Knightly News
Friday, October 21, 2022
Every Student, Every Day, Deserves to Learn, Lead, & Excel!
Message from Ms. Perkins ~ Simonton ES Principal
Our 5th grade students are invited to skate night on Tuesday, October 25, 2022. The fun will take place from 5:00 - 8:30 pm. Bring the family for a night of great music and fun.
Have a wonderful weekend!
SES ~ Building Construction
If you are visiting Simonton ES in the next few weeks you will see contractors working in the front atrium. The district is installing a vestibule, with shatter-resistant glass, at the front entrance. We are fortunate that no incidents have taken place at Simonton ES, as an additional safety measure, this upgrade is taking place in all GCPS schools. Please know we are not attempting to keep parents and families out, but our campus must be safe for students and staff while at school. We anticipate changes to the process for parent/visitor entry and student checkout and will send additional communication at a later date. The front entrance will be accessible while the construction is taking place.
Accessing Student Documents
With parent-teacher conferences ending, please see the attached document that can assist you in locating Student Documents in ParentVUE.
Instructional Resources Public Review Opportunity
Staff, students, families, and Gwinnett community members are invited to review and provide input on proposed instructional resources for select grades and courses in Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Career and Technical Education, Health, and Foreign Language.
Before adopting instructional resources for classroom use, Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) holds an extensive review. Multiple committees involving various stakeholder groups reviewed resources submitted by publishers for alignment with the school systemās Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) standards. During the ongoing review process, selected resources are piloted in GCPS classrooms. Data from the reviews and pilots will be considered in making adoption recommendations to the Board of Education in early 2023.
This yearās virtual public review is open now through October 31st. To begin, please visit this link.
What: Instructional Resources Public Review Opportunity
When: October 1 - 31, 2022
Where: Click here to begin the virtual review.
Upcoming Event Dates
Saturday, October 22
- Saturday Intervention (K-5) ~ 9:00-11:00 am
Monday, October 24- Friday, October 28
- Red Ribbon Week
- Great Days of Service
Thursday, October 27
- Jumpstart- Read for the Record
- Poetry Night ~ 5:00- 6:00 pm
Friday, October 28
- 5th Grade Fundraiser ~Twin Day
Saturday, October 29
- Saturday Intervention (K-5) ~ 9:00-11:00 am
Monday, October 31
- PTA Halloween Hair
Thursday, November 3
- PTA Spirit Night at Sparkles ~ 5:00- 9:00 pm
Friday, November 4
- Mock Elections ~ 3rd-5th grade
Saturday, November 5
- Saturday Intervention (K-5) ~ 9:00-11:00 am
Tuesday, November 8
- Digitial Learning Day #2
Wednesday, November 9
- Literacy Night ~ 5:00-7:00 pm
- PTA Letters to the Military
Friday, November 11
- 2nd Grade Field Trip (high Museum)
- Verterans Day
Saturday, November 12
- Saturday Intervention (K-5) ~ 9:00-11:00 am
GCPS Mock Elections
At the beginning of November, Simonton will be holding mock elections for our 3rd-5th grade students. The goal of mock elections is to provide students the opportunity to participate in a simulation of the democratic process. It is the hope that students will become more civically engaged as adults through this experience. The ballot will show 2 elected offices and a local school 'special issue'.
Students are NOT required to participate in the mock election process. If you would like to opt out, please send in a letter denoting that you do not want your child to participate.
Parent Mentors Present: āUnderstanding Post-Secondary Outcomes and How it Connects to the Transition Plan in the IEPā
Parent Mentors Present: āUnderstanding Post-Secondary Outcomes and How it Connects to the Transition Plan in the IEPā
Who: Parents/Guardians of students receiving Special Education services
What: Parent Mentors Present: āUnderstanding Post-Secondary Outcomes and How it Connects to the Transition Plan in the IEPā
When: Tuesday, October 25, 2022, 9:30am ā 11:00am or 6:00 pm-7:30pm
Where: In-Person registration link for 9:30am session: https://forms.gle/ciYteFz8bawfcQkh9
Zoom registration link for 6pm session: https://gcpsk12-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0ufuuqrTgvE9yybI9CgHz2pG14nfbZXA8x
Please use the following link to access the parent letters: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1e0SJz2N2AkZ1XcQarLDzovOSd0ydqUf_?usp=sharing
Safe Trick-or-Treat at Central Gwinnett High School
This year's event is Thursday, October 27, from 6-8 PM on the CGHS track.
In the event of inclement weather, the event will NOT be cancelled and instead held indoors on campus.
Elementary Handbook Information for Students and Families
On August 18, 2022 the Gwinnett County Board approved Policy JCDI - Board's Theory of Action for Change to Improve Student Behavior and Outcomes (please see attached Policy). This Policy outlines our Boardās commitment to providing both consequences and interventions in order to improve student behavior outcomes.
The Elementary Handbook Information for Students and Families has been updated to include this new change. Please take a moment to read the new handbook and sign off in the Parent Portal indicating your have received a copy of the document. A copy of the document is attached to the newsletter and a link to the documents on the GCPS website is below.
Responsible Use of Technology and Electronic Media for Students
Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) recognizes that the use of technology is prevalent in society. Students and staff have access to the internet, cell phones, games, and a variety of personal technology devices. Students and staff utilize social media websites and applications as well as a variety of other digital resources that allow them to interact, share, create and innovate. Staff members utilize these same resources as a means to effectively engage students, motivate student learning, and collaborate with colleagues.
When using GCPS technology or network access, students are expected to follow the Student Conduct Behavior Code, including respecting othersā privacy. Online student accounts to be used for legitimate educational purposes will be subject to monitoring and review, including review of text and attachments that are related to that student or students. At NO TIME should a student consider GCPS email, networked applications, or account or technology access private or confidential in any way.
While the school district does maintain internet filters, there may be times when a student may accidentally or purposefully discover inappropriate materials online. Gwinnett County Public Schools DOES NOT CONDONE the use of such materials. Inappropriate use of any GCPS technology resource or network access is a violation of the Student Conduct Behavior Code.
Gwinnett County Public Schools is a 1:1 district. When a device has been assigned to a student and taken home or a technology resource has been checked out to a student, it is the familyās responsibility to monitor its use to ensure the student is following the Student Conduct Behavior Code and to ensure that the device or resource is returned in the condition it was received.
Access is a privilege, not a right, and all students are expected to treat this learning tool with respect. GCPS technology, network access, and electronic resources must not be used to:
- Harm other people.
- Interfere with other peopleās work.
- Steal property.
- Gain unauthorized access to other peopleās files or programs.
- Gain unauthorized access to online resources, including obtaining or using someone elseās password.
- Make changes to the hardware or software configuration of any machine, including installing or deleting any software.
- Improperly use the network, including introducing software viruses and/or bypassing local school or office security policies.
- Steal, alter, or damage data and/or computers and network equipment.
- Access, upload, download, and/or distribute pornographic, hate-oriented, profane, obscene, or sexually explicit material.
2023-2024 Calendar Options
GCPS aims to create a school calendar that fosters student achievement, while at the same time meeting the needs of our students, families, and communities. We design our school calendar around requirements codified in state law (180 school days for students and 190 days for teachers). In addition, staff and community preferences drive the various breaks throughout the school year. We value your input and feedback on the calendar options for the 2023-24 school year. These options were built based on feedback received from students, staff, families, and our community from previous school calendars. In these options, you will find an option that is very similar to the current 2022-23 calendar, as well as options with different features like the removal of staggered start days, the removal of some or all digital learning days, and the addition of holidays that are inclusive of the rich diversity we have here in Gwinnett County.
Please use this link to review and then share your thoughts on the 2023-24 School Calendar options.
We value your feedback on the calendar options provided for the 2023-24 school year. Thank you in advance for taking the time to review these options and share your thoughts with us.
Safety is a Priority When the School Bus Stops
GCPS has placed cameras on buses as a deterrent for drivers who illegally pass school buses. When the school bus amber or red lights are flashing, the system automatically detects vehicles passing the stopped school bus, and records the violation. The violator will receive a citation in the mail. The district has approximately 300 buses with cameras this school year.
Click here for more information about school bus safety for students, families, and motorists.
ATTENTION STUDENTS AND FAMILIES WHO LOVE STEM AND PROBLEM SOLVING!
The Gwinnett County Science and Engineering Fair wants you to submit a project that solves a real-world problem! If you watch THIS VIDEO and sign up in my Google Classroom, you will find out lots more about it! Simonton Elementary will be hosting the preliminary Science and Engineering Fair here at school. The top projects will go on to the Gwinnett County Science and Engineering Fair! Can't wait to see your amazing ideas!
Google Classroom - Click on the + - Click "Join Class" - Enter the Code: rgsgpv2
Simonton ES PTA
Print the attached membership form and return it to the Simonton ES PTA. Sign up for a membership and volunteer to support an event! Contact the Simonton ES PTA at Simontonespta@gmail.com for more information.
Helpful Resources
Family Engagement e-Tips
To motivate your child, praise effort, not intelligence
Did you know that praising your child for being smart may not be a great idea? In one experiment, researchers found that children who had been told they were smart avoided doing tasks that were learning challenges. Other kids, who had been told they were hard workers, stayed motivated to tackle the challenges and learn. Praise your child for effort, rather than intelligence. Send the message that hard work pays off. https://tpitip.com/?12jX18608
Help your child map the world on a pumpkin globe
To teach your child about world geography, get a round pumpkin. Pretend that the stem end is the North Pole, and the blossom end on the bottom is the South Pole. The pumpkin's grooves are like lines of longitude. Have your child measure halfway between the poles and draw the equator around the pumpkin. Then, help your student refer to maps or a globe to draw the continents in the correct hemispheres. https://tpitip.com/?12jY18608
Give spelling a high-tech twist
Kids love technology, and it can make studying spelling words more fun. Encourage your child to type the latest word list into a word-processing program. Let your child play with fonts, colors and designs while retyping each word several times. Your child can even add pictures and print out the work for a memorable study guide. https://tpitip.com/?12jZ18608
How to find books that will turn your child on to reading
The "right" books for your child aren't necessarily expensive. What matters is that they make your child want to read them. Look for books that match your child's current interests. Choose books that are well-written, with strong plots and well-developed characters. Most of the words should be familiar to your child, but it's OK if a book is a little challenging. You can read it aloud now, and your child can read it independently later on. https://tpitip.com/?12ja18608
Ask the questions that get kids talking about school
Sometimes, having a conversation with a child is like playing a game of 20 Questions. To encourage your child to tell you more, ask questions that can't be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." Instead, start with words like "what " or "how" or "tell me." For example: "What did you do in science today?" "How would you go about solving the problems in your math assignment?" "Tell me what you're doing on your social studies project." https://tpitip.com/?12jb18608
Family meals are a recipe for school success
Sharing meals as a family gives parents and children a chance to communicate and support one another. That contributes to children's success in school. Family meals don't have to be fancy. The easier the food is to cook, the more time you'll have together. Let your child help. Include everyone in the conversation around the table. And if you can't eat dinner together, try breakfast, or dessert at the end of the day. https://tpitip.com/?12jc18608
Talk with your child about school safety
Families have an important role to play in making school a safer place. Start by talking to your child about life in and out of school. Kids often know about situations that could turn violent before adults do. Encourage your child to tell you, or a trusted adult at the school, about any potential trouble or danger. Review the school rules with your child, and make it clear that you support them. https://tpitip.com/?12jd18608
Gwinnett Public Library
October Events:
Here are the events coming up for the month of October that we hope to see you/your students attend.
Featured Events for Your Students (All programs start at 4 PM)
- Un Poquito de EspaƱol: Animals will take place on October 26.
Featured Events for You
- Take Charge of Your Health will take place on October 24 at 6:30 PM.
For our current system wide offerings, please visit the Adult Services & Programs section of the GCPL website.
ESL Language Learning & New Americans Programs
Starting this month, we will be offering 3 programs for adults who speak English as a second language and want the chance to practice conversationally and for adults who are new to the country as a whole. These programs are:
- Let's Talk:
- In person: Tuesday evenings at 5 PM
- Virtual: Monday (except for the 3rd and 17th) and Thursday mornings at 10 AM
SES Business Partners
Simonton Elementary School would like to thank our business sponsors!
Your support and partnership helps us fulfill our mission of having our students Learn, Lead, & Excel!
Mathnasium of North Lawrenceville
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Phone: 678-756-1392
Stars and Strikes
Dacula, GA 30019
Phone: 678-965-5707
GCPS Flyers
SIMONTON ELEMENTARY- WHAT WE STAND FOR
Vision
Simonton is committed to dynamic high quality instruction resulting in a passion for learning, leading and excelling.
Core Belief
Every Student Every Day, Deserves to Learn, Lead, and Excel
Commitments
We commit to giving our students a fresh start every day.
We commit to preparing quality and engaging lessons that will prepare our students to be successful in school.
We commit to teaching, modeling and holding our students accountable for appropriate school behavior.
We commit to providing our students with a structured and safe learning environment.
We commit to a great year of learning, leading, and excelling
Simonton Elementary School
Deputy Superintendent ~ Dr. T. Nakia Towns
Board Member ~ Mr. Steven B. Knudsen
Cluster Superintendent ~ Mr. Keith D. Thompson
Principal ~ Ms. Tamara G. Perkins
Assistant Principal ~ Mr. Nicholas Gilmore
Assistant Principal ~ Dr. Joe Sanfilippo
Assistant Principal ~ Mrs. Amy Steinberg
Website: https://www.gcpsk12.org/SimontonES
Location: 275 Simonton Road Southeast, Lawrenceville, GA, USA
Phone: 770-513-6637
Twitter: @SimontonPride