DRAGON DIGEST
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 / MAY 2020
PRINCIPAL'S LETTER
Dear DeSana Parents & Students,
I truly hope that this letter finds you and your family hanging in there and staying healthy. Who would have ever thought that the spring of this school year would shape up like it has? And who would have ever guessed that we would be ending the school year in this most unusual fashion? I know it is difficult for our young Dragons . . . especially our eighth graders . . . and for our parents too. I think it is also important for you to know that as we continue to meet as a faculty virtually, and as I talk to teachers individually, the one thing they say they miss soooooooo VERY, VERY much, is the day-to-day, real-life contact with our students. They miss their high fives . . . their hugs . . . their popping in just to say “Hey!” . . . their jokes . . . their endless questions . . . their big smiles . . . their offers of help . . . their quiet presence, for some . . . their boundless energy . . . their passion . . . their silliness . . . their compliments . . . their sense of humor . . . their good deeds . . . and even their middle school drama, they have said (go figure!). School is just not the same as we “do school” virtually. But extraordinary times call for much adaptation in order to help keep everyone safe and healthy.
So while we won’t be able to have our usual end of the year fun activities at each grade level in person this spring, our teachers have planned some different fun events for our young Dragons virtually. They have been quite creative! You can read in this edition of the Dragon Digest what our teachers are planning and have in store. If you haven’t seen by now on our social media, we are planning a BIG virtual DeSana’s Got Talent 2020! All the information is here in the Dragon Digest, as well. We know we have MANY talented young Dragons so we are looking forward to LOTS of participation! Even teachers and administrators will be in on the act! So take a look at what’s to come as we work to finish out this 2019-2020 school year in very fine (and fun!) fashion!
Speaking of finishing out the school year, as is our tradition here at DeSana every spring, our mantra for these next 3 weeks is Finish Strong! Even though the learning environment has changed, we want every single one of our young Dragons to finish strong in their academics. So the push will be on from all of our teachers, counselors and administrative team to help our students finish strong! We know that some kids don’t feel that online learning is the best or easiest way for them to learn. And for some, they are just tired of learning this way or “doing school”, period. But we’re asking our students to give it one final push to complete their present assignments and make up any assignments they have neglected to do earlier so that they can end the year on a high note and pass all of their classes. Parents, we need your help, support and reinforcement of our mantra as you encourage your young Dragon to do his/her part in finishing strong for this semester and this school year! After all, we cannot do it without your support!
To our 8th grade students . . . we are heartbroken that your time at DeSana has to end this way and that we cannot give you the proper send-off from middle school that you so deserve and we were so looking forward to giving you. But none of that negates what a wonderful group of students you have been and what awesome individuals you are! We are truly so proud of you! You are only our second group of students to go through all three years at DeSana, and you are leaving a wonderful legacy behind! You are leaving BIG shoes to fill with your leadership skills, talents in so many areas, personal integrity, history of good deeds and giving back to the school and our community, high academic scholarship, and your acceptance of and respect for all different kinds of people. Indeed, you have inspired us and you have worked your way into our hearts! And that is where you will stay for a very long time!
Eighth graders, we wish you nothing but the very best that life has to offer as you begin your new and all-important academic adventure in high school. Continue to work hard . . . persevere . . . always do your very best work . . . act thoughtfully and responsibly . . . know that kindness always matters . . . and make us proud!! And always, always remember throughout life: Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours! Thank YOU . . . for the light you have brought into our lives here at DeSana!
To our sixth and seventh graders . . . we are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished this year, especially in light of these extraordinary times that have changed our world and your school world! We hope that you have a relaxing and fun summer, and we are already looking forward to seeing you back with us at DeSana, in some form or fashion, for the next school year.
Parents, we know that you have been thrown a giant curve ball since the middle of March, as you have taken on a different (and perhaps bigger!) role in supporting your young Dragon’s education in a whole new way, all the while taking care of your family and extended family as we’ve sheltered in place, working, adjusting to the “new normal”, and problem solving about things you’ve never had to think about before. I can’t thank YOU enough for all the support you have given our teachers, as well as the patience and grace you have shown us as we have navigated a new way of working with your children. I am eternally grateful!
Here’s wishing you and your family a relaxing summer, filled with many a stress-free day, happy memories from fun times spent with family, friends and loved ones, and a return to some semblance of a “normal life”!
With warmest regards,
Terri A. North
Principal
ACADEMICS
DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR RISING 7TH & 8TH GRADE ADVANCED COURSES TO MAY 8TH AT 4PM!!
Forms can be found at Registration Form for Advanced Studies.
Due to the unprecedented circumstance, the administration wants to ensure all of our students have been given the opportunity to sign up for advanced studies for the 2020-2021 school year. Currently we are asking parents to please email Ms. Epperson, sepperson@forsyth.k12.ga.us, your completed registration form. As your receipt the registration form, Ms. Epperson will respond to your email with a message of Received. Thank you all for adapting to the changes we have made in registering for these classes!
RISING 6TH GRADE INFORMATION
Attention parents ofrising 6th graders OR share this if you have a neighbor that is a rising 6th grader:
On Monday, May 4th, the 5th to 6th grade transition information will be available on our DeSana website, as well as posted on our feeder elementary schools’ websites. Please watch for this information and reach out to Ashley Starr, Assistant Principal at astarr@forsyth.k12.ga.us if you have any questions.
RISING 6TH GRADE ADVANCED COURSE REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Registration for Advanced Studies for our Rising 6th Grade Students will be posted on our DeSana website Monday, May 4th. Please watch the video provided because there are changes to how we have done this in the past. Once you watch the video, please fill out the Advanced Studies Registration Form and email it to sepperson@forsyth.k12.ga.us. The deadline for our rising 6th grade advanced studies form is May 29th at 6 PM. Ms. Epperson will respond to your email with “Received” and her email will be your receipt for confirmation that your child’s registration form has been received. Please contact Ms. Epperson at sepperson@forsyth.k12.ga.us or 770-667-2591 ext 492010 with any questions you may have.
ACCELERATED MATH TESTING FOR RISING 6TH GRADE STUDENTS
Due to on-line learning, current 5th grade students will not be taking the assessment for entrance into Accelerated Math during this 2019-2020 school year. If your child wants to be considered for Accelerated Math during 6th grade, the student and parent must fill out an advanced studies registration form indicating math as one of your two choices. When we return to school in the fall, students in advanced math classes will be screened for the accelerated class. This screening will include an assessment that students typically take in the spring of their 5th grade year over the Georgia Standards of Excellence for 5th grade mathematics. Students who qualify for placement in Accelerated Math will then have a change in their schedule to place them in an Accelerated Math class. Ms. Epperson is happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact her at sepperson@forsyth.k12.ga.us or 770-667-2591 ext 492010.
STUDENTS CLEANING OUT THEIR LOCKERS AND PICKING UP ITEMS FROM & RETURNING ITEMS TO DESANA
We are making plans for students to safely clean out their lockers and pick up their personal items from DeSana, as well as return items belonging to the school (i.e. borrowed chrome books, borrowed Kajeets, library books, textbooks and other resources, etc.). What we don’t know at this time is when this will occur. Our plan will include students being able to socially distance themselves, so that means only a limited number of students will be allowed in the building at one time to quickly gather their belongings and turn in any DeSana items they have to return.
Stay tuned for more information via Messenger, our DeSana website, social media and on our itslearning home page about when this will occur and more information about how we will carry out this plan!
SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO!
Because of extended on-line learning for the rest of this school year, we are not able to have our usual, yearly DeSana Day of Good Deeds, or D3 Day, in May. This is such a huge part of who we are at DeSana and a fabulous DeSana Family event! So like many of our other end-of-the-year events and activities, it is sad not to be able to have our usual DeSana Day of Good Deeds. However . . . these extraordinary times have emboldened us to think creatively about some of our activities and events here at DeSana, so be on the lookout for information coming your way the week of May 11th about our D3 Day Away! We hope you will take part in this DeSana event!!
THE ARTS
DESANA'S GOT TALENT 2020!
DeSana's first ever virtual talent show is accepting student submissions now through May 15th! Regardless of your talent, you should absolutely be a part! Visit our webpage for more info: https://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/52902 The culminating performance will premier on YouTube on May 20th at 7:00pm, so get your family and your popcorn ready for an exciting evening of talent!
Questions? Contact Mr. Boyett (auboyett@forsyth.k12.ga.us)
CHORUS SIGN UPS
Chorus is an exciting Connection choice at DeSana, and we are always looking for new members! We sing, we learn all about music, and - most importantly - we laugh! If you are a current DeSana student (who is NOT CURRENTLY in chorus) and are interested in joining Chorus during the 2020/2021 School Year, please fill out this form! https://forms.gle/mB27GEU3iju5mWAeA
Questions? Contact Mr. Boyett (auboyett@forsyth.k12.ga.us)
TO THE WONDERFUL 8TH GRADE BAND STUDENTS . . . FROM MR. MITCHELL
This has been a great three years with my 8th grade band students. I cannot believe our journey that we began together just a short time ago is almost over. I still remember when you all walked in the room for the first time not knowing what to expect. But soon after, you began to wow me with your attitudes and abilities both academically and musically.
I have really enjoyed my time with you (from the Halloween parties, to the D3 Days, to the concerts, to the trip to Orlando-WINNING GRAND CHAMPION) and the only thing that could make it better is if I could continue with you! You have stepped up to the plate after being challenged and have made me the proudest director in the world.
We had 4 students participate in the All District Band and 10 make it to the second round of the all state tryouts. One of our students made the All-State Band - - - Kai Kai B. Kai Kai is one of the most talented players in the state. He made the all-district band two years in a row but also made the All-State Band 2 years in a row. This year, of course, has not ended the way any of us thought it would. We missed out on LGPE (Large Group Performance Evaluation), Solo and Ensemble, Final Concert, Awards Dinner and of course our Annual Band Trip Competition. But the worst part of this year ending, is not being able to end it with you-in person.
You have overachieved and gone far beyond my expectations. You have laid the foundation for all others who will follow-and for that I am grateful. THANK YOU for what you have meant to the band, but moreover, THANK YOU for what you have meant to me! I love you all and you will be forever in my heart!
Emma B., Evelyn B., Makayla B., Athena D., Yash G., Gabrielle I., Salma O., Sara R., Jadah W., Gabriel A., Janki M., Dan P., Suhani R., Akash S., Parth S., Spencer B., Ella C., Brett H., Sanjita K., Trenton S., Manav P., Mansour S., Ethan M., Jamie S., Prish B., Niccolo B., Eleanor C., Abhishek H., Shivani R., Pratham S., Tarak B., Troy E., Chris L., Om P., Sanath S., Alay M., Deeksha R., Arya H., Adithya R., Navya A., Shloka B., Sharmila D., Astrid G., Avinash K., Karris K., Laia M., Krishna N., Juliana V., Brandon L., Srushtee D., Divya J., Kedar M., Arya N., Poorani S., Shailee S., Akshada S., Shiv B., Susant C., Prisha J., Sebastian F., Matai I., Gavin S., Nathan S., DeVonte R., Arka B., Anish B., Aryan D., Shyama B., Kai Kai B., April C., Sai K., Om M., Tommy R., Tarek A., Hemanth K.
6TH GRADE INVITATION TO JOIN BAND
To all of our upcoming DeSana 6th Graders,
We are reaching out once again to all of our amazing 5th grade students coming from our elementary schools to DeSana next school year. We have already heard from 90 of you who have registered for band and THAT IS EXCITING!
Several parents have contacted Mr. Mitchell stating that they want to be in band. You still have time to register for band! Click here to fill out the form to join band.The deadline is May 13th. Again we are looking to break the record set this year by our 6th grade class. So, let this be your invitation to join one of the most fun, successful and most rewarding programs at DeSana-our Award-winning Band.
Looking forward to a GREAT year!
ACTIVITIES
VIRTUAL BOOK FAIR!
Have your kids run out of books to read? Do they need something different? Missing the great selection of our media center? You're in luck--our media center is hosting a Scholastic VIRTUAL Book Fair to help you stock up on books for now and for summer! The fair will be open from Monday, May 4 - Monday, May 18th. Follow desanamediacenter on Instagram to see book fair highlights once the fair opens--there are some great new books!
- All purchases benefit our media center
- Shop Book Fair exclusives, best-sellers, skill-builders and more
- Books for all ages-not only middle school
- Orders ship direct to home
- Book-only orders over $25* receive FREE shipping
- Over 6,000 items to choose from through the Scholastic Store Online
Visit our Book Fair Homepage (starting 5/4) and click “Shop Now” to get started:
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/desanamiddleschool
Happy reading!
8TH GRADE AWARDS CEREMONY
An 8th grade DeSana tradition is an awards ceremony on the last day of school, Friday, May 22. This year's ceremony will be prerecorded and delivered virtually. Details for this ceremony and how you can access the link will be made available on itslearning the last week of school.
8TH GRADE TRIBUTES
As the year wraps up, we would like to honor our 8th grade students and their time at DeSana Middle School.
- Send us your tribute to DeSana Middle School! Make a short video saying your favorite thing/memory or what you will miss most about DeSana. If you prefer, you may write it on a sign and take a photo of you holding it. Send to Ms. Hannel (shannel@forsyth.k12.ga.us). Files should be sent before May 8th in order to be included. (Please no GIFs.)
- Please send 2 photos of you at any point during your time at DeSana Middle School for a slideshow celebrating your time at DeSana. If you would like to wear your 8th grade dance outfit, please be sure it is appropriate. The slideshow will be with the class song and the song list chosen for the 8th grade dance. The celebration may be suspended, but we still want to honor our 8th graders. Send photos to Ms. Strader (jstrader@forsyth.k12.ga.us) or Ms. Hannel (shannel@forsyth.k12.ga.us). All photos should be sent before May 10th to ensure they are included. (Photos should be .JPG or .JPEG.)
*** Please note that if you send photos/videos to us for either or both of these things, they will be included regardless of your selection of “do not publish” on the beginning of the year survey about being published on line (social media/webpage) or in productions shared at school. By providing a photo/video, you are agreeing for your student to be included.
Thank you!
7TH GRADE LAST WEEK ACTIVITIES
This last quarter has been a challenging one for all our 7th grade students, and we want them to know how very proud we are of them and how much we miss seeing their smiling faces each and every day. All of our students have adjusted really well to online learning and have managed to stay on top of their work. We would have liked to have ended this year in typical 7th Grade fashion with a fun filled last week, but unfortunately this will not be possible. Instead we have planned some fun virtual activities for all of our students to participate in. And we hope they will!
Throughout the last week of school, we will have a week-long scavenger hunt where students will have to complete different levels of tasks, all within the comfort of their home (PJs are optional!). Many of our 7th grade students have volunteered to make a video filled with advice for our upcoming 7th graders. Students will be able to either record a video with their message, make a card and take a picture or even make a google presentation. We look forward to seeing what our creative students come up with!
We hope you all have a great summer!
7th Grade Teachers
INFORMATION ABOUT SPRING SCHOOL PICTURES
Our Spring pictures have arrived! If you prepaid for your pictures, we will give those to you when you pick up your other items at the school. If you didn’t prepay and would like to order your child's Spring portraits please go to www.mylifetouch.com and click on Live Chat (lower L corner) -OR- call 800-736-4753 so Lifetouch can locate your access credentials to place your order.
YEARBOOK INFORMATION
Due to COVID-19, Balfour – the company that publishes our yearbook – has closed their publishing plant where our yearbook is printed for now, and is unable to print the 2019-2020 DeSana Yearbooks at this time. Printing will begin as soon as the plant in Texas is able to re-open. At this time, we are unsure of the delivery and distribution date for the 2019-2020 Yearbook but we will be working on a plan as soon as we know that the printing has begun. As soon as our plan is solidified, we will communicate it to all Dragon Families. We feel confident that our young Dragons who have ordered a Yearbook will be very excited to have this book in hand to remember this unprecedented year.
Parents, if you are unsure if a yearbook has been ordered for your student, please email yearbook sponsor, Michelle West- mwest@forsyth.k12.ga.us
If you did not order a Yearbook earlier in the year for your middle schooler and would like to order a 2019- 2020 DeSana Yearbook, please visit:
https://www.balfour.com/georgia/alpharetta/desana-middle-school to place an order. The cost of our yearbook is $50.
We regret that there will be this delay in students receiving their yearbook for this school year, but we promise to distribute them to our young Dragons who ordered one just as soon as it is possible. Thank you for your understanding.
PARENT 411 - HELPFUL LINKS FOR YOU
Click here for the Stars and Strikes Kids Bowl Free pass for the summer.
Premier Martial Arts is offering free online opportunities for students at all grade levels- ES, MS, HS
Middle Years Newsletters for May and Covid-19 Special Edition
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
NOTES FROM THE NURSE
State law requires that all children entering the seventh grade have a second MMR (mumps, measles, and rubella), a second varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, one dose Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), and one dose MCV (meningococcal conjugate vaccine). Students who are not current on these immunizations will receive a letter from Nurse McWalters by the end of the school year. She must receive documentation of these vaccinations for all rising 7th graders. Please email Nurse McWalters at rmcwalters@forsyth.k12.ga.us to let her know that the immunizations have been completed. Parents do not need to physically bring a copy into the school. Students will not be assigned a class schedule until this immunization certificate is complete and Nurse McWalters verifies the completion.
THANKS TO OUR FANTASTIC BUSINESS PARTNERS
*ALL AMERICAN SPECIALTIES
*BROWNS BRIDGE CHURCH
*CHICK-FIL-A @ THE COLLECTION
*CITY CHURCH
*GEORGIA ORTHODONTICS AND CHILDREN'S DENTISTRY
*NORTH GEORGIA PROMOTIONS
*OMEGA LEARNING
*RBM OF ALPHARETTA
Forsyth County Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or gender in employment decisions or educational programs and activities.