Hello, Titans!

As we settle into summer, I would like to take a moment to thank you, once again, for all that you do to make this community the best that it can be. We have had an amazing year, with results to back it up. We brought several new teachers on board, who have proven to be excellent additions to our team. We brought back the tradition of an all-day Battle of the Titans, which the students loved. I could go on and on about what made this year so special, but as I know you would like to get back to your vacations, I will get to the notes.

Celebrations:

• Many 8th grade parents asked for links to the videos that were shared on the last day of school. We have loaded the videos to our website. Look for the videos on the right hand side of the screen. http://school.fultonschools.org/ms/elkinspointe/Pages/default.aspx
• Congratulations to Sensei Miyuki Johnson, who was contacted by the American Association of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ) president to attend the National Japanese Exam (NJE) summer workshop, along with selected professors and teachers in the nation.  
• We are pleased to announce that Seth Gamba has been selected to present at the ASTA National Conference (American String Teacher's Association). Such an honor!
• We would like to celebrate Veena Jaipradeep, outgoing 8th grade student. On the last day of school she received the Daughters of the American Revolution Award, a very special award granted to students who practice good citizenship and contribute to their community. As Veena's parting gift to the school, she donated a brand new laptop computer for a needy family:   just one example of the many ways she has supported the EPMS community during her three years at EPMS. Thank you, and congratulations again, Veena.
• We are pleased to add a few additional names to our students who received perfect scores on the CRCT. In addition to those celebrated at the ceremonies on the last day, we would like to honor these students for perfect scores in the following subjects. Congratulations!
  • 7th-Connor Pursell ELA
  • 6th-William Caldwell Science
  • 6th-Connor Gasgarth Science
  • 6th -Morgan Pickett Reading

Be In the Know:

• Summer Hours: Office hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00 - 4:00. The office will be open for registration and walk-in visitors on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00-3:00. We are accepting appointments on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
• As we speak, we are finalizing report cards and plan to get them in the mail this Friday. Remember that we will not mail report cards home for students that have lost a textbook and/or have fines at the school. If you do not receive your report card by Friday of next week, please be sure to come to the school and pay your student's fines so that you can receive the report card.
• Individual CRCT reports have not arrived so they will not be mailed home. When they arrive, we will send out a notification so that you can come by the school to pick them up on a Tuesday or Thursday of your choosing.
• Summer School begins Monday. If you are unsure of whether your child should be attending, please call the school to ask. Remember that if your child misses more than me day of summer school, they will not receive credit, so it is important to make sure they arrive on Monday and register. The entrance to summer school will be on the right side of the building, on the 7th grade hallway - FYI.
• Information Day will be held on August 7th. Please note that the 6th graders will come from 10:00am until 12:00pm, while the 7th and 8th graders will come together, from the hours of 1:00pm-3:00pm.  
• Remember that all students must have a new affidavit of residency each year. Take advantage of summer hours to get that taken care of. Click here to access forms: http://portal.fultonschools.org/departments/Academics/Support_Services/Pages/AffidavitofResidencyResidenceVerification.aspx  Don't forget to bring the necessary documentation as well. If you get these completed before Information Day, you will be able to avoid long lines. For those that are returning, we plan to change the set up for parents who have already submitted their affidavits, so I promise that the line actually will move quickly for you.

Summer Events and Club Information:

• Click here for information that we've put together for the community.
• Milton Jr Lady Eagles Feeder Fastpitch Softball Tryouts Coming Up:  What:   Fall 2013 Milton Jr Lady Eagles Feeder Fastpitch Softball Tryouts. When:   June 17th, 18th, 19th (Monday - Wednesday) Where: Milton High School Softball Field Time:    6:00PM - 8:00PM. Open to rising 6th, 7th, 8th graders. Visit their website for more information and handouts: http://www.eteamz.com/miltonladyeaglesfeedersoftball.
• HEAR YE, HEAR YE! Future Judges, Lawyers, Police Chiefs & Politicians, Our Jr. DA Program is for YOU!!! Every Tuesday and Thursday in July, rising 7th & 8th graders from Fulton County/Atlanta will participate in a free and fun law-related program. Jr. District Attorneys experience field trips and one-on-one meetings with City, County and State officials. The deadline to apply is June 1, 2013. Space is limited! This summer program is sponsored by the Fulton County District Attorney's Office. For more information: Kenya Johnson, Director of Youth Programs, District Attorney's Office, 136 Pryor St SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, 404-612-4206, kenya.johnson@fultoncountyga.gov
• Rising Milton 9th Graders -- Opportunity to Join Milton Color Guard!The 2013 Milton High School Marching Band is looking for rising Milton 9th graders that are interested in joining the 2013 Fall Color Guard team.  Color guard is a great activity that involves performing with the Marching Band and provides part of the "visual element" to the marching band performance using equipment including flags, rifles, and sabres and incorporating movement and dance elements.  No previous experience is required!  This is a wonderful way to start high school with 100+ immediate friends that comprise the award winning Milton Marching Band!  Check out this youtube video of our guard in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw6eQdXHfJ4.  Please contact miltonguard@me.com or guardvp@miltonband.org for further details and for information on signing up!

Did you know? 

The PTA Direct Giving Campaign had a major impact on student technology this year. Between school funds and PTA support, we will begin next school year with lots of iPad technology. 80% of the teachers will have their own device and access to several carts for student use. Click here   to see a photo of Ms. Lindesay's classes using the iPad minis during the last few weeks of school. The 7th graders used Grafio Lite to create a flowchart.  The 6th graders used Grafio Lite to create a mind map.  The students are excited about the new technology, and so are we! Thank you to PTA, and all of our community members that contributed to the Direct Giving Campaign to make this possible.

This is our last Titan Talk of the year, please be sure to check your emails throughout summer, as I will send short reminders and announcements as needed.

Have a lovely summer, Titans.

Your partner in education,