Welcome Back Jaguars!
Universal Remote Learning: Monday, August 17-September 4
8/31-9/11: iReady Testing Begins this week: It's an important diagnostic assessment of learning!
Please take a moment to review a description of the assessment and to view a presentation delivered by our Graduation Coach, Mr. Jason Reeves.
All inquiries related to the iReady Assessment and the platform of learning may be addressed to Mr. Jason Reeves.
DIAGNOSTIC
i‑Ready Diagnostic is an adaptive assessment designed to provide teachers with actionable insight into student needs. It offers a complete picture of student performance and growth, eliminating the need for multiple, redundant tests. By adapting to student responses and assessing a broad range of skills—including skills above and below a student’s chronological grade—the i‑Ready Diagnostic pinpoints student ability level, identifies the specific skills students need to learn to accelerate their growth, and charts a personalized learning path for each student.
8/31-9/11: Ride and Reset
8/27: Connectivity Error: Connecting to classes
August 27, 2020
9:40 a.m.
Re: Correction (Asynchronous: Independent work assignments during connectivity and troubleshooting)
Jaguar Alert: Connectivity issues are affecting our scholars with access to their online learning classes. We are aware and working on a resolution. Please stay tuned for more information. In the interim, all scholars will work on asynchronous assignments (independently).
Further alerts are forthcoming.
11:00 a.m.
Jaguar Alert: Connectivity issues are resolved. Teams has restored functionality for students. Classes are happening! Please email your scholars teacher if there were noted interruptions to learning after 11:00 a.m.
8/26: School Governance Council Meeting: @ 4:30 p.m.
School Governance Council
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
The School Governance Council has a scheduled a scheduled meeting on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 @ 4:30 a.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, SMORE and future meetings will be posted on the parent resource board during our on-site sessions.
8/24: Power Outage-Community
Best Regards,
Mrs. Miley
Welcome Back Jaguar Scholars and Parents
District Updates-COVID19: https://www.fultonschools.org/coronavirus
- Device Deployment has begun. If your scholar is newly registered and they have not received their device, please contact SMSDeviceTeam@fultonschools.org
- If your scholar is a returning student and need support with a device swap, charger, password reset or any additional support with a tech related issue, please contact the Hotline (470-254-2300)
- Scroll to the bottom for important answers to commonly asked questions
- If you notice an error with your scholar's attendance, please contact Ms. Jones, Data Clerk for assistance.
Hello Sandtown Family,
The summer is winding down and we are gearing up for a new school year. It’s hard to believe the summer is coming to an end. We can all attest to the uniqueness of this summer and the challenges it has presented. What I look forward to every single day is a new ray of sunshine or the necessary rain droplets, as this ensures a new day which always equates to a new opportunity to improve and set our sights on our ultimate goal.
It is my pleasure to welcome our new Jaguars to the Sandtown Family! It is also my pleasure to engage with our returning Jaguars. I am so excited to see our new 8th grade leaders and our newly oriented 7th graders. The manner in which you have handled the pandemic is impressive, and I am so proud of you. It’s definitely not the way we planned to end the school year. However, you faced adversity and did an amazing job! Thank you for showcasing Jag SWAG and thank you for being the best part of Sandtown. To our amazing parents, we can’t do this work without you, and we are so grateful for your presence, engagement, and continued commitment. Over the summer, you have remained engaged and your advocacy is appreciated. Ultimately, we all want what is best for our scholars!
As we prepare to change gears and return to school mode virtually, I have a plethora of information to share with you in the upcoming weeks. It is important to me to ensure you are informed and well-prepared for our virtual return to school on Monday, August 17. Our return does include a Universal Remote Learning (URL) environment. URL has significant differences from our remote learning we experienced this Spring, thus, your engagement in our principal chat sessions, grade level orientation/open houses and our district parent meetings are paramount to ensuring a successful start. Our sessions will include information related to Universal Remote Learning (URL), device deployment, device resets, technology support, daily online bell schedules and much more.
It is recommended that all parents check the Summer and Back-to-School SMORE weekly, as updates are shared via SMORE and on our website. Your engagement will ultimately lead to success for your scholar. The SMORE will include key dates and events. The team and I will begin sharing and engaging new information with our new and returning team of parents and scholars, beginning Monday, August 03. Please stay tuned.
Until then, please continue to practice social distancing, Jag Mask-It and continue to take good care of our scholars!
Thanks to all, please remember: “You are so awesome! You are so amazing! Your scholars 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! Everyone-Keep on making the difference.”
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.
Click here to review specific information for your scholar's grade level.
Website goes live on August 31, 2020
Click here to review specific information for your scholar's grade level.
Website goes live on August 31, 2020
Click here to review specific information for your scholar's grade level.
Website goes live on August 31, 2020
Get Ready! Learning begins daily at 9:00 a.m. daily (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
How to access Class Link: First Day of School Tips
- How to log into Class Link? Please click on the video for a tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuzrU71R9CU
- If you do not have the Class Link application on your desktop, school-issued device, or laptop computer, please access Class Link by visiting www.fultonschools.org and scrolling down to the bottom of the page, search for the Class Link icon.
Q: What is ClassLink (Launchpad)? A: Launchpad is 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. Elementary student's passwords are date of birthday in this format: MMDDYYYY. This does not apply to students who received a device recently. Their Classlink password is the password they received with the device.
The Ride and Reset Event!
Save-the-Date: The Ride and Reset Event
The event will be held by grade level. The event will allow our parents and scholars to visit the school via a car (drive-thru process) and engage in the necessary process of resetting computers, retrieving learning resources and materials, and formally seeing their teachers face-to-face, all from the comfort of their vehicle. In order to serve all of our scholars, the event is supported by last names and grade levels. We kindly ask for all of our parents to adhere to the expectations.
Our scholars will have an opportunity to see their teachers smiling faces and waive hello. Be sure to encourage our scholars to waive to their teacher and possibly make a motivational sign for their teacher! It's a very unique time during the teaching and learning process and we all could use a bit of encouragement. How exciting to have an opportunity to see our scholars say hello!
Yes, "masks" are required during the Ride and Reset Event and we are adhering to all social distancing guidelines.
Monday, August 31: Ride and Reset 6th Grade
12:30-3:30 p.m.
6th Grade: Ride and Reset
Last Names: A-M
6th Grade: Synchronous classes end after 3rd period for the day
Tuesday, September 1: Ride and Reset 7th Grade
12:30-3:30 p.m.
7th Grade: Ride and Reset
Last Names: A-M
7th Grade: Synchronous classes end after 3rd period for the day
Wednesday, September 2: Ride and Reset 8th Grade
12:30-3:30 p.m.
8th Grade: Ride and Reset
Last Names: A-M
8th Grade: Synchronous classes end after 3rd period for the day
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Tuesday, September 8: Ride and Reset 6th Grade
12:30-3:30 p.m.
6th Grade: Ride and Reset
Last Names: N-Z
6th Grade: Synchronous classes end after 3rd period for the day
Wednesday, September 9: Ride and Reset 7th Grade
12:30-3:30 p.m.
7th Grade: Ride and Reset
Last Names: N-Z
7th Grade: Synchronous classes end after 3rd period for the day
Thursday, September 10: Ride and Reset 8th Grade
12:30-3:30 p.m.
8th Grade: Ride and Reset
Last Names: N-Z
8th Grade: Synchronous classes end after 3rd period for the day
Monday, Aug 31, 2020, 12:30 PM
Sandtown Middle School, Campbellton Road Southwest, Atlanta, GA, USA
Thank you for joining us: Open House Presentations
6th Grade: Virtual Open House (10:00-11:30 a.m.)
Mr. Charles Love and Ms. Antonia Washington, 6th Grade Department Chairs
7th Grade Virtual Open House (12:00-1:30 p.m.)
Ms. Domonique Davis, 7th Grade Department Chair
8th Grade Virtual Open House (2:00-3:30 p.m.)
Ms. Camille Crowder, 8th Grade Department Chair
6th-8th Grade Connections Open House (3:45 - 4:30 p.m.)
Ms. Kimberly Postell, Connections Support Leader
- Fine Arts: Ms. Sarkino Walker
- CTAE: Ms. Maria Bibbs-Hines
- Health and Physical Education: Mr. Christopher Anderson
https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/3e7bca23-617e-4904-adbe-0db186f07184?list=studio
Special Education: Question and Answer Session (August 19 @ 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.)
Ms. Kimesha White, Instructional Support Teacher
6th Grade Universal Remote Learning: Virtual Coffee and Conversations (August 10 @ 9:30 a.m.)
7th Grade Universal Remote Learning: Lunch and Learn (August 10 @ 11:30 a.m.)
8th Grade Universal Remote Learning: Chat and Chew (August 10 @ 3:00 p.m.)
Suggested Supply Lists: Universal Remote Learning
6th Grade
Pencils
composition books
mouse pad
color pencils
ruler
scissors
earbuds
Jumpdrive
Desk lamp
7th Grade
Pens/Pencils
Composition Books
Expo markers
Desk lamp
Mouse pad
Pens/Pencils
Composition Books
Desk lamp
Colored paper
Earbuds
Mouse pad
CONNECTIONS: Fine Arts/CTAE/Physical Education/World Languages
Jaguars-Back to School Information: Let's get ready for the new school year!
Universal Remote Learning: All Fulton County Schools will return in a Universal Remote Learning Environment (URL). All students will engage in new learning virtually. All parents are encouraged to remain abreast of information of URL expectations.
1. Universal Remote Learning Parent Sessions
All parents are invited to the URL sessions held by Principal Miley and team. Please review the flyer notifications below and stay connected to the SMORE for the updated link. All sessions are scheduled for Monday, August 10.
2. Laptop Devices-New to Sandtown Middle School (Updated)
Sandtown will begin the device deployment process for all newly registered students next week. Parents will receive a phone call and additional information shared via Blackboard, SMORE and our website. Please stay tuned for device updates.
*All new enrollees will receive a confirmation phone call and a formal email notification once devices are ready for deployment. The deployment process will occur based on student's last name and by appointment only. Thank you for your patience.
Device Deployment Event: August 12-21 by appointment only (a school representative will contact each parent to arrange an appointment)
3. Laptop Devices-Returning Scholars (Updated)
Sandtown will ensure devices are updated and prepared for new learning very soon. Our returning scholars will participate in a Ride-and-Reset event which will allow all of our scholars to receive new updated to their computer and reset their devices for new learning.
Parents will receive a phone call and additional information shared via Blackboard, SMORE and our website. Please stay tuned for device updates.
**All returning students will receive a confirmation phone call and a formal email notification once the reset feature is ready for our scholars. The reset feature will update each existing computer. We will schedule the Ride and Reset event by last name; please await further information. Thank you for your patience.
Ride and Reset Event: August 17-September 4 by pre-scheduled appointment only (a school representative will contact each parent to arrange an appointment)
4. Virtual Grade-Level Open House/Grade Level Orientation
All grade level welcome back sessions, also commonly known as Open House will be held virtually in August. Virtual Open House dates and times will be scheduled by grade-level and will be shared as live events. Please stay tuned for the date and time of your grade level's Virtual Open House. We look forward to showcasing our great teachers and new plans for the school year very soon.
- Save the Date: Thursday, August 13, 2020
- 6th Grade: 10:00-11:30 a.m.
- 7th Grade: 12:00-1:30 p.m.
- 8th Grade: 2:00-3:30 p.m.
- Connections: 3:45-4:30 p.m.
5. The URL Bell Schedule: A rigorous schedule for a day full of learning
Click here to view the URL Bell Schedule
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Face-to-Face: The information is shared for parents to pre-plan for face-to-face options. At this time, all Fulton County School will return in a Universal Remote Learning environment, and face-to-face options are not offered. The information is shared as a proactive measure.
1. 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
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.
2. 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
3. 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
Schedule Review Request Form
- Schedule reviews will be completed by August 24
- All scholars will remain in their current classes until the formal review is complete
- Placements are determined by student data and previous course completion
Sandtown Middle School: Nutrition Tidbits
School Meals are safe! The FCS School Nutrition Program’s food safety and sanitation procedures are in place to ensure safe meals are served at all times in all schools within the county. Our department prides itself in the efforts of always putting the customer first. To ensure this, our procedures often far exceed what is required by the Georgia Food Code for food establishments.
- The first day for meal pick-up is Friday, August 14, 2020. This additional distribution day will provide families enough meals to last until Wednesdays food distribution. FCS FoodStop sites will be open on Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Each food package will contain 10 meals - 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches - to feed students until the next meal package distribution.
- Students meals will be accounted for using a no-contact cashiering method. Families will need to provide student’s meal account information in the form of Student ID numbers or Student Meal Barcodes. To get started, families should visit https://nutrition.fultonschools.org/BarCode to receive their Student Meal Barcode.
Families are strongly encouraged to pay for student meals online at www.mypaymentsplus.com. MyPaymentsPlus offers quick, easy and secure online prepayments, available 24/7. To keep FoodStop sites contactless, cash or checks will not be accepted during meal distribution. Checks can be mailed to:
Fulton County School Nutrition
6201 Powers Ferry Road NW
Atlanta, GA 30339
Free & Reduced Meal Applications are available online for the 2020-2021 school year. Families may qualify for free or reduced-price school breakfast & lunch. Households must complete a new Free & Reduced Application every school year. Apply today at www.fulton.schoollunchapp.com.
Universal Remote Learning: Questions and Answers
Questions and Answers: Universal Remote Learning
When is the first day of school?
Monday, August 17, 2020
How will our scholars return back to school?
All students return in an Universal Remote Learning (URL) Environment?
What is Universal Remote Learning (URL)?
Universal Remote Learning (URL) is a strategy for learning continuity that is deployed to all scholars during their time away from school. The extended remote engagement applies to all schools with support from the district staff. The plan assumes power and internet connectivity are not disrupted.
What time does school start?
School begins at 8:55 a.m.; scholars may report online for each session, 5 minutes before the session begins. Our first class is live and engaged in instruction promptly at 9:00 a.m. Please click here to review our URL Bell Schedule
Do all scholars need access to a computer device (laptop)?
Our scholars, middle school students (Grades 6-8), will engage in the URL plan. The plan is dependent upon power and internet connectivity. Thus, all scholars will need access to a device (laptop) or desktop computer and internet access. Parents may opt to use their own device or receive a device from the school. Devices deployed from the school are a school resource and available to all scholars. The device is property of Fulton County Schools and will require the appropriate care and handling of the device. The device must be returned if the scholar is withdrawn from a Fulton County School.
How do I receive a FCS assigned laptop if my scholar is new to the district?
All scholars who have enrolled (a complete registration) will receive an opportunity to receive a device. The process known as Device Deployment will occur very soon. The school has a tentative window to deploy devices. The window is contingent upon all devices being prepared and ready for delivery to our scholars. The prep stage is an internal process that occurs by the Instructional Technology (IT) team. The team is working diligently to prepare the devices.
- Once the devices are prepared and ready for deployment, a member of the Sandtown Middle School team will contact you to schedule an appointment to pick up your scholars device.
- The deployment team is adhering to all social distancing expectations and we will follow all guidelines for device pick-up. The process is a drive-thru process and will require adherence to all expectations. Please do not report to the school to pick-up a device if you have not received a phone call. We cannot accommodate the individual request and will require 100% adherence to expectations. Visitors without an appointment will not receive service. It is our goal to deploy all devices and we must do so in an orderly process, and while adhering to safety expectations for all. Safety first!
- If you have enrolled your scholar, and you do not receive an appointment call prior to August 17, please email: Sandtown’s Device Coordination Team. SMSDeviceTeam@fultonschools.org
- Please remain patient, we are ensuring devices are provided to all our new enrollees-grades 6, 7, and 8, and all FCS incoming 6th graders without a device. We appreciate your patience and will require your support during this process.
My scholar is a returning scholar, and we currently have a FCS device without any issues. The device is working great! Will we need to take any additional steps?
Yes, you will need to take additional steps, but first, kudos to you for taking such good care of school property. Thank you! Your scholar is just about ready to go and your next steps are very minimal.
- Please ask your scholar to log in their computer each day this week for at least 30 minutes. We want to ensure automatic updates can occur prior to the start of the school.
- Within the next few weeks, we will host a Ride and Reset for our scholars who are returning. The reset will push out additional updates and reset the scholar's computer. This will occur after the device deployment for new enrollees has occurred, thus school will have already begun. However, do not worry, the computer you have is ready to go, even without the updates. But for efficiency, the updates are beneficial. The scholar will have full access to their class, without any interruption. Please stay tuned for the Ride and Reset event.
My scholar has a computer, but the computer is not working; the device is broken, or I need IT support with the device, what do I do?
- The Device Hub is operational and will support broken devices, device swaps and power cord needs. Please contact the hotline for support.
- Universal Remote Learning Hotline
9:00 AM-3:30 PM
Monday - Friday
Call: 470-254-2300
How can I request a hotspot?
- There is acriteria in place for receiving a hotspot. The SMS Device Team will advise upon receiving your request.
- The team will advise of approval and advise the parent of next steps.
What about the Device Hub and the Hotline?
Hubs are regionally located throughout the district. Banneker High, Vickery Mill Elementary, Taylor Road Middle, and Ridgeview High each serve as district hubs. Appointments can be made through the Hotline (470) 254-2300. The hub can support hotspot distributions, laptop swaps, or power cords.
- Please contact the hub for device swaps, or power cord needs.
- Universal Remote Learning Hotline
9:00 AM-3:30 PM
Monday - Friday
Call: 470-254-2300
I do not have internet access at the moment, and my scholar does not have a device. While I await a call from the school for a device and hotspot support, what should I do?
- Students will be given at least two weeks to complete assignments upon returning to school. You may also qualify for internet access through the Comcast Internet Essentials program. Visit www.internetessentials.com for more information. (Internet Essentials Flyer)
What supports are in place to prepare parents and scholars for Day 1? Will the scholars receive training and guidance on how to access their classes?
- Parent URL Informational Sessions: Principal, LaToya Miley, Assistant Principals and grade-level leaders will hold support sessions on Monday, August 10. Please join us for your scholar’s grade level session. Review this email or SMORE for the active link.
- Virtual Open House: Virtual Open House and Grade Level Orientations will occur on Thursday, August 13. This is a great opportunity for your scholar to learn more about their grade level expectations and Class Link. Links for our Open House sessions are forthcoming. Stay Tuned!
- Parent Support Sessions: We will continue to offer Parent Sessions to support our team of parents with Campus Portal, Parent Portal, and TEAMS.
How do I log into my scholar’s account? How does my scholar view live lessons and class assignments?
- Almost all of our selected resources for this year can be accessed by logging into ClassLink. You can access ClassLink by visiting https://launchpad.classlink.com/fcs
- All resources will be reviewed with the scholars; use of any additional software programs will include training for the scholar and modeling of how to use the resource. Example: USA Test Prep, NewsELA, IXL
Q: What is ClassLink (Launchpad)?
Launchpad is 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. Elementary student's passwords are date of birthday in this format: MMDDYYYY. This does not apply to students who received a device recently. Their Classlink password is the password they received with the device.
- Our returning scholars are very familiar with ClassLink; please have a discussion with your scholar on how they utilize ClassLink to access their course and view their assignments. It is my recommendation to have the conversation before the first day of school. This will reaffirm your scholar's confidence and fluency in accessing their course.
Be sure to review the BACK-TO-SCHOOL SMORE weekly for important updates!
Apply: Free and Reduced Lunch Application -We encourage all parents to apply; meals are provided weekly during Universal Remote Learning. Meals will be distributed at your school's assigned meal site.
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