SMS Jaguars: Weekly Reminders
Preparing for Testing: Universal Remote Learning/F2F: April
April 5-9, 2021
Georgia Milestones is Approaching
Autism Awareness Day: Friday, April 2
Remote Learning: April 12-14
- All scholars will return to learning remotely on Monday, April 12-Wendesday, April 14.
- Face-to-face scholars resume on-site learning on Thursday, April 15.
Celebrating our Amazing & Excellent Assistant Principals
- Tuesday, April 13 - Friday, April 16
- Join us in celebrating our Assistant Principals
Thank you to our Graduation and Instructional Coaches
- Friday, April 16
- Join us in celebrating our instructional and support coaches: Share a token of your appreciation for their hard work and dedication to our teachers, students and community
Jaguar's Quote:
Without change, something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens. The sleeper must awaken.
Frank Herbert
Principal's Note: April
4/12/2021
Hello Parents & Stakeholders,
Happy April!
Welcome back from Spring Break! A year ago, we returned from a spring break in which the majority of the world quarantined for their break. As you may have noticed, a year later and some of us, are continuing to quarantine, and some of us not so much. A lot has changed within a year’s time; there’s much to be said, and several opinions centered on the topic of “opening up” and returning to normal. I simply at this time cannot define normal under any circumstances, but I too, am watching and learning alongside the world as to what normal may mean moving forward. Nevertheless, I hope a sense of normalcy was present for everyone and that spring break was enjoyable for all.
This month, while already halfway complete, is assured to be a busy one for the Jaguars. There are a few key concepts for all parents to focus on this month: (1) Is your scholar ready to approach the next level of learning? (2) Have you reviewed testing expectations for Georgia Milestones? (3) Have you reviewed the draft schedule for Georgia Milestones (4) Is your scholar ready for testing? Now, don’t panic if you can’t answer yes to all of the questions. There are several supports in place to assist you with getting to a YES for the concepts that are very important this month.
Is your scholar ready to approach the next level of learning?
Scholars who are recommended/invited to attend summer school will receive a formal invitation letter this upcoming week. Letters will be mailed to all invitees, on or before April 16.
Parents must register their scholar for Summer School.There is an approval process.
Summer School will be held at Camp Creek Middle School. Sandtown Middle School is undergoing renovations to our Media Center and will not host summer school this year on-site. Our teachers and support staff will support students at Camp Creek Middle School.
Students who are invited to summer school will receive a letter and registration information from their school. Please wait to register your student until after you receive a letter and registration information from your student's school. Thank you.
Have you reviewed testing expectations, and what is the draft testing schedule?
Yes, Sandtown Middle School will administer the GA Milestones Assessment.
My scholar is virtual and is testing after the normal schedule. When will I receive more information?
Alternative testing schedules are forthcoming. The schedules are designed for virtual scholars who plan to test after the normal school day, as assessed via the GA Milestones Survey provided in March.
Is my scholar ready for testing?
The Sandtown Middle School instructional support team held a parent learning session on March 09, 2021 to discuss testing and test taking strategies for our scholars. If you missed the session and would like to gather more information related to testing expectations, guidelines and support, please email our testing coordinator: Ms. Tanja Beauford-Vernon, Testing Coordinator-Contact. Please allow 24-48 hours to receive a response. A copy of the presentation will be shared with you to assist you in reviewing the information shared.
Any parent who has elected to opt-out of testing must send a formal notice to Sandtown Middle School. Please send your notifications to SandtownPrincipal@fultonschools.org, or you may also email our testing coordinator directly, Testing Coordinator-Contact. Your communication is required in order to complete the opt-out process.
Thank you for your active engagement in your scholar’s learning experience and outcomes. It truly does make a difference. As I always remind our scholars, staff and community, we are continually seeking excellence and we cannot accomplish this task with you! Again, I am truly proud of this team! It’s definitely one that will go down in history as one of a kind. Leading and teaching through a pandemic is an accolade for all!
Please always remember: “You are so awesome! You are so amazing! Your students need you and you are making a difference in their lives. Keep on teaching, Teachers! Keep on leading, Leaders! Keep on supporting, Support Staff! Keep on parenting, Parents! Keep on making and being the difference!”
Again, and as always, thank you for all that you do to ensure we are normalizing excellence!
Your Partner,
Principal Miley
Remote Learners: Arrival Times
All remote learners arriving for testing must be on site by 8:55 a.m. The sign-in process will begin at 8:30 a.m. daily., and conclude promptly at 8:55 a.m.
What time will testing start daily?
Testing formally begins at 9:00 a.m.. All students must be in place and ready to begin testing at 9:00 a.m.
What time will testing conclude?
The testing conclusion times are estimates based on no interruptions to the start and end of testing. If accommodations are provided, please note testing sessions could last longer for individual students. The times below are the most approximate estimate we are able to provide. Parents are asked to report on-time to pick-up all remote scholars, immediately after testing. Scholars are afforded a lunch break. All scholars will return to their normal schedule after testing.
April 30: Algebra I End of Course/All sections
Start Time: 9:00 - 9:05 a.m.
End Time: 12:00 p.m.
May 3: Science and Physical Science
Start Time: 9:00 - 9:05 a.m.
End Time: 11:30 a.m.
May 4: Grade 8 Social Studies
Start Time: 9:00 - 9:05 a.m.
End Time: 11:30 a.m.
May 6: Math-Part I
Start Time: 9:00 - 9:05 a.m.
End Time: 11:30 a.m.
May 7: Math- Part II
Start Time: 9:00 - 9:05 a.m.
End Time: 11:30 a.m.
May 11: English/Language Arts-Part I
Start Time: 9:00 - 9:05 a.m.
End Time: 11:30 a.m.
May 12: English/Language Arts-Part II
Start Time: 9:00 - 9:05 a.m.
End Time: 11:30 a.m.
May 13: English/Language Arts-Part III
Start Time: 9:00 - 9:05 a.m.
End Time: 11:30 a.m.
*Approved alternate testing times will be shared via invite only, as alternate testing times do not apply to the standard testing schedule.
Middle School: Read More to Learn About Summer School & Register!
Middle School ​Summer School is an opportunity for middle school students to clear incompletes from 2020-2021, accelerate, or recover credits during the time between school years. The summer sessions are condensed versions of content provided during the school year, and students must have their course requests validated by their counselor before being enrolled.
For summer 2021, students who have previously failed a year-long World Language course have the opportunity to retake the course for free through Fulton Virtual School. Students may take up to two credits at no cost. In addition, students who have Incompletes, WFs or F's from 2020-2021 will attend summer school at no cost in order to clear the incompletes, WFs, or F's. Students clearing an Incomplete or recovering credit for a WF or F can participate through
Face-to-Face Summer School courses will also be offered for special education students who require an adapted curriculum (those assessed on the Georgia Alternate Assessment 2.0) that need to clear incompletes, WFs, or F's from 2020-2021. The content will focus on the core content areas: English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
Sandtown Middle School will send formal invitations to all parents of scholars who are recommended to attend summer school. Invitations will arrive soon via email and mail.
Congratulations to our Technology Competition Winners!
We are so proud of our teacher-leaders: Ms. Green and Ms. Bibbs-Hines and our scholars!
Join us for our PTSA Meeting This Week! Thursday, April 29 @ 5:30 p.m.
This Thursday, PTSA will hold their final meeting of the year. Please join us for our final PTSA meeting on Thursday, April 29. Please continue to support the efforts of our PTSA. Our parents have done an excellent job at leading within the Sandtown community and influencing change for our school and scholars. We are most appreciative of the continued commitment of our parents, community members, and staff, all who represent the PTSA..
Your Voice Matters: Let's get ready to share, revise, edit and improve....Excellence Matters (April 21 @ 5:30 p.m.)
When: April 21, 2021 (5:30-6:30 p.m.)
Where: Virtual: Sandtown Middle School TEAMS Invite
Why: We need to hear from you. We want your input and we need your support in helping us to review our School-Family Compact; Parent and Family Engagement Plan & Staff Training, and discussing our 1% set-aside for Parent and Family Engagement. All of the current documents are available within our monthly SMORE. You may also contact Tanya Swift and request a copy emailed to your email address on file.
Click here to join the meeting on April 21, 2021
Click here to view the agenda for April 21, 2021
We look forward to seeing you online soon!
School Governance Council Meeting: April 14, 2021 (Rescheduled from March 24, 2021)
School Governance Council: Wednesday, April 14, 2021
The School Governance Council has a scheduled a scheduled meeting on Wednesday, April 14 @ 4:30 p.m. The agenda will include a public comment time period (5:30 p.m.).
A preview of the agenda is available on our school's website: The Principal's Newsletter-SMORE and future meetings will be posted on the parent resource board during our on-site sessions.
The PTSA will meet immediately following the SCG Meeting. Please join us for very important information from our PTSA Board.
Join us as we celebrate our Amazing & Excellent Assistant Principals & Administrators!
- 6th Grade: Deborah Blackley
- 7th Grade & Special Education: Victoria Grubbs
- 8th Grade & Connections: William Zwingmann
- Curriculum Assistant Principal: Tanja Beauford-Vernon
Wednesday, April 14: Twitter Blow-Up (tweet & recognize your AP's hard work; special messages with photos are encouraged)
Thursday, April 15: Token of Kindness (a special treat for our AP's)
Friday, April 16: Free Day Friday! Celebrate in any way you desire, just make it count. After all, it's Friday!🙂Deborah Blackley
- 6th Grade Administrator
- TAG Coordinator
- ELA Content Administrator
Victoria Grubbs
- 7th Grade Administrator/Assistant Principal
- Special Education Administrator
- Social Studies Content Administrator
- PBIS/Student Discipline Leader
William Zwingmann
- 8th Grade Administrator/Assistant Principal
- Connections Administrator
- Science Content Administrator
- School-Safety Coordinator
Tanja Beauford-Vernon
- Curriculum Assistant Principal
- Math Content Administrator
- Student Information Coordinator/Master Scheduler
- Testing Coordinator
8th Grade Celebratory Activities
Parents: It's now time to engage and prepare for the final days of 8th grade! Yes, your scholar is moving on, and while we are sad to see them go, we are so proud of their development, and we know they will showcase excellence in the next phase of their educational journey! Capture all of the moments! Please see below for more information on the planned activities for 8th Grade Celebrations.
*Social distancing expectations are in place for each scheduled event.
Click here to pay for your 8th Grade Memorabilia Package. The deadline to pay for the package is Friday, May 07. Be sure to look for the OSP icon at the top of our website. Click here to submit your payment. OSP is the only accepted form of payment.
Click here to confirm your senior's (8th Grade Scholar) attendance.
Student Shout-Outs & Special Recognitions
No School Days!
***FCS Schools and District Offices are closed***
- May 27: Post-Planning day for Teachers
*Please note the last day of the school year is Wednesday, May 26*
PBIS: Building Positive Behaviors
Academic Focus: Check out grade level information, academic support and more!
Literacy
- By the Spring administration of the iReady Diagnostic Assessment for ELA, 70% of Sandtown Middle School scholars in grades 6-8 (who have taken the Fall assessment) will meet or exceed their Spring 2021 projected growth target as measured by the iReady diagnostic assessment for ELA. (September – February)
Numeracy
- 6th Grade 82% of 6th Grade Students will score proficient or higher on the EOG Administration in Spring 2021; 7th Grade 78% of 7th Grade Students will score proficient or higher on the EOG Administration in Spring 2021; 8th Grade 82% of 8th Grade Students will score proficient or higher on the EOG Administration in Spring 2021.
- 96% of 8th Grade Students enrolled in Algebra I will score proficient or higher on the EOC Administration in Spring.
Social and Emotional Wellness
- All teachers (6th-8th) will implement a minimum of 45 minutes weekly, focused, and engaging lessons that incorporate Re-Think Ed comprehensive curriculum of SEL competencies and standards to 100% of Sandtown Middle students during semester one.
Click here to review specific information for your scholar's grade level.
Click here to review specific information for your scholar's grade level.
Click here to review specific information for your scholar's grade level.
Sandtown Middle School: Instructional Lesson Plans
Lesson planning is a significant element of teaching-learning system. A lesson plan is a step-by-step guide that provides a structure for an essential learning. Before planning a lesson, it is essential to classify the learning outcomes for the class. It is important because it helps the teacher in maintaining a standard teaching pattern and does not let the class deviate from the topic. Pre-planning helps the teacher to be better equipped in answering questions asked by the students during the lecture. An effective lesson plan has three basic components; aims and objectives of the course, teaching and learning activities and, assessments to check student understanding of the topic.
Click below to request a copy of the current lesson plans
Parent (Student) COVID-19 Reporting Portal
Click here to report a COVID-19 Report
At this time we are asking that parents/guardians of FCS students submit a COVID-19 Report ONLY if your student fits into one or more of the following categories:
a) Has tested Positive for COVID-19 in the past 15 days
b) Currently waiting for the results of a test for COVID-19
c) Has been in close contact (within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes) in the past 15 days with someone diagnosed with COVID-19
If your student fits into one or more of the above categories, please begin the form by clicking the "Next" arrow below. Your report will be sent directly to the Fulton County Board of Health.
If your student does not fit into any of the above categories, a COVID-19 report is not required at this time. Please monitor your child's symptoms and follow-up with your healthcare provider or contact the school clinic, if you have any concerns.
Please DO NOT send your child to school if he or she fits into any of the above categories or is otherwise ill or unwell If your student meets any of the above criteria or is ill or unwell, DO NOT send your student to school until you have spoken with your healthcare provider, one of the FCS Student Health Services School Nurses, or a public health official.
Are you new to Sandtown? Check out school information for new and incoming scholars!
Uniforms
Uniforms are highly encouraged, however due to COVID-19 and the associated financial implications, they are not required. Uniforms provide distinctive identification for grade levels and support uniformity throughout our school. We encourage our scholars to adhere to our norm! All of our scholars benefit from Spirit Wear on Friday's!
-We are returning in a Universal Remote Environment; Post-Return we do encourage uniforms
- 8th Grade: Royal Blue
- 7th Grade: Grey
- 6th Grade: Black
Uniform Vendors: Walmart, Old Navy, Brandhouse Ink (School-Based Vendor
*All vendors are independent vendors
*Brandhouse Ink is a school-based business partner and offers our school logo. Orders are independently placed with the vendor.
Car-Rider Information: Only applicable for Face-to-Face (TBD)
All students who are currently assigned a car-rider number will retain their current car rider number for the new school year.
New car riders must have a registration form on file. This year, we kindly request all parents to complete the online form. The process is very simple and will allow for a more effective process. Please complete the car-rider registration form online and someone from our office will email you with your confirmed car-rider tag information within 24-48 hours.
Click here to register for a new car-rider number
Lockers: Parents may pre-pay, as deemed appropriate; lockers are distributed during Face-to-Face/On-Site Learning (TBD)
Lockers are available for purchase, beginning the second week of school. Locker assignments will adhere to social distancing guidelines. Lockers will be spaced out to ensure adherence to social distancing requirements.
Payments for lockers may be submitted via Online School Payment, beginning August 17, 2020. Students will begin receiving their locker assignments within 5 days of the submitted payment. The locker fee for all students is $12 for an annual locker rental. Please list your scholar's first and last name, and grade level when purchasing your locker online.
We highly encourage purchasing a locker shelf to organize items within the lockers for our scholars. The school does not sell the locker shelves, however, they may be purchased from Walmart or Target. See the link for an example: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lockermate-12-inch-Stac-a-shelf-Wire-Locker-Shelf-Pink/605020719
Universal Remote Learning (URL) Reminders: (Successful Tips Below)
- The URL Schedule includes a slight adjustment from the schedule in Infinite Campus; be sure to review the URL Bell Schedule.
- Watch the video on how to log-in to Class Link
- Questions: Email your scholar's teacher using Class Link
- Need a device: Email SMS Device Team
Still need help?
- Contact the URL Hotline
Monday - Friday
Call: 470-254-2300
Important School Documents
Parent and Family Engagement Plan FY21
What is the aim of Title I in Fulton County Schools?
Title I schools receive federal money to provide additional resources to: Support student instruction, Improve teaching strategies, Increase family engagement:
The Jaguar Creed!
- School-wide Affirmation
- Does your scholar know the Jaguar Creed and Pledge?
A single sign-on platform that will allow you to use your FCS username and password to access everything you need. Classlink (Launchpad) delivers instant access to your web resources from all your devices.
SMS Athletics Department: Complete all required forms
Community Resources: Please review our Community Resources Section
Sandtown Middle School: Summer Newsletter
Email: Sandtownprincipal@fultonschools.org
Website: http://school.fultonschools.org/ms/sandtown/Pages/default.aspx
Location: 5400 Campbellton Road Southwest, Atlanta, GA, USA
Phone: (470) 254-6500
Twitter: @SandtownMS