Titan Talk
March 2, 2018
Upcoming Dates:
The Week Ahead...
Exceptional Children's' Week Celebrated Nationally and at EPMS
and
BeYOUtiful Week @ Elkins Pointe
March 5th - 8th
- 3/2 - GADOE Climate Survey Closes - Last Chance to take the Parent Survey here!
- 3/3 - Titan Advantage @ EPMS: Check-in between 8-9 am/ Pick-up @ 12 noon.
- 3/5 - Summit Counselor Onsite
- 3/5 - Academic Bowl Practice @ 4:05 -5:30 pm (Media Center)
- 3/6 - Shining Star Breakfast - 6th Grade (Media Center)
- 3/6 - 3x3 Basketball @ 5 pm (Gym)
- 3/6 - Band Concert @ 6:30pm (Gym)
- 3/7 - Shining Star Breakfast - 7th Grade (Media Center)
- 3/7 - AVID Family Night @ 6 pm (Media Center)
- 3/8 - Shining Star Breakfast - 8th Grade (Media Center)
- 3/8 - FCA Mtg @ 7:45 am (Media Center...Location Change)
- 3/8 - Thursday Club Day - Club Schedule
- 3/9 - DIGITAL LEARNING DAY: Students work at Home/Teachers report to School
- 3/12 - SCHOOL MAKE-UP DAY: ALL STUDENTS, TEACHERS & STAFF REPORT TO SCHOOL for Fulton County Schools Make Up Day
Make Up School Days for Lost Instruction Time Due to Inclement Weather:
- March 9, 2018 - Digital Learning Day. Students work from home; students will work independently from home on schoolwork and projects using district-issued mobile devices or home technology. Teachers report to school.
- March 12, 2018 - All Students, Teachers, and Staff Report to School
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Dear Parents,
This week Elkins Pointe celebrated "Random Acts of Kindness Week." Not only was it timely, but it was exactly what our students and staff needed. Our Titan family pulled closer together, as we smiled, hugged, supported charities, gave compliments, and thanked each other. It was way for us to focus on student learning while appreciating our school's unique culture and climate.
I want to bring you in on our plans for the National School Walkout Day. In keeping with our "Acts of Kindness," we are working on the logistics for a peaceful gathering on the field for 17 minutes on March 14th. We believe it is important for our students to have an outlet to express themselves. Hence, we are working with the Elkins Pointe Student Council to make our walkout fit our school's needs. Student Council members will speak on the field. All students will be invited to write uplifting sentiments on paper butterflies throughout the day. Students may choose to donate 17 pennies, representing the 17 students and teachers tragically lost. The money collected will be donated to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School's memorial garden.
Parents, I assure you we have spent much time thinking about the best ways for our students to feel safe, understood, and heard. Depending on their comfort level, we wish for all students to have the ability to participate or to recuse themselves. Any students who will be in the building on March 14th will be given the option to remain inside.
We will continue to spread kindness throughout our building by asking our students to join each other in speaking kind words, offering friendship, and making a difference by opening their hearts. If you have a comment, question, or concern, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Sincerely,
Kindra L. Smith, Ed.S
Principal
Elkins Pointe Middle School
Home of the Titans!
WHAT I NEED TO KNOW NOW!
Titan Advantage @ Elkins Pointe - 3/3, 3/10. 3/17, 3/24
The Titan Advantage program will serve as a Georgia Milestones workshop and is going to be open to all students regardless of level.
- Saturday, March 3rd, 10th,17th, and 24th
- Breakfast and check-in will occur from 8:00-9:00
- Georgia Milestones session 1 workshop will take place from 9:00 am until 10:15 am
- Break from 10:15 until 10:45
- Georgia Milestones session 2 workshop will take place from 10:45 am until 12
Teachers have issued permission slips to students directly trhough their WINN classes
"3x3" Basketball Program Starts - 3/6
- Learn more about 3x3 here: https://www.hoopzllc.com/3x3-basketball
- Book online: https://www.hoopzllc.com/book-online
3x3 is becoming the new attraction in modern basketball. Easily played and learned, 3x3 is a brand new approach to the game of basketball. Hoopz LLC will focus on two principals: (1) Fundamentals and (2) Quick decision-making. Through the expertise of a well known and international 3x3 coach, this program will teach after-school children the specific rules of this fast-paced game while simultaneously improving their confidence and self-awareness. It will provide your children all the tools to think quickly on their feet.
AVID Family Night - 3/7 @ 6 pm
How to Access Digital Learning Day Lessons on March 9th?
- Students should use their Dell Latitude laptops, but if they do not have a laptop or would prefer to use a device at home they can download Office365 to a home computer, tablet, or your laptop. To download Office 365 OneNote App on your home computer or laptop, click on the link: https://tinyurl.com/DownloadOffice365Apps
- Students have been emailed the "Inclement Weather Notebooks" by grade level chair: 8th-grade Norma Toner, 7th-grade Collen White-Hays, 6th-grade Emory Johnson. Students should open up their student Outlook (Login thru Office365) and click on the link in the email.
- Need Help?!? Students can watch the video (link: https://youtu.be/BbmhXfcpb3M or below) with step-by-step with instructions on how to access their learning materials. Also, they can email their WINN teacher for help.
Elkins Pointe Digital Learning Day March 9th, 2018
What is a Digital Learning Day? The district has assigned March 9th as a digital learning day and asked each school to develop a school-wide plan, which includes digital resources and best meet its students’ needs. Department chairs, grade level chairs, Trent Stapleton, and administration worked together to develop a simple, manageable process and system.
How will EPMS facilitate the Digital Learning Day? A Microsoft 365 “Notebook” was created, which will be on the EPMS website and this will be communicated to parents through Titan Talk and social media. Inside this Class Notebook, each grade level will have a link, which will take the parent to the grade level Class Notebook. Each grade level notebook will contain each content and connections teachers.
On Monday, March 5th, during WINN time, all teachers will give the students any information necessary to be able to access the digital learning site on Friday, March 9th.
What are the Guidelines for EPMS Parents/Students on Digital Learning Day, March 9th?
EPMS “School-Wide plan” developed by staff within district guidelines:
- No more than 3 hours total for students on March 9th
- Approximately 30 minutes per content; 15 minutes per Connections class
- Paper packet and/or downloads offered to a student with no device and/or internet access
- All teachers have:
- Prepped the students ahead of time to know how? Where? what?
- Have “office hours” from 10 am to 2 pm on March 9th, Digital Learning Day (Details forthcoming)
How do we access the digital content?
Students were sent the invitation directly to their FCS email address. Each student has been sent a link to OneNote by the grade level chair. Students can use their student laptop to access the materials or a device at home. The will need to download the Office365 OneNote App to complete their assignments.
- Paper packets are available for students who do not have FCS laptops, internet access or would prefer a paper packet.
- Instructions to download Office365 on your home computer: https://tinyurl.com/DownloadOffice365Apps
- Students can watch this video for help in navigating to the "Inclement Weather Notebook." Click here: https://youtu.be/BbmhXfcpb3M
- If your child is having trouble accessing the content on March 9th, please email your child’s teacher(s).
What if we are traveling on Friday, March 9th, and have no Internet access? The hyperlink will remain on the EPMS website and can be accessed on any day prior to Monday, March 12th. However, it is important to note that teacher(s) are not expected to have “office hours” on the weekend. Office hours are only planned for Friday, March 9th.
What are the expectations for Monday, March 12th, now that it is a “make-up” day for students? EPMS will hold a regular class day schedule on Monday, March 12th. Any absences should be reported to the front office per normal.
ACTS OF PTSA KINDNESS
PTSA Nominates the Nominating Committee
Attention all Titan Parents…. The Elkins Pointe PTSA nominating committee is currently forming the 2018-19 Executive Board slate, and your help is needed! Please go to this link to read more about the opportunities available, and complete a nomination form for yourself or someone you feel would benefit the Board: http://elkinspointe.my-pta.org/
You can also help by volunteering for a committee position for one or more of the many fabulous events that take place at Elkins Pointe and help our students stay Smart, Happy and Connected! Sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0548a4a822a64-20182019
PTSA Didgeridoo Down Under
CELEBRATE BEING SMART, HAPPY & CONNECTED!!!
GMEA All-State Band
Titan Tech Team with Their Awards
Congratulations, Epic Pi Bots! Have a great season next year!
EPMS robotics team, Epic Pi Bots, finished 4th in 2017-18 FTC League competition. It is a great accomplishment for us, given that most teams competing in this tournament represent high schools.
Here are a couple of videos of the robot in action:
- https://photos.app.goo.gl/OwKWw3o6gE5qXODk1
- https://photos.app.goo.gl/A15jZiBN9hYElrGa2
- https://photos.app.goo.gl/0ZNj5Sbb8y3APQl42
The videos demonstrate the autonomous mode of the game, in which the robot has to complete pre-programmed task without any human intervention. This year, the robot had to recognize the color of an object, knock out the object of the opponent's color (red in this case), read an encrypted image with the on-board camera, decode the message in the image, pick up a cube and deliver it to the right place, based on the decoded message. Not bad, right?
Congratulations to all JNHS students!
What Randomly Kind of Things Has Interact Club Been Doing?
- Interactors during Valentine’s week candy buffet fundraiser.
- Interactors pictured bright and early during heavy rain with their cards for the staff during Random Acts of Kindness week (many made them at home).
- Mrs. Steeter and Mrs. Vonda Marborough are pictured in front of the food pantry at North Fulton Charities.
- Special guest engineer, Mrs. Mike comes to visit for our career focus of the month.
Business & Computer Science 💜 Heart for Service
Coach Tongue Raises Money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by Shaving Off His Ginger Curls!
We were able to raise over $200 in just three days, and that is just in the building. I know several of you have already donated online, so thank you very much. I shaved 2 boys heads and cut 8 girls' hair today!!!! Many of them couldn't raise money but wanted to do something to help out other students who were fighting cancer. 10 students made this sacrifice, WOW, I am so impressed with our students!!!
Here is the web link to donate tonight or tomorrow, March 3rd, before noon if you still wanted to help support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society:
http://events.lls.org/ga/AtlantaSOY2018/ZacsPacAtlanta
Oh, and the student helping shave my head, is Carlos Luz, he was the very first person to come and find me and donate money!!! What a guy. Have a blessed and wonderful weekend... and Keep on with the Random Acts of Kindness and Show Some Love!!!!
PE Dept. Hoops for Heart! Game On...Who will win the tournament?
...And the winning team for Hoops for Hearts is the 8th-grade Kicks!
THINGS TO KNOW
BeYOUtiful Week - 3/5 to 3/8
The Elkins Pointe Student Council proudly promotes self-esteem awareness to Elkins Pointe Middle School with "BeYOUtiful Week." In order to promote positivity and from "BeYOUtiful Week" March 5th through March 8th. Let’s recognize that beauty is from within. It does not matter what you wear, look like, how much money you make or where you come from.
BeYOUtiful is about spreading an awareness of Self-Love.
- MONDAY: “Leave your personal inspirations on the board.” Students will write personal inspirations on a sticky note and post on chart paper in the rotunda.
- TUESDAY: Students will use their social media to tag someone with a compliment and receive a treat.
- WEDNESDAY: Students will “boost their self-esteem” by taking a selfie at the Selfie Booth to combat the negative impact of media on self- image.
- THURSDAY ‘Catwalk with Courage’ – A long piece of red paper will be taped to the floor in the Rotunda, and students can walk to the end to exemplify their end to body shame and poor self-esteem.
Rising 6th-Grade Parent Meeting @ EPMS - 3/15
Rising 6th Grade General Parent Meeting on Thursday, March 15, 2018, in the EPMS Cafeteria @ 5:30 from 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm. All parents are invited from our four feeder schools to this presentation will be given by Elkins Pointe Transition Team. This meeting will be presented in English (Gym) and Spanish (Cafeteria)
English Presentation @ 5:30 PM in the Gym
- 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm - General Info Meeting for Parents
- Admin Team Greeting
- On Pointe Team Greeting
- 6:00 to 6:30 pm - TAG Info Presentation
- Presentation by Mr. Hardigree and company
Spanish Presentation @ 6:00 PM in the Cafeteria
- 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm - General Info & TAG Meeting for Parents
- Admin Team Greeting with translation by Koritza Rodriguez
- On Pointe Team Greeting with translation by Koritza Rodriguez
- TAG Portion presentation by Koritza Rodriguez
- TAG Team answer questions from 6:30 pm to 6:45 pm
Teacher Appreciation Week - 3/19-3/23
We really want to make our teachers and staff feel appreciated for all they do for our kids. The PTSA will provide treats throughout the week, and we asking our families to help contribute a few items. If you would like to purchase something from Amazon, click HERE and it will go directly to out Teacher Appreciation Chair, Jenny Rindt.
AVID Applications due by 3/21
International Family Night - 3/22
Calling all the EPMS Families!!! International Family Night is a night to embrace and celebrate different cultures on a unique night full of food, games, gathering, and fun!! It is a special night for you to be proud of who you are and where you come from!!!Here's your chance to have some fun in the kitchen while supporting an all-time favorite Annual event at Elkins Pointe. International Family Night 2018- an evening here students, teachers, and families taste their way Around our World!
Please sign up for an Internationally inspired dish to share! What a fun opportunity to try out a new recipe, recreate your family's ethnic dish or try out a page from your favorite cookbook! Be sure to include the country name, dish, and ingredients. Please bring disposable containers -- Students in language classes are strongly encouraged to participate!!
Sign Up Link: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0548a4a822a64-international1
Spring Book Fair - 3/19-3/23
The Spring Scholastic Book Fair is coming March 19th - 23rd. We will be open for business at 8am - 4pm, so bring money that week to shop. We'll also be open during International Night from 6pm - 8pm. We appreciate any and all parent volunteers who will be a part of making this happen! This Fall we had the highest sales for Elkins Pointe and I'm looking forward to doing it again with your help. Please refer to the Sign Up Genius - http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0548a4a822a64-book1 to secure a good time for you.
THINGS FOR OUR FAMILIES
FCA Movie Night - 3/18
MOVIE: “I Can Only Imagine”
What: FCA Middle School Movie Event (special showing) – North Fulton
Why: To share the Good News through an amazing inspirational life story…
When: Sunday March 18, 2018 @ 2:00 PM
Where: North Point – Alpharetta AMC Theatres
Cost: $10.00 per ticket (includes movie & a free Mercy Me album download)
Notes: This is a closed or special showing specifically for 3 North Fulton MS FCA Huddle Programs (TRMS, Elkins Point & Crabapple). Tickets are limited, with each school receiving only #30 tickets, tickets are being sold now on a 1st come 1st served basis & will not last! Students, speak with your parents for permission and transportation arrangements. This is a FCA – North Fulton Event but questions can be directed to Coach Turnbow, turnbow@fultonschools.org(TRMS FCA Huddle Coach).
Movie Trailer… I Can Only Imagine: The Heart of the Movie - YouTube
Roswell Reads - 3/3
THINGS FOR STUDENTS
6th Grade Transition Dates 2018
Rising 6th-Grade Parent Meeting @ EPMS
Rising 6th Grade General Parent Meeting on Thursday, March 15, 2018, in the EPMS Cafeteria @ 5:30 from 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm. All parents are invited from our four feeder schools to this presentation will be given by Elkins Pointe Transition Team.
English Presentation @ 5:30 PM in the Gym
- 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm - General Info Meeting for Parents
- Admin Team Greeting
- On Pointe Team Greeting
- 6:00 to 6:30 pm - TAG Info Presentation
- Presentation by Mr. Hardigree and company
Spanish Presentation @ 6:00 PM in the Cafeteria
- 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm - General Info & TAG Meeting for Parents
- Admin Team Greeting with translation by Koritza Rodriguez
- On Pointe Team Greeting with translation by Koritza Rodriguez
- TAG Portion presentation by Koritza Rodriguez
- TAG Team answer questions from 6:30 pm to 6:45 pm
Rising 6th Grade Important Dates
Rising 6th-Grade Visits EPMS in May 2018
- Mimosa Elementary visits EPMS on May 10th @ 9:15 - 10:45
- Vickery Mill Elementary visits EPMS onMay 10th @ 9:15 - 10:45
- Sweet Apple Elementary visits EPMS on May 15th @ 9:15 - 10:45
- Hembree Springs Elementary visits EPMS onMay 16th @ 9:15 - 10:45
☘-☘-☘-☘-☘
2018- 2019 Rising 6th-Grade Events
- July 30th - Camp Titan Up - 6th Grade Orientation
- July 30th - Parent University - "Middle School 101"
- August 1st - Information Day (Open House)
- August 6th - First Day of School 2018-2019
☘-☘-☘-☘-☘
For the 8th-Grade WEB Leaders a.k.a. Camp Titan Up Camp Leaders
- July 26 & 27 - 8th-grade WEB Leader Training
- July 30, 2018 - 8th-grade WEB Leaders Report to Camp Titan Up
❤️ VOLUNTEER IN THE SCHOOL ❤️
Volunteer Opportunities
- 8th Grade Dance Chair Sign Up: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0548a4a822a64-8thgrade4
- Join Dads Club - Questions? Email: jonesw3@fultonschools.org.
- School Store in the morning - Please note: School Store volunteers need to complete a 10-minute training with Maryanne Codelli (macode@bellsouth.net).
If you would like to get involved or have any questions, please email volunteer@elkinspointeptsa.org.
THINGS TO REFERENCE...
STAY UPDATED ON THE WEATHER...
Fulton County Schools (FCS) recommends staying tuned in to their website, FCS social media accounts, and local news media for updates.
- FCS Website: http://www.fultonschools.org/en
- FCS Facebook Page (@FultonCounty Schools) https://www.facebook.com/FultonCountySchools/?fref=ts
- FCS Twitter (@FultonCoSchools) http://www.twitter.com/FultonCoSchools
Elkins Pointe Middle School Informational Items
Sign-Up for Remind
- Enter this number: 81010
- Text message: @elkinspoi
Order Yearbook!!
- Order online here
- Print a form here
- Questions? Email: Suckow@fultonschools.org.
Volunteer Registration
- Register with FCS here
- Please complete 24 hours before volunteering
We ♥️ Our Business & Community Partners!
3600 Dallas Hwy #280, Marietta, GA 30064
(770) 627-4885
Proud to sponsor Elkins Pointe Middle School Spirt Wear!
4350 North Point Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30022
(678) 892-5000
Thank you for your generous donation for our students.
10516 Alpharetta Hwy, Roswell, GA 30076
(770) 645-1550