Generals eNews
January 2022
Principal's Message
Happy New Year Generals!
Welcome back! I hope you had a wonderful and relaxing winter break. We are excited to begin the second half of the school year. As we look towards the future and the new year, I want to thank you for the many ways you support our efforts in providing an outstanding teaching and learning opportunities for your children. As we begin the second semester of school, I ask that you continue to partner with us in their success by monitoring their homework, studying for tests and reading every night for 15-30 minutes.
As we move into the second semester, I want to update you regarding our students’ technology use. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to provide more frequent access to technology use and digital content. A Chromebook and charger have been checked out to your child for both in school and at-home instructional use. Students are expected to use the device for instructional purposes only. The students use these programs at school and will know how to access them from home via their device. This daily practice of transporting their device will assist students becoming accustomed to bringing their device home for digital learning days scheduled by Gwinnett County Public Schools in our district's 2021-2022 school calendar as well as any unplanned moves to digital learning due to COVID protocols or inclement weather. Parents, please help us in reminding students to bring their device back to school each day along with the devices' charging cord so that it is used for classroom learning.
We are all aware of the rising number of COVID-19 cases and may be concerning to many. Let's make sure we are doing everything we can to mitigate the spread... wash hands often, exercise good coughing/sneezing practice, and ensuring that students only come to school in good health. Also, please continue to make sure that your child has a comfortable and clean mask to wear while in the building to school. Due to the increase in community spread, we will continue to limit visitors into the school building. Communication will be shared once we can return to visitors inside of our school building.
As always, thank you for your support in helping us ensure each student at Annistown reaches his/her highest level of learning and for keeping our students, staff, and visitors as safe as possible. It continues to be an honor and privilege to serve as the principal of such an amazing learning community. I look forward to learning and growing together in 2022.
Generals Salute,
Gwenda Nimmo - Smith
Principal
Looking Ahead
January 17 MLK Jr. Day (Systemwide Holiday)
January 18 Report Cards Mailed Home
January 25 Digital Learning Day #4
February 17-21 Student/Teacher Holidays
March 2 Digital Learning Day #5
March 2-3 Early Release Days/Parent Conferences
March 22 Digital Learning Day #6
AKS @ Home
AKS at Home is a Gwinnett County Public Schools’ family engagement initiative that empowers parents with tools to support the learning of their children at home. This initiative highlights foundational skills and activities taught in the areas of Math and Language Arts for grades K-5.
Kindergarten
• Language Arts - Tuesday, February 1 * 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
• Mathematics - Tuesday, January 25 * 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
1st Grade
• Language Arts -- Tuesday, February 1 * 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
• Mathematics -- Tuesday, January 25 * 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
2nd Grade
• Language Arts --Thursday, February 3 * 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
• Mathematics -- Thursday, January 27 * 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
3rd Grade
• Language Arts -- Thursday, February 3 * 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
• Mathematics -- Thursday, January 27 * 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
4th Grade
• Language Arts -- Wednesday, February 2 * 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
• Mathematics -- Wednesday, January 26 * 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
5th Grade
• Language Arts -- Wednesday, February 2 * 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
• Mathematics -- Wednesday, January 26 * 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Where: Virtual meeting via Zoom, please visit the website provided to access the zoom link: https://www.gcpsk12.org/Page/26993
If you are unable to attend the meeting, a parent tip sheet and a recording of the meeting will be available on the county website following the completion of each Unit: https://www.gcpsk12.org/Page/26993
*Language Interpretation services will be provided in Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese.
Thank you all for continuing to adhere to district guidelines for health and wellness. We will continue to follow building safety measures to minimize risk and create a healthy learning environment for all. Please review the following procedures we have in place. In addition, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the main office.
• Masks REQUIRED in all public areas (hallways, media center, classrooms)
• Common areas and classrooms will have disinfectant spray, paper towels, and hand sanitizer
• Custodial schedules are in place to ensure the cleaning of high touch areas daily
• Frequent hand washing practices will be implemented daily
If you are feeling sick, please stay home. . If you or anyone in your home is sick and/or has tested positive for COVID-19, please email your child’s homeroom teacher or contact our school clinic worker, Ms. Winters, immediately.
Mobile Walk-In Vaccination Clinic in Gwinnett County Public Schools
- GCPS encourages our community to learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations and take advantage of opportunities to get vaccinated. In an ongoing partnership with the Gwinnett Health Department and other health partners, GCPS continues to host vaccination clinics at high schools around the county. No appointment is necessary.
Participants will receive the Pfizer vaccine, which requires two shots. Those who are eligible for a booster shot and who completed their initial vaccine series (Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson) at least six months ago also may attend a vaccine clinic.
For more information on COVID vaccinations, go to the health department website.
This opportunity is available to anyone eligible for the vaccine, ages 12 and older. Students ages 12 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Interpreters will be on site.
- South Gwinnett High School, 3 p.m.-6 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022 - Duluth High School, 3 p.m.-6 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022 - Norcross High School, 3 p.m.-6 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 31, 2022 - Shiloh High School, 3 p.m.-6 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022
Approved 2022-23 Calendar
The 2022-23 school year calendar is now available on the school district's website.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2022-23 CALENDAR.
Ice Cream Sales
Students have the opportunity to purchase ice cream from a variety of selections. Ice cream is $1.00 and is sold Monday through Friday for all grade levels. Class Parties for ice creams sales are also available. Please email your child’s homeroom teacher for details.
A Note From the Parent Center
Parent Center: https://www.gcpsk12.org/domain/7969
Title I: https://www.gcpsk12.org/domain/12950
Parent Tech Tips and Updates
1. Check grades at least once a week to stay updated on assignments and student progress. Reach out to your child's teacher with any concerns or questions.
2. Use eCLASS as the starting point for locating all resources and assignments for students. eCLASS help guides are available. Your student's login information is as follows:
- Username: Student ID (lunch #)
- Password: Student's birthday in the following format (mm/dd/yyyy); ex: January 6, 2012 is 01062012
3. The Chromebook Request Form is still open and available if needed. If you have already completed this Form this year, there is no need to do so again. Remember, if students are on this Chromebook list, they will take their Chromebook and charger home daily and bring back to school daily. Please help us in ensuring that the Chromebooks and chargers return to school daily for classroom usage and instruction.
4. Check backpacks nightly for important forms, homework, and information from teachers/the school.
5. STEAM Night, originally scheduled for January 20th, is postponed until further notice. Information will be sent when the event is rescheduled and ready for the community.
6. Stay connected with our school on social media and Class Dojo. Great things are posted often!
Twitter: @annistownes
Instagram: @annistownes
Facebook: Like Annistown Elementary
Class Dojo: https://www.classdojo.com/
7. Great learning resources being used in school and available for home use as well. Students can access these directly from their student portal and/or eCLASS to have instant login access.
iReady Math
Amplify Reading
Raz Kids (Learning A to Z)
8. There is still time to join the GCPS Transportation Team, GCPS Custodial Team, and GCPS Nutrition Team. Application links with more information are below.
Connect With Us
Website: https://www.gcpsk12.org/AnnistownES
Location: 3150 Spain Road, Snellville, GA, USA
Phone: 770-979-2950
Facebook: facebook.com/AnnistownElementary
Twitter: @Annistownes