The Dove's Nest
The Official Newsletter of SKTCS - November 2020
November 2020
Progress Reports, Critical Decision Forms, and Grades ... Oh, my!
Happy November!
On November 13th we will mail home Progress Reports, which marks the official halfway point of the second quarter. This is a great time to get familiar with all of the technical terms you may see in your envelope:
Progress Reports
It’s almost time for Progress Reports. The next Progress Reports will be mailed home on November 13th. Progress Reports are distributed mid-way through every quarter. They are a formal notice to parents that their students are behind in turning in assignments, not scoring well on assessments, and/or have behavioral/social emotional needs that need to be addressed. Please make sure that your address is updated with the front office by emailing Ms.Ervin at frontoffice@sktcs.org.
Critical Decision Forms
Critical Decision Forms are sent home with Progress Reports for any student who us in danger of failing the grading report and/or who may be a candidate for retention.
EIP/REP
The Early Intervention Program (EIP) is designed to serve K-5 students who are at risk of not reaching or maintaining academic grade level. The purpose of the Early Intervention Program is to provide additional instructional resources to help students who are performing below grade level obtain the necessary academic skills to reach grade level performance in the shortest possible time.
The Remedial Education Program (REP) is an instructional program designed for students in grades 6-12 who have identified deficiencies in reading, writing, and math. This program provides individualized basic skills instruction as mandated by Georgia Law in the areas of reading, mathematics, and writing.
Student-Led Conferences
All families are expected to attend a Student-Led family conference in Quarters 1 and 2 every year. These conferences are an opportunity for students to sit with their families and explain their strengths, challenges, and to goal-set. In the third quarter conferences are by invitation only and there are no conferences in the fourth quarter.
Make-Up Work Policy (Effective 10/12/20)
Any assignment missed may be completed after the original due date. However,:
There will be a 5% late penalty each day up to 10 school days after the original due date.
Assignments will not be accepted after day 10 and students will receive 0% credit.
The last day to submit work is three days before the end of the grading period.
Homework Policy
Any classwork that is not completed in class will be assigned as homework.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Chattin at director@sktcs.org.
Character Parade
New Faces and Spaces
We would like to extend a warm welcome to Nurse Cindy! Ms. Cindy Robbins will split her day between the Lower School and the MGA campus. Nurse Cindy can be reached at nurse@sktcs.org.
From Nurse Cindy:
My name is Cindy Robbins, RN and I began working at Susie King Taylor Community School in October. I am originally from Maine and relocated to Savannah in 2013. I have been a nurse for 31 years. I love the ocean, raised 3 children, and enjoy cooking, Zumba and watching football
Climate Survey
SKTCS families. It’s that time of year! We are seeking your feedback so that we can know how to better serve our families and assist us with goal setting during accreditation. Please complete this very brief survey before November 20, 2020.
Each item asks you to indicate your level of agreement with common interactions families and institutions have throughout the year. The term “family” refers to the legal parent or guardian of the student enrolled. Please answer each item honestly. Your responses will be completely confidential.
Technology Protection Plan (TPP) for Parents and Students
Traveling with technology is hard. We are happy to offer a family protection plan to offset repairs and/or replacement for the technology device that will be issued to students. A one-time charge of $25* will cover accidental damage and 2 device replacements for the school year 2020-2021. Without the plan, parents/guardians are responsible for the full cost of repairs and/or replacement costs as stipulated in the agreement that you signed when you took the device.
If you would like to participate in a TPP for your student(s) please complete the form below. You can also download a copy from our website: https://www.sktcs.org/tech-support
How to participate:
1. Drop-off your cash or money order at SKTCS between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm.
2. Mail your payment to:
Susie King Taylor Community School
Attn: Quiana Aikens
Re: TPP Payment
1709 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401
3. Send the forms with cash or money order in with your student. If you do this, please email Mrs. Q (business@sktcs.org) so that we may ensure that it is received by the office.
If there are any questions please contact Ms. Q at business@sktcs.org
Family Engagement Corner
Greetings SKTCS families!!
November is National Family Engagement Month!!!
The month of November is celebrated as Family Engagement Month to recognize the contributions of families across the nation and to encourage schools to raise awareness of the important roles families play in a child’s education.
Virtual Learning and Tech Tips:
As we continue to adjust to our “new norm” I have compiled a list of links to how tos, videos and other information that may assist with virtual learning. The list will continuously be updated, so please be sure to check back often. The information is also available HERE.
Also since our kids are spending more time online, here are some questions to open up dialogue about cyberbullying and prevention.
Tips of the Month:
Remember, your child(s) teacher is the first line of contact
Be patient with yourself, your child, and the SKTCS Staff...we are all learning through this process
If there are any topics or how to that you feel will be beneficial to fostering school-student-family pact, please email Family Engagement.
- Lea Jones
Family Engagement Coordinator
The Aviary
The SKTCS Aviary Family/Faculty Volunteer Association
aviary@sktcs.org
All parents, grandparents, caregivers, and community members are welcome. No dues. Join anytime, participate at your convenience.
Join our team of volunteers!
The Aviary welcomes families and SKTCS faculty and staff to participate in school culture through volunteerism in classrooms, fundraising, event planning, and other aspects of school culture.
Calling all Stakeholders! Please lend your time and talents to help in one of the following areas:
Fundraisers and Events Branch
Committee Chair: Krista Roach
Email: fundraising@sktcs.org
This committee will be focused on planning and executing opportunities to bring the community together through activities that raise funds for student needs.
For example, school dances, the fall festival, book fair, Picture Day, Yearbook, Spirit Wear, Spirit Nights, and school assemblies.
Classroom Support Branch
Committee Chair: Shantel Jackson
Email: Support@sktcs.org
This committee will support our school staff by assisting with fundraisers to provide class supplies, organizing room parents to plan parties or assist the teacher with communication, Teacher Appreciation events, and creating a supportive classroom community for adults and students.
Community Partnerships and Volunteers Branch
Committee Chair: Susan Smith
Email: volunteer@sktcs.org
This committee will seek opportunities and connections between the school and members of our local business community for a symbiotic relationship. We would hope that our community partners would support our school through mentorships, internships within and outside of the school.
The Community Partnerships and Volunteer Branch will also coordinate volunteer training (i.e. - Beacon) and find opportunities for volunteerism within the school.
Family Engagement Branch
Committee Chair: Lea Jones
Email: familyengagement@sktcs.org
The Family Engagement committee supports and encourages the participation of families in regular two-way and meaningful involvement in their student’s academic and social experience at school.
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Stay Connected!
Did you know you can link the school calendar to your phone so that you never miss a school event or the end of a marking period?! Just click here!
November 3
Election Day: Independent Virtual Learning Day For All Students (School Closed)
November 11
Veteran’s Day: School Closed for All
November 13
2nd Quarter Progress Reports
November 19
National Family Engagement Day
November 23-27
Thanksgiving Break: School Closed for All