Hello, Titans!

We have had a week filled with learning, music, sports, charity, and even pajama pants! I visited classrooms this week and saw amazing uses of technology, labs requiring students to think beyond the textbook, and students teaching one another ... great things.

Things to Celebrate:

• We would like to congratulate our students who joined the National Charity League this semester. This is an excellent opportunity for these mothers and daughters to work together for the community. We are proud of Leslie Fox, Savannah George, Sophie Moore, and Ellie Sprick for taking advantage of this opportunity.
• We are excited about our purchase of an iPad Cart for the teachers. We plan to roll out teacher-use of iPads during second semester, with the goal of having them in student hands by the spring and on a larger scale by the 2013-2014 school year.
• Our P.T.A. has begun their Holiday Gram season. What better way to celebrate your child, their friend, or their teacher(s) then to send a holiday gram? Stop by the front atrium before school one day next week to see what it's all about.
• The Student Directories have arrived! Stop by the School Store before school to pick up your directory for just $6.00. Remember that only P.T.A. members may purchase, and we will have membership forms on hand for those who have not had time to join this year.
• Thank you to Crabapple Tutoring for sending yummy treats in for the staff on Thursday. Crabapple Tutoring makes so many kind gestures to support our staff on a regular basis. We are lucky to have them as a business partner.

Things to Know:

• URGENT: I want to make you aware of some games that a few of our students have been playing at home, which can be quite dangerous. These games are referred to as "Challenges." In one, they rub an eraser back and forth on their skin until it burns through. In another, they use salt and ice to do the same. In a third, they are ingesting cinnamon. The final game is the most alarming. Students press on one another's chest until they make the other person pass out from lack of oxygen. All of these games are things that students do to themselves or participate in willingly, to compare their "bravery" against one another. Needless to say, these are very dangerous, and we want you to be aware. Please take the time to check them for marks that look like burns or road rash from a fall off of a bike, and talk to them about the dangers of these games. Teachers have been asked to report to administration if they catch students doing it at school, but most of this is taking place at home. Hopefully, together, we can bring this to a stop.
• Please don't forget that we are collecting toys and food items for North Fulton Community Charities. When you go to the store this weekend, please pick up an extra item or two, and send them in with your child to the front atrium. Our final day for collection is Wednesday, December 12th, when the staff will volunteer our time after school to support this organization.
• Many items have been in Lost and Found for the entire semester. Please be sure that your child checks lost and found for any lost items. Items that remain on December 12th will be donated to NFCC as part of our drive.
• Slow Down. Be Safe. Keep our students (and staff) safe. There have been several "near misses" in the parking lots before school in the last week. We know that you are in a rush and that there does not appear to be a lot of people in the parking lot, but all it takes is one. Please be careful.
• Please do not send energy drinks to school with your student. Recent studies have shown negative reactions between ADHD medications and caffeinated drinks. Additionally, many of our Titans don't need much more energy than they already bring to us. J Please keep these drinks at home.
• Attached here, please find the Parent Compacts that we are required to collect as a Title I school. All students must complete these forms, with their signature, and their parent's signature. If you have not sent this updated compact in with your child, please print, complete, and ask them to bring it to their advisement teacher.

Did You Know?

• The teachers collaborate multiple times each week to improve their instruction. On Tuesdays and Thursdays they plan lessons, create assessments, review results, and find ways to improve their craft. On Wednesdays, they meet and talk about students that they have in common, seeking strategies to best support each and every child. We are constantly seeking the best methods to serve your children, and we will always strive to find what is best for them.

Have a great weekend!

Your partner in education,

Principal

Elkins Pointe Middle School

Empowering Students for Tomorrow's Global Society