Hembree Highlights
Message from Ms. Smith
Hello Hawks!
I had a different letter prepared for this newsletter, but I did not get it out as scheduled. I feel like it has given me a moment to reflect beyond sharing about our Winter Parties. I have been able to reflect about the people around me within the Hembree community. People that: text me to let me know that Highlights didn't go out, show up to play music on the last day of the semester for carpool, call parents to see how we can help during this holiday season, come in on a Saturday to meet our community's needs, show up on Thursday after school to decorate Mr. Welch's classroom, bring in bag after bag of Chick-Fil-A biscuits for our staff, all the guardians that showed up to celebrate with their child on Friday, the folks that work to clean the building, and those that work to feed our students are just a FEW people that come together silently to make Hembree Springs the greatest community. You see, I am surrounded by greatness. The people that come together to make magic happen every day amazes me. When you look at that number, we are talking thousands of people.
This weekend my son, Nehemiah, came in screaming, "Mom, come here!" I immediately run into my kids' bedroom (yep, they all share a room). He says, "Alexa, is Andrea Smith a good principal?" Alexa responds with a line from my PTA award. He then asks, "Alexa, is Hembree Springs a good school?" Alexa responds with a review that a parent wrote and it included something to the effect of "sound leadership from Ms. Smith." My son started screaming with excitement. He said, "I knew it, Mom! You are a good principal."
I share that story because my name gets attached to the thousands of people working together to make Hembree Springs a special place. I don't do a fraction of the work, but often my name gets attached to it. Of course that also means I get the not-so-pretty stuff too, just comes with the job. I am sharing all of this today to remind you that you make magic happen every day. You move mountains, educate little minds, find teachable moments, and prepare the next generation, our future, for their next stages in life. I am grateful I get to serve alongside each of you. I am thankful that we all call Hembree Springs "our school"!
Thank you for all you do!
Enjoy your break!
Sincerely,
AJ Smith
Principal
Hembree Springs ES
470-254-2905 - office
678-525-7704 - cell
Important Dates
1/4/23 First Day of Spring Semester
1/10,1/11,1/12 3rd-5th Book Clubs
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FADAD2FAAFD0-january1
1/11 Hembree Perk- Title I Assessment Workshop @ 7:40AM in the Media Center
1/27 STEM & STAR Night @ 6:00-8:00PM
Congrats to our December Best of the Nest winners! Way to go, Hawks!
Dress Code Reminder
This is a reminder of our dress code for the 2nd semester. For the winter this is typically not an issue, but a reminder is always helpful. Elkins Pointe Middle School has a wonderful visual that we are using to share the expectations around dress. Hembree Springs has the same expectations for all students.
*This graphic was used with the permission of Elkins Pointe Middle School Administration.
Our fifth graders having a blast in their Young Apprentice after school class!
Students Compete in 2022 FCS Technology Competition
Six of our Hembree Hawks recently competed in the Fulton County Schools Technology Competition:
-Azka Khan competed in the Animation category with her project titled, “Skateboard”
-Oria Russ presented her project titled, “Animal Rescue Time” in the Project Programming category
-Eleanor and Paul Matthews worked as a team in the Animation category and presented their project, “Everyone”
-Edward Pawluk competed in the 3D Modeling category with his project, “The Etowa Native American City”
-Patrice Grant presented his project titled, “Bear Jump” in the Digital Game Design category
This district-wide competition is held each year for students in 3rd through 12th grade and is a wonderful way to demonstrate skills with various forms of technology. Our students worked hard on their projects and presented them to a panel of judges. We are so very proud of all they achieved!
Great job, Hawks!
Available Support Services During the Holidays
Dear FCS Families,
The holidays are upon us, and though the season may be joyous for some people, realistically, others may need extra support during this time. The Office of Student Supports has provided students and families with the attached list of resources to access if needed - not just over the winter break, but anytime during the year. The list includes support services for food, housing, emergency mental health services, and financial or medical assistance.
If students or families experience a crisis over the winter break, they should seek immediate assistance using the attached resources or by calling 911 if it is an emergency. Students and families are encouraged to follow up with their school's Office of Student Support staff, who will be available to assist and offer ongoing support upon returning to school.
Wishing you a happy and healthy season!
FCS Office of Student Supports: Click here for a list of resources in PDF Format
From Title I
Book Clubs
We are excited to offer our PTA sponsored book clubs again this January! The sign-up below is by grade and class. We need (1-2) parent volunteers to facilitate in each classroom. Discussion questions will be provided. This is a wonderful classroom volunteer opportunity. We are looking forward to having some great conversations as well as encouraging our students to be lifelong readers. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FADAD2FAAFD0-january1
Assessment Workshop
Join us January 11th at 7:40-8:40AM. This is an informational workshop regarding the assessments used to determine best educational practices for your child's success.
ESOL Classes at North Fulton Community Charities
Volunteer Training
Please visit the following website to obtain the training:
Mis Pagos Plus
From PTA
Interested in helping in the Media Center? Sign up here!
Join PTA!
Hembree Springs Elementary School
Website: https://www.fultonschools.org/hembreespringses
Location: 815 Hembree Road, Roswell, GA, USA
Phone: 470-254-2902