News from Elkins Pointe Middle School Edition 2013-2014 Issue 5

September 20, 2013

Happy Friday, Titans!

We had an exciting week here at EPMS, and we are looking forward to a fun night at Roswell High School tonight for Middle School Night. This morning I met with the Principal's Council for the first time, where I am pleased to report that the 6th graders told me that middle school wasn't "as bad as they heard it would be." The students told me that the teachers were helpful, the students were nice, and they were really enjoying 6th grade so far.

Walking through classes today, I enjoyed seeing hands in the air and excitement in Ms. Veillette's Science class, pictured here. A great way to end my week!

This week at EPMS

Let's Celebrate!

We are very proud of our On Pointe 8th grade students, who are working so hard that they have already completed an entire 9 weeks of curriculum in just these first 5 weeks. On Pointe is a rigorous program where a select group of students have the opportunity to work twice as fast and twice as hard to complete both their 8th and 9th grade classes in one school year. We are pleased to report that they are doing well, and we can't wait to see the results from this, our first year of On Pointe. With the results we are seeing so far, it looks like next year we will be able to present the concept at conferences across the state so that this wonderful concept can have an impact on students everywhere.
Remember that we have several great opportunities coming up, including Bring Your Parent to School Days. Please remember that these are instructional days, not Parent Conference Days, so try your hardest to avoid disruption to the class (no cell phones, no additional children; just listen, learn, and enjoy).

6th grade parents are invited this coming Tuesday, September 24th. Please bring your child to school on that day, and they will serve as your guide for the day, making sure you know which classes are which period and where to go for each class. Please arrive between 8:30 and 8:45. Your child should escort you to the media center where you can sign in and pick up information for the day. If you arrive early, you will need to wait until 8:30 to begin your day.
7th grade is invited to attend on the 26th and 8th grade on October 1st. Remember this is the last year for 7th and 8th grade parents to participate in this event, so take advantage.

The Honors Breakfast for 7th graders will be this Thursday, September 26th, and 8th graders will be on October 1st. We begin the breakfast at 7:30am and the awards as close to 7:30 as possible, so please be on time. The doors will be open for parent arrival starting at 7:15am. A light breakfast is provided with some sweets donated by our business partners Krispy Kreme and CiCi's Pizza, as well as fruit and some other light snacks provided through our wonderful P.T.A. We hope to see you there.
Attached here, please find the updated lists with a few changes based on parent input from last week. Be sure to check the lists to make sure we have them correct as well as check for whether you are invited. The deadline to notify me of corrections is Wednesday, September 25th.

On this Friday, we'll celebrate the 228 students who had straight A's on this first progress report! The students will receive a special treat during their advisement period. We are so proud of them.

Happenings and Information at EPMS:

FALL PICTURES will be on October 1st. Students will have their pictures taken during Science classes, so be sure that they dress nicely on the 1st. This will be the yearbook picture, so even if they do not plan to purchase a package, all students will have their picture taken. Your child should come home with a flyer prior to October 1st, but just in case the flyer does not make it home, I've attached the pricing packages here.
Don't forget to join our PTA. If you've been meaning to do it and just haven't had time, click below to find the forms.

Are you interested in being more involved in school decisions? Would you like to help write the strategic plan that will guide EPMS for the next several years? We need YOU to run for the Local School Governance Council! If you have wanted to attend a Community Information Session but just haven't had time, click here to view the information shared at the sessions and contact me with any questions. The window to submit your candidacy closes on October 15th, and we currently only have one parent running when we need three parents on the council. You could choose to commit to only one year or two, but we need your help.
If your child buys lunch in the café, remember that they may only charge a total of three times for the year if they have forgotten their money, and they may not charge in the A La Carte line, only "hot meals" lines. Please be sure to check your child's MealPay account regularly, as many students opt for A La Carte burn through their weekly money a bit faster than the parents are planning on.
Don't forget that the deadline for submitting your Free and Reduced Meal applications is this week. If you have not renewed your child's application, they will stop receiving free/reduced benefits. Please contact the office for your application or visit this link: http://www.fulton.schoollunchapp.com.
8TH GRADE PARENTS - Great news! We now have the ability to submit your payments for the 8th grade DC Trip ONLINE. If you already have a MealPay account set up for your student, it is quite simple. If you do not, you will need their student ID to create your account. Once that is complete, simply log in to https://mypaymentsplus.com/ and under "Other Payments," click the plus sign to view the Elkins Pointe 8th Grade Fieldtrip.

Remember that payment does not secure a spot on the trip. Students should have already turned in their permission forms, which reserved their spot.
Second payment is due on Friday October 4th. We will still accept check payments on this day, in the atrium before school, but strongly encourage parents to utilize the online payment option.
Third and final payment is due November 1st, to total $400.

Do you know why students are asking if they can bring their phone to school? Or their iPad? In addition to our iPad carts for student use this year, teachers are starting to allow students to "Bring Your Own Technology" to school for classroom assignments. This is not a requirement for students, and they are always allowed to share with others or do a different assignment if they are unable to bring something. Be sure to review our Bring Your Own Technology policy on the school website if you want more details.