Star News
July 27, 2020
Welcome Back Message from Dr. Connery
Welcome Home!
Greetings Simpson Parents,
Thank you for making Simpson Elementary such an awesome place for our students to learn! Our theme for the 2020-2021 school year is, “Welcome Home!” This theme was inspired by YOU, our family-oriented community which makes EVERYONE feel right at HOME! Your unwavering commitment of love shown to our teachers, administrators, and staff is what makes Simpson feel so special! Having this combined shared spirit of collaboration, enthusiasm, and supporting those in need, is what propels student achievement to even greater heights! I want you all to know that I VALUE each and every one of you! I love telling anyone who will listen, that my school is the MOST giving, caring, and thoughtful place to work! I look forward to you all coming HOME! Look forward to additional regarding Meet Your Teacher Day (MYTD), pre-ordered supplies, yearbook pick up, and PTA documents. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Proud to be your principal,
Dr. Connery
Principal News: School Opening Plans
Greetings,
We are embarking on a new frontier with this year's opening of school. Thinking about this upcoming school year, it is something that states, districts, and local schools have never done before. Leading with our hearts and minds, reminds me of some of my favorite science fiction shows, like Star Trek, venturing off into unfamiliar territory for the first time. Opening the school year in a digital format is something new for all of us. However, what brings me comfort is knowing that when we are faced with challenges, we as a community come together as one to create solutions. Therefore, I want to commend you for your dedication to education and for all that you do to support our school. I am confident that we will have an outstanding school year. As we prepare for the opening of school, I want to continue communicating information to you as I receive it. Please see the CDC and Health Official Guidelines below that are guiding our plans for school safety.
Students will report back to school digitally on Wednesday, August 12th. Please see additional details below about school opening plans as it relates to Simpson Elementary to support our staff and virtual students. Please know that I care about you, our students, and our families. I want to make sure that we take every action possible to keep everyone safe and healthy! If you have additional questions after reading our parent newsletter, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Dr. Connery
Back to School Information
Local School Updates:
We have been working diligently to ensure that all visitors have the utmost care, safety, and social distancing measures in place. When returning to school, we will follow CDC guidance by maintaining a distance of six feet, not sharing materials (i.e., pens, pencils, etc.) and sanitizing surfaces routinely. In addition, please see the safety measures below that will guide our steps towards a healthy school environment.
Safety Plans
Schools across the district are implementing procedures to minimize risk and create a positive learning environment. At Simpson Elementary, we will establish the following guidelines:
* One-way hallways when possible.
* Health guidance posters will be displayed throughout the building.
* Each common area and classroom will have a box of gloves, paper towels, sanitizer, and vindicator (disinfectant) for use.
* Custodial schedules will be in place to ensure the cleaning of high touch areas daily.
* Teachers will create a positive learning environment that will support digital instruction.
* Masks are REQUIRED in public areas.
*Protocols for reporting COVID-19 diagnosis and contact exposure will be followed and reported immediately to administrators/district health officials.
* We will limit the number of visitors in the building until further guidance is provided from health officials.
Open House - Meet Your Teacher Day
Simpson Elementary will have a blended Open House-Meet Your Teacher Day (MYTD) for the 2020-21 school year. Parents will have the option of attending in-person or virtual MYTD.
In-person MYTD will be held on Friday, July 31st from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., with social distancing measures in place. We will allow two-three families at a time (with 15 min. intervals each) in a classroom to meet their new teachers. Parents will have an opportunity to schedule an appointment time via Sign-Up Genius (e.g. similar to early release conferences) located on our school website. Parents will be notified of teacher assignments via mail correspondence. During the in-person MYTD, parents will have the opportunity to verify enrollment information, pick up pre-ordered school supplies, yearbooks, agenda planners and receive PTA information. In order to limit visitation throughout the building, we respectfully request only enrolling parents and Simpson school-aged children to be present.
As a second option on Monday, August 3rd from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. parents have the opportunity to engage in a virtual conference with their new teacher via Zoom. Those parents who desire a virtual session will have the opportunity to pick up supplies through a scheduled drive-through pick-up time with their teacher.
Device and Internet Access
Access for students (devices & internet) in the digital platform is important as more students engage in the digital learning resources.
* Each child will need a device in order to fully participate in digital learning. We have created a survey link for those in need.
* Your tech team is currently making arrangements for device distribution to take place on MYTD.
* GCPS encourages families to take advantage of existing no-and low-cost internet services provided by commercial carriers. The district maintains a list of these providers that is available on the GCPS website. If there is a family in need of these services, please seek support from your child's teacher.
Every dollar raised goes directly to programs and events that benefit our Simpson Superstar students, staff, and facilities.
Our school year is starting digital, but the Simpson PTA is working hard to support the Simpson staff, students, and facilities team in preparation for the safe return to the building. While most of our fall events/programs our currently postponed, we are prepped and ready to continue our volunteer efforts and programs as soon as we are able.
Visit www.simpsonespta.org today to:
- Become a PTA member
- Donate to our General PTA and Arts in Education Donation Drives
- Start Shopping the Charleston Wrap Fundraiser
New PTA Website!
Please bookmark www.simpsonespta.org and visit the site to learn more about the PTA, see upcoming events and programs, connect with committees on volunteer opportunities, and of course, join and donate!
Charleston Wrap Fall Fundraiser
Shop over 1,500 gift ideas by clicking on the link below...every purchase makes a difference! Going on now through September 30.
Directions to get started:
- Click on the Charleston Wrap Fundraiser link HERE
- Register Participant! Enter Simpson's Organization ID: 11579 Your email and phone number
- Click Get Started
Stay Connected...
Please visit the link HERE to fill out the 2020-21 PTA Family Contact Form. It takes less than 3 minutes!
2020 Reflections Competition
Entries will be due on September 9th and 10th. More information may be found on the Simpson PTA website.
Simpson Elementary School PTA Certificate of Recognition
Keep Clipping Box Tops and Scanning those Receipts!
Remember to use the Box Tops app to scan your store receipt within 14 days of purchase. The app will automatically find the products and instantly add Box Tops to our school’s earnings online.
Thank you for supporting our school programs.
Georgia Platinum Award 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2016 and 2019!
2010 Georgia School of Excellence!
2012 and 2018 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence!