SMS Jaguars: Happy October!
Month 3: October 1-31 (Weeks 9-12)
Our Mission
Success for Every Student through Excellence!
Our Vision
We will prepare scholars for success by establishing a mutually respectful culture that promotes high expectations, academic achievement, and personal growth.
We will develop scholars' self-awareness, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and leadership skills. We will prepare scholars to leave ready to pursue and succeed on their chosen paths.
Our Vision
We will provide our faculty and staff members a special place to pursue the art and science of teaching. We will provide teachers with experiences that deepen their skills and be a place where careers can flourish.
We will enhance education by setting an example as an effective, safe and accountable school by constantly investing in ways to become better at our craft. We will share our learning with colleagues in the field of education.
Late Start Monday & Red Ribbon Week!
All schools will participate in a total of six Late Start Mondays. Schools will reserve the time for collaborative work in PLC's and job-embedded professional learning. The research is clear: The research is clear: when teachers plan and collaborate about student progress, students benefit. Late Start Mondays will not impact the regularly scheduled arrival or breakfast times for students. We encourage parents to use this time to create additional bonding time with your scholar. Consider a shared breakfast, dialogue and discussion and an opportunity to review with your scholar their grades and progress. Let's make our Late Start Mondays an impactful time for our scholars!
Scholars may report to school one hour later than normal. Our first class will begin at 9:55 a.m. Scholars who arrive at 8:25 a.m. will report to the noted locations until released for class.
Monday, October 25, 2021
- All scholars will begin their first class at 9:55 a.m.
- Adhere to the Late Start Bell Schedule
On-Site Late Reporting Schedule
Grade 6 will report to the cafeteria
Grade 7 will report to the gym
Grade 8 will report to the media center
Thanksgiving Luncheon: November 10 and 11 (Tickets are now on sale!)
No School: Monday, October 11 and Tuesday, October 12
- Monday, October 11: Columbus Day
- Tuesday, October 12: Teacher Workday
A Fly High Balloon Release in Honor of Mr. Hines and Ms. Owens (Thursday, October 7, 2021)
All scholars and families are invited to attend. Blue and Yellow Balloons will be released. Parents are welcomed to bring their own balloons, inflated, yellow or blue. We do have balloons that will be provided. 5:30-6:00 p.m.
- Sandtown Park, Pavilion #2
- 5:30-6:00 p.m.
Jaguars-of-the-Month!
Jaguar's Quote:
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.
Always Remember: "In the Middle"
Middle school is more than just a grade configuration, Lounsbury explains: "It doesn't matter whether a child is in a K through 8th grade school or a 6th through 8th grade school. It doesn't matter if students wear uniforms, or if boys are taught separately from girls. It's how they're taught that makes the difference." Anyone who has spent more than five minutes in the presence of a "tween" — a term commonly applied to kids falling between the ages of 8 and 13 knows this is true. Middle schoolers are a diverse, unpredictable group. Brazen and cocky one minute, timid and self-doubting the next; bored and self-conscious one day, excited and inquisitive the next — they ride the proverbial rollercoaster of emotions, abilities, and needs.
From the Desk of the Principal:
Hello Sandtown Family,
It's October! It’s a month of awareness for many reasons: Domestic Violence (Purple), Breast Cancer (Pink), Fire Safety (Orange), Red-Ribbon Week (Red) and Halloween Safety! This year we are planning a very special event for our scholars. We will host our first P.B.I.S. Trunk-or-Treat for our scholars. We will need your support, so think of us when you are completing your monthly shopping. We will begin accepting donations on Monday, October 4. It is also a great opportunity to engage on the middle school level. Please think about how you can decorate your car and join us for some fun, music, and trunk-or-treating!
All of the items must be store purchased, pre-packed and sealed. No open candy is allowed at the event. It is also important to note, that scholars are not permitted to pass out candy or distribute candy at Sandtown Middle School.
Now, for the heart of our work, Student Improvement & Student Engagement. This month we are digging into iReady Data and reviewing our student academic risk reports. In addition, our 7th grade students will complete the MAP Assessment, beginning next week. The window for the MAP Assessment is October 4-15. As a result of our data analysis we will begin Extended Learning and High Dosage Small Groups. Parents will receive invitations for their scholars to participate in additional learning programs. We encourage all parents to register once an invitation is received. This is a unique learning opportunity for your scholar, and we sincerely hope that you will enroll your scholar in the learning programs as they are a true benefit to their academic success.
High Dosage Small Groups
As always, thank you for all that you do. Please continue to remain vigilant in improving our outcomes. Feedback is appreciated and valued, after all, we are on a mission to ensure Sandtown rises to being the best middle school in the South! We need your support! Please review a few considerations and ponder this: how can you assist us in our efforts to ensure Success for Every Student?
A few reminders:
FCS Mitigation Matrix (Mitigation Matrix). Note: Case levels are reported according to municipal boundaries within Fulton County and can be found weekly Fulton County Board of Health Epidemiology Report. For more information, please visit the website: Student Health Services / COVID-19 14-Day Positive Trend Rate
Cell-Phone Policy: Cell-phones must be powered off and out of sight during the instructional day. If phones are sighted, they will be removed and returned at the end of the day. Multiple redirections will result in a disciplinary infraction. Phones are permitted during dismissal to support parent communications (4:05 p.m.).
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.”
Recognizing our Building Management Team: Monday, October 4, 2021
- Mr. Wade, Mr. Moore and Ms. Williams
It's Fire Safety Month
Monthly Updates: Please check back weekly for updates
Fire Prevention Week: Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety
Since 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has sponsored Fire Prevention Week. This year Fire Prevention Week is scheduled for October 3-9, 2021 and the theme is “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!”
- School Governance Council Meeting: October 6, 2021
Our School Governance Council will meet on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 @ 6:00 p.m.. We look forward to seeing you virtually. Please click on the link to join our meeting.
- Capital Plan 2027
A capital plan outlines the improvements needed to support the day-to-day operations of a school system not directly related to instruction or personnel. It identifies the facility improvements needed throughout the district (including new schools, additions and reconfigurations) as well as the technology, transportation, classroom equipment, and safety upgrades that support learning. The capital plan also sets projected budgets, priorities, and ways those improvements can be funded.
Please visit the Capital Plan website to learn more. Additional meetings will be held to discuss the Capital Plan 2027. https://www.fultonschools.org/esplost
- No School-Days and Late-Start Days! Please be sure to calendarize!
- Lockers are $20 for the year. Lockers may be purchased using our Online School Payments located on our website.
Trunk-or-Treat: Register your vehicle now! Grand Prize Winner $100 CASH = BEST DECORATED TRUNK FULL OF CANDY$!
1st Place: $100 Cash Prize
2nd Place: $50 Gift Card
3rd Place: $25 Gift Card
Community Meeting: This Month!
- Monday, October 18, 2021 (Global Impact Academy)
Monday, November 15 (Renaissance MS)
Monday, December 13 (Westlake HS)
Tuesday, January 18 (Cliftondale ES)
Monday, February 14 (Langston Huges HS)
Monday, March 14 (Palmetto ES)
Monday, April 20 (Bear Creek MS)
Monday, May 10 (Wolf Creek ES)
PTSA Meeting; Immediately Followed by Curriculum Workshop-Power Hour!
Please join PTSA: The meeting is virtual only.
Click here to join: bit.ly/3mde4rz
Title-I Parent Session-Curriculum Workshop #2: Tuesday, October 19, 2021 @ 6:30 p.m.
Donate to our PBIS Store! We need your support!
Girls Basketball Tryouts: Oct 25-28
Say YES! COVID Test At-Home Testing Challenge
There are a limited number of kits. Please reserve your kit soon! Kits will be distributed on Monday, October 18, 2021 (2:30-4:30 p.m.)
What volunteer opportunities are available?
- Media Center: Photocopying, supporting scholars, desk circulation and much more
- Front Office: Supporting the front office with additional duties and tasks
- Front Rotunda (AM): Welcoming our scholars to school each morning; ensuring scholars are supported in the morning (A great start to the day!)
- Car Riders: We need car attendants! Don't hesitate to jump in our car rider line to meet and greet our scholars and parents!
- Men of Sandtown: Click here to share your interest in supporting Young Men of Sandtown
- Girls of Excellence: Click here to share your interest in supporting Girls of Excellence
- Chaperone a field trip: Click here to submit your name as a chaperone
No School Days-August and September
October 11: Columbus Day Observance
October 12: Teacher Workday
November 22-26: Thanksgiving Holiday Observance
December 20-31: Winter Break Observance
Late Start Days-August and September (9:55 a.m.)
October 25: Late-Start Monday
November 15: Late-Start Monday
January 24: Late-Start Monday
February 28: Late-Start Monday (Correction)
March 21: Late-Start Monday
Meetings: Upcoming
September 15: Committees Meetings
September 21: Annual Title-1 Meeting
September 21: PTSA Meeting
September 23: Virtual Band Showcase
September 28: Sandtown Activities Showcase-Clubs, Intramurals and Extramurals
What are Late-Start Days?
All schools will participate in a total of six Late Start Mondays. Schools will reserve the time for collaborative work in PLC's and job-embedded professional learning. The research is clear: The research is clear: when teachers plan and collaborate about student progress, students benefit. Late Start Mondays will not impact the regularly scheduled arrival or breakfast times for students. We encourage parents to use this time to create additional bonding time with your scholar. Consider a shared breakfast, dialogue and discussion and an opportunity to review with your scholar their grades and progress. Let's make our Late Start Mondays an impactful time for our scholars!
Monday, September 20, 2021 (Remote Learning)
- All scholars will begin their first class at 9:55 a.m.
- Adhere to the Late Start Bell Schedule
On-Site Late Reporting Schedule
Grade 6 will report to the cafeteria
Grade 7 and 8 will report to the gym
Car riders may arrive (8:25-9:55 a.m.)
Help us name our Jaguar!
Services Request Form: Student Services Support
- Purpose for Request
- Speak with a Counselor (Bataille or Goodson)
- Speak with Ms. White (IST)
- Locker Information (Swift)
Welcome Back! All Things Back-to-School!
SANDTOWN OPERATING HOURS
Student Arrival: 8:25 a.m.
- Students are not permitted to wait outside of the building without supervision; students must remain in their vehicles, if dropped off, until 8:25 a.m. No students are permitted on campus prior to approved student arrival times.
Student Dismissal: 4:05 p.m.
- Dismissal begins promptly at 4:05 p.m. Early checkouts must occur prior to 3:20 p.m. Students are engaged in final lessons and close-out activities during the last 45 minutes of school, and may not be checked out after 3:20 p.m. Parents are encouraged to ensure proper planning is in place for dismissal
UNIFORM POLICY 2021-2022
*Uniforms are highly encouraged to wear to school every day; Wednesday are Friday of each week are spirit days!
The standard school uniform consists of a polo top and khaki shorts or pants. A logo patch is optional, but are not required
Khaki bottoms are preferred with uniform tops, however, jeans are allowed to be worn with uniform tops, as well. *No frayed or ripped jeans are allowed*
To alleviate re-purchasing uniforms each year, we will adhere to the three- year/grade level uniform trend. Your scholar will wear the same uniform top color throughout their middle school career.
Sixth Grade: Royal Blue/Khaki
Seventh Grade: Black/Khaki
Eighth Grade: Gray/Khaki
- Uniforms are worn on Monday – Thursday.
- Wednesday is College Day! Students may wear a college shirt!
- Every Friday is Spirit Wear and Free Dress Day. ****
ABSOLUTELY NO SHREDDED, RIPPED OR FRAYED JEANS/JACKETS ARE ALLOWED. *NO CROP TOPS OR TANK TOPS ALLOWED.
Uniform Vendors: Walmart, Old Navy, Brandhouse Ink, WearMe
*All vendors are independent vendors; Sandtown does not endorse a specific vendor; Several vendors may be present during Open House/Sneak-A-Peek!
WE Wear Uniforms!
Ready, Set, Go...Fill Up Your Cart!!!
Middle School Supply List: Standard/Non-Specific
Additional supply requests, by content will be shared during our Curriculum Night on Wednesday, September 01.
Backpack
Lunch bag
#2 Pencils
Eraser
Pencil Sharpener
Pens
Highlighters
Markers
12 inch Ruler
Tape
Scissors
USB Flash Drive
TI Calculator
Ruled Index Cards
Folders
One Subject Spiral Notebooks
Composition Notebook
Loose Leaf Filler Paper Wide Rule
3 Ring Binder or Zipper Binder
3 Ring Binder Hole Punch
Tabbed Dividers
#1: Car-Rider Information
CAR-RIDER INFORMATION: REGISTER FOR YOUR CAR-TAG
All students who are currently assigned a car-rider number will retain their current car rider number for the new school year; tags will be placed in the car window for a more efficient car-rider process.
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. Please allow 2-3 days to receive your scholar's car rider number.
Car rider tags will arrive very soon. Please place the car rider tag on your rearview mirror once received.
Click here to register for a new car-rider number
Need information on your car rider registration; contact our Student Services Office: Click Here
#2: Here Comes The Bus
Download the App Today!
"Here Comes the Bus" is a free, easy-to-use website and app that enables you to see the location of your child’s school bus on a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. This way, you know when the bus is near your stop, so you can send your child out at just the right time. No more worrying about whether your child has missed the bus!
Program FAQs
How do I sign up?
- Download the Here Comes The Bus app on Google Play or the Apple App Store or visit www.herecomesthebus.com.
- Click the "Sign Up" button
- Enter school code: 87428
- Click "Next" followed by "Confirm"
- Complete the "User Profile" box
- Under "My Students," click "Add." Enter your child's last name and student ID number
- Once you confirm you information, you're ready to go!
#3: THE SWAG CART: Fill Up Your Carts! Lockers, Grade Level Fees, etc.
The SWAG CART: Fill up your cart! Make one payment using OSP, Online School Payments, by filling up your cart. OSP will open on July 15, 2021
- Lockers: $20
Locker payments are $20/locker. The fee includes locker fee rental for the year, general maintenance, cleaning, and all associated service fees. Rental fees for lockers are non-refundable. Parents who have submitted their payment prior to August 8-scholars will receive locker assignments during the first week of school. August 9-13. All payments submitted after August 08, please allow 1-3 days to receive your locker assignment. Lockers assignments are based on classroom assignments. Please remain patient!
- 6th Grade Fee: $35
- 7th Grade Fee: $50
- 8th Grade Fee: $75
Locker Recommendation
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
#4: Uniforms
*Uniforms are highly encouraged to wear to school every day; Wednesday are Friday of each week are spirit days!
The standard school uniform consists of a polo top and khaki shorts or pants. A logo patch is optional, but are not required
Khaki bottoms are preferred with uniform tops, however, jeans are allowed to be worn with uniform tops, as well. *No frayed or ripped jeans are allowed*
To alleviate re-purchasing uniforms each year, we will adhere to the three- year/grade level uniform trend. Your scholar will wear the same uniform top color throughout their middle school career.
Sixth Grade: Blue/Khaki
Seventh Grade: Black/Khaki
Eighth Grade: Gray/Khaki
- Uniforms are worn on Monday – Thursday.
- Wednesday is College Day! Students may wear a college shirt!
- Every Friday is Spirit Wear and Free Dress Day. ****
ABSOLUTELY NO SHREDDED, RIPPED OR FRAYED JEANS/JACKETS ARE ALLOWED. *NO CROP TOPS OR TANK TOPS ALLOWED.
Uniform Vendors: Walmart, Old Navy, Brandhouse Ink, WearMe
*All vendors are independent vendors; Sandtown does not endorse a specific vendor; Several vendors may be present during Open House/Sneak-A-Peek!
#5: Student Code of Conduct
Who Needs to Sign? All students above 10 years of age and their parents, guardians, or other person having control or charge of the child is asked to sign acknowledging receipt of the Code of Conduct and Student Handbook.
Fulton County School District: Volunteer Registration
Important School Documents
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:
The Jaguar Creed!
- School-wide Affirmation
- Does your scholar know the Jaguar Creed and Pledge?
What is F.O.C.U.S
#4: Before Care & After Care
APEC After School Enrichment @ Sandtown Middle School
Before Care Only
5400 Campbellton Road Atlanta GA 30331Office: 404-287-9709Email: Sandtown@APECprep.com
After School Enrichment – Constructive programming for children including homework assistance and recreational activities.
APEC Sandtown on Facebook!
2. Future Foundation After School Program
After Care
Students receive: academic support, tutoring, homework help, college readiness support, opportunities to learn from professionals, field trips, enrichments activities, daily time to connect with friends and practice healthy habits.
This is a free program. We are currently enrolling 6th-12th graders at participating Fulton County Schools. Transportation, snacks, and meals are provided.
Program Dates: 8.16.21 - 5.27.22
Demarquez Grissom Sandtown MS
(404) 914-4294
FCS Student Meal Prices
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.
SMS Athletics Department: Complete all required forms
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