Titan Talk Newsletter
October 19, 2018
8TH GRADE ITBS TESTING STARTS ON MONDAY, OCT. 22
Upcoming Dates...
- 10/22 to 11/2 IOWA Testing Window (includes make-up time) ‐ 8th Grade Only
- 10/22 to 10/26 BUS DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK
- 10/22 - PTSA Students Chat with Principal @ 8 am to 8:30 am (Media Center)
- 10/23 - Gymnastics Try-outs (rescheduled) @ 4:00 pm - 5: 30 pm (Gym)
10/24 - Band Side-by-Side Concert with RHS Wind Ensemble, 6:30 pm in EPMS gym
10/24 - Roswell Jr. Hornets Girls Select Lacrosse Parent Meeting @ 6 pm (Roswell Area Park-Community Activity Building)
10/25 - FCA @ 7:45 am (Media Center)
- 10/26 to 10/27 Chorus: GMEA District V Honor Chorus (Location: TBD) ‐ TENTATIVE
- 10/26 - PINK OUT - Wear PINK for Breast Cancer Awareness!
- 10/26 - Volunteer @ Freaky Friday (Hembree Springs ES)...SignUpGenius Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c054fadad2faafd0-freaky2
- 10/27 - RHS Band Food Truck ExtravaBANDza from 6:00 to 8:30 pm @ RHS
IMPORTANT DATES!!
IOWA TESTING WINDOW FOR 8TH GRADE
Oct. 22nd to Nov. 2nd
BUS DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK
Oct. 22nd to Oct. 26th
RED RIBBON WEEK
Oct. 29th to Nov. 2nd
HAT DAY - BRING CANNED GOOD OR $1.00
October 31st
NATIONAL FRENCH WEEK
Nov. 1st to Nov. 7th
BOOK FAIR @ ELKINS POINTE
Nov. 5th to Nov. 9th
NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS ON ELECTION DAY
November 6th
JR BETA & INTERACT CANNED FOOD DRIVE
Now to Nov. 16th
Bring your canned goods to Rotunda
Message From the Principal
Dear Parents,
I am grateful to our parents for helping to support the mission of making our students Smart, Happy, and Connected.
Iowa Testing for 8th-grade students starts on Monday, October 22nd and the testing period goes through November 2nd. Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) are extremely important. They are one of the metrics used to place students in their high school courses. Your children are well prepared for the tests. Please help your child to make testing a successful experience by:
- Making sure your child's laptop is fully charged every night and that your child brings his or her laptop to school
- Feeding your child a good breakfast, prepared either at home or at school
- Getting your child to school each day, on time!
Parents, we need you to help us when you check out your child early for an appointment. As the year has progressed, we are seeing an uptick in parents checking out students early and not following the front office procedures. Students being checked out from the front office require:
- Signed note presented to the front office in the morning by the student
- Student to come to the front office at the time stated in the note, on their own accord (without being called from the classroom), and preferably between class periods
- Checkout prior to 3:30 pm - No checkouts permitted after 3:30 pm
I would like to thank our PTSA for always championing for our students. PTSA sponsored a 6th-grade field experience to Serenbe to see the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. A round of applause goes to PTSA Dance Chairs, Mrs. Kim Friedman and Mrs. Meghan Fox. The 7th Grade Fall Carnival was a huge success with over 150 carnival goers in attendance. I do believe this was a record turnout for the 7th grade. On Monday, October 22nd, PTSA is hosting a Student Principal Chat and Roundtable Discussion at 8 am in the Media Center. PTSA will also be kicking off Bus Driver Appreciation Week with a Continental Breakfast.
Thank you for your continued support!
Kindra L. Smith, Ed.S
Principal
Elkins Pointe Middle School
Home of the Titans!
CELEBRATE SMART, HAPPY & CONNECTED
Be THE Voice Kickoff!
Chorus Rocks!
EPMS choruses presented a concert entitled "Chorus Rocks", comprised of choral arrangements of pieces from the rock and pop genres. The program included: Rock Around the Clock, Don't Stop Believing, All You Need is Love, You've Got a Friend, Good Vibrations, Turn, Turn, Turn, Counting Stars, Fireflies, Bohemian Rhapsody
7th Grade Carnival
Career Working It
6th Grade Field Trip
KSU @ EPMS
Rainbow's End
So Proud of our Titans for going BIG!
THINGS TO KNOW
IOWA Testing - 10/22 to 10/26
The Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS or Iowa tests) will be given to 8th-grade students the week of October 22-26. The make-up window extends until November 2nd. Most students will test from 9:00 am until 11:30 am. Results from the ITBS are expected in November, in time for Student-Led Conference on November 15th.
The Iowa Assessment is a norm-referenced test (NRT) given to students in 8th grade. Scores from the NRT are used to compare the performance of Fulton’s students with the performance of students in a national sample who are:
- in the same grade, and
- who took the test at the same point in the school year.
Teachers and schools use the results for evaluation, decision-making, and instructional improvement. Scores on nationally-normed tests are one criterion used to determine placement for the Talented and Gifted program.
What can I do to help my child prepare for the Iowa Assessments?
- Make sure your child attends school regularly and on time. Remember that tests reflect the overall achievement of your child. Time spent in learning situations increases the likelihood that he/she will do well on tests. Avoid scheduling doctor’s or dentist’s appointments during testing times.
- Give your child encouragement. Praise him/her for the things done well throughout the year. A child who is afraid of failing is more likely to make a mistake.
- Ensure that your child has a well-rounded diet. A healthy body leads to a healthy, active mind. Make sure the child has a good breakfast on testing days and every day.
- Keep the lines of communication open between home and school. Parents and teachers should work together to benefit the child.
- Make sure your child is well rested on school days. Children who are tired are less likely to pay attention in class or to handle the demands of class work and tests.
- Try not to be overly anxious about test scores. Too much emphasis on test scores can be upsetting to children.
- Don’t judge a child on the basis of a single test score. Test scores are NOT perfect measures of what a child can do. There are many other things that might influence a test score. For example, a child can be affected by the way he/she feels that day.
- Follow normal routines. Interruptions of normal routines may affect your child’s performance.
IMPORTANT:
- 8th-grade students should come prepared with their laptops fully charged. During the testing period, we encourage students to bring their charger in the event that they get a low battery. Please make sure to label your child's charger. Replacement chargers cost $40.
- Please make sure that your student eats a good breakfast, gets plenty of sleep, and comes for testing.
- Students who do not arrive on time for their testing block will be required to make up the testing.
- If your child wears an adaptive device, such as glasses or hearing aids, be sure he/she remembers to bring it and wear it during all testing sessions.
NOTE: Parents will not be permitted down the halls during testing blocks. 8th- grade checkouts and call-ins will not be possible once testing has commenced.
Student PTSA Meeting - 10/22
Student PTSA Meeting October 22, 8-8:35, Media Center, (DONUTS WILL BE SERVED :))
During this meeting, Principal Smith will be asking for student PTSA members feedback on different areas of school life. Has your student joined the PTSA yet? It's a great opportunity to teach them about community involvement and leadership. New members can join here or just bring $10 to the meeting. Remaining Student Meetings are scheduled as follows:
- Feb 11
- March 11
- May 7 (Principal Chat)"
Bus Driver Appreciation Week @ the Pointe
Titan Tech Team - 10/23
The Titan Tech Team will be meeting on Tuesday, October 23, 2018, after school until 5:30 pm. If you would like to compete against other middle school students in this year's competition, please plan to be at the meeting with Ms. Lindesay in Room A152. We will be figuring out who can work with a partner or individually, as well as looking at the various categories that we could enter. Space is limited. Top projects will be moving on to the competition. Please do not commit, if you cannot attend the competition on a Saturday. It is usually the last Saturday in January, but the date has not been officially announced. The location of the competition will be provided at a later time, as well.
Holocaust Exhibit - Now thru 10/26
A special thanks to Jr. Beta Club, our 6th grade Social Studies teachers, Mrs. Gallagher, Ms. White, and Mrs. Roberts, and our Media Specialists, Mrs. Newman, and Ms. Rickson.
Gymnastics Try-Outs Rescheduled - 10/23
Titan Team Gymnastics Try-outs are rescheduled for Tuesday, October 23 from 4-5: 30 pm in the Gym. 7th-grade and 8th-grade students only. Permission forms are in the front office. Permission slips must be completed and signed.
- Wear Gym clothes and will not be able to try out without appropriate attire
- 7th and 8th grade only
- Must be passing all academic classes
Questions? Email: Coach Carol Garcia-Dunn @ dunnc@fultonschools.org
Fun Way to Earn Volunteer Hours @ Freaky Friday - 10/26
Middle school students are invited to volunteer at Hembree Springs Freaky Friday on Friday, October 26th. Earn volunteer hours for Junior Beta Club or Interact and "rock out" the concession stands and help make this event fun for all by volunteering your time!
SignUpGenius Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c054fadad2faafd0-freaky2
- Dinner! Cheese pizza/hot dog provided to volunteers for dinner and a snack of cotton candy/popcorn.
- Attire: Volunteers should wear your middle school, high school or club t-shirt!
- Walk over after school or have your parent drop you off!
- Check in to volunteer at the VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN TABLE & we will sign your Beta/Interact form and assign you to work in the cafeteria or where needed.
If you have any questions, contact Lucy Gilbert @ 404-375-5977 or lucymaynegilbert@gmail.com
FRENCH MIDDLE SCHOOL CONTEST - 10/26
ATTENTION FRENCH MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS! You are invited to participate in a FRENCH & FRANCOPHONE CULTURE MIDDLE SCHOOL VISUAL ART CONTEST!
- Question: In an era where cafe au lait is at Starbucks and French fashion is at Target, what role does French culture have in our global society?
- Link to Permission Form: https://tinyurl.com/FRENCH-VISUAL-ART-CONTEST-2018
- See Monsieur Mendy for a permission form or more information.
French Contest Entry Deadline: October 26, 2018
RHS ExtravaBANDza - 10/27
The Roswell High School Band Food Truck ExtravaBANDza is on Saturday, October 27th from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. This is a great opportunity for our community to promote our band and highlight the student talent within the RHS Band program. This family-friendly event will be held in the RHS Football Stadium. During the evening, the community will enjoy delicious food from Atlanta area food trucks. Come dressed for Halloween fun! RHS Band Students will provide Trunk-or-Treating for the younger kids. We will also have a balloon twister, face painting, selfie area, glitter tattoos and instrument playing center.
At 7:45 pm, the RHS Hornet Swarm will take the field to perform this year’s program, “The Dividing Line”, twice! Once with commentary from Mr. Moon and the second time without Mr. Moon’s commentary. There will be a 50/50 Raffle Drawing following the band’s performance - last year’s winner took home $2,500!
Admission is $5 per person to support the RHS Band (6 & under free.) Please note: All students 8th grade and under MUST be accompanied by an adult/parent. See your favorite band member to pre-purchase admission and raffle tickets!!
Jr Beta Meeting - 10/31
Jr. Beta will be meeting Oct 31st in the rotunda at 8:00 am to collect canned goods in support of Hat Day!
CRAZY HAT DAY/ HAT DAY -10/31
Wednesday, OCTOBER 31ST is CRAZY HAT DAY/ HAT DAY! Jr. Beta/ Interact will collect canned goods in the rotunda on Halloween from 8:00-8: 30 am for Hat Day. Students must bring a canned good to wear your favorite hat or you can pay $1.00. (Money will be donated)
Canned Food Drive - Now until 11/19
Breakfast Book Club - 11/2
THINGS ON OUR WISH LIST
Teacher Restroom Furniture and Art Donations Needed!!!
Donations needed for Teacher Restrooms. New, Gentle Used and Thrift Items all welcomed. Unused pieces will be donated to charity. Click link to sign up and donate!
THINGS ABOUT FEEDER SPORTS
Roswell Jr. Hornets Boys Select Lacrosse Parent Meeting - 10/14
Roswell Jr. Hornets Boys Select Lacrosse 2018-2019 Spring Boys Middle School Select Lacrosse Try-out Information: The Roswell Jr. Hornets Boys Select Lacrosse program will be holding tryouts for Spring Jr. Select (6th and 7th grade) and Spring Sr. Select (8th grade) on November 4th and 7th. The tryouts will be held on the Roswell Area Park Fields MS #1 and #2. We will also hold a parent meeting on Sunday, October 14th from 6pm-7pm at the Community Activity Building in Roswell Area Park. We highly encourage all parents of boys who are interested in trying out to attend the meeting. There will be representatives from the Roswell Youth Lacrosse Association, the City of Roswell and the head coaches who will provide information on the tryouts and the season.
Parent Meeting - Sunday, October 14 from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Roswell Area Park-Community Activity Building
10495 Woodstock Rd
Roswell GA 30075
Registration - All players must be registered with Roswell Recreation and Parks prior to tryouts. Activity Code Program # 33018-01 Spring Middle School Travel/Select Lacrosse
Registration Discount Deadline- Register prior to October 20 to avoid late fee charge
Tryouts – Location: Roswell Area Park MS #1 and MS #2 and/or Roswell North Elementary– Participants do need to attend both tryout dates.
Sunday, November 4 (Location: RAP MS #1 and 2)
Boys Jr. Select (6th & 7th Graders) 2:00pm- 4:00pm
Boys Sr. Select (8th Graders) 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Wednesday, November 7 (Location: Roswell North Elementary)
All Boys Jr. and Sr. Select 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Important – Parents will not be permitted on the field for tryouts. Please drop your son off and then pick him up at the conclusion of the tryout.
All players must have/wear appropriate lacrosse equipment (helmet, gloves, stick, shoulder pads, elbow pads, cup, mouth guard, etc.) to try-out.
Direct any questions to Mike Crary at mecrary2@yahoo.com
Roswell Jr. Hornets Girls Select Lacrosse Parent Meeting - 10/24
Roswell Jr. Hornets Girls Select Lacrosse 2018-2019 Spring Girls Middle School Select Lacrosse Try-out Information: The Roswell Jr. Hornets Girls Select Lacrosse program will be holding tryouts for Spring Jr. Select (6th and 7th grade) and Spring Sr. Select (7th and 8th grade) on Saturday, November 10th and Tuesday, November 13th. The tryouts will be held on the Roswell Area Park Field MS #2 and Roswell North Elementary Lacrosse Field. We will also hold a parent meeting on Wednesday, October 24th from 7pm-8pm at the Community Activity Building in Roswell Area Park. We highly encourage all parents of girls who are interested in trying out to attend the meeting. There will be representatives from the Roswell Youth Lacrosse Association, the City of Roswell and the head coaches who will provide information on the tryouts and the season.
Parent Meeting - Wednesday, October 24th from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Roswell Area Park-Community Activity Building
10495 Woodstock Rd
Roswell GA 30075
Registration - All players must be registered with Roswell Recreation and Parks prior to tryouts. http://www.roswellgov.com/
Spring Middle School Travel/Select Lacrosse
Activity Code Program # 33018-02 for 13U girls and #33018-3 for 15U girls.
Registration Discount Deadline- Register prior to October 20 to avoid late fee charge
Tryouts – Location: Roswell Area Park MS #2 and Roswell North Elementary– Participants do need to attend both tryout dates.
- Saturday, November 10th (Location: RAP MS #2) All Girls Jr. and Sr. Select. 9:30 am – 11:00 am – please show up 30 minutes early to register and get warmed-up
- Tuesday, November 13th (Location: Roswell North Elementary Lacrosse Field) All Girls Jr. and Sr. Select 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Important – Parents will not be permitted to stay for tryouts. Please drop your daughter off and then pick her up at the conclusion of the tryout.
All players must have/wear appropriate lacrosse equipment (eye protection, mouth guard and stick) to try out.
Direct any questions to Jody Ewing at jody.ewing@gmail.com
Jr. Hornet Wrestling
THINGS FOR TECHIES
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest for the Techie Titan - now thru 10/30
The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow education contest is accepting applications from 6th-12th-grade public school educators, now through October 30th. The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest invites teachers to lead students in the creation of a solution that addresses a need in their community using STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).
As an example, one of the winning teams last year from Ashland, Kentucky came up with a solution to help keep local parks safe by creating a device for first responders to safely collect hazardous materials.
For more details, including past winning ideas and contest rules, visit www.samsung.com/solve and should you have any questions about the contest, please email solvefortomorrow@sea.samsung.com. Good Luck!
#GetConnected to TITLE I TIDBITS
2018-2019 Parent University Events
JULY
- Fireside Chat and Middle School 101 – Orientation & Transition into MS
AUGUST
- 8th Get Ready for the 8th Grade Year (English)
SEPTEMBER
- 8th Get Ready for the 8th Grade Year (Spanish)
- "Don't Stop Achieving" Student Success Family Night - 9/17/2018
- Get Connected Night with STEM Activity
- Rosetta Stone
OCTOBER
- Parent Resource Center Open House...Come have a cup of coffee and chat with your Parent Liaison
- Reading, Writing, and ELA
- Digital Citizenship: Copyright & Piracy Office365, Launchpad Resources
- Parent Resource Center Open House...Come have a cup of coffee and chat with your Parent Liaison
- Student-Led Data Talks - How to interpret State testing (GA Milestones, FastBridge), grades, student growth, SAC/HAC
- 8th Grade Transition to High School
- Parent Resource Center Open House...Come have a cup of coffee and chat with your Parent Liaison
- Math Matters
- Reading Challenge (i-Ready) over the Winter Break
JANUARY
- Parent Resource Center Open House...Come have a cup of coffee and chat with your Parent Liaison
- Get Future Titans Ready for Transition into Middle School - Visits to feeder schools
- Everybody Reads - Reading Comprehension and Lexile Levels
- Parent Resource Center Open House...Come have a cup of coffee and chat with your Parent Liaison
- Math Metrics for the Milestones
MARCH
- Parent Resource Center Open House...Come have a cup of coffee and chat with your Parent Liaison
- 5th grade to 6th-grade Transition Meeting
- Spring Input Meeting for All Stakeholders
APRIL
- No Stress Success on Georgia Milestones
MAY
- Summer Reading Logs & Math Resources
Note: Parent University Workshops may be subject to change. Workshops also may be added when requested by parents, teachers, the community, and students.
Student-Led Data talks for the Fall - DATE HAS CHANGED TO NOVEMBER 15, 2018
- GA Milestones
- Whole Child
- Growth Mindset
- Reading Comprehension
** ALL GRADES - IN THE CAFETERIA
*** Students are prepared in WINN Class to give their parents an update on their progress and growth.
8th Grade Transition Meeting - November 29, 2018 (English)
EPMS Rising 9th Grade Info Night (English)
Date: Thursday, 11/29/2018
Where: EPMS Media Center
Time: 6:30 pm
Who: English PARENTS - EPMS 8th grade parents who have students rising to high school in 2019-2020
Language: This meeting will be conducted in English by Lisa O'H Cowles
Spanish Presentation on Tuesday, November 27th by Koritza Rodriguez
Title I & Title 3 - Transition Meeting
This evening is to give 8th-grade parents information on the verification process which will be coming in January 2019. The meeting will be hosted by Koritza Rodriguez in Spanish with Lisa O'Hanlon Cowles
This evening is to give 8th-grade parents information on the verification process which will be coming in January 2019. The meeting will be hosted by Lisa O'Hanlon Cowles & Koritza Rodriguez.
#GetConnected to Upcoming Dates
Upcoming in October...
- 10/29 to 11/2 Red Ribbon Week
- 10/29 - Red Ribbon Week Kick-Off!! Theme: Neon Out “We are too bright for drugs!” Students and Staff wear neon clothing
- 10/30 - Fall Picture Day Retakes ﴾All day﴿
- 10/30 - RRW Theme: Camo Out “Don’t let Drugs find you” Students and Staff wear Camo
- 10/30 - Mr. Huff for Parent Coffee from 8 am to 8:45 am (Media Center)/ Presentation to 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade
- 10/30 - 8th Grade Concert with MHS Band @ 6:30 pm (Location: MHS)
- 10/30 - RRW Theme: Students and staff all wear Crazy Hats
- 10/31 - Reflections Breakfast Celebration @ 7:30 am (Media Center)
RED RIBBON WEEK: Oct. 29th to Nov. 2nd
NATIONAL FRENCH WEEK: Nov. 1st to Nov. 7th
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR: Nov. 5th to Nov. 9th
RFF DAY - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS: Nov. 16th
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY BREAK: Nov.19th to Nov. 23th
11/1 - Start of National French Week (11/1 to 11/7)
11/1 - Lost & Found Donated
11/1 - FCA @ 7:45 am (Media Center)
11/1 - Student Council @ 8 am (E-106)
11/1 - PTSA Coard Mtg @ 8:30 am
11/1 - Hampton Film Academy @ 4:05 - 5:30 pm (Media Center)
11/1 - Internet Safety Parent University Workshop @ 6 pm (Media Center)
11/2 - Wear College Swag
11/2 - For the Love of Reading during WINN
11/2 - VOLLEYBALL GAME vs. NWMS @ 5:30 pm (Home)
11/4 - Daylight Savings Time Change - Fall Back
11/5 - Scholastic Book Fair (11/5 to 11/9 in the Media Center)
11/5 - Band Concert @ 6:30 pm (Gym)
11/5 - Jr. Hornets Wrestling for boys & girls held at the Underground (See flyer)
11/6 - NO SCHOOL - ELECTION DAY - TEACHER WORKDAY
11/7 - Drama Club @ 4:15 - 5:15 pm (E-111)
11/8 - FCA @ 7:45 (Media Center)
11/8 - Legacy of Excellence Awards @ 11:30 am - 1 pm
11/8 - Hampton Film Academy @ 4:05 - 5:30 pm (Media Center)
11/9 - Wear College Swag
11/9 - Rotary Club Student Celebration
11/9 - Interact Meeting @ 7:45 (E-114)
11/10 - Latino Leadership Conference @ 8 am - 4 pm (KSU)
11/13 - Katha Stuart Mtg @ 9:30 am ‐ MPES on a TUESDAY
11/13 - Hampton Film Academy @ 4:05 - 5:30 pm (Media Center)
11/14 - Jr. Beta Meeting @ 8 am (Media Center)
11/14 - Drama Club @ 4:15 - 5:15 pm (E-111)
11/15 - FCA @ 7:45 (Media Center)
11/15 - Student Council @ 8 am (E-106)
11/15 - Hampton Film Academy @ 4:05 - 5:30 pm (Media Center)
11/15 - Student-Led Data Conferences @ 6 pm (Cafeteria)
11/16 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS - RFF DAY
11/19 to 11/23 - THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY BREAK
11/27 - Hampton Film Academy @ 4:05 - 5:30 pm (Media Center)
11/27 - EPMS Rising 9th Grade Info Night (Spanish) @ 6:30 pm This meeting is for Spanish speaking parents who have students rising to high school in 2019‐2020
Language: This meeting will be conducted in Spanish by Koritza Rodriquez.
11/28- Drama Club @ 4:15 - 5:15 pm (E-111)
11/29 - PTSA Sponsored Nutcracker Field Experience for the 8th grade
11/29 - Hampton Film Academy @ 4:05 - 5:30 pm (Media Center)
11/29 - EPMS Rising 9th Grade Info Night (ENGLISH) @ 6:30 pm in the Media Center. This evening is to give 8th‐grade parents information on the verification process which will be coming in January 2019. The meeting will be hosted by Lisa O'Hanlon Cowles & Koritza Rodriguez
11/30 - Wear College Swag
11/30 - "For the Love of Reading" during WINN