Titan Talk
November 3, 2017
YEE HAW! The BOOK FAIR opens on Monday, Nov. 6th!!!
Our media specialist Mrs. Jennifer Newman & parent helpers have wrangled up some books for our cowpokes! Parents are welcome to come shop the Book Fair ALL next week!
Upcoming Dates
November is Family Engagement Month!
What are the ways you will engage with your family?
- 11/5 - Daylight Savings...Fall Back
- 11/6 - FREE Screening of the documentary "Screenagers" at MHS Auditorium
- 11/6 to 11/10 - BOOK FAIR @ EPMS
- 11/7 - Election Day - School is OPEN (Gym Closed)
- 11/8 - Jr. Beta Meeting @ 8 AM (Ms. White's Classroom, E-119))
- 11/9 - FCA @ 7:45 am (Rm. E-109)
- 11/9 - 6th & 7th GR Band Concert @ 6:30 pm (Gym)
- 11/10 - SGC Mtg @ 7:45 am
- 11/10 - Interact Club @ 7:45 am in D-119
- 11/10 - Wear Titan Spirit-Wear
- 11/10 - Legacy of Excellence Awards for TOTY/PEOTY
- 11/11 - Veterans Day
- 11/13 - EPMS Honors Our Vets for Veteran's Day!
Dates to Note:
BOOK FAIR @ EPMS
Nov. 6th thru Nov. 10th
FULL RELEASE DAY @ EPMS
Friday, Nov. 17th
No School for Students
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This week, the Georgia Department of Education (GADOE) released the 2017 College and Career Readiness Performance Index (CCRPI) for all schools in Georgia. The CCRPI is the way the Georgia Department of Education measures schools and school districts and gives them a rating on a 100-point scale. Our 2017 score is 71.3 which shows us pretty much holding steady from last year’s performance. of 72.4.
This is a very small change from our 2016 score, and we view this as an opportunity to examine our test data to see where we excel and where we need to make improvements. At the same time, we do not feel one measurement, such as the CCRPI score, is completely reflective of our school as the CCRPI score is made up of numerous factors that may or may not be related to academic achievement.
The vast majority of the CCRPI score derives from student performance on the Georgia Milestones, End of Grade (EOG) and End of Course (EOC) tests. Our test data indicates that we need to continue to provide additional support to our students in our ESOL and special education programs as well as the students who perform in the academic middle.
We are making efforts to address these areas by providing more targeted assistance to students during our WINN time, scheduling students for additional support through our remedial math and reading support classes, as well working more closely with parents to partner in this work. We included a full-time position this year filled by Dr. Dietra Duncan to oversee our 504 and our Student Support Team program. The Student Support Team guides the work of how we respond when students are in need of additional interventions and supports. Dr. Duncan's focus is to increase efforts to detect problems early and to provide assistance by getting struggling students back on track quicker. We’ve added Ms. Mariah Dantzler from The Summit Counseling Center to our team one day a week. Ms. Dantzler provides an additional layer of support for students who are in need of more intense counseling and supports because of more severe social/emotional challenges. Having this in place helps these students to overcome issues which oftentimes impact their learning, as well as their emotional wellbeing.
In light of the one point dip in our overall score, I do want to point out the increases that we are most proud of:
- 84% of our 8th-grade students in reading performed at or above grade level. This is a 16% increase from the time they entered middle school in 2015.
- The percentage of assessments across all content areas with an overall score of proficient or distinguished up ticked from 48.21 to 48.73%.
- Reading status based on Lexiles for all 8th-grade students showed an increase from 76.28 to 77.616.
- Elkins Pointe achieved a 5-Star Climate Rating for the 4th year in a row - our overall School Climate Rating continues to increase each year!
2015 – 88.2
2016 – 90.3
2017 – 91.7
At the end of the day, the CCRPI is an assessment of how we are doing in relation to the Georgia Milestones test. We are thankful to have a snapshot of our performance, but we recognize that these CCRPI scores are based on one-day tests, whereas the school year is 180 days. There are many great things happening to our students that are not captured by a single measurement like the CCRPI.
The Georgia Department of Education also recently released its annual School Climate Star ratings for all schools in Georgia. School Climate refers to the overall quality, safety, and character of school life – the “culture” of a school. School climate ratings are based on survey results and data from the 2016-2017 school year, and each school is rated on a 1-5 scale, with 5-Stars representing an excellent school climate, and one star representing a school climate in need of improvement. As noted above, our 2017 score is 91.7 which is a 3.5 point increase since 2015!
We are only 1 of 3 schools in all of Fulton County with a consecutive 5-Star score rating for the past four years. We believe that our school has an exceptional climate, and that’s partly because of your support as a parent or guardian. We have the best staff and PTSA a principal could ever hope for, and the most amazing students you send to us each day.
As principal, I am extremely proud to represent a school that continually strives to improve and genuinely seeks success for all our students. Thank you for your support as we continue this journey…together!
Sincerely,
Kindra L. Smith, Ed.S
Principal
Elkins Pointe Middle School
Home of the Titans!
merci beaucoup and Many Thanks!!
Thank you to all our students, parents and teachers/staff for supporting Pink Out, and the Zumba fundraiser for US Virgin Island Relief.
SMART-HAPPY-CONNECTED!
“Change the World with Onigiri.”
7th-grade Japanese students learned how to make Onigiri (rice balls) and participated in a campaign called “Change the World with Onigiri.” This is a part of the United Nation's World Food Day Campaign (http://jp.tablefor2.org/campaign/onigiri/en/. This project encourages people around the world to make and post Onigiri photos so that the sponsors match/donate food to help children in Africa. 7th-grade students wore a black/white shirt to become a part of Onigiri for the photos.
Le Petit Café
Thank you to Monsieur Mendy and Madame Kabore's classes and our parents for donating pastries and for helping serve. Merci Beaucoup!
Check out this cool and innovative slideshow on a project-based learning lesson in Ms. Lindesay's class.
Things on the Weekend!
Marching Band Competition # MHS - 11/4
Bring the family out for food, fun, and music at the13th Annual WCI Marching Band Competition. Top High School Bands from all over metro Atlanta will be competing for the Grand Champion Trophy. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for Seniors/Students and under 4 is free. Tickets sold at the gate.Things to Know
If you would like to donate a ream of copy paper or a box of copy paper, please sign up below. Thank you to Mrs. Anna Gross, a parent, for offering to organize a copy paper drive.
Sign to Donate Copy Paper by using this link or the box below: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0548a4a822a64-paper
BOOK FAIR!!
Hooray, the Book Fair is coming to EPMS the week of November 6th thru 10th! The Book Fair takes place at our Media Center. If you would like to help out with the Book Fair. Please click here to sign up to help. Any Questions? Contact our Media Specialist Jennifer Newman at newmanj@fultonschools.org.
Milton High School, along with their SGC and PTO is hosting a FREE viewing of the documentary "SCREENAGERS" on Monday, Nov. 6th @ 7 pm in the MHS Auditorium. This event is intended for parents, but parents are welcome to bring their child (5th graders and up). Please Note: This is not a drop off event for children; students without an adult escort will not be permitted to enter due to sensitive content.
The event is free, but seats are limited. Please arrive early to ensure you will have a seat because it is first to come, first to be seated. If you have any questions, please email the Milton High School SGC Community Outreach Chair, Lisa O'Hanlon Cowles at ohanlon@fultonschools.org.
FRENCH NATIONAL WEEK
French National Week...Continues on 11/6
Monday, November 6: Projects presentation
- Morning Announcement will include a French Feature
- Projects presentations in class
Tuesday, November 7: Closing
- Morning Announcement will include a French Feature
- Exhibition of students’ projects and tour guide activities– All day in front of the World Language mural.
- Parents are welcome to tour the exhibit.
Jr. Beta will be meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 8th at 8 am in Ms. White's room. They will be voting on their executive board. Two members of Jr. Beta will be introducing their canned food drive. All are welcomed to the Jr. Beta meeting.
Interact Club - 11/10 @ 7:45 AM
The next Interact Club Meeting will take place on Friday, Nov. 10th at 7:45 AM in room D119. A huge shout out to Talaya Thomas, Olivia Sadler and Shyla Chahel for representing the EPMS Interact Club for World Interact Week at the Rotary Luncheon. (see pics attached) Also, a huge welcome to our new members: Atlanta Griffin & Rashin Langerodi!!!! We are still accepting new members with fresh ideas on serving our community!!! “Service Above Self.” Please email questions and service opportunities to streeters1@fultonschools.org
Veterans Day - 11/11
We would like to take this opportunity to honor and remember all who served
our country on Veterans Day Saturday, November 11, 2017. Your service
and sacrifice is greatly appreciated. Many thanks to our very own EPMS staff:
Officer Allen Jones, Army; George Eberhart, Army; Granville Broomes, U.S. Marine Corps.
We salute you!!
VETERANS DAY BREAKFAST & MILTON LITERARY FESTIVAL: NOVEMBER 11, 2017
The City of Milton proudly announces two tandem community events on Veterans Day.
VETERANS DAY BREAKFAST: At 8 AM, FREE Continental Breakfast will be served. Brigadier General A.J. (“Tony”) Tata, author and national news contributor, will speak about his 28 years of US Army service and his novels, "Foreign and Domestic" and "Three Minutes to Midnight."
MILTON LITERARY FESTIVAL: The festival begins at 10 AM featuring 12 panels on the various literary genres. Come see New York Times Best-selling Authors Bret Witter, Mary Kay Andrews, Karen White, and Beatriz Williams. For the complete author line up: http://miltonliteraryfestival.weebly.com/
Please contact Wayne Boston at wayne.boston@cityofmiltonga.us or 678-242-2512 for more info.
Saturday, Nov 11, 2017, 08:00 AM
Milton Public Library, Mayfield Road, Milton, GA, United States
On Thursday, November 16, 2017 we will have our 1st Dad’s Day where our Dads Club will be helping with carpool during dismissal. The time will be from 3:45-4:15. Our next Dad’s Day Event will be December 15, 2017. If any Dads are interested in being a part of either one of these events please sign up using this link:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0548A4A822A64-carpoolIf you have any questions, please contact Mr. Will Jones at jonesw3@fultonschools.org
Thank you for all you do, Dads!!
Things for Students
SAMSUNG SOLVE FOR TOMORROW CONTEST - 11/9 Deadline
Ms. Lindesay would like to enter our school in this contest. She just doesn’t want to leave any one out who may be up to the challenge. If your child is interested, please e-mail her at Lindesay@fultonschools.org. Community support is also welcomed. Please take a look at the web site at http://www.samsung.com/us/solvefortomorrow/. Her deadline to enter is this week on November 9, 2017.
The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest is designed to boost interest and proficiency in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM), this nationwide contest challenges public school teachers and students in grades 6-12 to show how STEAM can be applied to help improve their local community.
SNAPSHOT OF QUESTIONS TO ANSWER (Please e-mail Lindesay@fultonschools.org.)
Please keep the following challenge in mind while answering the below questions: "Show how STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) can be applied to help your local community."
WHAT IS THE GENERAL STEAM TOPIC THAT YOUR PROJECT WILL COVER?
1. Agriculture
2. Energy Conservation
3. Engineering
4. Health/Nutrition
5. Pollution
6. Robotics
7. Safety
8. Water Conservation
9. Weather
10. Other
1. WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT PROBLEM FACED BY YOUR SCHOOL'S COMMUNITY? (200 WORDS MAX)
2. HOW CAN STEAM BE APPLIED TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? (WE UNDERSTAND THAT YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE THE FULL SOLUTION RIGHT NOW OR THAT YOUR STUDENTS MAY COME UP WITH A NEW SOLUTION LATER. WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOUR OVERALL PROJECT VISION AT THIS POINT.) (200 WORDS MAX)
3. 3. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST HURDLE YOUR STUDENTS FACE IN THE CLASSROOM THAT HINDERS THEIR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT? (200 WORDS MAX)
Official contest rules: No purchase necessary to enter or win in the Samsung "Solve for Tomorrow" Education Contest. Open to legal residents of the 50 US & DC, 21 or older & currently employed as a public school teacher, grades 6-12. Void where prohibited. Contest begins 9/14/17, ends 4/30/17. For Official Rules and judging criteria, click here.
Boys Middle School Select Travel Lacrosse Try-outs - 11/5 & 11/7
The Roswell Youth Lacrosse program will be holding boys tryouts for Spring Jr. Select (6th and 7th grade) and Spring Sr. Select (8th grade) on November 5th and 7th. The tryouts will be held on the Roswell Area Park Fields MS #1 and #2. We will also hold a parent meeting on Sunday, October 15th from 6pm-7pm at the Community Activity Building in Roswell Area Park. We highly encourage all parents of boys who are interested in trying out to attend the meeting. There will be representatives from the Roswell Youth Lacrosse Association, the City of Roswell and the head coaches who will provide information on the tryouts and the season.
Parent Meeting
- Sunday, October 15 from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Roswell Area Park-Community Activity Building, 10495 Woodstock Rd, Roswell GA 30075
Registration
- All players must be registered with Roswell Recreation and Parks prior to tryouts.
- Activity Code Program # 33018-01 Spring Middle School Travel/Select Lacrosse http://www.roswellgov.com/
Tryouts
- Location: Roswell Area Park MS #1 and MS #2
- Participants do need to attend both tryout dates.
Sunday, November 5
- Boys Jr. Select (6th & 7th Graders) 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- Boys Sr. Select (8th Graders) 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tuesday, November 7
- All Boys Select 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Important – Parents will not be permitted on the field for tryouts. Please drop your son off and then pick him up at the conclusion of the tryout.
All players must have/wear appropriate lacrosse equipment (helmet, gloves, stick, shoulder pads, elbow pads, mouth guard, etc.) to tryout.
Direct any questions to Mike Crary at mecrary2@yahoo.com
ROSWELL JR. HORNETS WRESTLING - 11/6
Interested in wrestling? Now taking Registration for the 2017/18 Roswell Jr Hornet Wrestling team!
- For Boys & Girls
- Ages 7-14 (as of 12/31/17)
Wrestling Improves conditioning, Increases agility, helps you become faster and stronger, and builds character.
Practices Start on November 6th. They are held at “The Underground” 925 Woodstock RD Suite 102B. Athletes playing other are welcome to start after their current sports end.
- Elementary School Mon and Thursday 6:00-7:30
- Middle School Mon, Wed & Thurs 7:00-8:30
Registration Cost is $200. For more Info: http://roswellwrestlingclub.com/registration/
Academic Bowl - Mondays @ 4:05 pm & Wednesdays @ 8 am
Have you heard the BUZZ about Academic Bowl? Academic Bowl meets every Monday after school from 4:05 pm to 5:30 pm in the Media Center and every Wednesday in the cafeteria from 8 - 9 am. If you would like to know more about Academic Bowl, please email Ms. Castleberry at castleberrys@fultonschools.org.
All students are invited to come to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes every Thursday at 7:45 am in the Media Center. Chicken Biscuits will be on sale $3 or 2 for $5. If you have questions, please see Mr. Billups.
Things for parents
GADOE SURVEY LINKS FOR STUDENTS, PARENTS & TEACHERS/STAFF
The school climate surveys for the 2017-2018 school year officially opened on Monday, October 2, 2017, and will remain open through Friday, March 2, 2018.
- Student Survey (Grades 6-8): http://gshs.gadoe.org/middleschool
- Parent Survey: http://gshs.gadoe.org/parents
- Teacher/Staff Personnel Survey: http://gshs.gadoe.org/personnel
The Georgia Department of Education (GADOE) requires 100% participation from students, teachers, and parents. 100% participation helps our school score points on GADOE's College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI).
SURVEY TAKES ONLY (5) FIVE MINUTES!
If you want to see how we are doing in participation, click here.
For More Info on the GADOE Climate Surveys, click here.
- Box Tops for Education: Clip Box Top labels from participating products. Collect them in a baggie and turn into the front office collection box. Box Tops for our next submission are due by October 18. Each Box Top is worth .10 - schools can earn thousands of dollars through this program! See full list of products here: http://www.boxtops4education.com/participating-products.
- Amazon Smiles: Ordering from Amazon? Go to https://smile.amazon.com and choose to support Elkins Pointe MS PTSA. A portion of all your purchases will be sent to the school!
- Coca-Cola Give: New program! Sign up at https://us.coca-cola.com/give/schools and enter codes from Coca-Cola products to earn school donations.
- Kroger Community Rewards: Link your Kroger Plus card to Elkins Pointe at https://www.kroger.com/communityrewards. Kroger will donate a percent of purchases back to the school. (You must re-enroll your card each year after Aug 1.)
- Publix Partners: Pick up a key ring card in the office, have it scanned at the register each time you check out. Publix will donate a percent of purchases. Give cards to your family and friends too! (Most Publix stores have these at the registers too, if you don't carry one with you - just ask.)
- Office Depot/Office Max Give Back to Schools: Make a purchase of qualifying school supplies, provide our school ID at checkout, and Elkins will receive 5% back in credits for free supplies. Our school code is 70118601 - enter it for online purchases, or ask to look up Elkins Pointe at the register in stores too. You can also submit an order or receipt info after the fact at http://www.officedepot.com/backtoschool/display.do if you forget during purchase!
❤️ Volunteer ❤️
The Book Fair is coming and we need volunteers to help make it sensational! Please click here to sign up or on the box below.
School Store Help Needed!
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0548a4a822a64-school3
- Shifts are daily, 8 – 8:50 AM.
- PLEASE NOTE: YOU NEED TO COMPLETE A 10 MINUTE TRAINING PRIOR TO WORKING IN THE STORE! MARYANNE CODELLI IS AT THE SCHOOL EVERY MONDAY AT 8:10 AM, OR CAN BE REACHED AT MACODE@BELLSOUTH.NET FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Calling for Dad’s to join our Dad’s Club. We did receive some signups during "Get Connected Night." Any dad interested and wanting to get more information can contact Mr. Will Jones at jonesw3@fultonschools.org or 470-254-8366.
Attention Moms: You are welcome to "Volun-TOLD" your husband by signing them up!
SIgn-Up Here or below to join Dads Club!!
Title I Resources for Family Engagement:
QUICK REFERENCE
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
Calendar DATES
Volunteer Registration
- Computer access is available in the Parent Liaison office to complete registration if needed.
Please Note: Upcoming dates are subject to change & some dates may not be included.
- 11/11 - AVID Trip to GA Tech
- 11/13 - Academic Bowl, after-school (Media Center)
- 11/14 - Katha Stuart Mtg @ MPES @ 9:30 am
- 11/16 - FCA @ 7:45 am (Media Center)
- 11/16 - College & Career Day
- 11/17 - NO SCHOOL - EPMS Full Release Day
- 11/20 to 11/25 - THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY/FALL BREAK
- 11/24 - Wear Titan Spirit-Wear
- 11/10 - Veteran's Day - EPMS Honors Our Vets!
- 11/30 - Parent University Workshop
- 11/30 - FCA @ 7:45 am (Media Center)
- 12/1 - Wear College Swag
- 12/8 - Wear Titan Spirit-Wear
- 12/11 - Band Holiday Concert @ 6:30 pm (Gym) - Please Note Date Change!
- 12/13 - Katha Stuart Mtg @ HSES @ 9:30 am
- 12/15 - Wear Titan Spirit-Wear
- 12/18 to 8/21 - Final Exams for 8th Graders
- 12/23 to 1/4 - WINTER BREAK - School Closed
Stay Updated
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
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Your order will be delivered to school to your advisement teacher
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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
As part of French National Week, every French student made a visit to the Le Petit Café. Merci to our parent helpers and parents who donated pastries. Our students used Euros to purchase sweets and listened to French music. There was even some dancing!