Central Learning Community News
The Heart of Fulton County Schools
February 2014
Elementary Schools
Woodland Elementary
Mrs. Tracey Harlan, a second grade teacher at Woodland Elementary, won a grant from our PTA to bring an in-house field trip experience to all second grade students. The Lab Coat Kids program, led by Professor Glen Cohen, provided an hour long session performing various science experiments for the second graders. Students explored matter, energy, and forces. The classroom teachers and Professor Glen guided the students through the steps of each activity. The students performed tasks as directed and were captivated by the results. The science activities helped the students understand and enjoy the concepts being taught.
Oak Knoll
On January 25, 2014, two of our 3rd grade students placed first in the FCS Technology Fair in the category of Non-animated Graphic Design. We wish them the best as they go on to compete in the state competition.
On February 5, 2014, two of our 5th grade students won 2nd place at the FCS Social Studies Fair. Their project was about the effects that diseases had on soldiers in the Civil War.
Parklane
Each month Parklane Elementary recognizes those students, Pre-K through grade 5, who exemplify the qualities of academic achievement, classroom effort, cooperative behavior, and good citizenship. The recognition is called our STUDENT OF THE MONTH PROGRAM. Our school counselor, Ms. Chrissy Mingo, works collaboratively with all teachers to identify and recognize this group of students from all grade levels. The students are honored through a special ceremony where their families are invited to be present and they receive a special award for being identified as a Parklane Student of the Month.
Ison Springs
During the months of January and February, the Autism classes at Ison Springs participated in a gymnastics unit that concluded with a special “championship” event. During the unit, each student learned a hula hoop routine and a ribbon routine. At the championship, the students put their newly learned gymnastics skills on display for their teachers and parents in a fun and friendly competition. Everyone in attendance was very proud of them for all of the hard work and learning that took place.
Dunwoody Springs ES
The Stock Market Crashed at Dunwoody Springs
Students took part in a Stock Market Crash Simulation, retracing the steps of stock brokers and stock holders between the years 1920 and 1929. The students were given information regarding current events that actual stock holders experienced during the time period, so students had to form a strategy in their purchasing and selling of stocks. Throughout the lesson, students assessed their "worth" and made decisions on what stock was most valuable. Brokers were required to consider what was best for the companies, their clients, and themselves. Throughout the process, students had to use their understanding of supply and demand, inflation, and profit in order to guide decisions. At the conclusion of the simulation, students were able to make connections about how they would be able to survive on their "profits" and/or "losses," connecting to the feelings of desperation after Black Tuesday.
Hapeville
Hapeville Elementary School students from Ms. Ashley Ward’s 5th grade classroom choose books to take home with them. The Hapeville Elementary School Books at Home Program provides free books to all 740 Hapeville students every month. Each year, on October 31, students dress as their favorite book characters, then stop by the Conrad Hilton Reading Room to choose books to take home. The reading room, decorated by the Hilton Atlanta Airport, houses thousands of new and used books provided by Hapeville’s many business partners. To date, the Books at Home Reading Program has provided over 8,000 books to Hapeville students in an effort to keep books in all homes. Our motto is read, read, read, everywhere, every day!
Mount Olive
Conley Hills
High Point
High Point Elementary Celebrates Staff!
We held our Teacher and Employee of the Year celebration this past Tuesday. The theme was “Minute To Win It” because we want to thank our teachers and staff EVERY MINUTE for what they do for our students! Staff competed in the Cookie Challenge, Ping Pong Ball Challenge, Headband Banging Challenge, and many more.
The finalists for Teacher of the Year were: Amy Bradshaw – 2nd, Jennifer Taylor – 4th, and Tashika Truesdale – 4th
The finalists for Professional Employee of the Year were: Derick Johnson – Head Custodian, Chellye Pomeroy – Technology Specialist, and Yoneiby Pierre – Front Office Secretary
The winners were: Amy Bradshaw and Yoneiby Pierre
Heards Ferry
Digital Learning Day at Heards Ferry Elementary! Students and teachers across America celebrated Digital Learning Day on February 5th. Media Specialist Dianna Locke chose to spend the day introducing our students to The Hour of Code, a first step in the process of learning to “code” to create computer programs. Technology is shaping so many aspects of our lives, learning to code is something like deciphering the Rosetta Stone was years ago.
The process takes a lot of thought, but Mrs. Locke found that the students were very excited that they could learn to code. The next app or computer game just might come from an HFE student. Mrs. Locke encourages all of you to visit Learn Code.org to gather more information and continue the coding journey. The students also blogged about how technology affects their lives. They had some interesting things to say. Here is a link to view our students on Digital Learning Day.
Hamilton Holmes
The Hamilton E. Holmes Elementary family was proud to induct twenty-one 5th graders into the National Jr. Beta Club on January 15, 2014. These students exemplify good character, citizenship and academic excellence.
Spalding Drive
On January 16, 2014, Spalding Drive Charter Elementary hosted Technology Night as part of Parent University. Parents heard experts discuss technology and its usefulness in education. Students also presented some of their own technology projects. This year, parents were fortunate enough to hear from two outstanding speakers —Hoke Wilcox (Director of Instructional Technology) who talked about the transformational uses of technology, and Stephanie Haga (CLC STEM Program Specialist) who discussed math curriculum and digital resources available to students for math enrichment.
Lake Forest
Lake Forest ES hosted its first annual Family Reading Night at the end of January. This was a great community event where students, wearing their pajamas with blankets, read with their parents in the cafeteria. The Parent Liaisons organized the event with free pizza for families and other information about literacy and the Sandy Springs Public Library. Staff members, including the “Super Reader”, read books aloud teaching parents reading strategies for when they read with their students at home. This great event had over 150 participants and helped support the school’s literacy initiatives while continuing to foster the love of reading.
Middle Schools
Ridgeview
The Atlanta Braves visited with Ridgeview Charter School students as part of the The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) No Place for Hate® bullying prevention campaign. The Braves showed their support for the Ridgeview Student Government Association’s anti-bullying campaign, an extension of our school wide IB/MYP curricular themes for the last two years (“Acceptance: A Step Beyond Tolerance” and “Perspective”). Be sure to tune in to WSB-TV on Sunday, March 16th, for a live show on bullying, hosted by Justin Farmer and Jovita Moore. The show will be taped at Ridgeview, and will feature our initiatives to prevent bullying!
Paul D. West
Woodland
In January, due to NASCAR Foundation’s donation, we received a 3D printer to help our students in mathematics and other areas. From our Eiffel Towers to the various shapes, our students are exploring the concept of holding math in their hands.
Sandy Springs
Sandy Springs Charter Students were Presenters the SSEF STEM night at North Springs CHS
Students demonstrated Shark Dissection, The science of the YoYo and robotics creations. All students are member of the After School All-Stars program.
High Schools
Riverwood
2014 FBLA RLC Awards Ceremony Results
Overall, Riverwood was recognized for becoming the 3rd largest chapter in the state.
McClarin
This twelve week mentoring program helped Fulton County students to identify their lifelong plan. Each student was paired with a life coaches who will mentor them throughout high school and college. At the end of the twelve week program, the students were given an orange duffle bag with a new laptop to assist them on their journey.
TriCities
North Springs
On Sunday, February 9th, NS junior and musical theatre magnet student Christine Cummins performed at New York’s celebrated Carnegie Hall as a member of the National High School Honors Chorus. Music teacher Van Craven nominated her to audition for the National High School Honors Performance Series which brought together skilled high school instrumentalists and vocalists from U.S., Canadian, and select international schools for the special Carnegie Hall performance and the opportunity to study under master vocalists and musicians. Christine was also selected for Georgia's All State Chorus which will perform in Athens, later this month.
The Central Learning Community
Email: griffind1@fultonschools.org
Website: www.fultonschools.org
Location: 786 Cleveland Ave. SW Atlanta, GA
Phone: 404-763-6804