Transition to Middle School
Elkins Pointe - Let's Talk Future Titans! (February 2017)
Fireside Chat with the Principal
Our goal at Elkins Pointe Middle School is to create a school of "Smart, Happy and Connected" students, parents and teachers. Please know that our school welcomes and embraces you and your rising 6th grader. Our students and staff have lined up activities to transition our future Titans.
The Pointe Team (6th graders) and AVID Ambassadors (6th, 7th and 8th graders) visited our feeder elementary schools to talk about student life, our AVID program, and to answer rising 6th grade questions on Feb. 28th. All parents are invited to attend the Rising 6th Grade Transition Meeting on March 30th. In May, your child will visit Elkins Pointe to tour the school, listen to a music performance, see the World Language mural, and enjoy a snack provided by PTSA. Please take a moment to read up on our superior-rated Music Program and our wonderful World Language Department.
Save the date for Camp Titan Up, 6th grade orientation, on July 31st. Your child will learn to open a locker, bond with other students, and eat pizza in the cafeteria. After drop off, parents and guardians are invited to join us for a Middle School 101-Title I Parent Workshop in the cafeteria.
Sincerely,
Kindra Smith, Ed.S
Principal
Elkins Pointe Middle School
Home of the Titans!
Important Beginning of the School Year Dates:
- Students arrive between 8:15 am - 8:30 am; Pick up is @ 12:30 pm
- Parent FAQ in cafeteria from 8:30 - 9:15 am
• Information Day: Wednesday, August 2nd
• First Day of School: Monday, August 7th
• Curriculum Night: Wednesday, August 23rd
Get Connected!
- Subscribe to our newsletter "Titan Talk"
- Join our Facebook Elkins Pointe M.S. - Parent Group Page
- On Twitter Follow: EPMS Parent Liaison, Principal Smith and Elkins Pointe MS
If you have any questions, please email Title I Parent Liaison, Lisa O'Hanlon Cowles
Save the Date for Camp Titan Up!
Camp Titan Up - July 31st
All rising 6th graders are invited and encouraged to attend this orientation designed just to get connected with their new middle school. 8th grade WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) Leaders will show our newest students the ropes at this 1/2 day camp. Here are just some of the activities:
- School Tour to teach 6th graders to walk their schedule and open a locker.
- Pizza Lunch in the cafeteria
- Fun team building games & activities
Parents will be invited to stay for a Middle School 101 Parent Workshop in the cafeteria upon drop off. At this presentation, parents will have a quick overview of their students' bell schedule, dismissal procedures, process for check out and more...
Stay Tuned for More Information on Camp Titan Up!
Transition Dates to Elkins Pointe MS
It is time to start introducing ourselves to our rising Titans. If you have a child coming to middle school next year, please take a look at the transition dates.
Principal Chats - Mrs. Smith Visits Feeder Elementary Schools
- Sweet Apple Elementary: Tuesday, Feb. 14th at 8:00 am in the cafeteria
- Hembree Spring Elementary: Thursday, March 16th at 8:00 am in the cafeteria
- Mimosa Elementary: Thursday, March 23rd at 8:00 am in the cafeteria
- Vickery Mill: Monday, April 10th at 8:00 am in the Media Center.
Note about Principal Chats: If you missed Principal Smith at your elementary school and would like to catch her at another feeder school, parents are welcome to attend if space permits.
Pointe Team & AVID Elementary School Visits - 2/28
- Sweet Apple @ 9:00 - 9:45 am
- Mimosa @ 10 - 10:30 am
- Vickery Mill @ 11 - 11:45 am
- Hembree Springs @ 1:30 - 2:15 pm
AVID Information Night - @ EPMS on 3/7 & 3/8
- Date: March 7th and March 8th
- Time: 6:00-7:00 PM
- Location: Elkins Pointe Middle School - Room C-118
- All parents and students are invited
- Download the application: English or Spanish
Rising 6th Grade TAG & General Meeting @ EPMS -3/30
- Date: March 30th
- Time: 5:30 pm
- Location: Elkins Pointe Middle School
- Who: Parents of Rising 6th graders
Rising 6th Graders Visit EPMS in May
- Sweet Apple on 5/17 @ 9:00 - 9:45 am
- Vickery Mill on 5/17 @ 9:00 - 9:45 am
- Mimosa on 5/16 @ 10 - 10:30 am
- Hembree Springs on 5/11 @ 1:30 - 2:15 pm
If you know anyone with a rising 6th grader, please share the information with them. If you have questions, please contact our Guidance Counselor, Traci Dease at dease@fultonschools.org
*** Save the Date: For Camp Titan Up & Middle School 101 Parent Workshop on July 31st! (See Below for more Info on Camp Titan Up).
Take a Brief Survey
Please take this brief survey to tell us how we can positively impact your experience at Elkins Pointe MS in the school year 2017-2018. We want to hear from our families!!
Meet the Music Program @ EPMS
Answer: Elkins Pointe offers Band, Chorus and Orchestra to all incoming students!
For your child to participate, it is not necessary for him or her to be able to read music, know how to sing, or play an instrument. All you have to do is enroll your child in the music program of their choice and allow our award winning instructors to teach your child to sing harmony or play an orchestra or band instrument.
Le't Hear it for the Band!
Mr. Todd Wilson graduated from The University of Georgia with a Bachelor's degree in music education in 2000 and a Master's degree in music education in 2002. Mr. Wilson completed his Education Specialist degree in Music from Auburn University in 2006 graduating. He is married to Mrs. Wendy Entrekin Wilson, Band Director at Autrey Mill Middle School, and has two wonderful children, by marriage, Morgan and Kalen. Mr. Wilson has also been nominated for Teacher of the Year three times and was nominated four times for the Atlanta Families Award. While attending The University of Georgia, Mr. Wilson performed with the UGA Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, Symphonic Band, Men's Glee Club, UGA Steel Drum Band, UGA Drumline and Indoor Drumline. Mr. Wilson conducted one of the collegiate concert bands as a graduate assistant. Mr. Wilson is very active in the State of Georgia in Music. His duties include: District Honor Band Co-Coordinator, Percussion coordinator for District V Middle.
The EPMS Program current has over 350 students which is approximately 35% of the school. Our band has received superior ratings since the school’s opening in 2001 at the District Middle School Large Group Performance Evaluation. In 2004, the symphonic band received a superior rating and placed first in the middle school division at the Smoky Mountain Music Festival in Gatlinburg, Tennessee and in 2006 received a superior rating and placed third. The symphonic band received a superior rating and placed first in the middle school division at the 2005 Nashville Music Festival. Following this achievement, the band was awarded the National Middle School Concert Band and Wind Ensemble Award, which is the top award of all 38 festivals sponsored by MUSIC FESTIVALS.
In recent years the band has competed and placed first in all competitions from 2010 to the present. These events include: The Smokey Mountain Music Festival, Southern Star, The Busch Garden Classic, and Orlando Fest Music Competitions. This year the 7th and 8th grade group will be returning to Orlando to try and defend its first place ranking. The 6th grade Band takes a trip to Six Flags, and the 7th/8th grade Band takes an annual trip to Florida, alternating years to Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure and Busch Gardens as Band Trips.
Chorus Puts Songs in our Heart ♡
Mr. Charles Baugh is a graduate of Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Music in Music Theory and an Associate of Science in Commercial Music/Recording. He has been a featured tenor soloist (i.e. Choral Guild of Atlanta, Michael O’Neal Singers and Chamber Singers, Sessione Senese per Musica e L’Arte). Mr. Baugh has performed in Italy and London. His credits include the Atlanta Opera Chorus, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus, and at Renaissance Festivals in multiple states. Mr. Baugh has been featured in Atlanta area productions such as Titanic: In Concert, A Christmas Carol, Hamlet and the Night Visitors.
During the school year, performances will be a staged music drama, holiday concert, and cluster concerts with feeder schools and high schools, and a Spring Concert (last year's Spring Concert featured tunes from Disney). Students will have the opportunity to perform for each other in class on "Recital Days " (similar to TV show "The Voice). On "Rock Out Fridays" students on sing songs of their choice (i.e. "Don't Stop Believin') while they play instruments, i.e. guitar, keyboard, percussion, vocal, etc,
A Standing Ovation for Orchestra!
Meet Our Orchestra Teacher!
Mr. Seth Gamba graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance and Civics where he studied with Larry Hurst – one of the best bass teachers in the world. He went on to earn his Master’s of Music Education from the University of Georgia. Mr. Gamba is a published author and composer. Mr. Gamba’s book on teaching rhythm and pieces he’s written for student Orchestras are used frequently by teachers around the world. You can check out some of his published works here.
Mr. Gamba is deeply involved in the art of teaching music and is a frequent clinician helping to train others. He has run training sessions for music teachers in Fulton Co, Fayette Co, and Atlanta Public Schools. He has been contracted by the Woodruff Arts Center to run teacher trainings, and he has presented multiple training sessions at the annual GA Music Educations conference. Mr. Gamba has also run trainings at national conferences in Louisville, Nashville, and Chicago. In conjunction with his teacher training activities, he maintains an active YouTube channel with videos devoted to string instrument technique with an emphasis on Double Bass. (You can see some of those videos here.)
The EPMS Orchestra under Mr. Gamba has been a multiple award winning group. They have won first place in numerous competitions including the Smokey Mountain Music Festival and Music In The Parks. They have also been a featured performing group at the GA Music Educators Association conference (check out this video!). Mr. Gamba has been recognized as EPMS Teacher Of The Year and is also an 11 Alive Class Act Award winner.
Mr. Gamba is an active musician in the Atlanta area performing frequently as a professional musician. He also maintains a full private lesson studio in addition to teaching at EPMS. In addition to performing as a bass player, he is also in the rock band The Expats where he switches off between electric violin and drums.
Music Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What exactly are Band, Chorus and Orchestra at Elkins Pointe Middle School?
Answer:
- Band: Your child will learn how to play a band instrument (i.e. flute, French horn, clarinet, etc) or a percussion instrument. Our Band, program consists of students from 6th through 8th grade. There are several different performing groups such as 6th grade band, 7th grade Concert Band, 7th grade Symphonic Band, 8th Grade Concert Band, 8th Grade Symphonic Band. The 7th and 8th grade groups are auditioned groups based upon playing ability.
- Chorus: Your child will learn healthy vocal technique and music reading which are essential for all styles of singing. Our Chorus classes perform high quality musical literature in a variety of styles appropriate for young voices.
- Orchestra: Your child learn how to play stringed instruments. Orchestra offers Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass.
Q: Do you need to know how to sing, read music or play an instrument already to join Band, Chorus or Orchestra?
A: You do not need to know how to sing harmony, read music, or play an instrument already. We start from the very beginning in the 6th grade. Never played an instrument or sang a note before? No problem, our fabulous instructors will teach your child!
Q: Where and when do I get my instrument?
A: It's best if you wait until you get information from your teacher during the first couple of weeks of school before you get an instrument. Most people rent their instrument from a local music store (approx. $25 per month). Students do NOT need an instrument right away. Don’t let cost keep you out of Orchestra or Band. We will always find a way to help someone who wants to learn how to play an instrument.
Q: What if I’m not sure which instrument I want to play?
A: That’s OK! We will talk about the different instruments during the first weeks of class, and you will make your instrument choices after that. You do need to pick a group to be in, though. Sign up for the group that has the family of instruments you’re most interested in.
Q: What if I’m not sure about being in music?
A: Every student changes their connections classes every 9 weeks. Go ahead and sign up for music at the beginning and give it a try. If it turns out that it’s not for you, you can change your class at the end of 9 weeks. If you don’t get in at the beginning, though, it is very hard to catch up. Give it a try, you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain if you like it!
Q: Why do the Band, Chorus and Orchestra dress so formally at their performances?
A: The attire reflects the formality of the performance event. Information about the attire will be given out by the instructor. The attire varies per band, orchestra and chorus, but we assure you the instructors will provide you with all the details.
Window to Our World Languages
Elkins Pointe Middle School offers three World Languages:
French, Japanese, & Spanish.
Eligibility for World Languages is determined at the elementary school level. To determine if you child is eligible for a World Language, please reference your child's student Verification Form (a list of recommended courses which was distributed at your child's elementary school) and/or inquire with your child's 5th grade teacher.
- Students qualify for World Languages based on: 5th Grade GA Milestones and/or ITBS scores and teacher recommendation.
- Eligibility qualifiers for World Language are as follows: Grade 5 students must On/Above a level 3-Proficient learner on level 4-Distinguished learner or student on the Georgia Milestones ELA; or above the 60th percentile in Total Reading on ITBS.
- Parents choosing not to accept a World Language placement may opt to have their child take Reading.
To view a PowerPoint presentation on our World Language program, click here.
(Top row from left to right)
Madame Kabore - French, Sensei Johnson - Japanese, profe Mejia- Spanish
Monsieur Mendy - French, profe Crowe - Spanish, profe Bolson - Spanish
(Bottom row from left to right)
International Night - March 23 from 6-8 pm
International Night @ EPMS - 3/23 @ 6 pm
International Night is on March 23rd, The EPMS cafeteria is transformed into a food fair, and much like the "Taste of Alpharetta." The evening starts with an opening ceremony in the gym, followed by dancers, singers and musicians from around the globe.
PTSA Wants You!
Elkins Pointe PTSA Has Many Opportunities Rising 6th Grade Parents!
There are great opportunities to get involved in your child’s school in the 2017-18 school year! Parents of rising 6th grade students are not only welcome, but very much wanted! Taking a position on the PTSA is a great way to get to know the school, staff, and students. You’ll work in a collaborative environment with various committees and have access to areas of the school open only to volunteers. Whether you will be new-to-the- school” or are a seasoned EPMS parent, we have a Board, Committee Chairs, or volunteer position for you. If there a specific committee that could use your talent or expertise, let us know! We would love to connect you in an area which will benefit students, teachers and PTSA in the 2017-2018 school year.
Learn more about Personalized Learning @ EPMS
If you would like to know more about the 2017-18 Personalized Learning roll-out of Dell Latitude laptops at EPMS, please watch the video featuring our principal, students, parents, teachers and tech support teams.
Got AVID?
Questions? Ask a Parent Liaison!
- Lisa O'Hanlon Cowles, Parent Liaison, Title I @ email: ohanlon@fultonschools.org or 470-254-8379
- Isabel Lopez, Bilingual Parent Liaison, Title III @ email: lopezi@fultonschools.org or 470-254-8380
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)
The window for AVID recruitment will be open from March 1-17. AVID is a college ready program in which motivated students apply to the program. The AVID program is a year long elective where students learn WICOR strategies, such as organization, collaboration, using Cornell Notes, and more. The application process entails students to complete the application, acquire recommendations from a teacher(s), and to interview.
- Download the application: English or Spanish
- Questions? Email Dr. Lesia Griffin
- Learn more about AVID program on the middle school level here.
Note: There is limited space available in the AVID program; candidates are selected based on AVID qualifications and not on first come basis.
Elkins Pointe Middle School Informational Items
11290 Elkins Road, Roswell, Georgia 30076
Email: ohanlon@fultonschools.org
Website: http://school.fultonschools.org/ms/elkinspointe/Pages/default.aspx
Phone: 470-254-2892
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ElkinsPointeMSParents/
Twitter: @elkinspointe