Knightly News
Friday, October 14, 2022
Every Student, Every Day, Deserves to Learn, Lead, & Excel!
Message from Ms. Perkins ~ Simonton ES Principal
Next week our teachers will be holding Parent-teacher conferences. Students will be dismissed on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 and Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 12:15 pm. If your student needs to go home a different way, please send a signed note to the school. Without a note, students will go home their normal way. Please make sure someone is home to meet students at the bus stop.
Fall picture make up is next Friday, October 21, 2022. These pictures will be featured in our Simonton ES 2022-2023 yearbook. All students who were absent during our last fall picture day in September will take their photos that day.
The book fair will be open the week October 17, 2022. Stop by the Simonton ES media center to make your book purchase. Books are also available online. More information can be found below and on our website.
Stay warm and have a wonderful weekend!
Fall Conferences
Parents, you will see the following message as a pop-up alert on our Simonton website:
It is time for our first round of Conferences for the 2022-2023 School Year!
Please click the following link: Simonton Conference Schedule
Parents, you will need to select your child's teacher, register by putting in your information on the next page (Student's Name, Your name, Email Address), and then press "Submit". You will receive an email that contains a link which will take you to the screen where you can select your desired conference day and time.
You can simply click the link above or can visit our website at a later date to schedule your conference(s).
Food Drive at JMS
Jordan Middle school is looking for volunteers to assist with our Food Drive which will take place at JMS on Saturday, October 15, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
If you are able to volunteer, please complete the linked Google form below. We appreciate any help you can give.
GCPS Mock Elections
At the beginning of November, Simonton will be holding mock elections for our 3rd-5th grade students. The goal of mock elections is to provide students the opportunity to participate in a simulation of the democratic process. It is the hope that students will become more civically engaged as adults through this experience. The ballot will show 2 elected offices and a local school 'special issue'.
Students are NOT required to participate in the mock election process. If you would like to opt out, please send in a letter denoting that you do not want your child to participate.
Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming back to Simonton!!
Monday, October 17- Friday, October 21.
Please use the following link to access our book fair homepage: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/simontonelementaryschool
Bus Drive & Monitor Appreciation Day
Monday, October 17 is the annual Bus Driver and Monitor Appreciation Day, recognized statewide as an opportunity to show transportation professionals how much they are appreciated, and how important of a role they play in the lives and well-being of our students.
This is a great opportunity to do something on the 17th to show your drivers and monitors just how much they mean to your local school.
Safe Trick-or-Treat at Central Gwinnett High School
This year's event is Thursday, October 27, from 6-8 PM on the CGHS track.
In the event of inclement weather, the event will NOT be cancelled and instead held indoors on campus.
Elementary Handbook Information for Students and Families
On August 18, 2022 the Gwinnett County Board approved Policy JCDI - Board's Theory of Action for Change to Improve Student Behavior and Outcomes (please see attached Policy). This Policy outlines our Board’s commitment to providing both consequences and interventions in order to improve student behavior outcomes.
The Elementary Handbook Information for Students and Families has been updated to include this new change. Please take a moment to read the new handbook and sign off in the Parent Portal indicating your have received a copy of the document. A copy of the document is attached to the newsletter and a link to the documents on the GCPS website is below.
Upcoming Event Dates
Saturday, October 15
- Saturday Intervention (K-5) ~ 9:00-11:00 am
Monday, October 17 - Friday, October 21
- Book Fair
Wednesday, October 19
- Early Release ~ dismissal at 12:15 pm
Thursday, October 20
- Early Release ~ dismissal at 12:15 pm
Friday, October 21
- Fall Picture Make-Up Day
Saturday, October 22
- Saturday Intervention (K-5) ~ 9:00-11:00 am
Thursday, October 27
- Poetry Night ~ 5:00- 6:00 pm
Friday, October 28
- 5th Grade Fundraiser ~Twin Day
Saturday, October 29
- Saturday Intervention (K-5) ~ 9:00-11:00 am
Saturday, November 5
- Saturday Intervention (K-5) ~ 9:00-11:00 am
2023-2024 Calendar Options
GCPS aims to create a school calendar that fosters student achievement, while at the same time meeting the needs of our students, families, and communities. We design our school calendar around requirements codified in state law (180 school days for students and 190 days for teachers). In addition, staff and community preferences drive the various breaks throughout the school year. We value your input and feedback on the calendar options for the 2023-24 school year. These options were built based on feedback received from students, staff, families, and our community from previous school calendars. In these options, you will find an option that is very similar to the current 2022-23 calendar, as well as options with different features like the removal of staggered start days, the removal of some or all digital learning days, and the addition of holidays that are inclusive of the rich diversity we have here in Gwinnett County.
Please use this link to review and then share your thoughts on the 2023-24 School Calendar options.
We value your feedback on the calendar options provided for the 2023-24 school year. Thank you in advance for taking the time to review these options and share your thoughts with us.
Parent Mentors Present: “Understanding Post-Secondary Outcomes and How it Connects to the Transition Plan in the IEP”
Parent Mentors Present: “Understanding Post-Secondary Outcomes and How it Connects to the Transition Plan in the IEP”
Who: Parents/Guardians of students receiving Special Education services
What: Parent Mentors Present: “Understanding Post-Secondary Outcomes and How it Connects to the Transition Plan in the IEP”
When: Tuesday, October 25, 2022, 9:30am – 11:00am or 6:00 pm-7:30pm
Where: In-Person registration link for 9:30am session: https://forms.gle/ciYteFz8bawfcQkh9
Zoom registration link for 6pm session: https://gcpsk12-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0ufuuqrTgvE9yybI9CgHz2pG14nfbZXA8x
Please use the following link to access the parent letters: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1e0SJz2N2AkZ1XcQarLDzovOSd0ydqUf_?usp=sharing
Get Ready for Inclement Weather!
As Fall begins, GCPS reminds our students, staff, and families to take care, watch the weather, and be familiar with the school system's procedures for handling bad conditions and school cancellations. You can go to the Inclement Weather Procedures page under the About Us tab at gcpsk12.org to learn more.
While Hurricane Ian makes landfall later today (September 30) along the South Carolina coast, breezy conditions persist over Georgia with gusts ranging from 30 to 40 mph. Don’t forget that hurricane season extends through November and extreme weather like tornadoes and thunderstorms may pose danger throughout the year. September is National Preparedness Month. You can find tips for making an emergency plan and more at GwinnettSafety411.com.
What is Social and Emotional Learning?
Learning is not limited to science, math, reading, and writing. Social and emotional learning—which helps children understand their emotions, manage their behavior, and learn how to interact with others—is crucial too!
There are five focus areas in social and emotional learning: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Responsible Decision-Making, Social Awareness, and Relationship Skills. Each area focuses on skills that can help children do well in school, form healthy relationships, and develop into successful adults.
How does this activity relate to social and emotional learning?
Children need constant opportunities to strengthen their social and emotional skills before, during, and after school. That’s why this activity is specially designed to help you bring social and emotional learning into your home in a fun way that will benefit everyone who lives there! Ignite family conversation by bringing provided discussion starters to your next family meal.
Explore Your Future with Career and Technical Education Event
The Academies and CTE Department is hosting a community-wide, K-12 career and education exploration experience open to all GCPS families on Saturday, October 15 from 9:00AM to 1:00PM at Discovery High School. If you have questions or would like to get more involved, please contact Brooke Shultis in the Academies and CTE office (brooke.shultis@gcpsk12.org; 678-301-7050).
What: Explore Your Future with Career and Technical Education
When: Saturday, October 15 @ 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Where: Discovery High School (1335 Old Norcross Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30046)
Who: All community members with students in Kindergarten to 12th grade are invited!
Event Description:
Explore Your Future with Career and Technical Education is an open community event for each and every GCPS family with students in Kindergarten to 12th Grade. The event is on Saturday, October 15 at Discovery High School from 9AM to 1PM and will provide families rich encounters and hands-on experiences to explore Career and Technical Education course offerings, local employers and careers from all of the CTE career clusters, and Career and Technical Student Organizations such as DECA, FIRST Robotics, HOSA, FBLA, and more. Industry partners ranging from healthcare to information technology to manufacturing to construction and trades to arts and film and beyond will be represented! Students and families can learn more about the event and RSVP by visiting: https://sites.google.com/g.gcpsk12.org/explore-your-future/home
Safety is a Priority When the School Bus Stops
GCPS has placed cameras on buses as a deterrent for drivers who illegally pass school buses. When the school bus amber or red lights are flashing, the system automatically detects vehicles passing the stopped school bus, and records the violation. The violator will receive a citation in the mail. The district has approximately 300 buses with cameras this school year.
Click here for more information about school bus safety for students, families, and motorists.
Spotlight: Digitial Citizenship
Social Media Safety
While families are aware that social media use can leave students' emotions and personal information vulnerable, it may seem daunting to know how to help keep children safe. Click here for tips on communicating your concerns, which apps are popular, how to deal with harassment and cyberbullying, and ways to set rules and limits that will protect your child's health and privacy.
ATTENTION STUDENTS AND FAMILIES WHO LOVE STEM AND PROBLEM SOLVING!
The Gwinnett County Science and Engineering Fair wants you to submit a project that solves a real-world problem! If you watch THIS VIDEO and sign up in my Google Classroom, you will find out lots more about it! Simonton Elementary will be hosting the preliminary Science and Engineering Fair here at school. The top projects will go on to the Gwinnett County Science and Engineering Fair! Can't wait to see your amazing ideas!
Google Classroom - Click on the + - Click "Join Class" - Enter the Code: rgsgpv2
Blueprint for the Future
The Blueprint is designed to ensure our Portrait of a Graduate becomes a reality. The Blueprint will also drive the intentional culture shifts that reflect the guiding vision of the Learning 2025 community of practice. Our Blueprint for the Future defines our strategic priorities in four areas: empathy, equity, effectiveness, and excellence.
Simonton ES PTA
Print the attached membership form and return it to the Simonton ES PTA. Sign up for a membership and volunteer to support an event! Contact the Simonton ES PTA at Simontonespta@gmail.com for more information.
Helpful Resources
Family Engagement e-Tips
Demonstrate how to learn from mistakes
Mistakes can be great teachers. To help your child learn from mistakes, set an example. If you lose your temper, or forget to do something you should have done, be honest and say, "I messed up." Then talk about what you could have done differently. Make amends if you can. Your child will learn that you take responsibility for your mistakes. That will make it easier for your student to do the same thing. https://tpitip.com/?12jC18608
Practice two math skills measure by measure
Measuring things around the house can be a fun way to teach your child two important math skills: calculating exact amounts and estimating. Get out a teaspoon, for example, and ask your child to estimate how many teaspoons of water would fill one cup, then check. Or have your student measure the length of the teaspoon, then estimate how many spoons wide the door is. What would that be in inches? https://tpitip.com/?12jD18608
Help your child write a vocabulary word story
Does your child have difficulty learning vocabulary words? Help your student turn a vocabulary word list into a piece of creative writing. Each week, make up two characters and an opening sentence. "A child and a chicken strolled to the store…." Have your child write the rest of the story using words from the list. Creating the story will help your student put the words into context and remember them. https://tpitip.com/?12jE18608
Have your child visualize writing on a mental message board
When your child has to memorize something, explain how to create a mental image. Have your child imagine a message board, and then "write" the facts to remember on the board. Then, with eyes shut, your child can picture the board and the writing. Later, when it's time to recall the facts again, your child can close eyes again and "see" the facts written down. https://tpitip.com/?12jF18608
Keep an eye on your child's schoolwork
Children get more out of schoolwork when parents monitor their efforts. Each day, take some time to review assignments and any classwork your child brings home. Is it neat? Complete? Ask your child to explain anything you don't understand. This will reinforce the material in your student's mind and help you both know if your child understands it. Together, double-check the assignment to make sure your child has completed everything. https://tpitip.com/?12jG18608
Take a learning approach to sports
Athletics teach kids lots of lessons, from sportsmanship to determination. To help your child benefit from sports, look for one your student enjoys. Often, this means a sport that friends are playing. If it's a team sport, make it clear that teammates will count on your child to show up and work hard. Don't try to improve your child's form; leave the coaching to the coach. Instead, help your child see that it's fun to be fit and that winning is just an extra bonus. https://tpitip.com/?12jH18608
Pack your child some lunchtime reading
Do you want to squeeze a little more reading into your child's day? Include a note with your student's lunch. It doesn't have to be sentimental. You could give a compliment or offer encouragement before a test. Or write down a joke or a silly poem. You could share some good news: "Surprise! Grandma's coming today!" Encourage your child to write notes back to you, too. https://tpitip.com/?12jI18608
Gwinnett Public Library
October Events:
Here are the events coming up for the month of October that we hope to see you/your students attend.
Featured Events for Your Students (All programs start at 4 PM)
- KidsCode: Pairing and Debugging will take place on October 19.
- Un Poquito de Español: Animals will take place on October 26.
Featured Events for You
- Healthy Meals on a Budget: Tacos de papa y cilantro lime salsa will take place on October 20 at 5 PM.
- The Social Equity Alliance will be meeting virtually on October 20 at 6:30 PM.
- Take Charge of Your Health will take place on October 24 at 6:30 PM.
For our current system wide offerings, please visit the Adult Services & Programs section of the GCPL website.
ESL Language Learning & New Americans Programs
Starting this month, we will be offering 3 programs for adults who speak English as a second language and want the chance to practice conversationally and for adults who are new to the country as a whole. These programs are:
- Let's Talk:
- In person: Tuesday evenings at 5 PM
- Virtual: Monday (except for the 3rd and 17th) and Thursday mornings at 10 AM
Healthy Meals on a Budget
Thursday, October 20th @ 5:00 pm
Take Charge of your Health
Monday, October 24th @ 6:30 pm
Social Equity Alliance
Thursday, October 20th @ 6:30 pm (online)
SES Business Partners
Simonton Elementary School would like to thank our business sponsors!
Your support and partnership helps us fulfill our mission of having our students Learn, Lead, & Excel!
Mathnasium of North Lawrenceville
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Phone: 678-756-1392
Stars and Strikes
Dacula, GA 30019
Phone: 678-965-5707
GCPS Flyers
SIMONTON ELEMENTARY- WHAT WE STAND FOR
Vision
Simonton is committed to dynamic high quality instruction resulting in a passion for learning, leading and excelling.
Core Belief
Every Student Every Day, Deserves to Learn, Lead, and Excel
Commitments
We commit to giving our students a fresh start every day.
We commit to preparing quality and engaging lessons that will prepare our students to be successful in school.
We commit to teaching, modeling and holding our students accountable for appropriate school behavior.
We commit to providing our students with a structured and safe learning environment.
We commit to a great year of learning, leading, and excelling
Simonton Elementary School
Deputy Superintendent ~ Dr. T. Nakia Towns
Board Member ~ Mr. Steven B. Knudsen
Principal ~ Ms. Tamara G. Perkins
Assistant Principal ~ Mr. Nicholas Gilmore
Assistant Principal ~ Dr. Joe Sanfilippo
Assistant Principal ~ Mrs. Amy Steinberg
Website: https://www.gcpsk12.org/SimontonES
Location: 275 Simonton Road Southeast, Lawrenceville, GA, USA
Phone: 770-513-6637
Twitter: @SimontonPride