Update from Principal Boyd
February 17, 2023
From Principal Boyd
Happy Friday!
A few items for you to be aware of at EJ:
School Governance Council (SGC) Elections
Are you interesting in serving on Esther Jackson's School Governance Council? If so, we would love to have you. The window for parents to declare candidacy to run in this spring’s SGC election is now open. Interested applicants should complete the Candidate Declaration Form available on the Charter System Website. If you have any questions about what the position would entail, please reach out to me directly.
Parent Annual Perception Survey
At Fulton County Schools, we truly value the feedback from our families about their experiences with the district. That is why I encourage you to take the Annual Parent Perception Survey. This survey allows parents/guardians the opportunity to tell us what they think about their student’s schools and the district. While we always make it a priority to listen to our parents, this survey affords us another opportunity to receive your thoughts and opinions.
The survey is anonymous and confidential. Please complete one survey per school where you have one or more students enrolled. The survey will remain open through Friday, March 10.
Please note that schools are required to have a certain percentage of participation. We highly recommend that you complete the survey so that your voice is heard.
Parent University Recap
The event yesterday evening was fabulous! I received the email below about it and wanted to share:
I just wanted to thank you again so much for the event at school last night. My boys had such a great time. It was very well organized, fun, and informational. It was obvious you all put a lot of work into organizing it. We really appreciate all you do for our school!
It was also so fun as a parent to be in the school and see teachers and classrooms and watch our kids solve problems and answer questions. The parent tip cards we received are full of helpful ideas for parents so we can support our students better.
Leo and Charlie were still talking about it this morning at breakfast and both insisted on wearing their new Pokémon trainer badges to school today. :)
We are so grateful for EJE and all of the amazing staff there. Thank you again so much.
Boys' Restroom Concern
We are having a significant issue with vandalism in the boys’ restrooms on the second and third floors. Students are stuffing paper towels and entire rolls of tissue into the toilets, urinating on the floor intentionally, and smearing poop on the walls and floors. While we understand that it is likely a very small number of boys who are doing this, it is next to impossible to identify exactly who is vandalizing.
If you are the parent of a student in grades 2-5, please speak with your students about this. We are on the verge of closing the boys’ restrooms because we do not have the personnel to check and clean restrooms every hour. It is also not the responsibility of our custodial staff to clean up after students who are intentionally making a mess. If the restrooms have to be closed, then male students will have to wait for classroom breaks to use the restroom so that it can be inspected by an adult before and after the break to be sure it is clean. We absolutely do not want to take this step; however, we cannot continue to tolerate this level of vandalism.
Thank you in advance for your support with this.
PreK Registration
The 2023-2024 Pre-Kindergarten Lottery application is scheduled for March 1, 2023 through March 17, 2023. Individual school lotteries will be held virtually March 27 – March 29 with notification from schools to parents by the end of the day on March 31, 2023.
Please see flyer below with more information about registration.
Jaguar Spotlight
This week I am highlighting a few amazing staff members:
Erin Shurbutt and Jessica Hodge - These two instructional leaders planned and implemented an amazing math/literacy Parent University. We had 85 students along with their parents in attendance, which is the most we've ever had! A special thank you to both of these ladies and all of our staff volunteers for making this evening educational for parents and engaging for students.
Ms. Bowie and her Kindergarten Class - Ms. Bowie's Kindergarten class recreated inventions for Black History Month. Take a look at the creativity from our scholars in photo below.
Teacher and Staff Recognition
The role of an educator is extremely rewarding and sometimes tough. it is so important that we always show appreciation to our EJ staff.
Ms. Wylie - We are so grateful for Ms. Wylie. She is positive and kind and cares about her students. My son is very excited to be a part of the Art Club she started. This is a wonderful chance for him to be a part of the production and work with his peers without him having to be on stage or center of attention. We’re so thankful he has this opportunity. Ms. Hoschek, 2nd Grade Parent
If you would like to recognize an EJ staff member, please complete this short form: https://tinyurl.com/StaffRecognitionEJ We would love to hear from you!
Principal Feedback
Parents, please use this link to provide feedback on how we can better serve you. I welcome questions, suggestions, concerns, and of course positive messages about EJ or any staff member. Please do not include questions about your student(s) performance. Instead, contact your student's teacher.
Dates to Remember
February 20 - President's Day - NO SCHOOL!
February 21 - Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
February 24 - Black History Bowl
February 27-March 1 - TAG Tybee Island Trip
March 9 - Kindergarten Field Trip to Art Barn
March 10 - Q3 House Party
March 13 - Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
March 14 - Teacher Workday - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
March 15 - College and Career Day
March 16 - Title I Parent Input Meeting
March 17 - Career Day