News from Elkins Pointe Middle School Edition 2013-2014 Issue 29

May 10, 2014

Hello, Titans.

What a week! Full of celebrations and performances, it was a positive week of fun. As I walked through the halls, I saw stellar teaching in every room. Our STEM days in Science and Math yielded exciting hands-on learning that the students and teachers enjoyed.

This week at EPMS

Let's Celebrate!

A Night in Paris was absolutely phenomenal last night! The parents have worked tirelessly for weeks to make this a special event, and it certainly was! The students danced to their heart's content, enjoyed the refreshments, and took PLENTY of pictures. I'm including one picture here to show just one corner of the beautiful displays set up to make this feel very much like a Night in Paris. Thank you to our amazing PTSA!
Battle of the Titans was a wonderful day! Mother nature even cooperated a bit so that the students didn't get too hot, yet didn't get rained out. A special thank you to the PE and Connections departments who plan such an amazing day, the teachers who make sure the kids are safe and have fun, and all of the volunteers who made sure that our students were taken care of.
We are so incredibly proud of our World Language Department. Recently, 8th grade Japanese and 7th/8th grade Spanish students participated in the online National Japanese/Spanish Exam. This exam gave students an opportunity to test their proficiency-oriented, standard-based, and culture-related language skills, as well as compare their results with students across the nation. Congratulations to the following students for their achievement at the National Level!

National Japanese Exam: Silver Award (16th place in the nation): Kevin Hong; Bronze Award: Harshita Yepuri; Honorable Mention: Keyera Marshall, Jennifer McGowan, Cameron Overall, and Jack Rush
National Spanish Exam: Silver Award: Kayleigh Monahan; Bronze Award: Liam Frank, Vivi Tran, and Christopher Turko; Honorable Mention: Morgan Gittings and Alexandria Ramsey

On May 7th and 8th, our Science and Math teachers hosted their first STEM days, packed with hands-on project based learning that combined concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in the classroom. We saw some amazing activities and lots of engaged students. We cannot wait to see STEM activities become a more frequent part of learning at EPMS in the future. If you're interested in seeing a bit more about the topics and activities done in different classrooms, click here to view the outline of their work.
Our band students performed beautifully in Tampa last weekend, even with all of the rain! Both groups brought home first place, with the 8th grade group bringing home 1st overall and 7th grade bringing home 2nd overall. Use these links to see their performances:
Symphonic Band 1: http://youtu.be/hP0W-Im5gFI; Symphonic Band 2: http://youtu.be/ihPg4jFfdaE.

Congrats to Lexy Keener who attended the Southeastern Regional Ballet Association last week/weekend in Montgomery, AL. She had an amazing experience, and also was awarded a full scholarship for summer 2015 at Next Generation Ballet (Patel Conservatory) in Tampa, FL. She is already committed this summer to School of American Ballet in NYC. We are so proud!

Important Notice:

VISITOR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: The second phase of security is being added to Fulton County Schools, in addition to the buzz-in front door access. Starting May 19th, we will activate "Raptor" for Monday - Thursday of the last week of school. All guests to our building - including parents, volunteers and first-time visitors - will be required to complete an initial registration process. We value your time and will try to make this as quick and simple as possible. Volunteers will now have the ability to register online and only once. The Raptor system will keep track of your information which will enable you to volunteer at multiple schools. First-time visitors will be required to present our front desk receptionist with their driver's license or another form of government photo identification. We respectfully ask for your patience and cooperation in presenting your valid state identification when checking in at the school. We feel certain this will be another proactive step in keeping our schools safe. Please note that, during this short trial-run, we will only require visitors to the school to check in (not parents coming to check out their child or to drop off something in the office). Please be sure to arrive ten minutes early so that you have plenty of time. Click here for more details.

Informational Items:

IMPORTANT NOTE: The State of Georgia is now providing additional student information to parents as a result of their CRCT testing. Parents will now receive information regarding their child's Student Growth Percentile. This information will come along with a complete report to explain this in detail. A simple explanation is that it compares your child's score to students who had the exact same score the year before. This gives parents a more accurate point of comparison - valuable information. The reports from last school year (2013 results) will be mailed home with report cards this year. Please note that it may be confusing since the 2013 SGP report will come with a 2014 report card and (hopefully) the 2014 CRCT results. Click here to learn more about an SGP and what you will be receiving.
NOTE: There will be a five minute adjustment to the bell schedule for all middle schools in Fulton County next year. Our official school day will run from 8:55 - 4:05 starting next year. Though a small adjustment, I want to make sure that you are aware and prepared.
From Milton HS: On May 15th at 6:30pm in the MHS Cafeteria, the TAG department will hold a Q&A for parents of Rising 9th Grade TAG students. They will discuss the TAG model for HS, the opportunities afforded to TAG students, and more.
Please take a moment to complete this parent survey when you can, it is to help inform the Title I department about parents' involvement. www.surveymonkey.com/s/KX5S778
Did you know that May is National Mental Health Awareness Month? Specifically May 14th is World Mental Health Day? Middle Grade Years are a time of great change and emotional growth for our students. It is important to know our resources and talk openly about our needs. Click here for a resource that I strongly recommend printing or saving so that you have access to the information at all times.
Don't forget that we moved the date of our first Annual Community Cares Event. It will be May 13 - 6:00pm! Come on out and give input on our School-Wide Plan for both Title I and Governance Council purposes. Learn more about our recent CCRPI score and participate in conversation about the future of Elkins Pointe.
THIS SUMMER: 2014 Title I Camp HB3 that is offered FREE to K-8th Title I students. June 10 - 20, breakfast and lunch provided. Location will be Mimosa Elementary on the north end. Applications are due by Friday, May 2, 2014. Interested? Click here for the flyer in English and Spanish and go to this link to submit an application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1OQPbZB39nVO80O-pe_osAgHWH4LEDWM1hoZaBZ7lFxc/viewform
Don't forget! Beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, children entering 7th grade who were born on or after January 1, 2002 and for new students entering into a Georgia school grades 8th through 12th must show proof of receiving the following prior to entering school:

One dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine; and
One dose of Meningococcal conjugate vaccine
Click here for more specific detail in: English Spanish

Is your child going to summer school? Remember that this year's summer school will have a heavy focus on technology, including an option to "test out" during the first day or two of school. Click here to learn more about the technology component or here for your registration form in English and Spanish. Don't forget to register so that your child has a spot!

End of Year Special Events:

Final Exams will be May 20th - 22nd for all three grades. 6th grade will take their final assessment of the year, while 7th and 8th grade will have cumulative exams. Look for study guides to come home on or before Friday May 16th. Please remember that students may not take their exams early, and that absences on these days must be sent directly to me for approval, as it is our hope to have all students present for the last week of school. The bell schedule will vary from the normal schedule, shown here:

May 23rd, the last day of school will be full of celebrations and award ceremonies. This is a great day for our students to celebrate all of their hard work and for parents to join in the celebration. Students are expected to dress nicely for the ceremonies, though their attire should meet school dress code (no strapless or backless dresses). Times for the Award Ceremonies are as follows: 8th grade graduation at 9:00am, 6th grade awards at 12:15pm, and 7th grade awards at 2:15. While each and every 8th grader will be recognized, the 7th and 6th grade ceremonies will be for specific recognition of certain students, not the entire grade level. Parents are welcome to check their child out at the close of the ceremonies, in the front office.

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN:

May 12th - Band Concert at 6:30pm
May 12 - 14 - Elementary Schools visit EPMS for tours
May 13 - Community Cares Event (incl. CCRPI update), 6:00pm
May 14 - Linda Schultz Community Meeting @ EPMS, 9:30am - Media Center
May 20 - 22 - Final Exams (see schedule above)
May 21-22 - CRCT Retakes for 8th graders who did not pass Reading or Math
May 23rd - Last Day of School, Award Ceremonies:

8th grade graduation at 9:00am
6th grade at 12:15pm
7th grade at 2:15pm

June 2nd - Report Cards Mailed Home, SGP Report and CRCT included if available
June - July

Office open for registration and walk-ins:

Tuesday - Thursday from 9:00 - 3:00
Monday and Friday by appointment

CRCT reports available for pick up (if not available by June 2 mailing)
Affidavits of Residency and Immunizations may be submitted early

NEW: Receive "Golden Ticket" to bypass lines on Information Day

Business Partner Spotlight

Mathnasium is now offering Elkins Pointe Middle School families a special discount by providing free registration ($50 value) when you enroll by May 31, 2014. Mathnasium is located in the Roswell Corners Shopping Center (Super Target) at 1165 Woodstock Rd., Suite 800, Schedule an assessment by calling 770-518-3333. To learn more and view testimonials, check out www.mathnasium.com. Mathnasium's "Summer Workouts" are the perfect solution to Catch Up, Keep Up and Get Ahead this summer!

Reviewing and Reinforcing math concepts and skills
Providing individualized instruction
Boosting confidence
Helping your child develop a love of math

Where do you grocery shop? Remember that there are simple ways to earn money for the school by simply participating when you go to the grocery store.

If you shop at Publix, remember to pick up your scan card from the front office (or ask your child to do so).
NEW PROCESS: If you shop at Kroger, click here for details.

Need to take your pet to the vet? Even if it's just a simple check up, visit Crossville Veterinary Hospital and earn money for the school! Click here for details.
Interested in Martial Arts? Check out the Crabapple Martial Arts Academy and earn money for EPMS! Click here for details.

Community News and Summer Opportunities:

Calling all Equestrians!!!The Milton HS IEA Equestrian Team is looking for new members for the 2014-2015 season! Whether you are a seasoned show competitor or a beginner, any rider, at any experience level, is welcome on our team. If you are a rising 9th grader attending Milton HS next year, and are interested in joining our team, please contact: Tracy Brunetto,MiltonHSIEA@gmail.com, website: mhsiea.com
8th Annual "It's Just Hair" Cut-a-thon. Do you have long hair? Please consider donating your locks for the 8th Annual "It's Just Hair" Cut-a-thon to benefit Locks of Love and children with long-term medical hair loss. Most of the children who benefit have lost their hair due to an autoimmune disease called Alopecia Areata, a highly unpredictable disease that can cause hair loss in patches or total hair loss including eyebrows and eyelashes. The cut-a-thon will take place on Monday, May 19, 2014 in Alpharetta. Hair must be at least ten inches and cuts and styles are complimentary. Please contact Diane Cooley to register or for more information at itsjusthair@gmail.com or 678.521.5639.
GA Tech would like to invite our middle school girls who are currently in 6th and 7th grade to our upcoming TEC (Technology, Engineering & Computer) Camp, which will be held from June 9 - 13, 2014 on the Georgia Tech campus. This fun and interactive camp is hosted by the Georgia Tech Women in Engineering Program and is designed to give girls an early introduction to the exciting world of engineering with the hope of inspiring them to eventually consider college majors and careers as engineers. More information on the camp can be found in the attached flyer. Unfortunately, this is short notice, as applications are due today, so take a look now.
The Milton Tip-Off Club will sponsor a camp for youth basketball skills. 2014 Summer "Camp of Champions" Basketball Skills for rising 3rd Graders thru 8th Graders will be May 27th thru May 30th, at the Milton High Gymnasium, Full Day Campers (9am to 3pm) and Half Day Campers (9 am to 12pm). See flyer for cost and details or contact the Milton Tip-Off Club, Melanie.Felton@Rocketmail.com. Please see attachment with flyer and registration form.