Mustang Update
Cliftondale Elementary School Newsletter
From the Principal's Desk - A Reason to CELEBRATE!
Hopefully you all enjoyed celebrating The Fourth of July with your family and friends. Time flies when you're having fun, doesn't it! We have a few additional weeks to enjoy summer vacation, and we'll be back in the swing of things geared up for another productive year of teaching and learning at the BEST elementary school in Fulton County!
Cliftondale teachers worked tirelessly to challenge our children this school year. The students accepted the challenges with true grit, and they prevailed.
This year the challenge to help our students improve early reading skills through phonics instruction was accepted and met. We received grant funds to purchase a phonics curriculum for our kindergarten, first, and second grade students. As a result of this intense focus on phonics, 80.9% of scored in the at/above level on the STAR early literacy assessment.
We also worked to cultivate well rounded students by adding extra curricular activities, student council, school safety patrols, a school garden, and chorus this year. Moreover, who could forget the fabulous celebration of student success at the monthly Mustang of the Month celebrations?!
We welcomed parents and community volunteers at our semi-annual book fairs, monthly principal chats, monthly Wednesday without Worksheets featuring mom, as well as Dads on Duty and career day just to name a few! We look forward to continuing to build our school - home - community partnership!
Cultivating productive citizens through Mustang MUST, our positive behavior initiative, proved successful this school year. We decreased office discipline referrals and out of school suspension days by 29% and 58% respectively. The successful launch of personalized learning by adding up to 10 additional technology supports in each classroom just makes my heart sing. Our teachers have committed to personalizing our students' learning experiences, and I'm sure you can tell in their growth this school year.
My first year as a new mommy and as your school principal was met with fun, hard work, welcomed challenges, and tremendous growth. I have learned so much about myself as a person, a parent, and an educator as a result of this audacious work. We would not have been nearly as successful this year without the indefatigable work of our dedicated teachers, staff, front office support, and administrative team! I'm so thankful for all of their support. I look forward to continuing to partner with each of you as we continue to build on our legacy of excellence!
Your PROUD PRINCIPAL,
Kimberlie Prather Gibson
Mark Your Calendar
Sneak-a-Peek (3rd - 5th Grades)
Thursday, Aug 3, 2017, 03:30 PM
Cliftondale Elementary School, West Stubbs Road, College Park, GA, United States
Sneak-a-Peek (PK - 2nd Grades)
Friday, Aug 4, 2017, 03:30 PM
Cliftondale Elementary School, West Stubbs Road, College Park, GA, United States
Welcome to the Mustang team!
Yazmin Hicks, 3rd Grade
I'm Yazmin Hicks and I am so excited to join the Mustang team for my fourth year of teaching. I attended South Carolina State University to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education. I'm currently completing my last semester of graduate school at the University of West Georgia for Reading Instruction. I am also a Vanguard team member who enjoys providing students with a student voiced curriculum to life path.
This will be my fourth year working for Fulton County and I have enjoyed every moment of being here.
I have one son, Alijah who keeps my fiance and me extremely busy between school and sports. He often reminds me of why I decided to become an educator. I recently adopted a baby girl is who currently 6 months old. Her name is London and she's a Golden Retriever mix. She's family too!
During my spare time, I enjoy crafting, reading home decor magazines, working out and running across town with my son. I am so excited to start my new journey at Cliftondale.
Tia Gates, Kindergarten
Jasmine Johnson, Kindergarten
Hello, my name is Jasmine Johnson and I have the privilege of being a part of the Mustang team! I have been a pre-kindergarten teacher for the last two years at Children’s Destiny Christian Academy located in Valdosta, Ga, and have now transitioned to kindergarten at Cliftondale Elementary School. I grew up in a Hinesville, Ga. In a military family. From there, I received my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education; the following semester I returned for a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I enjoy working with children and helping them reach their fullest potential through educational opportunities needed to succeed. I believe that an education should empower a child and help him or her make a positive contribution to our world.
I look forward to getting to know you all, making memories, and creating success this school year!
Yulanda Brown, 1st Grade
I am Yulanda Brown, and this is my fifth year teaching in Fulton County. I have been with the county for seven years. I attended University of West Georgia for my Undergraduate Degree and University of Phoenix for my Graduate Degree. When I am not teaching little ones, I am at home with my loving husband and awesome two year old, Xavier. In my spare time I love reading, traveling, and doing various crafts! I am excited to be a part of the staff at Cliftondale Elementary.
Briana Graves, Exceptional Children
Hi, Mustangs! I am Ms. Brianna Graves, your new Special Education teacher. This is my first year in Fulton County Schools, and I am more than excited to be a member of your Mustang family! I hail from Atlanta, GA, born and raised, and yes, I am PROUD Falcons fan! I completed my undergraduate degree at Georgia State University, receiving a B.S.Ed. in Early Childhood Education, and I have been teaching for three years.
I look forward to an amazing, awesome, exciting year at Cliftondale Elementary School, and I can't wait to meet and greet you all!
Love and Light,
Ms. B. Graves
Princess Pelzer, Instructional Support Teacher
Greetings-My name is Princess Pelzer, and I have been in the field of education for over 19 years. I have taught both general and special education with a concentration in the elementary setting. I have been named Teacher of the Year twice (Fulton County Schools) as well as, a National Board Certified Teacher. I have served in the capacity of leadership roles from department chair, RTI disproportionality specialist (behavior), and SST Chair/ Section 504 building coordinator (Atlanta Public Schools). I am looking forward to growing and expanding my knowledge at Cliftondale Elementary as the Instructional Support Teacher. Let's have a fantastic school year!
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Home of the Mighty Mustangs
Benzie Brinson, Assistant Principal
Email: morganl3@fultonschools.org
Website: http://school.fultonschools.org/es/cliftondale/pages/default.aspx
Location: 3340 West Stubbs Road, College Park, GA, United States
Phone: 470-254-4070
Facebook: facebook.com/cliftondale.es.9
Twitter: @CES_Mustang