February Notes from Ms. Neill
Newsletter
Greetings
We continue to focus on Reading, Writing and Communication across the curriculum. According to Mike Schmoker, from Focus "authenic literacy-reading, writing, and talking, would ensure that virtually all students would be prepared for college, careeer, and citizenship. Such an education is not new, but it is at the center." Our ultimate goal at Briar Vista is to equip our students for the 21st century.
Fluency Article
http://educationalleader.com/subtopicintro/read/ASCD/ASCD_364_1.pdf
Black History Month theme for 2016
The year 2016 theme for Black History Month is Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories. The history of African American unfolds across the canvass of America, beginning before the arrival of the Mayflower and continuing to the present. From port cities where Africans disembarked from slave ships to the battle fields where their descendants fought for freedom, from the colleges and universities where they have pursued education, to places where they created communities during centuries of migration, the imprint of Americans of African descent is deeply embedded in the narrative of the American past, and the sites prompt us to remember. Over time, many of these sites of African American memory became hallowed grounds.
One cannot tell the story of America without preserving and reflecting on the places where African Americans have made history. The Kingsley Plantation, DuSable’s home site, the numerous stops along the Underground Railroad, Seneca Village, Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church and Frederick Douglass’ home — to name just a few.
Georgia Milestone Parent Guide Powerpoint
http://www.slideshare.net/tfried/what-is-the-georgia-milestones-assessment-system2
Briar Vista Fact Sheet
Briar Vista Elementary
Traditional and Montessori School
Principal Assistant Principal
Ms. Cammie Neill
Email: Cammie_a_Neill@ dekalbschoolsga.org
Assistant Principal
Ms. April McCarthy
Email: April_w_Mccarthy@dekalbschoolsga.org
Vision
We believe all children can learn, achieve, succeed and should be taught to function independently in society.
Mission
With the support of our families and the community, Briar Vista will prepare an environment that uses the Montessori Approach to encourage self-reliance and life-long learning for all students in a global society.
Facts
· GA DOE 5 Star Rating for School Climate- School climate refers to the quality and character of school life – the “culture” of a school. State School Superintendent Richard Woods: “If your school has a positive climate, it’s giving students the environment they need to learn. You’ll likely see high achievement there – or a school that’s on the right track toward high achievement.”
· DeKalb County School Choice - Montessori, HB 251 and HB671
· Second highest CCRPI improvements gains in DeKalb County School District at Elementary Level in 2014.
· Highest 2014 Standardized Assessment Math gains in our Region II Area Schools.
· Received Captain Planet Learning Gardens grant to transform courtyard into a multidisciplinary learning environment for all grades.
· Received Lowe’s Home Improvement Grant to remodel Media Center.
· School population of 515 students (PreK-5th) with approximately 37 certified teachers and 19 paraprofessionals.
· Full time art, music, and PE teachers.
· Diversity is reflected in Briar Vista’s student demographics.
· Gifted education program with gifted certified teachers.
· After school care available at school from 2:45 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
· After school activities include Garden Club, Dance, Girl Scouts, and Eagle Boys.
· Strong focus on health and wellness.
· Active and involved Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and community. Visit us at www.briarvistapto.org.
Briar Vista Elementary School
Email: cammie_a_neill@dekalbschoolsga.org
Website: http://www.briarvistaes.dekalb.k12.ga.us/
Location: 1131 Briar Vista Terrace Northeast, Atlanta, GA, United States
Phone: 678-874-5902
Facebook: facebook.com/BriarPatch
Twitter: @briarvistaeagle