SMS Jaguars: Welcome Back!
And....We're Back! First Day of School is Monday, August 09!
Alert: Important Message from Fulton County Schools-All 6th Grade Scholars are ASSIGNED REMOTE UNTIL MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13.
The District has decided to put the SIXTH-GRADE at Sandtown Middle School in remote learning starting on Wednesday September 1, 2021 through Saturday September 11, 2021 returning to face-to-face instruction on Monday September 13, 2021, based on a Level 2 incident from the FCS closing matrix.
All SIXTH-GRADE students will use Remote Learning during this time. Teachers whose classes have been impacted have been notified by FCS and Public Health. Staff and Fulton County Board of Health are monitoring the COVID numbers. If the conditions warrant further action, more information will be provided.
New Announcement: Curriculum Night is next week, Wednesday, September 01
Links in the photo below are not active. Please click here to view the active links.
Please check your email for an important message from Principal Miley: Week 3
Let's Prioritize Learning! Progress Reports 4.5 Weeks
We have successfully concluded week 2, and are officially getting ready to begin week 3. It’s hard to believe that our scholars have returned to school full-time, and are getting ready for their 3rd week of school. We are fully engaged with instruction, and we are preparing to soon receive our 1st progress report. Scholars will receive progress reports at the 4.5 week mark. Please remain attentive to the progress reports and continue to track your scholar’s grades. Let's ensure we prioritize learning at all times!
Before-Care: APEC Jag Drips (Open Seats)
Parents-Thank you for ensuring all scholars report to school at the appropriate time. Scholars are not allowed to arrive prior to 8:20. Our school does not open until 8:25 a.m., as aligned to all Middle Schools in Fulton County Schools. However, we understand that parents have morning obligations and work reporting times. We have partnered with APEC Before Care-JAG DRIPS (Monday-Friday), and a formal partnership with Future Foundations After Care program (Monday-Thursday).
APEC Sandtown Before Care $125 per month 7AM M-F
Daily Drop in $25 per day
5400 Campbellton Road Atlanta GA 30331
Office: 404-287-9709
After School Enrichment – Constructive programming for children including homework assistance and recreational activities.
After-Care: Future Foundations/Free Program (Limited Seats)
Program Time: 4:25-7:00 p.m.
Email: D. Grissom (Program Director)
Cell Phones: A Distractor for Learning
While on the topic of instruction, I would l like to remind our parents and stakeholders of the impact of active and engaging instruction, as well as the importance of teaching and learning. Currently, many of our teachers, administrators and support staff are noting a concern related to the distractions observed while in class: Our top two distractors are cellular phone and access to social media. There is a major concern with the use of social media sites and inappropriate interactions between our scholars. Conflicts arising via social media is spilling over into the school causing distractions while at school. Teachers and counselors are mediating conflicts and altercations arising from social media. Parents, the school CANNOT manage the use and active engagement of cellular devices at home for our scholars. Please partner with us to support the "no-cell phone distractions for learning" plan while at home and during school hours. Please note: Cell phones are not allowed to be used during the instructional day. This includes parents calling scholars during instructional time. We kindly ask that “learning time” is protected. School is a learning institution and will be treated as such!
- Cell-phones must be powered off and out of sight during the instructional day; phones may be used during dismissal (4:05 p.m.)
- Scholars may not use their cellphones during class time
- Violations of our school expectations will result in your scholar's cell-phone being removed from the scholar’s possession and returned at the end of the day. Multiple redirections will result in a disciplinary infraction.
Select the COVID Reporting Portal above to report COVID related information:
a) Has tested Positive for COVID-19 in the past 15 days
b) Currently waiting for the results of a test for COVID-19
c) Has been in close contact (within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes) in the past 15 days with someone diagnosed with COVID-19
*Please note that we are seeing an increase in the number of students who are testing positive. Please pay close attention to your scholar, and please do not send your scholar to school if they are not feeling well!
Sandtown Highlights! An Excellent Place to Learn & Grow!
Our Mission
Success for Every Student!
Our Vision
We will prepare scholars for success by establishing a mutually respectful culture that promotes high expectations, academic achievement, and personal growth.
We will develop scholars' self-awareness, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and leadership skills. We will prepare scholars to leave ready to pursue and succeed on their chosen paths.
We will provide our faculty and staff members a special place to pursue the art and science of teaching. We will provide teachers with experiences that deepen their skills and be a place where careers can flourish.
We will enhance education by setting an example as an effective, safe and accountable school by constantly investing in ways to become better at our craft. We will share our learning with colleagues in the field of education.
"Success & Nothing Less: Jaguar Excellence!"
Jaguar's Quote:
“It’s okay to be scared. Being scared means you’re about to do something really brave."
— Unknown
Always Remember: "In the Middle"
Middle school is more than just a grade configuration, Lounsbury explains: "It doesn't matter whether a child is in a K through 8th grade school or a 6th through 8th grade school. It doesn't matter if students wear uniforms, or if boys are taught separately from girls. It's how they're taught that makes the difference." Anyone who has spent more than five minutes in the presence of a "tween" — a term commonly applied to kids falling between the ages of 8 and 13 knows this is true. Middle schoolers are a diverse, unpredictable group. Brazen and cocky one minute, timid and self-doubting the next; bored and self-conscious one day, excited and inquisitive the next — they ride the proverbial rollercoaster of emotions, abilities, and needs.
From the Desk of the Principal:
Welcome Back!
Hello Sandtown Family,
Believe it or not, we are back! The first day of school was a success. A few adjustments were necessary, but they were to be expected as normal first day of school adjustments. I am recommending a few considerations for our parents to ensure our arrival and dismissal processes are efficient. We appreciate your assistance in ensuring we are effective and our processes are seamless.
Our efforts are very intentional and we are focused on ensuring our mission is accomplished: Success for Every Student! Along the way, plans may change, but the goal will not! All of our students deserve the very best and excellence is our number one priority.
I would like to send a very special thank you to all of the staff, PTSA volunteers, parents and family members who came out to support our Annual Open House. I hope you were able to visit all of the stations and the majority of your preparation needs were covered for the first day of school.
Tomorrow is Day 2! I know our Jaguars are excited, and our parent Jaguars are nervous, but please rest assured, we are ready to serve. It is our goal to ensure a successful first week. Now granted, it is going to be a very busy week and your patience is appreciated-in advance.
Lastly, please be sure to check your email for a lengthy message from me, which will detail the first days of school for you. The message is lengthy, but very informative. So, please be sure to review the information very carefully. I am excited to gear up and get ready for 180 intentionally excellent days.
Thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do for the Jaguars! I look forward to seeing you soon.
Your Partner in Education,
Principal Miley
Please always remember: “You are so awesome! You are so amazing! Your students need you and you are making a difference in their lives. Keep on teaching, Teachers! Keep on leading, Leaders! Keep on supporting, Support Staff! Keep on parenting, Parents! Keep on making and being the difference!”
Monthly Updates: Please check back weekly for updates
- Click here to review the district's updated Safety Protocols/Recommendations (COVID19)
- Community Meeting: Monday, August 16, 2021 (Franchesca Warren)-Sandtown Middle School
- No School-Days and Late-Start Days! Please be sure to calendarize!
- New Car-Rider Process: All parents, please adhere to the new car-rider process.
- Lockers are distributed this week, 8/16-8/20. If you have not purchased your scholar's locker, please purchase your locker ASAP. Lockers are $20 for the year. Lockers may be purchased using our Online School Payments located on our website.
No School Days-August and September
October 11: Columbus Day Observance
October 12: Teacher Workday
November 22-26: Thanksgiving Holiday Observance
December 20-31: Winter Break Observance
Late Start Days-August and September (9:55 a.m.)
October 25: Late-Start Monday
November 15: Late-Start Monday
January 24: Late-Start Monday
February 28: Late-Start Monday (Correction)
March 21: Late-Start Monday
Meetings: Upcoming
August 16: Proximity French Parent Informational Session
August 16: Community Meeting (Mrs. Franchesca Warren)August 18: TAG Informational Meeting
August 18: School Governance Council Meeting
August 24: PTSA Meeting
August 25: Parent University #1
September 1: Curriculum Night
What are Late-Start Days?
All schools will participate in a total of six Late Start Mondays. Schools will reserve the time for collaborative work in PLC's and job-embedded professional learning. The research is clear: The research is clear: when teachers plan and collaborate about student progress, students benefit. Late Start Mondays will not impact the regularly scheduled arrival or breakfast times for students. We encourage parents to use this time to create additional bonding time with your scholar. Consider a shared breakfast, dialogue and discussion and an opportunity to review with your scholar their grades and progress. Let's make our Late Start Mondays an impactful time for our scholars!
Grade 6 will report to the cafeteria
Grade 7 and 8 will report to the gym
Car riders may arrive (8:25-9:55 a.m.)
Community Meeting: Monday, August 16, 2021 @ 6:00 p.m.
School Governance Council Meeting: Wednesday, August 18, 2021 @ 6:00 p.m.
TAG Informational Session Meeting: Wednesday August 18, 2021 @ 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 18, 2021 @ 5:30 p.m.
Please click on the link to join:
PTSA Meeting: Tuesday, August 24, 2021 @ 6:00 p.m.
Please stay tuned for more information.
School Governance Council Meeting: Wednesday, August 25, 2021 @ 5:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Parent University: Wednesday, August 25, 2021 @ 6:00 p.m.
Session 1: Infinite Campus-Parent Portal
Curriculum Night: September 1, 2021 @ 6:00 p.m.
District Updates
Updated-Return to School Information/Superintent’s Update
COVID-19 and related variants continue to be a significant public health concern, and FCS remains vigilant as we prepare for a safe return to our schools for staff and students. Superintendent Mike Looney provided new information about the district’s COVID-19 protocols. He said the strategies and structures that were in place at the end of last year will largely be the same, with some changes, such as mask requirements, temperature checks and quarantine protocols. Looney also stated FCS will be ready to pivot and make adjustments if the data warrants. The district’s default position is to have school in a face-to-face environment. However, the Closing Matrix, with different levels for potential outbreaks if needed, will remain in effect. Click here to see the district’s updated Safety Protocols/Recommendations.
Congratulations to our new PTSA Board!
Join PTSA! Why? Because it matters! We need you on our team in order to truly to make a difference!
PTSA Board
- Thomas Morse, PTSA President
- Anotinette Edwards, PTSA Vice-President
- Monica Manning, Recording Secretary
- Erika Thompson, Treasurer
Help us name our Jaguar!
Click here for our SMS One Pager: A Quick Glance for Support!
Services Request Form: Student Services Support
- Purpose for Request
- Speak with a Counselor (Bataille or Goodson)
- Speak with Ms. White (IST)
- Locker Information (Swift)
Welcome Back! All Things Back-to-School!
SANDTOWN OPERATING HOURS
Student Arrival: 8:25 a.m.
- Students are not permitted to wait outside of the building without supervision; students must remain in their vehicles, if dropped off, until 8:25 a.m. No students are permitted on campus prior to approved student arrival times.
Student Dismissal: 4:05 p.m.
- Dismissal begins promptly at 4:05 p.m. Early checkouts must occur prior to 3:20 p.m. Students are engaged in final lessons and close-out activities during the last 45 minutes of school, and may not be checked out after 3:20 p.m. Parents are encouraged to ensure proper planning is in place for dismissal
UNIFORM POLICY 2021-2022
*Uniforms are highly encouraged to wear to school every day; Wednesday are Friday of each week are spirit days!
The standard school uniform consists of a polo top and khaki shorts or pants. A logo patch is optional, but are not required
Khaki bottoms are preferred with uniform tops, however, jeans are allowed to be worn with uniform tops, as well. *No frayed or ripped jeans are allowed*
To alleviate re-purchasing uniforms each year, we will adhere to the three- year/grade level uniform trend. Your scholar will wear the same uniform top color throughout their middle school career.
Sixth Grade: Royal Blue/Khaki
Seventh Grade: Black/Khaki
Eighth Grade: Gray/Khaki
- Uniforms are worn on Monday – Thursday.
- Wednesday is College Day! Students may wear a college shirt!
- Every Friday is Spirit Wear and Free Dress Day. ****
ABSOLUTELY NO SHREDDED, RIPPED OR FRAYED JEANS/JACKETS ARE ALLOWED. *NO CROP TOPS OR TANK TOPS ALLOWED.
Uniform Vendors: Walmart, Old Navy, Brandhouse Ink, WearMe
*All vendors are independent vendors; Sandtown does not endorse a specific vendor; Several vendors may be present during Open House/Sneak-A-Peek!
WE Wear Uniforms!
Ready, Set, Go...Fill Up Your Cart!!!
Middle School Supply List: Standard/Non-Specific
Additional supply requests, by content will be shared during our Curriculum Night on Wednesday, September 01.
Backpack
Lunch bag
#2 Pencils
Eraser
Pencil Sharpener
Pens
Highlighters
Markers
12 inch Ruler
Tape
Scissors
USB Flash Drive
TI Calculator
Ruled Index Cards
Folders
One Subject Spiral Notebooks
Composition Notebook
Loose Leaf Filler Paper Wide Rule
3 Ring Binder or Zipper Binder
3 Ring Binder Hole Punch
Tabbed Dividers
#1: Car-Rider Information
CAR-RIDER INFORMATION: REGISTER FOR YOUR CAR-TAG
All students who are currently assigned a car-rider number will retain their current car rider number for the new school year; tags will be placed in the car window for a more efficient car-rider process.
New car riders must have a registration form on file. This year, we kindly request all parents to complete the online form. The process is very simple and will allow for a more effective process. Please complete the car-rider registration form online and someone from our office will email you with your confirmed car-rider tag information. Please allow 2-3 days to receive your scholar's car rider number.
Car rider tags will arrive very soon. Please place the car rider tag on your rearview mirror once received.
Click here to register for a new car-rider number
Need information on your car rider registration; contact our Student Services Office: Click Here
#2: Here Comes The Bus
Download the App Today!
"Here Comes the Bus" is a free, easy-to-use website and app that enables you to see the location of your child’s school bus on a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. This way, you know when the bus is near your stop, so you can send your child out at just the right time. No more worrying about whether your child has missed the bus!
Program FAQs
How do I sign up?
- Download the Here Comes The Bus app on Google Play or the Apple App Store or visit www.herecomesthebus.com.
- Click the "Sign Up" button
- Enter school code: 87428
- Click "Next" followed by "Confirm"
- Complete the "User Profile" box
- Under "My Students," click "Add." Enter your child's last name and student ID number
- Once you confirm you information, you're ready to go!
#3: THE SWAG CART: Fill Up Your Carts! Lockers, Grade Level Fees, etc.
The SWAG CART: Fill up your cart! Make one payment using OSP, Online School Payments, by filling up your cart. OSP will open on July 15, 2021
- Lockers: $20
Locker payments are $20/locker. The fee includes locker fee rental for the year, general maintenance, cleaning, and all associated service fees. Rental fees for lockers are non-refundable. Parents who have submitted their payment prior to August 8-scholars will receive locker assignments during the first week of school. August 9-13. All payments submitted after August 08, please allow 1-3 days to receive your locker assignment. Lockers assignments are based on classroom assignments. Please remain patient!
- 6th Grade Fee: $35
- 7th Grade Fee: $50
- 8th Grade Fee: $75
Locker Recommendation
We highly encourage purchasing a locker shelf to organize items within the lockers for our scholars. The school does not sell the locker shelves, however, they may be purchased from Walmart or Target. See the link for an example: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lockermate-12-inch-Stac-a-shelf-Wire-Locker-Shelf-Pink/605020719
#4: Uniforms
*Uniforms are highly encouraged to wear to school every day; Wednesday are Friday of each week are spirit days!
The standard school uniform consists of a polo top and khaki shorts or pants. A logo patch is optional, but are not required
Khaki bottoms are preferred with uniform tops, however, jeans are allowed to be worn with uniform tops, as well. *No frayed or ripped jeans are allowed*
To alleviate re-purchasing uniforms each year, we will adhere to the three- year/grade level uniform trend. Your scholar will wear the same uniform top color throughout their middle school career.
Sixth Grade: Blue/Khaki
Seventh Grade: Black/Khaki
Eighth Grade: Gray/Khaki
- Uniforms are worn on Monday – Thursday.
- Wednesday is College Day! Students may wear a college shirt!
- Every Friday is Spirit Wear and Free Dress Day. ****
ABSOLUTELY NO SHREDDED, RIPPED OR FRAYED JEANS/JACKETS ARE ALLOWED. *NO CROP TOPS OR TANK TOPS ALLOWED.
Uniform Vendors: Walmart, Old Navy, Brandhouse Ink, WearMe
*All vendors are independent vendors; Sandtown does not endorse a specific vendor; Several vendors may be present during Open House/Sneak-A-Peek!
#5: Student Code of Conduct
Who Needs to Sign? All students above 10 years of age and their parents, guardians, or other person having control or charge of the child is asked to sign acknowledging receipt of the Code of Conduct and Student Handbook.
Fulton County School District: Volunteer Registration
Important School Documents
Parent and Family Engagement Plan FY21
What is the aim of Title I in Fulton County Schools?
Title I schools receive federal money to provide additional resources to: Support student instruction, Improve teaching strategies, Increase family engagement:
The Jaguar Creed!
- School-wide Affirmation
- Does your scholar know the Jaguar Creed and Pledge?
What is F.O.C.U.S
#4: Before Care & After Care
APEC After School Enrichment @ Sandtown Middle School
Before Care Only
5400 Campbellton Road Atlanta GA 30331Office: 404-287-9709Email: Sandtown@APECprep.com
After School Enrichment – Constructive programming for children including homework assistance and recreational activities.
APEC Sandtown on Facebook!
2. Future Foundation After School Program
After Care
Students receive: academic support, tutoring, homework help, college readiness support, opportunities to learn from professionals, field trips, enrichments activities, daily time to connect with friends and practice healthy habits.
This is a free program. We are currently enrolling 6th-12th graders at participating Fulton County Schools. Transportation, snacks, and meals are provided.
Program Dates: 8.16.21 - 5.27.22
Demarquez Grissom Sandtown MS
(404) 914-4294
FCS Student Meal Prices
A single sign-on platform that will allow you to use your FCS username and password to access everything you need. Classlink (Launchpad) delivers instant access to your web resources from all your devices.
SMS Athletics Department: Complete all required forms
Community Resources: Please review our Community Resources Section
Sandtown Middle School: Summer Newsletter
Email: Sandtownprincipal@fultonschools.org
Website: http://school.fultonschools.org/ms/sandtown/Pages/default.aspx
Location: 5400 Campbellton Road Southwest, Atlanta, GA, USA
Phone: (470) 254-6500
Twitter: @SandtownMS