Titan Talk Newsletter
Sept 7, 2018
Vote for MHS vs. RHS to be the Game of the Week below:
Upcoming Dates...
- 9/8 - Robotics Kickoff & Reveal of the Robotics Challenge from 8 am - 1:30 pm at PACE Academy, 966 W. Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30327
- 9/8 - 6th Grade Band Start-Up Clinic @ 9 am to 12 pm (EPMS)
- 9/10 - Student PTSA Member Meeting w/ Katha Stuart @ 8 am (Media Center)
- 9/10 - 6th Grade Tailgate Tickets Go On Sale!
- 9/11 - Robotics Club Interest Meeting, after school in the portable from 4:15 pm - 5:30 pm
- 9/11 - "Design Thinking" Robot Finger in Ms. Lindesay's room from after-school to 5:30 pm
- 9/12 - News Crew Meeting in the Media Center @ 8:30 am
- 9/12 – Soccer Game ‐ Hopewell vs. EPMS @ 5:30 pm (EPMS)
- 9/13 - FCA @ 7:45 am in Media Center
- 9/13 - 6th Grade Bring Your Parent to School Morning (1st & 2nd periods) from 9:00 am to 10:30 am
- 9/13 - Chorus Coffee Fundraiser begins, ends 9/27
- 9/14 - Spirit Friday! Wear COLLEGE/EPMS Spiritwear...Order Spiritwear HERE!
- 9/14 - Interact Club Meeting @ 7:45 am (Rm# E‐114)
- 9/14 - Milton HS vs. Roswell HS Football Game. Purchase tickets HERE!
- 9/14 - 8th Grade Night @ Milton HS w/ Band & Chorus Students (Students zoned for MHS are invited to participate at the MHS vs RHS game with the Marching Band & Chorus)
- 9/16 - Spirit Dining @ Peach & the Porkchop ﴾12040 Etris Rd Ste D100, Roswell, GA). Dine at, order Doordash, or take-out the Peach and the Porkchop and they will give a percentage back to EPMS! The Peach & the Porkchop features Southern comfort food & "Northern-style" sandwiches.
Peach & the Porkchop Menu: peachandtheporkchop.com
Phone: (770) 6965409 / Reservations: opentable.com
Order: doordash.com, seamless.com, grubhub.com
VOTE FOR TWO OF OUR TEACHERS ON FACEBOOK!!
Get YOUR VOTE on EPMS!
PLEASE VOTE FOR BOTH Mrs. Meredith Tongue & Mr. Todd Wilson. Both of our amazing teachers are nominated and both have a chance of winning! Please GO VOTE and SHARE on your wall!
Click on the Link:
https://www.facebook.com/odysseypfa/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2401000966581178
Message From the Principal
Happy Friday Titans!
Today Elkins Pointe participated in the Partners in Education (PIE) Expo, an event that brings together schools and North Fulton area businesses to discuss partnership opportunities. In keeping with our Strategic Plan, partnerships are a priority for our school. It is important for us to engage our community in supporting our Titans!
Parents, we are asking for your help to send students in need financially on the 8th-grade Georgia Trip. Because the Savannah trip directly ties to the curriculum, we would like for every 8th-grade student who applied for a financial scholarship to be able to go. Thanks to donations from teachers/staff and parents we have been able to cover 10 students. We still have 20 more students who need sponsorship. We need $200 per student to cover the remaining balance; each scholarship student has paid $150 towards their trip.
If you or your business would like to fully or partially sponsor a student, please send cash or check to Attention: Liby Roude/Bookkeeper. Please make all checks out to Elkins Pointe M.S. $200 will cover the cost of one 8th grade child, but we welcome any amount your family or business is able to give. We thank you for partnering directly with an 8th-grade child and for supporting student success.
Have a great weekend, Titans!
Sincerely,
Kindra L. Smith, Ed.S
Principal
Elkins Pointe Middle School
Home of the Titans!
SMART, HAPPY, CONNECTED
SMART
HAPPY TWEETS!
Connected to 8th Grade Band Night @ RHS
Celebrate our Fantastic PTSA!
FANTASTIC News! The Elkins Pointe PTSA has reached 95% of our fundraising goal! Just looking for that last little bit to put us over the edge!
IMPORTANT HOUSEKEEPING NOTE
Check Out Procedure
- Send your child into school with a note
- Instruct your child to come to the front office to show their note.
- Arrange for your child to meet you in the front office.
Note: No Check-out after 3:30 pm
Calling into the classroom is highly disruptive and interferes with classroom instruction. Following these three simple steps will cut down on interruptions.
THINGS TO KNOW...
Mark Your Calendar for the PTSA Student Membership Meeting - 9/10
Student PTSA Meeting (DONUTS WILL BE SERVED :))
Has your student joined the PTSA yet? It's a great opportunity to teach them about community involvement and leadership. Our first meeting is Monday, September 10 from 8 a.m. to 8:35 a.m. in the media center. New members can join here or just bring $10 to the meeting.
We'll be providing an overview of upcoming initiatives and opportunities plus a presentation from FCS Board Member Katha Stuart! We'll also share details about this year's Reflection contest and need some student help to make posters promoting it. Remaining Meetings are scheduled as follows:
- Oct 22 (Principal Chat)
- Feb 11
- March 11
- May 7 (Principal Chat)
6th Grade Tailgate Tickets On Sale - 9/10
Tickets go on sale on Monday for the 6th Grade Tailgate Party. The 6th Grade Tailgate Party is on Thursday, September 20th, after-school from 4:05 pm to 5:30 pm. The cost for the ticker is $5 admission per student
Ticket sales will be from 9/10 – 9/20 in the atrium at 8:00 am before school during 6th-grade lunch. To print out a form, click on the link below:
You can also purchase tickets online: http://elkinspointe.my-pta.org (plus $.41 processing fee)
6th Grade Dance 2018 Volunteers
Calling ALL 6th Grade Elkins Pointe Parent Volunteers! The Elkins PTSA would like to invite you to help us with making the 6th Grade Dance a huge success! The dance will be held on Thursday, September 20th after-school from 4:00 -5:30 p.m. We need help with Ticket Sales, Set-Up, Clean-Up, etc. The more people volunteer, the easier it becomes!
Please read through the following slots for availability and don't hesitate sign up!
Sign-Up link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0548a4a822a64-6thgrade5
If you have any questions, please contact Meghan Fox atMegFox225@gmail.com
NOTE: ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST COMPLETE FCS VOLUNTEER TRAINING.
Robotics is BACK! Interest Meeting on 9/11
The kickoff for Robotics is this Saturday, Sept. 8th. The Elkins Pointe 9160 Epic Pi Bots is registered and ready for another year of competition. Come to the big Kickoff event for the Robotics League is this Saturday, 9/8 at Pace Academy from 8 am-1:30 pm. This is the event where the Robotics League will reveal the game!! So if you have time please come out. The details are below. The kickoff is not mandatory and the EPMS Robotics Club will share a link so you can see the reveal!
Kickoff & Reveal of the Robotics Challenge
Date: Sat., 09/08/2018
Time: 8:00am - 1:30pm EDT
Location: PACE Academy, 966 W. Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30327
The interest meeting for the EPMS Robotics Club will be next week on Tuesday, Sept. 11th at 4:15 pm to 5:30 pm. Parents and students are invited to attend. We really need a parent or two to co-lead/mentor the EPMS Robotics team. For more information, please email Ms. Oshiana Thomas at ThomasO2@fultonschools.org
ON LOAN UNTIL THE END OF SEPTEMBER....We have a ROBOT finger on "Design Thinking!" 9/11 & 9/18
We have a Robot finger ON LOAN until the end of September. This robot finger is part of a grant from Microsoft and National PTA. There will be three opportunities for our students to engage with the Robot finger and learn about "Design Thinking."
Ms. Lindesay is holding after-school sessions until 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, 9/11/18 and 9/18/18, for students who want to work on the Microsoft Hacking STEM Finger Sensor Kit. This Robot finger is the key to "Design Thinking!" Design thinking is a method for creative and practical problems solving and is a new and emerging field!
Students would need to make sure that they have secured a ride home on time. Ms. Lindesay is also looking for some student leaders to show the sensor that they built to move the robotic finger at our Get Connected Night at EPMS on Tuesday, September 25, 2018, from 6 - 7:30 pm.
The kit is only here for a short time this month. It’s free for us to use thanks to Lisa O’Hanlon Cowles (Grant Writer) and our PTSA! PTSA will be providing pizza after school on both Tuesdays, so please e-mail Lindesay@fultonschools.org by this Monday so that she can provide a headcount.
Here are the three chances for the Microsoft ROBOT FINGER to pick your child's brain!
- Sept. 11th - Ms. Lindesay's room from after-school to 5:30 pm
- Sept. 18th - Ms. Lindesay's room from after-school to 5:30 pm
- Sept. 25th at "Get Connected Night" from 6 pm - 7:30 pm - ALL FAMILIES INVITED!!
Info on 6th-grade "Take Your Parent to School" - 9/13
6th-grade parents, you are invited to join us for the first two periods of school to see what it is like to be your child! 6th Grade Bring Your Parent to School Day is just in the morning for 1st-period and 2nd-period - ONLY 6th GRADE!*
If you wish to put your child on the bus, parents are welcome to drive to school. Parents are welcome to drive their 6th grader to school and stay with them until the bell rings.
Click HERE for the Bell Schedule.
- 8:35 AM Bell...Go Down the Hall to the Lockers & To Classroom
- 8:49 AM Bell...Warning to Go to Classroom
- 8:50 AM Bell...Start of the Morning Announcements on Titan Morning News
- 8:55 AM to 9:44 AM...1st-Period
- 9:48 AM to 10:38 AM...2nd-Period
- 10:38 AM...End of 6th-grade "Take Your Parent to School" morning
What do parents do when they arrive at school?
- Parents, please Sign-In in the Atrium.
- Parents may head down the hall with their child when the 8:35 am bell rings. Parents who arrive separately from their child may head down the hall after 8:40 am.
- Parents may attend for one period or both. If you need to leave earlier or you need to arrive after the 1st-period, we are flexible.
- Suggestion: If you are meeting your child in the classroom or have to do "double-duty," make sure to ask your child who they have for 1st-period and 2nd-period.
Interact Club - 9/14
Morning Club Stuff...
- FCA - Every Thursday @ 7:45 am in the Media Center
- Jr. Beta - Wednesday, Sept. 19th @ 8 am in the Media Center
- Interact - Friday, Sept. 14th @ 7:45 am in Mrs. Streeter's room (E-114)
- Student Council - Thursday, Sept. 20th @ 8 am in Mrs. M. William's room (E-106)
ALL students from all grades are invited to participate in our morning clubs. This is a great way for your child to get connected to their school, the community, and other students. #Connected
Japan Fest - 9/15 & 9/16
The Annual Japan Fest next weekend (9/15-16) at the Gwinnett Infinite Energy Center! It is the biggest Japan Fest in the Southeast U.S., and there will be food, performances, exhibitions, shopping booths, children's games, etc. throughout the fest. GA has the 3rd most Japanese companies in the states, and you can learn about the companies from cars to the famous high-tech toilet! Admission is $10 (children under 6 is free)
Jr. Hornets Basketball - 9/16
Jr. Hornets Girls and Boys basketball tryouts on September 16. Can you please post these flyer around your school, in the newsletter or on the school's social media sites. I greatly appreciate your help and have a great rest of the day.
Picture Day - 9/18
Attention Parents and Students! Don’t be left out of the yearbook! Pictures will be taken on Tuesday, September 18th. Note: Fall Picture Day Retakes will be on October 10/30th.
- Pre-order your pictures at cadystudios.com/portraits.
- If you have questions, please contact Cady Studios’ Customer Experience Team at 800.547.6237.
Latino Students, this message is for you!
The Latin American Association is already registering for its 19th annual Youth leadership conference to take place on the Marietta campus of Kennesaw University on Saturday November 10th. The event is free for students, parents and teacher, but you must register as soon as possible. The LAA will provide a light breakfast and lunch too. Our school will provide transportation from Elkins to the event and back.
Don’t miss this opportunity to attend this event full of energy, inspiration, motivational speakers, and lots of information for information for those interested in attending college and university. For a registration packet, please talk to Profe Mejia in room A-174 asap. The event fills up quickly so don’t wait.
West Nile Virus Health Alert
Please consider including the following in your next school newsletter:
With the arrival of peak mosquito season, our Student Health Services department is sharing information about the West Nile Virus. The season starts in the summer and continues through fall, bringing with it concerns about the virus and other illnesses spread by mosquitoes. Statewide and across the metro Atlanta area, there has been an increase in reported cases of the West Nile Virus, which is most commonly spread to people by infected mosquito bites.
According to public health officials, heavy rains are a contributing factor. Standing water increases the number of mosquitoes and cause for concern. To learn more about the West Nile Virus and how to reduce your risk, go here.
THINGS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS @ EPMS!
Get Ready for the 8th Grade Year - August 28, 2018, in English, and September 4th, 2018. Two dates in two different languages.
When: August 18th in English and September 4th in Spanish
Time: Between 6 pm - 7 pm
What: Learn about what to expect in the 8th grade year as your child gets ready for high school. Learn about the Savannah, GA trip and how it ties to the Georgia State Curriculum. It is time to get your family connected to your child's future high school. TEach your child to be vested in their learning and encourage them to use the Home Access Center. This meeting is a precursor for the transition meeting in November.
Where: Elkins Pointe Media Center
"Don't Stop Achieving" Student Success Family Night - September. 17, 2018
How to Succeed in Middle School and Beyond!
Who? All Families...parents and students.
When? Monday, September 17th @ 6 pm
Where? Elkins Pointe Connections Hallway and adjoining classrooms
Why? To give students and parents a variety of tools, tips, and options for student success.
What? A rotation of workshops for families to learn more about HAC, college planning, AVID in high school, how to write an email, and more. Guest speakers and high school students have been invited in to give our students and family members talks, tips, and tidbits on things in high school.
Get Connected Night - w/ Microsoft STEM Activity - September 25th
Date: Tuesday, September 25th
Where: Elkins Pointe Rotunda & Cafeteria
Time: Between 6 pm - 7:30 pm
What: Learn more about programs, clubs & activities available for our Titans. Meet advisors & students involved. Drop in and find out about the activities in our building!
• PTSA Sponsored
• Special Microsoft STEM Activity with Robotics Arm!
Student-Led Data talks for the Fall - November 8, 2018
- GA Milestones
- Whole Child
- Growth Mindset
- Reading Comprehension
** ALL GRADES - IN THE CAFETERIA
*** Students are prepared in WINN Class to give their parents an update on their progress and growth.
8th Grade Transition Meeting - November 29, 2018 (English)
EPMS Rising 9th Grade Info Night (English)
Date: Thursday, 11/29/2018
Where: EPMS Media Center
Time: 6:30 pm
Who: English PARENTS - EPMS 8th grade parents who have students rising to high school in 2019-2020
Language: This meeting will be conducted in English by Lisa O'H Cowles
Spanish Presentation on Tuesday, November 27th by Koritza Rodriguez
Title I & Title 3 - Transition Meeting
This evening is to give 8th-grade parents information on the verification process which will be coming in January 2019. The meeting will be hosted by Koritza Rodriguez in Spanish with Lisa O'Hanlon Cowles
This evening is to give 8th-grade parents information on the verification process which will be coming in January 2019. The meeting will be hosted by Lisa O'Hanlon Cowles & Koritza Rodriguez.
THINGS FOR CREATIVE STUDENTS!
REFLECTIONS CONTEST - Entries Due on 9/21
The PTA Reflections contest is designed for the creative child that likes to:
- Draw, paint, make sculptures or mosaics
- Write stories, poetry or lyrics
- Compose their and play their own music
- Choreographic a new dance and perform
- Take photographs using a camera or videos on a smartphone or iPad
This year's theme is: "Heroes Around Me." Students are invited to creatively interpret the theme by using one of the methods listed above.
Entry forms were given to WINN Teachers in their mailboxes. Students who are interested may get the form from their WINN, ELA or Connections teachers. Also, parents can download the rules and the forms below:
- Click http://www.georgiapta.org/reflections/ to download entry forms & contest rules
- Entry forms rules can also be picked up at the front desk or in the Media Center
All Reflections entries must be turned into the front office by Sept. 21st! Questions: Email Sarah Baker at sbaker79@gmail.com.
FRENCH MIDDLE SCHOOL CONTEST - 10/26
ATTENTION FRENCH MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS! You are invited to participate in a FRENCH & FRANCOPHONE CULTURE MIDDLE SCHOOL VISUAL ART CONTEST!
- Question: In an era where cafe au lait is at Starbucks and French fashion is at Target, what role does French culture have in our global society?
- Link to Permission Form: https://tinyurl.com/FRENCH-VISUAL-ART-CONTEST-2018
- See Monsieur Mendy for a permission form or more information.
French Contest Entry Deadline: October 26, 2018
Spin with the Eagles - 10/18 & 10/19
Fun Way to Earn Volunteer Hours @ Freaky Friday - 10/26
Middle school students are invited to volunteer at Hembree Springs Freaky Friday on Friday, October 26th. Earn volunteer hours for Junior Beta Club or Interact and "rock out" the concession stands and help make this event fun for all by volunteering your time!
SignUpGenius Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c054fadad2faafd0-freaky2
- Dinner! Cheese pizza/hot dog provided to volunteers for dinner and a snack of cotton candy/popcorn.
- Attire: Volunteers should wear your middle school, high school or club t-shirt!
- Walk over after school or have your parent drop you off!
- Check in to volunteer at the VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN TABLE & we will sign your Beta/Interact form and assign you to work in the cafeteria or where needed.
If you have any questions, contact Lucy Gilbert @ 404-375-5977 or lucymaynegilbert@gmail.com
TITLE I TIDBITS
Parent University...Did You Miss It?
2018-2019 Parent University Events
JULY
- Fireside Chat and Middle School 101 – Orientation & Transition into MS
AUGUST
- 8th Get Ready for the 8th Grade Year (English)
SEPTEMBER
- 8th Get Ready for the 8th Grade Year (Spanish)
- "Don't Stop Achieving" Student Success Family Night - 9/17/2018
- Get Connected Night with STEM Activity
- Rosetta Stone
OCTOBER
- Parent Resource Center Open House...Come have a cup of coffee and chat with your Parent Liaison
- Reading, Writing, and ELA
- Digital Citizenship: Copyright & Piracy Office365, Launchpad Resources
- Parent Resource Center Open House...Come have a cup of coffee and chat with your Parent Liaison
- Student-Led Data Talks - How to interpret State testing (GA Milestones, FastBridge), grades, student growth, SAC/HAC
- 8th Grade Transition to High School
- Parent Resource Center Open House...Come have a cup of coffee and chat with your Parent Liaison
- Math Matters
- Reading Challenge (i-Ready) over the Winter Break
JANUARY
- Parent Resource Center Open House...Come have a cup of coffee and chat with your Parent Liaison
- Get Future Titans Ready for Transition into Middle School - Visits to feeder schools
- Everybody Reads - Reading Comprehension and Lexile Levels
- Parent Resource Center Open House...Come have a cup of coffee and chat with your Parent Liaison
- Math Metrics for the Milestones
MARCH
- Parent Resource Center Open House...Come have a cup of coffee and chat with your Parent Liaison
- 5th grade to 6th-grade Transition Meeting
- Spring Input Meeting for All Stakeholders
APRIL
- No Stress Success on Georgia Milestones
MAY
- Summer Reading Logs & Math Resources
Note: Parent University Workshops may be subject to change. Workshops also may be added when requested by parents, teachers, the community, and students.
Upcoming Dates
Upcoming in September...
- 9/17 - "Don't Stop Achieving" Family Night @ 6 pm (Connections Hall)
- 9/18 - Fall Picture Day (Fall Picture Day Retakes on 10/30)
- 9/19 - Katha Stuart Mtg @ 9:30 am ‐ MES
- 9/19 - Soccer Game: Crabapple vs. EPMS @ 5:30 pm (Location: 10700 Crabapple Rd, Roswell﴿
- 9/20 - 6th Grade Tailgate Party from after-school to 5:30 pm (EPMS in the cafeteria). Tickets are $5
- 9/20 - FCA @ 7:45 am in the Media Center
- 9/20 - Student Council Club @ 8 am (E‐106)
- 9/21 - Spirit Friday! Wear COLLEGE/EPMS Spiritwear...Order Spiritwear HERE!
- 9/21 - Reflections ENTRIES DUE ‐ PTA CONTEST
- 9/25 - Get Connected Night @ 6 PM... Featuring PTSA STEM Activity, Food, Clubs, Activities and more (Cafeteria & Atrium)
- 9/26 – Band Pizza Fundraiser begins, ends 10/10
- 9/26 ‐ Soccer Game: River Trail vs. EPMS @ 5:30 pm (Location: River Trail Middle School, 10795 Rogers Cir, Duluth, GA ﴿
- 9/27 - FCA @ 7:45 am in the Media Center
- 9/28 - Spirit Friday! Wear College/EPMS Spiritwear...Order Spiritwear HERE!
- 9/28 - Soccer Game: Northwestern vs. EPMS @ 5:30 pm (Location: EPMS)
- 9/29 - AVID Day @ GA Tech 2018
Upcoming in October...
- 10/2 to 10/4 - 8th Grade Georgia Trip
- 10/4 - Executive Board @ 8:00 am (PTSA Executive Board Only) Board Meeting @ 8:30 am
- 10/4 - Student Council @ 8 am (E‐106)
- 10/5 - FCS STAFF WORK DAY – NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
- 10/5 - SPIRIT Friday! Wear College/EPMS Spiritwear...Order Spiritwear HERE!
- 10/8 ﴾All day﴿ COLUMBUS DAY: NO SCHOOL FOR STAFF/STUDENTS
- 10/10 - Jr. Beta Club @ 8 am (Media Center)
- 10/10 - Volleyball: Sandy Springs vs. Elkins Pointe @ 5:30p to 6:00p (Home Game/EPMS Gym)
- 10/11 - FCA @ 7:45 am (Media Center)
- 10/12 - Spirit Friday! Wear College/EPMS Spiritwear...Order Spiritwear HERE!
- 10/12 – Interact Meeting @ 7:45 am (E-114)
- 10/16 - Chorus: Fall Concert @ 6:30 (GYM)
- 10/17 - Katha Stuart Mtg @ 6:30 pm @ RHS
- 10/18 - FCA @ 7:45 am (Media Center)
- 10/18 - Student Council Club @ 8 am (E‐106)
- 10/19 - Spirit Friday! Wear College/EPMS Spiritwear...Order Spiritwear HERE!
- 10/22 to 11/2 IOWA Testing ‐ 8th Grade Only
- 10/22 to 10/26 BUS DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK
- 10/22 - Principal Chat @ PTSA Roundtable 8 am to 8:30 am Principal Chat @ PTSA Roundtable (Media Center)
- 10/23 - 8th Grade Band Concert with RHS @ 6 pm (Location: EPMS Gym)
10/24 – Band Side-by-Side Concert with RHS Wind Ensemble, 6:30 pm in EPMS gym
10/25 - FCA @ 7:45 am (Media Center)
- 10/26 to 10/27 Chorus: GMEA District V Honor Chorus (Location: TBD) ‐ TENTATIVE
- 10/26 - Spirit Friday! Wear College/EPMS Spiritwear...Order Spiritwear HERE!
- 10/29 to 11/2 Red Ribbon Week
- 10/30 - Fall Picture Day Retakes ﴾All day﴿
- 10/30 - Mr. Huff for Parent Coffee from 8 am to 8:45 am (Media Center)/ Presentation to 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade
- 10/30 - 8th Grade Concert with MHS Band @ 6:30 pm (Location: MHS)
- 10/31 - Reflections Breakfast Celebration @ 7:30 am (Media Center)