SMS Jaguars: Weekly Updates
Universal Remote Learning/F2F: November
A Special Message from Fulton County Schools: Happy Thanksgiving!
Parents/Students,
Fulton County Schools hopes you have a restful and joyous Thanksgiving break. During this break, we are asking that you continue to report (1) a positive COVID-19 result (2) a direct-contact with the positive COVID-19 individual or (3) a pending COVID-19 test result to the Parent Report Portal https://www.fultonschools.org/ReportCOVID. Still, to manage expectations regarding COVID-19 reporting during said break, please be patient while you await a response, it may be a few days given that the FCBOH/FCS Health Services Team will be on holiday break as well. All reports will be responded to before the Face-to-Face return for students on December 2nd.
11/30 and 12/01: Remote Learning Days
Will you student be remote or face-to-face in January?
Face-to-Face instruction, with the option for Remote Learning, would continue through the holiday break and during second semester. Similar to the process followed in first semester, parents are being asked through a commitment survey to decide which model they want for their child(ren). Parents must declare their decision by December 11 or their child(ren)’s placement will default to the learning environment they were in as of December 14. The decision will remain in effect for the first nine weeks of second semester so that schools and teachers can allocate resources and plan accordingly.
Parents who are curious about the way teachers work with both Face-to-Face and Remote Learning students are encouraged to watch the following video on simultaneous instruction. The video showcases FCS teachers who demonstrate how the model works and explains the way schools are successfully adapting to students’ needs both in-person and virtually. Two versions have been produced – an abbreviated version and an extended one.
You will need to complete the survey once for each of your students at FCS.
Important Meetings This Week: Review the SMORE for the access links!
- School Governance Council Meeting: Wednesday, 11/18 @ 4:30 p.m.
- Literacy Presentation-Title I: Thursday, 11/19 @ 5:30 p.m.
Click the hyperlinks above to join the meetings. Flyers are also located with access links within the SMORE.
11/17: Important Courtesy Message
Schoolwide Courtesy Notice: This is an important courtesy message from Fulton County Schools
It is confirmed that an individual at Sandtown MS has tested positive for COVID-19 and was last on campus on November 12th. The parents of any student(s) considered at risk (either “low risk” or “high risk”) have already received a personal communication from the school. The same notification protocol is used for alerting staff members or other adults who may have been in close contact with the individual. Please know that we will not be identifying the individual or their grade level/job out of our adherence to privacy/confidential standards.
As an ongoing reminder, if your student is ill, been exposed to an individual who is COVID-19 positive, and/or has a pending COVID-19 test result, they are not allowed at school or any school sponsored events. Please do not send or bring them to the school.
Lastly, in the event that your child develops a fever, runny nose, cough and/or shortness of breath, headache, nausea, loss of taste and smell, and vomiting or becomes ill, please call your personal healthcare provider to seek medical care.
If you have COVID-19 health related questions, please call the Public Health hotline at 404-613-8150
11/16: Technology Service Desk
What is this notification about?
ClassLink is currently getting a 504 Bad Gateway error and not allowing login.
What is the effects?
Users will not be able to login to ClassLink or may have extremely slow logins.
What action must I take?
Please wait to login until access is restored by ClassLink. A follow-up email will be sent.
How can I get more information?
If further information is needed, please contact the IT Service Desk at 470-254-4357 on school days between the hours of 7:00AM and 4:30PM.
11/13: Important Courtesy Message
This is an important courtesy message from Fulton County Schools
It is confirmed that an individual at Sandtown MS has tested positive for COVID-19 and was last on campus on November 6th. No student(s) are considered at risk (either “low risk” or “high risk”) regarding this case; and a notification protocol is used for alerting staff members or other adults who may have been in close contact with the individual. Please know that we will not be identifying the individual or their grade level/job out of our adherence to privacy/confidential standards.
As an ongoing reminder, if your student is COVID-19 positive, has been exposed to an individual who is COVID-19 positive, and/or has a pending COVID-19 test result, they are not allowed at school or any school sponsored events. Please do not send or bring them to the school, but report this information via the Parent Portal (https://www.fultonschools.org/ReportCOVID).
Lastly, in the event that your child develops a fever, runny nose, cough and/or shortness of breath, headache, nausea, loss of taste and smell, and vomiting or becomes ill, please call your personal healthcare provider to seek medical care.
If you have COVID-19 health related questions, please call the Public Health hotline at 404-613-8150.
11/11: Important School Notification from the Principal
Good Evening Sandtown Family,
Fulton County Schools is mourning the tragic loss of Westlake High School principal Jamar Robinson and his wife. Robinson was an inspirational leader who brought joy with his passion for education and his students. We join the community in remembering him and expressing our condolences to his family. School leadership and support staff are at the school to support students, teachers, and staff. This support is also being provided remotely to students.
At this time, we must deal with the many feelings that we may experience today, and in the days to come. We have our school counselors, social workers, and psychologists that will be available to help students and staff that need extra support in dealing with this news.
Here are additional resources outside of Fulton County Schools and for after hours:
Text for Help (24/7 365 support line for students)
Text JAGUAR to 1-844-201-9946
Georgia Crisis and Access Hotline
(Behavioral Health Link-Single Point of Entry)
1-800-715-4225 www.behavioralhealthlink.com
On-site Mental Health Partner for Westlake Odyssey Mental Health: (404) 762-9190
EAP Information for FCS Staff: If you would like a referral for private counseling, you can contact 800-316-2796 or http://fulton.touchpointsonline.com/media/20581037/moo-eap-fulton-co-boe.pdf for our EAP counseling service
The BIG 3: School Goals
Literacy
- By the Spring administration of the iReady Diagnostic Assessment for ELA, 70% of Sandtown Middle School scholars in grades 6-8 (who have taken the Fall assessment) will meet or exceed their Spring 2021 projected growth target as measured by the iReady diagnostic assessment for ELA. (September – February)
Numeracy
- 6th Grade 82% of 6th Grade Students will score proficient or higher on the EOG Administration in Spring 2021; 7th Grade 78% of 7th Grade Students will score proficient or higher on the EOG Administration in Spring 2021; 8th Grade 82% of 8th Grade Students will score proficient or higher on the EOG Administration in Spring 2021.
- 96% of 8th Grade Students enrolled in Algebra I will score proficient or higher on the EOC Administration in Spring.
Social and Emotional Wellness
- All teachers (6th-8th) will implement a minimum of 45 minutes weekly, focused, and engaging lessons that incorporate Re-Think Ed comprehensive curriculum of SEL competencies and standards to 100% of Sandtown Middle students during semester one.
Parent and Family Engagement Plan FY21
What is the aim of Title I in Fulton County Schools?
Title I schools receive federal money to provide additional resources to: Support student instruction, Improve teaching strategies, Increase family engagement:
1. FCS-Parent Family Engagement Plan FY 21 (Click to review)
2. Sandtown Middle School's Parent and Family Engagement Plan (Click to review)
3. Sandtown's School Family Compact (Click to review)
The Jaguar Creed!
- School-wide Affirmation
- Does your scholar know the Jaguar Creed and Pledge?
Happy November! Month 4
District Updates-COVID19: https://www.fultonschools.org/coronavirus
- If you need assistance with your scholar's scheduled date of attendance this week, please contact Ms. North, Professional Assistant or Ms. Jones, Data Clerk for assistance.
- Early Check-Out/Dismissal will end at 3:15 p.m. daily; all parents are required to adhere to the early check-out expectations. Early Check-Out/Dismissal times are adjusted to accommodate the new segmented instructional schedule (URL/Virtual; Face-to-Face).
- Student Messages must be submitted prior to 3:15 p.m., to ensure appropriate delivery of the message and full adherence. Our segmented instructional schedule does not allow for late delivery of messages or early check-out requests.
11/04/2020
Happy November!
During the month of “Thanksgiving”, and during a time of discussion focused on "thankfulness", I want to take an opportunity to extend a heartfelt “thank-you” to the teachers, staff and parents here at Sandtown Middle School. Our students, teachers, support staff, parents, community partners, are wholeheartedly engaged in what is truly best for students; the engagement is greatly appreciated. Our teachers truly do display a true love for teaching and learning! Each day our students are provided with an opportunity to learn more, execute more, and display more than the day before, for this I am forever grateful!
I am 100% confident that all our staff members truly do care about our scholars, and we are working diligently to empower and ignite their passion, despite our unusual circumstances. A normal day requires demands unlike any other school year. I will often share my appreciation of thanks with our team via morning announcements, handwritten notes, and directly when engaged in conversation. However, my words simply are not enough. We are so thankful for our essential staff and our essential scholars. During this month of "thankfulness, I am asking that we all take a moment to share our thanks and appreciation with one another: parents, scholars, staff and stakeholders. Let us make it a "Thankful November".
In advance, thank you for making Sandtown MS an EXCELLENT place to learn and grow! Our continued success is truly attributed to your relentless support of our staff and scholars.
A few gentle, but important reminders...….
- Immunizations: Immunization requirements must be met for all scholars enrolled in Fulton County Schools. Please reach out to student services if you need additional support with ensuring completion of the requirements by the due date. Please do not jeopardize your scholar's active enrollment.
- Veterans Day: is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans, that is, persons who have served in the United States Armed Forces (and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable). It coincides with other holidays including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day which are celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I. Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. At the urging of major U.S. veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.
- Thanksgiving Holiday: Parents, all Fulton County Schools and district offices will close in recognition of the Thanksgiving Holiday. Schools are closed, November 23-November 27.
- Relationship-They Matter: Relationships do matter very much and in the "Middle", they are very important. Please take a moment to chat with your scholars about friendships, positive social connections and building healthy relationships.
Academic Review: November
The following action items are important to reviewing and assessing your scholar's academic performance and needs during the month of September.
- Quarter 2-4.5 Week Progress Report: Wednesday, November 18, 2020
- If your scholar needs assistance, please have your scholar to attend a Virtual Help Session! Help sessions are offered for all scholars. Please reach out to your scholar's teacher for more information.
Additional Support:
- Graduation Coach: Jason Reeves
- Extended Learning Coordinator: Ms. Kenyatta Stacker
- Disproportionality Teacher: Albrina Burger
- Ms. Goodson: 6th Grade (7th Grade: Li-Z)
- Ms. Bataille: 8th Grade (7th Grade: A-Lee)
As always-thank you for all that you do!
Your Partner,
Principal Miley
Thanks to all, please remember: “You are so awesome! You are so amazing! Your scholars need you and you are making a difference in their lives. Keep on teaching, Teachers! Keep on leading, Leaders! Keep on supporting, Support Staff! Keep on parenting, Parents! Everyone-Keep on making the difference.”
Jaguar Quote:
The last month of autumn, but the beginning of a new adventure; time to take risks and do the unexpected.
Author Unknown
PBIS: Building Positive Behaviors
Patriotism
Patriotism or national pride is the feeling of love, devotion, and sense of attachment to a homeland and alliance with other citizens who share the same sentiments.
Examples
- Vote. One of the best ways to honor the principles upon which our nation was built is to vote. ...
- Support a veteran. Do more than thank them for their service and dedication. ...
- Serve on a jury.
Gratitude is a warm feeling of thankfulness towards the world, or towards specific individuals. The person who feels gratitude is thankful and appreciates what they have. As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, let's show our appreciation to one another and be thankful for all we have.
Happy November! Student Shout-Outs and Special Recognition
Darrell Parham will receive a special token of appreciation and a gift card! Darrell, thank you for inspiring our scholars and uplifting our pledge to be drug free! I am proud of you!
Principal Miley
Your Counselors: Markita Goodson and Chiquita Bataille
The Entire SMS Team
Congratulations to our iReady Superstar Winners for the week: 11/08. Please click here to view the iReady Tribute.
6th: Nadia Williams
6th: Destini Dupree
7th: Khalib Brooks
7th: Michael Dishman
8th: Ajaih Harper
8th: Tiari Brooks
We are proud of you!
Principal Miley
Mr. Reeves, Graduation Coach
The Entire SMS Team
Congratulations to all of the 9th grade class Foundation of Engineering participants in their perspective category of events.
- Kudos to the Foundation of Engineering Participants (Individual recognition is forthcoming)
A special congratulations to Mya McCall for her winning submission of an original design for her paradise express coffee café!
- Mya McCall: We are so proud of you!
Principal Miley
Ms. Marcia Green, Engineering Teacher
The Entire SMS Team
I Pledge to be Drug Free!
Red Ribbon Week: Twin Day
Red Ribbon Week: Twin Day
No School Days!
- Professional Development Day/Election Day: November 3 (Remote WORKDAY)
- November 23-27: Thanksgiving Holiday (BREAK)***
- December 21-31; January 1: Winter Break (Schools Closed-BREAK)***
- January 4: Teacher Workday (No School for Students-TEACHER WORKDAY)
- January 18: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (Schools Closed)***
***FCS Schools and District Offices are closed
Author/Book Study: Jason Reynolds
Exciting News!!!
We will be hosting a school-wide Author/ Book study on Jason Reynolds. We have selected the following titles for each grade level:
The books can be purchased on your own from Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, and Books a Million and other retailers. Scholars may also access the book via our e-Book Check-Out. More information is forthcoming on how to access e-book titles. We will have a few copies available for check-out. Remember to secure your book as soon as possible.
8th-Long Way Down $6.00
7th-Look Both Ways S8.00
6th-Ghost $5.00
6th-Patina $5.00
6th-Sunny $7.00
Happy Reading!
You may also purchase e-Books on iTunes. Kindle and Audio books are formats that are also available from Amazon and Audible.
Parent (Student) COVID-19 Reporting Portal
IMPORTANT: COVID-19: Failure to Disclose Notice
We take the health and safety of our students and staff very seriously in the Fulton County School District. It is a shared expectation that parents, guardians and students not only take their own health and safety seriously, but that they make the health and safety of students, teachers, and staff THE priority now that we have resumed face to face instruction in our schools. Unfortunately, there have been some instances where students have entered our school buildings with observable and measurable symptoms of illness and/or knowingly awaiting COVID test results. And in some rare cases, they have even lied about this. I cannot stress enough how irresponsible this behavior is, as it compromises the health and safety of every student and staff member in a school building and jeopardizes all students’ ability to receive face-to-face instruction.
As a result, if a student comes to school knowingly experiencing illness or symptoms of COVID-19, we may take the following actions to protect the health and safety of students, staff, and the community:
• Moving the student to virtual learning for a specified time, including the remainder of the semester;
• Removal of the ability to participate in athletics or other extracurricular activities or events; and/or
• Referral to the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) in cases of suspected abuse or neglect.
Of course, this list is not exhaustive, and any student who is dishonest or causes a school disruption will be subject to our Student Code of Conduct and extracurricular rules, as is typical. Again, safety and health is our number one priority! We must all work together to ensure a safe and successful school year. The professionals at Fulton County Schools will do their part. We need our parents, students, community members, and other stakeholders to do theirs, as well.
11/18: School Governance Council Meeting: @ 4:30 p.m. (TBD-Rescheduled from 10/28)
School Governance Council
Tentative: 11/18/2020
The School Governance Council has a scheduled a scheduled meeting on Wednesday, November 18 @ 4:30 p.m. The agenda will include a public comment time period (5:30 p.m.).
A preview of the agenda is available on our school's website, SMORE and future meetings will be posted on the parent resource board during our on-site sessions.
11/19: Parent and Family Engagement-Title-I Event(11/19 @ 5:30 p.m.)
Parent and Family Engagement: All Families are Invited to Attend!
11/19/2020
ELA and Social Studies parent Workshop - November 19, 2020
Please join us to learn and receive resources to help support your child’s learning experience.
12/15/2020: Parent and Family Engagement-Title-I Event(12/15 @ 5:30 p.m.)
Parent and Family Engagement: All Families are Invited to Attend!
12/15/2020
Math and Science Parent Workshop - December 15, 2020
Please join us to learn and receive resources to help support your child’s learning experience.
Click here to access the meeting: Math and Science Jingle and Jangle
Face-to-Face: Back to School Information:
Uniforms
Uniforms are highly encouraged, however due to COVID-19 and the associated financial implications, they are not required. Uniforms provide distinctive identification for grade levels and support uniformity throughout our school. We encourage our scholars to adhere to our norm! All of our scholars benefit from Spirit Wear on Friday's!
-We are returning in a Universal Remote Environment; Post-Return we do encourage uniforms
- 8th Grade: Royal Blue
- 7th Grade: Grey
- 6th Grade: Black
Uniform Vendors: Walmart, Old Navy, Brandhouse Ink (School-Based Vendor
*All vendors are independent vendors
*Brandhouse Ink is a school-based business partner and offers our school logo. Orders are independently placed with the vendor.
Car-Rider Information: Only applicable for Face-to-Face (TBD)
All students who are currently assigned a car-rider number will retain their current car rider number for the new school year.
New car riders must have a registration form on file. This year, we kindly request all parents to complete the online form. The process is very simple and will allow for a more effective process. Please complete the car-rider registration form online and someone from our office will email you with your confirmed car-rider tag information within 24-48 hours.
Click here to register for a new car-rider number
Lockers: Parents may pre-pay, as deemed appropriate; lockers are distributed during Face-to-Face/On-Site Learning (TBD)
Lockers are available for purchase, beginning the second week of school. Locker assignments will adhere to social distancing guidelines. Lockers will be spaced out to ensure adherence to social distancing requirements.
Payments for lockers may be submitted via Online School Payment, beginning August 17, 2020. Students will begin receiving their locker assignments within 5 days of the submitted payment. The locker fee for all students is $12 for an annual locker rental. Please list your scholar's first and last name, and grade level when purchasing your locker online.
We highly encourage purchasing a locker shelf to organize items within the lockers for our scholars. The school does not sell the locker shelves, however, they may be purchased from Walmart or Target. See the link for an example: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lockermate-12-inch-Stac-a-shelf-Wire-Locker-Shelf-Pink/605020719
Universal Remote Learning (URL) Reminders: (Successful Tips Below)
- The URL Schedule includes a slight adjustment from the schedule in Infinite Campus; be sure to review the URL Bell Schedule.
- Watch the video on how to log-in to Class Link
- Questions: Email your scholar's teacher using Class Link
- Need a device: Email SMS Device Team
Still need help?
- Contact the URL Hotline
Monday - Friday
Call: 470-254-2300
Important School Documents
A single sign-on platform that will allow you to use your FCS username and password to access everything you need. Classlink (Launchpad) delivers instant access to your web resources from all your devices.
Sandtown Middle School: Instructional Lesson Plans
Lesson planning is a significant element of teaching-learning system. A lesson plan is a step-by-step guide that provides a structure for an essential learning. Before planning a lesson, it is essential to classify the learning outcomes for the class. It is important because it helps the teacher in maintaining a standard teaching pattern and does not let the class deviate from the topic. Pre-planning helps the teacher to be better equipped in answering questions asked by the students during the lecture. An effective lesson plan has three basic components; aims and objectives of the course, teaching and learning activities and, assessments to check student understanding of the topic.
Click below to review content lesson plans:
Click here to review specific information for your scholar's grade level.
Website goes live on August 31, 2020
Click here to review specific information for your scholar's grade level.
Website goes live on August 31, 2020
Click here to review specific information for your scholar's grade level.
Website goes live on August 31, 2020
SMS Athletics Department: Complete all required forms
Did you know we have a SMS teacher/staff snack bar?
We can use your support in continuing this tradition and ensuring our snack bar is always 100% refilled. There are three ways to donate snacks or funding to our Teacher/Staff Snack Bar. In advance, we thank you for your support.
- Deliver your snack donation directly to the school. Snacks must be pre-packaged and sealed. Healthy snacks are encouraged, but our teachers do love chips and sweet treats, as well.
- Submit a donation letter earmarking your funding for snacks for the SMS Snack Bar.
- Submit a donation directly to PTA earmarking your funding for snacks for the SMS Snack Bar.
- Join our PTSA: www.sandtownmiddleptsa.com
Thank you for supporting the Sandtown Middle School family!
New to Sandtown: Review Our Annual Open House Presentations
- 6th Grade: Deborah Blackley
- 7th Grade: Victoria Grubbs
- 8th Grade: William Zwingmann
- 6th-8th Curriculum: Tanja Beauford-Vernon
- Special Education: Kimesha White, IST
- Principal: LaToya Miley
6th Grade: Virtual Open House (10:00-11:30 a.m.)
Mr. Charles Love and Ms. Antonia Washington, 6th Grade Department Chairs
7th Grade Virtual Open House (12:00-1:30 p.m.)
Ms. Domonique Davis, 7th Grade Department Chair
8th Grade Virtual Open House (2:00-3:30 p.m.)
Ms. Camille Crowder, 8th Grade Department Chair
6th-8th Grade Connections Open House (3:45 - 4:30 p.m.)
Ms. Kimberly Postell, Connections Support Leader
- Fine Arts: Ms. Sarkino Walker
- CTAE: Ms. Maria Bibbs-Hines
- Health and Physical Education: Mr. Christopher Anderson
https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/3e7bca23-617e-4904-adbe-0db186f07184?list=studio
Special Education: Question and Answer Session (August 19 @ 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.)
Ms. Kimesha White, Instructional Support Teacher
Community Partners and Local School Flyers
Sandtown Middle School: Nutrition Tidbits
School Meals are safe! The FCS School Nutrition Program’s food safety and sanitation procedures are in place to ensure safe meals are served at all times in all schools within the county. Our department prides itself in the efforts of always putting the customer first. To ensure this, our procedures often far exceed what is required by the Georgia Food Code for food establishments.
- All scholars will receive free lunch and breakfast until December. However, we strongly encourage all families to complete the Free and Reduced Lunch Application. Free & Reduced Meal Applications are available online for the 2020-2021 school year. Families may qualify for free or reduced-price school breakfast & lunch. Households must complete a new Free & Reduced Application every school year. Apply today at www.fulton.schoollunchapp.com.
- Families are strongly encouraged to pay for student meals online at www.mypaymentsplus.com. MyPaymentsPlus offers quick, easy and secure online prepayments, available 24/7. To keep FoodStop sites contactless, cash or checks will not be accepted during meal distribution. Checks can be mailed to: Fulton County School Nutrition; 6201 Powers Ferry Road NW Atlanta, GA 30339
- Snacks may be purchased during lunch; all scholars who wish to purchase a snack must have available funds on their account. Our Cafe' is a cashless operation. Thank you for understanding!
- Students meals will be accounted for using a no-contact cashiering method. Families will need to provide student’s meal account information in the form of Student ID numbers or Student Meal Barcodes. To get started, families should visit https://nutrition.fultonschools.org/BarCode to receive their Student Meal Barcode.
Community Resources: Please review our Community Resources Section
Sandtown Middle School: Summer Newsletter
Email: Sandtownprincipal@fultonschools.org
Website: http://school.fultonschools.org/ms/sandtown/Pages/default.aspx
Location: 5400 Campbellton Road Southwest, Atlanta, GA, USA
Phone: (470) 254-6500
Twitter: @SandtownMS