Titan Talk
March 9, 2018
Upcoming Dates:
The Week Ahead...
- 3/12 - SCHOOL MAKE-UP DAY: ALL STUDENTS, TEACHERS & STAFF REPORT TO SCHOOL for Fulton County Schools Make Up Day
- 3/12 - Flamenco Dancer @ EPMS in Media Center
- 3/14 - RHS SGC Mtg @ 7:15 am (RHS Media Center)
- 3/14 - Jr. Beta Mtg @ 8 am (Media Center)
- 3/15 - FCA Mtg @ 7:45 am (Media Center)
- 3/15 - Rising 6th Grade Parent Meeting in English & Spanish
- English @ 5:30 pm in the Gym - TAG Presentation by TAG Team
- English General Presentation @ 6 pm in the Gym
- Español (Spanish) @ 6 pm in the Cafeteria - General Info/TAG
- en español - Admin Team Greeting with translation by Koritza Rodriguez
- en español - Pointe Team Greeting with Translation by Pointe Team
- en español - TAG Portion presentation by Koritza Rodriguez
- en español - TAG Team answer questions from 6:30 to 6:45 pm
- 3/16 - Interact Club Mtg @ 7:45 am in Rm. D-119
- 3/16 - Club Day moved to Friday - Club Schedule
- 3/16 - Book Fair Set-up (Media Center)
- 3/17 - TITAN ADVANTAGE @ ELKINS POINTE
- 8:00 am - Breakfast & Check-in
- 9:00 am - GA Milestones Session 1
- 10:45 am - GA Milestones Session 2
- 11:40 am - Pizza for lunch
- 12:00 noon - Pick-up
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Dear Parents,
I would like to talk about what an uplifting week this was for us at Elkins Pointe. We celebrated BeYoutiful Week and Exceptional Children's Week. We also prepared for our next Titan Advantage Saturday clinic, first-ever Digital Learning Day, and our Student Council is preparing to honor the students at MSD High School in Parkland, Florida.
First, I would like to thank the Student Council and the A-Team for elevating all of the children in our building. I can tell you that I feel our school coming together in our Smart, Happy, and Connected way. Student Council has prepared an original poem and an oral tribute to those who were lost on February 14th. A very generous parent, Mrs. Baker, is the reason that our students at Elkins Pointe will be able to make a Paper Butterfly Garden on March 14th. It is important to our students that the "walkout" represent unity and hope. It is the voice of our students that matter most to us next week, and I must tell you, that your children are so amazing.
Our first Digital Learning Day was a success. We fielded very few calls in the front office. Our teachers answered emails from students and parents, and by 12 o'clock, almost all the emails and calls had dropped off. Thank you to our Digital Learning Team, especially Mr. Trent Stapleton and Dr. Bearden. I have heard from many parents that today was smooth, and students used Personalized Learning with ease.
On Saturday, we will be hosting our second Titan Advantage workshop. I am looking forward to seeing our Titans on Saturday. Remember, Monday, March 12th is a make-up day of school. This will be the last inclement weather make-up day, and all students, teachers, and staff should report ready to have a great day of learning!
Sincerely,
Kindra L. Smith, Ed.S
Principal
Elkins Pointe Middle School
Home of the Titans!
WHAT I NEED TO KNOW NOW!
Come to School for the LAST Make Up Day!
March 12, 2018 - All Students, Teachers, and Staff Report to School
Titan Advantage @ Elkins Pointe - 3/10, 3/17, 3/24
The Titan Advantage program will serve as a Georgia Milestones workshop and is going to be open to all students regardless of level.
- Saturday, March 10th,17th, and 24th
- Breakfast and check-in will occur from 8:00-9:00
- Georgia Milestones session 1 workshop will take place from 9:00 am until 10:15 am
- Break from 10:15 until 10:45
- Georgia Milestones session 2 workshop will take place from 10:45 am until 12
Teachers have issued permission slips to students directly trhough their WINN classes
Rising 6th-Grade Parent Meeting @ EPMS - 3/15
Rising 6th Grade General Parent Meeting on Thursday, March 15, 2018, in the EPMS Cafeteria @ 5:30 from 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm. All parents are invited from our four feeder schools to this presentation will be given by Elkins Pointe Transition Team. This meeting will be presented in English (Gym) and Spanish (Cafeteria)
English Presentation @ 5:30 PM in the Gym
- 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm - General Info Meeting for Parents
- Admin Team Greeting
- On Pointe Team Greeting
- 6:00 to 6:30 pm - TAG Info Presentation
- Presentation by Mr. Hardigree and company
Spanish Presentation @ 6:00 PM in the Cafeteria
- 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm - General Info & TAG Meeting for Parents
- Admin Team Greeting with translation by Koritza Rodriguez
- On Pointe Team Greeting with translation by Koritza Rodriguez
- TAG Portion presentation by Koritza Rodriguez
- TAG Team answer questions from 6:30 pm to 6:45 pm
Volunteer to Make Teacher Appreciation Week a Picnic!
Teacher Appreciation Week - 3/19-3/23
We really want to make our teachers and staff feel appreciated for all they do for our kids. The PTSA will provide treats throughout the week, and we asking our families to help contribute a few items. If you would like to help with Teacher Appreciation and TOTY/POTY, click HERE and it will go directly to out Teacher Appreciation Chair, Jenny Rindt.
We have a great week to "Celebrate the Great Outdoors" with our amazing EPMS staff of almost 150 people!
- Monday - Starbucks coffee, French pastries, & fruit
- Tuesday - Treats for the Trail - Trail Mix Bar
- Wednesday - Ippolito's Luncheon & Family donated desserts - Blue Hazel Jewelry giveaways
- Thursday - Snack Cart! - A variety of snacks will be delivered to each person on staff
- Friday - Teacher of the Year breakfast and Special gift for every staff member. Parents will be asked to help with breakfast items.
Thank you so much for your support as we plan something special for our staff every day!
SCHOOL GOVERNANCE COUNCIL ELECTIONS
Please VOTE in the SGC elections on March 19 - 23, 2018
- Elections begin at 8:00 am on March 19th @ 5:00 pm thru March 23rd.
- Please check your email to access your ballot starting March 19th!
Elkins Pointe SGC Candidate Statements
Parent: Kristin Patterson
I am interested in serving on the SGC so I may help to shape, support, and execute on the strategic direction for EPMS. I have served in a number of roles over the past 8 years at Hembree Springs, and have seen firsthand how parent and community engagement helps to create a successful school environment for students, families, and faculty. Some of the positions I have held at HSES include PTA Secretary, PTA VP of Staff Support, room parent, 5th-grade promotion co-chair, and committee lead for 3rd and 4th-grade book club, hearing and vision screenings, and school supplies fundraising. I have also held positions on my homeowners association board (Hembree Grove), and preschool parent association board (Northbrook United Methodist Church). For the past 10 years, I have worked as Vice President of New Business Development for The Toronto Dominion Bank. I am charged on a daily basis to build strategic plans for retailers across the US while maintaining profitability levels and executing programs flawlessly. Previously I held positions at GE Capital and The Home Depot corporate office. My degree is in Marketing from Clemson University (1995). My son, Matthew, is a rising 6th grader. He is fortunate to attend math class at EPMS this year and has had a wonderful experience. I would like to give back to a school that is proven to provide enriching opportunities for all students. I also have a daughter, Caitlin, who is a rising 4th grader at Hembree Springs.
Parent: Stacy Lampert
Hi, I am Stacy Lampert, the parent of 6th-grade twin boys. My boys are on different tracks at Elkins, different world languages, but both are taking band. One plays the percussions, and the other one is playing the baritone. Both of my kids are happy and thriving with the AVID protocols that many of the teachers use at Elkins. I feel that it is important to have a parent’s perspective, to help with the translation of Fulton County language to make sure it is a parent-friendly language to facilitate a clear understanding and keep communication as a 2-way street. As your parent representative, I will help explain the EPMS strategic plan from the perspective of a parent and advocate for all our children. I was lucky enough to have some wonderful people help our family to become acclimated to middle school and want to pay it forward with my involvement in the SGC. I would be honored to be your elected representative at Elkins Pointe Middle School.
Teacher: David Paperno
Over the course of my first year at Elkins Pointe, I have been able to observe and understand how our school works as well as what our areas of success and growth are over the course of the year. As a new teacher to Elkins Pointe, I have also been able to bring in a new perspective in order to best meet the needs of the school. I have been able to do this as a new teacher at the school by interacting with both students, teachers, parents, and those in the community that do not currently attend the school. This coupled with serving on the school governance council due to filling an open position on the current council and working on the new strategic plan for the school has made me want to become more involved in the school. These experiences have allowed me to not only want to but also understand what is needed in order to help drive the school toward excellence. An accomplishment that I am most proud of while filling a position on the current council has been leading the school governance council through the strategic planning process. This experience has better prepared me over the course of the year to help lead those on the council through different processes to not only accomplish goals for the school but set them as well. Though I have only been able to serve on the council for one year, I think that I have been able to demonstrate leadership for the school through acting as the chair of the council.
Teacher: Emory Johnson
I am seeking a teacher position on the Elkins Pointe School Governance Council to work more closely with fellow teachers, parents, and community leaders as we plan the way ahead for Elkins Pointe. I look forward to helping determine the long-term direction of our school, designing innovative solutions to increase student achievement, and continuing to be an ambassador for our school and community. I am invested in this school and community. I have been teaching for 12 years, 10 of which have been at Elkins Pointe. I serve as the Grade Level Chair for 6th Grade, as well as the 6th Grade Science PLC Chair. I also have the pleasure of serving on numerous committees such as AVID, PBIS, School Safety, WINN Academic, and the Elkins Pointe Leadership Team. Thank you for your time and consideration. Rawlings Johnson
CELEBRATIONS!!!
Top Titan Raffle Winners!
Thank you to Dr. Griffin for orchestrating the "RISE UP RAFFLE!" Congratulations to our Top Titan students and teachers. Your model behavior makes us super proud!
6th Graders
Dylan Williams, Jonathan Lopez, Victor Contreras, Allison Altman, Dynya Rahimi
7th Graders
Alisa Lyubunic, Carlos Marquez, Lilly Bishop, Brandon Castaneda, Jesica Puga,
8th Graders
Tomas Helgason, Lesly Alanis-Flores, Trey Harding, Maverick Brown, Sucely Martinez,
Teachers
Ms. Harris, (Hawkin), Ms. Henderson, Ms. Daniel, Ms. Rankin, Ms. Dean, Ms. Srinivasan, Ms. Okiyama, Ms. Williams, Ms. Vogel, Mr. Feilen, Mr. Burruss, Ms. Palmer, Ms. Young, Ms. Lindesay, Mr.Rodney Jones,
Let's Sound the Horn for Our Tenor, Mr. Baugh!
Mr. Baugh, our Chorus teacher, has been accepted into this summer program at Oxford University in England. He will be studying and performing choral music with 25 other singers who also had to apply and audition. All that he learns will be learns will be brought directly into the classroom next Fall. Click on the links to take a peek at Mr. Baugh's summer in England!
- https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/courses/oxford-university-choral-singing-summer-school
- Oxford University Choral Singing Summer School 2018 ...
- www.conted.ox.ac.uk
A practical course for singers focussed on the English choral tradition; suitable for students, educators, and other able musicians.
Congratulations to the Marvelous Mrs. Newman & the Fabulous Mrs. Rickson!
Left to right: Mrs. Newman, Mrs. Rickson, Principal Smith.
SMART, HAPPY, AND CONNECTED
Be-YOU-tiful Week!
A -TEAM Celebrates Exceptional Children's Week
When you wish upon a Shinning Star, your dreams will take you very far!
Real Math = Real Fun
Pointe Team Visits the Elementary Schools
Homeward Bound
Ms. Henderson is AVID about Social Studies!
Titan Proud of 8th Grader Yasha Jeltuhin
Yasha Jeltuhin, 8th grade, competed in the international competition for circus arts in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago. He took the first place in the Ground Act category among students on Cyr Wheel. (Play the video below or click on the link: https://youtu.be/AsEwrAJvs5w) Yash also placed 4th in the emerging pro category on Trapeze. (Click on the link to see video: https://youtu.be/q11PUprK22M)
For the context, it is an international conference with competitions, workshops, and performances (https://www.thevivafest.com) It attracts top circus arts schools from all over the world. The competition is judged by people from Cirque Du Solei and other top circus franchises.
RISE UP to Digital Learning @ Starbucks!
Digital Learning "Likes"
THINGS TO KNOW...
Roswell Cheer Try-Out Meeting - 3/12
6th & 7th Grade Flamenco Workshop - Join Us Parents on 3/12
Dear Parents,
It is with great pleasure the 6th and 7th grade Spanish teachers at Elkins Pointe announce they are having a Flamenco Workshop, with Julie Bagenstoss, sponsored by the Teaching Museum on Monday, March 12th. Parents we invite you to drop by and join our students dancing like “Sevillanas (os)”.
Please note that Mejia’s (12 students) 8th-period connections will attend their workshop during their 7th-period. She has already contacted and arranged with the Connections teachers. In addition, Mrs. Mejia's 6th-period students will have lunch at the beginning of the period (instead of at the end) with 6th-grade.
Thank you to the Teaching Museum for their support… !OLE!
Profes. Crowe and Mejia
6th-7th grade Spanish Teachers
Elkins Pointe Middle School
Schedule for the Flamenco Workshop:
On Monday, March 12th, 6th, and 7th-grade Spanish students will be in the Media Center during their Spanish class as follows:
Roswell JV Soccer Night - 3/15
Learn About Services for Exceptional Children - 3/17
FCA Movie Showing @ Northpoint AMC - 3/18 @ 2 PM
MOVIE: “I Can Only Imagine”
What: FCA Middle School Movie Event (special showing) – North Fulton
Why: To share the Good News through an amazing inspirational life story…
When: Sunday March 18, 2018 @ 2:00 PM
Where: North Point – Alpharetta AMC Theatres
Cost: $10.00 per ticket (includes movie & a free Mercy Me album download)
Notes: This is a closed or special showing specifically for 3 North Fulton MS FCA Huddle Programs (TRMS, Elkins Point & Crabapple). Tickets are limited, with each school receiving only #30 tickets, tickets are being sold now on a 1st come 1st served basis & will not last! Students, speak with your parents for permission and transportation arrangements. This is a FCA – North Fulton Event but questions can be directed to Coach Turnbow, turnbow@fultonschools.org(TRMS FCA Huddle Coach).
Movie Trailer… I Can Only Imagine: The Heart of the Movie - YouTube
Spring Book Fair - 3/19-3/23
The Spring Scholastic Book Fair is coming March 19th - 23rd. We will be open for business at 8 am - 4 pm, so bring money that week to shop. We'll also be open during International Night from 6 pm - 8 pm. We appreciate any and all parent volunteers who will be a part of making this happen! This Fall we had the highest sales for Elkins Pointe and I'm looking forward to doing it again with your help. Please refer to the Sign Up Genius - http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0548a4a822a64-book1 to secure a good time for you.
Mark your calendars and save your money ... Our Book Fair is coming on Monday, March 19th - 23rd. The theme this time is "Dogs and Cats." In your WINN classes, THIS WEEK decorate your doors with all the pictures of your pets, dogs, and cats. Have fun with this! We will be judging for the most creative door on Friday the 23rd, the LAST day of the Book Fair. The prize has yet to be determined but stay tuned!
AVID Applications due by 3/21
International Family Night - 3/22
Calling all the EPMS Families!!! International Family Night is a night to embrace and celebrate different cultures on a unique night full of food, games, gathering, and fun!! It is a special night for you to be proud of who you are and where you come from!!!Here's your chance to have some fun in the kitchen while supporting an all-time favorite Annual event at Elkins Pointe. International Family Night 2018- an evening here students, teachers, and families taste their way Around our World!
Please sign up for an Internationally inspired dish to share! What a fun opportunity to try out a new recipe, recreate your family's ethnic dish or try out a page from your favorite cookbook! Be sure to include the country name, dish, and ingredients. Please bring disposable containers -- Students in language classes are strongly encouraged to participate!!
Sign Up Link: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0548a4a822a64-international1
Calling All International Performers! 3/22
Calling actors, singers, dancers, jugglers, ventriloquists, pianists, drummers, guitarists, cheerleaders, etc. We need you to share your abilities with us during the International Night. Please email Profe Crowe at crowem@fultonschools.org.
ALL THINGS PTSA!
Play a Role in the PTSA...Next School Year...Yeah, We Mean YOU!!
You play a vital role in the success of your child’s middle school experience. Make your mark and support us in identifying individuals to serve on the 2017-2018 PTSA Board of Directors for Elkins Pointe Middle School. The Nominating Committee is now accepting nominations for officers for the upcoming school year.
Elkins Pointe Middle School (EPMS) has received top ratings for school climate for the past three years. We value our diversity and we need your help to ensure the interests of all families are represented as EPMS continues to deliver on its mission of empowering students for tomorrow’s global society.
Please take the time to get involved and submit your nominations. We are accepting nominees for the following positions: President, Vice President(s), Secretary, and Treasurer. We are also accepting nominees for the following appointed positions of Parliamentarian, committee chairs and committee members. The Nominating Committee is not responsible for selecting the Parliamentarian, committee chairs, or committee members, however; will forward all names to the elected Executive Committee for their consideration.
Here’s how it works.
- Check out the positions and proposed responsibilities attached.
- Submit your nominations using the Nomination Form by March 17, 2017. The Nomination Form is attached and is also available in the school office at the reception desk.
- Use the Sign-up genius to express your interest in participating in a committee in the 2017/2018 school year. Here is the link: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0548a4a822a64-20172018/40545916
- Tell your friends and neighbors about how they can get involved. We particularly need your help reaching out to those families that will be new to Elkins Pointe Middle in the upcoming school year (i.e. rising 6th graders)
What happens next?
The nominating committee is responsible for reviewing all nominations, selecting and then presenting the recommended slate of officers at the Election meeting. Current PTSA members attending the Election meeting will vote to select the upcoming board.
The timeline of events shall be:
- Deadline for submitting Nomination Form for officers: March 17, 2017.
- Candidate Interviews: The Nominating Committee will review all nominated individuals and will conduct interviews of all qualified nominees. All nominees will be notified of the specific time for the interview and allowed an opportunity to consider any office prior to making a decision.
- Report of Nominating Committee: The Nominating Committee will post a report indicating the nominees for each elected position on April 17, ten days before the election meeting.
- Election Meeting: The nominating committee will give the report on April 27, 2017, at the PTSA general meeting - Elections will be held for the 2017/2018 EPMS PTSA Board of Directors during this meeting.
If you should have any questions about the nomination process, please feel free to contact any member of the Nominating Committee: Getinvolved@elkinspointeptsa.org
Regards,
PTSA Nominating Committee
Christy Mitchell (Chair) – christybosleymitchell@gmail.com 770-314-6628, Allison Liguori, Peggy Jackson, Shannon Johnson, Diana Strain, Jane O'Brien (alternate), Lisa Harrison (alternate),
FUNDED BY YOUR PTSA: Australian Didgeridoo Down Under Show
Elkins Pointe PTSA was excited this year to sponsor the Australian Didgeridoo Down Under Show to our school. On Friday, February 23, 2018, all the 6th grade students participated in the Australian Didgeridoo Down Under Show during normal school hours.
Didgeridoo Down Under (DDU) is an Australia-themed show that combines music, culture, art, science, literacy development, comedy, character building, anti-bullying, motivational speaking and audience participation. The didgeridoo is a musical instrument, usually a hollow tree trunk that has been played by Aboriginal Australians for at least 1,500 years. DDU is much more than music – it is an interactive, educational, and motivational experience. This is also a true cross-curricular program that supports state and national educational standards (www.didgedownunder.com).
Your student’s cost: $0*
*This is funded by your EPMS PTSA (elkinspointe.my-pta.org)
❤️ VOLUNTEER IN THE SCHOOL ❤️
Volunteer Opportunities
- 8th Grade Dance Chair Sign Up: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0548a4a822a64-8thgrade4
- Join Dads Club - Questions? Email: jonesw3@fultonschools.org.
- School Store in the morning - Please note: School Store volunteers need to complete a 10-minute training with Maryanne Codelli (macode@bellsouth.net).
If you would like to get involved or have any questions, please email volunteer@elkinspointeptsa.org.
THINGS TO REFERENCE...
STAY UPDATED ON THE WEATHER...
Fulton County Schools (FCS) recommends staying tuned in to their website, FCS social media accounts, and local news media for updates.
- FCS Website: http://www.fultonschools.org/en
- FCS Facebook Page (@FultonCounty Schools) https://www.facebook.com/FultonCountySchools/?fref=ts
- FCS Twitter (@FultonCoSchools) http://www.twitter.com/FultonCoSchools
Elkins Pointe Middle School Informational Items
Sign-Up for Remind
- Enter this number: 81010
- Text message: @elkinspoi
Order Yearbook!!
- Order online here
- Print a form here
- Questions? Email: Suckow@fultonschools.org.
Volunteer Registration
- Register with FCS here
- Please complete 24 hours before volunteering
We ♥️ Our Business & Community Partners!
3600 Dallas Hwy #280, Marietta, GA 30064
(770) 627-4885
Proud to sponsor Elkins Pointe Middle School Spirt Wear!
4350 North Point Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30022
(678) 892-5000
Thank you for your generous donation for our students.
10516 Alpharetta Hwy, Roswell, GA 30076
(770) 645-1550