Knightly News
Friday, March 17, 2023
Every Student, Every Day, Deserves to Learn, Lead, & Excel!
Message from Ms. Perkins ~ Simonton ES Principal
We are cheering on our 5th grade students who will participate in the Elementary Honor Chorus. These students will be part of a group performance that includes elementary students from across the district. Thank you to Mrs. Kate George, who has been rehearsing with the students and will support them tomorrow when they perform at Central Gwinnett HS.
Several of our students submitted entries for the PTA Reflections contest. The theme this school year is Show Your Voice. We are pleased to announce that six of our student entries have moved on to the state competition. Congratulations to Ethan, Abrielle, Amir, Saara, Hiba and Gabriel who will be recognized at a special celebration here at Simonton ES and at the Area 3 PTA Council meeting this month. A special shout out to Abriel whose reflection entry will move to the national competition for the 2nd year in a row! Way to go!
Hat off to Gabriel! He created an awesome multimedia project that not only received special recognition at the PTA Reflections contest but it also named a festival favorite at the GCPS Student Media Festival. We are so proud of him and look forward to celebrating with him at the GCPS Media Festival awards night next week.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Congratulations to one of our PTA Reflections winners!
Abrielle Dexter (2nd grade- Visual Arts) is a Georgia PTA State Reflections Finalist!
Festival Favorite at the 2023 GCPS Media Festival
Congratulations our winner! Gabriel will be honored at a reception at the ISC on March 30th.
Simonton Reads
This past Wednesday, we had three guest readers who shared their love of words, pictures, and timeless stories.
Mr. Clifton Alexander
former SES Principal & current Cluster Superintendent
Dr. Keith Thompson
current Central Cluster Superintendent
Ms. Jamie Lust
currently at the Gwinnett Public Library ~ Lawrenceville Branch
Spring Picture Day
Spring Picture Day is scheduled for Monday, March 27th.
Students will take individual as well as class pictures that day. Flyers will be sent home closer to the scheduled date.
2023-2024 Student Class Placement Request
Student Class Placement Request forms are now available for the 2023-2024 school year. Parents are welcome to pick up a form in our front office. You may provide information about your child’s learning needs and the classroom environment that you feel would be beneficial. Please do not use a specific teacher’s name requests for a specific teacher will not be honored. As always, the placement of your child will be the school’s top priority. All forms must be returned to the Simonton ES front office by Friday, March 31, 2023.
Spotlight on EL Education in Grades K-2
This week, students in Kindergarten, First, and Second grade celebrated their learning with their peers.
Kindergarten students became tree experts and learned about what trees need to live and grow. The students used their expertise to create a tree collage and an animal puppet to show how people and animals depend on trees for food.
First grade students researched birds to understand how birds use specific body parts to survive. Students created scientific drawings of birds and bird riddles to create a matching game for their peers.
Second grade students learned all about pollinators. They created posters with scientific drawings and captions to explain the process of pollination. Students used their posters and research information to give an oral speech to the kindergarten students.
Don't forget to order your copy of the 2022-23 SES Yearbook while supplies last!
Educational Effectiveness Survey
The EES Survey for families is still open. If you have not completed the survey there is still time. You may complete the survey in the Parent Portal or by clicking on the link below. Your feedback and opinion are valuable to both the district and Simonton ES. Please take a few moments to complete the survey.
The survey is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese which are the top five languages used at home in our district.
Thank you for your continued support!
https://ceesurveys.questionpro.com/gcps-fam-23?CID=312656&DVB=345355
SES Student visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center
Upcoming Events at Simonton
Saturday, March 18
- Saturday Intervention (K-5) ~ 9:00-11:00 am
- GAGE Saturday Exploration Program ~ 9:00-12:00 pm
Monday, March 20- Friday, March 24
- Central Gwinnett Tapestry Exhibit at the ISC
Tuesday, March 21
- 5th Grade Visit to Jordan MS
Saturday, March 25
- Saturday Intervention (K-5) ~ 9:00-11:00 am
- PTA Spring Festival ~ 11:00 am- 4:00 pm
Monday, March 27
- Spring Picture Day
Thursday, March 30
- PTA Reflections Aware Celebration ~ 8:00-9:00 am
- Kindergarten Transition Night ~ 5:00-6:00 pm
Monday, April 3- Friday, April 7
- Spring Break
Wednesday, April 12
- Field Day (Kindergarten & 1st Grade) ~ 9:00-11:00 am
Thursday, April 13
- Field Day (2nd & 3rd Grade) ~ 9:00-11:00 am
Friday, April 14
- Field Day (4th Grade) ~ 9:00-11:00 am
Monday, April 17
- Field Day (5th Grade) ~ 9:00-11:00 am
Tuesday, April 18
- STEM Night ~ 5:00- 7:00 pm
Area Board Meetings
Please find the dates and locations for our upcoming Area Board meetings below. All meetings will be held in the school’s theatre.
- District II Area Board Meeting (Steven Knudsen) – Thursday, March 23 (Mountain View HS).
- District III Area Board Meeting (Dr. Mary Kay Murphy) – Tuesday, March 28 (Peachtree Ridge HS)
- District IV Area Board Meeting (Dr. Adrienne Simmons) – Tuesday, April 11 (Brookwood HS)
- District V Area Board Meeting (Dr. Tarece Johnson) – Thursday, April 13 (McClure Health Science HS)
- District I Area Board Meeting (Karen Watkins) – Tuesday, April 25 (Dacula HS)
Mrs. Hicks' Class Visits the Aquarium!
LES MISÉRABLES: SCHOOL EDITION
Casting Call:
Show: Les Miserables; High School Edition
Where: School of the Arts @ Central Gwinnett HIgh School
Video Submission Due Date: March 15, 2023
Callback Date: March 18, 2023
Rehearsal Dates: March 20-31, 2023
Tech Dates: April 10-19, 2023
Show Dates: April 20-22, 2023
*Note: Rehearsal and tech dates are a range. Children will not be called every day. Weekly calls are sent out on Sundays.
Updated 6-12 Math Sequence for 2023-2024
The GCPS mathematics curriculum, aligned with the Georgia Department of Education standards, is designed to give you the tools you need to achieve your gials. As you make plans for your future, you can choose the math path that will help you on your journey, and alter your path to accomplish your unique goals. This is a change in the state and district curriculum and is NOT specific to Jordan MS.
A video has been linked below:
We are registering current middle school students and current 5th grade students for Maxwell High School of Technology's Summer Adventures. Registration starts Friday, March 3, 2023, until it is sold out via MyPaymentsPlus.com. Cost is $100.00 and is non-Refundable.
The Adventures take place Tuesday, May 30 through Friday, June 2, 2023.
Please see below for more information on Maxwell High School of Technology's Middle School Summer Adventures 2023. Please sign up early as space is limited, and these programs fill up fast!
Help Needed!
The Simonton ES PTA is in need of volunteers for the spring festival scheduled for Saturday, March 25, 2023.
If you are available to plan, and/or lend a helping hand send an email to Simontonespta@gmail.com.
Annual Parent Involvement Survey
Who: Families of students who are receiving special education services
What: Each state is required to conduct a parent survey to measure parent/family perceptions of the success of parent engagement between home and local schools.
When: Available January 23, 2023 – May 31, 2023
Where: Parents can complete the survey via the survey link below.
Please use the following link to access the survey: https://survey.gadoe.org/SPEDParentSurvey
Gwinnett Needs Assessment
With so many people in need of vital health and human services, it's important that we take the time to assess what resources are available and what needs can be met. The Department of Community Services is conducting an assessment survey to get feedback about food and nutrition, transportation, housing, veterans' services and more.
Please your thoughts with them by taking this short survey.
Download the Free Gwinnett County Public Schools App
Stay on top of the latest news, calendar events, and emergency information by downloading our free Gwinnett County Public Schools mobile app. You can enable notifications and choose your preferred language.
Why download the app?
Receive alerts for school closures or delays and important districtwide information.
Check school and district events calendars.
Access your school’s lunch menu and add money to your student's account..
Access districtwide digital resources.
Read the latest district news.
Search for Gwinnett County Public Schools in the App Store or Google Play to download our app for free.
Gwinnett Community Services' March Calendar of Events
See flyer below for more details...
Elementary Handbook Information for Students and Families
On August 18, 2022 the Gwinnett County Board approved Policy JCDI - Board's Theory of Action for Change to Improve Student Behavior and Outcomes (please see attached Policy). This Policy outlines our Board’s commitment to providing both consequences and interventions in order to improve student behavior outcomes.
The Elementary Handbook Information for Students and Families has been updated to include this new change. Please take a moment to read the new handbook and sign off in the Parent Portal indicating your have received a copy of the document. A copy of the document is attached to the newsletter and a link to the documents on the GCPS website is below.
Helpful Resources
Simonton ES PTA
Print the attached membership form and return it to the Simonton ES PTA. Sign up for a membership and volunteer to support an event! Contact the Simonton ES PTA at Simontonespta@gmail.com for more information.
Family eTips
Strengthen writing skills and family ties with a newsletter
Are your relatives far away? Your child can keep everyone updated on family activities while building writing skills by putting together a family newsletter. Have your elementary schooler write letters or emails to ask relatives for news, family stories and photos. Then your child can use a computer at home or at the library to compile their replies. Your student will gain keyboarding, writing and layout skills, and the joy of keeping the family connected. https://tpitip.com/?13cT18608
Take steps before leaving your preteen at home alone
While young children should never be left at home alone, sometimes families leave preteens on their own for short periods of time. Preparation can help this go smoothly. Before you leave, make sure your child knows how to reach you. Review what to do in case of fire or other emergency. Discuss how your child should handle phone calls and a knock at the door. It's also wise to talk about who, if anyone, is allowed in the house and whether your child is allowed to go out. https://tpitip.com/?13cU18608
Use report cards as conversation starters
Whether your child's report card is great or shows a need for improvement, use it to enhance your communication with your child and the school. First, talk to your child. Were any grades a surprise? Did any make your child proud? What does your student want to improve? Then, if you have questions, contact the teacher to discuss them. Two-way communication with the school strengthens teamwork…and that helps your child. https://tpitip.com/?13cV18608
Family life makes a great bedtime story
Telling bedtime stories is a great way to connect with your child and promote responsible, caring behavior. For an endless source of new story ideas, try making the characters' names rhyme with family members' names. Then you can tell stories from your lives that teach the lessons you want. Characters could realize the effect their behavior has on others, or model sharing without fighting, for example. https://tpitip.com/?13cW18608
Friday, March 24, 2023
Sing songs about places…then find out more
Many great songs mention real places. When you sing a song like "This Land is Your Land" with your child, talk about the places in it. Look them up on a map. "London Bridge is Falling Down" is
about a real bridge in London, England (one version of which is now in Arizona). Help your child find out more about it. The next time you take a long trip, pass time by singing as many "geography" songs as you can. https://tpitip.com/?13cX18608
Practice spelling a tasty way
Baking alphabet cookies is a sweet way to encourage your young reader to enjoy spelling. Any cookie dough that can be cut into shapes will work. If you don't have alphabet cookie cutters, let your child "write" letters on rolled-out dough with a clean finger. You can then cut around the marks with a knife. Help your child make enough cookies to spell out words. Try it with a few spelling words! https://tpitip.com/?13cY18608
Try three ways to help your child relax
If your child is under stress, help manage it in positive ways. Humor is a great way to help children forget frustration. Together, try singing a few silly songs. You might also leave a funny cartoon at your child's place at the breakfast table. Exercise is another effective stress-reliever. And helping others can also provide perspective and make your child feel better. Together, brainstorm ways to lend a helping hand. https://tpitip.com/?13cZ18608
SES Business Partners
Your support and partnership helps us fulfill our mission of having our students Learn, Lead, & Excel!
Mathnasium of North Lawrenceville
900 Duluth HWY, Suite 400
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Phone: 678-756-1392
Stars and Strikes
Dacula, GA 30019
Phone: 678-965-5707
Kroger
2100 Riverside Pkwy
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Phone: 770-962-0890
GCPS Flyers
SIMONTON ELEMENTARY- WHAT WE STAND FOR
Vision
Simonton is committed to dynamic high quality instruction resulting in a passion for learning, leading and excelling.
Core Belief
Every Student Every Day, Deserves to Learn, Lead, and Excel
Commitments
We commit to giving our students a fresh start every day.
We commit to preparing quality and engaging lessons that will prepare our students to be successful in school.
We commit to teaching, modeling and holding our students accountable for appropriate school behavior.
We commit to providing our students with a structured and safe learning environment.
We commit to a great year of learning, leading, and excelling
Simonton Elementary School
Deputy Superintendent ~ Dr. T. Nakia Towns
Board Member ~ Mr. Steven B. Knudsen
Cluster Superintendent ~ Dr. Keith D. Thompson
Principal ~ Ms. Tamara G. Perkins
Assistant Principal ~ Mr. Nicholas Gilmore
Assistant Principal ~ Dr. Joe Sanfilippo
Assistant Principal ~ Mrs. Amy Steinberg
Website: https://www.gcpsk12.org/SimontonES
Location: 275 Simonton Road Southeast, Lawrenceville, GA, USA
Phone: 770-513-6637
Twitter: @SimontonPride