Titan Talk
December 1, 2017
Upcoming Dates...
The Week Ahead...
- 12/4 thru 12/10 - Computer Science Education Week - Pick an Hour to Code!!
- 12/5 - RHS Orchestra Holiday Concert @ 7 pm @ RHS - Bring a "Toy for Tots!"
- 12/5 - EPMS is a polling site for Roswell City Election Run-Off (Gym closed)
- 12/6 - "ADDRESSING THE HARD STUFF" Self-Esteem, Conflict Resolution, Bullying, & Communication for Parents @ 6 pm in the Media Center
- 12/7 - Candy Cane Crush by Student Council - Purchase a Candy Cane for your BFF!
- 12/7 - FCA Mtg @ 7:45 am in the Media Center
- 12/7 - PTSA Board Mtg @ 8:30 am
- 12/7 - ROBOTICS MOVIE NIGHT @ 6pm (Cafeteria & Atrium)
- 12/8 - Candy Cane Crush by Student Council - Purchase a Candy Cane for your BFF!
- 12/8 - Wear Titan Spirit-Wear
- 12/8 - EPMS SGC Mtg @ 7:45 am (Media Center)
- 12/8 - Jr. Beta "Treats for Teachers!"
- 12/8 - Interact Meeting @ 7:45 am (D-119)
- 12/9 - FCA visit to Liberty Church to deliver care packages
- 12/9 - Robotics Competition - Good Luck Pi Bots!
Upcoming Dates in December...
- 12/11 - Meet & Greet Author Ms. Donnie Kanter Winokur @ 6 pm (Roswell Library)
- 12/11 - Band Holiday Concert @ 6:15 pm (Gym) - Please Note Date Change AND TIME CHANGE!
12/12 - MHS RISING 9th GRADE PARENT NIGHT
@ 6 PM
at NORTHWESTERN MIDDLE SCHOOL
(Note: Change in location - NOT @ the high school)
- 12/12 - MHS SGC Mtg @ 7:10 am (MHS Rm.1222)
- 12/12 - Katie Reeves Community Mtg @ 9:30 am (NWMS)
- 12/13 - RHS SCG Mtg @ 7:15 am (Media Center)
- 12/13 - jr. Beta Mtg @ 8 am w/ MHS College & Career Speaker - All Students Invited (Media Center)
- 12/13 - Katha Stuart Mtg @ HSES @ 9:30 am
- 12/14 - FCA Mtg @ 7:45 am in the Media Center
- 12/15 - Wear Titan Spirit-Wear
- 12/15 - DISMISSAL W/THE DADS @ 3:45 PM - Sign Up HERE!
- 12/18 - Register to be on the Titan Tech Team w/ Ms. Lindesay
- 12/18 to 12/21 - Final Exams for 8th Graders
- 12/23 to 1/4 - WINTER BREAK - SCHOOL CLOSED
Dates to Note:
"ADDRESSING THE HARD STUFF"
Self-Esteem, Conflict Resolution, Bullying, & Communication
PARENT UNIVERSITY WORKSHOP
Dec. 6th @ 6PM
Speaker: Mariah Danzler, Summit Counselling Group
ROBOTICS MOVIE NIGHT @ EPMS
Dec. 7th @ 6 PM
ALL INVITED TO THIS FUNDRAISER!!
MHS RISING 9th GRADE PARENT NIGHT
Dec. 12th @ 6 PM
at NORTHWESTERN MIDDLE SCHOOL
(Note: Change in location - NOT @ the high school)
MHS COLLEGE & CAREER CENTER SPEAKER
Topics: Student Resumes, Tracking Volunteer Hours, Leadership
at Jr. Beta Meeting
Dec. 13th @ 8 AM
in Media Center
ALL STUDENTS & PARENTS INVITED!!!
** Don't forget to bring an unwrapped toy for TOYS FOR TOTS **
DISMISSAL W/THE DADS
Dec. 15th @ 3:45 PM
Sign Up HERE!
WINTER BREAK - SCHOOL CLOSED
Dec. 23 - Jan 4th
FULTON COUNTY SCHOOLS MAKE-UP DAY
Feb. 16, 2017
Note: ALL FCS will now have school on 2/16/2017
to make up for the school closing during Hurricane Irma
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Happy Friday and Welcome Back Titans!
I sure did enjoy the break, especially the part where my sweet momma cooked her signature delicious Thanksgiving dinner. Yum! I sure hope you all had a wonderful time with your friends and family too! It is good to be back and we have only three weeks left in the semester so we have to make every second count. We are doing our VERY best to maximize instructional time before Winter Break, planning the i-Ready Challenge while students are off, and then in January, we will be working on New Years Resolutions!
Progress Reports were sent home this week. We realize our Titans need to make the most of every day to bring their grades as high as they can! So please parents, make sure your child is attending morning study sessions, getting all their work handed in (i.e. NHI), and getting enough rest, sleep, and nourishment to prepare for their final exams. Every bit you do to help your child will make a difference.
Over the Winter Break, we are planning an i-Ready Challenge to keep our students moving and improving in literacy. The i-Ready Challenge encourages your child to have "Screentime That Matters!" We wish to make this fun and rewarding by having RAFFLE PRIZES in January for all students who have successfully completed the i-Ready Challenge! We are very pumped about this! We think it will make a difference after the break because students will be i-Ready to hit the ground running. Stay tuned for more details!
In January, our "New Year Resolution" will be to reinforce our Safety Dismissal Procedures (please see Elkins Pointe Safety Map below). Effective on January 8th, the Hembree Springs Parking Lot will no longer be available for student pick-up. Parents attempting to pick up in the Hembree lot will be redirected to the carpool line, and students will be asked to wait in the carpool area. We have taken measures to alleviate the congestion in the carpool area by relocating four of the busses, and we are looking to find another loading area for the remaining busses. Also, we ask you to consider making a resolution to have your child take the bus in the afternoon, as much as possible. If parents subscribe to use carpool as an exception and not for everyday transport, the carpool lanes will run smoother and expeditiously.
Sincerely,
Kindra L. Smith, Ed.S
Principal
Elkins Pointe Middle School
Home of the Titans!
Get Ready to Be Smart, Happy & Connected!
Smart Techies!
Register for the Titan Tech Team before Winter Break - 12/21
If you would like to be on this year’s Titan Tech Team, please see Ms. Lindesay or e-mail Ms. Lindesay at Lindesay@fultonschools.org. Ms. Lindesay would love to have the Tech Team finalized before the Christmas Break in order to meet the county’s registration deadline when we return from the break. For more details on the Tech Team, please see the article below, entitled "Technology Competition" under the heading "THINGS IN THE NEW YEAR...2018!"
Computer Science Education Week - 12/4 thru 2/10!
It's almost here...Computer Science Education Week! Join Ms. Lindesay's Business & Computer Science class by participating in the Hour of Code at https://hourofcode.com/us during the week of December 4-10, 2017. Pick a day or days to have your child code. Parents, if you'd like to code, too, go for it!Happy to Watch SEC Football!
Connected = FCA + Care Packages
Things to Know
Come enjoy an evening of holiday music provided by our own RHS Orchestra, featuring performances by the 8th grade orchestras from Elkins Pointe MS. Admission is free, however reserved seats can be purchased for $5 at ROAFUNDRAISERS@gmail.com.
*** Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to our annual Toys for Tots drive. Collection boxes will be located outside the auditorium doors. Thank you! Happy Holidays!!!
"ADDRESSING THE HARD STUFF" Parent Seminar -12/6
Parents are invited to a Parent Seminar on Teen Self-Esteem, Conflict Resolution, Bullying, & Communication on December 6th @ 6 PM in the Elkins Pointe Medic Center. This presentation will be put on by a team at Elkins Pointe Middle School, headed by Mariah Danzler from Summit Hill Counseling who will give you practical ways to build your relationship using communication with your children.
"Hard Stuff" topics:
- Teen Self-Esteem
- Bullying
- Conflict Resolution and Communication
- Practical Information and Takeaway Skills for parents of teens
This presentation is brought to you by Summit Onsite Therapist, Mariah Danzler
The content of this seminar is for Parents ONLY!
If you have any questions about this Parent University Workshop, please contact Lisa O'Hanlon Cowles at ohanlon@fultonschools.org. This is the first of a series put on by our counseling team. The next topic will be on Social Media morays. Come to this seminar and let Mariah Danzler know what other "Hard Stuff" topics you would like to see presented.
Robotics Fundraiser - 12/7 @ 6PM
Elkins Pointe Robotics team, Epic Pi Bots, is hosting the annual Robot and the Movie night for the community on December 7th. Join us for robot demonstrations, pizza, refreshments and a big screen movie, Wall-E.
- When: December 7th, Thursday, 6 PM
- Where: Elkins Pointe Atrium & Cafe
You will get a chance to drive a real robot, learn what's involved in designing and building robots and hear first-hand stories about competitions from our team members. We will have games, food and drink for purchase, throughout the evening. We will be charging a $5 admission: all the proceeds will be used by the robotics team for robot parts and electronics. See you there! Epic Pi Bots the Elkins Pointe Robotics Team
Do you have a Candy Cane Crush? Come by the Student Council table at 8 am on Thursday, Dec. 7th and Friday, Dec. 8th to purchase a candy cane for a friend. Send a sweet message to your crush, BFF, or even a favorite teacher. Candy Canes will sell 2 for $1! You can decide if your Candy Cane Crush is sent with either your name or anonymously. Candy Cane Crush is Sponsored by the EPMS Student Council!
The last two meetings of 2017 will be on Thursday, Dec. 7th and Dec. 14th in the Media Center.
- Come out on Saturday, Dec. 9th and join FCA on a field trip to Liberty Church in Atlanta to deliver the care packages the homeless.
Note: FCA will resume in 2018 on January 11th, 2018.
Interact Club Meeting- 12/8
The Interact Club is on the move working on a new campaign to serve the community. Interactors are coming in bright and early to share their ideas on how to serve our school community. Watch the video below for more information on “Operation Winter Wrap!" Our next formal meeting is Friday, December 8, 2017.
Your MISSION Titans, should you choose to accept it...
Donate HEALTHY SNACKS/BREAKFAST BARS and have your child deliver it Room D-119.
Operation Christmas Wrap items:
- Cheez-Its, Goldfish, Pretzels
- Peanut Butter Crackers, Cheese Crackers
- Granola Bars, Cereal Bars, Breakfast Bars
- Cereal Cups, Individual boxes of Cereal
- Mandarin Oranges, Fruit Cups, Fruit Roll-Ups
- Little Bites Muffins
- Cliff Bars, Kind Bars, Fiber One Bars
On Dec. 13th at 8 am in the Media Center, Jr. Beta has invited Monica Meng from the Milton High School College & Career Center to come speak the Jr. Beta Club about "Student Resumes."
Mrs. Meng's College & Career Center presentation will cover the following topics:
- "Student Profile" (a.k.a. student resume) - How to complete the "Student Profile" (high school resume). Mrs. Meng will talk about student objectives. Students will be able to see the questions on the "Student Profile," and complete their own profile using a mock link.
- Tracking Volunteer Hours - Learn how to track volunteer hours for college applications.
- Being Leaders by Championing Volunteer Opportunites for Connection to the Community and Personal Growth - Volunteer organizations, clubs, sports, and extra-curricular activities will present opportunities for students to pick the volunteer opportunities that are meaningful to the students.
The Jr. Beta Meeting is open to ALL students. We welcome and encourage ALL students to come to this important talk. 8th-grade students are especially encouraged to attend this meeting. Parents are welcome to attend this meeting. Q & A will only be open to students due to time constraints.
SUPPORT the Jr. BETA TOY DRIVE!!
** Don't forget to bring an unwrapped toy for TOYS FOR TOTS **
On Friday, December 15th, we will have our second Dad’s Day where our Dads Club will be helping with carpool during dismissal. The time will be from 3:45-4:15. So put on your holiday hats and come help Mr. Will Jones with afternoon dismissal! Dads, you were a BIG HIT in November! Our students really enjoyed having you there to usher them out in style! Please sign up using this link:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0548A4A822A64-carpoolTIS the Season for Titan Giving...
The Interact Club, along with Mrs. Streeter and Mr. Will Jones are working together to providing backpacks of snacks and breakfast food for hungry students and families in our Roswell Community.
Operation Winter Wrap Backpack Drive - Click on the link or box below to GIVE:
https://www.donorschoose.org/project/winter-wrap-back-pack-drive/2952532/
Because so many of you have been a blessing to our community, and Mr. Will Jones wants to say, "Thank you!" He created the DonorsChoose.org link (above & below) to give you a glimpse into what he tackling right now. Because the first seven days are key to the project's success, please consider choosing to give (any amount helps!). Once you give, you will receive updates and photos of this project in action and our students' sincere gratitude. Mr. Jones can almost hear the chorus of Thank-Yous already!
Jr. Beta will be hosting a TOY DRIVE starting next week. Please bring in a NEW, unwrapped toy to donate TOYS for TOTS in Roswell and "Atlanta Dream Center" Toy Drive. Toy collection barrels will be placed in the Atrium and the Media Center. If you have any questions about the Toy Drive, please email Ms. Micheaux White @ whitem4@fultonschools.org.
Shhhhh....if you would like to be a Copy Paper Elf, send a pack of copy paper to a teacher or the school! Please have your child secretly drop off the package of copy paper in the teacher's classroom OR leave it at the front desk with Miss Denise and Miss Ainara. The front office will deliver the paper to the teachers' mailbox! Be sure to write a Secret Holiday Greeting (i.e. "Here's a Special Delivery from Your Copy Paper Elf") on the outside of the package. Copy Paper Elf is brought to you by your Title I Parent Liaison, Lisa O'Hanlon Cowles! Shhhhh...it's a secret!
News from the Media Center
Meet Roswell Author Donnie Kanter Winokur - 12/11
Join #1 Bestselling - Roswell Author, Donnie Kanter Winokur, on Monday, December 11th from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at the Roswell Library (115 Norcross Street Roswell 30075). Donnie will speak about her new memoir, “CHANCER – How One Good Boy Saved Another” and demonstrate commands with their service dog. Books will be available for sale with Donnie signing your copy. Tell your friends about this free event!
The Lexile® Framework for Reading is a scientific approach to measuring both reading ability and the text complexity of reading materials on the same developmental scale.
Educators use Lexile measures to match students with text, putting them on the path to success in school, college, and careers.
Lexile measures make it easy for educators to:
- Personalize learning.
- Measure student growth.
- Communicate with parents about their child’s progress.
Answer: The Lexile score is provided for students on their Georgia Milestones Assessment results on the ELA assessment. For further reading, please refer to the www.gadoe.org site.
Question: How will my child know which library books are best suited for their Lexile Measure?
Answer: In the Media Center, most of the fiction books have a small, colored round sticker on the spine of the book that indicates the Lexile Range. All your child needs to know is their range and then match it up to the color on the book’s spine. You find their range by adding 50 to their reported Lexile Measure and then subtracting 100 from the reported Lexile Measure. This range represents the boundaries between the easiest reading material that still challenges and the hardest level at which he/she can read independently.
For example, Susie’s Individual Student Report shows her Lexile Measure is 450L. Her range would be 350L – 500L. Books and other reading material should stay in this range to ensure a 75% reading comprehension level.
THINGS IN THE NEW YEAR...2018!
Technology Competition - 1/27
Get ready, techies! This year's FCS Technology Competition will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2018, at Westlake High School in Atlanta, GA. If you have a project that can represent our school, please e-mail Ms. Lindesay at Lindesay@fultonschools.org and schedule a time to show what you have created. Ms. Lindesay is available after-school to assist and prep students to be judged. Only a limited number of participants can represent the grade levels in each category, so act fast to see if your project will get you on this year’s Titan Tech Team.
Ms. Lindesay would love to have the Tech Team finalized before the Christmas Break in order to meet the county’s registration deadline when we return from the break.
Here is a list of the categories for the competition:
3-D MODELING
ANIMATION
AUDIO PRODUCTION
DEVICE MODIFICATION
DIGITAL GAME DESIGN
DIGITAL PHOTO PRODUCTION
GRAPHIC DESIGN
INTERNET APPLICATIONS
MOBILE APPS
MULTIMEDIA APPLICATIONS
PRODUCTIVITY DESIGN
PROJECT PROGRAMMING
ROBOTICS
TECH PROGRAMMING CHALLENGE
VIDEO PRODUCTION
Check out the Technology Competition’s website at
http://www.fultonschools.org/en/divisions/acd/learnteach/Pages/Technology-Competition.aspx for more information on the categories.
Make-Up Day for Elkins Pointe Middle School - 2/16
Fulton County Schools announced it will make-up one of the three school days missed as a result of Hurricane Irma on February 16th. The 16th of February was originally a holiday for students and staff. All Fulton County Schools were closed from September 11th -13th due to widespread power outages throughout the county. Fulton County is permitted to excuse the two days which the Governor declared of a State of Emergency, but has scheduled 2/16/2017 as an instructional day to make-up for the additional day.
Titans Got Talent Expo! - 2/12
GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER because the Elkins Pointe Talent Expo is coming to a Stage near you … The PTSA and the Drama Club are proud to present “Titans’ Got Talent!” for a one-night-only Show on Friday, April 13th! This is a talent "showcase", NOT a contest, so don't be shy and join in on the FUN!
Talent/Act submission forms will be available soon in Titan Talk and on the PTSA website. Students wanting to participate will be required to turn-in this "Act Proposal" Form on Feb. 21/22 at the after-school meetings to go over the details of the act and what will be needed on stage for the performance. In addition, if you have dreams of being the Show’s Emcee, announcing each act with your own flair, you will have the opportunity to audition for that role at the Feb 21/22 meetings.
So, please start brainstorming what talents you would like to share on stage with your Elkins Pointe community at the Talent Expo, and have your proposal ready for submission by February 21st. Any questions, please direct to Jennifer Rodman, jcrodman@yahoo.com.
TRANSITION INFORMATION
High School Level Art Offered @ EPMS
Elkins Pointe Middle School is excited to offer Intro to Art for high school credit to our 8th graders. This course is designed for 8th graders who are interested in pursuing art at the high school level. Throughout the course, students will be introduced to many aspects of visual art, including but not limited to: art as personal communication, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, design, aesthetics, careers, art criticism, and art history. At the conclusion of Intro to Art, students will have acquired the foundation to continue into any visual art pathway at the high school level as they will earn .5 of a high school credit. We have a few spots open for Intro to Art next semester (5th Period), 8th-grade students only.
If your 8th-grade child would like take high school Intro to Art, please email Mrs. Suckow at Suckow@fultonschools.org.
MHS RISING 9th GRADE PARENT NIGHT - 12/12 @ 6 pm (Northwestern MS)
The Milton High School Counseling Department is hosting a "Rising 9th-grade Parent Middle School Perspective" on Dec. 12th at 6:00 pm at Northwestern Middle School. Please make a note on your calendar if you have an 8th-grade child who will be attending Milton High School next school year. l Parents of future Eagles should sign-up for the Eagle Update to stay current with transition meetings at MHS.
Mark your calendar for these Milton High School Transition dates:
- December 12th: Rising 9th-grade Parent–Middle School Perspective @ 6 pm.
- January 30th: Rising 9th Grade Parent Night
- March 29th: Elkins Point MS tour Milton (for students only)
To sign up for the Milton High School newsletter, click here.
Things for parents
GADOE SURVEY LINKS FOR STUDENTS, PARENTS & TEACHERS/STAFF
The school climate surveys for the 2017-2018 school year officially opened on Monday, October 2, 2017, and will remain open through Friday, March 2, 2018.
- Student Survey (Grades 6-8): http://gshs.gadoe.org/middleschool
- Parent Survey: http://gshs.gadoe.org/parents
- Teacher/Staff Personnel Survey: http://gshs.gadoe.org/personnel
The Georgia Department of Education (GADOE) requires 100% participation from students, teachers, and parents. 100% participation helps our school score points on GADOE's College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI).
SURVEY TAKES ONLY (5) FIVE MINUTES!
If you want to see how we are doing in participation, click here.
For More Info on the GADOE Climate Surveys, click here.
- Box Tops for Education: Clip Box Top labels from participating products. Collect them in a baggie and turn into the front office collection box. Box Tops for our next submission are due by October 18. Each Box Top is worth .10 - schools can earn thousands of dollars through this program! See full list of products here: http://www.boxtops4education.com/participating-products.
- Amazon Smiles: Ordering from Amazon? Go to https://smile.amazon.com and choose to support Elkins Pointe MS PTSA. A portion of all your purchases will be sent to the school!
- Coca-Cola Give: New program! Sign up at https://us.coca-cola.com/give/schools and enter codes from Coca-Cola products to earn school donations.
- Kroger Community Rewards: Link your Kroger Plus card to Elkins Pointe at https://www.kroger.com/communityrewards. Kroger will donate a percent of purchases back to the school. (You must re-enroll your card each year after Aug 1.)
- Publix Partners: Pick up a key ring card in the office, have it scanned at the register each time you check out. Publix will donate a percent of purchases. Give cards to your family and friends too! (Most Publix stores have these at the registers too, if you don't carry one with you - just ask.)
- Office Depot/Office Max Give Back to Schools: Make a purchase of qualifying school supplies, provide our school ID at checkout, and Elkins will receive 5% back in credits for free supplies. Our school code is 70118601 - enter it for online purchases, or ask to look up Elkins Pointe at the register in stores too. You can also submit an order or receipt info after the fact at http://www.officedepot.com/backtoschool/display.do if you forget during purchase!
❤️ Volunteer ❤️
Calling for Dad’s to join our Dad’s Club. We did receive some signups during "Get Connected Night." Any dad interested and wanting to get more information can contact Mr. Will Jones at jonesw3@fultonschools.org or 470-254-8366.
Sign-Up Here or below to join Dads Club!!
School Store Help Needed!
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0548a4a822a64-school3
- PLEASE NOTE: YOU NEED TO COMPLETE A 10 MINUTE TRAINING PRIOR TO WORKING IN THE STORE! MARYANNE CODELLI CAN BE REACHED AT MACODE@BELLSOUTH.NET FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Title I Resources for Family Engagement:
QUICK REFERENCE
Select your t-shirt color
Enter your name, payment etc.
Your order will be delivered to school to your advisement teacher
Please make sure you include your students’ name and 1st period teacher.
Sign-Up for Remind
- Enter this number: 81010
- Text message: @elkinspoi
Order Yearbook!!
- Order online here
- Print a form here
- Questions? Email: Suckow@fultonschools.org.
Volunteer Registration
- Register with FCS here
- Please complete 24 hours before volunteering
Calendar DATES
Please Note: Upcoming dates are subject to change & some dates may not be included.
- 12/11 - Band Holiday Concert @ 6:30 pm (Gym) - Please Note Date Change!
- 12/13 - Katha Stuart Mtg @ HSES @ 9:30 am
- 12/15 - Wear Titan Spirit-Wear
- 12/18 to 8/21 - Final Exams for 8th Graders
- 12/23 to 1/4 - WINTER BREAK - School Closed
Stay Updated
Fulton County Schools (FCS) recommends staying tuned in to their website, FCS social media accounts, and local news media for updates.
- FCS Website: http://www.fultonschools.org/en
- FCS Facebook Page (@FultonCounty Schools) https://www.facebook.com/FultonCountySchools/?fref=ts
- FCS Twitter (@FultonCoSchools) http://www.twitter.com/FultonCoSchools
Elkins Pointe Middle School Informational Items
We ♥️ Our Business & Community Partners!
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Proud to sponsor Elkins Pointe Middle School Spirt Wear!
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(678) 892-5000
Thank you for your generous donation for our students.
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