Principal's Rams Gram
February 2023
Dear Pharr Elementary School Community,
It is with great delight to share that during February our students and teaching staff had an excellent month of learning at Pharr Element School. We learned about the contributions of African Americans during the Black Wax Museum. Our students dressed up as Black historical figures and presented information about their contributions to society or in the world. We are thankful to have such caring school counselors who we celebrated during Counselor’s Week.
We are looking forward to the continued success at Pharr and engaging our students in various learning activities. At Pharr, we are committed to the dedication of excellence in education where we have one door, and behind that door is the absolute value of successful children and teachers making magical things happen inside the classrooms. We are grateful to have such a wonderful partnership with our PTA and community members who support the learning that takes place at our school.
The Principal’s Rams Gram is my monthly newsletter. It is my hope that you can feel the joy of what the staff and I get to witness each day trying our very best to help our students accomplish and surpass their goal academically and to continue developing into individuals with strong character, self-confidence and high self-esteem.
I am humbled and honored to have one of my first-grade students to present me during the Black History Wax Museum presentation. At Pharr, we are developing the next generation of innovative scholars.
Have a pleasant day on Purpose.
Cheers,
Shamarlas G. Allens, Ed. D.
Selfies with Dr. Allens😁
Building Community
It is always my goal to make sure that our young ladies know and believe that they are supported and loved at school and in the community. I had the great pleasure of attending a recreational basketball game for several student athletes at Pharr. Very proud of these young ladies.
Let's Look Back at Our Month
Welcome to our Newest RAMS!
Wax Museum- 1st Grade
National School Counseling Week
Supporting our counselors during Counselor’s Appreciation Week. Enjoyed celebrating and acknowledging the good work of our school counselors. Thank you to Superintendent, Dr. Calvin Watts, for honoring and celebrating our school counselors.
Valentine's Day
We celebrate our teachers and staff every opportunity to let them know how much they are valued. I am proud our amazing assistant principals for serving Nothing Bundt Cake to our teachers on Valentine’s Day as I was out of the building at a district meeting. Excellence in service for our teaching staff
Happy 50th Birthday Dr. Allens
As I reflect on celebrating my birthday this month, I am lost for words to express how honored I am for my birthday celebration by students, teachers, staff, and PTA members. It was a pleasant surprise for me. I am happy to be in such a wonderful and learning environment surrounded by caring individuals. The parade was heartfelt. I appreciate the cards, gifts, and parade. A huge thank you to my work family.
Girls Sneaker Ball
Recognizing our Students and Staff
Happy Birthday
PBIS Recognition
Distinguish PBIS School
Very proud of the Excellent teamwork that continues to happen daily at Pharr Elementary School. At the February’ s School Board meeting, Pharr was recognized as a Distinguished Positive Behavior Intervention School. Pharr was one of eight schools to receive this recognition in Gwinnett County Public Schools. Excellence in Education is our motto!
Readers Rally at Peachtree Ridge High School
At Pharr, we are developing critical and creative thinkers with sharp minds for the future. I had the distinct honor of supporting our students and teacher sponsors at the county’s Readers Rally. Our talented students placed third during a competitive rally.
Spelling Bee Winner
Congratulations to this amazing student who is Pharr Elementary School 2022/2023 Spelling Bee winner. Thank you, Cluster Superintendent, Dr. Keith Thompson, for your continued support at Pharr.
Culture of Kindness
As I was walking the hallways, I captured this picture that truly touched my heart. We have a great group of students who really care about each other. Our teaching staff is very fortunate to be given the opportunity to shape, mold, and develop character exhibited in this picture. Excellence in Education!
📖Important Reminders/ Resources 📓
GCPS Annual Family Survey - Deadline Extended, Because we Want to Hear from You!
We want every parent and caregiver of a student in GCPS to have a voice in our district's continuous improvement! Taking the GCPS Family survey will only take about 10-12 minutes of your time, but your responses help shape the education your children will receive for years to come! Share your voice, and help improve education and effectiveness in GCPS by taking this survey.
The Annual GCPS Parent Educational Effectiveness Survey deadline has been extended to March 19, 2023. Click below, check your email, or get to the link on the Parent Portal.
Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey by March 19, and thank you to all of those who have already completed the survey!
Portrait of a Graduate
Graduation is an important milestone in the lives of our students that acknowledges the successful completion of 13 years of education. However, we know that the demands on students and teachers, the advances in technology, and the changing populations, particularly in GCPS, warrant a fresh look at what it means to graduate school successfully, and be prepared for college and career. In the winter of 2022, Gwinnett County Public Schools joined forces with Battelle for Kids to make 21st century learning a reality for all students. To learn more about our Portrait of a Graduate Competencies, click here.
AKS At Home session 4
AKS at Home is shifting gears! The program’s Session 4 is specially designed to build the capacity of elementary families about the end of the year Georgia Milestones assessment (GMAS). This one-night event is scheduled on Tuesday, March 28, from 5:30–6:30 p.m. via Zoom. The Family Engagement Office, in partnership with the Office of Accountability and Assessment, will provide information about the GMAS assessment for families of students in grades 3-5, sample questions, and tips to support their children at home.
Have you downloaded the free Gwinnett County Public Schools App?
The GCPS Mobile app helps you stay on top of the latest news, calendar events, and emergency information. You can enable notifications and choose your preferred language. Downloading our free mobile app is easy! Just search for Gwinnett County Public Schools in the App Store or Google Play to download our app for free.
Share your Ram-Tastic Stories!🎉
Pharr Administrators love to hear about the great teaching and learning our staff is providing. Feel free to share the wonderful things happening in your child's classroom.
Dr. Shamarlas Allens, Principal
Ms. Uma Gangwal, Assistant Principal
- Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, Play2Learn, Title 1; Early Intervention Program, Gifted, ESOL
Ms. Charlotte Taylor-Martin, Assistant Principal
- 3rd, 4th, 5th, and Special Education; 504 Coordinator; Multi-tiered system of supports
- charlotte.taylor.martin@gcpsk12.org