We have had a great week here at EPMS, a positive start to the semester with students meeting their new connections teachers, starting basketball season, enrolling new students, and preparing for upcoming competitions.

Things to Celebrate:

• Congratulations to Ms. Miyuki Johnson and Ms. Karen Jones. These two teachers received our Leadership Essentials Award on January 4th. This is a district-level recognition that celebrates our leaders who create value for customers, embrace change to drive improvement, develop our capability, and lead by example. These two teachers are exemplary in all that they do, and we are lucky to have them.
• Our Title I Money is working for the students! Student participation in Saturday School steadily increased throughout first semester, resulting in over 100 students attending our final session in December. Many of the students who participate in Saturday School have been able to improve their grades in courses as a result. Thank you to all of our teachers who make this possible each Saturday!
• Did you know that over 1,000 new jobs are coming to Roswell, GA? If you are looking for a job or know somebody who is, review this article. I do not usually promote such topics, but in light of our families in need of work, this seemed newsworthy: http://roswell.patch.com/articles/gm-starts-hiring-for-roswell-it-center-right-away?ncid=newsltuspatc00000003.

Things to Know:

• Remember that report cards come home this Tuesday, January 15th. Several things will be attached to report card, including a survey. Please be sure to review and return all necessary materials.
• ITBS scores were mailed home today for 8th grade students. We apologize for the delay.
  • Some 8th graders will also receive a letter stating that they have been selected for NAEP testing (not all 8th graders). Please be sure to read the letter carefully.
• The Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy affected us all, and it was especially close to home for one of our teachers from the community. Next week, we will hold a fundraiser before school in the front atrium. Ms. Cote will be collecting donations that will be sent to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund. For every $3 donated, a bracelet in remembrance of Sandy Hook will be ordered for you. Please help Elkins Pointe support this worthy cause. (Click here for additional details and a picture of the bracelet.)
• Mrs. Okiyama's classes are collecting old eyeglasses to be donated to the Lion's Club throughout the month of January. Donations may be dropped off in room D110.
• We have a Lost & Found overflowing with jackets and coats. We have announced to the students repeatedly, but please be sure to check with your child about any items they have lost this weekend. Any clothes or items remaining at the end of the day on Monday will be donated to North Fulton Community Charities.
• Many students are excited about bringing their own technology to school and using it in class. A few of them have asked their parents to get them a phone because the school "requires" it. This is not the case. Please know that every teacher who allows students to use personal technology in class has an alternative plan for those without.
• Adult Literacy courses began this week. These courses are for our parents learning English and are held in the evenings. If you are interested, please contact Ms. Isabel Lopez (lopezi@fultonschools.org) for additional details.
• We have opened the F102 Computer Lab for student use every morning from 8:00 - 8:30am. This is reserved for students with school work that requires computer access. Students do not need a pass from their teacher, but they do need a pass from you to show the hall monitors.
• If your child is here at EPMS on a hardship, or you plan to apply for a hardship to attend a school different from your home school next year, remember that the deadline is February 15th for your application. Please stop by our guidance office to pick up your application.
• We have lots of information related to clubs and school spirit this week:
• Auditions for Drama Club are this week. Click here for more details.
• Attention Parents and New Beta Club Members: The Junior Beta Induction Ceremony will be held Wed., January 30th in the Media Center from 5:15-6:15 p.m.
• American Sign Language Club: There will be a new club for students this semester.  Mrs. Bartlett and Ms. Stiffler will be teaching American Sign Language Thursdays after school from 4:15-5:15.  This will be an introductory course in which the students will learn basic signs and sentence formulation.  Space is limited; please sign up at Ms. Stiffler's classroom D102.  For more information you may contact Mrs. Bartlett (bartlett@fultonschools.org) or Ms. Stiffler (stiffler@fultonschools.org).
• Support our PTA while choosing some great new designs for your EPMS spirit wear. Check out the PTA's store for spirit wear at http://elkinspointe.deco-apparel.com/.  

Did You Know?

• Did you know that Connections grades count toward your child's ability to earn Honor Roll? It also can put them at risk of summer school. Be sure to review Connections grades just as carefully as core classes, and discuss them with your child.

Have a lovely weekend, Titans!

Your partner in education,

Principal

Elkins Pointe Middle School

Empowering Students for Tomorrow's Global Society