SMS Jaguars: Weekly Reminders
Happy New Year Jags: Universal Remote Learning/F2F: January
School Governance Council Meeting: January 27
The School Governance Council has a scheduled a scheduled meeting on Wednesday, January 27 @ 4:30 p.m. The agenda will include a public comment time period (5:30 p.m.).
A preview of the agenda is available on our school's website: The Principal's Newsletter-SMORE and future meetings will be posted on the parent resource board during our on-site sessions.
Click here to join the meeting
Click here to view the agenda
SGC Candidate Elections: Are you ready to serve our parent and school community? WE NEED YOU!
Elections: Believe it or not, we are gearing up for the SGC Election. We are seeking interested parents to join our School Governance Council and support the school in governing decisions, budget support, and community outreach. If you are interested in serving on the council, please email Sandtownprincipal@fultonschools.org
Candidate Declaration Window: 2/3 – 2/26/2021
Get to know the Candidates: 2/27 – 3/16/2021
SGC Voting Period: 3/17 – 3/24/2021
Title-I Parent Engagement Session! January 26 @ 5:30pm
Click here to join: http://bit.ly/3chrqy6
School Resumes on Tuesday, January 19: Face-to-Face and URL Resume
- Wednesday, January 6 - Friday, January 15: Universal Remote Learning (URL) for ALL
- Tuesday, January 19: URL continues for all scholars registered for virtual learning
- Tuesday, January 19: Return to Face-to-Face (F2F) for all registered F2F scholars
*Please stay attentive to your emails and school communications for adjustments or updates to our school schedule.
SAVE THE DATE: Upcoming Title I Engagement Workshop: Rising 7th and 8th Grade Scholars!
Principal's Message: Welcome Back!
The Journey Continues......Courage and Strength!
Jaguar Family,
Happy New Year! Welcome back to the second half of the school year and the start of a new year. I would like to welcome everyone back, officially, by conveying my very best wishes and sincere appreciation for each of you. As we shift our momentum into the next calendar year, this is an opportunity to appreciate our health and wellness, as well as the strength and courage displayed daily by our staff, students, parents and stakeholders. I know the sacrifice that is made, firsthand, and you are more than essential during this unique time in our country’s history.
I focused a lot on courage and strength during the holiday vacation. I took time to examine the meaning of both, as well as reminding myself of the courage we display each day. The willingness to face a challenge with passion and humility, despite the unknown. We are stronger together, and we will overcome this as a team! Thank you for being a part of this team, and the best part of Sandtown.
We are a part of a great school with amazing staff members, outstanding students, dedicated parents, and a very supportive community. Thanks for being part of it, and thanks so much for helping to make this year thus far, a great one! It’s definitely one that will go down in history as one of a kind.
Please always remember: “You are so awesome! You are so amazing! Your students need you and you are making a difference in their lives. Keep on teaching, Teachers! Keep on leading, Leaders! Keep on supporting, Support Staff! Keep on parenting, Parents! Keep on making the difference!”
Again, and as always, thank you for all that you do to ensure we are normalizing excellence!
Happy New Year!
Your Partner,
Principal Miley
Student Shout-Outs & Special Recognitions
Congratulations to our Spelling Bee Winner and Runner Up! Update
Tristan Rose: Spelling Bee Winner
Chelsea Payne: Spelling Bee Runner-Up
TSA: Sandtown TSA has won 1st place in the Architectural Design category for this year’s Tech Day event!
Mya won 1st place in the Middle School Architectural Design category using 3D CAD during the Georgia Technology Student Association (TSA) Tech Day event this past semester. Mya’s winning project was entitled “Paradise Express Coffee Shop”, where she digitally designed and transformed a restaurant into a coffee shop café in a strip mall implementing COVID 19 CDC guidelines for social distancing and safety precautions! Mya McCall: We are so proud of you!
REACH Georgia Scholarship Recipient!!
Sandtown Middle School's REACH Scholarship Recipient!
CONGRATULATIONS: Aiyana Benford, Sandtown Middle School's REACH Scholarship Recipient!
Congratulations Tristan!!! SMS Spelling Bee Winner/District Competitor-11th Place (11/65)
Effective: Tuesday, January 19-All teachers will engage in simultaneous teaching and learning!
Thank you for ensuring we are able to support ALL learners! Please adhere to remote and F2F etiquette while engage in online learning.
Semester 2: Bell Schedule
The Bell Schedule is changing! The changes are minor, however, all classes are extended by 5 minutes to increase access to instruction. Transitions will continue to be closely monitored and ensure social distancing and cleanliness measures are in place. URL scholars are impacted, as transition time is now limited to 10 minutes. Please plan for the adjustments.
The new extended 5 minutes for each class will begin on Wednesday, January 06, 2020. Please be reminded that ALL scholars will return virtually, before transition back to on-site/face-to-face learning.
Face-to-face (F2F) learning is applicable to the scholars who are registered for F2F. All other scholars will remain in the URL-virtual setting.
No School Days!
- January 4-5: Teacher Workdays (No School for Students)
- January 18: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (Schools Closed)***
- February 12: Professional Development Day (No School for Students)
- February 15: Presidents' Day (Schools Closed)***
- March 12: Professional Development Day (No School for Students)
- March 15: Teacher Workdays (No School for Students)
***FCS Schools and District Offices are closed
PBIS: Building Positive Behaviors
Refocus
Refocus means to focus again; change the emphasis or direction of. Refocusing also helps clear your mind, clarify your thoughts, improve your relationships and visualize the path to achieve your goals.
Last year has given us so many ups and downs, but now we are starting fresh in 2021 and given an opportunity to refocus. Let’s take this year as a fresh start to regain our momentum. Let’s refocus how we handle certain situations. Let’s think positive and be optimistic with all that is to come.
Here a couple of ways to Refocus
- Practice Acceptance
- Breathe easy
- Change your perspective
- Laugh, smile, think positive thoughts
- Exercise
- Write out it (Journal your thoughts)
- Take a moment for yourself
- Listen carefully
Never forget a Positive Practice goes a long way!
The Jaguar E-Gift Giving Tree! A special thank you to our stakeholders
The Jaguar E-Gift Giving Tree was a success! Our E-Gift Giving Tree was a success. Through generous contributions by our staff and stakeholders we were able to gift our scholars items from their wish list and beyond. Thank you for all of your gifts of kindness. Our scholars are beyond thankful and grateful. Our hearts were filled with love by your showing of kindness and concern during the holidays.
Thank you; we are truly better together!
With Appreciation,
The Sandtown Family!
Parent (Student) COVID-19 Reporting Portal
Click here to report a COVID-19 Report
At this time we are asking that parents/guardians of FCS students submit a COVID-19 Report ONLY if your student fits into one or more of the following categories:
a) Has tested Positive for COVID-19 in the past 15 days
b) Currently waiting for the results of a test for COVID-19
c) Has been in close contact (within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes) in the past 15 days with someone diagnosed with COVID-19
If your student fits into one or more of the above categories, please begin the form by clicking the "Next" arrow below. Your report will be sent directly to the Fulton County Board of Health.
If your student does not fit into any of the above categories, a COVID-19 report is not required at this time. Please monitor your child's symptoms and follow-up with your healthcare provider or contact the school clinic, if you have any concerns.
Please DO NOT send your child to school if he or she fits into any of the above categories or is otherwise ill or unwell If your student meets any of the above criteria or is ill or unwell, DO NOT send your student to school until you have spoken with your healthcare provider, one of the FCS Student Health Services School Nurses, or a public health official.
New Scholars & Face-to-Face: Back to School Information:
Uniforms
Uniforms are highly encouraged, however due to COVID-19 and the associated financial implications, they are not required. Uniforms provide distinctive identification for grade levels and support uniformity throughout our school. We encourage our scholars to adhere to our norm! All of our scholars benefit from Spirit Wear on Friday's!
-We are returning in a Universal Remote Environment; Post-Return we do encourage uniforms
- 8th Grade: Royal Blue
- 7th Grade: Grey
- 6th Grade: Black
Uniform Vendors: Walmart, Old Navy, Brandhouse Ink (School-Based Vendor
*All vendors are independent vendors
*Brandhouse Ink is a school-based business partner and offers our school logo. Orders are independently placed with the vendor.
Car-Rider Information: Only applicable for Face-to-Face (TBD)
All students who are currently assigned a car-rider number will retain their current car rider number for the new school year.
New car riders must have a registration form on file. This year, we kindly request all parents to complete the online form. The process is very simple and will allow for a more effective process. Please complete the car-rider registration form online and someone from our office will email you with your confirmed car-rider tag information within 24-48 hours.
Click here to register for a new car-rider number
Lockers: Parents may pre-pay, as deemed appropriate; lockers are distributed during Face-to-Face/On-Site Learning (TBD)
Lockers are available for purchase, beginning the second week of school. Locker assignments will adhere to social distancing guidelines. Lockers will be spaced out to ensure adherence to social distancing requirements.
Payments for lockers may be submitted via Online School Payment, beginning August 17, 2020. Students will begin receiving their locker assignments within 5 days of the submitted payment. The locker fee for all students is $12 for an annual locker rental. Please list your scholar's first and last name, and grade level when purchasing your locker online.
We highly encourage purchasing a locker shelf to organize items within the lockers for our scholars. The school does not sell the locker shelves, however, they may be purchased from Walmart or Target. See the link for an example: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lockermate-12-inch-Stac-a-shelf-Wire-Locker-Shelf-Pink/605020719
Universal Remote Learning (URL) Reminders: (Successful Tips Below)
- The URL Schedule includes a slight adjustment from the schedule in Infinite Campus; be sure to review the URL Bell Schedule.
- Watch the video on how to log-in to Class Link
- Questions: Email your scholar's teacher using Class Link
- Need a device: Email SMS Device Team
Still need help?
- Contact the URL Hotline
Monday - Friday
Call: 470-254-2300
Important School Documents
Parent and Family Engagement Plan FY21
What is the aim of Title I in Fulton County Schools?
Title I schools receive federal money to provide additional resources to: Support student instruction, Improve teaching strategies, Increase family engagement:
1. FCS-Parent Family Engagement Plan FY 21 (Click to review)
2. Sandtown Middle School's Parent and Family Engagement Plan (Click to review)
3. Sandtown's School Family Compact (Click to review)
The Jaguar Creed!
- School-wide Affirmation
- Does your scholar know the Jaguar Creed and Pledge?
A single sign-on platform that will allow you to use your FCS username and password to access everything you need. Classlink (Launchpad) delivers instant access to your web resources from all your devices.
Sandtown Middle School: Instructional Lesson Plans
Lesson planning is a significant element of teaching-learning system. A lesson plan is a step-by-step guide that provides a structure for an essential learning. Before planning a lesson, it is essential to classify the learning outcomes for the class. It is important because it helps the teacher in maintaining a standard teaching pattern and does not let the class deviate from the topic. Pre-planning helps the teacher to be better equipped in answering questions asked by the students during the lecture. An effective lesson plan has three basic components; aims and objectives of the course, teaching and learning activities and, assessments to check student understanding of the topic.
Click below to request a copy of the current lesson plans
Click here to review specific information for your scholar's grade level.
Website goes live on August 31, 2020
Click here to review specific information for your scholar's grade level.
Website goes live on August 31, 2020
Click here to review specific information for your scholar's grade level.
Website goes live on August 31, 2020
SMS Athletics Department: Complete all required forms
Community Partners and Local School Flyers
Community Resources: Please review our Community Resources Section
Sandtown Middle School: Summer Newsletter
Email: Sandtownprincipal@fultonschools.org
Website: http://school.fultonschools.org/ms/sandtown/Pages/default.aspx
Location: 5400 Campbellton Road Southwest, Atlanta, GA, USA
Phone: (470) 254-6500
Twitter: @SandtownMS
Happy January! Month 6
Second Semester
January 6, 2021
Happy New Year!
Have a great week,
Principal Miley
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Academic Review: January
The following action items are important to reviewing and assessing your scholar's academic performance and needs during the month of January.
- iReady Diagnostic Testing will occur this month. The assessment provides great comparison data to determine student growth. Please ensure your scholar is attentive and focused during the assessment. Data is used to assist with determining future learning plans and programs.
- PSAT classes will begin in February for scholars enrolled in 9th grade courses and selected 8th grade scholars. Further information is forthcoming. Parents will be notified via email and letter.
- Please reach out to schedule a virtual conference with your scholar's teacher or teachers, as needed.
- If your scholar needs assistance, please have your scholar to attend a Virtual Help Session! Help sessions are offered for all scholars. Please reach out to your scholar's teacher for more information.
Additional Support:
- Extended Learning Coordinator: Ms. Kenyatta Stacker
- Disproportionality Teacher: Albrina Burger
- Ms. Goodson: 6th Grade (7th Grade: Li-Z)
- Ms. Bataille: 8th Grade (7th Grade: A-Lee)
As always-thank you for all that you do!
Your Partner,
Principal Miley
Thanks to all, please remember: “You are so awesome! You are so amazing! Your scholars need you and you are making a difference in their lives. Keep on teaching, Teachers! Keep on leading, Leaders! Keep on supporting, Support Staff! Keep on parenting, Parents! Everyone-Keep on making the difference.”
Jaguar Quote:
The BIG 3: School Goals
Literacy
- By the Spring administration of the iReady Diagnostic Assessment for ELA, 70% of Sandtown Middle School scholars in grades 6-8 (who have taken the Fall assessment) will meet or exceed their Spring 2021 projected growth target as measured by the iReady diagnostic assessment for ELA. (September – February)
Numeracy
- 6th Grade 82% of 6th Grade Students will score proficient or higher on the EOG Administration in Spring 2021; 7th Grade 78% of 7th Grade Students will score proficient or higher on the EOG Administration in Spring 2021; 8th Grade 82% of 8th Grade Students will score proficient or higher on the EOG Administration in Spring 2021.
- 96% of 8th Grade Students enrolled in Algebra I will score proficient or higher on the EOC Administration in Spring.
Social and Emotional Wellness
- All teachers (6th-8th) will implement a minimum of 45 minutes weekly, focused, and engaging lessons that incorporate Re-Think Ed comprehensive curriculum of SEL competencies and standards to 100% of Sandtown Middle students during semester one.
Important Meetings This Month: SGC Meeting on Wednesday, January 27 @ 4:30 p.m.
School Governance Council :The School Governance Council has a scheduled a scheduled meeting on Wednesday, January 27 @ 4:30 p.m. The agenda will include a public comment time period (5:30 p.m.). A preview of the agenda is available on our school's website, SMORE and future meetings will be posted on the parent resource board during our on-site sessions.
Click here to join the meeting
Click the hyperlinks above to join the meetings. Flyers are also located with access links within the SMORE.
SGC Elections 2021
Elections
Candidate Declaration Window: 2/3 – 2/26/2021
SGC Voting Period: 3/17 – 3/24/2021
Believe it or not, we are gearing up for the SGC Election. If you are interested in serving on the School Governance Council.