SMS Jaguars: Weekly Updates
Universal Remote Learning/Phase III: September
9/30: School Governance Council Meeting: @ 4:30 p.m.
School Governance Council
Wednesday, September 30
The School Governance Council has a scheduled a scheduled meeting on Wednesday, September 30 @ 4:30 p.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.
9/30: PTSA Meeting @ 6:30 p.m.
The PTSA has a scheduled a scheduled meeting on Wednesday, September 30 @ 6:00 p.m.
Click here to join the meeting
+1 470-705-1712 United States, Atlanta (Toll)
Conference ID: 788 276 452#
Happy September! Month 2
District Updates-COVID19: https://www.fultonschools.org/coronavirus
- Family Selection Survey: 9/14-9/18 (Don't miss out on the survey! Stay tuned)
- If you notice an error with your scholar's attendance, please contact Ms. Jones, Data Clerk for assistance.
9/7/2020
Hello Sandtown Family,
Parents and Scholars: Can you believe we are engaged in the second month of Universal Remote Learning? Time is moving rather quickly. I would like to thank you for continuing to be patient and flexible with our URL learning model, and now as we begin the phase-in process. I will continue to monitor our Class Link analytics and advise on how well our scholars are engaging virtually.
The next few weeks will include a few pivotal moments as we transition to our next phase-in for learning. In a few more days, we will begin our transition to Phase III. This upcoming week, 9/14-9/18, parents will receive a survey to decide how they would like to proceed with our phases of learning. Each of the phases does present a choice for our parents. As you determine your choice, please remain well-informed as to ensure the best decision is in place for you and your family. I have included a link to information related to the phase-in process, so please be sure to review the SMORE.
Last week was our first week of Phase-I, it was a pleasure to welcome our students within our program classes back to school. The first phase was low impact for the majority of our scholars as the majority of our scholars remained in Universal Remote Learning. However, Phase-III will present a larger impact with 25% of our population returning for one day per week. *Please reference the daily schedule for Phase III.
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.”
No School on Monday, September 7: It's Labor Day!
Beginning on 9/9: Food Stop Locations
Below are the Mobile Food Stop Location. Buses will be providing meals to the below areas from 10:45am-12:00pm.
Food Distribution From Westlake HS- 4 Buses
- 1475 Sand Bay Dr/Sandtown Vista
- Sussex Square
- Westchase Apartments
- Walton Lakes Apartments
9/21-10/2: Phase III Bell Schedule
- URL students will begin study hall at 3:15-3:45 p.m.
- Dismissal begins at 3:45 p.m. (Car Riders)/4:05 p.m. (Walkers)/4:10 p.m. (Buses)
9/14-9/18: Family Selection Survey is forthcoming. Please read more information on the Return-to-School: Reopening Guidance (Phase I and III)
General Questions: Reopening Matrix (Phase I)
- Back To School: Phase 1 - Optional Face To Face Instruction beginning September 8, specifically for Program Classes
- Back to School: Phase 3: Optional Face to Face Instruction beginning September 21; one full day per week based on the advised schedule
Fulton County Schools is providing this as an option parents who wish to begin the transition back to in-person learning.
Back To School: Phase 1 - Optional Face To Face Instruction; September 8
Fulton County Schools is providing this as an option parents who wish to begin the transition back to in-person learning.
This is a voluntary opportunity for all students in PreK-2 (pre-kindergarten through second grade) to receive one 90-minute instruction and support session, one day per week. In addition, Students with Disabilities in Special Program Classes across grades 3 through 12 will be provided one 180-minute in-person instruction and support session, one day per week. All students in grades 3-12 will have the opportunity to receive additional support during Phase I by scheduling individualized, 1:1 meetings with their teachers. Meeting availability will be shared by the individual teacher or school.
This is a voluntary opportunity for all students in PreK-2 (pre-kindergarten through second grade) to receive one 90-minute instruction and support session, one day per week. In addition, Students with Disabilities in Special Program Classes across grades 3 through 12 will be provided one 180-minute in-person instruction and support session, one day per week. All students in grades 3-12 will have the opportunity to receive additional support during Phase I by scheduling individualized, 1:1 meetings with their teachers. Meeting availability will be shared by the individual teacher or school.
Click here to review answers to commonly asked questions for Phase I: Expand All
Which students have the option to come to school for Phase I?
Will every student in PreK – 2 have to go back to school during Phase 1?
What will Phase I look like for special education students?
What will Phase I look like for general education students in grades 3-12?
How do I know which day my student will attend?
Will I be able to change my mind after initially saying “yes” or “no” to the Phase I option?
If my student does not participate, what will my student do at home and what will they do on the days they are not at school?
Will the district provide meals or snacks during Phase I?
Can students in grades 3-12 make multiple appointments for one day? How long will the meetings last?
Back To School: Phase 3 - September 21, 2020
FCS will implement Phase 3 on September 21, 2020. Phase 3 is an option to reacclimate more students and teachers for a greater length of time within the Face-To-Face (F2F) school environment and to assure students and staff that school is a positive, safe, and loving place. Phase 3 is a voluntary opportunity for all students PreK-12 to receive instruction and support, one day of per week. Students with Disabilities in Special Education Classes across grades 3-12 will receive instruction and support, two full days per week.
Families will register their choice via a secure electronic process. Each student in our system has a secure student ID number. Using that secure ID number, parents will be invited to select their option for that individual child between September 14 through 18.
Click here for frequently asked questions-Phase III
*If you have selected for your scholar to participate in Phase III, please review the following questions and notes.
How many days will my scholar attend school?
Scholars will attend school in a face-to-face setting 1 day per week. All other days are virtual.
Are there any changes to the daily schedule?
Yes, scholars will engage in learning on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. While, they will only attend school one day per week, utilizing their assigned day, scholars will continue to engage in instruction in the virtual setting on all other days. Due to the phase-in process, Wednesday is now an Asynchronous day for all scholars. Students will work on independent learning assignments, make-up work, and utilize the time as additional study opportunities.
What days will my scholar attend if I have selected to participate in Phase III and IV?
Parents are encouraged to check the Infinite Campus portal to ensure your scholar reports on the correct day. While we have scheduled our scholars to report 1 day per week during Phase 1 by an alpha (last name) split, it is important to note that household groups may not adhere to this specific criteria. As a result of household information, we have assigned specific dates for Phase III and IV. Please anticipate an email for your assigned day for Phase III. The email is scheduled for delivery on Friday, September 18.
Please review the alpha list below, but please note, not all scholars will adhere to this criteria during Phase III or IV.
*More information will be shared for Phase IV, very soon.
Standard Attendance: Phase III-Phase-In
Monday: A-E
Tuesday: F-K
Wednesday: Asynchronous (No face-to-face placement)
Thursday: L-P
Friday: Q-Z
*More information will be shared for Phase IV, very soon.
Family Selection Survey: Electing F2F or Remote
Hello Jaguar Parents,
Per my most recent communication and as noted, Fulton County Schools (FCS) has set target dates for returning to face-to-face instruction through a cautious and measured “phased in” approach.
We are already in the phase-in process, and if the COVID-19 data continues with the positive trends we are seeing in Fulton County, the remaining phases will begin for all grades as follows:
· Phase III – begins Sep 21 for one full day of in-person instruction per week (Current)
· Phase IV – begins Oct 5 for two full days of in-person instruction per week
· Face to Face – begins Oct 14 for full-time in-person instruction
What does that mean for your student? You get to choose.
Participation in face-to-face instruction remains optional. You will need to provide your choice so your school can plan accordingly. Here is a link to a survey where you can enter your choice for your student. You may come back to face-to-face or remain in Universal Remote Learning (URL) through the end of this semester on December 18. Decisions for 2021 will be made and shared with you soon.
https://fultonschools.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9tN1i9yUujA57rn
Check list to complete the survey:
· Please have your student’s ID number (this is the same as their lunch number)
· You will have a choice for in-person or remote learning for each phase
· If you have multiple students, you will need to enter your choice for each child separately
For more information and answers to Frequently Asked Questions please visit the FCS website or contact Sandtown Middle School.
Regarding the phased plan for the return of students with disabilities, parents are encouraged to contact student’s teacher to discuss student transition into the various phases. The schedule for special program classes is slightly different than general education classes so please review the below plan. If you have questions related to Special Education and the specific plan, please contact Ms. Kimesha White.
PHASE III
PHASE IV
FULL TIME
Face to Face
9/23, 9/28: Asynchronous Learning on Wednesday!
*All scholars will participate in an Asynchronous Learning Day regardless of their learning model. This is a great opportunity for scholars to engage and complete independent assignments. We kindly ask all parents to ensure the day is filled with independent practice, completion of homework assignments and an opportunity to dedicate 30-45 minutes of silent reading!
9/23: SMS Parent Enrichment Learning Models Presentation
The Fulton County Board of Education supports our mission statement that each child should be given the opportunity to reach his/her full potential. To that end, our continuous achievement framework for advancement allows each child to progress in language arts and math at his/her optimum pace and depth, expanding and compacting the curriculum as appropriate. The framework is implemented in all elementary and middle schools and includes a process for advancement in the current grade level and an acceleration process which allows a student to advance above grade level.
Sandtown Middle School will host an informational session on our learning enrichment models. We encourage all parents who are interested in learning more about the various models of continuous achievement to attend.
- Are you interested in learning more about the Talented and Gifted Program?
- Are you interested in learning more about acceleration by grade level?
- Are you interested in requesting placement testing for your scholar?
- Would you like more information on how the school uses student data to determine the best course placement?
9/24: Virtual Club Showcase
Click Here to Join: Virtual Club Showcase-General Session
September 24, 2020
Hello Parents!
Today is our Virtual Club/Program/Sports Showcase. We look forward to seeing our parents virtually at 3:30 p.m. The showcase offers a great opportunity to learn more about ways your scholar can engage this school year. While the year presents a uniqueness in our learning structures, active engagement is extremely important for our scholars. I highly encourage all scholars to engage during their middle school years and beyond. Clubs will offer virtual meetings and face-to-face options, if desired; sports will require a physical; all activities will adhere to social distancing expectations. So, regardless of your preference (direct interaction or virtual), all scholars will have an opportunity to engage.
All of our clubs, programs, and extracurriculars require registration and adherence to the expected guidelines to ensure the safety of all scholars. We look forward to engaging with your scholar and developing the "whole-child".
Get Engaged and Stay Engaged!
9/28: Welcome Back-Phase III and IV Scholars (Back-to-School Information)
Back to School Information: Let's get ready for the new school year!
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
- 8th Grade: Royal Blue
- 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.
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
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
Important School Documents
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.
Sandtown Middle School: Instructional Lesson Plans
Lesson planning is a significant element of teaching-learning system. A lesson plan is a step-by-step guide that provides a structure for an essential learning. Before planning a lesson, it is essential to classify the learning outcomes for the class. It is important because it helps the teacher in maintaining a standard teaching pattern and does not let the class deviate from the topic. Pre-planning helps the teacher to be better equipped in answering questions asked by the students during the lecture. An effective lesson plan has three basic components; aims and objectives of the course, teaching and learning activities and, assessments to check student understanding of the topic.
Click below to review content lesson plans:
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
SMS Athletics Department: Complete all required forms
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
Did you know we have a SMS teacher/staff snack bar?
We can use your support in continuing this tradition and ensuring our snack bar is always 100% refilled. There are three ways to donate snacks or funding to our Teacher/Staff Snack Bar. In advance, we thank you for your support.
- Deliver your snack donation directly to the school. Snacks must be pre-packaged and sealed. Healthy snacks are encouraged, but our teachers do love chips and sweet treats, as well.
- Submit a donation letter earmarking your funding for snacks for the SMS Snack Bar.
- Submit a donation directly to PTA earmarking your funding for snacks for the SMS Snack Bar.
- Join our PTSA: www.sandtownmiddleptsa.com
Thank you for supporting the Sandtown Middle School family!
Title I: Parents Help Drive Our Success Forward
Greetings Parents, Families, School Staff, and Community Members,
We need to hear from you. Your feedback is valuable and necessary to plan our staff training in family engagement, revise our School-Family Compact and Parent and Family Engagement Plan for the 2020-2021 school year and decide how our family engagement budget is spent.
We've attached our school-family compact and parent and family engagement plan to this email for your review. Please click here to review both documents.
· Help us revise our 2019-2020 School-Family Compact and Parent and Family Engagement Plan for the upcoming school year
· Help decide how to spend our family engagement funds for this school year
· Give your input on how school staff is trained to engage with parents and families and form partnerships
Please click on the link below to take a brief input survey. The form is available in multiple languages. Just click on the language drop-down menu to select. Our deadline for input is September 30, 2020. If you have any questions, feel free to contact: Tanya Swift, Student Services Coordinator/Registrar
Thank you for sharing your input.
Thank you for joining us: Open House Presentations
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
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.)
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
Principal's Update: Census Information
Dear Parents/Guardians:
You may have seen recent advertisements or signs around town promoting the U.S. Census. That’s because the U.S. Census is preparing to close at the end of this month. If you have not already responded for your household, September 30 is the deadline. The online process takes only a few minutes and is very straightforward.
Why is the Census so important? Federal, state and local funding, as well as how geographic districts are drawn for elected offices, are determined by population. As communities grow or become smaller, knowing the size of the population becomes important for planning the future. This affects our school’s funding and the resources we receive for special education, classroom technology, teacher training, after-school programs, school lunch assistance, and more. Funding for other community resources, such as healthcare, law enforcement and social agencies also is impacted by Census data.
Fulton County Schools has a special webpage at www.fultonschools.org/Census2020 that may answer general questions you have about the Census and our school system’s involvement. If you have not yet responded to the Census, there is no better time than now. Be counted!
Sincerely,
Principal Miley
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