COMET CONNECTION

Greetings,

Welcome to the Fall season Comets! Yes, Fall is finally here, and so are the wonderful things Fall brings! We'll have cooler temperatures, pumpkin spice, Fall Break, and Early Release Conferences!

Speaking of conferences... I hope you have had a chance to sign up for your parent-teacher conference to learn how your child is doing in mastering our Academic Knowledge and Skills curriculum. Here in GCPS, we care about each and every child and seek to have open and honest communication between parents and teachers. Parent conferences are a great way to have that communication. Our teachers are preparing to show you work samples and more for that week so that you can see what your child has accomplished.

Another terrific communication method is our new app, Parent Square. This app gives you many options for communication. You can choose the method—texts, instant messages, notifications, or emails. You can choose the time of day when you get the communication. You can choose how you respond! If you have not downloaded this app, please do so that you can stay connected with our teachers and school.

You should have received a communication from the district regarding our school calendar. Our school board wants your input about the calendar for the next two years. Please let your voice be heard by talking with your child about the calendar options and voting for the calendars you most want.

As you read through this month's newsletter, we have many exciting things happening in October. There will be dress-up days, the upcoming book fair, Trunk or Treat, and so much more! I certainly hope that you enjoy all the activities and events this month has in store for you and your family!

Let's go Comets! Let's soar and shine! 🚀⭐

Warmest regards,

Melissa Madsen

Twice a year, during the Fall and Winter seasons, GCPS dedicates a week for parents to meet with their child's teacher. This year, Fall Parent Teacher Conference Week will be held from October 16th - October 20th.

Parents may select to have their conference virtually (via Zoom) or in person with their child's teacher. If you have more than one student at Britt Elementary, you will need to sign up for a conference with each child's teacher. When signing up for your conference, please enter VIRTUAL or IN PERSON in the Special Request area of the sign-up form.

Also, Wednesday, October 18th, and Thursday, October 19th are scheduled Early Release Days for elementary school GCPS students. Britt Elementary students will be dismissed at 12:50 p.m. If your student is a walker, car rider, or daycare rider, please make any necessary transportation arrangements for your child ahead of time. Buses will drop students off at their stops at their earlier designated times.

We will not have lunch guests on Early Release Days due to changes in the lunch schedule.

Lastly, for your convenience, Britt Elementary will be utilizing an online scheduling system called PTC Fast Scheduler for this week of conferences. The online sign-up window opened on Friday, September 22nd, and will close on Sunday, October 15th at 4:00 PM.

To sign up for your conference date and time CLICK HERE, click the picture, or click the blue button below.

Thank you Comet Families! We hope to see you there! 😃

Experience Snellville Tourism and Trade is hosting its 11th Annual Scarecrow Contest. A picture of Britt Elementary School's entry is pictured above. Britt is "COLORING THE WORLD WITH KINDNESS" and with your help, we can win this year's contest!

Vote online for Britt's scarecrow by clicking here at www.ExperienceSnellville.com, clicking the Scarecrow picture, or by clicking the blue button below.

Voting takes place from 12 noon Monday, October 2nd through 10:00 p.m. Friday, October 13th.

YOU CAN ONLY VOTE ONCE PER DAY and all proceeds will benefit the Southeastern Gwinnett Food CoOp.

LET'S HAVE A "SCARY" GOOD TIME AND LET'S ALL VOTE COMETS!⭐⭐⭐

Mrs. DeRosa is a valued member of Britt's fourth-grade team! She teaches with a heart of gold and her service to her students and colleagues is truly immeasurable. The Comets are proud of you Mrs. DeRosa. You represent us well and we love you! ❤️

• October 3 - 12: District Assessments
• October 5 - 9: GCPS Fall Break
• October 13: Digital Progress Report #2 Available In ParentVue
• October 13: Hispanic Heritage Month Cultural Attire Day
• October 16 - 20: Fall Parent-Teacher Conference Week
• October 16: The 50th Day of School! Dress in your 1950's gear!
• October 18 -19: GCPS Early Release Days
• October 20: Bus Safety Day - WEAR THE COLOR YELLOW!
• October 23 - 27: Red Ribbon Week Activities and Celebrations
• October 24th: Parent Meeting: PTO Elections at 6:30 p.m. Britt Cafe
• October 27: PBIS CELEBRATION - Fall Festival
• October 27: Britt Elementary Trunk or Treat at 6:00 p.m.
• October 30: 5th Grade Annual Canned Food Drive Begins
• October 30 - November 3: Scholastic Book Fair at Britt
• October 31: Book Character Costume Day at Britt

LET'S CELEBRATE THE 50TH DAY OF SCHOOL!

Can you believe we have been in school for almost 50 days?

Dress up your students in their 1950s clothing to help us mark the occasion!

TRUNK OR TREAT

Do you want to help or participate in this event?

Check ParentSquare or your email for an interest survey to complete!

Red Ribbon Week 2023

The organization, National Family Partnership, provides drug awareness by sponsoring the annual National Red Ribbon Campaign™. Since its beginning in 1985, the Red Ribbon has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. In memory of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raising awareness of the destruction caused by drugs in America. In 1988, the NFP sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Celebration. Today, the Red Ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.

Join us here at Britt as we celebrate Red Ribbon Week 2023!

October 23rd through October 27th, staff and students are asked to show their spirit for drug prevention by participating in the following themed days.

Thank you for your support Comets!

5th Grade's Annual Canned Food Drive

Beginning October 30th and through the holiday season, Britt's 5th-grade students are sponsoring their annual Canned Food Drive! This event helps to provide holiday baskets for our local community members and families. During this time, students and staff are asked to donate canned items at their leisure. At the finale of this gracious event, the homeroom class that collected the most canned items will be the winners of a wonderful PIZZA PARTY!

Let's Go Comets! LET'S COLLECT! 🚀⭐

Get ready! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming our way (YAY!). Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them on their journey to becoming lifelong readers. AND—as always—every purchase at the Fair benefits our school.

Here’s what you need to know about the big event, which will take place from October 26th through November 3rd, 2023. Online shopping starts on October 26th and in-person shopping begins the afternoon of October 27th.

Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/wcbrittelementaryschool1.

The countdown to more Bookjoy is on! Catch you at the Fair!

The Gwinnett County Public Library has a calendar full of events for you and the family to enjoy! Many of them are FREE!

Click here to take a look at their monthly calendar.

Click on the pictures below to learn more about Gwinnett County's Branch Out and Beanstack programs for your growing reader!

BRITT FAMILY ENGAGEMENT CENTER

GRAND REOPENING!

On Wednesday, October 18th, and Thursday, October 19th our Family Engagement Center will proudly and officially celebrate the REOPENING OF ITS DOORS to the families in our school and community!

Run by Britt's Parent Instructional Coordinator Dr. Dawn White, you will have the opportunity to get important information on the resources our Family Center has to offer!

Be sure to stop by any time from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. during our grand reopening week or schedule to meet with Dr. White at any time on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. by calling 678-639-3884. She will be more than happy to assist you with all your family needs!

Early childhood experiences are so important to lifelong learning. If you have a child between the ages of one month and five years old and are looking for ways to encourage him/her to play, learn, and grow, consider learning about and joining our FREE Play 2 Learn, Little Learners Academy, and Building Babies Brains programs here at Britt Elementary for the 2023-2024 school year.

For more information, please contact Dr. Luann Hammami at (770) 972-4500, visit the school, or email her at Luann.Hammami@gcpsk12.org. You can also click the links or scan the QR Codes below for more details and resources.

Does your little one attend our after-school program or a neighboring after-school program? If so, check out the "Walk Among The Stars - Lights On Afterschool" event coming soon! You can even sign up to be a vendor! For more information, click here.

PBIS CELEBRATION #3

FALL FESTIVAL OF EVENTS!

Each month we celebrate those students at Britt who exhibit positive behaviors and represent our school community as good citizens.

On Friday, October 27th, during school hours, our Comets will celebrate their third PBIS celebration of the year with a Fall Festival!

All that's needed to attend are 75 Class Dojo Points!

Parents and families, take this month to discuss with your scholar how they have been showing positive behavior and good citizenship skills at school. Ask them about their class dojo points and if they think they have earned enough to attend this month's event.

The Comets had so much fun at August's Ice Cream Social and September's Game Day, so... CHECK IN PARENTS!😀

Our Comets love it when their parents and families are involved in their successes and rewards just as much as we are!

Student Arrival 8:20-8:50 and Dismissal 3:20-3:45

School Hours: 8:50 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.

Office Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Arrival is from 8:20 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. The tardy bell rings at 8:50 a.m. Parents must come inside to check in their student(s) after this time. Dismissal begins at 3:20 p.m. Car rider dismissal ends at 3:45 p.m. After this time, you must come inside for student pickup.

Early Checkouts are allowed until 3 pm. After that time, check outs will be delayed until dismissal is completed.

Will your scholar be absent from school? Has he or she already been absent? No worries! Use this QR code, click on this link, or click on the blue link above to access and complete an Excused Absence Form for your little one.

SCHOOL LUNCH VISITATION AT BRITT

Come eat with your Comet for lunch!

Adult lunch is $4.00.

🍽️

We kindly ask that no fast food be brought to lunch. Thank you!

We know that families want easy access and one go-to location for need-to-know information about their student's education. Everything from records to resources found in one spot! Just as important, you want an easy way to stay in touch with your child's school. The updated Parent Portal gives parents access to grades, assignments, attendance, and communication with teachers. The Parent Portal also gives families a direct line to the classroom, with 24/7 real-time information and anytime, anywhere access, with in-portal translation in multiple languages.

Don't have an account or need to update your information?

Visit GCPS' Parent Portal page here for all the help you need!

Make sure you are also signed up and connected with the applications and resources below to stay connected even more!

About ParentSquare

ParentSquare is a unified communication platform that offers a whole host of tools that allows district leaders, school administrators, and teachers to communicate and engage with families and students more effectively.

Some features include:

• Mass Notifications and Urgent Alerts with two-way communication
• Mobile application for administrators and parents (iOS and Android)
• Attendance notifications (district-managed)
• Teacher and classroom communication
• Direct Messaging with two-way translation
• Social Media (Facebook and Twitter) and website share
• StudentSquare (high school students)
• And so much more!

All Snacks Must Be Paid For Through Your Child's My Payment Plus Account. No Cash Will Be Taken At School For Snacks!

👉 GCPS Job Opportunities Are Waiting Just For You! 👈

Principal: Mrs. Melissa Madsen

Website: https://www.gcpsk12.org/BrittES
Location: 2503 Skyland Drive Southwest, Snellville, GA, USA
Phone: 770-972-4500
Facebook: facebook.com/brittelementary

Instagram: @britt_elementary
Twitter: @twitter_Brittelementary