Dear Parents and/or Guardians,

We all share a common goal for our children to be safe and protected from all things harmful. Related to that goal, school counselors are required to present annual personal safety lessons designed to prevent sexual abuse. The Think First & Stay Safe™ program is a research-based program that teaches specific personal safety education by way of interactive classroom lessons, classroom posters, role playing and corresponding activities. Think First & Stay Safe™ enables students to take an active and necessary role in protecting themselves from abuse and exploitation. A committee of professional school counselors reviewed the program and selected components that were developmentally appropriate for elementary students and developed lessons around those concepts.

Due to the importance of this topic, I want you to know when and how you may preview the materials and when the counselors will be presenting this information to your child's class. Please contact your child's counselor, to schedule a preview or if you have any questions or concerns. The materials will be available for preview from November 15th to December 17th. During the months of January-March, our school counselors will offer the sexual abuse prevention and safety lessons to all K-5 students.

You can also learn more about the detailed lesson plans and research behind this program at www.childluresprevention.com. Please be aware that more information is provided on the website than is actually used in Gwinnett County. The plan for Gwinnett includes: the key concepts taught at all grade levels; each grade reviews what was learned in the previous grade(s) and then learns additional lures or tricks.

Click here to review specifics and key concepts.

If you prefer that your child not participate in the sexual abuse and safety prevention lessons, please write and sign a note indicating your preferences and send it to your child’s teacher or school counselor. As always, counselors are available to discuss any concerns you might have. Unless written documentation is received, your child will participate in the sexual abuse prevention and safety lessons.

Sincerely,

Amy O’Neal – K & 3rd grade counselor

Rosy Gumbs – 2nd & 5th grade counselor

Adriane Grey – 1st & 4th grade counselor

678-376-8500

Families can see when afternoon buses have left our school. Please go to the Alcova Quick links section from the homepage's navigation bar, then select Afternoon Bus Dismissal. **To see real-time updates, you will need to refresh that page every few minutes..**

All parents, please visit mypaymentsplus.com to sign off on required orientation agreements for all students. Visit our website for helpful directions on setting up an account.

We want to relieve some of your financial worries. Since 1927 The Empty Stocking Fund has remained committed to supporting parents and guardians who may be struggling financially by giving you an opportunity to choose gifts to give them during the holiday season. In 2019 we expanded our offering to include a Back to School supply distribution in partnership with metro area school dsitricts. Our goal is to relieve as many financial burdens related to providing for your children that we possibly can, allowing you to redirect any funds you may have spent on these items to supporting your family's needs in other ways. It takes a village, and ESF wants to be part of yours!

Click here for more information.