NASPE STARS School (2008-2013) Emerson Middle School 8101 N. Cumberland Niles IL 60714 847-318-8705 [ district website ] Vicki Mogil, Principal Physical Education Teachers: Emilia H. Pasier, Contact Teacher Aaron Schauer Lisa Nelson Rob DeMano Kelly Van Horn

Emerson Middle School is located in a working class suburban community that is experiencing steady growth. At this time, the school district has little ethnic and racial diversity. Parent involvement with the schools is high and the public and local parochial schools work closely and share a number of indoor and outdoor facilities. The school is one of two middle schools in the school district. It is comprised of over 750 students of sixth, seventh and eighth graders. The physical education department employs five full time, physical education certified teachers. Three of the teachers have earned Masters Degrees (one in Adapted Physical Education).

Emerson operates on a trimester schedule. They have a strong core/encore program which has earned them acknowledgement as an AIMS Demonstration School. As part of the encore program, students participate in physical education five days a week for 40 minutes each day, all year. The physical education curriculum encompasses a blend of sport, leisure and fitness activities (including team/individual sports, rhythms and dance, fitness and team building.) In addition to the instructional program, the physical education department has been successful in raising money for charitable organizations (American Heart Association and Victims of Katrina) through student participation in physical activity events.