The Parsons Happenings
September 11, 2020
WE ARE PARSONS STRONG AND READY!
Dear Parents,
Most of us remember the events that took place on September 11, 2001. You may have been about the age of your children now. For me, it is a day that I will never forget. I remember exactly where I was, what I was doing, and who I was with. It was a day that has forever changed me.
In the following days and weeks, I remember a strong sense of UNITY in our Nation. People hung their flags. People went out of their way to be kind to one another. People came together and there was a strong belief that we were stronger together no matter our ethnicity, faith, viewpoints or interest.
President Barack Obama declared in his proclamation on September 11, 2016, that September 11, would be known as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance. In his speech he stated, "We must ensure that darkness is no match for the light we shine by engaging in acts of service and charity. I invite all Americans to observe this day with compassionate and selfless deeds that embody the values that define our people, and to find opportunities to give back to their communities."
As a nation and as a community, we have faced much darkness in the last several months. From a national pandemic to social injustices, the darkness has surrounded us. Much like the aftermath of September 11, 2001, our Parsons' community has come together to shine the light during these tough times. We truly are #STRONGERTOGETHER and our unity continues to pave the way for our students' successes.
I hope you take time this weekend to pour into your children and model for them what it means to be unified by showing compassion for ALL and doing for others. Our lights together will surely mean a bright future for our students.
Your BEYOND proud principal,
Laura Clark
Click the link for President Obama's complete proclamation from September 16, 2016.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lv4eQHOsGmI0_jKWscbze45yJ8IjXLiEVUyiaqDEyGo/edit?usp=sharing
What does Stronger Together mean to you?
~Craig, Ms. Austin's 5th grade class
~Ms. Vosough, Parsons' Counselor
~Isabella, Ms. Piper's 4th grade class
Want to share your thoughts of what it means to be STRONGER TOGETHER to be shared in an upcoming eNews? Just share your thoughts in an email to me, laura.j.clark@gcpsk12.org
Here's a short video capturing this week's events with 4th and 5th graders returning to in person!
GCPS to provide meals free of charge to students and to children 18 and younger
Last week, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) granted additional waiver extensions that allow school districts to offer meals at no charge through December 31 through the Seamless Summer Option (SSO). This extension, paired with guidance received from the Georgia Department of Education, will allow Gwinnett County Public Schools to offer meals at no charge at school sites to all students. These meals are provided at no cost to the individual through the federal School Nutrition Program.
Students Attending School In-Person
Those attending school in-person will receive meals free-of-charge during their school’s scheduled meal times.
Curbside Pick-up for Digital Learners
Digital learners may pick up meals through the curbside pick-up programs at each school, Monday through Thursday, between 11:15am and 12:30pm. Each day’s pick-up includes both breakfast and lunch with Thursday’s pick-up including meals for Friday. Families should check with their local school for specific curbside pick-up times and the location of the pick-up program. Individuals will not be allowed to enter the school to pick up or eat meals. (Click here for a list of the 132 schools offering curbside pick-up.)
Curbside Pick-up for Others 18 Years of Age or Younger:
As part of the Seamless Summer Option, curbside pick-up meals also will be available at no charge to anyone 18 years of age or younger, even to children who are not a GCPS student. Please check with your local school for curbside pick-up times and the location of the pick-up program. Individuals will not be allowed to enter the school to pick up or eat meals.
Gwinnett County Public Schools encourages families who are eligible for the Free & Reduced Meal Program to complete the annual application to ensure meal benefits continue when this waiver expires. The application is available on the GCPS website or at https://www.nlappscloud.com/.
Menu for the Week of September 14:
Monday: Corn dogs
Tuesday: Chicken Dill bites
Wednesday: Chicken sandwich
Thursday: Pizza
Friday: PBJ
Menu for Week of September 21:
Monday: Asian Chicken Bites
Tuesday: Hotdogs
Wednesday: Chicken nuggets
Thursday: Cheeseburgers
Friday: PBJ
Please contact Nicole Nowell, Cafeteria Manager, at Nicole.Nowell@gcpsk12.org or
(678) 512-6010 with any questions.
- National Hispanic Heritage Month begins
- CogAT Testing 1st Grade Students
- CogAT Testing 2nd Grade Students
Thursday, 9/17/20
- CogAT Testing 5th Grade Students
- Citizenship Day/Constitution Week
Hispanic Heritage Month
At Parsons, we take much pride in our diverse population. It is important for us to celebrate the many different cultures that make up our PRIDE. Each year, we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central, and South America. Started in 1968 by Congress as Hispanic Heritage Week, it was expanded to a month in 1988. In celebration, we will be doing many activities that honor Hispanic Heritage.
Here are a few things you can do at home:
- On September 15 at 3:00pm, Gwinnett Public Library will host Hispanic Heritage Month Artist Series. Students can learn how to create their own piece of art inspired by artist, Frida Kahlo. She was a Mexican painter known for her many portraits, self-portraits, and works inspired by the nature and artifacts of Mexico. Click here for the link: https://gwinnettpl.libnet.info/event/4500475
- Kiddos love poetry. Why not read read Hispanic poetry. Try the poems of Francisco X. Alarcón, such as “My Mother’s Hands” from Angels Ride Bikes and “Keys to the Universe” in From the Bellybutton of the Moon. Both poems underscore the importance of learning from other cultures.
- Love to eat food from other cultures? Eat Salvadorian street food with your family. Peel a green mango and cut into small slices. Drizzle slices with lime juice, roasted pumpkin seeds (or pepitas), and a pinch of salt. Enjoy!
You can also visit the website below for more great activities. Our goal is to have our kiddos exposed to the many different cultures that make up our Parsons PRIDE.
Ice Cream Sales begin for in person students on Monday, September 21st.
Covid-19 Morning Check - Click the link below
Digital Citizenship Family Tip
Media Center Information
Are you ready for some books? If you didn't come for Media Center Curbside Checkout this week, you can come next week. You now access the Media Catalog through the icon on the eCLASS landing page. All you have to do is place your books on hold by midnight this Sunday and you can pick up your books during our curbside pickup times in the Car Rider Lane. See the flyer for more details including the days and times for your pickup. Hope to see you next week to get new books!
Parsons School-Wide Reading Program
Please sign off on the following forms in MyPaymentsPlus
The orientation forms are...
- The Parsons Parent/Student Handbook
- The GCPS Parent/Student Handbook
- Attendance Protocol
- Extracurricular Activities
- Grade Level AKS
Please consider contributing for the following items in MyPaymentsPlus
The contributions are...
- Agenda
- Clinic Supply Contribution
- Headphones
- PTA Dues
- Yearbook
- Social Studies Weekly for 2nd and 4th Grades ONLY
- Supply Contribution
- Technology Supply Contribution
Tutor.com is Available to Help
PTA Fundraiser has been extended! It now ends on Sunday, September 20th!!!
https://app.memberhub.gives/cub
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X_WSw18zL_SdHqp-OA_LZBO4aZYpL6a2/view?usp=sharing
We know this has been a time in our lives that we have so much uncertainty. We are making judgement on whether to send our kids in-person or stay digital. Is it safe to attend an after school activity, do we see our doctors for their annual check up? There are a million questions that as of last year were a no-brainer. I am proud of our school leaders, our teachers, parents and caregivers and every Parsons Cub. We have all had to adapt and be ready for our current day changes. It is no different within PTA. We have had to make decisions on which programs can continue and which ones we will tabled for next year based on fundraising efforts.
Fundraising participation is about 10%, raising so far $4,835. We are far from the goal of $25,000.
What will the support of PTA look like without reaching our goal? We will have to make severe cutbacks to the support of our teachers and kids. Covid-19 restrictions have knocked out many gatherings such as All Pro Dads, Learning Through the Arts, Bingo night, and Author Visits. Many things will not continue if we do not raise adequate funds such as Room Parties, Classroom Grants for teachers to buy materials that help their students, Teacher and Staff Early Dismissal and End of Year lunch, a Teacher Appreciation gift for all that they do towards the education of our kids, Counselor Grant and School Improvements.
Below are some of the cuts that will be proposed at the next PTA meeting if we are not able to raise enough money through fundraising.
We are fortunate that we had a surplus from last year that has carried forward to this year. However, without YOUR help we will not be able to fund the above programs. Thank you for all the donations that have come through, they are all very much appreciated. We will extend the Fundraiser for one more week. It is extended in hopes that we can raise a few more dollars and get more participation from our awesome Parsons Parents.
Sincerely,
Katherine Johnson and Mabel Goldsmith
PTA Co-Presidents
Please send any questions to parsonsespta@gmail.com.
2020 Reflections Competition: Let's Get Creative!
We will begin collecting your 2020 Reflections on September 21st, and the final day to drop off submissions is Thursday, the 24th. You can drop off at the front office or in the media center curbside book drop off on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday from 11:30 to 1:00.
Kindness Cubs Club
Box Top App
Parsons Business Partners 2020-2021
Proud Principal Laura Clark
Email: laura.j.clark@gcpsk12.org
Website: https://www.gcpsk12.org
Location: 1615 Old Peachtree Road Northwest, Suwanee, GA, USA
Phone: 678-957-3050