Emily Jenkins and Scott Mebus, Lower School Head Beth Brennan and, tonight, the Wine Reception!  We're looking forward to a great few days.

Update as of 11am, MON/11/5/12

Four updates from Head of School Aaron Cooper regarding school operations/schedule:  CLICK HERE.

All EMS Buildings Have Power

Yesterday's NTI message from Aaron Cooper:

http://bit.ly/YrxqGV

"We have two phone numbers that are operational: In Morrow House, please call (201) 568-1209. In Chilton House and Little School, please call (201) 500-8214. Once our regular phones are functional, I will contact you."  
~Aaron Cooper, Head of School

EMS Open Tomorrow - Monday, Nov. 5

Please read the following message from Aaron Cooper.

Our community at its best...

Even with the lights and heat out, a number of families gathered in the Gymkhana to help set up the Book Fair.
~Aaron Cooper

And Now We Wait...

Message from Head of School, Aaron Cooper regarding PSE&G and power in our area.

Dear Members of the Elisabeth Morrow Community,

I hope this finds you safe and well and digging out from the storm. I am writing to update you on the situation at Elisabeth Morrow.

As of Wednesday morning, October 31, the school remains without power. Due to the tireless work by our maintenance department, we are ready to open school as soon as power is restored. I will be in touch as soon as that occurs. If we are able to open up this week, we will hold regular school on Friday, November 2 and will work to reschedule conferences as necessary. Please plan accordingly.

Last night, I was able to attend the Englewood City Council meeting, where the Mayor and Council spoke about the situation in Englewood and reported on the results of their call with the President of PSE&G. I was also able to speak with representatives of PSE&G during the day yesterday. As you may have seen on the news, over 1.4 million customers (customer is defined as an account, so the number of people affected is much greater) were without power in New Jersey in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Over 60% of Englewood is also currently without power. PSE&G is telling all customers, from the city to individuals to large accounts like EMS, that power could be out until Monday November 5. In reality, some power will be restored before Monday and undoubtedly others will be without power beyond next Monday. PSE&G will spend the bulk of the day Wednesday working on switching stations and substations, as those need to be in working order before other problems are addressed. Afterwards, others without power are serviced in an order of priority, with schools coming after water, hospitals, fire and police stations, and some other municipal buildings. They do not yet have a time scheduled to begin working in our area. As a result, I think that school will most likely be closed for the remainder of the week. As mentioned, should power be restored earlier, I will communicate that fact immediately.

Once power is restored and we are able to open school, I will communicate alternate plans for parent-teacher conferences, potential effects on the Book Fair, and other scheduling changes. Until then, stay warm, be safe, and enjoy the unexpected time with your children. For those near Englewood, the public library is open and has power and internet (I am writing this from the library while my children stock up on books and we charge our various devices.)

I wish you all continued safety and a speedy return to power if yours is out.

My very best,

Our Good Fortune...

Our school grounds had only one tree fall and as you can see, it was a big one, but it did not strike any buildings.  We hope everyone in our community is safe, although we realize that many are trying to manage without power.  As of now, the school is also without power.  Please click this link to read this important message from Aaron Cooper regarding our status for tomorrow.