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PCMS eNews
January 26, 2014
 
This Week at Peachtree.... 

1/26
Sunday
2:00 PM
PCMS Informational Meeting
(Rising 6th graders)
1/27-31
Mon-Fri

ACCESS Testing
(ESOL Students Only)
1/27-31
Mon-Fri

Soccer Tryouts
(gym)
1/28
Tuesday
5:00 PM
Farm Burger Spirit Night
(benefits PCMS Band)
1/29
Wednesday
5:00 PM
Basketball Game
PCMS vs. Druid Hills (Home)
1/29
Wednesday
6:30 PM
DeKalb School System Flexibility Meeting
(DHS)
1/31
Friday

Box Top Turn in Day
1/31
Friday

Yearbook Dedication Deadline
1/31
Friday

Deadline to Nominate for Life Changer of the Year

 

Peachtree Charter Middle School

4664 North Peachtree Road    

Dunwoody, Georgia  30338-5898 

(678) 676-7702  

   

This week's Peachtree eNEWS highlights:
This Week's Calendar
Peachtree's Teacher and Educational Support Person of the Year!
DeKalb School District Flexibility meeting
PCMS Informational Coffee (TODAY!)
Farm Burger night for the PCMS Band
DeKalb School Calendar Survey
Dunwoody Chamblee Parents Council
Please Enter Your Volunteer Hours today!
6th Annual Youth Anti-Violence Contest
Girls Lacrosse
Soccer Tryouts
Yearbook Dedications
Nominate a LifeChanger!
DeKalb School of the Arts Applications
Chess Club
Annual Fund Drive

Volunteer Corner
Elana Morris [email protected] or  Bill McDonald [email protected]  
 
Quick Links

School Calendar 2013-14

 

PCMS Website    

  

The Patriot Press 

  

Join PCMS E-News  

 

eSIS login


Partners in Education
 
Bank of North Georgia 
Cartridge World 
Chick-fil-A 
Domino's 
Dunwoody Rotary Club 
Huntington Learning Center 
Jersey Mike's 
Kaplan Orthodontics 
Kroger 
Nokia Siemens Networks 
Northside Hospital 
Pearle Vision 
Plantation South  of Dunwoody 
Rita's Italian Ice 
Shane's Rib Shack 
Subway  
Peachtree's Teacher of the Year and Educational Support Professional of the Year!

Peachtree Charter Middle School's  Foundation and Parent Teacher Charter Council (PTCC) are proud to announce our TOY and ESPY.  

Congratulations to our art teacher, Michele Anne Cygnarowicz on Teacher of the Year (TOY) and William Ste. Marie on Educational Support Professional of the Year (ESPY)! 

You are both an inspiration to the students, teachers, parents, and staff at Peachtree Middle and make a big impact on improving our students' lives at PCMS!  THANK YOU for all your contributions to the positive learning environment at Dunwoody's middle school.  PCMS's  Foundation has awarded each recipient a $250 gift and our PTCC has presented each with a engraved plaque and monogrammed TOY/ESPY fleece jacket. 

Shown from left: PCMS Foundation Board Members: Principal Scott Heptinstall,  Lyn Brown, Karen Courtney, Allegra Johnson (chair), ESPY William Ste. Marie, TOY Michele Anne Cygnarowicz, Carole Dunn, Fran Fuller, Melissa Humphries, Sarah Smith (chair PTCC). 

 

School System Flexibility and the DeKalb County School District

 

 

The DeKalb County School District has an opportunity to completely change how the district operates, how its schools are governed, and what accountability measures are appropriate.

The district has convened a committee to review these options. Known as the Flexibility Advisory Committee (FAC) it is comprised of parents, community members, school staff, and district office personnel; but, the district would also like to hear from all parents, staff, and community members as well.

For this reason, five community engagement meetings have been scheduled during January, with at least one meeting occurring in each Region. Anyone interested in learning more about these flexibility options and providing input into the decision-making process are encouraged to attend these sessions.

Region I Dunwoody High School January 29
@ 6:30 PM


We thank you in advance for your participation and look forward to seeing you soon!

Contact:
Trenton Arnold
678.676.0671
[email protected]

 

PCMS Informational Coffee for Prospective Parents

" Date Change Due To Super Bowl:   PCMS Rising 6th grade Coffee date is changed to January 26th. The Feb 2nd date is cancelled due to Super Bowl Sunday."

 

  

Peachtree Charter Middle School invites all parents of 5th graders to an informational coffee to learn more about PCMS and what you need to know to prepare your rising 5th grader for middle school.

The next informational coffee will be held in the PCMS Media Center on Sunday, January 26th, at 2:00pm. The informational session will last 1 hour and will be followed by a school tour.  You will receive information about the summer bridge program offered to 6th graders to help with the transition to PCMS, typical 6th grade schedules, band/orchestra/choral offerings, daily PE, and the accelerated math program.  You will also have the opportunity to ask questions of the school's principal and teachers.


Additionally, PCMS Spirit Wear will be available for purchase following the coffees in the school store from 3:00-4:00pm. Cash or check only.

 

Tours of PCMS are offered to parents by appointment if you are not able to attend. 

 

PCMS Band - Farm Burger Spirit Night  



Please join us at Farm Burger on Tuesday 1/28 from 5-8 pm for a spirit night supporting the PCMS band.  Farm Burger will donate 10% of all proceeds from the night to support the band.  Thank you for your support!
  

 

    

DeKalb School Calendar Survey for 2014-2015

In accordance with Policy AEA, the 2014-2015 Calendar Committee is charged with developing calendar options and submitting a calendar recommendation to the Superintendent. Superintendent, Michael Thurmond, will make a recommendation to the DeKalb County Board of Education on February 3, 2014.

 

The Calendar Committee is focusing on a traditional calendar option for the following reasons:

 

* To remain focused on enhancing instructional programs while

   addressing the AdvancED/SACS' recommendations to ensure continuous

   improvement and long-term sustainability;

* To address indicators that impact student achievement as outlined

   within The Bridge Initiative; and

* To align the District's calendar with other similarly sized

   districts in close geographic proximity.

 

The DeKalb County School District's Calendar Committee is exploring two similar calendar options. Both calendars include the following attributes:

 

180 days of instruction - 88 in first semester, 92 in second semester

* 190 teacher days including one evening workday comprised of

   parent-teacher conferences (2 per semester)

* 5 teacher workdays before the first day of school

* Holidays for all - Labor Day, Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Day, and

   President's Day

* Thanksgiving break - November 24-28, 2014

* Winter break - December 22, 2014 - January 2, 2015

* Post planning 1st semester/Pre-planning 2nd semester - January 5,

   2015

* First day of 2nd semester - January 6, 2015

* Spring Break - April 6 - 10, 2015 (coincides with most metro area

   districts)

* Last day of school for students - May 22, 2015

* Post planning 2nd semester - May 26-27, 2015

 

The major differences between the two calendar options are pre-planning days for teachers and the first day of school for students. One calendar option begins the school year with pre-planning for teachers on Monday, August 4, 2014, and the first day of school for students on Monday, August 11, 2014. *The other calendar option begins the school year with pre-planning for the teachers on Wednesday, July 30, 2014, and the first day of school for students on Wednesday, August 6, 2014.

 

*NOTE: The earlier start date provides the flexibility to include a fall mini break (3 weekdays and 2 weekend days). Although there are several possibilities for the fall mini break, the committee will consider the testing schedules.

 

Please complete the short survey about the calendar options. The survey link will expire at noon on Wednesday, January 29th. This is not a vote but rather an opportunity to receive input from the community and stakeholders. In order to ensure that your responses are recorded, select the DONE button at the end of the survey. Please complete the survey only once. Thank you in advance for providing valuable feedback.

 

 Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DCSDCalendarinput20142015 

 

 

Dunwoody Chamblee Parents' Council

The next Dunwoody Chamblee Parents' Council meeting is Wed, Feb 5th.  Refreshments start at 8:45 am; meeting starts at 9:15 am.    

 

Topic: Movement and Structured Exercise Initiatives

Primary Speaker: Randy Olmstead fromSPARK
 

Location:    

Hightower Elementary 

4236 Tilly Mill Road
Doraville, GA 30360

 

We will also be sharing and discussing movement and exercise initiatives happening at our local schools.  We hope you can make it! 

 

Future Meeting Schedule:

March 5th - Health and Wellness Roundtable

April 2nd - Cyber Safety (Evening Meeting)

May 7th - Looking Forward to 2014-2015

 

If you missed our last meeting about college prep, you can find our meeting notes  online.

 

Here are direct links to our previous meeting notes: 

November - School System Flexibility

October - Assessment and Performance Measurements

Sept - Superintendent Michael Thurmond

 

Enter Your Volunteer Hours!
We are adding up all of the volunteer hours for the first semester and wanted to remind you of a few things:
  • According to our charter, all Peachtree families are required to volunteer 10 hours per year
  • Peachtree gets credit for having great family involvement when we are applying for grants but we have to show we have the hours
  • Almost everything you do at or near PCMS counts!  
    • Donations are 1 hour for every $10
    • Attending band/orchestra/chorus concerts counts as volunteering!
    • Attending basketball games or other sports events counts
    • One track meet would be practically all of your hours!
    • Attending honors assemblies also counts as volunteering
    • Attending the CV Classic or Drama fall festival counts!
    • Attending the student showcase counts
  • Its easy to enter your hours...just CLICK HERE.  You can also always find the link permanently placed on the sidebar of every edition of the PCMS eNews and on the PCMS website homepage.
  • Enter your hours and show your commitment to PCMS!
  • Its not too late to enter your time for the first semester ... do it now!  
6th Annual Youth Anti-Violence Contest

The 6th Annual Youth Anti-Violence Contest is well underway, and is now open to all students ages 8-19.  This is an opportunity for youth to share their artwork, poetry, essays, or :60 sec video skits on the topics of bullying or teen safe driving. St
  • Students in grades  3rd-5th may submit artwork or poetry on the topic of bullying.
  • Students in grades 6th-12th may submit poetry, artwork or a :60 sec video skit on DVD representing the topics of teen driver safety or bullying. 
  • An incentive will be awarded to the teacher and classroom of the winning 3rd-5th grade student.  

Click the hyperlinks for the contest rules and entry form or visit www.ryancameron.org

 

The deadline for all submissions is Friday, February 14, 2014

Girls Lacrosse  

 

 

Dunwoody Girls Lacrosse season practice begins on Monday (01/27/14) with Head Coach Rowe. A current Dekalb County physical is required to participate. We invite all PCMS to join us. Please visit our website for complete details: www.DunwoodyGirlsLacrosse.org  

 

 

    

Soccer Tryouts   

   

 

Soccer tryouts will be held the week of January 27th-31st. The Girls will try out on the 27th and 29th and the boys on the 28th and 30th. Please meet in the gym. Tryouts will be from 4:15 - 5:45. In order to try out, the students will need a current physical that is within one year of the try out date.


 
Yearbook Dedications


"Attention 8th grade parents: The PCMS Yearbook is again selling dedications for 8th grade students. In order to purchase a dedication by the deadline of January 31 please visit  http://www.peachtreechartermiddleschool.org/8th-grade-yearbook-dedication-form.html 

 

Once the order is complete you will be contacted by the yearbook representative, Mr. Ted Ward, confirming your order and specifying the payment method and delivery.

 

If you have any questions about dedications please contact Mr. Ward at [email protected].


Time to Nominate for LifeChanger of the Year    

   

National Life Group is pleased to reward those school district employees who exemplify excellence, positive influence and leadership through our LifeChanger of the Year program.

 

Nominations are now open for our 2013 - 2014 LifeChanger of the Year program. Ten honorees will be recognized annually and awarded with a personal cash prize from $1500-$5000 and a $1500-$5000 school donation. The nomination period will close on January 31, 2014. LifeChanger winners will be announced in the Spring of 2014.

                .

Nomination Procedures

Anyone, including school employees and administrators, may nominate educators and employees for the LifeChanger of the Year award. Students also are welcome to make nominations, but need to have support from a teacher or administrator. A selection committee from National Life Group will review the nominees and determine the top 10 winners based on our set criteria. 

 

Eligibility

All K-12 education professionals and school district employees are eligible to participate. Nominees must be full-time educators, teachers, principals, or any member of the school's staff who makes a positive difference in the lives of students. The LifeChanger of the Year will be awarded without regard to race, gender, religion, age, national origin or disability. 

 

Selection Criteria

Each award winner will be selected based on the following criteria:

  •  A proven ability to make a beneficial difference in the lives ofstudents
  •  An ability to positively add to the development of the school's atmosphere
  • A leader in his or her activities at the school and/or district level
  • A proven record of excellent performance at the professional level 
  • A commitment to producing a nurturing atmosphere

Form: 

 https://www.nationallifegroup.com/publicsite/views/NominationForm.aspx

 

Info & Prizes: http://lifechangeroftheyearnominees.com  


            Dekalb School of the Arts

Applications for the DeKalb School of the Arts have arrived and are
available in the Counseling Office.  The applications are ONLY available to those 7th and 8th graders who have maintained a 3.0 grade point average with no D's or F's in the previous Spring or Fall semesters.  Please
have your child stop by the Counseling Office to pick up an application if
you are interested in applying to the Dekalb School of the Arts, and meet
these criteria.  Application deadline is February 7, at 2:00 PM. Parents,
once you complete the application you must mail them to the DeKalb School
of the Arts. The information is on the form.

 

Chess Club at Peachtree Charter Middle School 

  

Championship Chess presents a systematic, fun way to build chess skills during chess instruction and while students play. Studies show that chess improves math, reading and problem-solving and our methods connect these academic benefits to our classes. Classes include instruction as well as chess play and guided analysis. 

 

Coach Steve Schneider has been a teacher and chess coach for over 25 years. Championship Chess teams have won local, regional, state and national tournaments. Coaches utilize the Championship Chess curriculum introducing, reinforcing and improving chess skills and strategies in the opening, middle and end game.  

  • Day and Time:Thursdays after school from 4:00 - 5:00pm
  • Dates: Spring session February 20 to May 1. No chess: April 10.
  • Who can play:Any student whether or not they know how to play. There must be at least 10 registered.
  • Cost: Spring session EARLY REGISTRATION by February 18 is $120. Late registration from February 19 the cost is $135.
  • Registration/Payment: Online with a credit or debit card at www.championshipchess.net  click "Register and Pay - School Chess Clubs". You will receive an automated email payment receipt. For an alternate method of payment, email [email protected] with your request.
  • **Championship Chess Family Connection - your link to material and activities to reinforce and improve chess skills and strategies for all currently registered chess players. New registrants will receive a separate invitation.
     

Suggested Tournaments: [If you are not receiving our regular email announcements, please contact us]

 

  • Sat., February 8, Regional - Metro K-8 Team State Qualifier Tournament -  Your school has a good chance to be a top winner at the Regional tournament [GCA Event] Register: www.georgiachess.org
  • Monday, February 17, Winter Blast Tournament, Garden Plaza Hotel, 6050 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross (Championship Chess event) Register: www.championshipchess.net
  • April 25-27, National Junior High (K-9) Championship - Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Peachtree St. (USCF tournament)

Free Chess Clubs:

  • NE Spruill Oaks Library - Mondays, 6:15 to 7:45pm, dates January 27 - April 21, 2014
  • Gwinnett Place Mall every FRIDAY 6:00-8:00pm in the food court. Coach Parnell 404.408.6256

Go to www.championshipchess.net and click calendar to keep up with upcoming chess events.

Follow us on www.facebook.com/championshipchess

 

In the 3 samples below explain the best move. Bring your answers to the first class.

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