Pulse on Peachtree
Jan 15th Newsletter
Principal's Message
Round of applause for another great week! We appreciate the grace and flexibility with bus delays, staff absences, etc. that we were able to troubleshoot this week. We also want to thank our teachers and students for following our mitigation strategies to keep Peachtree safe.
As we go into the weekend, please take the time to review the information below:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day
On Monday, January 17th we observe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day and our school will be closed.
Observed each year on the third Monday in January, MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. Through our acts of service we honor and celebrate the civil rights leader’s life and legacy. For information on MLK Day and volunteer opportunities, click here. You can also consider volunteering with our PTSO on January 29th to help Peachtree (info below).
Weather Forecast
Hopefully you've had an opportunity to review the forecast for the weekend and begin any "just in case" preparations. Being born and raised in FL, I'm new to snow so I've stocked up on essentials in case the roads ice or power goes out. We did encourage students and teachers to bring technology home, but please know we are planning for an in-person return on Tuesday weather-permitting.
Report Cards
Students received their Semester 1 report cards on Friday during 7th period. We encourage you to take the time to review them with your child. If you'd like some tips on how to discuss grades and progress with your child, feel free to review the valuable resource below:
16 Tips For Talking To Your Child About Report Cards (& Making The Most Of The Results)
Upcoming Dates
January 17th: Dr. M.L. King, Jr Day (school closed)
January 19th: Basketball Game - Away vs. Champion
January 20th: DHS Virtual Rising 9th Grade Registration Night at 6pm
January 22nd: Basketball Game - Home
January 26th: Basketball Game - Away vs. Henderson
January 29th: PTSO School Beautification at 12pm-4pm
January 29th: Basketball Game - Away vs. Chamblee
February 1st: African-American History Month begins (more info to come)
February 7th-11th: School Counselor Appreciation Week
February 7th: Access/Alternate Access Testing - Listening
February 8th: Access/Alternate Access Testing - Reading
February 9th: Access/Alternate Access Testing - Writing
February 10th: Access/Alternate Access Testing - Speaking
February 10th: State of the School and Parent Teacher Conference Night
February 11th-16th: Access/Alternate Access - Make Ups
**All dates are subject to change.
Action Needed - DCSD Student Access Survey
We have exciting news! The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Emergency Connectivity Fund has provided funds for internet services and devices for students who lack sufficient access for remote learning.
But - We need to hear from you first!
Each Patriot family is being asked to complete the DCSD Student Access Survey (below). Survey responses will be used to determine the connectivity needs for our school district and to purchase devices.
Let’s get new devices for our children!
DCSD Student Access Survey Link
https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/students/dcsd-student-device-access-survey/
Young GA Authors Writing Competition
All students are encouraged to participate! For writing prompts to get started, feel free to consider any of the following:
- Write a story with this plot: You're accidentally locked in your school for the weekend.
- Who is your role model/hero? Why?
- Write a haiku about a single flower growing in a meadow.
- Write a descriptive essay about a time in your life when you felt completely happy.
- Write a suspenseful story that includes 3 things (teacher/parent/friend can choose the objects) (ex- a library book, a clock, and a neighbor).
- Write an essay about a time you were proud of yourself or someone else.
- Imagine you are the President of the United States. Write about your first day in office.
- Earth's resources have run out and everyone has moved to Mars. Write a story about life on Mars.
Happy Founder's Week!
Many of our parents, teachers and staff celebrated the Founder's Day of their African-American sorority this week. We celebrate their accomplishments, their continued sisterhood, and the examples they set as role models to our students.
- January 13th – Delta Sigma Theta
- January 15th – Alpha Kappa Alpha
- January 16th – Zeta Phi Beta
"Birthed at a time in history when the traditional roles of women were being challenged, the founders of the first Black sororities had to overcome the stereotypical views of sexism and racism as well. Now over a quarter of a million women belong to Black sororities with numbers increasing annually. These women make a lifetime commitment to continue the legacy of building social capital and uphold the strong ideals of education, integrity, public service and activism." (To learn more, visit LearningToGive.org)
ACCESS Testing
ACCESS is a test administered annually to all English learners in Georgia. Students in our ESOL program will take the test Feb 7th - 11th.
It is a standards-based, criterion referenced English language proficiency test designed to measure English learners’ social and academic proficiency in English. It assesses social and instructional English as well as the language associated with language arts, mathematics,
science, and social studies within the school context across the four language domains. The test is used to determine whether a student will exit the ESOL program. When a student exits the ESOL program, they are monitored for several years to ensure success outside of the program.
The letters below provide more details about the test.
January Clean-Up Day - Date Change to 1/29/22
*** Please note the date change in response to the current Covid case increase ***
Grab your coat and gloves and come on over to Peachtree Middle to help clean up our courtyard! We'll pull weeds and overgrown landscaping, haul away leftover lumber and junk, sweep, clean, and make this space usable for our students! This is the first step in what will be an exciting transformation into an outdoor classroom/maker space and school event location.
When: January 29th from 12pm-4pm
Please click on the Sign Up Genius link to sign up to help at this event! We'll have pizza and drinks for those volunteering!
Peachtree Middle School
DCSD Website: https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/
Instagram: @Principal.Perez
Website: www.peachtreems.dekalb.k12.ga.us
Location: Peachtree Middle School, North Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA, USA
Phone: (678)676 - 7702