Leveling the Playing Field
Moving the Mountain with Our Scholars' Success in Mind!
Parent University: September 26, 2020
You Asked...We Answered!
There will be door prizes.
You must register to get the access information. Information will be emailed to you directly on Thursday, September 24, 2020.
Topics to be discussed include:
- Title I Input & Stakeholders Meeting
- Curriculum Spotlight & Assessments
- Virtual Learning Etiquette
- Educational Technology Platforms
- Free Tutorial
- PTA
- Grade Level Meetings
Register Here: https://forms.gle/VnxjhHZ4Ux7nPkhj6
Immersive storybook scene at Pumpkin Festival
Pumpkin Festival Giant Pumpkin Tree scene
Dino Glow Experience
Stone Mountain Park’s all-new Pumpkin Festival – Play by Day, Glow by Night, an outdoor extravaganza returns bigger, better and brighter this year. Visitors are welcome to celebrate the splendor of autumn during the park’s Pumpkin Festival, a family tradition featuring dozens of new scenes, thousands of jack-o-lanterns, a giant glowing pumpkin tree, costumed characters, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, new storytelling adventures, new glow-along party parade, new glow-in-the-dark dinosaurs, new magic show, and more nighttime family-friendly experiences. Discover a patch of fall fun on acres of natural beauty beginning Sept. 19 – Nov. 1 (select dates).
Our Parent & Family Engagement Department Wants to Hear From You
All parents, students, community members, and faculty and staff are invited to provide input into our school's Title I parent and family engagement program! We are asking that you share your thoughts on a brief survey available at http://bit.ly/PFEFY21.
Principal's Advisory Council
Vote Now
Please make your selections from September 15, 2020 - September 22, 2020. Window closes at 5:00pm on 9.22.2020.
See our school's website for more information.
SMES Tutorial Parent Survey
Please Click on 'Tutorial Poll' Below and Let Us Know if You're Interested in Tutorial.
Virtual Learning Tips for Parents
We Want You and Your Students to Experience Success
Below are the links for recent Tech Café sessions hosted by Instructional Technology and Parent and Family Engagement.
· Session 1 | DCSD Digital Ecosystem Overview: https://youtu.be/zAVqyy9KUEc
· Session 2 | Connect with Verge: https://youtu.be/p7QxvRW7OAE
· Session 3 | Plugging into Parents Portal (Infinite Campus): https://youtu.be/Z08KCGhFtms
5 Things Parents Can Do to Support Students in Virtual Courses
- Help keep your child on schedule. The key to success is to be early for instructional time.
- Model hard work and persistence. This is NEW to everyone, show them that success is the ONLY option.
- Set up a designation workspace. Let them create their space.
- Familiarize yourself with the Virtual Learning Platform. Ask their teachers for help with this.
- Build a relationship with your child's teacher. We are better together.
If you have questions, please email the teacher directly and request a meeting during their office hours, as instructional time is geared towards providing instruction to ALL scholars!
Staff Email Addresses
School Climate Webinars for Families
Please use the link below to view free webinars to assist with the challenges that accompany virtual learning.
Virtual Classroom Links
Want to get to know your child's team?
REGISTRATION & ENROLLMENT
New Student Registration:
https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/online-registration/new-students/
Current Student/Annual Verification
https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/online-registration/current-student-annual-verification/
Need Assistance?
Please email our registrar, Mrs. Smartt, at sophonia_l_smartt@dekalbschoolsga.org.
She can be reached Monday through Friday, from 8:00am - 4:00pm, at 470.219.8001.
Pick Up Location: Stone Mountain ES
Meal Distribution
Starting Date: Monday, August 17, 2020
Meal Service: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Meals Service Times: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Monday - 2 Breakfast & 2 Lunch Meals
Wednesday - 2 Breakfast & 2 Lunch Meals
Friday - Breakfast & 1 Lunch and weekend snacks.
Address:
6720 James B. Rivers Dr
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Parents' Right to Know
Device Distribution Information
Thanks to all our families who have picked up their scholars devices. Please note that moving forward, all devices will be retrievable on an appointment only basis. For more information, please contact our Assistant Principal, Mrs. Brown. She can be reached at 678.676.4713 or jamica_brown@dekalbschoolsga.org.
Digital Dreamers Information:
https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/digital-dreamers/sign-up/
Electronic User Agreement:
https://dekalb.incidentiq.com/policy/5b8d1b73-892a-4b59-9a0b-d7215e581b5d/lookup
Upcoming Dates to Remember
- September 7: Labor Day Holiday (No School)
- September 8: International Literacy Day
- September 11: Patriot's Day
- September 13: Grandparent's Day
- September 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month
- September 17: Constitution Day
- September 21: International Day of Peace
- September 22: Autumn Begins
- September 25: Native American Day
The Dug Out: Tools You Can Use
Need to Talk to Someone...
Parent Liaison: Keisha Harley
We Want You to Engage With Us
How to Access Chromebooks
Student Number: s1234567
Passwords:
- Kindergarten - dekalbkk
- First Grade - dekalb01
- Second Grade - dekalb02
- Third Grade - dekalb03
- Fourth Grade - dekalb04
- Fifth Grade - dekalb05
What is Virtual Learning?
Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Learning
Please make sure you are familiar with the terms asynchronous and synchronous learning. 90% of your scholars' virtual lessons will be Synchronous.
We will define asynchronous and synchronous learning as follows:
- Asynchronous Learning: Asynchronous learning describes learning that does not occur in the same place or at the same time with the teacher (e.g., a recorded lesson). The instructor prepares lesson materials in advance for students to access the lesson content. Students can access and complete the assignments/learning within a flexible time frame. Methods of asynchronous virtual learning include self-guided lesson modules, streaming video content, virtual text, and posted lesson notes. Asynchronous learning can also include student interactions across discussion boards.
- Synchronous Learning: Synchronous learning happens in real time. This means that the teacher and students interact in a specific virtual place, through a specific medium, at the same time. Methods of synchronous learning include video conferencing, teleconferencing, live chatting, and live-streaming instruction.
Accessing Verge
The DeKalb County School District Verge Platform will be the only platform we will use for the 2020-2021 school year. Students in grades K-5 will utilize the verge platform.
We would like to inform you about a learning management system being used by your student’s class, VERGE. This platform will enable teachers to create a unique, private online learning environment. Students and teachers will be using VERGE for online learning in and outside of class. It provides a way for students and parents to stay up-to-date on classroom activities such as assignments, discussions, grades, and school events.
VERGE- FAQS FOR PARENTS WHAT IS VERGE?
VERGE is a learning management system that provides a safe way for teachers and students to connect, share content, access homework, participate in discussions, manage due dates, and receive class information to support student learning. VERGE is powered by itslearning.
WHAT CAN STUDENTS DO IN VERGE?
In VERGE, students may view content assigned to them by their teachers, monitor their progress on those assignments, participate in class discussions, interactive with digital learning activities, message their teachers for assistance according to the oce hours set by the teacher, and more. It is accessible to teachers and student at any time on any device.
HOW DOES MY STUDENT ACCESS VERGE AT HOME?
Students access VERGE through Launchpad at home and/or school. See steps below for accessing VERGE at home.
Steps:
- Go to http://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/
- Scroll to bottom of the page and click on the Launchpad icon (rocket).
- In the next window, click Log in with Active Directory.
- In the Authentication window, enter student username and their password. (See classroom teacher for login information.)
- Click Log in with DeKalb County School District account.
Infinite Campus
20-21 School Supply List
20-21 Approved Calendar
Instructional Platforms
Kindergarten through Fifth Grades
Kindergarten through Fifth Grades
Third Through Fifth Grades
Pre-Kindergarten through Fifth Grades
Kindergarten through Fifth Grades
Kindergarten through Fifth Grades
Moving the Mountain
Email: char-shenda_covington@dekalbschoolsga.org
Website: stonemountaines.dekalb.k12.ga.us
Location: 6720 James B Rivers Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA, USA
Phone: (678) 676-4702
Twitter: @stonemountaines