Explorer News
Principal Graf's School Messages
Week of September 21-25, 2020
Happy Make It Happen Monday to you! Here is your weekly update.
P2 for Families
This week’s Positivity Project Character Strength is Open-Mindedness. Individuals who are strong in “open-mindedness”, are willing to actively search for evidence that goes against their own beliefs, plans, or goals. They think through all sides of a problem to fight their “myside bias”. They are more likely to make accurate decisions and are often called upon to provide a balanced viewpoint. Open-minded individuals are good listeners, which paired with reasonable and practical advice, are marks of good friends and confidantes. This strength helps form meaningful and lasting relationships.
K-2 parents click here for more P2 information, a video, and quotes on Open-mindedness. Password is P2
3-5 parents click here for more P2 information, a video, and quotes on Open-mindedness. Password is P2
Grades K-2 questions to discuss with your child this week are:
1. Do you have to be open-minded to use your imagination?
2. Why is it important to be open-minded and try new things?
3. Why do you think it is difficult sometimes to be open-minded?
Grades 3-5 questions to discuss with your child this week are:
1. What is something you think everyone should try and why?
2. How can open-mindedness help you in life?
3. What makes it challenging to be open-minded sometimes?
Important Dates
-All students in K-5 should have received an Interim Report from their classroom teacher on Friday afternoon. Please check your email.
9/23 -School Improvement Committee Meeting is Wednesday at 3:00 p.m.
If you completed the survey indicating interest in serving on a committee this school year, the representative should have reached out to you via email or personal phone call. We look forward to your virtual attendance on Wednesday.
9/23 & 9/28: Asynchronous Times and Days are coming! EGES will offer two sessions on Wednesday afternoons to meet with you and students, finish up incomplete assignments, provide instructional support to students, problem solve any issues, and/or answer your questions. Teachers will send out times to their students via Google Classroom.
10/2/2020 Transition to TalkingPoints App
Upon our return from track out we will begin solely using the TalkingPoints app for all communication from teacher to parent. TalkingPoints is directly connected to Powerschool and provides parents with easy to receive messages from teachers. Parents have the option to respond back and ask questions as well.
That's it Explorers! This message will be added to the school website and go out on the School Messenger. As we move into another school week, I want to remind you that we are here and want to be a support to our students and you. Although you can't pop into the building, we can pop into a google meet and conference with you. It's the next best thing to a face-2-face conference! We also have the guidance counselors and school social worker who are here to support you as well. They are an email or phone call away! Please call the school and we can connect you at 919-773-7411.
Explorer Proud, Mrs. Graf
Week of September 14-18, 2020
It's a busy week here at EGES and I want to share information about upcoming events and activities with you.
Positivity Project
Last year we adopted the Positivity Project to support our work with Capturing Kids Hearts as it provided specific lessons, resources, and the parent component to compliment our work. So here we go! Positivity Project builds on and strengthens our instructional program and gives parents resources to use to compliment school. Read below to learn about the character trait of the week and view the resources available to you and your child.
This week the Positivity Project Character Strength is Teamwork. Individuals who are strong in “teamwork”, work well as a member of a group or team. They are loyal and sacrifice their own individual desires for the greater good. The ability to work effectively within group structures is tied directly to the group’s ability to succeed.
K-2 parents click here for more P2 information, a video, and quotes on Teamwork. Password is P2
3-5 parents click here for more P2 information, a video, and quotes on Teamwork. Password is P2
Grades K-2 questions to discuss with your child this week are:
1. When is a time that you used teamwork?
2. What are some challenges that can come up when working as a team?
3. Why is teamwork important?
Grades 3-5 questions to discuss with your child this week are:
1. How does building a relationship with others help build a stronger team?
2. Can you name a time when you faced a challenge alone, that you would have benefitted from using teamwork instead?
3. How do families use teamwork?
We hope that you find these resources helpful for you and your child.
Parent Engagement Opportunities
Are you ready? We are! Join us for this at any or all of our parent engagement opportunities. Tuesday and Thursday, Ms. Anderson and I will be leading sessions to get input on the revisions of our school mission, vision, and values. All sessions will be offered at 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.
Our first collaborative parent engagement opportunity With our school year looking so different, we are planning differently to be sure we can continue to share valuable information with parents and families. We have partnered with the Office of Equity Affairs and Family Engagement to offer quarterly sessions focused on important topics to support students and families. Our first session is next week on 09/16/2020. This event will last approximately one hour and will take place virtually. Please complete the RSVP by clicking here: Family Engagement RSVP.
09/16/2020 Virtual Family Engagement Session: 6:30 p.m. Parent Advocacy and Engagement in Your Child’s Education presented by the WCPSS Office of Equity Affairs and Family Engagement.
09/15/2020: Virtual Coffee and Conversation: Principal Review of School Mission, Vision, and Values for Parent Input 12:30 & 6:30 Please join me and select staff in reviewing our school mission, vision, and values and give input as we draft our upcoming school improvement plan. Click here to RSVP and Google Meet information will be sent to you.
09/17/2020 Virtual Coffee and Conversation: Principal Review of School Mission, Vision, and Values for Parent Input 12:30 & 6:30 Please join me and select staff in reviewing our school mission, vision, and values and give input as we draft our upcoming school improvement plan. Click here to RSVP and Google Meet information will be sent to you.
09/23/2020 Virtual SIP Committee Meeting: 12:00 Noon Interested in attending and working on a committee? RSVP here and a link will be sent to you prior to the meeting.
Want to give feedback to the Whole Child Committee, click here to take our survey:
English: https://forms.gle/kbpe6R35CNMbEA2WA
Spanish: https://forms.gle/n9HKLbpNLtvx9cQ27
Lastly, we recognize that this time in our lives is full of challenges and needs. We are here to help. If you need to speak with a counselor or social worker, need a referral to outside services, or need assistance during remote and virtual learning, please contact us.
Toron Brown, Counselor tbrown182wcpss.net
Alice Buckner, Counselor abuckner@wcpss.net
Jennifer Pappalardo, Social Worker jpappalardo@wcpss.net
Explorer Proud,
Mrs. Graf
Week of September 7-11, 2020
School Messenger 09/07/2020
Happy Labor Day! This is Mrs. Graf, your proud school principal with the weekly update. I hope you enjoyed the long weekend that our holiday provided. Things are moving along here at EGES and I wanted to share some important information.
EGES will be transitioning from Class Dojo to Talking Points! Our formal transition will take place during track out; however, we will be working to notify all parents of the change beginning this week.
Talking Points is connected directly to Powerschool. You will continue to receive "text like" messages from your classroom teacher straight to your phone like Dojo but is an approved WCPSS platform for communication that is streamlined and linked directly to your contact information. It will be critical that we have the most updated and correct cell phone information so that you can continue to communicate with your child's classroom teacher. Want to update your information? Email Ms. Rodger at trodger@wcpss.net and she will check your information in the Powerschool system.
This Week:
Monday- Holiday (No School)
Tuesday-Instruction resumes
Looking Ahead for September:
With our school year looking so different, we are planning differently to be sure we can continue to share valuable information with parents and families. We have partnered with the Office of Equity Affairs and Family Engagement to offer quarterly sessions focused on important topics to support students and families. Our first session is next week on 09/16/2020. This event will last approximately one hour and will take place virtually. Please complete the RSVP by clicking here: Family Engagement RSVP.
09/16/2020 Virtual Family Engagement Session: 6:30 p.m. Parent Advocacy and Engagement in Your Child’s Education presented by the WCPSS Office of Equity Affairs and Family Engagement.
09/15/2020: Virtual Coffee and Conversation: Principal Review of School Mission, Vision, and Values for Parent Input 12:30 & 6:30 Please join me and select staff in reviewing our school mission, vision, and values and give input as we draft our upcoming school improvement plan. Click here to RSVP and Google Meet information will be sent to you.
09/17/2020 Virtual Coffee and Conversation: Principal Review of School Mission, Vision, and Values for Parent Input 12:30 & 6:30 Please join me and select staff in reviewing our school mission, vision, and values and give input as we draft our upcoming school improvement plan. Click here to RSVP and Google Meet information will be sent to you.
09/23/2020 Virtual SIP Committee Meeting: 12:00 Noon Interested in attending and working on a committee? RSVP here and a link will be sent to you prior to the meeting.
Want to give feedback to the Whole Child Committee, click here to take our survey:
English: https://forms.gle/kbpe6R35CNMbEA2WA
Spanish: https://forms.gle/n9HKLbpNLtvx9cQ27
If anyone hasn’t told you today, you are doing a great job in supporting your child in school through COVID-19! Each family has a unique set of circumstances and we are here to help you and support you as much as we can. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Your Partner in Learning,
Mrs. Graf
Week of August 31-September 4, 2020
Happy Monday to you! Here is an update for the week for you.
Instruction will follow the master schedule this week. Orientation is complete and all your child should be receiving their full 2.5-3 hours of instruction daily. Please be sure you visit our new website and click on the Virtual and Remote Learning Site. Here you will find grade level schedules, teacher email accounts, etc.
Attendance: Attendance will be taken in homeroom and in each period, ie. math, social studies, Specials. Our goal is that students are attending classes and engaged in the learning activities.
School Improvement: Thank you for taking the survey to share your interest in supporting our school improvement work. We will be looking at your areas of interest and reaching out to you. I am excited about the partnering with you and getting your input, ideas, and strengthening our school to home relationship. More to come!
IStation Assessments are coming! In the next few weeks, we will begin asking students to complete an online reading assessment known as iStation. The assessment will be given to ALL grade levels and will help us determine each child's strengths and weaknesses.
Please do NOT have your child start the assessment or access iStation within their WakeID until their classroom teacher has instructed them to. We will incorporate this in to our "live" instructional time to provide as much support as possible.
Online Safety: All classes will begin their online safety lessons this week with Ms. Mills. Students will participate in three learning modules, each with a special focus on a component of online safety. Additionally, our safety plan has been updated on our school website under the Parents tab.
Equity: Our equity work continues in the new school year. Over summer I posted about the upcoming work that our school will be doing. There was a positive response from many parents who reached out to me via email and on the Dojo post. With such a positive response, I would like to host a session that will focus on the basic of equity to create a shared purpose with you and to talk through guiding questions to narrow our work. Please be on the lookout for a special invite to this session.
Immunizations: This week parents will receive calls from Office Staff regarding missing immunizations. The state requirement has not been waived, but they did extend our deadline. All rising Kindergarten students and any enrolled students must provide proper documentation in order to attend school (this is for virtual/remote school as well).
That's it Explorers! The building is open 8:00-4:00 p.m. daily. Please call 919-773-7411 should you have any questions.
Your Partner in Learning, Mrs. Graf
Week of August 24-28, 2020
We are in Week 2 of Orientation! The majority of student materials were picked up. If you did not come over the past four opportunities, you will be contacted today by the Front Office for a pick up time. It is important that your child receive their supplies so they can fully participate in the activities.
This week you can join me for Coffee and Conversation where I will share out about the Title I program and have a Q&A session about school improvement. If you are interested in attending the meeting, please complete the form: Lunch & Learn/Coffee & Conversation Parent Sign Up Form.
Technology Update from the District:
We thank parents and students for their patience as we work to distribute the more than 44,000 Chromebooks and 13,000 hotspots that have been requested. If you requested a device, you will be notified of your assigned pick-up date as soon as possible, if you have not already. Thank you for understanding that we need to limit the number of people who are notified to ensure distribution sites can maintain social distancing. This is for the protection of families, staff and volunteers. As of today, all high school, middle school and modified calendar students who, prior to this week, had requested only Chromebooks have been notified of their pick-up date.
As of Friday, many of our families were being contacted. We had 205 requests for technology, but some of the requests were done multiple times or were completed for students who already had a device signed out. Please only complete the form for students who do not have any technology to use or an internet connection. If you were given a Chromebook in the Spring, it is the one that students are supposed to use now.
Here is the link to the technology request survey: (this should only be filled out for students who have no technology or internet) https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIN0a229wjvrRGOHW4oppXqqYjCy09hSnygUnk51VibIPflA/viewform
FYI: Technology Support for Parents and Students
We encourage parents to visit wcpss.net/techguides for technology support. The resources on this site show students how to log in to their Wake IDs and student email, how to set up and use Chromebooks and Internet hotspots, how to connect to WiFi, how to use learning systems such as Google Classroom and Canvas, and much more. You can also find contact information for our help desk.
Virtual Recess with Principal Graf: Teachers will share a special recess time when students can login and interact with me! I will have my favorite book ready to go and would love to see your child pop in and say "hi!"
Lunch and Breakfast: Don't forget to swing by and pick up your lunch and breakfast daily in the carpool line from 10:30-12:30.
That's it Explorers! Please contact me with any questions you may have: Cgraf1@wcpss.net. Have a great week!
My Best, Mrs. Graf
Week of August 17-21, 2020
Good evening Explorer Parents,
This is Mrs. Graf with an update for the week. It's our first full week of school but don't worry, we will ease students into routine with our morning meetings, introductions to the day, the schedule, and getting to know you activities. Specialist teachers will be holding live sessions daily with students.
A few important things you should know this week:
Student Materials Pick Up:
Student materials pick up begins Tuesday the 18th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. for student Last Names A-L. On Wednesday, students with Last Names M-Z should come between 4:00-6:00 p.m. If you cannot come during that time, please come on Thursday or Friday from 8:00-4:00 p.m. If these times do not work for your schedule, please email Mrs. Graf at cgraf1@wcpss.net to schedule a time for pick up.
Technology: I know that many of you are waiting on a district device. Your names have been submitted to the district technology platform. Please check your email for a confirmation pick up date. These emails do not come from me or EGES, rather from the district technology office. The email will give you a date to pick up your device at one of the 5 locations across the district.
Our school PBIS code is M.A.P. S. Students should:
Make Smart Choices
Always Do Your Best
Practice Self Control and
Show Respect.
While we may not be in a school building surrounded by four walls, we should continue to follow our MAPS in our virtual environment. Teachers will be reviewing expectations with students for student to student interaction, as well as, appropriate engagement during live sessions.
Attendance: Attendance will be taken daily for students. During this two week orientation, we know that some students don't have a device yet. If this is the case for you, please notify the school on Monday so that teachers can share materials or supporting documents with students via email.
Office Hours: The Front Office is open daily from 8:00-4:00 p.m. Please call the Front Desk and speak with Ms. Lagunas should you have any questions at 919-773-7411. For enrollment, please email Ms. Rodger, our Data Manager at trodger@wcpss.net.
As always you can reach out to me anytime. My email is cgraf1@wcpss.net. We had a great start to the year. Our goal this week is get as many students and families connected as possible. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need me.
Your Proud Principal,
Mrs. Graf
Week of August 10-14, 2020
Here we go Explorers! School begins is THIS Week!!
First Day of School for Virtual Academy and Remote Learning is this THURSDAY, August 13th. Students will login by accessing the school website and clicking on their teacher's name.
Did you miss the district technology survey? Click here to take the survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIN0a229wjvrRGOHW4oppXqqYjCy09hSnygUnk51VibIPflA/viewform?usp=sf_link
Principal Q & A: Join me for a question and answer session on Monday from 6-7 p.m. I will be LIVE to share information about Meet the Teacher, the technology survey and distribution, school supply distribution, and questions about Virtual Academy and remote learning. :)
Visit the school website and click on the link that says Principal's Q & A.
I can also answer questions about Enrollment, Free and Reduce Meal Application, and more!
Meet the Teacher
Our LIVE Meet the Teacher Session is scheduled for Tuesday at 12:00 Noon. You will visit the website and click on the link that says Meet the Teacher.
This week teachers will be participating in planning sessions, professional learning sessions, and preparing materials for distribution both on and off site.
Questions? The Front Office is open from 8:30-4:00 p.m. each day. Call us at 919-773-7411.
#WeAreStrongerTogether, Mrs. Graf
Welcome to 2020-2021!
July 30, 2020
Good afternoon Explorer Parents,It's here!! The beginning of the school year...I love this time of year: school supplies, smiling faces, and the feeling of optimism and opportunity. :)
Here is a list of important information including dates for you to mark your calendars: * Please note that all dates are subject to change per district response to COVID-19 requirements and guidance.
Meet the Teacher: Meet the Teacher will be held virtually via a Google Meet link posted on the school website. We will offer a LIVE Meet the Teacher Session on August 11, 2020 at 12:00 noon. A prerecorded Meet the Teacher presentation for all grade levels will be posted on our school website for "anytime" access should you not be able to attend the live session.
First Day of School: Our start date was altered in the last Board meeting. Our official first day of school for students is August 13, 2020. Please remember that ALL WCPSS students are beginning remotely or online, whether you are participating on Plan B or in the new WCPSS Virtual Academy.
Last Day of School: Our official last day of school is June 11, 2021.
Remote Learning Days/Student Track Outs/ Holiday Breaks:
9/7, 10/5-9,10/26, 11/3, 11/11, 11/12, 12/23-01/04, 3/15-26, 4/2, 4/12, 4/22, 4/23, 5/31
Although this school year will be different, please know that as a staff we are ready, willing, and committed to provide the best possible virtual learning environment and instruction possible. We have missed being able to support learning and see our students grow and thrive.
We know that we will need to partner with you closely so we can maximize our strengths and overcome any challenges that we may face. #TogetherWeAreStronger is one of our mantras that we will live out this school year. :)
As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at cgraf1@wcpss.net.
My Best, Mrs. Graf
Technology Survey & More July 28, 2020
Reminder: Complete Technology Needs Survey and New Virtual Academy Registration Period
Reminder: Complete Technology Need Survey by July 29
We need all families with a student in K-12 to complete this survey for each student, regardless of your school, whether you have applied to the Virtual Academy, whether you have a device or whether you need a device. (Pre-K students’ technology will be addressed separately by the Office of Early Learning.) This short survey will help us better understand the needs of our students and make sure that we are able to meet those needs.
Reminder: New Application Period for WCPSS Virtual Academy
All students will have a second opportunity to apply for the WCPSS Virtual Academy on July 27 - July 29. The application will close on July 29 at 5 p.m. Families who have applied to the WCPSS Virtual Academy and would like to withdraw or change their application, should contact their schools directly during this time.
Welcome New Families!
Hello Future Explorer Families!
My name is Tammy Rodgero and I am the Data Manager at East Garner Elementary. I am here to answer any questions you may have about your child’s enrollment. Please click https://www.wcpss.net/domain/1375 to begin your child’s online registration. To expedite the enrollment process, you may upload the following documents when completing the online registration.
1. A certified copy of your child's birth certificate.
2. Parent Photo ID
3. Proof of your Wake County address, which must be one of the following:
o Current water, gas, or electric bill in parent's name that is no more than 30 days
o Newly signed lease that is no more than 60 days old
Please keep in mind that once schools reopen, we will need hard copies of all the documents you have uploaded along with the NC Health Assessment and completed immunization record. (Due on or before the child's first day of attendance)
Please reach out to me if you need further assistance with registration at trodger@wcpss.net. We look forward to meeting each of you!
Sincerely,
Tammy Rodger
Technology Clarification & District Distribution August 5, 2020
Technology distribution will not be done at the school level. All parents received a survey on July 17th to the email address listed in Powerschool from the district asking about needs for devices and hotspots. Please check you email for this information and link to the survey.
District Distribution Information
WCPSS will begin distributing laptops and hotspots to families who requested them on August 17 from five distribution centers:
Apex High
Enloe High
Knightdale High
Leesville Road High
South Garner High
To accommodate social distancing and keep our families, staff, and volunteers safe, families will be assigned a date to collect their requested devices. They will be allowed to pick up their devices from any location on or after their assigned date.
Distribution Centers will operate:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday and Thursday - 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturdays - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
All devices will be inspected and tested before being distributed. Help Desk members will be on hand to answer questions, repair or replace devices that aren’t working, help families log into their devices and address any problems with a previously distributed device.
Translation services will be available.
Virtual Academy Update August 5, 2020
Good morning Explorers,
Over half of you have enrolled in the WCPSS EGES Virtual Academy Program for the 2020-2021 school year! This is our inaugural year with the program and we are excited to offer this opportunity here at EGES.
I want to provide a quick update to you:
1. All Fall and Fall & Spring Virtual Academy Confirmations letters were emailed out on Friday, July 31st and Monday, August 3rd to the email address provided on the registration form. We did have some email address bounce back. If you enrolled and did NOT receive an email from me on Friday and Monday, please email jwyant@wcpss.net. Ms. Wyant serves as the Virtual Academy contact this school year.
2. I also wanted to share the link again to the district website page for Virtual Academy. It contains questions and answers (down towards the bottom of the page) that you may find helpful as we begin school. https://www.wcpss.net/Virtual-Academy
Back to school information has been emailed out, is located on the school website, and has been sent out on Dojo. Please take a few moments to review this important information.
It's going to be a great year at EGES! My Best, Mrs. Graf