April 19, 2013

Hello, Titans.

This week has been a week of reflection at Elkins Pointe Middle School. At the close of CRCT testing on Wednesday, we held a moment of silence for the families in Boston. Some teachers have discussed the tragedy with their classes, and the students have had opportunities to ask questions and clarify understanding. We also managed to stay focused on instruction this week, with a successful close to CRCT and a renewed focus on instruction for these last five weeks of school.

Celebrations:

• Please don't forget that "A Night in Paris," the 8th grade Dance is coming up on May 3rd from 7:00-9:30. Mark your calendars, shop for dresses, and don't forget to buy your tickets so that your students do not miss out on the fun. Tickets will be on sale in the front atrium starting next week. The P.T.A. is also seeking parents to donate desserts and beverages. Please use this link to sign up and donate: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0548A4A822A64-8thgrade
• Thank you to Kristine Jones, who recently donated 45 books to the media center, the majority of which will become part of our permanent library. It was very generous, and they were titles that fit right in with what is popular in our library.  Thank you!
• Let's take a moment to celebrate our teachers and reward them for their hard work. Inter-State Studio, our photography company, is hosting their first-ever Teacher of the Year Contest to recognize the teachers who are making a difference not only in the classroom, but in the lives of their students.  Students, parents, faculty, staff and administrators are all encouraged to submit a nomination.  Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries.  First place will receive a $300 classroom grant and a plaque of recognition.  Second and third place will each receive a $100 classroom grant as well as a plaque of recognition. We sincerely apologize for the late notice, but the deadline for registration is TODAY April 19, 2013, and the winners will be announced on May 6, 2013. For more information, rules and regulations, or to enter please visit:  http://www.inter-state.com/teacher-of-the-year.
• Finally, thank you so much for all of your support this week with our effort to win the High Five Field Trip program provided by Fox 5 News. When voting closed this morning, EPMS had 23,930 votes, exceeding Woodland Middle School, a fellow Fulton County School by only 1,111 votes. Obviously both schools have an enormous amount of support from our communities, and we are so pleased about our opportunity. It is critical that students have their "Media Release" box filled out in the Student Agendas prior to Thursday, April 25th, so that it easy for us determine which students can be filmed. Please be sure to do so as soon as possible. It is near the front of the agenda, behind the section about Elkins Pointe policies and procedures.

Be in the Know:

• Have you heard the final decision about where to build the school extension, between here and Crabapple Middle School? Click here to read the details.
• A TASTE OF BROADWAY - EPMS DESSERT THEATRE: May 1-2 7 P.M., Tickets: $5 advance tickets/$7 at the door (Buy 3 get the 4th FREE). EPMS Drama Club has created a showcase of Broadway's most successful and memorable musicals. Bring your family and enjoy a sweet treat while the students take the stage. Share Phantom's "Music of the Night", Billy Elliot's "Electricity" and songs from Les Miserables. The night promises to finish with a can't sit still feeling with Hairspray's "You Can't Stop the Beat".
• Don't forget about Roswell Relay for Life on May 3rd, the same night as the 8th Grade Dance. After I have the chance to see the students arrive and enjoy the dance, I will head over to join the EPMS Titan Up team. We look forward to seeing you there.
  • You can help support this event by joining the  "Spirit Night" hosted by Aurora Cineplex & The Fringe Miniature Golf on Monday April 22nd. 15% of the proceeds come to Relay for Life when a person says "I am here for Relay for Life!" Click here to see the flyer with more details.
• Milton XC runners will be visiting Elkins Pointe on Wednesday, April 30th from 8:15 - 8:45 (or when the bell rings) to provide information to anyone interested in running Cross Country in the Fall.  Please stop by and ask them questions.  A parents meeting is set for Monday, May 13th at Milton High School's cafeteria if you are interested in learning more. 
• Please be advised the Rising 9th Grade Parent Meeting that is scheduled at RHS next Thursday, April 25th is at 6:00pm.  Our website had a typo that stated 6:45pm. 
• Are you aware of the opportunities provided by the Georgia Games Scholastic Sports Olympiad? It is a statewide sports and fitness competition between all of the schools in the State of Georgia. As many talented athletes as we have here at EPMS, I wanted to be sure to pass on this opportunity. Learn more at: http://georgiagames.org/Scholastic%20Sports%20Olympiad%20Brochure.pdf. 
• Do you have a future Milton Eagle in your home that is interested in Cheerleading? Click here to learn more about Milton Junior Eagle Try-Outs.
• One of our parents, Ms. Griggs is working on a service project called "Single Soldier Baskets," creating welcome baskets for single soldiers returning home. When these soldiers return home, sometimes they need to wait days before simple items, that we take for granted, are granted to them. Would you like to help? Click here to learn more, and you can donate goods to EPMS, and we'll give them to Ms. Griggs to support her efforts to serve those who serve our country. 

Did You Know? 

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Keeping your Family Strong: Every family has strengths, and every family faces challenges.  Protective factors are the strengths and resources that families draw on when life gets difficult. Building on these strengths is a proven way to keep the family strong and prevent child abuse and neglect. Click here for some tips about supporting your children at home.

Have a great weekend, Titans.