ECMS Smoke Signals
Issue 1 September 13
FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK
On behalf of the East Coweta Middle School faculty and staff, I would like to welcome you to a new school year. We are off to a great start as community members joined the faculty and staff and welcomed back our students on the 1st day of school in our annual “Day 1” event. Our goal continues to be working with parents and community to jointly promote a love for learning and develop a solid foundation for educational success. I strongly believe that the partnership of parents and educational staff make for an exemplary school culture for students to learn academically as well as socially.
Middle school is such an important time in a student’s life. Please encourage your student to get involved in at least one extra-curricular activity to promote personal growth, academic achievement, and school spirit. When students are involved they exude pride, then truly “You Just Can’t Hide that Indian Pride!” Please encourage your student to have ExCellent attendance, ExCellent behavior, and ExCellent study habits to ensure success here at East Coweta Middle School.
There are opportunities for parents to get involved as well. We offer Title I sponsored parental involvement activities. We will host our annual “Bring Your Parent to School Day” on October 22nd. On November 5th, we will host our “Veterans’ Day Program”. For a calendar of all events, please visit our website at www.cowetaschools.org/ecms/. We also have parental organizations such as Local School Council and PTO where parents can get involved. I also encourage parents to stay involved by receiving text messages from ECMS, the Indian Inbox (weekly electronic notice); by checking teacher information on Google Classroom or Edmodo; by checking parent portal; and requesting parent conferences through our guidance department. We are partners in your child’s education and welcome the continuous exchange regarding your child’s success.
The teachers and staff are truly working daily to ensure that each child arrives to a safe environment where each child is taught a quality curriculum by the best and highly qualified staff available. Working together, we are truly destined for great things here at East Coweta Middle school. I hope to see you soon!
Sincerely,
Schwanda Jackson, Ed.D
Proud Principal
Coweta Committed to Student Success
Vision
Our vision is to ensure the success of each student
Beliefs
We believe, as a learning community, we must continuously improve.
We believe, as leaders of learners, we must see students as volunteers in their learning.
We believe the Coweta County School System, in partnership with the family and the community, must focus on providing challenging, interesting and satisfying work for students.
We believe we are responsible for the success of each student.
Overall Goal
The Coweta County School System will provide high-level, engaging work for all learners and leaders to meet the needs of all stakeholders.
Title 1 News
To All ECMS Parents,
Please join us for some interesting and exciting Title I activities! On September 24th, we have PASSport to Success Training from 5:00 to 6:00 PM. Test-taking tips, strategies for studying, ways for parents to teach study skills at home, and information on homework assistance will be presented at this event. Also, on October 22nd, ECMS will host Bring-Your-Parent-to-School Day from 8:15 to 11:00 AM. A Parent Workshop will be conducted from 11:00-11:30 AM in the Computer Lab. This workshop will give you a brief overview on how to access Edmodo, Parent Portal, and Google Classroom. We look forward to seeing you at ECMS for our Title I events!!!
ATTENDANCE REMINDERS
Parents,
When your students return to school after an absence, please send in a note from the doctor or yourself explaining their absence. Have your student bring this note to the attendance office. You do not need to send a note to the teacher. Remember, picture ID is required when signing a student out early. When you call for a transportation change, such as a bus rider to a car rider, that needs to be in writing. Please fax the information to 770-599-1051 or e-mail me anytime before 2:45 in the afternoon. After that time we cannot interrupt classes for messages. If you are signing your student out early please come in before 3:00.
My e-mail address is pam.sweeney @cowetaschools.net.
I will reply to your email for confirmation of receipt.
Thank you, Pam Sweeney Attendance Clerk
6th GRADE TEAM TALK
Team Honor
In Ms. Barnett’s science classes we have learned how to stay safe in the science lab and answered the question “can a car move by the power of the wind?” We are in the process of journeying to the center of the Earth to learn how continents move and how volcanoes and earthquakes devastate the earth’s surface. Be sure to take a look at your student's Google Classroom for more details.
In Mrs. Delaney's ELA class, we just finished up our first major writing assignment of the year- narrative papers. This week the students have been hard at work identifying and using figurative language and will complete an in-class project utilizing music and technology to wrap up that mini unit. Over the next few weeks we will continue to improve upon our constructed response writing techniques and practice citing textual evidence to support what a text says explicitly. Please keep an eye on Google Classroom for updates, as well as Infinite Campus for grades!
In Mrs. Paine's social studies class, sixth graders have studied map skills, culture, the 5 themes of Geography, and Europe's political and physical features. We are currently wrapping up our unit on Europe's various environmental concerns and will be focusing on Europe's government systems. Please check your Google class messages for test reminders and copies of slides from class notes. Great things are happening in social studies as students continue working towards mastering the standards while making real world connections.
We are off to a great start in 6th grade math!! In Mrs. Bryant’s class, we are nearing the end of Unit 1: Number System where students have divided multi-digit numbers, solved decimals with all operations, divided fractions, and found factors and multiples of numbers. Students need to continue to practice these skills to become more fluent in number sense. As we approach our next unit, students will explore situations represented by negative numbers, graph points in all quadrants of the coordinate plane, identify numbers and their opposites on a number line and find absolute values of numbers. Please continue to check Google classroom and Infinite Campus.
TEAM COURAGE
We are off to a great start in Mrs. Baker’s math classes! The students are finishing their first unit, reviewing Number Systems Fluency, where we worked on long division, adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals & fractions. Our next unit will focus on Expressions and Equations. Just a reminder, check parent portal and/or google classroom often to keep your student on top of all assignments. You should see math homework almost nightly. (Math is not a spectator sport!)
In Mr. Schettini’s science classes, “Thinking Outside the Box” is always a priority and during the last few weeks we have been focused on the Engineering Design Process while creating a car that will not require gasoline. Our annual “Sail Car” competition gave the students a chance to use STEM principles (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) to form their own hypothesis, design and build a model to compete with their classmates, and continuously improve their results. We have started researching the layers of the Earth, and will continue with minerals & rocks, the rock cycle, and plate tectonics.
In Mrs. Davis’ English Language Arts classes, students have been reading Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: Stories of Life, Love, and Learning and other various short stories. We have been learning about the elements of plot using a plot diagram to analyze short stories. We are also working on the 6 traits of writing to help us to become the best writers we can be. We are currently concentrating on the first trait, ideas. Be sure to check Google classroom and Quizlet.com for homework, projects, and vocabulary.
In Mrs. Tysor’s social studies classes, students have studied map skills, culture, the 5 Themes of Geography, and physical and political geography of Europe. We are currently learning about the various environmental concerns of Europe. Students need to review vocabulary terms and notes every night in order to achieve mastery. Please check your google class messages for test reminders and for copies of slides from class notes. Also, take advantage of my quizlet.com web site! Once you are in quizlet.com, search for ktysor to find my vocabulary flashcards.
Gifted
In 6th Grade Gifted ELA, Ms. Knopp’s students are reading a variety of stories from Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul and from the literature textbook. Students are learning about plot elements, figurative language, the writing process, and elements of poetry. We are working on language/grammar through daily warm-ups called Daily Language Review. We are also working to improve reading comprehension skills, as well as vocabulary acquisition, and critical thinking skills through several different activities, including analogies. Students should be reviewing Google Classroom daily for updates, as well as studying the Quizlet vocabulary flashcards and using the practice games several nights a week. The Term 1 ELA Exam is Wednesday, October 7th and it is very important that your child attends school for exam review during that week. It has truly been a wonderful start to the new school year!
In 7th Grade Gifted ELA, Ms. Knopp’s students have been reading J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. We are working very hard on writing standards by connecting our reading to writing reflections. We are focusing on various literary elements and figurative language. We have learned about the Hero’s Journey literary structure, as well as archetypes, as they apply to our novel. We have been learning about how an author uses tools such as characterization, flashback, foreshadowing, and irony. We will have a mid-term test, as well as a final exam over the novel. We are also working to improve reading comprehension skills, as well as vocabulary acquisition, and critical thinking skills through several different activities, including analogies and warm-ups. Students should be reviewing Google Classroom daily for updates, as well as studying the Quizlet vocabulary flashcards and using the practice games several nights a week. The Term 1 ELA Exam is Wednesday, October 7th and it is very important that your child attends school for exam review during that week. It has truly been a wonderful start to the new school year!
7th GRADE TEAM TALK
Team Tolerance
Team Tolerance started the year with a flurry of academic activities and got off to a great start!
In Mrs. Cooper’s math class, students began by studying how to compute positive and negative rational numbers including fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals. It is not only important to know how to, but also to develop some speed and accuracy in this skill. In unit 2, students are applying their new found computation skills by simplifying algebraic expressions and multi-step equations. Mrs. Cooper’s Emodo page should be checked regularly for information and resources. Please encourage your child to attend one of the many tutoring opportunities: tutoring hours are most days during lunch and some Thursday afternoons.
A brief review of skills that will be important to the study of the world throughout the year began the nine weeks in Mrs. Thompson’s social studies classes. Students have currently turned their attention to South West Asia (the Middle East). This is an area rich in history, economic importance, religious significance, and current interest. I hope as we study the area in preparation for our Milestones Exam that you and your student can have many interesting discussions on the area. We will close our study of this fascinating region with the creation of an economics rap and a Middle East newscast. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to a fabulous year!
In Mr. Miller’s science class, the students have focused their learning on the steps in the scientific method by learning a mnemonic to help remember: Quiet Hippos Eat Apples Smoothly (This stands for Question, Hypothesis, Experiment, Analysis, and Summary). They have also learned the characteristics of life and created 2d and 3d models of the three major branches of science. For the next 4.5 weeks, we will continue with our first Standard S7L2. Students will create their own rap about cell structures and their functions. They will also create models of the plant and animal cell and use the microscopes to identify cell structures.
Students in Ms. Tedder’s ELA classes begin with a daily warm-up Monday through Thursday mornings. This exercise serves to bolster basic principles of English language conventions. Reading Comprehension exercises are administered on Fridays to increase reading fluency and comprehension. J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit serves as the anchor text for the current unit themed “A Hero’s Journey”. Students listen/read the novel as they complete a study guide. Quizzes are given after each chapter or two with interval tests given after the completion of several chapters. Three vocabulary cycles have been completed; a cumulative test will be given on all words (spelling and definitions) in cycles one to three (Sept. 21). It is imperative that students study vocabulary nightly to master these words.
Team Integrity
8th GRADE TEAM TALK
Team Discovery
In Mrs. Griffith’s 8th grade math class, we have been working with
Unit 1 Transformations, Congruence, and Similarity. Our first unit
assesses for student mastery of the following Common Core Georgia
Performance Standards: MCC8.G.1-MCC8.G.5. Students have been
applying what they have learned from angle relationships to calculate
the missing angle measures when given a set of parallel lines cut by a
transversal. We then moved on to determining the scale factor between
two objects and using that data to calculate the measure of a missing
side length. Finally, we are introducing our last topic in this unit,
transformations. Students will be applying concepts related using
dilations, reflections, translations, and rotations to manipulate
objects on a coordinate plane. Students will take the Unit 1 Exam,
after which we will move on to our next unit, Unit 2 Exponents.
In Ms. DuCharme's science classes, we are learning that matter really does matter. Ask your student to share with you all they have learned about the states of matter, physical and chemical properties, physical and chemical changes in matter and their vast knowledge of atoms.
In Mrs. Bott's class is currently reading Bad Boy: A Memoir by Walter Dean Myers. Through this autobiography students are researching historical topics such as segregation, garment district, Langston Hughes, and public schools in the 1950s. Students are demonstrating their comprehension through constructed responses and other assessments.
In Mr. Williams’ classes, we have been discussing several topics during the first few weeks of school. We have learned about the Physical Features and Regions in Georgia. We have also talked about the different transportation systems and how they impact Georgia's economy. This week we have started discussing the Evolution of the Native Americans. Our classes are working very hard, taking every opportunity to become better students. We will be discussing European Exploration and The Colonial Period in the upcoming weeks. We really appreciate your support and would like to thank you for letting us teach your child.
Team Wisdom
Mr. Anander’s math classes are covering transformations. This is where we rotate, translate, and/or reflect an image on a coordinate plane. Also, don't forget to check Edmodo.
Mr. Bailey’s classes are examining the scientific view of matter. Students are also learning to distinguish between atoms and molecules, describe the differences between pure substances
(chemicals and compounds) and mixtures (heterogeneous and homogeneous).
Mrs. Eimer’s Georgia Studies classes are studying the geography of Georgia, the prehistoric cultures of Georgia, and European explorations of North America and Georgia. Be sure to check the Edmodo website and your student’s agenda for important upcoming assignments.
Ms. Klein's ELA classes are currently reading Bad Boy: A Memoir by Walter Dean Myers. Through this autobiography students are researching historical topics such as segregation, garment district, The Harlem Renaissance,and public schools in the 1950s. Students are demonstrating their comprehension through constructed responses and other assessments.
Media Center News
I am excited about the start of this school year. Students have all had the opportunity to visit the Media Center for orientation and to check out a book. In the first month of school, students checked out more than 1,200 books!
The ECMS Book Fair will be here October 19 - October 23, 2015.
The Fair will run from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Monday thru Thursday, and 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM on Friday.
If you would like to volunteer at this year's Book Fair, please email me at jennifer.gordon@cowetaschools.org
Thank you for your support!
Mrs. Gordon
Clinic News
Good nutrition helps nourish and maintain healthy students.
Healthy students have good attendance.
Good attendance contributes to Academic success!
Just a few reminders from the clinic, all students with chronic medical conditions need to have an up to date action care plan in the clinic. If your student did not receive one for you to complete, please call the clinic to have a form sent home. If your student needs to carry an Inhaler OR has an Epi-pen here at school, the action plan needs to be signed by the prescribing physician. ALSO, please remember according to Coweta County Schools Safety Guidelines for medication administration during school hours, all medication shall be in its ORIGINAL LABELED container or prescription bottle. A written note or medication authorization form from parent/guardian must include student’s name, dosage required, times, a phone number for verification.
Thank you,
Rhonda Smits, RN
ECMS Clinic
News from the Cafeteria
Parents did you know that, “Breakfast eaters are more likely to be calmer, less anxious,
more focused and learn better.
Breakfast also tends to organize children’s day, particularly if they eat at school.” According to Dr. Kleinman, professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School.
Parents we offer breakfast every morning for all students from
7:45 – 8:15am. Cost is 1.00 for breakfast. If students qualify for reduced meals cost is 30 cents. If students qualify for free lunch, breakfast is also free. Each day there is an assorted menu with either cereals, grits, eggs, pancakes, biscuits, yogurts, juices, milk and fruit.
Please call the cafeteria for any questions at 770-599-6077.
We look forward to serving your students each and everyday.
Susan Akin
ECMS Cafeteria Manager
Important Dates
Academic Dates
Progress Report, Wednesday, September 16
End of 1st Nine Weeks, Thursday, October 8
First Nine Weeks Exams: Math/Connections 1, 3, 5 Tuesday, October 6
ELA/Connections 2, 4, 6 Wednesday, October 7
Science/Social Studies Thursday, October 8
Report Card, Monday, October 19
SGA Pretest (nine weeks), October 15
ECMS EVENTS
Important School Dates
Cookie Dough Fundraiser ends September 15
Fall Picture retakes are September 28
October 9 is a Teacher Work Day-No school for students
October 12-No School
EC Homecoming is October 16
Fall Dance is October 23, 4:00-6:00
Public Notices
Asbestos:
Be it known that all schools in the Coweta County
School System have been duly inspected for
asbestos according to EPA regulations and an
Asbestos Management Plan is available at
each school.
Coweta County School System Complaint procedures:
http://www.cowetaschools.org/images/legal/2015/complaint_procedures_ccss.pdf
Parent Teacher Communication
Indian Inbox: Weekly email of intercom announcements made at school.
Sign up at the link below or go the ECMS’ website.
http://cowetaschools.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=dac9b2c5ebf7f47bedea2fb92&id=f482a9e7b1
*If you participated in receiving information through Indian Inbox last year, you do not have to sign up again.
· Remind: Periodic text messages from ECMS.
Enter the phone number 678 552-2497 and text the message @ecmspar.
· Twitter: Real time good news about ECMS. Follow us at ECMS_Jackson
· Website: Visit our website often at http://www.cowetaschools.org/ecms/
· Phone calls: Monthly phone calls will be made regarding events for the month.
· Edmodo: See your classroom teachers
· Parent Portal: See the front office secretary to sign up
Affidavit Notice
Affidavits will be sent home with your student soon. Affidavits are due in to our office no later than December 11th. ECMS provides notaries here at school for your convenience and there is no charge. You will need two items from the following list for address verification: property tax records which indicate the location of the residence; mortgage documents or a security deed which indicates the location of the residence; apartment or home lease or rent receipt indicating the current address; current electricity bill or electricity application showing the current address; voter precinct identification card or other voter documentation indicating the current address.
Homework Help
Parents & Guardians,
Does your student struggle with completing his/her classwork and homework? Do they need access to school supplies or computers for homework, projects, and Study Island review? Well, then Homework Help is for you! Homework Help takes place most Mondays and Thursdays in the ECMS cafeteria and at the Central Education Center from 4-5pm. Homework Help gives students an opportunity to work on their homework/projects in a structured environment, with access to school supplies and a computer lab. Transportation is not provided; therefore, students need to be picked up at 5pm each day. Permission forms are located in the ECMS front office or ask your teachers. For students that live closer to Newnan, Homework Help is offered at the CEC as well. Students attending Homework Help at the CEC will ride bus 107-12 (first bus load) and be dropped off in front of the CEC. Parents will need to pick up these students at 5pm each day. If you have any questions, please contact Erin Hicks at erin.hicks@cowetaschools.net or 770-599-6607.
ECMS
Website: http://www.cowetaschools.org/ecms/
Location: 6291 Highway 16 West, Coweta County, GA, United States
Phone: 770 599-6607
Twitter: @ECMS_Jackson