Principal Parker Weekly
Weekly Newsletter from Mr. Parker, Principal of TRMS
Email: ParkerK@fultonschools.org
Website: www.fultonschools.org/taylorroadms
Location: 5150 Taylor Road, Johns Creek, GA, USA
Phone: 470.254.7090
Twitter: @TaylorRoadWay
January 20, 2022
Especially for rising 8th graders
In a break with tradition, I am going to devote this space to our rising 8th graders (current 7th graders). I will be more inclusive next week, and I want to be sure word gets out about our new options next fall.
To: Rising 8th Grade Students and Parents
Re: High School Course Connections Options
We are so excited to be able to offer our rising 8th grade students two new, full-year Connections options. These options allow the student the opportunity to earn a Career and Technical Education (CTAE) high school credit:
1. Foundations of Engineering Technology: This is the first course in the CTAE Pathway for Engineering and Technology. There are two additional required courses in which the student would enroll at Chattahoochee HS to complete the pathway, with an optional fourth course also available. The teacher for this course is Mr. Aiken who has been teaching varied middle-school Connections classes in technology and engineering.
2. Introduction to Digital Technology: This is the start of the Pathway for Computer Science/Game Design. Again, there are two additional courses to complete the pathway with an optional fourth course offered. The teacher is Mr. Tyo who has been teaching various computer-based regular Connections classes.
The teachers are fully committed to providing rigorous, high-school-level courses that will enable students to be successful if they decide to complete either pathway once they matriculate to the high school.
Due to the required, full-year commitment, we are requiring students who are interested to complete the application process and obtain teacher references. These are due to the applicable teacher by January 31st . If, after reading the course descriptions (see links below), you have any additional questions, please contact either Mr. Aiken (aikenj@fultonschools.org) or Mr. Tyo (tyoR1@fultonschools.org).
We are lucky to have so much support from our Taylor Road community!
PBIS values: Be responsible -- Be respectful - Be proactive
This week's learning: Supporting Teachers and Teaching
From ASCD.org
How We Can Ease the Burden on Educators in Four Steps
Leaders, we have a problem, and it’s not solely because we’re in the middle of a global pandemic. This problem existed long before the pandemic began and, if we’re not careful, the pandemic may be the tipping point.
In 2018, an international study on teachers found that only one-third of teachers felt appreciated for their work. The TALIS (Teaching and Learning International Survey), which spanned 31 countries and surveyed 260,000 teachers, included recommendations for changes in policy and teacher working conditions to help improve the profession. Suffice to say, while many districts have been working on improvements that align with the TALIS recommendations, pandemic stress has thwarted their best efforts and left countless teachers in the United States considering leaving the profession.
Supporting and protecting the teacher workforce should be the primary focus for districts and policymakers. If we don’t make meaningful changes to lessen the strain on the profession and improve working conditions, we stand to lose our biggest asset: teachers.
Moving forward, district leaders need to work toward reducing stress, improving teacher support structures, and building sustainable, attractive working conditions for our teachers. Where change can’t be forced locally, leaders need to call on our state and federal education agencies to solve the systemic issues that are perpetuating teacher stress and causing teacher turnover.
The rest of the blog continues here.
SHARE See it. Hear it. And Report it Every time.
Thank you for sharing your family with us.
Remember to follow us on Twitter @TaylorRoadWay and @Proud_Tigers and on Facebook for updates. We will also continue our traditional Messenger newsletter, along with weekly principal emails. You can always find more information on our website.
I love my job!
Core values of TRMS: Engagement, Rigor, and Relationships
Click on the links below to learn more about the new FULL-YEAR High School Connections Classes
Two New Full-Year Connections Classes will be offered. An application and 3 recommendation forms are required. Don't delay!
Foundations of Engineering Technology
- Information & Application Form
- Informational Flyer
- Recommendation Form for Foundations of Engineering Technology
Introduction to Digital Technology
Language Arts Textbook Adoption
Parents and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the K-12 ELA textbook adoption process. The public review period is November 29, 2021-January 21, 2022.
Parents and stakeholders can view hard copies of the grade K-5 resources at all elementary schools, the grade 6-8 resources at all middle schools, the grade 9-12 resources at all high schools, and the grade K-12 resources at the North Learning Center (450 Northridge Parkway, Sandy Springs, GA 30350), Administrative Center (6201 Powers Ferry Rd, NW, Atlanta, GA 30339), and South Learning Center (4025 Flat Shoals Rd, Union City, GA 30291).
Digital resources are also available on the Textbook Adoption Website.
In addition, parents and stakeholders will have the opportunity to view presentations from all vendors being considered for adoption on Saturday, January 8th from 12:00-2:00 PM or Tuesday, January 12th from 5:30-7:30 PM. Information is on the flyers linked below.
Latest Updates from the Fulton County Board of Education
Late Start Days Switch to Half Days:
Based on feedback from a variety of stakeholders, the Board voted on a calendar adjustment that will change all remaining late start Mondays for the 2021-2022 school year to early release days. This impacts the following dates:
- January 24, 2022
- February 28, 2022
- March 21, 2022
Educational Options Application Schedule
The district offers many educational options for students. The Board has long believed in providing opportunities and flexibility for families, and the district has invested the resources into high-quality educational choices offered through a number of initiatives. These options are based on curriculum offerings or educational settings and include: Charter Schools; Magnet Programs; Open Enrollment Transfers; Hardship Transfers and Career, Technical & Agricultural Education (CTAE). Below is a listing of important dates and resources for families. For details about in-school choice program deadlines, families should contact their school directly. Click here for more information.
Program & Application Window
Magnet Schools/Programs 11/15 - 1/15
Fulton Academy of Virtual Excellence (FAVE) 12/15 - 1/15
Fulton Schools College and Career Academy 10/30 - 3/31
Hardships 1/1 - 2/28
Open Enrollment 5/1 - 5/15
Device Update
Did you know that if your student has previously waived having a Fulton County device and is using a personal device, you can always change your mind and request one for your child?
Please contact Peggy Callander (callander@fultonschools.org) at any time if you need to have a Fulton County laptop issued for your student.
Backpacks of Love
At TRMS we have a program called “backpacks of love”. The purpose of this program is to provide assistance by donating non-perishable items to our families. The participants’ names are known only to the counselors and social worker. Once every two weeks a backpack with food items are available to go home. A student can carry the backpack home, or the parent can pick it up at the front office. All we need to know is if you would like to participate, how many adults are in the house, how many children are in the house, and if there are any dietary allergies such as peanut butter. We can only provide for a certain number of families so the sooner you reply the better. We will respond regardless of whether you are in the program or if supplies run out.
6th grade Counselor- Mr. Fredric Johnson
7th grade Counselor- Mrs. Alexcia Massey
8th grade Counselor- Mrs. Cindy Sabula
Supporting our work --
These generous voluntary donations will be used exclusively to purchase academic programs or supplies to support student learning or to purchase learning opportunities for our Teachers to enhance their ability to educate our students. Please enter any amount that you are comfortable donating. Thank you for supporting Taylor Road Middle School.
TRMS Staff Recognition Donation 21-22
Donation to be used by TRMS specifically for Staff recognition and awards. Any amount you wish to donate will be appreciated. Thank you for your support of our Taylor Road Middle School teachers.
Taylor Road is on Facebook!
Important Dates
January 21: School Governance Council Meeting, 7:45 AM
January 24: Early Release Day -- Students will be dismissed at 2:05. BELL SCHEDULE FOR EARLY RELEASE DAY
January 25: One Well Committee (for students interested in helping), Room 725, 4:10 PM
January 26: Basketball Games v. Haynes Bridge MS, TRMS Gym, 5:30 PM
January 27: 8th grade students tour Chattahoochee HS, 1:15 PM
January 27 - February 4: 8th grade students will select electives for next year
January 28: Basketball Games @ Crabapple MS, 5:30 PM
February 1: Lunar New Year
February 1: Rising 9th Grade Parent Meeting, CHS Auditorium, 6:00 PM
February 2: Basketball Games v. F.A.S.T., TRMS Gym, 5:30 PM
February 3: Orchestra Pre-LGPE concert, TRMS Gym, 6:00 PM
February 4: Basketball Games v. Autrey Mill MS, TRMS Gym, 6:00 PM
February 7 - 11: Candy Gram sales to raise funds for the One Well project
February 11: Basketball Games @ Holcomb Bridge MS, 5:30 PM
February 18: Professional Learning Day for Staff -- No School for Students
February 21: Presidents' Day Holiday - Schools are closed
The buck stops here
See our duties divided among the administrators responsible (click photo below). We continually modify and update this chart. It is also available on the TRMS website.
We are here to help - always!
If you feel any concerns - or know someone who does - please know Taylor Road is filled with people who care. I encourage you to reach out via this website link to report concerns to me personally at any time. I immediately receive email notification of all submitted concerns, and I promise to respond quickly. The report remains anonymous, unless you choose to share your identity and allow me to respond.
Fulton Schools also has a Quick Tip app to report issues to district leaders and school police. Please continue to reach out. It is never a bother or a hardship to show we care.
Finally, there are any number of resources for stakeholders. Please follow this link for more information. Do not hesitate; ask for help.
#TheTRWayForward
As we define our way forward, the administrative team welcomes input. Remember, I continue to use #TheTRWayForward to tag Twitter posts that represent my vision for Taylor Road.
Follow me personally @TaylorRoadWay on Twitter. I am excited about #TheTRWayForward
Thanks for supporting TRMS!
Relationships - Rigor - Engagement
Email: parkerk@fultonschools.org
Website: www.fultonschools.org/taylorroadms
Location: 5150 Taylor Road, Johns Creek, GA, USA
Phone: 470-254-7090
Twitter: @TaylorRoadWay