Hello, Titans!

What a lovely week as we prepare for final exams and winter break. The 8th grade Orchestra performed beautifully Thursday night, students have been taking advantage of help sessions to get ready for their exams, and (as always) the Holiday Gram Fundraiser for PTA was a great success!

Things to Celebrate:

• I am pleased to report that Wednesday night's holiday outing for the staff was a wonderful event. Not only did we enjoy our time of philanthropy and fellowship at NFCC, but you helped us collect over 100 toys for children in need as well as more than 300 food items to keep their food bank full during this holiday season. Thank you, as always, for your support of our charitable efforts.
• Kudos to Ms. Okiyama's classes who were recently featured in the Roswell Patch. Check out the good news: http://roswell.patch.com/announcements/pennies-for-peace-fundraiser
• We are starting a DRAMA CLUB second semester! It will be for all grade levels and serves to foster an interest in the performing arts. Students will work with acting, production, and stage work culminating with a production in the spring. Drama Club consists of two groups of students: the play cast and the stage crew.  Being a part of Drama Club is a commitment through mid-May. This year (2012-2013), drama club will be putting on 1 show, A Night of Broadway.  This year's show will be in the Spring with two performances. Please see the attached application for stage crew, to be returned to Mr. DeHart in F112.
• And last, but certainly not least, have you heard that our ITBS scores showed gains in all areas this year? In fact, we were one of only three middle schools in the county that showed gains across the board. We are so excited to see that results are showing what we already know: we are doing great things around here.

Things to Know:

• I know that parents are aware that students return to school on January 7th. A few of the students have found a type-o in the agenda that is a bit confusing, with two different dates listed. Please make sure all of our Titans come back to us on January 7th to start next semester.
• Great news! Next week all of our buses should be here by dismissal, due to high school letting out early. Please expect second load bus riders to be home earlier than usual.
• This spring the Roswell Recreation and Parks Department will offer a Boys Junior Select Lacrosse team and a Girls Junior Select Lacrosse team. The Junior Select teams are open to players in the 6th and 7th grade (ages 11 and 12 as of 9/1/12). Try-outs for the teams will be held on 1/12/13 for girls and 1/9/13 and 1/12/13 for boys. The registration/try-out fee will be $162 resident, and $243 non-resident (there will be additional fees associated with the program for uniforms, tournaments, etc.). Players that do not make a select team will be placed into the recreational lacrosse program. Interested participants can register online at www.roswellgov.com. For more information, please contact Craig Fuller at 770-569-9746. Boy's registration code 33018-01, Girl's registration code 33018-02.
• Flu Season is upon us ... please help us keep our Titans safe by reading this article for suggestions and tips.

 Did You Know?

• This month our PTA purchased 5 Mobi Boards for teachers who submitted Mini-Grants. This means that we now have Mobi boards in all Science and Math classes, as well as nearly 10 additional classes. These Mobi Boards are a slate technology that allows the teacher to move about the room while working "on the board," and students can join in as well. PTA has played a large part in our efforts to make technology a part of daily life here at EPMS. Remember, it's never too late to join PTA and show your support!

This will be my final newsletter for the 2012 calendar year. Have a great holiday. I wish you all a happy holiday season and a healthy New Year!

Your partner in education,

Principal

Elkins Pointe Middle School

Empowering Students for Tomorrow's Global Society