Titan Talk Newsletter
August 31, 2018
Upcoming Dates...
- 9/3 - LABOR DAY HOLIDAY - SCHOOL CLOSED
- 9/4 - STAR House start date for 2018‐2019
- 9/4 - Prepárese para la reunión de padres del octavo grado en español @ 6 pm (Media Center)
- 9/5 - Jr. Beta Meeting @ 8 am (Media Center)
- 9/5 & 9/6 - Volleyball Tryouts for Boys/Girls @ 4:05 pm to 5 pm (Gym)
- 9/5 - Soccer Game: Sandy Springs vs. EPMS @ 5:30- 6:00 pm (EPMS)
- 9/6 - Orchestra Fundraiser starts and runs thru 9/19
- 9/6 - FCA @ 7:45 in the Media Center
- 9/6 - PTSA Committee Meeting @ 8:30 am
- 9/6 - Student Council Club - ALL GRADES INVITED @ 8:00 am (Room E‐106 )
- 9/6 - Kiwanis Luncheon Honoring Roswell Cluster TOTYs @ 11:30 am to 1:30 pm (The Mill Kitchen). Congratulations to Rawlings Emory Johnson, EPMS TOTY for 2018-2019
- 9/7 - Spirit Friday! Wear College/EPMS Spiritwear...Order Spiritwear HERE!
- 9/7- Soccer Game: EPMS vs. Ridgeview @ 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm (Ridgeview Charter School, 5340 Trimble Rd NE, Atlanta, GA﴿
- 9/8 - 6th Grade Band Start-Up Clinic @ 9 am to 12 pm (EPMS)
Message From the Principal
Happy Labor Day Weekend Titans!
What a wonderful week of learning for students and teachers! Teachers kicked it into high gear as we dug into professional development on our first Request for Flexibility (RFF) Day. Thank you to all of our presenters and instructional coaches for sharing your time and knowledge.
While your children were enjoying the last days of summer and the long weekend, our teachers and staff had a full schedule. Parents, to see the work we are engaging in, click here. This professional development is the first of three RFF Days. The second (November 16, 2018) and the third (February 19, 2019) professional development days will connect to a year-long pathway designed to make teaching more meaningful. As an AVID school, we are embracing collaboration in a way for teachers to peer mentor each other. By sharing inspiring classroom practices, teachers are building capacity inside of their teams. Our teachers will be lifting their work through the different content areas by honing skills and connecting the grade levels.
Collaboration is one of the important tenants of the AVID program and our school-wide focus for the 2018-2019 school year. We are weaving collaboration throughout our student body, teachers, and even in our Parent University Workshops. We are working hard to increase the level of engagement in the classroom by promoting conversations, working in teams, and concentrating on small groups to move student learning to new levels. Thus, opening up the possibility of discourse over topics and scenarios requiring students to think critically and creatively. Elkins Pointe is thrilled our Northwest learning community specialists are joining us in this work. The District is using collaboration strategies by guiding and delivering training to support their new Standards Mastery Framework.
Today was also a day of celebrating and a day of hellos and farewell. We are excited and elated to share that Dr. Leisa Griffin was named Assistant Principal of Dunwoody Springs Elementary! Although we are going to miss her terribly, we are happy for this well-deserved promotion. Dr. Griffin has been at Elkins for 11 years and has poured her love into every aspect of our school. We thank you, Dr. Griffin, for your service and we know you are #ForeverTitan!
At our staff meeting this morning, we welcomed two new teachers. First, our very own Therese Schulte has been promoted to a math special education teacher position here at Elkins Pointe! Mrs. Shulte has been working as an assistant in Ms. Thomas’ class this year and we congratulate her on the completion of her certification. Secondly, please help me by saying "hello" to Chris Bongiorno who came our way from Sandy Springs! Mr. Bongiorno is a Social Studies teacher who joined us just his week! Welcome Aboard!
If you are traveling this weekend, I wish you safe travels. If staying in town, I wish you an enjoyable weekend of relaxation. See you on Tuesday!
Sincerely,
Kindra L. Smith, Ed.S
Principal
Elkins Pointe Middle School
Home of the Titans!
IMPORTANT CALENDAR CHANGE AND CORRECTION
Thursday, Oct. 4th is a SCHOOL DAY - STUDENTS REPORT TO SCHOOL.
Tuesday, Nov. 6th is a TEACHER WORK DAY - NO SCHOOL for Students.
Friday, March 8, 2019, is a SCHOOL DAY - STUDENTS REPORT TO SCHOOL.
Message from Fulton County Schools
Fulton County Schools Parents,
Superintendent Jeff Rose recently recommended a change to the district’s 2018-2019 School Year Calendar. At its August meeting, the Fulton County Board of Education voted to approve that recommendation.
This school year, November 6, 2018, has been changed from a regular school day to a teacher work day. March 8, 2019, has been changed from a teacher workday to a regular school day.
The decision alleviates safety concerns raised by some parents and staff, allows for additional staff training on safety protocols, and maintains instructional time for our students. Additionally, the Fulton County school board has expressed interest in addressing a long-term solution through the legislative process by removing schools as polling places.
The revised calendar is posted at this link. In addition, the district is re-printing the calendar and distributing the new version to families to eliminate any confusion. We have asked each school to also post the calendar to their website and send reminders of these changes using our telephone calling system.
Sincerely,
Fulton County Schools
SMART, HAPPY, AND CONNECTED
#CONNECTED
Michelle Leatherman is a credentialed teacher who currently teaches English as a Second Language to students in China in a home-based Internet classroom. After a 12-year hiatus from teaching in a “traditional” classroom, Michelle realized she could blend her passion for teaching with her passion for being a mom by taking this opportunity to work from home as an Independent Contractor with VIPKID. VIPKID is a company based out of Beijing, China whose mission is to inspire and empower every child in the future.
Speaking to Elkins Pointe 8th grade students was a privilege for Michelle as she sought to encourage, equip and inspire them to live their dreams and seek to become ANYTHING they desire to become, regardless of how traditional or non-traditional they may be. Thank you again for taking the time to connect with our students and to share one of your favorite quotes with us.
If you would also like to be a guest speaker for this class, please contact Lindesay@fultonschools.org.
Welcoming Sounds of Chorus
Publish Author in Our Midst!
Congratulations to our Orchestra teacher Seth Gamba for his recent article going International! If you would like to read the article, click below.
FCA First Meeting
THINGS TO KNOW...
Looking for Mr. Roboto or Mrs. Roboto!
Prepárese para la reunión de padres del octavo grado en español - 9/4
STAR HOUSE 9/4
STAR House for the 2018-2019 school year will begin on Tuesday, September 4th. The program runs from 4:15-5:30pm, Monday through Thursday. There is also sweep bus transportation if you live at/near any of the stops. STAR House focuses on giving students a safe place where they can complete their homework, as well as an opportunity to increase their literacy skills through a specialized curriculum that STAR House has purchased. If you are interested in having your child participate, please pick up an application form in either the Front Office or the Guidance Office (application forms are in both English and Spanish). STAR House is open to any Elkins Pointe students in grades 6-8.
Volleyball Tryouts for Boys/Girls - 9/5 & 9/6
MUST HAVE COMPLETED THE FCS PERMISSION AND HEALTH FORMS.
Link: http://school.fultonschools.org/ms/elkinspointe/Pages/Extracurricular-Activities.aspx
• Tryouts will be held in the gym and parents can pick up from carpool line.
• No cost but students will need knee pads for their safety.
• Practices will be on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. A specific schedule will be given to the team after tryouts.
Questions? Contact Coach Parent-Lew at lewk@fultonschools.org
Mark Your Calendar for the PTSA Student Membership Meeting - 9/10
Student PTSA Meeting (DONUTS WILL BE SERVED :))
Has your student joined the PTSA yet? It's a great opportunity to teach them about community involvement and leadership. Our first meeting is Monday, September 10 from 8 a.m. to 8:35 a.m. in the media center. New members can join here or just bring $10 to the meeting.
We'll be providing an overview of upcoming initiatives and opportunities plus a presentation from FCS Board Member Katha Stuart! We'll also share details about this year's Reflection contest and need some student help to make posters promoting it. Remaining Meetings are scheduled as follows:
- Oct 22 (Principal Chat)
- Feb 11
- March 11
- May 7 (Principal Chat)
Info on 6th-grade "Take Your Parent to School" - 9/13
6th-grade parents, you are invited to join us for the first two periods of school to see what it is like to be your child! 6th Grade Bring Your Parent to School Day is just in the morning for 1st-period and 2nd-period - ONLY 6th GRADE!*
If you wish to put your child on the bus, parents are welcome to drive to school. Parents are welcome to drive their 6th grader to school and stay with them until the bell rings.
Click HERE for the Bell Schedule.
- 8:35 AM Bell...Go Down the Hall to the Lockers & To Classroom
- 8:49 AM Bell...Warning to Go to Classroom
- 8:50 AM Bell...Start of the Morning Announcements on Titan Morning News
- 8:55 AM to 9:44 AM...1st-Period
- 9:48 AM to 10:38 AM...2nd-Period
- 10:38 AM...End of 6th-grade "Take Your Parent to School" morning
What do parents do when they arrive at school?
- Parents, please Sign-In in the Atrium.
- Parents may head down the hall with their child when the 8:35 am bell rings. Parents who arrive separately from their child may head down the hall after 8:40 am.
- Parents may attend for one period or both. If you need to leave earlier or you need to arrive after the 1st-period, we are flexible.
- Suggestion: If you are meeting your child in the classroom or have to do "double-duty," make sure to ask your child who they have for 1st-period and 2nd-period.
Jr. Hornets Basketball - 9/16
Jr. Hornets Girls and Boys basketball tryouts on September 16. Can you please post these flyer around your school, in the newsletter or on the school's social media sites. I greatly appreciate your help and have a great rest of the day.
Picture Day - 9/18
Attention Parents and Students! Don’t be left out of the yearbook! Pictures will be taken on Sept. 18. Note: Fall Picture Day Retakes will be on October 10/30th.
- Pre-order your pictures at cadystudios.com/portraits.
- If you have questions, please contact Cady Studios’ Customer Experience Team at 800.547.6237.
THINGS FOR CREATIVE STUDENTS!
REFLECTIONS CONTEST - Entries Due on 9/21
The PTA Reflections contest is designed for the creative child that likes to:
- Draw, paint, make sculptures or mosaics
- Write stories, poetry or lyrics
- Compose their and play their own music
- Choreographic a new dance and perform
- Take photographs using a camera or videos on a smartphone or iPad
This year's theme is: "Heroes Around Me." Students are invited to creatively interpret the theme by using one of the methods listed above.
Entry forms were given to WINN Teachers in their mailboxes. Students who are interested may get the form from their WINN, ELA or Connections teachers. Also, parents can download the rules and the forms below:
- Click http://www.georgiapta.org/reflections/ to download entry forms & contest rules
- Entry forms rules can also be picked up at the front desk or in the Media Center
All Reflections entries must be turned into the front office by Sept. 21st! Questions: Email Sarah Baker at sbaker79@gmail.com.
FRENCH MIDDLE SCHOOL CONTEST - 10/26
ATTENTION FRENCH MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS! You are invited to participate in a FRENCH & FRANCOPHONE CULTURE MIDDLE SCHOOL VISUAL ART CONTEST!
- Question: In an era where cafe au lait is at Starbucks and French fashion is at Target, what role does French culture have in our global society?
- Link to Permission Form: https://tinyurl.com/FRENCH-VISUAL-ART-CONTEST-2018
- See Monsieur Mendy for a permission form or more information.
French Contest Entry Deadline: October 26, 2018
Fun Way to Earn Volunteer Hours @ Freaky Friday - 10/26
Middle school students are invited to volunteer at Hembree Springs Freaky Friday on Friday, October 26th. Earn volunteer hours for Junior Beta Club or Interact and "rock out" the concession stands and help make this event fun for all by volunteering your time!
SignUpGenius Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c054fadad2faafd0-freaky2
- Dinner! Cheese pizza/hot dog provided to volunteers for dinner and a snack of cotton candy/popcorn.
- Attire: Volunteers should wear your middle school, high school or club t-shirt!
- Walk over after school or have your parent drop you off!
- Check in to volunteer at the VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN TABLE & we will sign your Beta/Interact form and assign you to work in the cafeteria or where needed.
If you have any questions, contact Lucy Gilbert @ 404-375-5977 or lucymaynegilbert@gmail.com
6th Grade Dance 2018 Volunteers
Calling ALL 6th Grade Elkins Pointe Parent Volunteers! The Elkins PTSA would like to invite you to help us with making the 6th Grade Dance a huge success! The dance will be held on Thursday, September 20th after-school from 4:00 -5:30 p.m. We need help with Ticket Sales, Set-Up, Clean-Up, etc. The more people volunteer, the easier it becomes!
Please read through the following slots for availability and don't hesitate sign up!
Sign-Up link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0548a4a822a64-6thgrade5
If you have any questions, please contact Meghan Fox atMegFox225@gmail.com
NOTE: ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST COMPLETE FCS VOLUNTEER TRAINING.
TITLE I TIDBITS
Parent University...Did You Miss It?
2018-2019 Parent University Events
JULY
- Fireside Chat and Middle School 101 – Orientation & Transition into MS
AUGUST
- 8th Get Ready for the 8th Grade Year (English)
SEPTEMBER
- 8th Get Ready for the 8th Grade Year (Spanish)
- "Don't Stop Achieving" Student Success Family Night - 9/17/2018
- Get Connected Night with STEM Activity
- Rosetta Stone
OCTOBER
- Parent Resource Center Open House...Come have a cup of coffee and chat with your Parent Liaison
- Reading, Writing, and ELA
- Digital Citizenship: Copyright & Piracy Office365, Launchpad Resources
- Parent Resource Center Open House...Come have a cup of coffee and chat with your Parent Liaison
- Student-Led Data Talks - How to interpret State testing (GA Milestones, FastBridge), grades, student growth, SAC/HAC
- 8th Grade Transition to High School
- Parent Resource Center Open House...Come have a cup of coffee and chat with your Parent Liaison
- Math Matters
- Reading Challenge (i-Ready) over the Winter Break
JANUARY
- Parent Resource Center Open House...Come have a cup of coffee and chat with your Parent Liaison
- Get Future Titans Ready for Transition into Middle School - Visits to feeder schools
- Everybody Reads - Reading Comprehension and Lexile Levels
- Parent Resource Center Open House...Come have a cup of coffee and chat with your Parent Liaison
- Math Metrics for the Milestones
MARCH
- Parent Resource Center Open House...Come have a cup of coffee and chat with your Parent Liaison
- 5th grade to 6th-grade Transition Meeting
- Spring Input Meeting for All Stakeholders
APRIL
- No Stress Success on Georgia Milestones
MAY
- Summer Reading Logs & Math Resources
Note: Parent University Workshops may be subject to change. Workshops also may be added when requested by parents, teachers, the community, and students.
Upcoming Dates
Upcoming in September...
- 9/10 - Student PTSA Member Meeting w/ Katha Stuart @ 8 am (Media Center)
- 9/12 - Jr. Beta Club @ 8 am in the Media Center
- 9/12 – Soccer Game ‐ Hopewell vs. EPMS @ 5:30 pm (EPMS)
- 9/13 - FCA @ 7:45 am in Media Center
- 9/13 - 6th Grade Bring Your Parent to School Morning (1st & 2nd periods) from 9:00a to 10:30a
- 9/14 - Spirit Friday! Wear COLLEGE/EPMS Spiritwear...Order Spiritwear HERE!
- 9/14 - Interact Club Meeting @ 7:45 am (Rm# E‐114)
- 9/14 - 8th Grade Night @ Milton HS w/ Band & Chorus Students (Students zoned for MHS are invited to participate at the MHS vs RHS game with the Marching Band & Chorus)
- 9/16 - Spirit Dining @ Peach & the Porkchop ﴾12040 Etris Rd Ste D100, Roswell, GA). Dine at, order Doordash, or take-out the Peach and the Porkchop and they will give a percentage back to EPMS! The Peach & the Porkchop features Southern comfort food & "Northern-style" sandwiches.
Peach & the Porkchop Menu: peachandtheporkchop.com
Phone: (770) 6965409 / Reservations: opentable.com
Order: doordash.com, seamless.com, grubhub.com
- 9/17 - "Don't Stop Achieving" Family Night @ 6 pm (Connections Hall)
- 9/18 - Fall Picture Day (Fall Picture Day Retakes on 10/30)
- 9/19 - Katha Stuart Mtg @ 9:30 am ‐ MES
- 9/19 - Soccer Game: Crabapple vs. EPMS @ 5:30 pm (Location: 10700 Crabapple Rd, Roswell﴿
- 9/20 - 6th Grade Tailgate Party from after-school to 5:30 pm (EPMS in the cafeteria). Tickets are $5
- 9/20 - FCA @ 7:45 am in the Media Center
- 9/20 - Student Council Club @ 8 am (E‐106)
- 9/21 - Spirit Friday! Wear COLLEGE/EPMS Spiritwear...Order Spiritwear HERE!
- 9/21 - Reflections ENTRIES DUE ‐ PTA CONTEST
- 9/25 - Get Connected Night @ 6 PM... Featuring PTSA STEM Activity, Food, Clubs, Activities and more (Cafeteria & Atrium)
- 9/26 ‐ Soccer Game: River Trail vs. EPMS @ 5:30 pm (Location: River Trail Middle School, 10795 Rogers Cir, Duluth, GA ﴿
- 9/27 - FCA @ 7:45 am in the Media Center
- 9/28 - Spirit Friday! Wear College/EPMS Spiritwear...Order Spiritwear HERE!
- 9/28 - Soccer Game: Northwestern vs. EPMS @ 5:30 pm (Location: EPMS)
- 9/29 - AVID Day @ GA Tech 2018
Upcoming in October...
- 10/2 to 10/4 - 8th Grade Georgia Trip
- 10/4 - Executive Board @ 8:00 am (PTSA Executive Board Only) Board Meeting @ 8:30 am
- 10/4 - Student Council @ 8 am (E‐106)
- 10/5 - FCS STAFF WORK DAY – NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
- 10/5 - SPIRIT Friday! Wear College/EPMS Spiritwear...Order Spiritwear HERE!
- 10/8 ﴾All day﴿ COLUMBUS DAY: NO SCHOOL FOR STAFF/STUDENTS
- 10/10 - Jr. Beta Club @ 8 am (Media Center)
- 10/10 - Volleyball: Sandy Springs vs. Elkins Pointe @ 5:30p to 6:00p (Home Game/EPMS Gym)
- 10/11 - FCA @ 7:45 am (Media Center)
- 10/12 - Spirit Friday! Wear College/EPMS Spiritwear...Order Spiritwear HERE!
- 10/12 – Interact Meeting @ 7:45 am (E-114)
- 10/16 - Chorus: Fall Concert @ 6:30 (GYM)
- 10/17 - Katha Stuart Mtg @ 6:30 pm @ RHS
- 10/18 - FCA @ 7:45 am (Media Center)
- 10/18 - Student Council Club @ 8 am (E‐106)
- 10/19 - Spirit Friday! Wear College/EPMS Spiritwear...Order Spiritwear HERE!
- 10/22 to 11/2 IOWA Testing ‐ 8th Grade Only
- 10/22 to 10/26 BUS DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK
- 10/22 - Principal Chat @ PTSA Roundtable 8 am to 8:30 am Principal Chat @ PTSA Roundtable (Media Center)
- 10/23 - 8th Grade Band Concert with RHS @ 6 pm (Location: EPMS Gym)
- 10/25 - FCA @ 7:45 am (Media Center)
- 10/26 to 10/27 Chorus: GMEA District V Honor Chorus (Location: TBD) ‐ TENTATIVE
- 10/26 - Spirit Friday! Wear College/EPMS Spiritwear...Order Spiritwear HERE!
- 10/29 to 11/2 Red Ribbon Week
- 10/30 - Fall Picture Day Retakes ﴾All day﴿
- 10/30 - Mr. Huff for Parent Coffee from 8 am to 8:45 am (Media Center)/ Presentation to 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade
- 10/30 - 8th Grade Concert with MHS Band @ 6:30 pm (Location: MHS)
- 10/31 - Reflections Breakfast Celebration @ 7:30 am (Media Center)