Simonton Parent Newsletter
May 6, 2022
Every Student, Every Day, Deserves to Learn, Lead, & Excel!
Message from Ms. Perkins
Join us for our last Simonton ES Local School Council Meeting on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 8:00 am. We will meet in the data room. Our meeting will cover updates from our district and plans for next school year.
Have a wonderful mother's day!
Our students had a BLAST at Field Day!!
The following events will take us through the end of the school year...
Thursday, May 12
- SES Local School Council Meeting ~ 8:00-9:00 am
Wednesday, May 18
- 1st Grade Honor Ceremony ~ 8:30-9:15 am
- 2nd Grader Honor Ceremony ~ 9:30-10:15 am
Thursday, May 19
- 3rd Grade Honor Ceremony ~ 8:39-9:15 am
- 4th Grade Honor Ceremony ~ 9:30-10:15 am
- SES 5th Grade Day ~ 10:00 am-1:00 pm
Friday, May 20
- Pirates of Penzance (Grades 3-5) ~ 9:30-10:30 am
- Field Day (5th Grade) ~ 11:30 - 2:00 pm
Monday, May 23
- 5th Grade Celerations
Tuesday, May 24
- 5th Grade Celebrations
Wednesday, May 25
- Last Day of School
- Report Cards sent home
It's not too late to order your Yearbook!!
Don't miss the opportunity to have your own copy.
You can still purchase a yearbook through your MyPaymentsPlus account, located under the 'School Fees' section. The cost is $23.00.
If you do not have a MyPayments Plus account and would like to still purchase one, please contact the school.
GMAS testing continues...
Next week, 4th & 5th grades will continue testing. 4th grade will be taking 3 sections of ELA and 5th grade will be taking 2 sections of Science.
Device Return
We are now collecting all devices that were checked out to students this school year. If your child(ren) have a laptop or hotspot, please have them return it to Simonton. Please don't forget the cords!
Upon return, each device will be inspected. If damage is found, a fee that was listed on your acceptance form will be added to your child's MyPaymentsPlus account.
Supplemental Materials Public Review Opportunity
Staff, families, students, and community members are invited to review and provide input on supplemental materials for special education early learning, career and technical education, K-5 Language Arts/ Social Studies, Georgia History (Gr 8), and US History (Gr 11) from April 25- May 6. The materials for review will be on display at the J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center (Bldg 100), 437 Old Peachtree Rd NW, Suwanee, from 8:00 am- 4:00 pm Monday- Friday.
Annual Parent Involvement Survey
Who: Families of students who are receiving special education services
What: Each state is required to conduct a parent survey to measure parent/family perceptions of the success of parent engagement between home and local schools.
When: Available January 18, 2022 – May 31, 2022
Where: Parents can complete the survey via the survey link below. We ask that a copy of the attached letter be sent home to every SWD student. Additionally, we ask that the letter(s) and survey link be posted on your special education teacher's e-class pages as well as your school website. Our goal is to ensure that all parents are aware of the survey and can have the opportunity to participate.
Please use the following link to access the survey: https://survey.gadoe.org/SPEDParentSurvey
Georgia Special Needs Scholarships: SB10 and SB47
What: Under state laws passed by the Georgia State Legislature, parents of students who receive special education services or accommodations under a Section 504 Individual Accommodation Plan may request to transfer their child to another public or private school in Georgia.
Who: Any student who currently receives special education services, grades PK-11th and any returning 12th grader, as well as students who are eligible for a Section 504 Plan and are in grades Kindergarten-11th.
When: By April 29, 2022, share information regarding the Georgia Special Needs Scholarships. This information, forms, as well as parent letters are accessible on the GCPS website: https://www.gcpsk12.org/Page/23585
This information can be shared via your school’s website, email, newsletters, as well as sending home parent information letters.
Parent Mentors: “Parenting with Humility and Humor”
What: Parent Mentors Present: “Parenting with Humility and Humor”
Who: Parents/Guardians of students receiving Special Education services
When: Tues, May 17, 2022, 12pm-1:30pm or 6pm-7:30pm
Where: Zoom –
12pm session link for live presentation: https://gcpsk12-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJclc-yoqDIqGdHTiEO9MFbDcARu_Dy__jU2
6pm session link for recording of live presentation:https://gcpsk12-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMtfuysqjIpGdXeAvA5fkOgmoDFtDVBCFBj
Please use the following link to access the parent letters https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AZIcN-1k-mDsIzM294KXr_TRHiNBuAXg?usp=sharing
Please forward to all Special Education Assistant Principals and Special Education Teachers for distribution to parents
ParentVUE Mobile App for GCPS Families
GCPS parents can use their smartphones to access ParentVUE to find grades, schedules, and more!
Will your child be 5 years old by Sept. 1? If yes, it’s time to register for kindergarten in an easy, two-step process! First, go to the Kindergarten Registration page on the GCPS website and click the Register Now! button to begin the online registration process. Then, schedule an appointment at your child’s school to verify information, complete a kindergarten readiness profile, pick up materials, and learn about an exciting summer learning opportunity—GCPS’ Rising K Academy!
Rising K Academy offers fun, hands-on learning activities to help kindergartners get ready for the first day of school at no cost to families! Children will meet new friends, learn through play, practice cooperating with their classmates and solving problems, and build the skills they will need to be ready for kindergarten. Transportation and meals (breakfast and lunch) are provided. This in-person program will meet Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., from June 13 to July 1, with a school holiday on June 20.
New kindergartners registered by May 20 will be entered to win prizes like tablets, books, and LEGOs!
See our Simonton Kindergarten Registration Flyers below...
Gwinnett County Public Library's 2022 Summer Reading Challenge
The theme this year is Oceans of Possibilities.
Here is everything you need to know to participate:
Challenge Dates: May 15th – Aug. 15th (Pre-registration begins on May 1st)
How to Participate: Create or log into an existing Beanstack account here, register for GCPL’s Summer Reading Challenge, and earn prizes by reading and completing activities.
Check out the Beanstack App! Tracking your challenge progress is easier than ever with the Beanstack app. Find it in the App Store and the Google Play Store and keep up-to-date with library fun all summer long.
Make Summer Magical: Gwinnett’s favorite magician, Ken Scott, will be performing at each branch this summer from July 18-27. See our events calendar to find out when he will be at a branch near you.
Track Your Reading: Earn Book Badges by logging the books you read this summer On Beanstack. Every book counts, even if it’s the same one over and over!
Activities and Events: Learning happens through doing as much as it does by reading. Find fun storytime events for your little ones all summer. We have in-branch as well as virtual options, and even a few storytimes at the Splash Pads at Graves and E.E. Robinson county parks.
Prizes: To earn books and entries into our Grand Prize drawing, all you need to do is log the books you read.
- Log 25 Books: Win a free book!
- Log 50 Books: Win a second free book!
- Log 75 Books: Win a third free book and one entry into the Grand Prize drawing!
- Log 100 Books: Win a fourth free book and an additional entry into the Grand Prize drawing!
Grand Prize! Be entered in a drawing to win an annual pass for a family of four to the Georgia Aquarium.
How It Works: Earn points, win prizes!
Earning Points: Log the time you spend reading this summer. Every minute you read earns you a point (1 minute = 1 point). To achieve your goal a bit faster, explore our Activity Badges where you can earn even more points for learning, doing, and exploring!
Activities and Events: Learn more about ocean animals, pirates, surfing, and more by completing virtual Activity Badges. Check Beanstack to find our badges and see if you can collect them all!
Puppet Shows! Attend our kick-off puppet shows featuring ocean-themed stories. Our puppets will be visiting all branches from June 3rd – June 8th.
Check our events calendar to find out when we will be swimming into your neighborhood.
Crafts: Pick up a free Take & Make supply kit to make some ocean-themed bookmarks at home. Available July 11- 17 at a branch near you, while supplies last. Limit 5 per family. (All ages.)
Prizes: To earn books and entries into our Grand Prize drawings, all you need to do is log the minutes you spend reading.
- 350 Points: Win a free book if you are 18 and under.
- 700 Points: Win a second free book if you are 18 and under.
- 1400 Points: Win a third free book if you are 18 and under. Everyone gets one entry into our Grand Prize drawing!
- 3200 Points: Win a fourth free book if you are 18 and under. Everyone gets another entry into our Grand Prize drawing!
- Every 300 additional points beyond 3200 earns you another entry into the Grand Prize drawing! (Max 5 entries per participant)
Grand Prize! Grand Prize winners will receive an annual membership for a family of four to the Georgia Aquarium!
Summer Route for the GCPS Book Mobile
Lawrenceville Library Vision to Learn Events in July
Vision to Learn will be offering free eye exams, vision screenings, and free glasses (if needed) at the branch for all kids ages 5-18 on Monday, July 11 and Thursday, July 14 from 9:30 AM to 3 PM. Registration is required and no walk-ins will be accepted during the events.
Return the attached form if you would like your child to participate... [There are 2 separate forms attached, each with a separate date.]
Click here for details and class descriptions. Ages 7-16
In-person Camps: https://www.kids4coding.com/inperson-techcamps4kids
Remote Camps: https://www.kids4coding.com/remote-springtechcourses
Mystery Science Videos:
Family Engagement eTips
Be patient and firm when your child tests limits
All kids need limits, and most of them will test those limits. When your child challenges the rules, stop and listen. Hear your child out. Then respond briefly with your decision: "I understand that your friends watch that show and then do their assignments, but you know our family rule: schoolwork comes first." When your child does the right thing, offer a positive consequence: "You stuck to your study schedule all week. Let's celebrate with a pizza." https://tpitip.com/?12dY18608
Use your child's imagination to encourage writing
Many kids think of writing as work. But they love storytelling. Encourage your child to write by providing story starters that make writing fun. You might have your child imagine interviewing a famous book character. What questions would your student ask? What answers might the character give? Or, the next time your child asks, "What if …," say "Write down what you think might happen." The wilder your child's imagination, the better the story. https://tpitip.com/?12dZ18608
A little competition can help children learn
Some students avoid competing with others. But competition can teach kids to handle conflict, work cooperatively and overcome challenges. For positive competitive experiences, encourage activities that build your child's self-image. Let your student choose among several activities, but make it clear you expect your child to stick to the choice for at least a few months. Then praise your child's efforts, no matter the outcome. https://tpitip.com/?12da18608
Offer support during study time, but let your child do the work
Being involved when your child does assignments doesn't mean answering the questions or doing the work. That prevents your child from learning to do it. Instead, make sure your student understands the assignment. Have your child read the directions to you. Then ask, "Can you explain them in your own words?" At the end of each study session, review your child's completed work. This sends the message that you think it is important. https://tpitip.com/?12db18608
Model the way to good character
When it comes to teaching character and values, your example is the most powerful teacher of all. Ask yourself, "If my child could watch my behavior all day, what lessons would it teach?" Set high standards for your own behavior as well as your child's. Talk with your child often about the values that are important to you. Some families make values a point of family pride. "In our family, we tell the truth." https://tpitip.com/?12dc18608
Treat mistakes as steps toward learning
To succeed in school, students must develop problem-solving and decision-making skills. But as they learn to solve problems independently, they are sure to make mistakes. Help your child see mistakes as opportunities to learn, rather than as failures. When your student makes an error, discuss it. Talk about ways your child can avoid it in the future. Emphasize that people get smarter when they learn from mistakes. https://tpitip.com/?12dd18608
Encourage your child to participate during read aloud time
Research shows that children who read at home with their families do better in school. Give your child an active role in the process. Let your student choose reading materials of interest. Then take turns reading aloud and stop from time to time to discuss what you're reading. What does your child think about the plot and the characters? Where might the story be going? Would your child do what the main character did? https://tpitip.com/?12eA18608
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
Superintendent- Dr. Calvin J. Watts
Assistant Superintendent- Dr. Terry Watlington
Board Member- Mr. Steven B. Knudsen
Principal- Tamara G. Perkins
Assistant Principal- Tifferney Dodd
Assistant Principal- Daphne Miles
Assistant Principal- Emily Young
Contact information:
phone: (770) 513-6637
website: gcpsk12.org/SimontonES