Comet Connect
March 29, 2021
Greetings Parents and Students
Dear Grace Snell Families,
Spring Break is almost here. Parents, please be sure that students are signed on and have made every effort to complete missing assignments. Thank you for ensuring that all students are in attendance each day ready for engagement in their lessons.
Please join us for our Title 1 Planning Meeting March 30, 2021 at 6:30 . Use the following link.
Link To Join The Planning Meeting: https://gcpsk12-org.zoom.us/j/91057835336?pwd=Y1ZpbEoyZW1pUlV5RStrQUEwUHM0UT09
Please listen to my weekly message https://youtu.be/QThRYrJ2Cm4
Thank you for your support during our Literacy night and Chick-fil-a spirit night.
Parents, it is important that students are signed in for homeroom by 9:15. Students should also be signed in for Comet Time (extended learning, remediation/extension) at 9:25. Please use this link for digital learning day expectations and the daily student schedule.
Grace Snell MS Parent Guide to Digital Learning 2020-2021
At Grace Snell, we are pursuing a culture of academic rigor and excellence. We all must diligently work together to ensure that we create graduates in the South Gwinnett Cluster.
Keep up the great work and support as we begin the new semester. I ask that students continue to do their best!
We are Respectful, Responsible, and Ready - #R3
Your Proud Principal
Darlene Brown
Grace Snell's submissions to the GCPS Tapestry Art Show!
Check out Grace Snell's submissions to the GCPS Tapestry Art Show!
Students from Ms. Moore's class submitted impressive artwork to the GCPS Tapestry Art Show.
The artwork of Ariel Ramos-Soto- 6th grade and Naimah Stewart- 8th grade were selected to be a part of this special exhibition at The High Museum of Art
Click the link below to see their art on the museums’ website.
https://high.org/students/gwinnett-county-2021/
Click here to see the submissions https://gcpsfineartstapestry.weebly.com/grace-snell-ms.html
- Irwin Martin- 6th grade
- Joslyn Martin – 7th grade
- Amanda Crespo – 8th grade
- Naimah Stewart – 8th grade
- Logan Gilbert- 7th grade
- Mary Streets-8th grade
- Ariel Ramos-Soto – 6th grade
- Sofya Zahraoui -7th grade
- Valerya Caceres Zamora-7th grade
- Makaida Wright – 7th grade
- David Lagunas -6th grade
- Jefferson Jimenez – 7th grade
- Alondra Cruz- 8th grade
Grace Snell Middle School In-Person Tapestry Participants 2021
Student art will be on display now through March 29th at the IFC with a reception Tuesday March 29th (see flyer above for more info)
- Valerya Caceres Zamora-7th grade
- Makaida Wright – 7th grade
- David Lagunas -6th
- Jefferson Jimenez – 7th grade
- Alondra Cruz- 8th grade
- Shadrach Lawani – 7th grade
- Willow Barnett -6th grade
- Nikita Andreyev-6th grade
- Alaina Mossman-6th grade
- Ashley Jimenez -7th grade
- Royland Sherwood -6th grade
- Za’Ryah Golden – 6th grade
Great job to all of the students!
Next week is Spring Break! (Monday, April 5th - Friday, April 9th) We hope everyone enjoys the break!
Comet Student Shout-Outs - Respectful, Responsible and Ready
Erica Rogers - Erica has worked consistently this year to earn good grades. She is a hard worker, an excellent student, and always helps other students including our new students. She is such a great role model for other students. Good job Erica and keep up the good work!
Zoe Adu - Zoe has worked hard to ensure all of her assignments are turned in. Zoe, great job working hard to get in all of your assignments. We are proud of you and keep up the good work!
Willow Barnett
Michaela Harrison
David Hobson
Preston Williams
These students helped Ms. Bell create a video for rising 6th graders to help them understand life as a 6th grader.
Itzel Sosa and Jessica Limon-Tepoz for teaching their classmates the proper Spanish pronunciation in a song during Chorus. They were ready, excited, and very thorough.
Landon Flores - Shout out to Landon for showing he is Ready. Landon came to school motivated to learn and engaged in the learning for every class. Keep up the good work Landon!
THE MEDIA CENTER
Rising 6th Graders Announcements
8th Grade Message from Ms. Hickmon
South Gwinnett Athletic Association has partnered with the SGHS to do a free cheer and football camp on April 3, 2021 from 10AM - 2PM at South Gwinnett Park. All students are welcome K - 8th grades! Hope to see you there!!
South Gwinnett Park
2115 McGee Road, Snellville, GA 30078
SGAA Cheer & Football Promo:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CHisS6yjfq-UP2QP_ezr-HVq_8dhcEkS/view?usp=drivesdk
WORKING TOGETHER, WINNING TOGETHER, LET'S GO SOUTH GWINNETT!
1st Semester Academic Awards
RBES Special Education Parent Survey
Thank a Staff Member
We have received great feedback from parents to share with our staff members. Please continue to submit your positive feedback for teachers or staff members! This link will be continually monitored, so feel free to drop a notes in whenever you see or hear about your child's teacher or another staff member doing something great. We'll be sure to let them know and help brighten their day. Remember, if there is a staff member who has gone above and beyond to help your student(s) and you during concurrent learning, click on the link below and tell us about him/her. We will make sure they hear about the great job they are doing.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1cXkOtJemRTolH1glrNQOtoh1QpzbfmjVSzPYhUcmpOs/edit?usp=sharing
Information for Returning to School - Fall 2021
The county has sent out a message regarding important information for the 2021-2022 school year.
We have this information posted on the Grace Snell website. Please click https://www.gcpsk12.org/GraceSnellMS to access the information.
***Gwinnett County Public Schools will return to in-person learning for the 2021-2022 school year.
***While all students will be scheduled for in-person instruction for the fall as the default, the district will offer families the opportunity to opt out of in-person learning, allowing their children to participate in a modified digital learning option. Please make sure to read all information regarding the modified digital learning option on our website as there are many aspects to consider when making the decision for your student(s).
***Please note that only those families that wish to opt out of in-person learning for their students will need to complete the online form available in the Parent Portal or using the ParentVUE app for those that have Parent Portal accounts. The deadline to submit the opt-out form is Sunday, April 4, at 11:59 p.m.
Grace Snell Parents: If you need a Parent Portal account, please email Kimberly Arenas at kimberly.arenas@gcpsk12.org.
Again, please make sure to visit the Grace Snell website to read ALL information regarding the GCPS plan for the 2021-2022 school year!
If I Make Up My Missing Assignments, What Could My New Grade Be?
Please watch this StudentVUE Grade Slider Video for more details and information. This video is also on the Grace Snell Middle School main eCLASS Landing Page.
How to Check Student Progress - Have they logged into eCLASS? How long did they remain in the class/assignment?
Check out the video for more information on how to check the progress of your student. Great Information included.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VNsak5JbJ4EHSKysTHmfiSQlFDNGnnim/view?usp=sharing
UPDATED: GCPS Lunch Service Information
GCPS will provide meals free of charge to students and children 18 and younger through the end of the school year.
Students Attending School In-Person
Those attending school in-person will receive meals free-of-charge during their scheduled meal times.
Curbside Pick-up for Digital Learners
Digital learners may pick up meals through the curbside pick-up at each school. Grace Snell's curbside pick-up time is Monday - Friday from 11:00 AM through 1:00 PM. Each day's pick-up includes both breakfast and lunch. Individuals will NOT be allowed to enter the school to pick up or eat meals. Grace Snell's curbside-pickup will be the same as it was for material pick-up. The traffic flow for daily curbside lunch pickup will be at the rear of the school in the car rider lane.
**Gwinnett County Public Schools encourages families who are eligible for the Free Or Reduced Meal Program to complete the annual application to ensure meal benefits continue when the grant waiver expires. Please click HERE.
Students will not be charged for their meals, however please complete the Free or Reduced meals annual application at the link HERE.
Life Touch Pictures
With picture day now complete, your child's image proofs have been delivered to the school. All in-person students who had their picture made should have brought home their picture proofs for review. All Digital Learning students who participated in Picture Day can pick up their picture proofs at the Grace Snell Middle School reception desk, Monday-Friday, 9:30am-3:30pm. Use the “Portrait ID” on the proof form as well as the unique “Access Code” to securely view and order your student’s images online at https://my.lifetouch.com/mylifetouch/#/ or October picture purchase.pdf
If you have any questions after receiving your proofs or want to order pictures over the phone, you can call the Lifetouch customer service number at 1-800-736-4753. The customer service center is open Monday-Friday from 8am-8pm EST.
Title I - Parent News You Can Use
Tutoring.com
Please ensure families are aware of this free, online resource provided by the Gwinnett County Public Library (GCPL) to support their children’s academic success.
Click here to access the electronic flyers.
FoodFinder
Please ensure families are aware of this free resource developed by a GCPS graduate. Visit the FoodFinder website or download the app to find places nearby where you can get free food and meal assistance.
Download the flyer in English and Spanish from the GCPS Language Bank - Food Pantry Resources, under Counseling and Mental Health --> Food Pantry Resources.
Annual Title I Planning Meeting on March 30, 2021, at 6:30PM 2020-2021 The Plan . . . The Promise
Link To Join The Planning Meeting: https://gcpsk12-org.zoom.us/j/91057835336?pwd=Y1ZpbEoyZW1pUlV5RStrQUEwUHM0UT09
8 Tips To Reduce Parenting Stress During A Pandemic
Water Bottles
PARENTS: Please make sure your student brings a water bottle to school everyday! While the water fountains have been turned off due to Covid restrictions, we do have a water bottle refill machine in the cafeteria for all to use. Only clear liquids are allowed.
AAP-Academic Assistance Program
Dear Parents/Guardians:
We have entered the second week of AAP. Some of you have had issues with the schedules being that your student has now become an in person learner. If you need your child's schedule changed because he or she has recently become an in person learner, please contact Dr. Tirrase Bishop at 770-554-7750.
All Students will attend Saturday for digital sessions.
Thank you!
Attendance - Important Message for Digital Learning Attendance
The new attendance procedure began in October. Teachers will now take attendance for digital learners who are online during live instruction. Digital learners who are not present during live instruction will be marked with the code “NPD“ which stands for “Not Present Digitally.” Students who are present during live instruction will continue to be marked present digitally with the “DL“ in their teacher’s gradebook.
The new process is more aligned to our normal attendance procedures and the expectations of in-person students. More importantly, it will help families to better support their students as they can clearly see that their student was online during class and interacting with their teacher and classmates, not just logging on to the computer at some point during the day. This information will help families as they partner with the school to maximize their child(ren)’s school experience.
If you have any questions about this new process for capturing attendance, please contact your child(ren)'s grade level office.
Guidelines for In-Person and Digital Learners
PARENTS: Please make sure to frequently check the GCPS website for all updates regarding digital and in-person learning. You can also visit the Grace Snell website for information and updates at https://www.gcpsk12.org/GraceSnellMS.
We want to ensure your safety during your time at school. We are committed to keep learning as our number one priority. Please be reminded that students will take their backpacks with them throughout the day (no lockers will be available).
All students returning for in-person learning are strongly advised to bring a device with them to school each day as teachers will continue to utilize a digital learning platform to serve all of their students, and in-person students using their own devices will minimize sharing and reduce any potential spread of germs.
Attached are a few key points to expect during our face to face return to learning.
Mypaymentsplus
Those without an account will need to create one by going to MyPaymentsPlus.com; click on “Register” for a FREE account.
https://www.mypaymentsplus.com/welcome
Attendance Protocol Form - page 35 GCPS Student/Parent Handbook
GCPS 2020-2021 Student/Parent Handbook – Middle School
Grace Snell Middle School 2020-2021 Student/Parent Handbook
Parent AKS Brochure – 6th -8th Grade
Extracurricular Activities - page 35 GCPS Student/Parent Handbook
Car Riders and Walkers
Please click below for an important update to our car rider procedures for the 2020-2021 school year.
Morning Car Rider Hours: 8:55-9:20
Afternoon Dismissal will begin at 4:00
Please fill out the forms and return them to the homeroom teacher. If you are unable to print the form, please complete this information on a separate sheet of paper and we will attach it to the form.
GSMS Permission Form for Car Rider/ Walker
IMPORTANT!!
Does your student need a device/hotspot?
For families in need, we have a limited number of Chromebooks and internet hotspots for checkout available to assist students during digital learning.
Please contact Dorothy McCall at dorothy.mccall@gcpsk12.org or 770.554.7750 to request a device.
Have you signed up for Parent Portal?
Parent Portal is always important but especially as we begin this school year in a digital format. If you have not already signed up for Parent Portal, please contact Kimberly Arenas at kimberly.arenas@gcpsk12.org to complete the sign-up process. The Parent Portal allows parents to monitor student progress throughout the year. No more waiting for report cards to get an update on grades; you may simply check the Parent Portal at your convenience. Other features allow you to view attendance, lunch account balances, checked out and overdue books, and emergency contact information.
Parent Portal & Student Portal Updates
Parents who already have an active parent portal account:
The new Parent Portal is now available for parents that have an active parent portal account. A link to resources including the new parent portal flyers, as well as the registration form are available on the GCPS website.
Click here for the flyers and the registration form
Student Portal Update:
A new link for StudentVUE is available on the student portal. This will replace the GRADES tab that students previously used to view their schedule.
Click here for StudentVUE Fall 2020 information
**Students can now get their grades, schedules, and more from an easy to use app for StudentVUE!**
Student App for eCLASS Course Pages eCLASS on the Go!
This is another useful App for students!! Please click below to find out more about the Student App!!
Parent Portal App is now live for GCPS families!
Available for both Android and iOS, all you'll need to do is download the ParentVue app and log in with your parent portal credentials. If you do not have a parent portal account, please email kimberly.arena@gcpsk12.org to get one set up!
Resources
For more information about the the the transition to in-person instruction, please refer to the GCPS Return to Learning Hub
https://publish.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/gcps/myhome/public/schools/learninghub
Digital Learning Hub- Click here for videos, quick guides, and resources to help students and families this fall during digital learning and as we transition to in-person instruction.
Supply Lists
School Supply Lists (click here)
It is our goal to minimize the sharing or passing back and forth of any materials, technology, and/or papers while in the classroom. That is why we are asking that students attending in-person learning bring a device with them to school each day. Internet access will be provided for all district and personal devices while students are in school.
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Please use this link to read GCPS' latest community e-newsletter.
Grace Snell Middle School
Website: gracesnellms.org
Location: 3800 Brushy Fork Road Southwest, Loganville, GA, USA
Phone: 770-554-7750
Twitter: @gracesnellms