Findley Flyer- January 9, 2020
Findley Oaks Elementary-Home of the Findley Falcons!
Message from Principal Christopher
Before we left for winter break I shared some exciting news that we were again named a 2019 Beating the Odds school! in addition, the Governor's Office of Student Achievement released the list of Highest Performing and Greatest Gains schools. We were awarded the Silver Award for Greatest Gains and again awarded the Platinum Award for Highest Performing. Congratulations to our entire Findley Oaks community!
Click here to learn more about these awards and a list of the 2019 award recipients: https://gosa.georgia.gov/press-releases/2019-12-19/2019-ga-school-awards-announced
Important Dates
- January 13 Report Cards Sent Home
- January 14 Newcomers Coffee-8:30 am
- January 14 PTA Executive Board Meeting-9:30 am
- January 17 Spirit Day (Wear your Findley Oaks Spirit Shirts)
- January 20 MLK Holiday-No School
- January 21 Linda McCain Community Meeting-9:30 am, State Bridge Crossing ES
- January 30 Community Night-No Homework
- January 30 Spirit Night at Wild Wing Cafe-5:00-8:00 pm
- January 31 Bingo Night-5:00-8:30 pm, Food Court
- February 11 PTA Meeting 9:30-11:30 am A145
- February 14 RFF Day No School for Students
- February 17 Presidents' Day School Closed
- February 20 English Class for Bilingual Families-10 am, Room A145
- February 26 Community Night-No Homework
- February 26 SGC Meeting-3:00 pm
- February 26 Spirit Night at Zoe's Kitchen-5:00-8:00 pm
- February 28 Spirit Day (Wear your Findley Oaks Spirit Shirts)
Newcomers Coffee
School Safety
Please be sure that you are registered as a volunteer if you are planning to volunteer. There is more information about registering to volunteer in this flyer. It is the law.
Did you know that you can report a safety tip or concern via the FCS Tip Line?
This week we practiced ALL of our emergency drills. The drills that we practice regularly throughout the school year are as follows:
- Soft Lockdown – Soft Lockdown is called when there is a threat or hazard OUTSIDE of the school building. Whether it is due to violence or criminal activity in the immediate neighborhood, or a dangerous animal in the playground. Soft Lockdown uses the security of the physical facility to act as protection. During Soft Lockdown all interior and exterior doors are locked and student movement inside school is limited. The education process may continue but with heightened sense of awareness. Any outside activity is ended and all students must report inside immediately. Staff should be prepared to quickly transition to Hard Lockdown if needed.
- Hard Lockdown—Hard Lockdown is called when there is a threat or hazard INSIDE the school building or when school personnel determine appropriate. From parental custody disputes to intruders to an active shooter, Lockdown uses classroom security to protect students and staff from threat. Hard Lockdown, all learning stops, and students and staff take immediate actions to lock and secure doors, and make all efforts to hide in classroom, away from windows or doors. During Lockdown, no students are allowed out of the rooms, and students and teachers outside when lockdown is called should use their best discretion as to return to the school or evacuate to offsite location.
- Evacuate-- Evacuate is called when there is a need to move students from one location to another. This includes evacuation for fire, bomb threat, chemical odor smell or other condition determined by staff. This drill should incorporate the random initiation of the fire alarm system using a random pull station for each drill opportunity.
- Shelter-- Shelter is called when the need for personal protection is necessary. This drill also supports spontaneous events such as tornado, earthquake or hazardous materials.
Book Donations Needed for Special School-Wide Project
Do you have books your children no longer use?
Please consider donating them to be used in the school-wide book swap we will be holding during Read-Across-America Week. Books should be geared to students in PreK through 5th Grade--picture books and chapter books. The do not need to be in perfect condition! Drop off your donations in the Media Center. Questions? Contact Amy Rubin, METI, at rubin@fultonschools.org
Important-School Climate Star Rating Survey
Parents/Guardians,
Please take a moment to complete the School Climate Star Rating Survey. Survey responses are anonymous, self-reported, and will be submitted directly to the Georgia Department of Education for analysis. This is important feedback for our climate star rating. Thank you!
Digital Learning on Inclement Weather Days
Digital Learning Days will not be used on the first day of an inclement weather event but will be used beginning the second day of an inclement weather event that closes schools for two or more days.
1. Homeroom teachers will send an email to families with the digital learning day activities and will include assignments for their specials courses.
2. Students who attend classes such as TAG, ESOL, STEM etc.. will receive communication from those teachers separately from the homeroom teacher.
3. Since many activities may include technology which may not be accessible at home, students will have 3 school days after returning to school to turn in assignments.
Click here to access info about FCS Digital Learning at Home
District Calendar Changes
Here is a summary of the recent calendar adjustments:
· March 13, 2020 remains a teacher workday.
· March 24, 2020 (GA Presidential primary election) will be a teacher workday.
· April 21, 2020 (state-wide election) will be a student Digital Learning Day and a teacher professional development day.
· May 19, 2020 (state-wide election) will be a student Digital Learning Day and a teacher professional development day.
Kids Heart Challenge Event
On February 6th and 7th our school will be holding “Kids Heart Challenge Events” during P.E. class. From now until then, the students will be learning jump-rope skills and will have the opportunity to fight heart disease, our nation’s No.1 killer, by raising donations for the American Heart Association. Last year, our school raised more than $15,000 for the AHA, which is outstanding!
Donations will be given to the American Heart Association, which funds lifesaving research and educational programs for the prevention of heart disease. The benefits for students include the following: learning the value of physical activity while participating in this community service; understanding the seriousness of heart disease; and learning the lifelong health benefits of eating right, staying active, and never smoking/vaping. Students will also realize that they can make a difference while having fun! Furthermore, our school will earn gift certificates to purchase PE equipment based on the amount we raise.
Your child will be coming home with a Kids Heart Challenge packet about how to raise money for this important cause and the “Thank You Gifts” they will receive by participating. Family and friends are welcome to support your child’s participation by making online contributions; however, we ask that children do not go door-to-door or ask strangers for donations. Again this year, we will collect donations ONLINE ONLY. No cash or checks will be accepted at school. Any student who registers ONLINE will receive a buildable wristband! There are 6 Heart Heroes to collect this year, and we will have ALL of them at school to hand out (please be patient). Raise $200 to collect them all!
Here’s how students can raise money online:
1. Visit www.heart.org/KidsHeartChallenge
2. Search for our School- Findley Oaks
3. Select Our School and Join Team (follow the prompts)
4. Be sure to download the Free Kids Heart Challenge App- scan Heart Heroes to bring them to life in Augmented Reality (AR).
5. NEW THIS YEAR: Scan Your Checks! Use the App to scan (then shred) checks, and funds will immediately appear in your total online!
Classroom Competition: The ONE class that raises the most money will win a pizza party!
Double Your Donations: Ask your donor if their company provides matching gifts. That means their company will ALSO give you a donation! Go to https://ww2.matchinggifts.com/aha to search company names.
All donations must be submitted online by Tuesday, February 4th. Thank you for your support of this community service project.
Young Georgia Authors Get Ready…Get Set…WRITE!
Findley Oaks is participating in the Fulton County Young Georgia Authors Competition again this year! The purpose of the Young Georgia Authors (YGA) writing competition is to encourage students to develop enthusiasm for and expertise in their writing, to provide a context to celebrate their writing successes, and to recognize student achievement in arts and academics. All students, K-5, are invited to submit a short story, essay, personal narrative, or any other original student writing.
Click here for more information and entry forms.
All entries are due to the Curriculum Support Teacher, Renee Morris, by Thursday, February 13, 2020.
International/Fine Arts Night
Mark your calendars to attend Findley’s annual International Fine Arts Night on Thursday, March 19th, from 6 PM to 8 PM. If you are interested in participating by setting up a country/cultural booth or having your child perform a mini show/demo for 2-3 minutes, please click the links below to fill out the forms by Thursday, February 20th. We are also encouraging all Findley Oaks students to dress up in traditional heritage clothing that night! If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Lin at lin@fultonschools.org. Thank you!
Cultural Booth Sign-up: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=mLHcDGmBcEu6n9p-O6cAwh_Limp4aHZAjUgA3Ad4e8tUOFZNREpGNUFES1VKWjFWRDRPOFI4Skc1UC4u
Mini-Show Sign-Up: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=mLHcDGmBcEu6n9p-O6cAwh_Limp4aHZAjUgA3Ad4e8tUOEtKUk9MNFFBUDhONTFPR1I2WllKN0lMTy4u
We want to hear from you!
Message From the Counselor, Kate Hernandez
All About Cooperation: Here at school, we have been very busy learning about cooperation, our character word for January. Students are learning what it means, why it’s important and how we can learn to work together! Learning happens best when it is done both at school and at home. Here are many ways that you can help your child to continue to learn about the theme of cooperation through reading about it, talking about it, and practicing it!
Read About It: My Friend Rabbit, by Eric Rohmann Swimmy, by Leo Lionni Duck in the Truck, by Jez Alborough and Duck and Goose, by Tad Hills
Practice It: Set up an obstacle course in your home or yard. Take turns having one person blindfolded and the other leading the blindfolded person through the course. A fun way to practice teamwork and share success!
Talk About It: Here are some discussion points to help you talk about cooperation with your child:
- What do you think teamwork means, and why is it important?
- Tell me about a time you accomplished something with someone else’s help. Would you have been successful alone?
- What is a way that you can work together with students in your class? People at home? On your sports team?
- What are some things that you think make it hard to work as a team and things that make it easier?
UPDATED Career Presenter Survey:
Dear Parents and Community Members,
We have worked with our teachers to develop a list of career speakers who will compliment and enrich their curriculum.
We would greatly appreciate the following career presenters:
Kindergarten-Police Officers, Fire Fighter, Store Owner, Veterinarian, Doctor, Dentist or Restaurant Owner
1st Grade-Military Personnel, Botanist, Gardener, Zoologist, Scientist or Historian
2nd Grade-Veterinarian, Park Ranger, Author or Illustrator
3rd Grade-Local Government Official, Author or Illustrator
4th Grade-Meteorologist, Zoologist, Musician, Audiologist, Optometrist, Banker or Financial Adviser or Author 5th Grade-Engineer, Lawyer, Banker or Financial Adviser, Doctor, Dentist, Scientist, Accountant, Artist or Musician Special Areas-Engineer, Musician, Local Government Official, Geneticist, Artist or Astronomer
We will work with you with regards to available dates and times to present and with additional details.
Thanks in advance for your consideration!
Sincerely,
The Findley Oaks Community Collaboration Committee
Please complete this survey to participate: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=mLHcDGmBcEu6n9p-O6cAwtiqs4C0uDVHgM0q21GkbLtUOVQyRTUzUkFGQlVIWTU1MTFaOTBKVkU2UC4u
PTA News
Bingo Night is coming up on Friday, 1/31! Visit the PTA Store for more information and to purchase tickets. Please note that Falcon Fund donors at the Mighty Oak level will receive free admission to Bingo.
Mark your calendar for Spirit day on 1/17, and the Daddy Daughter Dance on 3/28!
Please visit the PTA website for more PTA news.
Student Health Services-Flu Information
Flu Season Is in Full Swing…
Unfortunately, Georgia is experiencing widespread flu. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), the predominant flu virus currently circulating is a B/Victoria strain that doesn't usually occur until the end of the flu season, in early spring. Although flu B viruses can infect anyone, they generally strike children and young adults more than the elderly. Vaccination is the best prevention against the flu for all ages, and the B/Victoria strain is included in this season’s vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), DPH and other health officials are encouraging everyone to protect yourself and prevent the spread of flu. They are stressing, if you have not gotten a flu vaccine yet, do no wait any longer. It is not too late!
“Every individual over the age of six months should get a flu vaccine – not just for their own protection, but to protect others around them who may be more vulnerable to the flu and its complications,” says Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., DPH commissioner. “It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body, so now is the time to get a flu shot.”
Flu symptoms and their intensity can vary from person to person, and can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. If you think you have the flu, call or visit your doctor. There are other things you can do to help prevent the spread of flu – these measures include:
· Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and warm water. Alcohol based gels are the next best thing if you don’t have access to soap and water.
· Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or arm to help prevent the spread of the flu.
· Avoid touching your face as flu germs can get into the body through mucus membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes.
· If you are sick, stay home from school or work. Flu sufferers should be free of a fever, without the use of a fever reducer, for at least 24 hours before returning to school or work.
· If you are caring for a sick individual at home, keep them away from common areas of the house and other people as much as possible.
To ensure the safety and health of students, staff and parents, we encourage you to take these precautions. We believe by taking these proactive measures we can reduce the spread of flu and other communicable illnesses.
In Fulton County Schools, we will continue to do everything possible to limit the spread of flu. The Office of Student Health Services works in collaboration with our Registered School Nurses, Clinic Assistants, Administrators, and school staff to ensure we adhere to our guidelines for identifying, reporting, managing and preventing suspected and/or confirmed infectious illnesses. Additionally, we work closely with our local public health office, Fulton County Board of Health to report any unusual or increased absences due to the flu/respiratory illness. Again, by working together, we can help reduce the transmission of the flu and other infectious illnesses in the schools and community. For more information, please contact the Office of Student Health Services at 470-254-2177 or your healthcare provider.
More information about the flu and flu vaccine in our community, visit https://dph.georgia.gov/flu-activity-georgia or https://www.cdc.gov/flu/
Volunteer at Findley Oaks!
We always welcome volunteers, but it is important that all volunteers are registered.
Click here to begin the volunteer registration process: https://www.fultonschools.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=9539
Cafeteria News
Student Breakfast - $1.10
Student Lunch - $2.45
Adult Breakfast - $1.60
Adult Lunch - $3.45
Learn more about school nutrition here. As a reminder, free and reduced meal applications must be completed each year.
School Governance Council Information
Visit the SGC page on our website for the latest information and for a list of SGC members: SGC Page.
Check out our Strategic Plan Monitoring Tool which is used to monitor progress toward our goals: https://www.fultonschools.org/Page/13427.
September 3
February 14
March 16
The county calendar does not include the additional dates above so please mark your calendars and plan accordingly.
Community News
Free Resources from the Fulton County Library System
World Book: https://www.worldbookonline.com/wb/Login?ed=wb&subacct=L6840
Science Online: https://online.infobase.com/HRC/Browse/Product/8