Simonton Parent Newsletter
Friday, November 20, 2020
Every Student, Every Day, Deserves to Learn, Lead, & Excel!
A Message from Ms. Perkins
The end of the first semester is coming to a close. If your student has assignments that need to be completed, please reach out to your child's teacher. We want student grades to reflect work that has been completed.
The Instructional Preference survey will remain open for one more week. If you would like to make a change in your child's learning environment (EX: Change from a digital learner to an in-person learner), you must make this request in the Parent Portal. The change will take place in January. The survey will close on Sunday, November 29, 2020.
Have a wonderful and safe holiday!
Thanksgiving Break ~ There will be No School next week Monday, November 23- Friday, November 27
We wish you a restful and joyful holiday!!
Semester 2 Calendar Updates
The district will add an additional day of teacher planning at the beginning of the semester, which will mean the first day of the semester for students will be January 7. The second adjustment calls for the addition of four digital learning days during the semester (January 26, March 2, March 16, and April 20). These will be asynchronous learning days where students will learn from home, providing teachers additional days for planning during the semester.
Chromebook Return for Digital Students who are Changing to In-Person for January
IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY A DIGITAL STUDENT AND YOU WILL BE CHANGING IN JANUARY TO BE IN-PERSON, PLEASE PLAN ON BRINGING BACK YOUR CHROMEBOOK DECEMBER 17TH OR 18TH. These devices need to be cleaned and sanitized before given to new digital students.
Those that return their devices will receive an ice cream coupon to be used at school in January.
Congratulations to our PBIS Students of the Week!!
GCPS 2021 Spring Instructional Preference Questionnaire Update!
Gwinnett County Public Schools has extended the window for families to make a decision regarding their instructional preference for 2nd semester for their children. The new deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 29.
The Spring Instructional Preference Questionnaire is available in the Parent Portal.
Some things to consider as you make this decision:
- This decision will be for the entire semester. As students and families are more familiar with these two options and what they entail, the decisions families make will be for the entire second semester.
- Your child’s teacher and/or schedule may change. While schools will make efforts to keep students with the same teacher, adjustments may be needed to address families’ choices.
- Parents may access this survey via the Parent Portal to make a change at any time during the survey period.
- Parents can choose the option that best serves their individual children. A parent may select in-person for one child and digital learning for another, if they feel that is best for their family. With this knowledge, please select your preference for your student(s). If a family does not make a selection, your student(s) will continue with their current instructional model next semester.
Are you a Simonton Track Star?
As we move into the final weeks of semester 1, we will cheer on and recognize those students who are “on track” and have completed all assignments and assessments. Honor roll and other recognitions will take place after the 1st semester ends. This is only focusing on work completion.
In-person and digital students will receive a recognition certificate and a treat bag on Friday, December 11, 2020. A time will be scheduled for digital students to pick up their treat.
Students identified as track stars will be notified December 7, 2020.
Don't forget to apply for FREE & REDUCED LUNCH
The application for free and reduced lunch is still available. Please complete the annual application.
https://www.nlappscloud.com/Welcome.aspx?api=78f8fee54716f21218e523747d37a13c
Imagine Learning & Imagine Math for EIP Students
- If you are EIP for both Reading & Math, you will need to complete 3 sessions in each domain per week.
- If you need support in just one area, you will need to complete 5 sessions (or 100 minutes) per week.
We ask you log on daily, like you would have if you were in-person. Your progress will be checked on Fridays.
To get onto Imagine Learning or Imagine Math, please log-in to the portal. On the landing page, you will see Webtiles that students can click on.
Both the username & password are the student's ID number. Our site code is 1302550.
Classworks
Hour of Code Week
Parent Engagement Tips:
Support your child with love, limits and respect
Children value themselves as they are valued. To build the sense of self-worth that supports school success, let your child know you love and accept him. But also make rules and limits clear. Boundaries can expand as your child grows, and he will find security in knowing they are there. Demonstrate respect for your child by allowing him to have a say in making decisions that affect the entire family. http://niswc.com/16jPC326428
Show your child how you learn from mistakes
Mistakes can be great teachers. To help your child learn from her 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, and that will make it easier for her to do the same thing. http://niswc.com/16jQC326428
Create a study routine that helps your child focus
Some children have more trouble concentrating than others. That can make schoolwork sessions challenging. Establishing study routines makes it easier for your child to get down to work. Set a regular time and minimize distractions. Help your child to make daily to-do lists and put them in an order that works for him, such as hardest task first. Then let him take a five-minute break after every 20 minutes of working. http://niswc.com/16jRC326428
Simonton Elementary School
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
Superintendent- Mr. J. Alvin Wilbanks
Assistant Superintendent- Dr. Terry Watlington
Board Member- Mr. Steven B. Knudsen
Principal- Tamara G. Perkins
Assistant Principal- Daphne Miles
Assistant Principal- Nicole Tomlinson
Assistant Principal- Emily Young
Website: gcpsk12.org/SimontonES
Location: 275 Simonton Road Southeast, Lawrenceville, GA, USA
Phone: (770) 513-6637