Elkins Pointe Middle SchoolSeptember 21, 2015

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Hello Titans!
 
I hope you had a great weekend!  I took my daughter Tori (Junior HS) on a college visit to Clemson this weekend and it was a great experience!  We hope to schedule her a few more visits in and out of state before the year is out to help create a picture of what's out there and available. College visits are free and have easy on line sign up procedures that you can find on the school's website.  Most visits last about 90 minutes.  If you have a high school student, I urge you to start making visits soon! 
 
I have to share that our first day for CLUBS was awesome!  Big congratulations to teachers for offering such a wide variety of clubs to students.  Students did a wonderful job in following the modified schedule and participating in their club of choice.  I can't wait for our next club day, this Thursday!
 
To my 6th grade parents.... Tomorrow, you are invited to join your child for the first two periods of his/her school day to have an opportunity to "walk in their shoes".  At the conclusion of second period, we ask that all parents meet us in the Rotunda (before leaving) to take a group photo for the yearbook. 
 
The Parent/Student handbook is close to being finalized, but I will need some additional time before I can release the final copy.  Thank you for your patience.  With this in mind, I will share a few of the important adjustments and reminders that will be noted in the handbook: 
 
REMINDERS 2015-16:
  • Photo ID is required to check out a student.

  • Students are not permitted back down the academic hallways after dismissal, as teachers are often in meetings and planning sessions are frequently scheduled at the end of the day.  Forgotten books or items in lockers will need to be retrieved the next school day.
 NEW 2015-16:
  • Students will not be allowed to check out from school after 3:30 pm, except for extreme emergencies.   Our front office needs this is the time to answer phones and concentrate on preparing the building for the safe dismissal of our 1100 Titans. 
This expectation will go into full effect on October 1st, 2015. This should allow you enough time to make any adjustments to future appointments that require you to pick your child up after 3:30.  Thank you for your understanding.
 
  • Beginning tomorrow, if a student needs to leave school at any time during the day, a note from the parent MUST be sent to the front office by 8:40 a.m. the same day.  Your note will be stamped and given back to your child.  Upon arrival, your child will show the note to his/her teacher in the class where he/she is to be checked out.  Your note will serve as a pass for your child to discreetly exit class after signaling to the teacher that it's time to meet you in the office.  Please talk with your student about this process.
We are experiencing a high volume of students being checked out during the last few periods of the day.  The buzzing into classrooms is causing disruption to the instructional setting.  We need your help with following the above referenced requests in order to preserve the quality of the learning environment.
 
  • Parents are no longer permitted to wait inside the school lobby during dismissal to retrieve their student.  We are looking to maintain a safe environment during our busiest time of day. Visitors can re-enter the building at the close of dismissal at approximately 4:25.
  • On October 1st, car riders and walkers (ONLY) will be released at 4:05.  Car riders and walkers should quickly exit the building and head directly to their neighborhood or car. Bus riders should not leave their hall until they hear that buses have been called.  After car riders and walkers have exited the building, the first load of buses will be called for dismissal and all other students will report to the gym as usual.



Let's Celebrate

Come out to join us this Thursday (9/24 @ 5p) in the media center.  As a result of their hard work and dedication, our fabulous PTSA and school community will be celebrated for earning two national awards! 
 
Congrats to Dr. Duncan who (on Saturday) will be inducted into the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.  This organization gives over $40,000.00 in scholarships each year to deserving students. 
 
Go 6th Grade!!  The sixth grade won the cleanest hall competition this week.  As a result, all 6th graders will have the opportunity to use their technology in the cafeteria.  The cleanest hall competition is a weekly event.  Stay tuned for the winning hall next week. 
 
Go Titans!!  We close out the week with our first home Soccer game against Sandy Springs.  Come out to root on the Titans!

Things to Know 

On Pointe Curriculum Night
On Wednesday, September 23rd (6p-7p) in the Media Center, both On Pointe teachers and students will give an overview of the program.   Parents will learn about program expectations in terms of their role as well as their child's role regarding successful completion of the program.  Please try to make every effort to attend.
 
Get Organized Workshop
Organization is an invaluable life skill.  This is a golden opportunity for both parents and students to enhance this skill.  If interested, please click here for sign up info. 
 
6th Grade Tailgate/Fiesta "Antes del partido" de Sexto Grado!
Sixth Graders! Do you like to listen to music, hang out with your friends, win cool prizes, and munch on yummy food and snacks? Then...  Click here for sign up info!  Don't miss out!

Reflections... Let Your Imagination Fly
Do you like to draw or paint?  Do you write stories or poetry?  Do you enjoy composing your own music, creating new dances, or creatively use technology? If so, the Reflections Contest is a perfect fit for you!  Click here for details and sign up info.
 
Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week will be here before you know it.  Click here for a glimpse at the fun activities.  We will need help with making posters and decorating the school so... be on the lookout for volunteer opportunities. 
 
Title One Tips
What is a "Compact? If you are like most people, you might think a "compact" is a small car.  Here at EPMS, a "compact" is a contractual agreement, which was sent home the first week of school (inside First Week packets).  Our goal is to have 100% of Parent-School Compacts returned to school by the end of September.  To date, only half have been returned.  "It's Time to Titan Up"... on these compacts!   Please use the following link http://tinyurl.com/CompactEPMS-2015-English to print out the signature page for both you and your child to sign and return to the front office.  Let's get this done before the end of September!
If you have any questions, or would like to know if we received your child's compact, please email Title I Parent Liaison (Lisa O'Hanlon Cowles) at ohanlon@fultonschools.org
 
STAR House
Homework help... is available for your child through the STAR House program.  If interested, pick up an application at the front office.  Transportation home is provided.  Click here for drop off routes
 
After School Achievement Program (ASAP)
Does your child need additional help with reading and math?  If so, this after school program is for you!  If interested, please stop by the front office to pick up an application.  Start date is October 7th.
 
College & Career for Latino Students
This is a great opportunity to learn about practical tips for college.  There will be motivational speakers, workshops, and a college and career fair.  Click here for more information.  Don't miss out!
 
Titan Pride
Every Friday is spirit day!  Titan spirit wear order forms were sent home on 8/28. Students can return completed forms and payment to the front office in the box marked "spirit wear".  Orders can also be placed on-line at http://elkinspointe.deco-apparel.com.  Shirts, designs and colors are interchangeable, so you can customize how you show your Titan pride.  Pick your design, shirt style, and color.  For questions, contact Laura Calvert and Jenny Burge lcalvert@bellsouth.net and jennyembroiders@gmail.com
 
 
End of the Day Dismissal
Parking in the parking lot on the bus side poses a safety concern with parents and students walking between the buses to get to their cars.  I ask that you park on the carpool loading side during dismissal.  The safest way to pick up your child every day is to pull into the carpool line and pick up your student curbside.   If you choose to walk up to the building to wait for your child at dismissal, please stand on the carpool side of the building so we can free up the space on the bus side for students to safely and quickly board their buses.  Thank you for your support and cooperation.
 
 
School Volunteers
The School Store is looking for help.  A parent volunteer is needed in the morning.  No experience is necessary, just a one-time training by Christie Peterson.  You can even bring your child to help and keep you company!  If you have questions, email Christie at ecjzpet@bellsouth.net and/or sign up using this link http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0548a4a822a64-schoolThe media center can also you your help.  Please follow this link to sign uphttp://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0445a4af29abfb6-media


Informational Items

School Phone Numbers
Our new phone numbers are 470 254-2892 and 470 254-2898 (Fax).  Hembree Elementary has also changed to 470 254-2902 and 470 254-2906 (Fax).  Eventually all schools will have the (470) 254 area code and prefix.
 
PTSA General Meeting
Come and find out what the PTSA is up to this year!   The meeting will take place in the Media Center on Sept. 25th at 8 am featuring guest speakers. Click here for more info. 
 
Box Tops for Education
Clip Box Top labels from participating products. Label them in a baggie with your child's Advisement teacher's name.  You can return to Advisement teacher or to the front office collection box. Schools have earned thousands of dollars through this program!  The class that turns in the most labels will earn a reward!  Click here for more info.
 
I'm with the Band
On Sept. 26 (3:30 to 9:30), the Milton High School band will host a marching band competition called White Columns Invitational (WCI). Come out to see all three local high schools compete! Click here for more info.  
 
  
 

Upcoming Dates
  • 9/22 - 6th Grade Bring Parent to School (1st and 2nd period)
  • 9/23 - On Pointe Curriculum Night
  • 9/24 - PTSA Celebration
  • 9/25 - Band @ Roswell High (6p)
  • 9/25 - PTSA General Meeting
  • 9/26 - MHS Band Competition
  • 9/30 - PTSA Meeting
  • 10/1 - 6th Grade Dance
  • 10/2 - College Colors Day
  • 10/5-7; 7th Grade Jr. Achievement Trip

Sincerely,

Kindra L. Smith
  
Kindra L. Smith, Ed.S
Principal
Elkins Pointe Middle
Home of the Titans!