News from the Nest
Weekly Evansdale Newsletter - May 12, 2016
Evansdale Continues to Move Full STEM Ahead
Our students have spent the year engaged in a variety of STEM challenges and cross curricular learning units. Our students are excited about asking questions and solving the world's challenges. Abstract thinking, communication and collaboration have increased in every classroom and we couldn't be more proud of our success.
Our first annual STEMposium is exactly one week away and we are elated to showcase all of the amazing things we've been working on. Please join us on Thursday, May 19, from 12-2PM. Come see what our students have been working on and spend some time with our budding engineers as they complete their final STEM project of the year.
Christiana Umukoro
STEM Coordinator
New Coffee & Conversation Announced!
Honors Day Times Set...
2016-17 After-Care Registration is Open
We Need You... to Vote for New School Council Members.
School Council Elections
There are 2 open slots on the School Council, and 4 candidates. Each voter will be able to vote for 2 out of the 4 candidates. Parents who will have children at Evansdale next year are eligible to vote. Tomorrow, May 13th is the last day to vote. Voting hours are from 7:20 to 7:45 am and from 2:45 to 4 pm in the school lobby.
School Council Nominees, 2016-2018 terms
Diana Flanagan
My name is Diana Flanagan, I am from Colombia, South America. I have two children at Evansdale, Douglas who is in third grade and Daniella that is in kindergarten. I have volunteered as room parent, co-chair of Evansdale’s Fantastic Friday, as well as other school activities. Participating on the school actively is very important for me, so I believe that this is a great opportunity to be more involved with the school. As school council member I can help to discover new and exciting ways to contribute to the education of our students as well as be the voice of our Hispanic community. Currently, I am a stay-at-home mom and also student of Georgia State University. I believe that parental involvement is one of the most significant factors to contributing to a child’s success in school.
Lucy Foley
I am currently the parent of a third grader, who started PK at Evansdale. My older son, currently in fifth grade, started attending Evansdale in PK and now attends Kittredge Magnet School. I have been highly involved in the school for the past seven years. I have served a PTA President, Vice-President of Programs, Cultural Arts Chair, School Pictures Chair, Room Parent (several years), and am currently serving as the Room Parent Coordinator. I am a freelance graphic designer and have contributed my skills to the school as often as I am asked. I am also very involved with the Evansdale Education Foundation. I volunteer as frequently as I can, on a variety of levels, from classroom to school-wide events. I am very familiar with the school’s teachers, administration and staff. I love Evansdale and have poured my heart into our wonderful school. I am a strong supporter of public schools overall and believe every child should have equal opportunities to learn and grow. I have two years left at Evansdale and have never been on School Council. I am very interested in this aspect of serving. I believe I would be a valuable resource for School Council.
Donna Marcano
My name is Donna Marcano, mother of Clarence, currently in 2nd grade (Immersion program) and Taylor, currently a sophomore at Georgia Southern University. I am currently on the school council and foundation board at Brumby Elementary School in Cobb County as a Business Member. I’ve been the Sales Coordinator/Executive Administrative Assistant at The Atlanta Marriott Northwest in Marietta for eight years. My hope is for me to get more involved and to encourage other parents to be more involved as well in Evansdale.
Shannon McNeal
Hello Evansdale staff and families. My name is Shannon McNeal and I am the parent of a current first grade student. We moved to this area so that our child could attend Evansdale Elementary. My spouse, Harriet Day, is co-editor of the Evansdale Eagle and both of us have volunteered for numerous events and activities at the school over the past two years. I am an attorney with the Superior Court of DeKalb County working on post-conviction felony conviction issues before the Superior Court. Prior to working with the Superior Court I was in private practice handling business transaction matters. Over the past fifteen years I have served on the Board of Directors of the Southern Order of Storytellers and the Stonewall Bar Association. I am an honors graduate of Georgia State University majoring in Philosophy of Religion and the law school of the University of Mississippi. Our family cares about Evansdale and making sure that it remains one of the top elementary schools in DeKalb County. A great school not only affects our students but is beneficial to our entire community. Please consider voting for me to serve on the School Council.
A Week of Celebrations for 5th Grade....
Hello 5th Grade Families! We are in our final countdown for 5th grade. May brings much excitement for our children and their teachers. Please be sure mark down all the important dates and read the articles explaining the details of each 5th grade event. Be sure to sign up to volunteer, we depend on our parents to finish the year strong. Much appreciation, Lisa Ellinger 5th Grade Chair
Wednesday, May 18 5th graders are the first to get the Evansdale Yearbooks, and to celebrate, we have a party! Bring your favorite color pen and your best handwriting! Snacks & refreshments provided. Set-up, break-down, and snack volunteers needed.
Thursday, May 19 from 3PM-5PM at Nottaway Swim Club, 3153 Hathaway Ct, Atlanta, GA 30341 5th graders celebrations continue with an afterschool pool party. All students are required to have swimming skills and are required to sign a release form and RSVP to attend this event. Lifeguards are hired based on RSVP attendance. Snacks & refreshments will be available. Bring your bathing suit, a beach towel, and sunscreen. Parents are responsible for transportation to AND from the party, and are welcome to stay to help chaperone. This is a 5th grade only event. We ask that siblings do NOT attend. Thank you
Friday, May 20 It’s time for the 5th Grade Cookout! Burgers, Hotdogs, and all the fixings! Veggie burgers are available upon request. Volunteers will be needed for set-up, break-down, and food preparations.
Tuesday, May 24 In preparation for the 5th Grade Celebrations, all 5th graders will have Early Release between 11-11:15 a.m.. Please make arrangements to have your child picked up on time! If your child is going home with another classmate, parental consent must be signed and presented to the front office by the person checking out your child. If you child is walking home, please send in a note giving permission for them to do so. There can be no calling home for last minute arrangements. Students need to leave school campus as teacher will need to begin preparation for the ceremony and cannot be responsible for students remaining at school. Thank you.
Tuesday, May 24 at 4PM, at Evansdale Elementary School (Students check in at 3:30PM in hallway) Dress Attire: Black & White. Boys: Black or Navy dress pants, white shirt with collar, white polo shirt acceptable. Dark dress shoes. NO sneakers/tennis shoes. Girls: White Dress. Prom style/evening gown is not appropiate. NO t-strap/spaghetti strap unless jacket is worn over it. Dress shoes, no sneakers, cogs, beach flip flops or crocs, nice sandals are appropriate. Each 5th grader will receive recognition of their participation and honors from the 2015-2016 school year. Reception hosted by the 4th grade will follow the Celebration Ceremony. All family and friends are invited to attend this special day!
Calling all parents!!! Time to dig up all those old Evansdale photos from PreK to 5th grade experiences! We need your photos for the Special Video presentation at the 5th Grade Celebration Ceremony. Please upload all photos to the 5th Grade Google Folder. (Link below) Photos can also be emailed to Lisa at LisaREllinger@gmail.com. Please be sure to RENAME each photo with students names and what year/grade the photo was taken. Thanks! Photo Deadline: Monday, May 16
Vive La French Immersion!
The French Immersion Team presented to its parents the status of the program, achievements and highlights since its beginnings in 2013, and our plans for the future. We were also pleased to introduce the team for 2016-17, including our newest member, 3rd Grade French Immersion teacher Mme Betsy Carnathan from Atlanta Public Schools, as well as our English partner teachers, Ms. Gina Finley, Mrs. Latrice Echols-James and Ms. Rebecca Perry. For those who were not able to attend, Mme Kim will be sending a summary of the meeting to parents. Information about the summer immersion camp will also be coming soon.
We thank everyone who came to the meeting and gave thoughtful feedback to us. We will be having another meeting on May 23rd from 5-6 for families who are new to our French Immersion program. Please let your friends with new French Immersion students know about this meeting. Merci à tous!
Yung-Hee Kim
Kindergarten French Immersion Teacher
Evansdale Elementary School
Eagles Give Camp Invention Two Wings Up!
I am so excited to kick-off the 2016 Camp Invention season with some EPIC news!! Our brand new series for 2016, has all of this and more for a truly EPIC summer adventure. In EPIC, students will:
·
CRICKOBOT™ - Make and adopt their very own DIY robotic cricket powered by the sun!EPIC PARK™ - Get ready to design zip lines, water flumes and hi-tech eco-gear!
I CAN INVENT: MAKER STUDIO™ - Repower the motors, gears, lights, fans and components found in
everyday machines to make their own big new innovation in the Maker Studio!
THE LAB: WHERE PIGS FLY, AND ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE™ -
Explore demolitions, coding, squid, use chemistry to make gooey recipe at the slime buffet and design their own light party.
Camp Invention is the only nationally recognized, non-profit elementary enrichment program developed and delivered to schools in partnership with the National Inventors Hall of Fame and the United States Patent and Trademark Office. We appreciate you being an important part of preparing the next generation of builders, engineers, tinkerers, researchers, technicians, and entrepreneurs for the future.
A Few EPIC facts about Camp Invention at Evansdale:
When- June 20-24th , 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Who - Rising 1st through 6th graders
Cost - $235.00/per camper
Visit CampInvention.org today or call 80-to learn more about and secure your camper's spot for this EPIC adventure at Evansdale!
Jennifer Collyer Sprouse
Fifth Grade Teacher
Director, Camp Invention
APTT Update
Thanks to everyone who came to APTT night for K-2nd grade students. We had over 100 families in attendance. APTT night for 3rd-5th grade students will take place on Wednesday, May 18th, from 5:30-7 p.m., in your student’s classroom. Childcare will be provided.
Get great ideas for summer enrichment & updates on your student’s second semester academic progress.
The Yearbooks are Here!!!
The 2015-2016 yearbooks have arrived. Fifth grade will receive their yearbooks first on Wednesday May 18th, 1:00 p.m. at their yearbook signing party. Yearbooks will be distributed to teachers of all other grades on Thursday May 19th. Please check with your child's teacher to see if/when he or she will be handing out the yearbooks in their class.
Not sure if you bought a book at Open House? Email Ellen Murkison
ellenmurkison@gmail.com.
Occasionally someone's purchase at Open House isn't recorded properly, if you think you paid for a yearbook and your child didn't receive one, don't panic! We will verify your receipt from Open House, if you still need to purchase one, see below.
Extra yearbooks will be for sale before school on Monday/Tuesday May 23/24th from 7:15 until start of school. Cost is $30 cash, or check made out to Evansdale PTA. Books will be sold first-come, first served.
Save the Date(s)...
5/16 Magnet Tour, 9 a.m.
5/17 Pre-K Celebration, 9 a.m.
5/18 5th Grade Yearbook Party, 11:30-1:30 p.m.
5/18 APTT Meeting, 3rd-5th Grade, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
5/19 Career Day
5/19 STEMposium, 12:00
5/19 5th Grade Pool Party, 3:30 p.m., Nottaway
5/20 5th Grade Cookout, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
5/23 Coffee & Conversation, 8:00 a.m.
5/23 Magnet Tour, 9 a.m.
5/23 French Immersion Meeting, New Student Families, 5-6 p.m.
5/23 Embry Hills Librarian Visit - Summer Programs Promotion
5/24 Miss Lakeside Visits, Details to Follow
5/24 5th Grade, Early Release, 11:00-11:15 a.m.
5/24 5th Grade Celebration, 4 p.m., Evansdale Cafeteria
5/25 Honors Day, 1st-4th Grades
5/26 End of Year Class Parties, 1:00 p.m.
5/26 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!! :-)
Community Canvas Art Residency at Evansdale
Career Day Presenters Needed
Evansdale Elementary is preparing for its annual Career Day. This year will be an exceptional occasion with your help. Please consider serving as a speaker on Thursday, May 19, 2016. Speakers are asked to arrive by 8:00 a.m. and stay until 11:00 a.m. We ask presenters to arrive at 8:00 for our welcome and to have a continental breakfast, unless speakers are only available for a specific time.
Please Please inform us of the time that is most convenient for you, as the committee will need to make a planned schedule for the day.
We need various career speakers to discuss their professions. Also, we encourage speakers to bring job-related visuals for the 25-minute rotating classroom presentation. We would like to offer our children inspiration, guidance and knowledge to prepare them for the future.
Remember that you can make a difference in the lives of our children. If you would like to be a presenter, please confirm by completing the information on the back of this letter and returning it to the school.
If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Alexander at (678) 874-2702 or by email at shanell_c_merriwether@dekalbschoolsga.org.
Sincerely,
Shanell Alexander
School Counselor