#GetConnected Titan Talk Newsletter
Sept 21, 2018
#GetConnected to Upcoming Dates...
- 9/22 - Fulton County Marching Band Exhibition @ 5:45 pm (Cambridge High School). Tickets are $5 for more information, click here.
- 9/25 & 9/27 - Tennis Try-outs @ 4:15 pm (after-school), meet in Coach Tongue's room
- 9/25 - Get Connected Night @ 6 PM... Featuring PTSA STEM Activity...Design-Thinking Robot Finger, Free Food, Clubs, Activities, GIANT Connect-Four Game, and more (Cafeteria & Atrium). ALL PARENTS AND ALL FAMILIES INVITED!
- 9/25 - Hampton Film Academy @ 4:05 - 5:30 pm (Media Center)
- 9/26 - Band Pizza Fundraiser begins, ends 10/10
- 9/26 - Soccer Game: River Trail vs. EPMS @ 5:30 pm (Location: River Trail Middle School, 10795 Rogers Cir, Duluth, GA ﴿
- 9/27 - FCA @ 7:45 am in the Media Center
- 9/27 - Hampton Film Academy @ 4:05 - 5:30 pm (Media Center)
- 9/28 - Spirit Friday! Wear College/EPMS Spirit-wear...Order Spirit-wear HERE!
- 9/28 - Soccer Game: Northwestern vs. EPMS @ 5:30 pm (Location: EPMS)
- 9/29 - AVID Day @ GA Tech 2018
Message From the Principal
Happy Friday Titans!
I am delighted to shine a spotlight on some things which make our school Smart, Happy and Connected!
On Tuesday, September 25th from 6:00 to 7:30 pm, "Get Connected Night" will showcase all of our amazing programs, sports, clubs, and events. It is my aspiration for every student to be in one or more of the many diverse offerings before and after school. "Get Connected Night" is the place where you and your child can visit the booths, and meet the coaches/advisors. "Get Connected Night" takes place once a year and it is our way to let our families see the many, many ways we can spark your Titans' passions and interests. The PTSA will serve free dinner from Ippolito's. Play a giant Connect-Four game just for fun! Ms. Lindesay's group of tech kids will demonstrate design-thinking with robotic fingers, and maybe even a robotic hand. Please come and "Get Connected" with us!
It is with tremendous joy I announce James Tongue has been selected as the new Graduation Coach for Elkins Pointe Middle School! Throughout his career, Coach Tongue has served as a classroom teacher in many capacities: Language Arts, Social Studies, and Reading, in Colorado and Georgia. Here at Elkins Pointe, Coach Tongue brought us Adventure Quest, an Outdoor Ed Curriculum of his own design. Coach Tongue's unique Connections class focuses on teamwork, confidence building, and inspiring student curiosity. Adventure Quest has since been adopted by many schools in our district and around the state. Coach Tongue holds a masters’ degree from Kennesaw State University, as well as endorsements in TAG and Vanguard.
As the Graduation Coach, James Tongue will work with students and parents to ensure success through the Student Success Academy and mentorship program. He will be the Coordinator for PBIS (R.I.S.E UP), AVID, WEB, and be the Lead for Community Outreach, Growth Mindset, and Project-Based Learning. We are thrilled to have Coach Tongue assume this new role. I know he will use his positive personality, and wealth of experiences to help our school be a place where all students can feel supported, connected, and motivated. Please join me in congratulating Graduation Coach James Tongue!
Cheers to our Titan Soccer team on their wins against Crabapple MS and Taylor Road MS! When you come to "Get Connected Night" on Tuesday, please offer your congratulations to our extra-mural soccer coach Diana Guzman and Graduation Coach Tongue! I am looking forward to seeing our Smart, Happy, and Connected families on Tuesday!
Sincerely,
Kindra L. Smith, Ed.S
Principal
Elkins Pointe Middle School
Home of the Titans!
SMART, HAPPY, #GETCONNECTED
Lots O'Fun at the 6th Grade Tailgate!! #GetConnected
#GetConnected to Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Are you wondering how Elkins Pointe is celebrating this month?
- Ask your child if they have you noticed the posters that show all the 21 Hispanic Countries? Could you incorporate them in your lessons?
- Did you know that each morning there are daily “Fun facts” and trivia question during the Morning Announcements?
- Parents, If you would you like to do a “Show-and-tell” of any of the Hispanic Countries, please contact any of the Spanish teachers (profe Bolson, profe Mejia, profe Crowe) and let them know what is the best time for you. Sign up to visit 6th grade classes on October 11 & 12th using this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4AA5A92BABFB6-hispanic
- All World Language Spanish students will participate on a tasting activity on the week of October 1st - October 1st for 8th grade and October 4th for 6th and 7th grades).
- World Language Spanish students from all grades will participate on a workshop sponsored by The Teaching Museum on The Rhythm of a Culture: Latin America on October 11th (periods 1-4) and October 12th (periods 5-8). Parents, you are welcome to come and watch in the Media Center.
#GetConnected to "Ojo de Dios"
Titan Soccer #CONNECTED to the Big W!
#GetConnected to FCA on Thursdays!
#CONNECTED to Don't Stop Achieving...hold on to that feeling!
#CONNECTED to Peach and the Porkchop @ Spirit Eating
#GetConnected to the Sweet Sounds of...
#GetConnected at 8th Grade Night @ MHS
#GetConnected to THINGS to KNOW...
Tennis Anyone? 9/25 & 9/27
Students, please bring tennis rackets and meet in Coach Tongue's room, A157 at 4:15 both days.
Get Connected Night - 9/25 @ 6 pm
Get Connected Night is on Tuesday, September 25th from 6 pm - 7:30 pm. All families are invited to come to learn about programs, clubs & activities available for our Titans. You will be able to meet advisors & students involved.
- Come see the special Microsoft STEM Activity with Robot finger!
- PTSA is providing dinner from Ippolito's! Dinner is first to come, first to be served!
Get YOUR VOTE on EPMS!
PLEASE VOTE FOR BOTH Mrs. Meredith Tongue & Mr. Todd Wilson. Both of our amazing teachers are nominated and both have a chance of winning! Please GO VOTE and SHARE on your wall!
Click on the Link:
https://www.facebook.com/odysseypfa/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2401000966581178
Jr. Beta Shoe Drive, now 'til 10/12
Jr, Beta is running a shoe drive from September 10th – October 12th. Please bring in gently worn or new shoes (if possible) for families in need. Jr. Beta is collecting both children and adult shoes. The shoes will be put on display in the media center for the Holocaust Museum in October. This is a friendly competition will reward the WINN class with the most donated shoes a Krispy Kreme doughnut party in October. The teacher with the winning WINN class will also receive a Starbucks gift card!!
Interact Box Tops Collection now 'til 10/12!
Clinic Need!
The clinic is in need of gently used clothes, all sizes. Mostly shorts and pants (jeans/sweats). All clothing items must be clothes that are within school dress code guidelines. Adult sizes are wanted too, since our Titans come in all shapes and sizes.
Check the Lost & Found by 10/1
Morning Club Stuff...
- FCA - Every Thursday @ 7:45 am in the Media Center
- Interact Club - Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, at 7:45 a.m in E- 114
- Jr. Beta meets twice a month on Wednesday in the Media Center
- Student Council meets the first and third Thursday of each month in Mrs. Williams classroom.
#Get Connected
#GetConnected to HEALTH & SAFETY
Ways to Help Boost Your Child’s Self-Esteem by Mariah Danztler, Summit Counseling
As children grow and develop they become increasingly aware of their strengths and weaknesses. Parents play a huge role in helping that child learn to accept or reject themselves and the attributes or qualities they possess. Here a few fun and effective ways you can help be a part of cultivating self-acceptance within your child:
Pick a word: Pick a different affirming word each week and pick a specific time of the day you will repeat that word in the mirror. For example: strong. You look in the mirror with your child and repeat “ I am strong” a few times. You will do that daily until you’ve reached the end of the week. At the end of the week you will share with each other how you encompassed that affirming word for the week and why that is a quality that you embody. Example: I am strong because I went to school even though I was nervous about going.
Compliment circle: Do a compliment circle weekly with your family. Everyone sits in a circle and says one positive thing about the person next to them. Don’t forget to switch up the order each week so you are constantly giving different family members compliments.
Encourage your kid to try new things: Research has shown that a kid is likely to have higher self-esteem when they try new activities, hobbies, and sports. Get them involved in multiple, different experiences that test their comfort zone but help them grow!
Praise for effort not the outcome: Praise your child for how well they STUDIED for the test, not the grade they made. Reward your child for BEING KIND not for how many friends they have. Compliment your child on MAKING THE BEST CHOICE FOR THEM instead of good behavior.
These small steps can help make a BIG change in your child confidence!
Mariah Dantzler McFetridge is our On-site therapist for Elkins Pointe Middle School, To set up an appointment for your child to receive therapy or to learn about what Mariah offers reach out to her at mdantzler@summitcounseling.org
#GetConnected to THINGS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS @ EPMS!
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 EXTRA-CURRICULAR!!
Jr. Hornet Wrestling
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
Spin with the Eagles - 10/18 & 10/19
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
#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.
#GetConnected to Upcoming Dates
Upcoming in October...
- 10/2 to 10/4 - 8th Grade Georgia Trip
- 10/4 - FCA @ 7:45 am (Media Center)
- 10/4 - Student Council @ 8 am (E‐106)
- 10/4 - PTSA Meeting @ 8:30 am
- 10/5 - FCS STAFF WORK DAY – NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
- 10/8 ﴾All day﴿ COLUMBUS DAY: NO SCHOOL FOR STAFF/STUDENTS
- 10/10 - Jr. Beta Club @ 8 am (Media Center)
- 10/10 - Volleyball: Sandy Springs vs. Elkins Pointe @ 5:30p to 6:00p (Home Game/EPMS Gym)
- 10/11 - FCA @ 7:45 am (Media Center)
- 10/12 - Spirit Friday! Wear College/EPMS Spiritwear...Order Spiritwear HERE!
- 10/12 – Interact Meeting @ 7:45 am (E-114)
- 10/16 - Chorus: Fall Concert @ 6:30 (GYM)
- 10/17 - Katha Stuart Mtg @ 6:30 pm @ RHS
- 10/18 - FCA @ 7:45 am (Media Center)
- 10/18 - Student Council Club @ 8 am (E‐106)
- 10/19 - Spirit Friday! Wear College/EPMS Spiritwear...Order Spiritwear HERE!
- 10/22 to 11/2 IOWA Testing ‐ 8th Grade Only
- 10/22 to 10/26 BUS DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK
- 10/22 - Principal Chat @ PTSA Roundtable 8 am to 8:30 am Principal Chat @ PTSA Roundtable (Media Center)
10/24 – Band Side-by-Side Concert with RHS Wind Ensemble, 6:30 pm in EPMS gym
10/25 - FCA @ 7:45 am (Media Center)
- 10/26 to 10/27 Chorus: GMEA District V Honor Chorus (Location: TBD) ‐ TENTATIVE
- 10/26 - Spirit Friday! Wear College/EPMS Spiritwear...Order Spiritwear HERE!
- 10/29 to 11/2 Red Ribbon Week
- 10/30 - Fall Picture Day Retakes ﴾All day﴿
- 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)
- 10/31 - Reflections Breakfast Celebration @ 7:30 am (Media Center)